Fraggle Stick Car

Total hermit

2007-04-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

I've turned into a total social hermit. I'm sorry friends :(

Here was my weekend.

Called into work at about 5pm on Saturday, and proceeded to stay there until roughly 5am.

Was rudely awakened by PlanetCheaters at 9.30am on Easter Sunday, and that started the day off mighty well. Then, proceeded to be dragged back to work. Its fine, that's part of the job / bargaining for raise that is coming around really soon.

I figured I'd stop by both my LYS to pick up "something" to make me feel better, and meet Dr L since she was nearby. LYS was closed, work told me to "GET IN NOW, YOU DON'T HAVE TIME TO WAIT", so had to blow off Dr L.

Made fire fighting panic at work to fix some other company's moronic problem (my emails were referred to as "flaming shit rampages" or something like that). Then, during the conference call with various "very high up people at the very large company I work for", I get a call from my roommate.

My apartment building is in flames...

Break down imminent! Everything and everyone is fine, but this is stretching my fire-fighting skillz to the extreme.

Yes, if you know where I live, the greasy chinese joint basically was backed up with grease and went POOF.

Fast forward to 6.05 pm on Easter Sunday. I've been drinking to ease the pain and have also had my butt groped by Ms Sachet (I'm fairly certain of this... This could be major news...)

All in all, I think this gived me fairly good grounds for not going into work tomorrow

Hey give my money back!

2007-03-27T01:09:00.000-07:00

Its Tax Time, and this view sums up what I associate with it. Its pretty much the only time a year when I go to Tiburon.

This year, I grabbed some gelato from some cute, pricey Tiburon gelatoria, and sat on the sea shore finishing up my tax prep before heading to my genius accountant.

_sigh_ See ya next year Tiburon!

On to knitting! Roots, Spines and Doctors!

First off... The finished Rusted Root! love love love!

Made from stash Kurosawa - my "I'm mad I can't use my Tilly Tomas Stitches yarn right now" project. I'm mighty chuffed at myself with this one, not only because I cut it REALLY close with the yarn amounts. This is something I'm being risky with of late... which brings me to Zukii Spine!

Yes, I totally caved. I busted out the Tilly to make Zukki. I decided to double up the non sparkle stuff and was making "kinda" gauge (rows were really off, stitches "sorta" ok) - yeah, I know. I figured I'd have enough since I bought plenty. And here is a finished half.

WRONG WRONG WRONG, I am such a turd. I have a) plainly not enough yarn to do the other side AND the neck and b) created half a NO SLEEVE SWEATER in a fabric that feels wonderfully soft and luscious and REALLY F'ING WARM. See the couple of problems I have?

So, I decided to put it down and debate. Was I going to buy more yarn and attempt to make some sort of sleeve so it would be more appropriate winter wear? This scares me since I haven't tried adding sleeves to anything... OR, was I just going to rip the sucker out and think of a more appropriate use for Tilly and yarn for Zukki?

I opted for option 2 - very sensible, I thought... Grown up, even - mature knitter anyone? One who can recognize and walk away from one's mistakes? SO - had it sorted and then I showed the sad half completed failure project to my roommate and he responded with "Oh my god that is the most amazing thing you have ever made, you HAVE to finish it"... Crap

Oh - and here is a bit of the Doctor's Bag. I'm half way through the second "large" side. Speed up Enabler and Melissa! The best news is, I think I'm running out of yarn for this too. I give up.

Color is closer to the mini insert... sorta

Where did I start?

More on stitches aftermath!

2007-03-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

As soon as I got back, I was dying to start what I'm calling Spinal Column. The Zukki pattern that I was going to make in the Tilli Tomas yarn. The beaded yarn was going to be the main cables

I frantically swatched and realized that there was no way in hell that I'd make gauge... even vaguelly! I was too lazy to recalculate and was fairly certain I wouldn't have enough yarn when accounting for the recalc... I sort of knew all of this when I purchased the yarn, but it was so pretty and I got 20% off!

So, desparate to knit with my new yarn, I decided a change of plan was inorder. Bust out the rusted root that I've been itching to knit for some time! Tilly will work from that! Gauge matched! Wootness! The beaded stuff was going to be the leaves... So a couple of rounds in and then I hit disaster. If you are sharp, you'll spot the problem... yes - knitting in the round. Crap. Plan C needed to be divised - good old Kurosawa stash! Hopefully I'll have enough - and this is the progress so far.

Oh - and the Mobiues has finished blocking. I did wear it sort of, and sort of wet to stitches but had to re-block due to my impatience. Yes, new yarn has yet to be used, but rootsie is going pretty quick. I'm going to start the Knit2Tog Doctor's bag after this.

In other news, my knitting class I'm teaching at work is going well. All the ladies are well on their way for new scarves and no one has given up yet. I'm even getting gusy that want to join "Knitty Knitty Bang Bang", which I find very amusing.

C'est tout for now!

The triumphant return

2007-02-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

Ah - the triumphant return from Stitches! The Enabler did a pretty good job, as did Melissa, who was a Stitches virgin and is turning into a pretty good enabler herself.

Below is the haul... No comment... Looks around... Hey, it was my birthday treat, dammit!

Stitches West - here I come!

2007-02-25T08:24:00.000-08:00

Today is birthday treat day... Stitches West! Officially pretty much the only thing that will get me up and about before 8am on a Sunday :)

Back later with purchase updates!

Some yarn related updates! aka the cloche that nearly destroyed me

2007-02-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to make this Stitch Diva Downtown Cloche for almost exactly a year now. The Enabler got this pattern at Stitches West last year, I purchased the roving, and J(f) of J and J fame spun said roving into some beautiful yarn for me. This is the yarn that I was told had spontaneously combusted on spinning, and very nearly didn't get...

It exactly a WEEK away from this year's stitches. It's now my anual birthday treat. Today, I finished the last round of crochet. I have attempted this damn hat at least 5 times, and only after the Enabler gave me some pattern corrections, did the penny finally drop.

So... here are some shots

The humble beginnings...

Actually got it bigger and looking normal

The pre-blocking result! My polystyrene head is a bit smaller than my head, and I'm hoping that the nobblyness will sort itself out in blocking. We'll see!

I actually ran out of the yarn, so used some Brooks Farm that I also bought at Stitches last year to finish it off. I don't think it'll look too bad, since I'm planning on a wide ivory satin band around the hat that will hide the color change somewhat.

The rest of that yarn is going towards a mobieus scarf that I might start very soon!

So... my fear of crochet may have been solved by immersion therapy! I'm not sure I oarticularly like it, but at least I can do it now.

Not as well travelled as I thought

2007-02-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

I've got to get moving , I've aparently only visited 17 countries (7%) and there are some vast sections noticably absent!

create your own visited countries map

Luckily the addition of both the US and Russia makes it look much more impressive - but on the whole, I've been to small countries... Can you see the teeny little red dot in the middle of the Pacific (that isn't Hawaii - I got that by default)?... thought not

Trouble with the law

2007-02-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

I think I have a fairly normal skill in reading and comprehension. Mrs Parry, my English teacher in the 4th form, agreed at the time. I do have trouble with a few words for some reason. I blame it on latent dyslexia.

Every time I read the word "lawmaker", I think it says "lawnmower".

It often makes for interesting reading of the news but it tends to be a 1 sided problem. I rarely read anything with "lawnmower" in it, until today.

Man on lawnmower left Alaska in '05. He's only in Salt Lake City. He's 44. See you in Virginia at 84

I then had these images of the dude from Northern Exposure getting a piggy back ride from Gavin Newsom. Gruesome.

It began in Africa ca ca ca

2007-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

As promised, here is a) another post that didn't have a 6 month interval between it b)some shots from last Novembers vacation in Tanzania and c) brief knitty update

Spurred on by friendly and gentle goading from the Enabler, of course ;)

First... for the brief knitting stuff. After Enabler's post about her desire to increase her knitting output and become more prolific, I started to wonder "how much wool does a wool chick knit?" before being able to call themselves prolific? I don't think I count yet, but I've got about 4 sweaters done in the last few months or so, and the Art Fiber's skirt thingie at Boo's place that is nearing completion (and it actually fits - holy crap!). Of course, I have no photographic proof of these yet.

But, I do have proof that lions and other beasties exist.

SEE?!

A few people have see some (or even MOST) of the 1500 photos I took in Africa and I'm pretty pleased with what I took. Really, when you are there, you really have to be the most incompetent fool not to be able to take amazing shots - I swear it is impossible.

I was asked how I managed to get such detailed and close up shots of stuff, and that I must have a crazy telephoto lens. The reality being, when you are 5 foot away from a Lioness and her cubs, you only have to get over the shaking of the hands, rather than worry about if the picture will come out detailed enough.

