Welcome to the wonderful world of bad puns and dreadful jokes that few understand. Most of my jokes I wear in the form of bizarre links of string that I call "garments". I don't mind if people laugh at me not with me
I'm an English expat constantly struggling to be understood in a different country. I work in the cut throat world trying to bring "YARRR" and "Ne'er-Do-Well" into regular conversation My swear word of choice is Stink Nugget. I'm a yarn snob.
| Need some geeky advice... Since the UK has way more advanced phones than the US, I was thinking about buying a new cell phone when I'm at home. Does anyone have any idea where I could look for UK phones that work on a US network (T-Mobile). A quick search found me this SWOON! Or if I'm feeling really extravagent... Or...this! |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:30 PM
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| Finished (minus weaving in ends) - the nth attempt at the loop-d-loop vest in Kyoto yarn from Art Fibers Kyoto yarn is amazing - silk roving and very soft mohair. The yarn was lighter than required for the pattern (as my previous botch attempt with lying swatch told me), so the effect is a lot lighter than the original - definitely requires a modesty garment of some sort underneath unless I'm feeling very daring. Woo - so glad to have stopped my knitting rut  Skills learnt
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FranklinMinty rants @ 12:39 AM
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I must admit on a very frustrating work day that I have become obsessed with Hurricane Katrina. She is awesome, and I don't mean in an American slang way, I mean in an inspiring awe way. I my deepest thoughts go out to all affected. |
FranklinMinty rants @ 8:57 PM
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| Now, I understand with big, wrathful, swirly winds and rains are causing quite a commotion somewhere (and in all seriousness, my thoughts go to those on the Gulf coast - just don't start that "why live in California with all those Earthquakes" shit with me). Wrathfull winds, come on... can you get a more lazy and insipid metaphor, Kron 4? Why not just call it a God bubble and be over with it? Jesus This amuses me no end though. I've caught the S man's hatred of those useless waste of space mongers, Weathermen. Or rather, I guess Weatherpeople. Overpaid and constantly fucking up their job. Is it THAT difficult to tell me:-
I swear, that's all I need. And they can't even get that right. So this is why the clip above makes me giggle. Little Jonny needs his Ritalin. Happy Monday |
FranklinMinty rants @ 10:31 AM
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| I've just spent 30 mins typing out this post to have firefox crash on me. I was getting pretty depressed by my lack of knitty progress, but I think on reflection it was more to me being way to optimistic with the ol % complete amounts on my WIP bars. Anyway, I'm on the homeward straight with the Starburst Tank, I just have to stitch on the armbands, which are drying after a "you bastards are dying my hands black, better wash you" incident. I give this a day or 2 (especially if I have to weave in ends) and she'll be done. Ta-Da!  Work on Arabella has stopped - bored of the pattern and slow progress on thin yarn on size 4 needles. A break is needed for this sucker. I've re cast on for the loop-d-loop yoke vest thingie. Technique # 1 will be used (single strand - more loosely knit) with the addition of some stitches and many rows to ensure full belly coverage this time. I like this project, since it is pretty quick to knit up. This is now my official Muni commute project. My holiday project list is growing nicely. So far, I have:- Fern from Rowan 35 in purply Kid Classic Ash from Rowan 35 in an acid green / lime color Crystal Palace Kid Merino Mode Knits corset in purple GGH Safari and Rowan Lurex Shimmer Plus... I could add those Suss Designs patterns and yarns I have too. This is all from stash yarns too... Unfortunately, I'm not going on vacation for a couple of years though. And here is your random SF photo for the day  |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:13 AM
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| Don't get me wrong, I'm still digging the name Fraggle Stick Car. But I really want to rename my blog "Knitty by the Bay".... or maybe, "Knitty by the BaY-e-ay-yay" Just a random thought for 12.38 am on a Sunday morning |
FranklinMinty rants @ 12:37 AM
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| Thank you for your email, I apologise for the delayed response. I am pleased to say that a recent change in regulation now allows knitting needles to be taken onboard in hand luggage for Virgin Atlantic flights. Kind regards, Andrew Barrett Contact Centre Customer Services Team |
FranklinMinty rants @ 9:27 AM
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| *cough* J n J *cough* You should check out google earth Has some neat views of Paris and London (didn't check on Vienna) |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:41 PM
