We've been working on the yard. We're going to go ahead and sheet mulch (thanks to reader Andi who gave me lots of good advice) the whole thing and not worry about planting anything until later. Right now we're clearing all the fallen canes and big stuff. We've got some people coming tomorrow to haul off all the yard waste. We've gotten cardboard down with a small bit of bark chips in one corner of the yard. There's a LOT left to do. We've got calls in to some local arborists to see if they can dump some wood chips here.
I'm still working away on the Merino Lace socks. I'm just finishing the gusset decreases.
My sewing has been languishing. I was doing really well with the Dear Jane quilt-along. In fact not only was I completely up to date as of mid-April, I won the contest for people who were up to date! And have only finished one block since then. I went to a little sewing bee on Monday and brought all my Dear Jane stuff with me. I had blocks prepared to sew already. I started stitching and felt like I had never done it before. It was awkward and uncomfortable and the results were shit. I'd show you a picture but it's just too mortifying. Last night I ripped out the really embarrassing parts and managed to finish a block. It's okay but no masterpiece. I'm half-way through another two blocks. They're getting harder just as I'm feeling less confident. I know I just need to work through a few to get the feel for it again. In a sea of 225 blocks no one will notice the wonky ones. It's dark now so I'll get some photos for tomorrow.
May 31, 2008
May 30, 2008
Queasy
I just realized my travel arrangements (I did not make them) for TNNA are wrong. I'm really hoping this gets fixed. Or it will totally suck.
Deep breaths.
ETA: Well, it's all taken care of and fine. I just need to get my heart rate back down.
Deep breaths.
ETA: Well, it's all taken care of and fine. I just need to get my heart rate back down.
May 29, 2008
Thursdays are for What the Hell is This?
I have found a new disturbing effect of Big Ass Knits. They don't just repel pants. Even the yarn is trying to get away.
See how it's all working it way out of the sweater to regroup and try to leap off the hem? The poor yarn. It wants out. After the failed hem-line escape it makes its way up to the collar.
The beads aren't too happy either.
See how it's all working it way out of the sweater to regroup and try to leap off the hem? The poor yarn. It wants out. After the failed hem-line escape it makes its way up to the collar.
The beads aren't too happy either.
May 28, 2008
The Yumness
You can see here that I'm actually making progress on my socks. And you can also see the subtle, chocolate-y beauty that is Cocoa Kiss in Smooshy Sock. Click here to see really big.
May 27, 2008
Proud Parenting Moment
My ten year old was telling me about his day. He told me he went on a walk with Wes but his younger brother stayed home because he wasn't feeling well. He then pointed out that his brother felt "better" (with air quotes) when it was time for computer games. Look at that. He's mastered sarcasm and air quotes. My little boy's growing up. Sniff.
May 26, 2008
Knit-Crochet Smackdown Lobster Style
So somehow I ended up starting two new projects this weekend. One is knit and one is crocheted but they're both lobsters. Weird, huh?
A customer mentioned knitting a cute lobster pattern from Ravelry. I went to look for it and found this crocheted lobster(.pdf) first. It called for 75 yards of worsted weight yarn. I remembered that Amanda had given me a skein of Mission Falls cotton in a tomato red colorway. And that Isabella had gotten to it and dragged it around and chewed it up a bit. I know that most people would have thrown it out at this point. I, for whatever reason, chose to save it. When I pulled it out I had to spend a little time untangling it and winding it into little balls.
I made all the pieces then realized it looked really crappy and was way too loose. The stuffing was showing all over the place. It was lumpy. Blech. I ripped it out and have restarted it on a smaller hook. It's looking a lot better.
While I was working on the first lobster I continued perusing lobster patterns on Ravelry. There's a lot more than you'd think. When I found the knitted lobster I had to cast on for that too.
The pattern is cute and looks a lot more lobster-y than the crocheted amigurumi style. This appeals to my Nantucket side. I can make buoys to go with it if I want to. We had lobster pots briefly when I was growing up. I don't remember them yielding many keepers.
Since I was hot on this whole toy theme I also finished knitting my charcoal Terra Bear. He's just hanging out waiting to be felted.
A customer mentioned knitting a cute lobster pattern from Ravelry. I went to look for it and found this crocheted lobster(.pdf) first. It called for 75 yards of worsted weight yarn. I remembered that Amanda had given me a skein of Mission Falls cotton in a tomato red colorway. And that Isabella had gotten to it and dragged it around and chewed it up a bit. I know that most people would have thrown it out at this point. I, for whatever reason, chose to save it. When I pulled it out I had to spend a little time untangling it and winding it into little balls.