These are all teeny versions of the photos, btw - but if you want more... click!

So, what do we have here... This sucker was to be my alarm clock on my first day in Tanzania

This chap was aparently literally Shagged Out... I call him Aslan

A rare highlight, this one... a cheetah with 4 young cubs

Ummm... an elephant!

A white rhino copying the elephant pose. We did see black rhino (and a black rhino BABY) - which is extremely rare, but I need to dig out a photo of that for proof ;)

Spot the elephant. I swear there is one in the photo!

Zebra!

For a 3 week period, I became an expert an naming the animals, but of course I have since forgotten them. Here are some boisterous gazelle. I think they are Grant's

And now I feel like a patronizing moron, making comments for photos like "Giraffe"

We caught (or rather, they caught us up in the middle of) the massive wildebeest great migration. Or as our guide Zumo endearingly called them "safari ants"

A leopard. These suckers are normally very difficult to see, asince they like hanging out in trees finding their spots are useful for more than a sassy pair of shoes. We'd been told we'd be very lucky to see one at all. Then this chap decided that he wanted a closer visit. He walked in front of our Jeep and did what all cats and dogs do - licked his/her "bits"

Finally - a shot of Ngorongoro Crater.

C'est tout encore
Where did I start?

Humph 24 spoiler alert

2007-01-31T08:07:00.000-08:00

So I'm aparently very bad at blogging these days, but my blogging activity sort of mirrors my mood of late.

Ever since work became less crazy last year after the last game I worked on finished (which is may well be preparing to go "Greatest Hits" after just 3 months of release) I've lost the will to do a lot of things.

Its a funk... a pretty deep one. I have, however, continued knitting - albeit with a brief hiatus due to hand surgery.

I have now decided to post on a more regular basis, and I have several things to catch my 1 or 2 readers up on. I have tons of photos from Africa that I will slowly get to, I also have crap loads of knitting things that have been completed with less than a whisper on this.

Lastly - I've decided to have some New Year's Resolutions (its only the end of Jan...)

Get my wrist sorted out (in progress)

Cancel the gym membership

Overcome my fear of crochet

But for now, I'll leave you with a fantastic image from 24. If you are like me and Boo, we Tivo these suckers so we are purposely behind. Check out Extra Guy...

C'est tout

Surprised? Me neither

2006-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are:
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Bad blogger

2006-07-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

So, it has been such a long time, and I occasionally look at my poor sad blog and sob quietly onto my keyboard. So much has happened, and not much of it good, in the last month, I'll spare the details, but here is a run down:-

1. Had a procedure on my wrist so that I wouldn't get crippling pain, thought that worked, but it is now back after about 6 weeks.

2. Got a new camera - I was desperate to post a picture of the camera, until the practicalities of doing that broke my brain.

3. Lost a roommate to his boyfriend (again) - those that know me will know that this is roommate search # 3 this year... (and I'm not kidding myself believing that people who don't know me actually read my blog). I've lost a hair stylist, and gained a shoe hook up - danger...

4. Vacation plans to go to South Africa and Egypt this year has been scraped. We are now going to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Safari baby! We'll see Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, Mt Kilimanjaro and...

FLAMINGO!

Oh yeah... BEACH TOO!

As you can imagine, #4 is making all the other bad numbers much more tolerable.

5. Work is crazy (got to that 7 days a week stage...)

6. I'm freaking out about the talk I give at a conference in Boston at the beginning of August.

7. I received my green card labor certification (step 1 of 3 down).

8. I'm being interviewed by 2 documentary filmmakers on the pain of green card application and what a precarious process that is.

9. Mr S is in Amsterdam on vacation, and I so badly wanted to go with him, but couldn't due to work crapitude. I miss him :(

I forgot to add a number 10....
Someone superglued my apartment door lock the other day. I'm assuming it was retaliation from the Daily Show interview piece that aired the night before and showed my apartment door.

As for that... knitting and related fun. Here is a shot of my new experiment, Hair Pin Lace. I'm making a stitch diva hat (the one with the floppy brim). Yes, I know... its actually fancy crochet, but it seems to be going well so far.

Color choices were inspired by the pink baby cowboy photo up top...

Ummm...

2006-05-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of getting a new corporate credit card, since my company has decided to switch companies for this.

However, I found out that I have been denied said replacement credit card. The reason? I "did not pass the US Patriot Act". I now have to provide full passport and paystub information over in order to get a credit card.

I would rant about how my civil liberties have been nibbled away at, but since I am not an American citizen - I don't have any.

How I love days off

2006-04-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, I've had a pretty hectic life at work for the last few months, so I decided that I'd take a day off work.

Now, I had planned to do a lot of little things on my day off, like schedule people to come and fix things that I've been putting off. I had also hoped that it would be nice and sunny. Neither has happened (so far!).

I am going to a doctor to get my hands checked out, hopefully he'll offer a wrist transplant. I also am getting my eyes tested, so spiffy new glasses may appear in the not so distant future.

I need to do some serious spring cleaning as well - but baby steps...

One big treat for the weekend was visiting TKGA knit and crochet show in O-Town. It was by far smaller than Stitches West, but it made for a pleasant walk around, not a frantic shopping frenzy. The Enabler and J (f) of J n J fame came along too. We picked up a butt load of cheap cashmere - which was a steal!

I'd post photos by a) they aren't too interesting and b) it appears that the flash on my camera has broken. I'm tempted to buy a new camera now... with my yearly raise I got last week! Woot!

Normal posting now resumes

2006-04-15T23:20:00.000-07:00

Since my political outpouring seemed to shock my 1 potential reader into no-comment-atude, I now resume normal posting.

I've been slow on the knitting recently. The carpal tunnel is playing up, rendering the wristies useless. This is also my convenient excuse for not doing yoga for some time.

I have, however, been doing some home improvement. By that I mean shopping at Ikea. I now have a proper grown up bed frame... Ooooo...

But before I got to Ikea, I went to a salvage yard to see if there were any gems to be had. There weren't but here is a sampler of their best wares

Here is the most interesting thing at Ikea

Here are my most recent knitting related stash improvers. Photo includes a snippet of bed frame, finished capelet, in progress crazy scarf a new storage basket for WIP and a couple of books (A Treasury of Magical Knitting by Cat Bordhi - Moebuis knitting baby! and Knitting Rules by Yarn Harlot)

The other side of immigration reform...

2006-04-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

I normally avoid publishing my political views on the intrawebs, but this is an issue very close to my heart that often prevents me from sleeping.

As I'm sure you are aware, there is apparently massive pressure for immigration reform right now.

Now, what does this mean to most Americans? Pretty much 1 of 2 things right now:-
1) Make those illegals felons, construct a giant fence and ship em back or
2) Give them an easy path to citizenship, "they" are doing jobs that very few citizens want to do, but are vital to the economy.

But not many Americans know about the wider scope of the much needed reform. Due to the # of illegal immigrants currently in the states (and there are roughly 12 million or so) thats a much more interesting news story than the roughly 800,000 LEGAL immigrants currently stuck in EAD (aka greencard) processing. Currently proposals do nothing to address this.

Congressional intent was that the entire employment-based green card process should take 6 months to a year. The reality is that for most applicants the process now takes 6 to 12 years.

As a quick summary on the greencard application process for Employment based greencards here are the steps (which is much different from marriage greencards - that doesn't take long at all despite what Andy McDowell and Gerard Depardieu would have you believe).

1) LABOR CERTIFICATION- your employer files documents to the DOL that proves that ther is no American for the job at that time, and that it will not adversely affect American's wages

Congressional Intent: Certification Completed in 21-60 DAYS.

Reality: Average of 3 years!

2)IMMIGRANT PETITION - This is the employer application to hire a SPECIFIC person for that job

3)ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS Upon approval of the petition in step 2 the employee can change their visa class to the "greencard"

Congressional Intent: step 2 and 3 approvals in 6 months.

Reality: Nearly 300,000 pending cases at USCIS. YEARS of delay for highly skilled applicants (Economic Report of the President, Jan 2005).
Reality: Retrogression - if Visa Numbers not available for a particular category, applicant cannot even file for the last part – YEARS MORE of delay. Currently. in my category, they are processing applications with a submission date of 1st MAY 2001, my submission date was roughly June 2004.
Reality: Retrogression - if Visa Numbers become unavailable after forms are filed, those applicants not considered part of “backlog” – not counted as pending! YEARS MORE of delay.

Consider this... most highly skilled immigrant workers work on an H1B visa. A 3 year visa that can be extended a further 3 years for a maximum of 6 years. I'm nearly on year 6. You can extend this visa 1 year at a time after a certain stage of the greencard process has been met. But that effectively means that you can't travel outside of the country (its a big pain in the butt extending a visa... time... money...travel to your country of origin... blah blah).

