Oh Boy

Webs is evil.  In a lovely way.  I just placed another order.  That makes three orders in two weeks.  That's a little crazy.  I couldn't help myself.  It probably would've been smarter to place one order and save myself some shipping costs.  But the damage is already done, so I can't beat myself up now. Besides, I would have to be mad at myself to be beat up.  I'm not mad at all.  I'm really excited.  This order was 1 skein of Malabrigo Silky in Velvet Grapes, 2 skeins of Rowan Extra Fine Merino Dk in Cream, 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky in Navy, and 1 super cute Blue Sky Alpaca Pretty Cheep Project Bag in Periwinkle.  The prices were obscenely low, which is my justification for spending again.  The knitting bug is in full effect.  And I love it.

It's Been a While

I never realized how much I needed technology until I was without it. 6 or so months ago, I turned my computer on and it gave me an error, "Boot disk error".  Apparently, "boot disk" is a vital part of making a computer work. And that's something my computer wouldn't do...work.  No matter what I tried, the computer would not get further than this error screen.  Not being in a position where I could afford to take the computer in to be fixed, I was forced to realize that I was now without a computer.  I couldn't pay my bills online, I couldn't access my email, I couldn't post on my blog, and worst of all, I couldn't access Ravelry.  My computer-based life skidded to a halt.  I was lucky enough to have a cell phone with internet and email access, but surfing the web on a 3x2 inch screen just isn't the same.  Years of personal photographs, videos of my daughter at 5 years old, hundreds of dollars of itunes downloads.....stuck inside a box and no way to retrieve them.  I am hopeful that when I am able to take the computer in to be fixed, they are able to retrieve all my photos and copy them to disks.  I will be devastated if they can't.  I suppose that's the karma of the PC God's laughing at me for never taking the time to back up my information through the years.  A week ago my Mother-in-Law saved the day.  She had purchased a new laptop and wanted to know if I wanted her old computer.  The best part is that her "old" computer is 50X better than mine was.  My technology enhanced life is now returning to normal.  It would have been nice if my return to this blog included photos of recently completed knitting projects.  Knitting....it's a word I haven't said in a long time. Something that was such a huge part of my life has ceased to exist.  There are many reasons why I stopped knitting.  All of them too boring to relay to you here.  What I will tell you is that my knitting slump is over.  I have the hugest stash around these parts, so I could've just grabbed a skein from my knitting room and started a project.  Or hey, here's an idea, finish a project in hibernation.  But in classic "me" style, I went on a yarn spree and am waiting not-so-patiently for my orders to arrive.  Then and only then, will I rejoin the knitting community.  Webs is having their Anniversary sale, so 8 skeins later, I was checking out and giving my visa information.  It felt so good.  But I wasn't satisfied, so I headed over to Jimmy Beans Wool.  That's when the real fun began.  Soon I hope to have some finished or at least in progress shots to show you.  Knitty friends, it is good to be back.

I Still Have a Blog?

Shameful. That's the only word I can use to describe the length of time it's been since I posted on my blog. When I started this blog I never would've thought that at one point it would become such an effort to write a post on a regular basis. And here we are. In fact I can't even say without doubt that I will start blogging weekly or even monthly. That's a lot of pressure you know? Actually it shouldn't be, but for me, little things like that have become sources of stress. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia a month or so ago. Since December, the Doctors weren't able to figure out what was wrong with me. They sent me to Physical Therapy (made it worse), put me on far too many pain pills (now I'm lazy and depressed), tried shots in my neck (did absolutely nothing), had me pay hundreds of dollars for MRIs, Catscans & X-Rays (all showed zippo). All the while my symptoms were swiftly becoming much worse. I saw an increase in pain from one week to the next. My energy level was falling faster than my Sister drives a car (that's really fast). It's been beyond frustrating and eventually led to a lot of depression. Every single thing in my life that I once found joy from became a chore to me. Knitting didn't hold one ounce of entertainment. Not to mention the fact that picking up the needles and knitting more than 3 rows wreaked havoc on my neck and arms. Finally getting the diagnosis and starting a treatment plan last month was such a relief. Unfortunately I'm not nearly as pain-free as I'd like to be. I still can't sleep and I still have to pop pain pillers all day. In fact typing this blog post is sending waves of pain across my back. However, the most exciting part is that I've found a little bit of my joy. I am more relaxed around my family. I don't nag them or yell at every little thing. I have started picking up my knitting again. Not just a little bit...a LOT. It's amazing and it brings me such happiness. I now finally have some finished objects to show you. Although it's probably been such a long time since I've posted, that my few readers will have vanished. Even if that's true, I'm still proud to be posting and showing off my finished knits. There's actually even more to show you but I just haven't got around to having a photo shoot. Enjoy.

