I can't believe I've been away for so long. I'm not gone permanently though. I'm now very happily married (eventually will get photos posted and thank you cards sent), knitting furiously ( a couple of people might actually get some handmade gifts this holiday season), and improving my bowling.
I'll have lots to talk about as I get back into blogging.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Friday, September 19, 2008
Goodbye Ike
Well, things are slowly getting back to normal here in Ohio after our windstorm this past Sunday. We were very lucky in our neighborhood; while we didn't have power for about 77 hours, there wasn't a lot of damage on our street. Can't say the same for the people one street over who have a tree on top of their car. I saw quite a bit of damage in our driving each evening to find an open restaurant for some hot food...there's only so many peanut butter and honey sandwiches that one person can eat in a week.
I'm happy to have our power back and hopefully everyone will get their power back this weekend. I missed my computer and my CPAP (which we eventually powered using a boat battery and a power inverter); also hated throwing out so much food (what a waste), but those were the only real hardships. I did get a lot of use out of my World Band Receiver which has a built in flashlight and a hand crank.
I was rather amused by some of the concerns expressed by individuals on the local radio stations. Considering the damage that some families received...is the loss of TV for a few days/week really that important? It's just TV, there was probably nothing worth watching other than the news coverage of the storm and you can just walk outside to see that for yourself. I stopped watching TV about 10 years ago and you know what? I don't miss it much at all. Good shows, and even some not so good ones, eventually make it to DVD and can be easily borrowed from the library if one is so desperate to watch it. Besides, when one's free time is so limited, why waste it on TV?
I'm happy to have our power back and hopefully everyone will get their power back this weekend. I missed my computer and my CPAP (which we eventually powered using a boat battery and a power inverter); also hated throwing out so much food (what a waste), but those were the only real hardships. I did get a lot of use out of my World Band Receiver which has a built in flashlight and a hand crank.
I was rather amused by some of the concerns expressed by individuals on the local radio stations. Considering the damage that some families received...is the loss of TV for a few days/week really that important? It's just TV, there was probably nothing worth watching other than the news coverage of the storm and you can just walk outside to see that for yourself. I stopped watching TV about 10 years ago and you know what? I don't miss it much at all. Good shows, and even some not so good ones, eventually make it to DVD and can be easily borrowed from the library if one is so desperate to watch it. Besides, when one's free time is so limited, why waste it on TV?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Award Time
Last week, the lovely Tina gave me this award:
The rules for receiving this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog. (done)
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you. (done)
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. (see below)
4. Add links to those blogs on yours. (done) Here are my nominees:
Deborah's Daily Dilemmas
Finish Your Row
Knitting Iris
Kody May Knits
L.A. is My Beat (note: memory intensive, but worth it)
Monster Crochet
nerd knits
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs. (Will do..)
Thanks to the bloggers above for sharing their lives, thoughts and talent. I've gotten a lot out of reading their blogs over the last couple of years.
Tina - Thanks so much for the award! It really lit up a gloomy week.
The rules for receiving this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog. (done)
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you. (done)
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs. (see below)
4. Add links to those blogs on yours. (done) Here are my nominees:
Deborah's Daily Dilemmas
Finish Your Row
Knitting Iris
Kody May Knits
L.A. is My Beat (note: memory intensive, but worth it)
Monster Crochet
nerd knits
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs. (Will do..)
Thanks to the bloggers above for sharing their lives, thoughts and talent. I've gotten a lot out of reading their blogs over the last couple of years.
Tina - Thanks so much for the award! It really lit up a gloomy week.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Socks that Fit
I did it. I knit socks that actually fit me...both of them do...and here's the proof:
Not a great photo, but they were taken at about 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2008. Poor Michael, I made him stay up to help me thread my needle for grafting and then take photos. He was done after four takes, so this was the best of the lot.
The pattern is Jaywalkers by Grumperina. The yarn is Lorna Laces Shepherd's Sock in the colorway "Grumperina." I think of it as blueberries and cream. It's a variegated mix of navy, purple, lilac, and cream.
I knit the pair in 17 days during the Summer Olympics as part of the Ravelrympics on Ravelry - my event was the Sock Put. Here's my medal:
The idea was to challenge yourself with a knitting/crochet/spinning project(s) to be completed between the opening & closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.
My hands still hurt, but I'm already swatching for Frenchman's Creek from my sock club. More about that later though.
Not a great photo, but they were taken at about 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2008. Poor Michael, I made him stay up to help me thread my needle for grafting and then take photos. He was done after four takes, so this was the best of the lot.
The pattern is Jaywalkers by Grumperina. The yarn is Lorna Laces Shepherd's Sock in the colorway "Grumperina." I think of it as blueberries and cream. It's a variegated mix of navy, purple, lilac, and cream.