Annual limits for those H1B visas have risen dramatically over the last 10 years, and it is estimated that ½ those on an H1B will transfer to a greencard, however greencard quotas have not rised. Additionally, an average of 1 dependant is filled for with each original greencard petition – again eating away at the greencard quota.

It is very disheartening to hear that people who have abided by the law and immigration policies of the US are getting screwed. The thought that there are a massive number of potential queue jumpers out there drives me crazy.

I'm not surprised that the illegal immigration issue is becoming a political hot cake, I'm just depressed that the legal immigration issues are not being addressed. Many of the recent presidential elections have won with majorities of less than 1,000,000 votes. I wonder who is fighting hardest for those potential voters?

Whoever "they" are... I hate you

2006-04-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

I hate whoever it was that dreamt up daylight savings.

They did it just to eff with my head and they are doing a grand job of it.

Score!

2006-04-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

So - a huge thank you to my fabulous Secret Pal 7. I received my final package today and it contained some scrummy hand made Cherry soap, a Cadbury's Creme Egg (Oh home!) and a skein of some delightful Luster Spun Wool from the wonderfully named, Kiparoo Farm. A HUGE thank you!

Lastly - a couple of quick updates on the knitting front.
1st - my Cashmere Lobster Pot Handwarmer thingies, based on the Rowan Eowyn pattern

and now my crazy scarf. This is LOOSELY based on the Abigail (but hey, its hardly a tough pattern!)

So far, I've used 8 different types of yarn, with at least 2 or 3 more planned for good measure. Included is some J (f) of J and J fame handspun merino and silk, some Kyoto,Rune, Golden Siam, Adrienne Vittadini Fiora, Rowan Chunky Print, Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk DK and some Rowan Kidcrack Haze in Vino... So far...

Speaking of which - I STILL haven't got my new Rowan magazine (I am subscribed) - its only 4 months late. I won't be resubscribing.

Now... I'm going to make a nice cuppa and have a Cadbury's Creme Egg

Trying something new...

2006-04-02T17:47:00.001-07:00

Its a work in progress, but I'm trying a new blog format.

let me know if I've screwed anything up (highly likely!)

I am acceptable!

2006-03-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

So my news de jour - I've been accepted to speak on a panel at this year's Siggraph in Boston. Aparently my views are important enough for people to pay to hear them! Woo!

The topic is "Video Games: Content and Responsibility" and I think they choose me because a) I'm female and in the game industry and b) I'm damn well opinionated.

I am so excited for so many reasons :)

In other news, the fabulous J (f) of J n J fame kindly offered to make the divinly annoying crochet cloche hat. Thank you so much! I do feel that I need to conquer my hatred and fear and battle through this one. Give me a few weeks, if it is still going badly, I may back down and beg for help!

Lastly. Here's a shot from the roomie bbq we held on Sunday. CRAZY, I know... BBQ and it is still March. We totally lucked out on both weather and company - both were wonderful.

Here I am with cupcakes! And 2 pairs of glasses...

C is for Crappy...

2006-03-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

The curse of crochet is back - I am crap at it... Really bad.

I have tried (and got 3/4 way through) this hat TWICE this weekend, and still the yarn looks like electric blue ramen... Damn you stitch diva and your funky must haves!

Someone help me! Anyone recommend any good teach yerself to crochet books?!

I am dying to get this hat in the yarn that J (f) of J and J spun me for my birthday...

In other news, I've finished the caplet and some cashmere gauntlets for me! Woo! Pics soon

V for Vendetter

2006-03-19T15:56:00.000-08:00

First, I'm going to say that this is a film that you should see, I thought it was pretty damn good.

BUT, I have 2 problems (outside of screenplay changes, heavy handed depictions of both lesbians and religious differences). What the FUCK happened with accents?

First off, shame on you Stephen Rea - my people rhyme "lever" with "fever" and not "never". You should know better... it snapped me out of what should have been a poignant scene near the end.

But most importantly (and I'll give you an exerpt of the BBC review of the film to prove that I'm not the only pedantic English girl that thinks this):-

...the majority of Portman’s energy is devoted to wrestling with an English accent (she loses).

It was depressingly bad, not Angelina bad, but constantly jarred me out of the film. I would be interested in seeing this film in Britain, I'm guessing that the reaction of the audiences would be a lot different, but not for the political reasons that people probably think

Despite the fact that I don't think any limey worth their salt has forgotten anything about the 5th of November, you could at least have got the hung, drawn and quartered right...

Rant over.

The tale of how I found out about my angora alergy

2006-03-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Until recently, I didn't think I was alergic to anything, other than crappy "metal" earrings that make me break out in hives, and people who thing they can do an English accent.

That was, until I was making a nice little pair of gloves and scarf... I've had to donate these, at least I will when I can bring myself to finish knitting the scarf. The lucky recipient? Dr. L! COME ON DOWN!!!

Damn you, oh temptress Ms Louisa Harding and your temptingly luxurious 70% angora mix Kimono Angora. DAMN YOU! I am, however, fickle in my damnations - I still have your Kashmir Aran and your design collection book in my eye. You lucky lass!

Another year older... but... lots of knitting news!

2006-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

So - first things first, I'd like to thank all my friends who helped celebrate my birthday. I was truly touched by everyone's presence, even if I showed my appreciation by drinking far too much than is appropriate after college.

I'm sure you'll all be happy to hear that I have struck down with a cold for the last week now, which is just proving to me that I'm a big wuss these days.

So - a much needed update on some knitting related stuff. Firstly - A HUGE thank you to J (f) of J and J fame for this beautiful yarn she spun me for my birthday. Roving purchased at Stiches West. The dark blue / purple is wensleydale and the second is a merino / silk blend. Sooooo pretty :)

And the rest of my birthday related Stitches West Schwag...

There's 100 yrds ofworsted, hand dyed CASHMERE from Lobster Pot Yarns (they don't have the Cashmere on this site though). This is nestled in 500 yds of DUET, a dark violet kid mohair / fine wool blend from Notable Yarns from Brooks Farm. Then there is some lovely gently varigated aqua mohair merino blend, Billy the Kid Yarn from Blue Moon. These folks only sell the Socks that Rock yarn on their site. This is the stuff that is on the needles, rapidly becoming the Stitch Diva Casual Capelet.

Oh yeah... and then there is the new Jordana Paige bag to put it all in ;)

I think my pink thing is leaving, just a little and maybe just for now. Seems like electric blue is my new thang, and I'm kinda loving it

I did make other purchases - mainly some gifts for my secret pal the lucky devil :)

Knitting updates!

2006-03-02T23:56:00.000-08:00

Some long overdue completed knitting projects!

Here's a taster... Captain Rock's gauntlets of Awesomness

The action shot! Made from some soft yarn in my stash and a pattern I winged it for, that had lots of input from the client.

Click for many more projects if you are interested in the many MANY things I've been too lazy to post about recently.

This is a Shrug made from Rowan Kid Classic and a pattern free with the yarn from the Urban Knitting Studio

Detail of the pattern...

This is the finally finished Pride tank top, ready in plenty of time for THIS year's pride

Here is my finished Marjorie from Rowan's Classic Woman book in Soft Lux

Here's my version of Rowan's Fern from Mag 36 in Kid Classic again

...and another Rowan, this time Charlotte shrug in Ribbon Twist from Rowan 38

The finished Suss Design's Ballet Cardigan

Finally a finished Creeper from Rowan 38 in Big Print (I think)

That's it.... EIGHT finished things before I could drag myself away from work to post ...

Where did I start?

They say its my Birthday!

2006-02-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well - its NEARLY my birthday... I am definitely on the Pre Birthday wind up... I've started the "It's my birthday treat" purchasing justifications. _sigh_

The joys of pre birthday retail therapy!

Anyway - I've had a CRAZY weekend. S moved into a new apartment on Saturday, and we had the "fill up the new bigger apartment" trip to Ikea on Friday, I built some of the stuff on Friday night.

On Saturday, whilst he was moving, I was attending the Women In Games International Conference, doing my part to represent and speaking as part of "The Producers" discussion to guide the hopefulls, or something like that. After that I built some more Ikea stuff.

Then, bright and early on Sunday, I met up with J (f) of J and J fame and The Enabler to head to a fun packed day at Stitches West. It was SOOOO much better than the Knit and Stich show I went to in London, although there were no "big names" representing, it was so much fun checking out all the tiny obscure business stalls. I tried my hardest to show some restraint, and headed back with a bunch of fun stuff. I'll get pics soon! Then, I finished more Ikea building.