Pattern: Textured Shawl Recipe

Yarn: I lost the ballband so I can't remember, I think it was something by Plymouth? No, that's not right, I'm not sure what the hell it was.

Made For: Probably Me...the ultimate selfish knitter

Pattern: Bella's Mittens

Yarn: Cascade 109 or 128, don't remember which one. Either way it's lovely yarn.

Made For: Sissy

I don't know if these can really count as a finished object since I only finished the 1st one. The 2nd one is almost done, I just have to knit the thumb. Not sure how I feel about knitting with bulky yarn on size 8 needles. My hands were wrecked!

Pattern: Slouchy Copy Cat Hat

Yarn: Naturally Caron Country

Made For: Who else, Me

I like this yarn. A bit splitty but a lovely sheen and great yardage for the price.

Pattern: The ever popular Fetching

Made For: Me

Yarn: Naturally Caron, Spa

Yarn is a tad splitty but I really like it. This one has even better yardage than the Country and is a little softer.

Pattern: Toast

Made For: Me

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino

Fun, easy, fast. 3 of my favourite words when it comes to knitting.

Pattern: Give a Hoot

Made For: Me

Yarn: I think it was by Plymouth. Garrr I need to start keeping my ballbands or writing it down. My Mum gave me a really lovely knitting journal. I really should start using it. It's sitting right there on the shelf in front of me as I type this.

I made these ages ago but I don't think I ever showed them off. Poor little owls are still missing eyes. I can't find buttons small enough. My Mum had a great idea to sew eyes on with embroidery floss. I like it Mum, I really like it.

My Family is Good for my Soul

I was a very lucky girl the week before last. My Sister and Nieces came from snowy Utah for a visit. It had been a year since I saw them. A year is far too long to go without seeing your family. Especially when you're as close as my Sister and I are. She is 3 years older than me and I've looked up to her since I was a tot. We stayed at my Mum's house for a few days and then drove down to sunny Phoenix to stay at my house. It was simply lovely. Nothing beats laying on the couch with my Sister, feet intertwined and eating Cadbury's Creme Eggs, while watching episode after episode of "Intervention". It makes my heart ache when I think about her living so far away. So 4 days of relaxing together did my heart a load of good. I sure do miss her now that she's gone home. My heart is aching once again. No completed knitting to show you just yet. But it's coming....one of these days. I'm the world's biggest procrastinator.

In Honour of the Hotness

Lord help me, I'm a Cougar. Label me all you want, I care not. May I present, Exhibit A.

Need I say more?

On Saturday, I'm going to Blockbuster as SOON as I wake up. My dear Hubby put a deposit on the 2-disc DVD set of Twilight. After purchasing, I will race home and deposit myself on the sofa. I will not move for hours. And hours. And hour upon lovely hour. I'm 35 years old and this saga (and movie) makes me feel as though I'm 17 again. The hotness that is Robert Pattinson (as Edward Cullen) is such a fantastic bonus to this daydream inducing story. Aaaah. I can honestly say that not a stitch will be knit during this movie screening.

I'm So Glad I'm a Knitter

I'm so glad I'm a knitter for many reasons. I love to start new projects. I love to finish projects. I love the feeling I get when someone loves what I've made them. I love meeting other knitters. I love Ravelry. I received an email from a fellow Ravelry member the other week. She was asking if I'd consider selling her some yarn from my stash. Normally I would gasp at the thought of parting with any item from my stash. I'm rather protective of it. This situation was a little different. This knitter was looking to buy my 3 skeins of Moda Dea Cache which has been in my stash for years. She told me she was knitting a sweater from it and ran out of the colour I had in my stash. Apparently the colourway has been discontinued. What kind of knitter would I be if I didn't help a fellow knitter in need? I told her that I would gladly send her the stash yarn, no payment needed. So what did this lovely knitter do? She sent me a thank you gift. Before I'd even mailed her yarn. I tell you what, you'll never meet nicer people than knitters. There are two nice things about this gift. The first is that I'm amazed by the kindness. For all she knew, I could be a big fat liar and never mail the yarn (I'm not, it was put in the mailbox yesterday). The second is that for a few months I've been plagued with terrible neck pain. I have routine check ups with an Orthopedic Specialist and Physical Therapist. My Physical Therapist, Peggy, (whom I love because her hands always smell like oranges, even though she beats the crap out of me every visit) uses a heat wrap on my neck for 10 minutes. Friends, it's heaven. I drift off into la la land every time. What did my fellow Raveler send me? A heat wrap. It will get SO much use and the bonus is that it has lavender in it, which is one of my favourite scents. Today was a very good day.