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| My holiday plans are getting closer to being final. I have clearance from the tower at work to take a month off, late Sept to late Oct. Which ties in nicely to various big dates at home. I'm just really waiting on the timing of the embassy appointment to finalize my flight (which I'm thinking I'll be indulgent again and pay for the upgrade). The one arse piece of news, I've found out that knitting needles are banned from UK flights. Bum Either way, I'm contacting Virgin to make sure - this is a heads up for J (f) of J and J fame - you might run into this too since I think Europeans are more jumpy than the US. Looks like an ipod is a must for that flight now. That, or take advantage of all the free champagne. Which brings me to this. I love flying on Virgin, the new planes have this cool "personal dvd" system that allows you to watch any of the films they have, pause, rewind, whatever of the many films they have on board (over 100 or so). What is the worst movie you could see on a flight? The worst I have ACTUALLY seen was Dancer in the Dark. I was bawling my eyes out and I'm pretty sure that people thought I was insane. I have to think that high up on the list of bad films to watch whilst flying is Alive, followed in no particular order by Final Destination, Donnie Darko and now - Red Eye. Maybe Die Hard 2 should get a mention. Any others I'm missing? Do airlines have a "shouldn't show this film" list? I have also seen Species 2, so if such a list exists, it isn't obviously based on film quality. |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:21 AM
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| Went to see 40 Year Old Virgin last night, since S man and I have had little "quality time" what with work blast (otherwise known as the dreaded video game industry crunch time - but Work Blast sounds more fun so I renamed it). I must admit I haven't laughed outwardly at a movie for a really long time. Which made me ponder... I really wanted to sit there saying LOL (rhymes with moll) or LMAO instead (rhymes with... ummm... Mayo?). It really was pretty funny - way better than Steve Carrel's yankified The Office. Anyway, I nearly choked on my smuggled in Odwalla (damn you Metreon drink facists, I swear I hate that place and despise it for being so close to work) when I saw a (typically obtuse) trailer for that GUN game I'm working on. and so the marketing machine starts... p.s. I must stop with this ellipsis obsession, its driving me crazy. My grammar never used to be quite this uninspiring. p.p.s - I'm removing the loop-d-loop yoke and modeknits corset from the WIP list. I've frogged them both so many times I'm taking a break |
FranklinMinty rants @ 1:12 PM
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| I'm sat here at work, dreaming of a holiday. I've been NEEDING to go back to England for nearly a year now, to get the old work visa renewed in my passport so I can come and go as I please... and now the time (hopefully) approaches. The good news is, I got 2 weeks comp time at the end of the THUG 2 Remix project, that I have yet to take. The even better news, is that I've heard a rumor that I'll get 2 weeks comp time at the end of the GUN project that I'm working on right now as well. (Rumors from the boss, no less... and I have witnesses!). Giving me a month of time off for free! It's the Aged Grandparents 50th wedding anniversary soon, plus Sim's birthday and the annual Mitchell Ladies holiday to as yet unknown location (I'm pushing for Santorini!) - which makes it a good time to pop back, celebrate and get the visa done, all hoping to get back in time for Halloween in the Castro and such. It's getting rather exciting... and I nearly peed myself when I saw this. HELL YES! KNITTING SHOW AT ALY PALLY! This really does mean I HAVE to get knitting to reduce the stash, since I can't buy any more until I knock out a few more sweaters. However, isn't that what 11 hour flights are for?! Which brings me to... I'm really feeling like I NEED an ipod. Not want - NEED! Think of that 11 hour flight, dammit! So - when do you think Apple are going to release the new model?! |
FranklinMinty rants @ 2:24 PM
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| Dammit... So, blog tagging is one of those things that are like the silly "what kind of ____ are you?" tests. I despise them, but have to complete them. In particular, when I see people get blog tagged I think "man, they have friends. They have people that actually care about them and read their blogs". I was beginning to get this cold feeling in my heart, as I see all these people I'm blog stalking have been tagged, but never me. So this blog tag is pretty easy. This Charming Man is the culprit. I'm not sure what the rules are concerning who to tag back, since I don't have too many people that I know who blog, and we have overlapped on some (I can't tag back, and the Doorman is out). So wtf do I do? Pah... I'm just gonna break the rules. I don't have 5 more friends, and I refuse to feel bad about that, the chances that Dr. L will start a blog are slim. So anyway... the rules... List ten songs that you are currently digging ... it doesn't matter what genre they are from, whether they have words, or even if they're no good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions, the artists, and the ten songs in your blog. Then tag five other people to see what they're listening to. My 10 in no particular order...