Monday - went to 21st Amendment with Dr L, The Daily Chuppler and both of the J n J of J and J fame for strong beers for lunch, and that really destroyed the rest of the day.

I have so many photos to post, and have found my cord, but have now lost my camera charger and realized I have uninstalled Photoshop by mistake. So getting them online is proving a little tricky right now.

sigh

Photo extravaganza WILL happen soon. I promise!

Bad blogger

2006-02-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

I'm a bad bad blogger... I have so much to tell, but so little motivation to do so.

This is a pretty good representation of me right now:-

I was doing my good duty as knitting blogger today and sat down to take 5 million photos of stuff I have finished. I had been waiting to get someone to take photos of me wearing said objects, since it makes this may more interesting - but have run out of patience with that. Then, I sat down to upload said unmodelled images, to find I've lost my cable thingie from my camera to PC. God know how that happened.

Oh well... here I am, doing runs to the laundramat, sat in the apartment on a sunny Sunday afternoon, roomie has an impromptu party that consists of people drinking many mimosas and crying about Michelle Kwan.

Valentines Day and my birthday are rapidly approaching, and I have discovered I am allergic to Angora... Who'd have thunk it. Its a bit of a bummer as I'm in the middle of a matching gloves and scarf pattern from Louisa Harding. Probably a blessing in disguise, since despite being February, its been about 75 degrees all week.

Hmmm... enough rants for now, maybe I'll post about my upcoming speaking engagement soon.

SP7 Questions!

2006-01-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

So... I've joined up for Secret Pal 7 and secret pal you can click to read my questionnaire answers! That spares my regular stalkers from reading this stuff

I'm so excited!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I am afraid so – I need help! I’m not adverse to an acrylic blend, as long as it feels soft, not crunchy.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No to spinning, badly to crochet.

As for spinning, I've never tried but am not adverse to giving it a go, although I'm worried it would turn into a new and different obsession.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Old (but pretty!) shoe boxes :)

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Nearly 2 years this time around. I’d say I was an intermediate knitter.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wishlist?
Sadly, no. I am subject to too many whims to organize one and actually keep it up to date. If it would help, I can make one.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love vanilla, almond, the smell of coffee, L'Occitane's honey candles and mimosa sent. I also like clean, ocean or fresh rainfall smells.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, but I don't indulge too often, unless it is super dark chocolate.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I’m an amateur photographer and I sew occasionally (although not as often as I’d like)

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes, I have the means of listening to MP3s. I like cheesy classic rock (Journey), New Wave (Devo), Brit pop (mid 90's stuff), early early Madonna, electro clash (yeah yeah yeahs), painfully cool stuff (Fischerspooner) and weird Brit stuff. All over the place really, although I'm not really into anything that could be currently called mainstream... plus I'll run for the hills if subjected to reggae or country (although I guess I could jog if it was Johnny Cash)

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I'm a big fan of reds and pinks. Black is a good standby. I'm currently on a cream kick too. Turquoise and teals are fun in moderation

I don't particularly like "earthly" brown / green colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a long term boyfriend (we don't live together). I don't have any pets as the landlord and job don't like them, although if I could I'd have cats

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves and hats -yes, mittens - not really. Ponchos - no

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I've been gradually teaching myself to appreciate chunky yarns (I had been obsessive about smaller needles and gauges but the soul destroying "I can't see any progress" is changing that.

I love all Rowan yarns I've tried and am currently coveting hand spun / hand painted stuff.

In general, I prefer "simpler" yarns, not too fussy but beautiful texture that will compliment the patterns with high quality fibers.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don't like overly synthetic yarns, nor ones that have a fussy texture. Eyelash is nowhere to be found in my stash, and you'll be lucky to find any bobbly novelty stuff either. If it makes me sweat or itch I don't get it.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Well... its getting cold now, so I've been knitting anything that keeps me warm! I recently went through a sweaters binge, but am focusing on scarves / neck warmers and hats right now ... In general I like anything with an interesting and unusual patterns (think loop-d-loop and kate gilbert etc) that will challenge my knitting skills or teach me something new.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
It really depends on my mood. I like intricate patterns, shawls, shrugs, bags, bracelets. I normally like to do really quick knits in between doing longer term projects as well.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Hmmm... well WIP items are a pair of wristwarmer thingies for the BF, a Suss Cousins stripy sweater and the Collar Me neck thing from Magknits. UFOs are numerous and an embarrassingly long list!

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes, I always appreciate the thought!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Depends on the task at hand and size of project - larger (heavier) projects go on the circs just so I can lift them :) Smaller stuff on straights.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the fiber. Normally bamboo, but occasionally metal. I have cheap aluminum for knitting with wire to make jewelry.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, both - indispensable (if expensive) purchases!

22. How did you learn to knit?
My grandmother taught me about 25 years ago, I refreshed myself by looking at Vogue Knitting Ultimate Knitting Book and Stitch n Bitch

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Ummm... about 9 months (Its a summery tank top...)

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I love flamingos and Koko the sign language gorilla, but neither are really animated:) I am a big fan of Japanese characters - like Domo Kun, Gloomy Bear, all the Miyazaki films - generally cute and quirky stuff from over there.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas - its when I get to go back to the UK to visit the family

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Apart from yarn?! Ummm... shoes ;) All those quirky little Japanese things like I mentioned above. I also collect 1950's ceramics, but haven't expanded my collection in some time.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Rowan

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I haven't seen any recently, but then I haven't really been looking! I always appreciate nice bamboo or wood straights, or addi turbos, of course! As far as patterns, I good magic loop instructions would be nice. I have been DYING to find a pattern for a long sweater coat, that is pretty fitted (ideally empire line), and not made with super chunky yarn. I haven't found anything yet though :( I'd love to get more Phildar (but I don't speak much French) and Rebecca mags

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Magic Loop!

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I'm a size 7 / 7.5 footsie. I have yet to ever knit socks... I don't really like them too much (I know... weird)

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
Feb 23rd

C'est tout!

Where did I start?

Secret Pal 7

2006-01-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Secret Pal 7 has started, and Pal - where ever you are out there in the ether of the interweb, I'm working on my questionairre as we speak, I'll try and post ir really soon ! Its my New Year's Resolution to do so

Later suckers!

2005-12-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

And now...
The end is near...
And so I face...
the final curtain...

Or something like that anyway.

Picture me, right now. What am I doing? I'm cocking a snoot to 2005 in the US. In about 2 hours, I set off on the trek home to Motherland for Christmas.

Knitting is packed, pressies are packed, I've loaded up the new pod (did I mention this purchase? Its a long story, but I finally cracked) with a crap load of podcasts. (oohhh... pretty...), I'm frantically drying sweaters with a hair dryer so that I can pack them too.

I'll be back soon enough (actually soon enough to be in the US for the very end of 2005 - so yes, I'm a liar).

So, until then, Have your self a merry little... holiday.

Franklin out

p.s. I'm so glad the lunz's won Amazing Race....

Post # 100! Woot!

2005-12-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

It appears I have been neglecting my adoring audience for some time, and said adoring audience is getting disguntled. All 2 of them, or 72% if you prefer. It doesn't really matter, the 2 in question are currently recovering from BNAT 7 and I'm so overrun by jealously that they can wait to see my next post :) (And yes, they saw King Kong AND V for Vendetta the bastards...) - for those that don't know, I was hoping to go with them this year, but got sacrificed so they could go. No biggie, I'll live... barely.

How deep is my funk? Pretty deep, it turns out. I'm not sure what has been going on recently, but I've just been feeling blah for no particular reason. What did help was getting a nice fat knitting hit...

Secret Pal 6 is now over, and I got an awesome final package from my spoiler - thank you so much! I now have even more patterns to make from the fab Rebecca magazine, and the kooky Alterknits book. Luckily I have some yummy Rowan Cashsoft DK and dreamy Lantern Moon needles to make stuff with:) I bow to your awesomeness oh newly revealed SP6!

I've also been spending some time doing the obligatory Christmas present shopping in prep for the latest in my treks back to the Motherland. I'm very rapidly running out of time which is rather worrying.

Oh... and work is crazy too (I was supposed to work this weekend, but I'm battling against catching the work lurgy and aforementioned holiday trials)

pah... I'll get around to posting some FOs soon.

Jeez - look at all those nearly finished things!

2005-11-20T23:07:00.000-08:00

Man, I have more than 5 things I'm 95% done with. Some of which I'm actually working on, some of which have taken a serious back seat, and some, I must admit, I haven't actually ever added to the list.

And I'm the one that is supposed to be "great at finishing things before you start something else"...