Block Me Amadeus

Yes my friends, that may possibly be the cheesiest blog title in existence. However cheesy, it was funny enough for my simple sense of humour to cause juice to spurt out of nose.

Ladies and Gents (probably not gents because it's highly doubtful there are any 'Gents' reading my blog), so never mind, Ladies....I have "finished" something. It's off the needles so to me that counts as being finished. Never mind the blocking (hence the subject for my oh so funny blog title) that needs to be done. As soon as I buy a spray bottle (lost mine in the move - hated that bottle anyway. It would only work on the "stream" setting. That's like a laser blast to a finished knit.) and hunker down on the floor to pin my life away, then it will officially be finished. Yea me.

Pattern: Cabled Button Wrap
Made For: Me
Yarn: 5 skeins Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Camel Heather
Mods: Pattern called for 19 repeats at 56". My gauge must've been way off because at 19 repeats I was nowhere in the vicinty of 56". So many more repeats for me.

Cable Guy

I'm embarrassed to admit that 1. This is the only knitted item I have ever made for my hubby. 2. I started this hat over a year ago. Make that almost 2 years ago. Embarrassment aside, I'm happy with the end result. He has worn it every single day since I finished it. After his initial dismay that this beanie would need to be hand washed, he tried it on and was surprised at how well it fit and realized that my offer to hand wash it for him was a good one. There was a period of worry due to his remark, "Sure I'll wear it if it fits okay and isn't scratchy". I think that's why it took me so long to finish. The prospect of all my hard work resulting in a beanie that would forever sit on the shelf was enough to make me set the project aside for months.. Okay, yes, years. Never mind that...it's done. He loves it. He will be rewarded by possibly receiving another knitted item this year. Heavy stress on the word 'maybe'.

Pattern: 3AM Cable Hat by Smariek Knits

Made For: Hubby

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino

Mods: Extra ribbing and cable repeats for a super long hat

Very Very Busy....The Ambitious Life of a Multi-Tasker

Phew, I'm tired. I've been knitting since Friday at 9pm. No stopping. Night and day. Okay, so maybe there was a bathroom break here and there, but it really does feel as though I've been knitting 24/7. I have to go back to work tomorrow and the thought of not being able to knit for 8 hours is devastating. Even more devastating is knowing that instead of knitting, I'll be working. Ugh. Double up....Ugh Ugh.

This weekend has been wonderful for my knitting ego. I PLOWED my way through Dahlia. Seriously, I never knit this fast. Not only did I knit at the speed of light, I did it without making any mistakes! Bravo me! (She's not finished yet, fingers crossed I can make it through without a disaster)

I successfully knit my way through 4 inches of the Miranda Cabled Scarf. Again, no mistakes. Whatis happening here? Am I in the Twilight Zone? The team consisting of Knitting, Me and Zippo Mistakes is not usually up to bat!

Well, I don't know about you, but I've had quite enough of knitting without mistakes. It's boring. My poor Mother has been patiently waiting for her birthday shawl since the end of October. Looks like she'll be waiting a bit longer. Mistakes in lace make the hair on my arms stand to attention. They also cause me to run and hide for an unknown length of time. You can't see the mistake in the photo but it's there alright. There's no telling how many rows I'll have to frog back. I feel sick. However, due to the numerous high points in my knitting extravaganza, I am not going to beat myself up over this one for long. I'll see you again soon Woodland Shawl.

Now what do you say we round off this post with another happy knitting experience? My fourth Irish Hiking Scarf. Actually, it may be the fifth, I don't know, I'm losing track. This scarf is so incredibly fast and easy, it just flies off the needles. You can never ever go wrong with this pattern. When your knitting has you down and you're questioning your skills, pull out a couple of hanks of something warm and squishy and knit away. You'll be patting yourself on the back in no time.