Anyway - I tag The S Man Big D J (m) of J n J fame and that's it - since I don't know any other bloggers without giving tag backs btw - i put my knickers on inside out today... why does this happen? |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:51 AM
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| The day has come! For Dr. L's 30th, I made her 2 super secret things that can now be revealed :) We have Super Secret #1 - the knitted beady bracelet cuff thing and Super Secret #2 - the little clutch bag thing!  Hope she likes More pics here   Where did I start? |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:45 PM
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| I've never laughed so much at work. Exhibit A: Go Fug Yourself Exhibit B: You Knit What? and most importantly... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR L - this web site is for you (not that you ever check my blog... but it is pretty funny.) |
FranklinMinty rants @ 6:07 PM
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| Yes, I'm bored... Yes, I'm filling time in between laundry runs... But here are some random images that sum up my weekend. Here's some mini cupcakes from Dr L's pre party party from the yummy Delessio Bakery  Next, the day before - the perfect 70's fat shaker thingie to help after eating mini cupcakes from above.  Finally, some charms that will be made into stitch markers really soon! Obviously the little pointing clasp things will be replaced  I also have a great little avi of my fab frogging technique that I have to share. But I have no idea how to edit and loop an avi (without a) having a Mac or b) having my Vegas software on hand (its at work!)) Any ideas geeks? Ok, back to laundry... |
FranklinMinty rants @ 8:08 PM
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| So, I have finished the loop-d-loop yoke vest, and I would say its WAY too small. I'm hearing this from a few knitting friends recently, no one can seem to make things that fit... Dammit So here is the pattern...  here is attempt 1 shortly before massive frogging  Gauge was right (although it was sheerer than in the original that was fine by me). sigh... it doesn't bother me TOO much, since it was a quick knit. but I have to say that I'd like my belly to be covered, at least. I have plenty of yarn left over, so I'm thinking about just double knitting and altering the pattern. Grrrrr, I just hate wasting time, especially as this was a "quick knit, I need to make something to ease other project related ruts". |
FranklinMinty rants @ 5:04 PM
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| So, I heard from Alice in Wonderland that there was a yarn yard sale taking place over the bridge this morning. Basically a couple had inherited butt loads of yarn, and they were selling it off yarn sale stylee. Ever the yarn hos, Alice, J (f) of J n J fame, L (knitty newb) and myself decided to take the early Saturday morning trip to check it out. Rumor was, there was some nice stuff to be had. I had $80 on me, and I gave them $80. Ever wondered what $80 of yarn yard sale yarn looks like? It looks a bit like this:- 
I do feel bad now, I think I should send them some more $$$ maybe. |
FranklinMinty rants @ 3:41 PM
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| Kudos to the This Charming Man for finding this awesome gem. I share concern for anyone touched by His Noodly Appendage, but if you have faith in Him, therapy costs are covered.  I have been ruminating my spiritality for a while, toying with Buddhism and other trendy eastern stuff. Since this new found religion also hypothesizes that Pirates are cool (see graph below and official explanation) it is good by me.  " You may be interested to know that global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of Pirates since the 1800s. For your interest, I have included a graph of the approximate number of pirates versus the average global temperature over the last 200 years. As you can see, there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between pirates and global temperature." In somewhat relates news, I have also been battling over the concept of evolution and how this falls into creationism. I think it is now common knowledge that Dinosaurs were Jesus Horses, and I'm trembling with excitment at the prospect of visiting this theme park when next in Florida visiting The S Man's family. Go to Florida and visit Dinosaur Adventure Land - "The place where Dinosaurs, and the Bible meet." |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:13 AM