I have a bad case of lack of commitment with this stuff lately... but keep your eyes peeled, I may actually be done with some of this stuff before I go back to England

They are out!

2005-11-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

So, the last 2 games that my company worked on are finally out in the stores for your shopping pleasure!

First, the one that I did work on, GUN, currently reviewing pretty well. I worked on this for a few months.

Secondly, Shrek SuperSlam is also out, I didn't work directly on this one but S did. This is reviewing very well, considering game review places are staffed full of geeks who eat kids games for breakfast. This one is a lot of fun :)

I'm sorry credit card

2005-11-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

I didn't mean it, really, but I'm sorry credit card for abusing you some more.

Its all some yarn related enabler sending me info about closeout deals on Rowan Cork.

Grrr...

In other news, ladies and gentlemen, I think I've found the basic pattern for my anthropologie duster rip off. I proudly present this:-

It'll require some math to change the guage drastically - since I have the Polar sat waiting to be knitted up...

Knitting demon

2005-11-05T22:48:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit of a knitting demon recently, however, I've been really poor on the actually finishing part of this.

But before I get into knitting porn, I would like to share an astonishing photo (that, incidentally, shattered my cool jet setter image whilst sipping champagne at 35,000 ft). Now, this is Greenland. Normally you can't see a rat’s ass of it when you fly over.

Also - this photo was taken in the garden at home, shortly before the suckers were picked and eaten - YUM! Slimy Ink Caps!

Since I've been such a slack ass at posting recently, let me catch up in 1 gigantic post on knitting for now - the rest can wait. It is an odd time to do this, granted, being 9 pm or so on a Saturday night, any self respecting girl in SF should be hitting some achingly cool watering spot and dazzling the locals with their wit and beauty. My bf, however, is watching UFC with a friend, so I opted for blogging, DVDs and hot chocolate instead. My self-respecting days are long gone.

I'll spare the work in progress shots for some other time. Hopefully to aid the actual finishing of items, I've purchased a blocking board, so I'll no longer have to deal with serious ghetto "old cardboard box with towel" combo in my room ever again.

Now - we have some knitting porn from the Knit and Stitch 2005 at Ally Pally show I visited whilst in London.

Broken down into roughly 3 categories, I'll spare the "here is the Collinette stall, and here is the Rowan one" photos.

We have: -

Clothing

This coat was really cool, although god knows what the photo is of. I'm assuming someone didn't check their gauge at all.

Art

The white house

Yarn

Actually, more like colorful brains

For sanity of others, you can click to see more photos!

More Clothes

A weird cape thing...

A beautiful dress

Fun scarves at Habu

Some fun things in the fashion design graduate section...

This may inspire interest back into scarf making

I've never felted, but this makes me want to

More Art

Back page

Blocking IS an art form

The tea party

More Yarn

Habu love - the only stall you get a shot of! My wallet nearly went crazy until I realized that the stuff was more expensive here than in SF...

Just some colorful hanks.

That's all folks

Where did I start?

Well hello hello

2005-11-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Its been a while, but I've been catching up at work (been in Austin), and preparing for what turned out to be the party of parties for Halloween. Let me just say this now, I don't think I can go through that again... I'm still waiting for the incriminating photos to be forwarded.

All I can do right now is to post this...

Oh... and my SP6 is such a doll - thank you so much for the book!

Ok, I'm bored. Here are some more photos.

A choice picture from Austin Game Conference (yes, you read it right - they did have a working sample, but I didn't try it out - I'm not a fan of First Person Shooters...)

Some Mexican Wrestling action from the Halloween party. Luckily, it was a tag team... and they brought their own refs. Apologies for the blurry shot - everything was just moving so fast, my camera couldn't keep up). It appears Pooh and Snow White are also in the audience.

Some weird Italians that I think work at Tommy's Joynt. Also an appearance of Mr Green, in the kitchen, with the lead pipe and sangria.

What Halloween party isn't complete without Jesus? Just don't fuck with him.

Hello my dears!!! It's the BNATers :)

No idea who these people are. I thought this quite a bit on Halloween - you should have seen my bedroom... (hint - the Fanta Girls were there)

I'm here!

2005-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

So, I've got back fine to the U.S.S.A

No major incidents to report, nothing to see here, but I'm back to the regular 9 - 5 soon.

Snippets

2005-10-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

Straight from the rumor mill:-

Van Halen are doing an INXS and looking for a new singer via a TV reality show. (Note to Sammy Hagar and Dave Lee Roth - please apply!). Maybe Marty should too?

What's happened to Conservative outrage in USA? In the first quarter of the year, there were 157,016 indecency and obscenity complaints to the FCC. But from April - June, only 6,161

On a different note, I have rediscovered so many English words since I've been here, I'll endeavor to bring them back with me.

e.g.
Claggy - weather state that indicates close, muggy, humid conditions that often precedes a storm.

Chav - a Townie, wears oversized silver or gold chains around their neck, Kappa tracksuits and a fake burberry (known as chav check) baseball cap worn too high on te head.

That's 2 fer starters

A Brit on the Road is worth 3 in the bar

2005-10-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some choice pictures from the seat of democracy and Atlantis!

First - I'm going to bore you with a short history lesson on me. I'm an ex-architect. When I was at college, I particularly loved the Caryatids on the Erechtheion on the Acropolis. See those sexy ladies shine!

(Want to hear more about the load baring trickery in the sculptures? That's why they all have 1 leg in front of the other and hair that bunches around the neck... I'm such a nerd)

Then, we all went to what is rumored to be Atlantis. An island that housed a powerful Minoan civilization (2nd only to Crete - and I'll talk about Knossos later if you are unlucky...), but was destroyed by a catastrophic volcanic eruption several thousand years BC. The rim of the volcano still exists, as well as 2 new active volcano islands in the middle of the old volcano. Its dead pretty!

This photo is taken from Ia (1 tip of the island), and looks in towards the center of this ring of islands formed from the ancient volcano eruption. The 2 islands in the middle of the ring are on the left hand side. You can see the other end of the main island in the center background (about 5 miles away)

Here are the steps of the Theatre of Dionysos. At the foot of the Acropolis, it would have held approx 15,000 people back in the day to watch Sophocles' stuff.

Plaka is the old (read not 1950's concrete, not classical greek) part of Athens. Its really picturesque, but this kind of graffiti is a lovely contrast. (Btw - I ended up calling "Plaka" the "Crapper" since it is full of tourist tat)

Now, before visiting Athens, I was all for the return of the Elgin Marbles. However, I was rather shocked by how haphazardly things seemed to be looked after. Everywhere you looked, there were piles of ancient build blocks, and no one seemed to be doing anything. If they were returned (or hadn't been taken in the 1st place) would they still be around?

Holding the Plaka together

Obligatory Parthanon shot...

Again - nerd alert... there are so many things to say about this building: Wonderful example of the most refined Doric order; 9:4 ratios; columns bulge in the middle and lean inwards as well as the floor being slightly convex to maintain the illusion of straight lines. This counteracts the optical illusions that things are bending created by such bulk... blah blah blah.

Byzantine church near the Tower of the Winds

The Gods Rays

Not so ruined... in the 50's it was decided to rip up a section of the Plaka and rebuild the Ancient Roman Agora, and keep the surrounding area as ruins. Thanks Rockerfella $$$. At least it is a little bit of green in Athens

Ia in Santorini. This is the little village we stayed at in Santorini. People are bused in every day to check it out. I'm so glad we visited in "winter" since the number of people there bought in to see the famous sunsets was ridiculous. I would have been driven crazy if it were hotter and more crowded.

Fishing boats moored at Nea Kamini - one of the volcanic islands in the middle of the Santorini caldera.

Ia at the sunset... Sigh.

Some cliffs at Santorini. I suspect this is actually from Thirassia (population 200 summer, 100 winter) - one of the smaller islands in the Santorini caldera ring.

Where did I start?

I'm back part 1

2005-10-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

So... I'm back in the motherland, as it were - and I have a few days left until I return to my adopted homeland.

Its 3.20am in the morning here - and I have jet lag that makes me think its 5.20 am - so what the hell am I doing up still?

I have gigs of photos of the Aegean and around, but they'll have to wait a bit.

Sis found us some crazy yarn stores in Athens and I've picked up some choice samples, and Sunday, I'm back off to the capital here to check out the Knit n Stitch show at Ally Pally with mater. It seems my obsession has ignited something with mama, as she is taking up the needles once more to knit some stuff for Sis.

Anyway - things are going a lot better than a few weeks ago and I'm generally feeling much better. I miss S a lot, he's in New York for a friend's wedding that I had to miss (being a few 1000 miles away and all), but I'll be back soon... and then it is... HALLOWEEN BABY!

Oh yeah!