Well I Do Declare....

He kissed me in Target. He held my hand in Michael's. He never complained as I wandered through the aisles of yarn, over and over again. He walked beside me and told me I am "one of those girls who doesn't need to wear make-up" (I'm surely not). Today there were no flowers or candles or romantic music. He's just not that kind of guy. But in his own special way, he has a knack for making me feel like this....



Oh how I love that man of mine.

Come On. What Are You Waiting For?

My yarn damnit! I'm patiently (actually I'm not being patient at all) waiting for 4-skeins of Cascade 220 in Lake Chelan Heather to arrive on my doorstep. I told myself I was on a yarn diet. I lied. As soon as it gets here I will immediately drop whatever I'm doing and start the lovely Dahlia from Knitty. I was inspired by the beauty Knittymuggins recently finished. I only hope mine turns out as lovely. Oooooh I wish that wool would get here NOW!!

Park. Drive. Neutral. Reverse

I was a woman on a mission. Usually I knit several projects at the same time. Not this one. This was an absolute monogamous knit. It's still somewhat chilly here in Phoenix and I've found that wearing a scarf in the morning is the perfect accessory to take the chill away. So of course I needed a new scarf. In steps the Asherton Reversible Scarf by the very talented Smariek Knits. On a side note....holy moly, red is VERY hard to photograph.










Pattern: Asherton Reversible Scarf

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes

Made For: Me, the ultimate selfish knitter

Who You Callin' a Lady?

Fantastic. I finally finished. I wore her to work today and couldn't even wait for people to ask. I would just blurt out to anyone that happened to look my way, "I made this you know".



Pattern: February Lady Sweater
Made For: Me Mee Meeeee
Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers, Summer Sky

Oh...cause I feel special right now...

I'm just sayin'..........

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 1 or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A. http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?

I've made a discovery. My thumb is green.

My inspiration is my Mum's lovely garden.

It will be many, many years before I have her knack for growing and caring for plant life. Until then, I imagine (hope) my love for gardening will continue to grow just as my garden does. To date, I have only had one casualty. RIP Dear Hawaiian looking flower/plant thingy. You were pretty while you lasted. On a lighter note, here's a little photo shoot of a few of the survivors.

In Knitty news, after an extended stay in the closet o' never-finished, I have pulled out my February Lady Sweater and now have an 'almost' wearable cardi. One sleeve to go and *POW* she's done. You have no idea how incredibly excited I am to finish this one.

Tudora Too Bigga

It's my own fault. One of these days I will hopefully learn that a gauge swatch could prevent many swear words. Swear words that are uttered upon realizing that a project is far too big or small. In this case, instead of a neckwarmer with a bit of a Tudor twist, I have a cabled neck brace. Poo.

Pattern: Tudora

Yarn: Not sure...label lost

Made For: Apparently, the intended wearer is a linebacker with a very large neck. :(

More Christmas Lovin...

A few more knitted Xmas goodies for your consideration.

Pattern: Felted Nintendo DS Case / Or as I like to call it, "I've Got Game" (see previous post for Ravelry Link)

This are post-felting photos. My very first felting experience. SO surprisingly easy!

Pattern: House Hats (see previous post for Ravelry Link)

Made For: Gracie

Yarn: Universal Classic Worsted

Pattern: Calorimetry

Made For: Gracie

Yarn: Patons SWS
*please* excuse my 4-finger forehead. I know it's distracting...try to pay attention to the knitted item only.

Pattern: Recipe for a Scarflet

Made for: Sissy Jayne

Yarn: Red Heart Soft - Sissy has a serious wool reaction and not in a good way. It's all acrylic, all the time for her. She can handle cotton as well but cotton and my hands don't get on very well.

Oh and by the by......I am already 12 minutes into keeping one of my New Year's promises to myself. I did an A.M. Yoga program this morning. 12 minutes long. Doesn't sound too impressive does it? If you knew how many times I'd been to the gym in the last 2-years...you'd be very impressed with my 12 minutes of yoga.

Oooh You've Got Some Pie.......

I love pie. Cherry pie. Apple pie. Rhubarb pie. Pretty much any pie (except peach-yuck) you put in front of me will be consumed. I have never actually made a pie. Until now. Triple Layer Pumpkin Spice Pie. It was super easy. Granted, that was because it was a cheater's pie. It included ingredients such as "Honey Maid Graham Pie crust" and "pumpkin spice pudding mix". Although I did caramelize pecans for the first time. I am quite proud of myself. Not only was it easy, it tastes like fluffy slices of heaven. I'm like Betty fricking Crocker.

