Two Fronts
I’ve got the two fronts of my cardigan done. Woohoo!
Assessing
I fluffed out my still-incomplete quilt on the floor this morning, to assess its state of completion, how much further there still is to go, what I really want to do about that extra two-feet in size… so, naturally, Chappy came over to help.
Well, I suppose it’s nice to know that it’s comfortable!
Otherwise? I sorted through some of my books–I finally realized that I didn’t have to do all of them at once, I could do them shelf by shelf, so I’ve been looking through them–the ones I’d like to keep are vertical, the ones I want to get rid of are horizontal. I don’t know how much space I’m actually gaining, though, since my shelves have been overflowing for years, but I suppose just the fact that I’m getting the books I want to fit vertically is an improvement, right? The bad news is that I’m still going to need just as many bookshelves… of course, without knowing how big a house we’re going to end up with, that may or may not be a problem. (And I suppose I could store some of them in boxes and not on shelves if I have to.)
I also took pictures of the knitting books I want to get rid of, and will post those available for sale any time now–I just need to put the posts together, with lists of the books, which could take a while.
Oh, and I made this fabulous coffee cake yesterday. And, by “coffee cake” I don’t mean one of those cinnamon, fruit or nut confections meant to be eaten along with a cup of coffee. No, I mean this cake that IS coffee. Intensely coffee-flavored cake with coffee-flavored frosting.
Need a laugh? Check out this funny Some Assembly Required video, showing you how to assemble a cardboard book display … more or less. You’ve got to love a company with a sense of humor. (The Ritz crackers were a nice touch.)
Hope you all had a good weekend!
Incidentally, I’m closing in on 14,000 comments … all things considered, I think I could see my way clear to give away a knitting book or two as a prize to the person who leaves it! (hint, hint).
Look Alike
So, I was going through some of my picture books … not ones from when I was little, mind you, but ones that I bought when my niece and nephew were little (though I read them more than they did).
This one definitely caught my eye. Look-Alikes by Joan Steiner.
One of the niftiest visual books ever. It takes ordinary objects and turns them into … something else.
Like, say, a cardigan sweater being a store front.
A building made of dog biscuits? (Chappy particularly likes this one–and, since those kind of biscuits claim to clean your dog’s teeth, I love that they house a dentist’s office).
How about a sofa made from a pair of gloves?
A train station made of tennis rackets and brushes?
An ice cream parlor’s chairs made from pretzels–and the booth cushions are fig newtons!
Check out some of the wallpaper detail.
How about a close-up of the wharf? (A mailbox?)
Although, there is ONE thing that is just being itself … the life saver. (Though I didn’t notice the buoy in the water was a crayon, or that the telescope was a chess pawn until I took the photo. That alone is the sheer fun of this book.)
Absolutely amazing–whole new levels of creativity. I love this book–and imagine my joy when I just now discovered there are sequels! Look-Alikes Jr. Look-Alikes Around the World. Look-Alikes Christmas.
I am completely enchanted.
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Last Bobbin
I took 20 minutes after supper and finished plying my last bobbin of MVFF cormo. (Last from the Spring 2008 share, that is.)
Of course, looking at the picture, I think it looks a trifle underplied, but that’s okay!
I did pretty well balancing my bobbins, too. This is how much cormo I had left when the first bobbin ran out. Not bad!
Naturally, Chappy was very impressed.
Next? Continuing the theme, here’s the Cormo I got from my FALL share. At least, I think it was Cormo. The bag the braid was in wasn’t labeled, but since the one that had the cormo/kid mohair blend WAS, I’m assuming this braid is it by process of elimination.
I’ve noticed, in the last couple of weeks, that the keyboard on my laptop feels … mushier. It’s never had quite the crisp feel I truly love in a keyboard, but suddenly, it’s less crisp still. So–even though I really have no place to put it–I ordered an external keyboard for it. A slim, Logitech diNovo keyboard that hopefully won’t take up too much room. I have doubts about the fact that if I use an external keyboard, my hands will be nowhere near the touchpad mouse which is going to make computing more difficult, but the deal was too good to pass up. A normally $90 keyboard on sale for $50, but with a $30 rebate available–so all that typing goodness for $20. (Although, hmm, it looks like the rebate might not be eligible after all, since the keyboard won’t arrive until after the deadline. Drat. But–still a good keyboard. Assuming the mouse-thing works okay.)
The fact that I’m trying to get RID of stuff is irrelevant, right?
It doesn’t help that I’m lusting after this nice, basic, 50mm lens (f/1.4) for my camera. Or even this one (f/1.8), though that one I’d have to manually focus. Heck, I’d like this 35mm, too. I keep hearing how amazing prime lenses are, what a joy they are to use, how much sharper the pictures are than with the kit lenses. And, darn it, I want to PLAY!
