Yes, I am alive

Sorry...

I finished Dan's socks.

My other knitting is a BIG FAT SECRET. But I haven't been doing a lot of it.

School is keeping me crazy-busy.

As is work.

You can still check me out at Biblio File. I have to read all the time for work, so that's fairly current.

For something to read while on the metro to SnB...

Chicks with Sticks: It's a Purl Thing by Elizabeth Lenhard is a cute book about four teenagers who find each other and friendship through knitting. It's not an earth-shattering work of literary greatness, but it's sweet and a quick read and has some nice patterns in the back for. Obviously written by someone who loves yarn a little too much (as we do).

OIY!

Hey look! I do exsist! Check out what my awesome secret pal gave me! You should check out Holly Jo's blog!




There are some pretty postcards of Alaska (where she's from), some neat sock yarn and double points and this super neat pouch to hold me knitting as I walk around and stuff. And some really pretty stitch markers in the beautiful jewelry pouch.



Also, here's what my Knit the Classics Swap Partner gave me:




That's a lot of different types of tea, Stolen Tongue, candy, pretty yarn, and gerbil treats.

I'm here!

Not a lot new on the knitting front. The big news is, we bought a house and moved to Arlington last week. I'm slowly unearthing all my yarn and books and everything. Not a lot of blog about (maybe the ever-growing pile of flattened boxes?) BUT! I now have more yarn storage and a guest bedroom complete with bed that can have things blocking on it for a few days!!!

Swank.

It also has a jumbo kitchen to entertain all of my cooking and entertaining fantasies.

One of these days, I'll return to Stitch 'n Bitch. But it might be a few more weeks yet.

OH! But I got an awesome package from my Knit the Classics swap partner and I'll fully blog about that later when I find my camera.

Adventures in the Great Beyond

Oh yeah, it's a bajillion degress and I've been wearing a scarf for the last few days? Why? Because my most awesomest of secret pals made it for me for my BIRTHDAY. And it was one of those super awesome presents that actually gets there ON your birthday! It's the falling leaves scarf from Knitty and her FIRST EVER lace project and she gave it to ME! I'm so super honored. And it's so super-pretty!

The first picture, Dan took because he was sick of me hogging the bathroom mirror while he was trying to brush his teeth. But I forgot to turn the flash back on. Silly me.

Check it out!



AND! A ball of Kid Silk Haze. Yummy.



Yesterday, one of my knitting coworkers was all excited because she's planning on knitting the same pattern in a similiar yarn and was happy to see how nice it looked!

And I went to Florida 2 weekends ago now.

My flight was super delayed. Stupid Southwest. Instead of getting in at midnight, I LEFT at 12:30. I got to Ali's house around 4am. BUT! When I woke up and turned over in bed, this is what I saw. (Except it was really sunny out)



I am a northern girl through and through, but I don't know why that girl ever moved to Iowa. (She explains, "We didn't live in this house then")





Mary's sock enjoyed the Devil Ray's game!



So did Ali's cowbell!



Then last week a dear friend from England came. We went out for my birthday with other friends. Dan took us all to West Virginia where we hung out in a cabin in the mountains and played horseshoes and laid about in hammocks and grilled out and had fires and made s'mores and played putt putt. And it was AWESOME.

Also,

Fun things about knitting friends moving to Hawai'i. They give you all their Alpaca yarn from Peru. And some random Peace Fleece. And other Wool-Ease. SWEET.



Fun things I saw walking through Silver Spring on my way to the metro stop to go to my birthday dinner party thing.





But OH NO! What's that eating the Discovery Channel Building?!




Du dum. Du dum.



dudumdudumdudumdudumdudumdudum



DUM!!!!! IT'S SHARK WEEK! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!



AND! There's even been some knitting. Look! I'm almost done turning the heel. And everyone should note that this is the SECOND sock.

Sock Hell

As soon as I posted about my knitting slump, it went away. I finished the angora lace scarf (no pix yet, soonish)

I got more re-enforcement for Dan's sock, so I cast on and last Sunday at knitting group, I got all the way to the heel-turning bit (huh, I just mistpyed and wrote hell-turning... Hello? Dr. Freud?) Anyway... my hands were getting tired so that night while watching TV, I went to tighten the toe stitches (because they're toe-up and tightening of the figure-8 cast on is very important) and... I somehow completely pants it up.