60 years...

2005-10-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today was the celebration of my grandparents (or as we call them, the Aged GPs) 60th wedding anniversary. 60... that's a long time - so was quite a big deal really.

The extended family gathered and had a nice curry and some bubbly and said "hurrah" and all that.

Here's a choice picture...

Speaking of curries, I've been eating rather a lot recently, since my sis's boyfriend is an excellent cook and curries appear to be a speciality. Unfortunately, though, one of them left me rather sick for about a day or 2. It appears in old age my cast iron stomach is getting flabby in more than 1 way.

I'm feeling much better now though, in case you cared.

The only other thing I did today? Frantic booking of last minute holidays... we are going here

and here

and that is all the info you get right now

p.s. Bjork probably won't be there

Updates from Middle Earth

2005-09-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

Not very Middle Earthy, really - but here is an update on my adventures so far.

^^^ This up there is the cherry blossom lamp that my Sis got for my Christmas / Birthday present. I'll have to do some rewiring for USeyness, but it is sweet!

Click for more vacation and knitty photos and escapades

So this is the whole reason for my voyage. Note the line... I waited in it for a very long time...

Yummy pastries at the Mayfair coffee shop around the corner. Although we noticed that they are kept out day after day since defects didn't change. Lovely

Birthplace of Dickens, Portsmouth. Also where the car ferry goes from to get to the Isle of Wight.

These are not the car ferries.

Knitting it old school in Liberty - one of the coolest department stores in London

Rowan love at John Lewis - kind of like the Macy's of England

Choice pickings from John Lewis - some Louisa Harding Kimono Angora and matching ribbon tape.

Made from the Rowan chunky print yarn I picked up at Liberty, half the batwing (back) sweater from the current Rowan magazine

Other vacation progress? I've officially finished over half of the Fern sweater. The right sleeve and front remain to be done.

Since I have recieved my passport avec new visa in record time (it actually arrived back from London before I did...); mother, sis and I are planning our trip for the remained of my time on the east side.

Current favorite is Iceland for a week. Although I'll need to finish the 2 sweaters before hand since it is COLD there ;)

Where did I start?

I made it!

2005-09-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Shock and horror... I made it home fine! A rather long and boring flight, coupled with hours waiting on the runway for a parking spot for a 747 aside.

This pretty much sums up my stay so far

Feeling LAZY! This is the view from my bedroom window

I have also scored my 1st yarn victory. 4 balls of Noro Kureyon for about $20 - as my Mum said "You are probably the only person to have come into this shop who asked for that yarn by name"...

I am having cell phone woes - still trying to figure out how to get international roaming to actually WORK and I'm now browsing around trying to unlock the damn thing...

So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, goodnight

2005-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Ok maties - I'm off for a little while to the other side of the pond.

Chances are, I'll be a little bored, so I don't doubt I'll be a posting monster!

See you on the other side!

p.s. Have a safe trip J n J of J n J fame. Hope to see you in London!

A note to my as yet anonymous Secret Pal

2005-09-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Secret Pal!

I'm not sure who you are yet, but I'm getting excited!

I just wanted to let you know that I am going on "vacation" for about 1 month to the UK to sort my work visa out so super fabbo secrets that you may send may take a little longer than I'd like before I send you many thanks!

Anyway - just wanted to let you know just in case. I'm not being ungrateful :)

Bad Day

2005-09-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm having a really bad day for reasons I don't (and can't) go into.

But this makes me feel a little better

Where I'm from...

2005-09-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

You really do learn something every day.

I stumbled across this link about the history of the Isle of Wight today.

What to do...

2005-09-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

So, in my continued knitting frenzy, I've got nearly 50% the way through the Modeknits corset thingie, using GGH Safari in a pretty dark red color. Despite being a very similar weight and gauge to the yarn specified, the texture is very different.

I knew and anticipated this to some extent, but now I'm having some second thoughts.

So... here is what it should look like:-

And this is current progress (click photo for higher resolution)

It is obviously much loser knit, and I have scraped the mini cable in the front as it was looking pretty assy... but I'm on the fence about this.

To frog, or not to frog - that is the question.

Oh, and btw... I have officially 1 week left at work before my month of vacation :) My plan is to finish all those projects you see in the right hand column that are "nearly done" before I go.

Pirates on Folsom Street YARRRR!

2005-09-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Just down the road from were I work is this building site. Don't know what is going on there, but turns out they discovered a ship whilst excavating.

It's a pretty exciting stuff in my mundane day at work, which sa

click for more pics

vg

Where did I start?

This is for J (m) of J n J fame

2005-09-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

I found an awesome coffee place in Hayes Valley... In fact, S found it :)

Sickening

2005-09-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

"The river rose all day,
The river rose all night.
Some people got lost in the flood,
Some people got away all right.
The river have busted through clear down to Plaquemine:
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline.

"Louisiana, Louisiana,
They're trying to wash us away,
They're trying to wash us away…."
-- Randy Newman, Louisiana 1927

That 20 year old guy that commandered a school bus from New Orleans to drive to the Astrodome, and picked up people on the way? They were refused entry when they got there.

Air boat owners from Florida trying to help rescue survivors? They aren't allowed to.

The more I delve, the sicker I feel. I don't have a car, so if I was in a similar situation, I would be one of those left behind.

The government didn't care about he poor before this, and it looks like their opinion has not changed. Genocide through negligence

Oh yeah, and then there is this

2005-08-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

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!

It's red, it's shiny... it's my new vest!

2005-08-31T00:39:00.000-07:00

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

mirrored increases and decreases
pattern modification due to yarn weight and not wanting to use bigger needles. Many more rows and stitches required. I nearly broke my brain when I got to the yoke decreases ;)

Yeah, I still need to weave in ends, but that's a buzz kill... time for that later

Awesome

2005-08-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Well Golly Carol

2005-08-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

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:-

It will be hotter than yesterday
It will be colder than yesterday
It will rain

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

Yeah, that was fun

2005-08-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

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

blog rename?

2005-08-28T00:37:00.000-07:00

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

NEWS FLASH!

2005-08-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

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

For pending european vacationers

2005-08-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

*cough* J n J *cough*

You should check out google earth

Has some neat views of Paris and London (didn't check on Vienna)

2005-08-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

So - here is the duster coat I've been considering ripping off, remember all that cream / neutral random yarn I'm collecting for no purpose? No? oh whatever.

So - do I then purchase this for the basis?!

MWAHAHAHAHA

Holiday! Celebrate!

2005-08-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

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.

LOL @ moveee

2005-08-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

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

Dreaming of a holiday...

2005-08-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

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?!

I've been tagged...

2005-08-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

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...

Birthday Cake by Cibo Matto (since it is Birthday season)
Oily Water by Blur (although I dig a weird remix of it on a Volume compilation album that gives it a Nine Inch Nail edge thing)
Bliss by Muse
Edge of 17 by Stevie Nicks
Final Countdown by Europe (long story)
Disco Blackout by Controller.Controller
Regina by The Sugarcubes (blast from the past that I heard last night for the first time in a looooooooooong time)
Metaphysical feat. Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto & Mike D of The Beastie Boys (from J (m) of J n J fame's 40th birthday Photo Scavenger Hunt DVD compilation - it was my theme!)
Woo Hoo by 5,6,7,8's (I loved this in Kill Bill... and now I'm just annoyed with it as I hear it on TV all the time on some crappy car commercial so it burrows into my brain like an Amazonian skull fly larvae and annoys the shit out of me)
Behind Blue Eyes - The Who (kinda like above... it annoys me how many TV shows and commericals now feature The Who songs, the fucking sell outs - but it doubly annoys me that Limp freaking Biskit murdered this song - so I pay tribute to the original)

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?

Revealing the super secrets!

2005-08-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

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?

Oh lordy

2005-08-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

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.)

Mini cupcakes, fat shakers and stich markers - OH MY!

2005-08-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

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...

Damn Damn Damn

2005-08-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

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".

Diet?... what diet?

2005-08-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

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:-

14 balls of Schachenmayr Safari (white / gray tweed)
5 balls of goldish what looks like rustic tussah silk (gold)
3 balls of Numei granite (black / gray tweed)
3 bals of Katia Gatsby (gold sparkles - like rowan lurex shimmer)
3 balls Berroco glace (neutral varigated color)
2 balls of Berroco cotton twist (cream)
1 ball of Berroco quest (silver)
1 ball of Fantacia Agate (pink and gold - 75% silk / 25% wool)
3 hanks of Gianni Versarce?! in Zeus (gray cotton with red sparkle)
1 ball Pingouin (white froufy stuff)
1 ball Anny Blatt Coto Egypte (black)
4 balls Anny Blatt Alexandrie (2 pink, 1 white, 1 Turquoise)
4 skeins of Naturwolle cotton Flamme Mercerisiert (pink)

That isn't all though...