For that matter, knowing how drastically what spending money I have is about to be curtailed, I feel like going on a spending spree right now, no matter how modest. Right now, while there’s still time. The book-culling process … that painful, heartbreaking weeding out of books that I love … is making me want a Kindle more and more. I’ve been drooling over them at the same time I’m regretfully shaking my head over the price. I’ve been looking at the Apple iTouch, too, which can not only read Kindle books, but can, you know, play music and stuff too.
I can even almost justify the cost of this as a last-hurrah kind of thing because I’ve got about $150 of Amazon gift certificates saved up from a year’s worth of using my credit card … but I’d still feel guilty. (Though, I’m regretting that keyboard already, since I can’t get the rebate after all, and it’s already shipped, so there’s no going back.)
One recent expense I don’t regret?
I just renewed my domain name for AfterHappilyEver.com … the title of my unpublished book that I persist in having faith in. Maintaining the domain name is an act of faith. In fact, while I was renewing it last night, I bought AfterTitanic.com, too, for the exact same reason.
Here are some links for you (because I know how much you enjoy random links).
Ooh–this is very cool. A 1930 newsreel video of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. Helen Keller is one of my heroes–have you ever read any of her work? Brilliant writer.
Or, how about this 1892 article (yes, it was contemporary for her) about Louisa May Alcott’s writing habits?
Did you know that Dean Koontz has a new book out? But, unlike his usual, this is not a horror story. No, this one is the sweet and lovable story of his dog, Trixie. (Check out this promotional video.) The title is A Big Little Life and it looks wonderful.
Do you ever take pictures of kids? (Or dogs?) Because these tips–and the accompanying, illustrative photos–are fantastic.
One more thing–I had fun setting up my Eye Candy Friday post for tomorrow. So CLEVER, even if I can’t take credit for the cleverness.
The Important Stuff
I don’t want you to think that I’m not paying attention to the important stuff these days. I mean, other than that pesky detail of having a place to live.
See? Look at that sweater grow!
I’m just at the start of the armhole shaping on the two fronts. It’s hard to believe I started this less than two weeks ago.
I think the sleeves are going to take a little longer–they’ve got more surface area than the fronts do, but it’s possible this entire thing could be done in under a month. That’s practically a first.
Let’s see. What else? As a matter of faith, I just renewed the domain name for my unpublished book’s title. I still think it’s a GOOD book and I’ve been sending queries out, and darn it. I’m going to get it published some time, right?
I’m still trying to go through all my books, weed them out, but am stymied at the sheer physical difficulty of sorting 3000 books. It’s not like there’s room to make two piles of Keep and Don’t Keep. I really need about 6 empty bookcases–strictly temporary, you understand. Although I suppose I could split each bookcase into Keep and Don’t Keep, which would at least keep the sorting space under control.
Oh, and Chappy thanks you for the compliments yesterday. HE sure was adorable, huh? I mean, he’s STILL adorable, just not in that baby-puppy way. It’s hard to compete with that level of cuteness as an adult, yet he really does manage!
8 Years
Eight years ago today, this little ball of (C)happiness drove into our lives.
(Okay, he didn’t actually drive. I took this picture at a rest stop on the 6 hour drive home–and you can see Mom in the back, ready to do the same thing!)
I can’t believe how little he used to be! And, honestly, I think he was the cutest puppy ever… but I might be biased.
Want to read more? Here’s the rest of the Anniversary Story.)
And, no, the house-hunting post is not a drill, it’s the real thing. And no, there’s no choice in the matter. And yes, we’re all kind of scared. Our realtor is supposed to be here any minute, in fact, to discuss options, so … wish us lots and lots of luck!
Now, I think I’m going to go pet the Anniversary Puppy … he always makes me smile!
Chuck Me Mondays 13
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.13 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Marlin
The finale of Season 1 … Awesome asks Chuck to hide his grandmother’s diamond ring until he proposes to Ellie, but after Chuck stashes it in his BuyMore locker … the entire store gets robbed, leaving not only his sister’s future and his secret identity at risk.
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
Wanted: A New Home
Needed: A friendly, cozy home for a happy, cozy family.
For Us: Room for my parents, me, and my happy 8-year old dog. Three bedrooms (not too small) are a must because we need room for guests, computers, books, yarn, and photographs. Two bathrooms would be ideal, though we could settle for one and a half if we have to. Also a handy door for the dog’s bathroom, please. A small yard is fine because we spend most of our time inside–we want to spend our time with you, not out doing yardwork, though having a pleasant neighborhood to walk the dog is a huge plus. If you’re a townhouse, that’s fine with us. We want air conditioning, please, but we can bring our own washer, dryer, and dishwasher if we need to, so long as you have room for them.