I made all the pieces then realized it looked really crappy and was way too loose. The stuffing was showing all over the place. It was lumpy. Blech. I ripped it out and have restarted it on a smaller hook. It's looking a lot better.
While I was working on the first lobster I continued perusing lobster patterns on Ravelry. There's a lot more than you'd think. When I found the knitted lobster I had to cast on for that too.
The pattern is cute and looks a lot more lobster-y than the crocheted amigurumi style. This appeals to my Nantucket side. I can make buoys to go with it if I want to. We had lobster pots briefly when I was growing up. I don't remember them yielding many keepers.
Since I was hot on this whole toy theme I also finished knitting my charcoal Terra Bear. He's just hanging out waiting to be felted.
May 25, 2008
Two Weeks of Goats
After two weeks the yard has been transformed from a blackberry jungle
to a barren wasteland.
The big question everyone keeps asking is "Now what?"
I don't know. I know I want to get out the rest of the ivy and dig up all the blackberry roots. I know I want to put in a non-grass lawn (maybe some kind of thyme or other low ground-cover). Beyond that I don't know and frankly I'm a little stumped. I just need to move quickly before it all grows back.
The goats have been moved over to Molly's house. For those of you eating dinner along 45th St. last night, you're welcome for the free show with your meal. I'm thinking Molly and I were quite a sight walking two goats down the block. Interestingly many people didn't even notice. I miss those little cuties alreay. They sure are sweet.
to a barren wasteland.
The big question everyone keeps asking is "Now what?"
I don't know. I know I want to get out the rest of the ivy and dig up all the blackberry roots. I know I want to put in a non-grass lawn (maybe some kind of thyme or other low ground-cover). Beyond that I don't know and frankly I'm a little stumped. I just need to move quickly before it all grows back.
The goats have been moved over to Molly's house. For those of you eating dinner along 45th St. last night, you're welcome for the free show with your meal. I'm thinking Molly and I were quite a sight walking two goats down the block. Interestingly many people didn't even notice. I miss those little cuties alreay. They sure are sweet.
You Can't Buy Happiness
But sometimes things you buy can make you happy.
Amanda took me on a field trip to Keepsake Cottage in Bothell. It's a lovely fabric shop with a great selection and a very friendly staff. I got myself a few fat quarters of 30s repro fabric. We were heading out when I saw an antique store. I convinced Amanda to go in with me (she's not into the whole antique shop thing). Inside I found a shelf of feedsacks with the labels intact. I don't know anything about vintage feedsacks or pricing. I found one I thought was really cheerful and decided to get it.
I did one tour around the shop and then I saw it. Something I have wanted my entire life.
A Muppet lunchbox.
The whole gang is here.
I'm very happy with my purchases.
Amanda took me on a field trip to Keepsake Cottage in Bothell. It's a lovely fabric shop with a great selection and a very friendly staff. I got myself a few fat quarters of 30s repro fabric. We were heading out when I saw an antique store. I convinced Amanda to go in with me (she's not into the whole antique shop thing). Inside I found a shelf of feedsacks with the labels intact. I don't know anything about vintage feedsacks or pricing. I found one I thought was really cheerful and decided to get it.
I did one tour around the shop and then I saw it. Something I have wanted my entire life.
A Muppet lunchbox.
The whole gang is here.
I'm very happy with my purchases.
May 24, 2008
Long Ago FO
Pattern: Sleepy Bear in Rabbit Suit from Teddy Bears by Debbie Bliss
Notes: My son was looking in my office today and found a long lost project. I started this bear years ago--probably in 2000. I got it all finished except for the buttons and then threw it in the back of my closet. The bunny suit isn't too bad. I didn't weave in then ends properly and then snipped them too short to fix and there are some stray purl bumps on the front. The bear, however, is a Frankensteinesque nightmare, crudely hobbled together.
I don't have any idea what yarn or needles I used to create this little fellow but this morning I sewed on his buttons making him finally complete. Then I handed him off to my son who proceeded to swing him around by the ears.
May 23, 2008
Easy Ripple Afghan
Pattern: Easy Ripple Afghan
Yarn: Mystery wool from Rebecca
Hook: J
Notes: After a few rows I had the hang of it. I really like the more subtle look of the natural colors than what you typically find in ripple afghans.
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