So I ripped the whole damn thing out. And started again. I'm still on my toe increases. Grrrrrr.

But tomorrow night, I'm going for a girl's weekend in Florida and it will be awesome.

And next Thursday, I won't be at work... until the following Tuesday. Just celebrating my birthday and hanging out with faraway friends. I can't wait.

Rain, Rain GO AWAY

Guess what! I do still exsist! Who knew? Lately, there have been several out-of-town guests. And lots of house-hunting. But really? I've just been in a really lazy mood these past few weeks. I blame the weather.

BUT!!!

I got a new package from my secret pal last weekend!!!!



I would like to confess that those candy boxes are empty. Because I like sugar.

I loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this sweater from the RYC book and wish to make it at some point. But I need to wait until I have the $$$$ so I can do it right in the cashcotton. Or maybe whatever they're calling their wool/cashmere blend.




Well, I bet you know that a few weeks ago, we got more rain than we could handle. This is the stream across the street from my house.



That was taken a few days after the water level had started to go down a bit. They closed my street for awhile because of flooding and the creek did take out a bridge and a bunch of trees, so it had to have been several feet higher at least for a brief bit. (Can we say "flash flood" boys and girls?) Usually, the things is only 2-3 feet deep, so impressive.

Here is Bitey the Wonder Gerbil enjoying her gerbil treat from my secret pal.



Chloe enjoys it as well!



I haven't been knitting a lot lately. I don't think I'm in a knitting slump so much as a "anything that's not lying around and watching TV" slump. But, the scarf is slowly growing.

HELLO DC!

I got a package from my secret pal this weekend!!!! PRETTY!!!!



There was a lot more candy, but a chunk of it is now IN MY BELLY. Plus some gerbil treats and Folk Shawls, and some pretty pretty KnitPicks alpaca in a lovely sea green. The amazing thing is, that I just got a few skeins of this stuff to play around with and found a pattern I'm interested in but was a skein short! And now I'm not! Same color! Same dyelot!

People of the world, take note: MY SECRET PAL HAS A SCARY TELEPATHIC CONNECTION TO MY BRAIN.

Kinda cool, no?

I finished up the Christmas stocking and am currently knitting a lace scarf with 133 yards to 100% angora in bright red...



So here's the original Christmas stocking.



And here's mine, all nice and done!



See the front...



Here's a close up of the Christmas tree with sequin ornaments:

Panic on the Streets of London

Flickr's and Blogger haven't been playing nicely together lately. Or maybe they both hate me, I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm working on the pillow from that kit I won at Amy's Olympic Closing party



It's a nice pattern, but the chart for the smaller pillow is just plain... wrong. The website doesn't have corrections, so I'm keeping a list to send to them when I'm done.

That said, I want to knit it again, and probably will. I'm thinking I'll do the big 10 color version with all my peace fleece scraps I have lying around.



But this weekend, I need to finish up the Christmas stocking-- just blocking and ends to weave in and whatnot.

Life is pretty boring here these days. Work is eating me. It should stop next week when my massive training program is over! Then a few blessed months before grad school starts kicking my butt.

In the time that you are gone, I will sing a million songs...

In the time that I've been gone, I've been a knitting fool! For instance, here is my 3 skein, 1 colorway Charlotte's web shawl:



I'm not entirely sure if I like it though. I found the pattern to be a bit "meh" and the colorway, once knit up, has too much of a grape Kool-Aid feel to it. Too much purple. Not enough blue. We'll see if the lace, at least, improves upon blocking.



I also finished Dan's sock! But now I have to make the other one. I need to get more reinforcement stuff...



But check out what I got at Sheep and Wool:



That's 2 skeins, 500 yds each, 100% mohair, and really super super soft, but not really hairy. It doesn't look like most mohair I'm familair with. One skein is a red and the other is a blue/gold. I initially bought them to make the chevron scarf from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts, but now I don't know... still thinking...

I'm Here!

You know it's bad when the Secret Pal people are on your case to update and your knitting circle friends are leaving "where are you?!" messages for you.

So, my internet died for awhile there. This weekend, one of my plans is to update with a vengance. For instance, I cast on, knit and finished a Charlotte's Web shawl in the time I've been down. And finished one of Dan's socks. And the knitting bit of the Christmas stocking.