For You: We are a happy family and almost never yell or argue, so we are very peaceful to live with. We don’t play loud music or have crazy parties, but we invite the rest of our family and friends over as often as possible–rarely more than four at a time. We don’t smoke; we rarely even burn things when we cook. And, about the cooking? How does fresh baking every weekend sound? Yummy-smelling pot roast and tomato sauce? Fresh bread? Cake? Your kitchen will love it. We use natural cleaning products, too, and except for hanging some pictures, we don’t do too much with tools, so your walls are safe. We’ll try to clean your windows at least once a year, and we’ve had over 30 years’ practice taking care of a house, so we have experience in what makes a deserving house a happy home. Most of all, we promise to provide a lot of laughter.
Qualifiers: If at all possible, you are already located in Denville–or at least are close enough to my office that I can still come home at lunch to play with my dog–and can keep the phone number I’ve had my entire life. But, any town that leaves me with no more than 15-20 minutes’ morning commute would be great! A monthly payment of not more than $1000-1300 is a must. (That’s a mortgage payment, there, not a rental payment.) We can’t bring a lot of money to this relationship, so we need you to be sound and ready for our commitment. We’re willing to invest in fresh paint to make you feel beautiful and new, though, because this is an exciting fresh start for all of us. You should know that we’re not collectively all that handy, though, so we’re hoping you won’t require any repairs any time soon.
Bonuses: Wooden floors are ideal, and sunny windows to keep things bright and cheerful are high on our list. (If you have stairs, though, my middle-aged dog really prefers them to be carpeted because the slippery wooden ones scare him, but we could get a runner if you don’t have one.) I would love a bright, roomy, welcoming kitchen because I love to cook. (Seriously, the better the kitchen the happier I’ll be.) A finished basement would be nice, but as long as it’s a dry one, finished isn’t necessary. A porch would be a great treat because, Mom and I both love porches and we’ve never had one. A shady deck or patio for a couple chairs is nice, but like I said, we don’t spend a lot of time outside.
What else? A two-car garage would be fantastic because we’re used to having one, but we mostly just need enough space for us and our stuff so that we don’t feel like we’re right on top of each other–because being cozy and close as a family doesn’t mean we don’t need our own space once in a while. At least one of us (cough) comes with a lot of books and yarn, so having room to store them where it’s dry and welcoming is important. We’re hoping for friendly, welcoming neighbors, and a nice view would be lovely, though we’d rather not have to deal with slippery hills in the winter. Especially the driveway–something flattish would be a huge plus.
In return? If you provide the place for us to put down new roots and make us feel welcome, we promise to stay and take care of you for as long as we can. This is a long-term committment, we’re looking for, not some fly-by-night affair. If you let us, we promise to love you just as much as you deserve.
(Do I expect to get everything on this list? On my salary? In Northern New Jersey? No. But inspired by this post, I figure, how can it hurt to put it out there, tell the Cosmos what I want, right? And, who knows, if we all think positively enough, anything can happen. So–send some positive thoughts our way, please. In this market? We need them!)
Shrubbery
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Actual Knitting
Here’s something you haven’t seen here in a while … new yarn!
That’s 5 skeins of Peace Fleece (“Warm Wool from a Cold War”) sport weight yarn in “Sheplova Mushroom.” I bought it for that gorgeous, cabled sweater from the new Vogue Knitting (which I showed you here). Because, you see, first, I didn’t have any other sport weight yarn to knit it in and, second, I’ve wanted to try Peace Fleece for a long time.
I don’t want you to think that I’ve given up on my Gray Cardigan, though. See? The back is finished and the two fronts are started and moving along. And yes, I know, the fronts look incredibly tiny, but it’s ribbing–it’s not really THAT small! Besides, when’s the last time I knitted something that was too small? (grin)
In spinning? Look–this is my last bobbin of singles from my first share of Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm wool. You know from the Spring 2008 share. All I have to do is ply it and all of that first share will finally be spun. It only took me … how many months?
This corner seems to be one of Chappy’s new favorite spots. I sit on the floor at the computer, leaning against that ottoman, and lately, he’s snuggling up against the side of it. Especially if there’s thunder or something in the area. (Or maybe he’s just trying to check out the books waiting for me to review?). Or he’s trying to convince me to finish that quilt.
Let’s see, in other news? Another agent said no to my book (sigh). I’ve got a sty (sigh) on my eye. And, oh yeah, we need to start house-hunting. (Sigh.) On my salary. (Bigger Sigh.)