10 balls of GGH Safari (in pink)
10 balls of Jaeger Cadiz (in tomato red)
9 balls of GGH Cascade (in white)
9 balls of Master's Fil Stringhetta (in beige - no idea of price... it looks like Berroco Suede)

I feel sort of bad, as after a quick tot up of prices at home on the stuff I could identify - I think it would have cost roughly $500 new... This is based of the fact that if I can't find the yarn, I price it at $3 per thingie... which is pretty generous on the low side. Or if I find a sale price, I use that.

I do feel bad now, I think I should send them some more $$$ maybe.

Jesus horses Mk 2

2005-08-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

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."

So exciting ... mandatory boring progress shots...

2005-08-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

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

Super secret surprises and other stuff

2005-08-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

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?

Happy Birthday Doorman!

2005-08-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just a belated happy birthday note to my esteemed friend, The Doorman.

30 is such a fine, fine vintage :)

Hell LA

2005-08-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

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!

well damn

2005-07-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Since my fancy new layout needs a little love here's a photo for you instead while I figure out what the hell was wrong. This one is for J (m) of J n J fame - its where my new header was taken from...

Guess what I did while recovering...

2005-07-23T20:27:00.000-07:00

yup - I did a bit of a spruce up around these parts.

Its not quite there yet, but its well on the way

Thanks Mr Weather, no... really

2005-07-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

So, I'm feeling rather under the weather right now, and I've decided to blame it on the good old San Francisco summer. Hot 1 day, cold the next...

I'm feeling pretty miserable right now, so miserable, I can't even knit! Perish the thought.

So, I'm snuggling up in bed watching a pre pubescent Christian Bale, some pseudoephedrine and a nice hot chocolate with a little extra something ;)

Well this test was better

2005-07-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's nice to be getting good at something... at least this test tells me that

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting
and do it all the time. While finishing a piece
is the plan, you still love the process, and
can't imagine a day going by without giving
some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation
involves leaving ample space for the stash and
supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn
ends and you begin.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

I'll get me coat

2005-07-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

OOPSIE!

You Are 18% American

You're as American as Key Lime Tofu Pie
Otherwise known as un-American!
You belong in Cairo or Paris...
Get out fast - before you end up in Gitmo!

How American Are You?

Looks like I went on vacation by mistake

Thanks to Hari for this

What the fuck is that?

2005-07-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

Just because I can...

The joys of Fraggle Stick Car

London calling

2005-07-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

So, it turns out that the uncle and aunt aren't in London right now, but at their holiday home on the Isle of Wight (where I grew up, for those you don't know).

That explains why I couldn't get through on the ol' phone lines after I got a connection . That's a big "phew".

I'm still waiting to hear from some old Uni friends, but I'm of pragmatic mind - statistically speaking I'm sure they are fine.

I'd like to thank all friends and strangers who expressed their concern. My thoughts now go out to those have been drawn into this more than I have.

I think the last 24 hours or so have taken their toll on me since I'm now feeling dreadful, so I'm taking some time to collect myself.

Hope things are ok

2005-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is ok :(

My heart goes out to Londoners right now, and I hope my family and friends are ok.

I've tried to call my relatives and friends there and am having little luck getting through, and my maman is not answering her phone... (Most of my immediate family don't live London, although I do have Uncles and Aunts there as well as a good chunk of my university friends).

I'm feeling pretty crap right now, and am having a struggle getting my butt into work

On the subject of bad films...

2005-07-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

So... I'm in the midst of a heated discussion about the craptastic Uwe Boll.

If you want to read it... click below

For those of your who have remained oblivious to his legacy... He's mainly responsible for turning video game franchises into movies (Alone in the Dark, House of the Dead, Bloodrayne, Dungeon Siege , Far Cry etc etc)

On one hand... I have a gang of nerdy gamer friends saying he is spectacularly shit (with sample quotes below):-
“I’m pretty sure I could get a camera and a bunch of guys and make a better movie than that.”
“The movie is so bad, it actually lowers the overall curve, so all other movies look better.”
“Why does the movie randomly cut to the arcade game?”
“The action scenes definitely capture the feeling of playing House of the Dead; standing still and shooting.”

On the other hand, I have a good friend telling me its pretty good.

The gamer geeks have actually dared me to see House of the Dead its so bad...

and this is coming from people who look forward to spending $10 to go see Collateral or War of the Worlds and then wonder why it was so bad, then to complain that "there are no good movies to watch" - the words "independant film" might as well be spoken in Serbo Croat

Surely it must be bad if people are driven to this:- http://www.uweboll.com

But how does he manage to do this?

What is a girl to do?

I guess I'll watch it (I can always knit through it!)

Where did I start?

More genius Revenge of the Sith tales

2005-07-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

If I could pee laughing at work, I would have when someone sent me this

"Do not WANNNNNNNNNNNNNT!"

Pure genius, and quite possibly this makes the film better.

Read and learn, Lucas, this is how to craft engaging dialog

blah blah blah

2005-07-06T07:57:00.001-07:00

Here are a few quick picks of my new Elspeth bolero thingy from Rowan mag #37. It reminds me of something that would cost $150 at Anthropologie...

I made the 1st 4 or 5 rows 3 times before I figured out what the hell was going on (with much help from J (f) of J and J fame).

Word of warning - if you are making the small size pattern - don't do any of the increase / decrease pattern stiches if they are split by the stupid size line - just ignore it. If you do, you'll end up with extra stitches very quickly, which will balls up the design nicely.

btw - color is less "lime" more "celery" or something...

and what a bunch of bs...

2005-07-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Why do I waste my time and do these things?

Your Inner European is French!

Smart and sophisticated.

You have the best of everything - at least, *you* think so.

Who's Your Inner European?

When I first completed it, I was Irish - so I went back to see if I could make myself English, and I turned out French. Shows how crap it is, if it mistakes an English woman for either Irish or French.

*sigh* I need to get knitting, I'm obviously in a pretty bad mood

I've got the Clap

2005-07-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

So I finished the Clapotis, including blocking. I'll post pics soon, but all I can say is MAN, I WISH I HADN'T BLOCKED IT!

It took out all the cool "ruffling" look.

I'm a bit pissed now. Hopefully it will come back, but I'm not holding my breath

*UPDATE* - so here's the finished result...

Any suggestions for unblocking?!

Lovely start to the holidays!

2005-07-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

What a lovely start to the holiday weekend! Its so nice out, so I'm heading out on the town soon to pick up some fabric and parade around!

So, I have a few new goodies to work on, and I have to just saw how much I ADORE Knit Pixie. I picked up some yarn to make the boobholder and orangina (from the fabulous glampyre) as well as a cute pattern for this neckwarmer thing - and they added some free yarn that they thought might be more appropriate than the ones I ordered! You ladies ROCK! Thank you :)

I broke my yarn diet, and had to take a trip back to Artfibers to pick up some more of the Tsuki to make Marianne, but I also picked up some fabbo Kyoto.

Click the button for more details and photorific fun...

In addition, I got an organizer from Knit Couture, this will hopefully aid me to become a total anally organized freak...

It has these really cool pocket things to keep yarn labels, swatches, photos, notes whatever all in 1 place and hopefully not on my bedroom floor.

Also from Glampyre - I have a stash busting One Skein Wonder pattern

...and a mesh deep v neck tank to use up the last of my R2 paper tape left over from my wonky V.

Here's ArtFibers beautiful red Kyoto to make... something that takes about 550yds (it is 69% silk, 25% super kid mohair and 6% extra fine wool - about 3.5 gauge on sixe 10.5 US - any suggestions?)

On the right, is the extra Tsuki for Marianne, and on the left is the 1st set of joy from Knit Pixie for the Elizabeth neck warmer thing. I bought the SWTC Optimum DK 100% wool and the Habu Kusu 60% mohair, 40% silk blend. The lovely ladies at Knit Pixie thought the Karabella lace mohair went better, so they added that in for free!

Lastly we have (also from Knit Pixie) some Karabella Vintage Cotton and Zodiac. One of them is for that boobholder, the other for something else that I've totally forgotten... I can't remember which was for which...

I guess it'll come to me soon enough.

In the meantime... Happy 4th and all that, I'm off to buy some sexy silk for some camisoles :)

Where did I start?

Wowzers

2005-07-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

Man, I'm pretty cute as an odd, online generated doll

Screw knitting over the 4th of July long weekend, I now pledge to complete my doll look

Progress and Tsuki

2005-06-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

So, for the benefit of those on the knitty board looking for my new found Kid Silk Haze sub, Tsuki from Artfibers, here is a photo of it

And then... just a quick update on the clapotis - just started the decrease rows.