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| So, first the exciting stuff! I've finished the 2 Super Secret Surprises, but they must remain secret for a few more days, I'm afraid. Next, some obligatory yawn inducing progress shots, since I can. 1st - Arabella! I'm about 2/3 through the back  Better color  Next we have Elspeth. I'd started on the crochet edging and was half way through, but I decided to frog this as it was turning into this frilly thing that looked pretty crap. So starting this again.  Pattern detail  Next - the most boring for last! 2 finished pieces of my starburst bias tank top. Just the straps left on this one (and then the tedious weaving... finishing). This sucker needs some serious blocking, so the jury is still out.  Once I'm done, I'm at a loss with what to start next. I have so many projects lined up - with yarn already in bags in my room, I don't know which to pick up 1st |
FranklinMinty rants @ 9:34 PM
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| So, I'm getting pretty excited about the 2 super secret projects I'm working on. All will be revealed in a week or so. In other news, I broke the yarn diet in LA. Normally, I tend to let loose on some serious wardrobe additions when I visit. This time, I searched out 2 yarn stores withing San Francisco walking distance from the hotel. (I don't believe any natives would have bothered with the walk)... First, a few random images of LA  Absolutely ridiculous  Palms sprouting  Melons  Style See the damage here. First off, was Suss Design. I'd seen some pretty cute patterns and home made yarns that they carried... so I went a little crazy in there, with a couple of patterns and the yarns to complete them and only 1 speculative purchase. All very exciting and very chi chi.  Ballet wrap top to be made from...  Suss Ultrasoft in Moss and the Vertical Stripe Sweater  using Suss Crystal in Cerise, Emerald and Suss Perle Cotton in Okra (not on website) then, there was the Suss Angora in Aqua and random ceramic and mother of pearl buttons.  Next was The Knitters Studio. This place has a run of the mill selection yarn store, with stuff rather obnoxiously arranged by color rather than gauge or fiber, but it lead me to by some random purchases that I'm adding to my "mystery no idea what it'll be, but crazy cream colored stuff"  Some Filatura Di Crosa Brilla, K1C2 Gourmet Collection Frosting 146 and Classic Elite Bravo While I was in LA... I started and practically finished the Secret Project #1, started Secret Project #2 (which I have since "nearly finished"), finished (finally) the 2nd half of the Starburst Pride tank - just have the black straps n stuff to go before assembly, and made some good progress on Arabella. I have some serious weave in ends and finish these damn things days ahead of me, with 5 or 6 things nearing completion. Fun Where did I start? |
FranklinMinty rants @ 11:33 PM
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| Just a belated happy birthday note to my esteemed friend, The Doorman. 30 is such a fine, fine vintage :) |
FranklinMinty rants @ 9:45 PM
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| So, I'm sat in a hotel in LA as I type, doing the work related cheerleading at Siggraph. It's all pretty boring, although I was invited to an EA LA recruiting party tonight at their campus on a methane belching site, so I might go along to that for shits n giggles. To pass the time, and since I haven't had a knitting related update in some time, I have bought 4... FOUR projects with me. 2 of which are super secret suprises - all will become aparent in a few weeks on these. I also bought the pride tank with me - this git is taking for ever, but its brainless work and I'm getting closer by the day. The last is madness... the Arabella tank from a Rowan magazine. Its "such fun" to knit a tank top on size 2 needles. I must have been smoking something I shouldn't when I decided to knit that. Anyway, not much else has happened really. I'm staying in 1 of my favorite places in LA, just across from a "swanky, but actually very tacky" mall, and a Farmer's Market. The Farmer's Market rocks! I went there my 1st night to eat dinner, and stopped at my favorite French place there. The snooty barstards tried to make me feel bad for eating on my own - wtf is up with that?! "Where would you feel most comfortable sitting Miss?"... Oh well - only 2 days left here, I'm hoping to hunt down some LYSs before I leave - rumor has it that there are 3 within 1 mile so we'll see how that goes! |
FranklinMinty rants @ 9:38 AM
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