Random
The really quick update? Finished the back of my sweater (which looks pretty much just like it did in the last photo), and started the two fronts which are now one inch long apiece. So–not exactly photogenic yet.
So … instead? I’ve got some links for you:
First up, a fantastic article from the NYT on the world’s women, and why it’s in everyone‘s best interest to save them, utilize them, free them and basically let them do the kinds of things that women do best.
Did you see this video from the Sock Summit? Stephanie the Yarn Harlot leads the masses in trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. I confess, I thought watching this would actually be a little dull, but it’s funny and exciting–even from 3,000 miles and two weeks away!
An old Top Ten List from David Letterman, with the help of Casey Kasem, the top ten favorite numbers … funny!
I know, I keep going on and on about how much I love the show Chuck. Well, even though they’re not slated to come back until March, they’re busily filming away at season 3 as we speak, and check out this pic that Ali Adler (one of the writers) tweeted yesterday, of Zach Levi between takes. Not only does it make my Chuck-starved heart happy, and it pleases me to see that the helmet-hair from last season appears to be gone, but he is just so pleasing to look at…
This made me laugh–This has got to be one of the most creative ways of preventing drivers from speeding through your neighborhood! (Well, technically illegal, but great way to think outside the box!)
One Week
Yep. The Back is ready for the shoulder shaping.
Not bad for a sweater I just started a week ago!
Chuck Me Mondays 12
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.12 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Undercover Lover
Finally, some of Casey’s history–when his long-lost girlfriend, who he thought was dead, comes back to town, Chuck gets a chance to show Casey how good a friend he can be. And, well, a dripping-wet Adam Baldwin (and Zachary Levi) climbing out of a pool in a tuxedo? Really, that’s something they shoulf do again and again.
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
Peaceful Sunday
Ah, a nice, peaceful Sunday. Quiet. Pretty uneventful. Chappy got in some really good naps.
Mind you, he got a walk this morning, before it got too hot. And he helped clean a couple of cake plates, as well as sampling the pot roast to make sure it was okay. There was the whole barking thing at the neighbors who had the nerve to walk past his house, too. So it’s not like he spent the whole day sleeping.
But, since my sister’s family came to visit yesterday afternoon, he needed the extra sleep. He LOVES playing host to guests–and family is his favorite kind–but being sociable does tire him out. You understand, in a good way!
Hey, take a minute and head over to Knitting Scholar. I posted a list of all (?) the new and upcoming knitting books, and there are some really good ones coming up. Just, watch your wallets! (And, if you were to decide to buy any of those books, please do consider using my amazon.com links–I get a couple dollars’ commission for each purchase, and it’s much appreciated. You know, IF you are thinking of buying them anyway!)
Have YOU designed/knitted a great hat? Well, Annie Modesitt is looking for 1000 of them. If you haven’t submitted it (them) yet, you’ve still got time. She’s still shy of her goal and so has extended the deadline. But, knitters, she needs your help!
Did you know the new Twist Collective is up? Check out this great story about a hitherto unknown Elizabeth Zimmermann cardigan. It’s not only a fantastic story, but it’s a beautiful sweater, too. Now, of course, I want the pattern!
Hey, a friend from Portland sent me this article from her local paper about the Sock Summit last weekend. I’ve read about it online, now I can read it in hardcopy, too. Thanks, Carolyn!
Oh, and you know that novel I’ve been stuck on for years? The one that was stuck at about 50,000 words for about six years because I couldn’t get past one, crucial historical detail/plot point? Well, the good news is that it’s now at 61,762 words … a great improvement!
Here’s a very cool stop-action video. I swear, I feel this way sometimes when I try to sit at the computer and WORK, too.
Did you see this story about a pilot who just happened to crash his plane in the ocean near a boat of long-distance rowers? What are the odds? Lucky!
And, I still love this surprise squirrel photo.
Gray
Here’s the beginning of my Gray Cardigan.
I know, it’s hard to tell much from this picture at all. The color is off, first of all. The yarn is really a charcoal gray with a hint of blue to it. It’s Jo Sharp DK Wool in color “Ink.”
And, while that looks like a swatch, it’s really a skein’s worth of yarn, is about 7″ long, and constitutes about 1/3 of the back of my sweater.
Got to love projects that go quickly.
Titanic
There’s nothing handier for getting a feel for an event (other than being there) than by reading the news reports.
A book filled with contemporary news reports of the Titanic’s sinking.
Including editorial cartoons.
But the best part?
The ads!
Sometimes, research is so much fun.
Brought to you by:
Maple
Looking quite autumnal, with the green lace draped over an orange blanket… my Maplewing.