In Knitting news, I've finished a few Christmas knitty items. I better hurry the hell up or I'm never going to finish everything on time. To top off my knitty anxiety, my neck went out yesterday morning and the pain is going all the way down my right arm. As you well know, that is not good news for a knitter. Not to worry, I will persevere if it kills me. I went to the Doc and the nurse proceeded to give me a shot in the bum!! It didn't help the pain but it did give me a good laugh when the nurse told me, "It'll burn but don't worry...I'll blow on it". And she wasn't joking. What a sight it must've been. Me with my dress hiked up and my pantyhose pulled halfway down. Nurse Joanna with a needle in one hand, blowing on my butt cheek.

Pattern: House Hats Beret (Ravelry Link)

Made For: Ashleigh

Yarn: Universal Classic Worsted Tapestry - waaay less than 1 skein

Pattern: Felted Nintendo DS Case (Ravelry Link) - Photo is pre-felting

Made For: Ashleigh

Yarn: Patons Soy Wool Stripes - less than 1 skein

Pattern: Fetching

Made For: Ashleigh

Yarn: Elann Peruvian Baby Silk in Cornflower - less than 1 skein

Three Christmas Knitties down. Seven gazillion to go.

When people try to progress, someone must suffer.

Unfortunately, that person is my Hubby. He strongly felt that yesterday be devoted to the cleaning o' the house. Now, I was sure he'd received my memo explaining that this weekend be entirely devoted to Christmas knitting. Apparently he had not. After a few huffs, puffs and evil glares (from both of us) we went our separate ways. He to the back yard for a little John Deere mowing time. I sequestered myself in my knitting room and knit until my fingers felt like they were broken. Granted, a few "me" projects made their way into the Christmas knitting queue. That was to be expected. I'm a selfish knitter to the bone. Spending an entire day without working on something for myself would probably end in a tantrum. I found out yesterday that unselfish knitting is not the only thing that will throw me into a fit. It seems my hubby trying to make me pick up dog poo instead of knitting will do it as well. It took me a long time to get all the stitches back on the needle after I threw my WIP across the desk. Where is this anger coming from? Aah that's right....I quit smoking two+ months ago. Good for the health...not so good for the demeanor. I knew my mood had gone a bit too far down the bitch path when later in the day Hubby asked me to help him with something. I thought I had very nicely said, "Sure no problem". Turns out it came out of my mouth a little differently because his response was, "Maybe we should do it tomorrow when you like me a little more". Poor Poor Hubby. I guess he's now learned the hard way that knitting ALWAYS trumps chores. He'll forgive me when he wears his lovely new mittens on Christmas Day.

Pattern: Basic Men's Mittens

Making For: Neglected Hubbs

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease

Pattern: Warmest Mittens

Yarn: Universal Yarn Classic Tapestry Worsted

Making For: My Niece, Gracie

Pattern: Chevron Scarf

Yarn: Knit Picks Memories - don't remember the colourways

Making For: Me

Pattern: Koolhaas
Yarn: Malabrigo, Terracotta

Making For: Me

Well Hello Ladies, Did You Miss Me?

A good friend of mine kindly pointed out today that I haven't blogged since my birthday. Even though I feel a little guilty for my brief departure from the blogging world, I don't come back to you empty handed. Don't get me wrong....I do realize that in three months time, I should be able to produce more than a hat and a scarf. Unfortunately, my knitting mojo has been sitting in a drawer these past few months and I've had to drag it out kicking and screaming. The good news is that I'm very pleased with the two items I've managed to finish. The even better news is that I'm 99% certain my knitting slump is officially over.





Pattern: Cabled Beret (Ravelry link), Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine
Yarn: Cascade 220, One Skein
Mods: Due to serious yarn shortage issues I had to cut out approx 9 rows towards the end of the pattern. I really don't think it made that much of a difference and I am still VERY pleased with the finished item. I will wear this many times in the cold days to come.



Pattern: Chevron Scarf, Domesticrafts
Yarn: Random colourways from Claudia Handpainted and KPPPM
Mods: None...this pattern is practically perfect in every way
Made for: My lovely Mum

Stay tuned for more knitty news....it's going to be a very busy December