Also, I've been super-missing knitting and it's totally on my plan of things to do this weekend but 4 weeks ago, a friend and I finally got together after weeks of missed connections, then my parents came and I took them to Annapolis to see the boats, then I had to work, and then last weekend I kept puking so I stayed at home.

But this weekend! Stitch and Bitch (suck is So Fast So Sleazy!) Big update with pictures! Or stone me if I don't!

Secret Pal Questionnaire

Hello Mystery Secret Pal!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

My favorite would be Kid Silk Haze. I like wool. I don't like novelty stuff or acrylics that feel like plastic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Wine gift boxes.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting for 7.5 years now. (I learned January 1999). I consider myself advanced.

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

Yep.

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

I like really clean scents, or florals. Or spicy scents. My favorite perfumes are White by GAP and Chanel No. 5. My favorite discontinued bath products are Ginger Lily anything by Body Shop and the World Piece bath ballistic by Lush.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I like all candy. Candy Candy Candy. But I have a weakness for Chocolate Covered Cherries.

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

Crochet. Beading. Anything that involves my hot glue gun. I don't spin. I tried and I really really suck.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like world music, modern folk, New Wave... I'm open to a lot. I can handle MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

Dark blue and light pink. I wear and use a lot of earth tones. I'm not a big fan of yellow, as it makes me look jaundiced.

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

1 husband. 2 gerbils.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all but the ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like sweaters.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A commissioned Christmas stocking.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

YES!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

It depends on the yarn and the project. Generally, I like hardwood needles-- Brittany, Lantern Moon, Peace Fleece...

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Sadly, no.

17. How did you learn to knit?

I took a class in college. It's a long, cool story, but I've told it a lot on here.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

Oldest UFO that I acutally plan on finishing is verging on 4 years

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, followed by Thanksgiving

20. Is there anything that you collect?

Hobbies. Books. Music. Bruises (I'm very very clumsy)

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm in love with the RYC collection and want more of their books. I also need more Zimmerman. I subscribe to:

Rowan
Rebecca
Interweave
Vogue
Knit.1
Knit Simple

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Not that I can think of off the top of my head.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. The ball of my foot is 9.25" and from heel to second toe (my longest toe) is 10". I wear an 8.5/9 shoe.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

07/27!

In other news... I mailed out all the baby stuff. I taped up all the boxes and then realized I had forgotten to take pictures! D'oh. Ah well.

My parents come tomorrow. Next day sheep and wool!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I hung out with Kelle from Ann Arbor this weekend. It was awesome!!!!!!!!!!

I don't miss A2 that much, but I miss Knit A Round and the I miss my knitting group (not that my knitting group here isn't ace, but I miss the Michigan one too!)

So... I've been working on this Christmas stocking for the lady from my training program at work.

The basic construction is...
1. Ribbing
2. White band with name
3. Red band with Christmas trees
4. Green band with Santa Claus
5. Heel
6. That bit that's the top of the heel with birth year
7. Red stripe
8. Green toe

I have completed the red band with the christmas trees and just need to finish charting out Santa... so, all in all, making good progress

I want to make a sweater for my sister for her birthday at the end of the month that I saw in the last Rebecca... it takes a linen yarn and I'm going to see if I can scare up something good next weekend at the wool festival!

Also, this weekend, I crocheted me some jewelry. It turned out real purty. When my computer comes back (14 business days!!!!) then I'll put some pics up and hopefully start selling it.

Also, last night, I had a friend over and she missed the last train so I had to drive her back to Virginia...

Can I just say how much I HATE driving in Virginia? So confusing. It wasn't as bad as it could've been, because it turns out that she lives near to where Dan works, so I at least knew where I was, but there was an accident on 66 blocking all lanes of traffic, so how was I supposed to get home?! It was way too complicated.

Also, I have to be the ONLY person in the DC area that relaxes when she hits the Beltway. I love driving on the Beltway. Well lit and NOT CONFUSING.

Sweet....

So, on Monday night, I finished up all my blocking and seaming...

Tuesday night I worked late and then went out for a drink in Arlington

Last night I saw They Might Be Giants at 9:30 club and it was AWESOME

Tonight... I will take pictures, in the hopes that one day my computer works again and I can show you... and wrap everything up to take to the post office

Tomorrow.