I must be very proud of myself

2005-06-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, yes, I am - I finally figured out how to make expandable posts.

Whilst its not too pretty right now, it works. Trust me, this is a huge step.

So - I'll thrill you with some random photos, including a mystical photo of the wonky v and the contents of my very first Sampler

Such cool things in the Sampler!

Looking grumpy in a Wonky V with something weird happening to my earrings
Oh so arty farty

Oh... but there is more!

Dr L looking so cute

All washed out

Barney or the police - tough choice
Where did I start?

Emotional clutch

2005-06-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

So here is the "practically" finished Clutch I whipped up in a few hours

Just as a reminder, it is made from Spunky Ecletic's handspun Falkland Wool in Radioactive Melon 4 from Knit Pixie

Its supposedly 160 yds, but I had JUST enough to finish the pattern when I obmitted 1 final row - so unfortunately, I have to figure out what to make a strap for it with.

Apart from that, I think its pretty cool - and now I know how it would feel to knit with my sister's hair.

Are you feeling Prideful?

2005-06-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

So, there are a few times a year I just have to get out of Dodge, and Pink Saturday is one of them. It's not that I don't feel any Pride for those who require it, its because my block is turned into a huge party until 2am by the delightful and donation worthy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as part of San Francisco's legendary Pride celebrations.

Let me reiterate... right outside my window, until 2am... I hear high BPM stuff until way later than I need to hear it. However tempting it may be to watch the nearly naked, gym spending bods gyrate until the earlier hours, but there is nothing more likely to spoil my morning cappuccino than someone else's hangover.

The triangle went up (as seen from my back deck)... and then the true invasion began at about 7pm on Saturday night.

So, I grabbed Clapotis, and headed to S's place.

Good progress was made, although I now have "knitters finger". To break the monotony of counting for drop stitches, I picked up a couple of advil, the Sim Hair Yarn, and started to knit the Paintbox clutch. And... Um.... I'm nearly done with it.

I also finally finished sewing in the ends of Angelina and the Phildar wonky v neck. I'll post pictures when I'm not too embarrassed to ask someone else to take photos of me.

Lastly this is for J (m) of J and J fame. Its an unofficial bonus photo for your birthday photo scavenger hunt :)

Minty out

Sampler on it's way?

2005-06-24T22:46:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell pretty much anyone, but I managed to subscribe to The Sampler

I'm pretty excited to say it should arrive next week sometime.

Thank you!

2005-06-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

So - my little progress bars are now working!

Many thanks to Redflyer over at the knitty forum for posting the code (that her husband wrote) to make the magic work, and her offer of help when things were a bit screwy.

Thank you thank you :)

Why oh why...

2005-06-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

So - I tried to get all fancy and add some status bars to the blog - they only semi work.... Stink Nuggets...

In other news, I'm going to be helping a co-worker learn to knit. She is pregnant (congrats K!) and wants to knit a hat that she has tried with no luck. So.... I said we should take a lunch time shopping trip to ArtFibers (about a 5 min walk from work) to pick up supplies, and we can have a baby knit a long! What fun, I can't wait :)

I've also been partaking in J (m) of J and J fame's super duper birthday photo scavenger hunt. So much fun!... I might have to steal the idea :) Check out the results

Last, but not least, I hope to finish wonky Phildar today... It looks pretty cool - we'll see...

The KWA update

2005-06-13T23:13:00.000-07:00

So - here are some random updates on random projects from the Knitter With Attitude.

I finished the back / front of the "Starburst tank" (still have time for Pride!) - and I’ve got bored with stripes for now.

Instead of continuing, I decided to cast on my paper sweater (that green asymmetric sweater from a prev. post)...

24 hours later - here's the back!

Also received today - my Japanese yarn and suprise sample booklet.

Makes me laugh so much

2005-06-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

Now, I loved Napoleon Dynamite... this is the tops... just... ACE!

Oh boy...

2005-06-04T15:57:00.001-07:00

So, today was the official start of the sale at Imagiknit and true to fashion, M, J(f) of J and J fame and myself went to see what was on offer. At the crack of dawn (11am) on a Saturday we were sat outside waiting for them to open.

We each had our lists of potential projects and yarn requirements, and here is my outcome

Yeah, I know... its a LOT.

Admittedly, not ALL of it was purchased there. Some is from recent online shipments. Those with eagle eyes will also spot a surprise present that I got for S, and hope he will like.

For different eagle eyed yarn types, there is (left to right):-

A couple of balls of Rowan Polar that is DISCONTINUED!!!! - total speculative purchase based on the reasoning that "when its gone, its gone, I might as well hoard" - Lavender colo(u)r
About 7 hanks of K1C2 - Gourmet Collection Souffle - for a 3/4 sleeve vneck sweater with sequins in the current Phildar - grey and a little shimmery
Secret present
A stack of Rowan yorkshire tweed 4ply for another Phildar little wrap over cardigan - Raspberry kind of color

R2 Paper tape yarn (at top) in pink, for an assymetrical sweater (again 7 balls). Yes... its PAPER... I've been dying to buy this for a while but have resisted due to a) cost b) no purpose - both of my conditions changed, so I was happy to get it

3 balls of grey / beige Kidsilk Haze (middle) for my rip off of the Eternity Shawl in a post below

That's the end of today's shopping spree - the rest are:-

(far right)nearly 700 yarns of 50/50 wool / silk hand painted yarn from Lisa Souza that arrived and
(far bottom right) 4 skeins of Lorna's Laces, Lion and Lamb in Black Purl for my Clapotis. I'm such a band wagon jumper...

You can probably see my current colo(u)r obsession

Huge knitty update

2005-06-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Its finished! The Angelina Vintage Jacket!

It took a while and I don't want to see ribbing for some time - but after a sea of blocking...

...it is too big.. I'll reblock when I can be bothered, but I kind of like the alternative bat wing wearing method

After that I needed a quick project to revitalize my enthusiasm, so I knocked out the modified
Spiderweb capelet over Memorial Day.

Oooo action shot!

I currently have this project on the needles, using different colors and not such stupid hair

I call it my fruity tank, hopefully it will be ready for Pride...

Then... I want to figure out the pattern for this. Its an outrageously expensive moebius scarf with a really pretty pattern (that I can't figure out! - I need a good stitch dictionary - anyone have one?)

The sale at Imagiknit is fast approaching, and I'm getting quite a few shipments of crazy ass stuff from online whim purchases.

Oh... and the new TV arrived. Its very pretty - now my 4 channels can be shown wide! Although the bunny ears can't really cope very well.

Fraggle Stick Car

Total hermit

Hey give my money back!

More on stitches aftermath!

The triumphant return

Stitches West - here I come!

Some yarn related updates! aka the cloche that nearly destroyed me

Not as well travelled as I thought

Trouble with the law

It began in Africa ca ca ca

Humph *24 spoiler alert*

Surprised? Me neither

Bad blogger

Ummm...

How I love days off

Normal posting now resumes

The other side of immigration reform...

Whoever "they" are... I hate you

Score!

Trying something new...

I am acceptable!

C is for Crappy...

V for Vendetter

The tale of how I found out about my angora alergy

Another year older... but... lots of knitting news!

Knitting updates!

They say its my Birthday!

Bad blogger

SP7 Questions!

Secret Pal 7

Later suckers!

Post # 100! Woot!

Jeez - look at all those nearly finished things!

They are out!

I'm sorry credit card

Knitting demon

Well hello hello

I'm here!

Snippets

A Brit on the Road is worth 3 in the bar

I'm back part 1

60 years...

Updates from Middle Earth

I made it!

So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, goodnight

A note to my as yet anonymous Secret Pal

Bad Day

Where I'm from...

What to do...

Pirates on Folsom Street YARRRR!

This is for J (m) of J n J fame

Sickening

It's red, it's shiny... it's my new vest!

Awesome

Well Golly Carol

Yeah, that was fun

blog rename?

NEWS FLASH!

For pending european vacationers

Holiday! Celebrate!

LOL @ moveee

Dreaming of a holiday...

I've been tagged...

Revealing the super secrets!

Oh lordy

Mini cupcakes, fat shakers and stich markers - OH MY!

Damn Damn Damn

Diet?... what diet?

Jesus horses Mk 2

So exciting ... mandatory boring progress shots...

Super secret surprises and other stuff

Happy Birthday Doorman!

Hell LA

well damn

Guess what I did while recovering...

Thanks Mr Weather, no... really

Well this test was better

I'll get me coat

What the fuck is that?

London calling

Humph 24 spoiler alert