3 winning tickets

Not a single one was mine. darnit!!

Sorry about the delay in posting. I wish I could say it was because I had won the lottery, but it was really just because I was in class all weekend and have been a bit burned out.

Although I haven't been knitting much over the last week or so, I did look through my new Rowan and Knitter's magazines. Although some of the designs may grow on me over time, I'm not really crazy about anything in either mag. I kind of like Liv, in the Rowan magazine. But I can honestly say that I wouldn't have the patience to embroider each of those flowers onto the sweater, and they're the reason why I like the sweater. I did notice the advertisement that Rowan will be coming out with a collection of vintage styles in September. I'll be keeping my eye out for that, because I love vintage styles!

I also received the yarn I ordered for another tank top. Here's what try number 2 will be made out of.

Wanna see a close up?

I don't normally like variegated yarns, but the only solid colors that Elann had left were very, very bright. Since the yarn was so inexpensive, I figured it would be worth a shot.

Warning: kitty content ahead!

I was working on a homework assignment for most of the morning. Once it was done, I decided to set up my yarn for a photo shoot (so to speak). Well, the cats were completely out of it. Here's a wide shot of the yarn.

See the tail peeking out from under the couch cover? Here's a better shot.

That tail belongs to Mom Cat. She did eventually emerge, but she's not a big fan of having her picture taken. Over on the other side of the room was Penny.

She looks a bit out of it, doesn't she? Sean got some great photos of her. Unfortunately, I'm running short on time today, but I'll make sure to post these later in the week.

I'm outta here!

A bit RAOK thanks

I just wanted to send a big thanks out to the RAOK-ers who have sent e-cards recently (KnitSteph was generous enough to send a gift certificate to Adagio Teas!). I've wanted to thank everyone individually, but the greetings have been coming in fast and furious. So, instead, here's a big group thank you!

By the way, I picked up a couple of California lottery tickets today. These babies are winners - I can feel it in my bones! So if I don't post again, it's because I'm kicking back on a beach somewhere. I'm sure everyone will understand.

I have to apologize...

to my hubby's mom for this next sentence.

(as I'm dancing around the room)
My hubby's back! My hubby's back! My hubby's back!

Sorry mom!

I spent Wednesday morning at my internship. For those who don't know, I currently work at an academic law library, and I often have no idea what the students are asking me. So I figured that by working at the reference desk of a community college, I would actually feel pretty smart. I mean, I attended a community college right out of high school and then went on to get an undergrad degree. I've got lots more schooling than these folks. Um, yeah. Some of the questions I fielded were about logarithms (uh, that's math, right?), rock formations in Jerusalem (should I tell the student that I barely managed to pass my own geology and geography classes?), and how to use an atlas (people still use these things?).

I also think I accidentally helped the student using the atlas cheat for her assignment. We were trying to find the longitude and lattitude of the Andes Mountains (again, I felt really stupid when I had to guess if they were in South America) and I remembered there was an index at the back of the book. So, I found the listing of the mountains and pointed out the page number which would have the map. Then I said, "Oh look, they give you the lattitude and longitude right here in the index." I sure hope the assignment wasn't requiring them to use the actual map, because I guarantee she wasn't. oops!

Sadly, I haven't touched my knitting in the last couple of days. Hopefully I'll be able to work on some this weekend (when I'm not in class).

T.G.I.A.F. (Thank God It's Almost Friday)

Could it be a sign?

There's yet another finished Apricot cardigan (check out Skinny Rabbit!). Is this a sign that I should knit this jacket instead of Audrey? I suppose I shouldn't get too excited yet. I don't even own the Rebecca magazine that has this pattern. But it does get me to thinking. hmmm....

I don't have any knitting updates since I was at my internship this afternoon (my first day was great, by the way!). So, I thought I'd provide you with another of my blonde moments.

Way back when, right out of my undergrad, I was working for a company that sold audio/visual products. You know, camcorders, microphones, that kind of stuff. I worked in the data entry department, in case you wondered/cared/gave a you-know-what. Anyhoo, everyday when the roach coach came by, I'd get a bottle of orange juice and a muffin and hang out in the break room with some of the folks from the accounting and shipping departments. One day, I got to the break room first. I opened my oj, took a sip, and then started in on my muffin. A few co-workers came in and we started chatting. As I was talking, I picked up my oj and gave it a good couple of shakes. Problem is... the lid was still off. Yep. Orange juice was flinging across the break room. Most of it managed to land on me, but my co-workers were a bit damp as well as the table, the floor, the walls. Well, I think you get the picture. (I bet you didn't believe me when I said that I had blonde moments!)