And then I will knit up this stocking!!!!!

And read a lot a lot a lot a lot a lot.

GARGH!

I'm having massive power supply issues with my computer and therefore have no way to take pictures off my camera! :( Plus, I'll have to send my baby to the shop and tech support thinks they'll have to send it away... :(

Anyway... I have finished knitting my baby extravaganza, and just have a few more seams to sew up. There's been lots of seam sewing these past few days... I hate seam sewing.

Then, I'm going to start knitting a Christmas stocking for someone I'm in training with. I've figured out the pattern already. I just have to finish my yardage estimate so I can give her a price estimate.

My computer dying is really most aggrivating though...

In other news, I randomly ran into someone I went to church with growing up on the metro on Friday night after we thought the ballgame was going be rained out... and we hung out and it was fun. And there are stories from that night that I could tell you. And I will tell you if I see you and you ask me.

And then on Saturday I went to a house party with a bunch of people from the KATO institute. Because nothing's more fun than being a public employee in a room full of liberatarians. :) It was a good party though. Courtney makes a damn fine brownie.

But really? Anyone out there get Rowan and have it yet? PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!

And Lynne!! We need to hang out at the fesitival!

Rowan? Maryland Sheep and Wool?

Do any of y'all subscribe to Rowan? I've been having some issues and I'm just wondering if anyone else in the US (that isn't a yarn shop) has recieved the spring issue yet. LET ME KNOW!!!

Also, who's going to Maryland Sheep and Wool? I am! With my mom!

La la la la la

Um... not a lot new happening here. Flickr is being annoying today. Still reading a gajillion things for work. BUT! I picked an adult book to read next Wednesday! I'll finally be reading a KTC book so woo!

Also, Emily tagged me a bazillion years ago and I never answered because I've been so distracted by life lately. Anway...

4 jobs I've had
1. Call centre Travel Agent
2. Health Food Store Cashier
3. Taco Stand Manager (complete with hair net and ice-cream scoop for the taco meat)
4. Costume Studio stitcher

4 movies that I can watch over and over
1. The BBC/Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice
2. Bridget Jones's Diary
3. Love Actually
4. The Big Lebowski

4 TV Shows that I never Miss:
1. West Wing
2. Family Guy
3. Daily Show
4. Law and Order (classic)

4 Places I've Lived
1. Appleton, WI
2. Grinnell, IA
3. Manchester, England
4. Nanjing, China

4 Places I've Gone on Holiday
1. Niagara Falls
2. Cheltenham, England
3. San Fransico
4. Arcadia National Park (Maine!)

4 Favorite Dishes
1. Lasagna
2. Peking Duck
3. Pesto-anything
4. Macaroni and Cheese

4 Websites I read Daily
1. Go Fug Yourself
2. Bookslut
3. Read Roger
4. A place where the Grinnell kids get together and bitch.

4 Places I'd Rather Be
1. Iowa
2. England
3. China
4. Not at work!

Where I went from there...

Hello! I exsist! I promise!

I haven't been doing much knitting lately, mainly reading for work.

Um... so this weekend we went to West Virginia. It's not China, but it was fun.



I took the waters at the spa, had a massage, got my nails done. But mainly hung out and read in front of the fire and ate a lot of s'mores.

And then I came home to this awesome package from my secret pal! Who has a name now! It's Meghan and you can read her blog here!



But that picture of goodness is the RYC Cafe book (yum!) 3 balls of DKsoft in a wonderful shade of dark blue. PLUS! a stuffed lamb that is so soft and cuddly and peppermint tea and some rose smelling bath confetti AND Cadbury eggs and Lindor truffles. Yum, yum and yummy yum. Plus, she's from Iowa, which we all know is the greatest state EVER. Seriously. Anyone who disses Iowa has clearly NEVER been there. It's awesome and I'd move back in a heartbeat.

Here're the stitch markers I made for my SP7.

Very Un-Hip

Eep! I totally forgot to mention the awesome CD that my secret pal got me too! (It was in my car!)



That's Wild Cool & Swingin: Ultra Lounge 5 and it is awesome.

I've been groovin' to it a lot this past week!