I knit the pair in 17 days during the Summer Olympics as part of the Ravelrympics on Ravelry - my event was the Sock Put. Here's my medal:
The idea was to challenge yourself with a knitting/crochet/spinning project(s) to be completed between the opening & closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.
My hands still hurt, but I'm already swatching for Frenchman's Creek from my sock club. More about that later though.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Knitter's Connection - Days 3 & 4
While I was ready to cast on my first sweater once Knitter's Connection was over, I chose instead to continue working on the projects already on my needles. The last two days of the convention were just jam-packed with knitting techniques.
On Friday, I learned to do some beautiful sweater necklines with Melissa Leapman. That was very exciting as I already own several of her books (both knitting and crochet). I even learned what I was doing wrong with picking up my gusset stitches on my socks – what a bonus! Then I took a beginning lace class with Suzanne Atkinson. The class project was a pair of lace wristers...I haven't worked on them since the class, but do plan on finishing. I think I could have gone with an intermediate lace class, but I had wanted this one to learn to knit from lace charts. I was still sceptical about the charts after the class though I did pick up some very important information on how to read them.
On Saturday, I had Suzanne Atkinson for cable knitting from charts. The class project was the Intertwined Cables seaman's scarf. The charts for this project were much easier for me to follow than for the lace class, so I'm actually knitting from the charts! I learned to cable without a cable needle, which is very cool and so much faster! Then I finished the convention with a shaping class with Amy Detjen. I learned a bunch of ways to do short rows and when to actually use them. I'd only done short row heels and toes for socks...and didn't pick up my wraps (easier not to and the designer said it was okay not to, so I wasn't being lazy). Now I know how to pick up my wraps, though I still find it a bit awkward.
It was a great convention and I learned a lot. I'm glad I didn't add the two additional classes that I had originally planned on...I was pretty much brain dead by the end of it. It was just so much to absorb in such a short time. I can't wait for next year though.
Since the convention, I've been knitting furiously on the cabled scarf from Suzanne's class and the felted purse that I had started before the convention. I should have the scarf finished by Wednesday and the purse sometime this weekend. That's pretty darn fast for me!
We celebrated Michael's birthday last Friday with a small dinner party. I was actually organized enough to bake the cake on Thursday night, put the veggie meatballs in the crockpot on Friday morning, so that I only had to ice the cake once I got home from work. I bought him two guitar effects pedal kits which he insisted on getting to open as soon as they arrived. So he managed to have both of them put together and working by Sunday (his actual birthday) and I got to do a lot of knitting, so we both enjoyed the weekend.
On Friday, I learned to do some beautiful sweater necklines with Melissa Leapman. That was very exciting as I already own several of her books (both knitting and crochet). I even learned what I was doing wrong with picking up my gusset stitches on my socks – what a bonus! Then I took a beginning lace class with Suzanne Atkinson. The class project was a pair of lace wristers...I haven't worked on them since the class, but do plan on finishing. I think I could have gone with an intermediate lace class, but I had wanted this one to learn to knit from lace charts. I was still sceptical about the charts after the class though I did pick up some very important information on how to read them.
On Saturday, I had Suzanne Atkinson for cable knitting from charts. The class project was the Intertwined Cables seaman's scarf. The charts for this project were much easier for me to follow than for the lace class, so I'm actually knitting from the charts! I learned to cable without a cable needle, which is very cool and so much faster! Then I finished the convention with a shaping class with Amy Detjen. I learned a bunch of ways to do short rows and when to actually use them. I'd only done short row heels and toes for socks...and didn't pick up my wraps (easier not to and the designer said it was okay not to, so I wasn't being lazy). Now I know how to pick up my wraps, though I still find it a bit awkward.
It was a great convention and I learned a lot. I'm glad I didn't add the two additional classes that I had originally planned on...I was pretty much brain dead by the end of it. It was just so much to absorb in such a short time. I can't wait for next year though.
Since the convention, I've been knitting furiously on the cabled scarf from Suzanne's class and the felted purse that I had started before the convention. I should have the scarf finished by Wednesday and the purse sometime this weekend. That's pretty darn fast for me!
We celebrated Michael's birthday last Friday with a small dinner party. I was actually organized enough to bake the cake on Thursday night, put the veggie meatballs in the crockpot on Friday morning, so that I only had to ice the cake once I got home from work. I bought him two guitar effects pedal kits which he insisted on getting to open as soon as they arrived. So he managed to have both of them put together and working by Sunday (his actual birthday) and I got to do a lot of knitting, so we both enjoyed the weekend.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Knitter's Connection - Day 2
I had to work today, but I was able to make it to the Knitter's Market and Ravelry presentation at Knitter's Connection. I bought yarn. Yeah, I know...big surprise! :P I was actually quite restrained, considering all the wonderful things they had available.