:-)

Socks - 2, Nancy - 0

Well, I managed to get cast onto my dpn's. But as soon as I got about an inch of the leg knitted up, I knew there was no way they would be big enough to fit my abnormally large ankles and calves. So, I ripped again and am re-working the pattern to include more stitches. I think the third time will be the charm!

I didn't have an entirely bad knitting day. I got to hang out with the BAWDies today. A friend of mine joined us, which was fun. I taught her to knit last year, but we haven't had the chance to sit down and knit together since then. I worked on my drop stitch scarf while there and then on my Bailey hat tonight. I've gotten up to the decreases, so with any luck I can have it done in the next week or so. This is assuming my homework isn't too time consuming. I haven't exactly looked at my assignments yet. I suppose I should do so, considering school is starting tomorrow and everything. :-)

I start my internship tomorrow. Wish me luck!

A quickie before bed

Hey, hey - get yer mind out of the gutter! I tried to post earlier today, but Blogger was being finicky and not letting me do so. I watched a couple of chick flicks tonight on cable (My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Sweet Home Alabama) and thought I'd try once more before crawling into bed. I finally got in.

I feel like I've been running all week, so it was nice to watch a couple of movies and get some knitting done. Before I give you a glimpse of my movie knitting, I owe a picture of a project I started last week.

Yes, I realize this is the 3rd project I'm working on that's beige. I must have been in a very vanilla mood when I started all of these things. This is the Irish Hiking Scarf and I decided to start one after seeing Becky's. I had a stash of Berroco's Softwist that I had purchased for a cable scarf, but never started after I decided I didn't like the pattern. I can't quite figure out why it's called "soft" twist, because this fabric is scratchy as hell. I've decided to put this on hold until I can wash a swatch and see if it softens up. Otherwise, I'll have to find better yarn, because I really do like the pattern.

In order to get away from all of this beige, I've started working on my Bailey hat (designed by my friend Tina over at Knitwhits!). I had tried one quite a while ago, but I, um... didn't, um... make a swatch (I know!) and managed to run out of yarn before I even got to the decreases. oops! So, I'm trying this again. I actually made a swatch this time and discovered I had to drop down 2 (count 'em - two!) needle sizes to get guage. No wonder I had problems last time!

I also attempted to start my socks today, but the dpn's won the battle and I pulled it all out (well, all 2 rows). I'll try again tomorrow. Er, today. Just realized how late it is! Ok, gotta get my tired self in bed. Tomorrow's my last day of freedom before school starts and I have to make the most of it!

Life without TiVo

I just commented over at J Strizzy's blog about my current lack of TiVo, and thought I'd continue to lament here. sigh... We've had our TiVo for about four years, and it finally died last weekend. There's the chance that it could simply need a new hard drive. But, as we contemplated ordering one, we realized that it could be more than that and the only way to find out is to send our baby back to the manufacturer. Who knows how long (and costly) that could be. Since TiVo is currently having a sale (only $99 for their 40 hour box!), we've decided instead that we're going go ahead and get TWO new boxes - one for the living room and one for the bedroom. whee! Only problem is, Sean (aka "hubby") is out of town until next Wednesday. So, I'll have to continue living without my TiVo for a little longer. sigh...

To keep me calm during this time of crisis, I got some Rowan Calmer in a deep green color during my Uncommon Threads expedition. I've been in love with Audrey since I first saw the design, which is why I got the yarn. But, as I was blog-hopping this morning, I discovered this. I had seen this pattern in the latest Rebecca magazine, but I wasn't crazy about it. But now, after seeing Clara's, I think I'm in love with this jacket. The guage is ever-so-slightly different, but I think Calmer would work. So, now I have to decide whether to stick with my first love or switch to my current crush. Of course, I've promised myself that I won't tackle any "real" sweaters until I can manage to create a tank top that I'm willing to wear in public. I'm lacking in self-confidence in the knit garment department, and I don't want to spend the time and energy on yet another sweater that will never see the light of day. Hopefully the answer will come to me in the upcoming months (or, I'll find another sweater that I absolutely HAVE to make during that time).