I’m not going to write much tonight because my eyes are stingingly tired, but I wanted to show you my unpinned shawl. (Or, the little bit of it I was able to photograph, anyway.)
(And, anyway, I’ve got a plot idea bubbling away for my has-been-stuck-for-years novel and would rather use whatever computer time my eyes will allow tonight working on that. You understand.)
I do have one great link for you–check out this fantastic photo, of a squirrel saying “Cheese!” while two people laugh in the background. Love that!
Maplewing Pinned
I found just enough floorspace in the guest room to block my shawl. (Chappy wanted to help, I want you to know, but I didn’t want him stepping on the pins.)
This is not my best blocking job. I pulled out my wires but was having such a hard time seeing the pattern of the lace, I couldn’t quite figure out where to put them. (Yes, I know. Pathetic.)
This will have to do, though. I only pinned the shawl out at the end of each scallop at the bottom, and that only because it insisted on curling. I didn’t get them pinned as well as they deserved, either, but … green shawl on green carpet. I truly could not see the pattern well enough to figure out where the pins should go. So I guessed!
Oh, and in response to comment yesterday about how a shawl can’t be too big. I refer you to this post about my Peacock shawl. The one I’ve since given away because it was just too big for me to wear without tripping on it!
Now. Do you realize? This means my shawl is finished! Which means I can go on to my next project. (Not forgetting the blanket for Chappy, of course.)
First option? The Gray Cardigan from Mother-Daughter Knits. The pattern that made me buy the book. I know, of course, that I will have gauge issues (don’t I always have gauge issues), but I still love the pattern.
But, then, there’s sweater #4 from the new Vogue Knitting. It’s been a while since I fell in love with a VK pattern, but … look at this! (And, three cheers for this 3-D turn-the-model-around video clip that they do with their patterns these days. I missed all the fabulous details of this sweater when I saw it in the magazine. But, oh, isn’t it pretty?
The drawback? I’d have to buy yarn to make it, since I don’t have enough DK wool in my stash … which is ironic because DK is my favorite weight yarn for sweaters. Though, I DO have Silky Wool, which I love working with, but that’s a very tricky yarn for me. Every sweater I’ve made with that yarn has come out radically too big, no matter how much gauge-swatching-math I do.
Of course, this could be my excuse to try Peace Fleece, which I’ve wanted to try forever. (They need more color options for their DK weight, though.) That comes out to $41.25 for the sweater, which is a pretty good deal, don’t you think?
Be at ease, though, I cast on for the Gray Cardigan last night.First, because I still love it, Second because I went to all the trouble of doing the gauge-math to try to match my funky gauge, and, Third because the first skein of yarn has been sitting on my dresser for over a month and it looked sad and pathetic. And who wants that?
I’m just so intrigued by this cabled sweater–the construction, the horizontal cables at the waist and the cuffs … interesting! The body is knit in one piece, too. Love the complex/intriguing aspects. Wonder if maybe moving the waistband cable up a bit (since I am waistline-challenged) wouldn’t be a good idea. Definitely want to give this a try…
Chappy Wanted to Help
Chappy wanted to help show you my Maplewing shawl. I know, it’s still hard to see its true gorgeousness because it still looks more or less like a lacy blob, but … it’s done, except for the blocking.
Which is going to be more challenging than usual, since I usually the guest room for blocking and right now, we kind of don’t really have one. Or at least, it’s overtaken with stuff and doesn’t really have the floor space needed to pin this out.
I’m going to have to pin this very carefully, though, because it’s already huge. You KNOW about my crazy, loose gauge issues that, if anything, are getting worse. Well, thank heaven I knit the small size because it’s about 3 feet long in the back already. A strenuous blocking would make it really, really, really big for me!
Let’s have a hand for my able assistant!
Now, a few links for you:
Have you seen this very nifty video? A human chorus doing “Rain.” As in, they sound exactly like a rainstorm (and the thunder really deserves the cheers it gets from the audience).
Who else remembers the 80s? Check out this very funny, tongue-in-cheek music video. (The music style isn’t exactly my favorite, but it’s worth it for the funniness.)
Did you see my review of Ann Budd’s new book, Knitted Gifts? I loved this one!
Did you know there’s a new Beatles-inspired clothing line? I would have particularly adored this in high school, but still find them snazzy now.
How’s this for a cool USB computer gadget? I sure could use one next to my laptop!
Chuck Me Mondays-11
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.11 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Crown Vic
Bryce has left town, and Sarah is in a baaaaad mood … but not as upset as Casey is going to be when he sees what happens to his prized Crown Victoria!
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
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