Jess, Casey and Mary-Heather spoke for about 1 1/2 hrs and did a slideshow presentation on Ravelry. It was cool to hear about how they got started and what their expectations have been. I also learned about a few site features that I hadn't used before...not that I needed any more incentive to spend time on Ravelry.
Can't wait for tomorrow's two classes. I figure I'll be ready to cast on my first sweater by Sunday.
Jess, Casey and Mary-Heather spoke for about 1 1/2 hrs and did a slideshow presentation on Ravelry. It was cool to hear about how they got started and what their expectations have been. I also learned about a few site features that I hadn't used before...not that I needed any more incentive to spend time on Ravelry.
Can't wait for tomorrow's two classes. I figure I'll be ready to cast on my first sweater by Sunday.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Knitter's Connection - Day 1
All knitting...all day. Now that's what I call a good day!
Knitter's Connection is a new (this is it's second year) knitting convention hosted here in Columbus, OH by Knitter's Mercantile, a LYS (local yarn shop). It's four wonderful days full of knitting classes with well-known knitting designers/instructors, plus lots of other knitting fun.
So, I learned about grafting with Lucy Neatby this morning. She was fabulous! I can't wait to start on some more complex projects now that I know an easy way to graft. I've gotten the impression from other knitter's that grafting is difficult and frustrating, but Lucy made it very simple. I'm considering getting some of her instructional dvds, I just can't decide on which ones. She's very good at explaining rather complicated ideas in a very clear and easy to understand manner. If you want to learn to knit or to improve specific skills, I would highly recommend her dvds.
Then I took a class on basic choices & pattern drafting with the wonderful Sally Melville! I own the first three of her "Knitting Experience" books and can't wait for the rest of the series. I use her books a lot for reference and they were a big help in teaching me to knit. I love her patterns also. So it was a thrill to take a class with her. I haven't made a sweater yet, but I now know how to adjust patterns to suit me. Can't wait to start on my first sweater. After taking her class, I want to change my first sweater project and do something more complex so I can use the information that I've learned.
I got to meet some really nice knitters from Ravelry. Jess & Casey of Ravely showed up for the Welcome Reception, but I was too shy to go over and talk to them. But they're doing a presentation tomorrow night that I don't plan on missing.
After the Welcome Reception, Clara Parkes of Knitter's Review gave a lecture on yarn. She's got a new book out, The Book of Yarn, that I think I might just have to get. I've seen her book, but must admit that I had never been to Knitter's Review before tonight. She was very amusing and I really enjoyed her lecture.
I only signed up for three days of classes, so I do have to go to work tomorrow. However, I'll be heading back to the convention tomorrow evening for the Ravelry presentation.
Knitter's Connection is a new (this is it's second year) knitting convention hosted here in Columbus, OH by Knitter's Mercantile, a LYS (local yarn shop). It's four wonderful days full of knitting classes with well-known knitting designers/instructors, plus lots of other knitting fun.
So, I learned about grafting with Lucy Neatby this morning. She was fabulous! I can't wait to start on some more complex projects now that I know an easy way to graft. I've gotten the impression from other knitter's that grafting is difficult and frustrating, but Lucy made it very simple. I'm considering getting some of her instructional dvds, I just can't decide on which ones. She's very good at explaining rather complicated ideas in a very clear and easy to understand manner. If you want to learn to knit or to improve specific skills, I would highly recommend her dvds.
Then I took a class on basic choices & pattern drafting with the wonderful Sally Melville! I own the first three of her "Knitting Experience" books and can't wait for the rest of the series. I use her books a lot for reference and they were a big help in teaching me to knit. I love her patterns also. So it was a thrill to take a class with her. I haven't made a sweater yet, but I now know how to adjust patterns to suit me. Can't wait to start on my first sweater. After taking her class, I want to change my first sweater project and do something more complex so I can use the information that I've learned.
I got to meet some really nice knitters from Ravelry. Jess & Casey of Ravely showed up for the Welcome Reception, but I was too shy to go over and talk to them. But they're doing a presentation tomorrow night that I don't plan on missing.
After the Welcome Reception, Clara Parkes of Knitter's Review gave a lecture on yarn. She's got a new book out, The Book of Yarn, that I think I might just have to get. I've seen her book, but must admit that I had never been to Knitter's Review before tonight. She was very amusing and I really enjoyed her lecture.
I only signed up for three days of classes, so I do have to go to work tomorrow. However, I'll be heading back to the convention tomorrow evening for the Ravelry presentation.
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