Happy Friday to everyone! Oh - and thanks to Steph and Kae for the wonderful e-cards!

An update later in the day...

My hubby and mom (well, his mom technically, but my mom now too) sent two dozen red roses to me at work to let me know that they wish I could be back in PA with them. Awww! I'm married to the sweetest guy and have the greatest MiL in the world!! I think I'll keep 'em! (If I had the digital camera, I'd take pictures. But I don't. So you'll have to trust me that the flowers are beautiful!)

As Wendy would say - pressies!

I came home from work last night to find a package waiting for me. Can you guess who it's from? No. No. Not them either. Ok, I'll just tell you. My Secret Pal! Part of the package were some stitch markers so beautiful that it seems a shame not to wear them as jewelry. I'll have the best dressed knitting projects in town! I also got some yummy Gingerpeach-Hemp lip balm. AND I got DGB Confetti sock yarn! I've been wanting to try my hand at socks for ages now, but I've needed a nudge in the right direction. I would say that this is the nudge I needed! The colors are perfect for me, too. It's mostly off-white with light blue, gray, and beiges running throughout. As soon as I have the digital camera again, I'll be sure to take some belated pictures. Thank you for the gifts Secret Pal!!

Another thank you goes to...

Lisa for letting me know that Amy's poncho pattern was from her May 9th blog entry. Thanks Lisa!!

Another project on the knitting needles at the moment is this drop stitch scarf

The yarn is a thick-thin cotton viscose that a member of BAWDies gave me. Here's a close-up of the stitches

This scarf isn't typically my style, but I couldn't find any other stitch patterns that worked well with this yarn. Hopefully I'll like it when it's done. If not, the scarf may be going to a home that can give it the love it deserves.

Shopping!

I went to Imagiknit on Monday and managed to leave with... nothing. My yarn budget is a bit low right now, so I couldn't find anything that I could afford. So, I'm going to try again over at Uncommon Threads in Los Altos. I have a gift certificate, so I'm definitely walking out with some yarn today!

Random thoughts

Well, I dropped my hubby off at the airport. He'll be in NY for a couple of days on business, then he jets over to PA to visit with family for a week. Will the mouse play while the cat's away? Nah, but I do have some girl-nights planned for this weekend. And, I might get a lot of knitting done since I don't sleep so well when he's not home.

Speaking of knitting

Since the hubby has taken the digital camera with him, I tried to take some pictures of my works-in-progress before he left. They aren't extremely exciting, but I'll try to extend the little bit of excitement there is to be had by only posting one project per blog entry. Oh, the anticipation! For today, here's a picture of a poncho that I'm working on.

(I know, it's a boring picture. But I did warn you.)

I'm using a bulky kid alpaca that is soooooo soft! I'm using a basic poncho pattern that Amy (of Knitty.com) posted on her blog (I think it was posted in early July, but I can't get to her archives to find out for sure). Of course, I'm finally going to finish it and then the Bay area's warm weather will kick in.

Random Acts of Kindness

Earlier this month I discovered this great group being formed by Vidardottir and KnitSteph. It's a great way to spontaneously do something nice for another knitter. It can be fiber related, but it can also just be a simple e-card to brighten someone's day. Which, by the way, KnitSteph was nice enought to do for all of the RAOK members on Friday. Thanks KnitSteph!!

Secret Pals

I'm really enjoying the Secret Pals 2 program so far. I've been debating on whether to join the Secret Pals 3 that will be starting in September. If school wasn't on the horizon, I'd jump at it. But, I want to make sure that I have time to focus on my current Secret Pal and I also want to do some nice things for the RAOK members (which I want to do, but I haven't had time to think of anything yet). Decisions, decisions.

With that, I'm off to Imagiknit.

A crazy week

I can sum up my week in these three words - school is starting. The law school library where I work has been gearing up for the new students that are starting next week. We had to get everything spiffy and organized last week and then we've had ongoing library tours this week. Also, my own classes start up in a couple of weeks, so I'm trying to get ready for them. On top of that, I'm the membership coordinator for a student organization which has been lacking in leadership for the last couple of years. Thankfully, we have a great group of officers this year, and we really want to get the organization back into shape. Unfortunately, this means a lot of work leading up to the new student orientation that's happening this Saturday. So, what all of this means, is that I haven't touched my knitting this week. I did manage to start a scarf last Sunday, but I decided it was too wide and ripped it all out. So, no pictures until I get it started again.

For your enjoyment

What I'm trying to say is that I don't have anything interesting to talk about right at the moment. So, I thought I'd provide you with a "blonde moment" story from my past. (Oh, by the way, the red hair ain't real. I'm actually a blonde). So, for your enjoyment....

Once upon a time, I worked with a group of administrative assistants at a major corporation. One day my boss Barb, a co-worker Deb, and I decided to grab some lunch. My co-worker, who smoked, told us she'd meet us at the bottom of the parking structure. So, my boss and I went up to the top floor to get her car and drive down to meet her. She unlocks the doors and I push the passenger seat forward in order to get into the back seat. However, no matter how hard I squeezed, I just could not get into the back. My boss was turned in her seat looking back at me for several moments while I tried different maneuverings. Eventually, she asked me what I was doing. So, I explained to her that I was trying to be nice and get in the backseat so Deb could sit in the front. She paused a few seconds and then finally explained... "I have a four-door."

True story (I have lots of 'em).

I own too much stuff

I know the people who know me best have just read the above statement and are now in a state of shock. "What? Nancy owns too much stuff? I don't believe it!"

Ok, in all honesty, I'm a pack rat. Once I come into ownership of an item, I have a very hard time getting rid of it. Especially if I've been able to attach some sort of memory to that item. This, in fact, is a fate worse than death. I'm not talking about ticket stubs from a date. Those little items are pretty easy to contain in a single shoebox. I'm talking about large items. Items like a sweater. The sweater I wore on my first date with my husband. I think I was pushing the age-limit with the style when I wore it almost 11 years ago. There's no way I can wear it at my current age. But... I can't seem to put it in the donation box. I've got hundreds of these kinds of items that I'm attached to. I'm hoping that if I say this out loud, that maybe I can detach and be free! (Can you tell that I spent the entire day trying to clean?)

Now that I've bored you to tears, I'll tell you about Sunday...

To me, any day that includes interacting with animals is a good one. Sunday was excellent. First, I visited with my friend/co-worker Janet and her horse Angel. I've never really been around horses, and am a tad intimidated by them. I got to watch Janet groom Angel and ride him for a bit. I even was brave enough to pat him on the side a few times. I brought my camera along, of course!

Angel was so excited to get some exercise
(wish I could do the same)


I just like this shot


This too

In the afternoon, I met up with the gals from BAWDies (Bay Area Wool Divas don't ya know). We met at Valencia Street Bookstore, which is owned by one of the BAWDies, Amanda. I love meeting at the bookstore, because Amanda has comfy chairs and couches, you can browse through the bookstore, and (best of all) play with Grumblebunny!

Grumblebunny is quite a scamp! She has a yarn addiction (just like the rest of us) and she'll crawl into your knitting bag if you're not careful. Tina is probably Grumblebunny's favorite BAWDie (aside from her mommy, of course!), because she'll actually let the kitty play with her yarn.

Sorry about the blurry shot!

Speaking of Tina, if you have the latest edition of Vogue Knitting, be sure to check out the write-up they did on Tina's company, Knitwhits! (Better yet, visit her site and buy a kit or two!!)

Now that I've relived my fun from yesterday, I suppose I should try and put the house back in order. How is that cleaning actually makes a bigger mess?

Answers for my Secret Pal

Since a lot of folks in the Secret Pal ring are answering the questions that Heidi suggested, I figured I'd join in. If you're not my Secret Pal, then you're lucky enough to find out this stuff about me for no reason at all. :-)

(By the way, a big thank you to my Secret Pal for the e-card!).

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

I have to admit that I am a yarn snob. However, I also buy yarn to suit the project. If a Lion Brand yarn is well-suited to a project, then that's the yarn I'll get.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I'm trying to learn both.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

I'm allergic to strong perfumes and smoke. Thankfully, I'm not allergic to pets or fibers.

4. How long have you been knitting?

About 4 years.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes. (click here)

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I try to avoid heavy scents for my bath products. But, I love scented candles. I tend to lean towards vanilla, cinnamon, and other spicy scents.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I'm learning how to bead. I also love to learn new things so I'll probably try soapmaking and quilting and other crafts at some point. But, it'll probably be when I have more space.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if you want to make her a CD)

Hmmm... not sure what you call the music I listen to. I like stations that play bands like Matchbox 20. I was in high school during the late 80's, so I LOVE bands from that era (especially Duran Duran).

I'm hoping to buy an mp3 player in the next few weeks, so I'm going to answer a hopeful yes to that question.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?

I'm drawn towards neutrals, but I'm forcing myself to branch out more. The only color I don't really like is yellow.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have a husband and two cats. All three are neurotic.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

To win the lottery so that I can buy any yarn I want whenever I feel like it and knit all day long.
Ok, seriously... my sister and I have talked about our dream of opening up a yarn store one day that will be attached to a cafe her husband will run. With some cajoling, I can hopefully get "mom" to come out and run the store with us.

Cotton cocktail

I've completed one tank top in mercerized cotton and another with 100% cotton. Both stretched quite a bit, and I just wasn't happy with them. So, I'm thinking that maybe a cotton blend is the way to go. Maybe? I was browsing through elann.com and found Filaturo Di Crosa Mirto, which is a cotton, viscose rayon, and linen blend. Any ideas if this would bounce back? It seems like the cotton and linen would stretch, but I don't know anything about rayon. Would it be enough to hold the fabric in place?

Anyone have any other yarn ideas?

Sigh... I should probably give up on tank tops and work on some sweaters, but I'm determined to make a tank top that I like and wear darnit!

Everything you never wanted to know... and more!

I've decided to take a cue from Lynn, and provide some helpful hints about myself for my Secret Pal.

- I got married last November to the most wonderful guy. He not only understands me, but he loves me anyway!
- I'm originally from Arizona (Scottsdale to be specific).
- I'm in my early 30's.
- My birthday is the day before Halloween.
- I'm in my final year of my Masters of Library and Information Science program (I'm hoping to become an academic reference librarian!).
- I have a corny sense of humor, and because of my new career path, I tend to like library-related jokes.
- I have two cats and can't wait to bring a dog into my life.
- I have a sensitive nose and am, unfortunately, allergic to most scents.
- I love milk chocolate (especially when coupled with caramel, marshmallow, crispies, etc.), but dislike dark and white chocolates.
- I tend to wear lots of dark browns, blacks, and tans, although I've begun to really like lots of bright, bold patterns.
- I have an insane desire to snowshoe - yet I'm never in the snow.
- I love to learn knew things and have attempted the following at some point in time: knitting (of course), spinning, sabre fencing, belly dancing, charcoal drawing, yoga, cycling, kickboxing, swimming (I never learned as a kid), Japanese. I'd also like to learn quilting, weaving, tai chi, rock-wall climbing (indoors only, I'm not that adventurous!), beading, sewing, crocheting, ice skating, skiing. I'm not very athletic, so it's no surprise that knitting is the only hobby that I've tried and become obsessed with.

Speaking of KNITTING...
- My Mother-in-law (aka "mom") taught me how to knit almost four years ago.
- She lives in Pennsylvania and manages to answer most of my knitting questions over the phone.
- I taught my sister how to knit almost two years ago. She's in Arizona and it's my turn to answer knitting questions over the phone.
- My favorite part about knitting is the planning stage - looking at patterns, picking out yarn, etc.
- I'm attempting to write my own patterns.
- I'm not a huge fan of novelty yarns. Instead, I prefer smaller guage, smooth yarns. I also tend to lean towards simpler patterns and garments that have clean lines.
- I'm attempting to learn how to spin, although I don't have as much time to dedicate to it as I'd like. I've only been using a drop spindle, but I'd like to try my hand at a wheel one of these days.

I'm sure there's more you don't want to know about me, but that's all I can think of right now!

Out for a test drive

I decided to wear my newly finished, first-time-try-at-designing, tank out today, hoping that I might like it more after I'd worn it for the day.

Wanna see the back?

Unfortunately, I'm still not crazy about it. The "wings" at the waist (where I made the shaping decreases too close together) didn't bother me a lot. But, the armholes are simply way too big. Plus, the yarn is a little too heavy for a summer style tank top. I'm going to try and find a smaller guage cotton yarn (maybe a blend?) and try re-working the pattern a bit.

While I was out test driving my tank today, I managed to get a speeding ticket when driving on the 101. I was cited for driving 81 with a posted speed limit of 65. Oops! I think I took the test drive expression a little too literally.

:-)