FIELD TRIP!!!

Yup.  I’m heading to Creative Warehouse in Needham tomorrow to get a supply of Lamb’s Pride for the Hat Attack!.  I also want to get some wool wash and maybe a present for ME.  And maybe a smallish present for Aunten since she finished moving out of her apartment and managed to do it all with the death cold that has been going around.    

 I’m excited for tonight since it’s the first time I actually have plans after work since like forever.  Don’t get too excited.  My plans do not consist of dating Ryan O’Callahan or anything (my secret Patriots’ crush).  Nope.  Tonight I will finish tagging the rest of the avon order and then I’m done.  Finished with that crap and money suck.  Then I plan on watching one of my Netflixes and cleaning my room.  I need to vacuum and just do a little rearranging.  Pictures will be taken of all sorts of things that I need to catch up on.  Ravelry needs to be updated.  Then I am sitting in my nice new-to-me leather club chair and pulling a fleecy blankie over me and working on the second mitten for my friend.  I hope to have it done before I start Hat Attack!     

Speaking of Hat Attack!  I haven’t really decided on what color yarn to do it in.  Should I go the nice route and pick a neutral?  Or be wicked mean and pick something bright and garish?  I guess I’ll decided on Saturday. 

Pluggin Along

Halfway done with my CO friend’s mittens.  I have to bust out the mitten this weekend (hello SUPERBOWL) hopefully I will be able to keep myself in check and not accidently poke myself with the dpns while watching the game.  Saturday is exciting since it is the day that I’m taking a field trip to Creative Warehouse to buy some Lamb’s Pride.  Why?  Cause I joined Hat Attack!  It’s my first time knitting something for someone else.  I’m so excited.  I can’t wait.  I want to make it super awesome and maybe a little ugly at the same time.  I hope I don’t die first.  But even if I do die, I still get a hat that someone made for me.  Hahahahaha.  I’m going to write an obituary for my victim too.  And maybe include some gummy worms.  I’m so excited. 

Ch-Ch Changin’

Yup. Things are changing. I changed my ravelry id to iFish, and thought I’d change it here too. Fiberjewel sounded like a moron. I’m not sure if I’ll change the site address. Probably too much work. So no.

I’ve got a couple of things in the works right now:

1) almost done with my friend’s christmas present of a hat and mittens (hat and one mitten done)
2) big plans for the new backyard
3) decided I was too cheap to buy a boat so I’m going to build one

Been a while

It’s been a while, huh.  Well I’ve been dealing with annoying people in my life and though there has been some knitting, there has been more thinking about knitting than actual knitting.  This mind knitting is great for work breaks, commercial breaks, standing in like at the bank breaks. 

For example: I’ve decided to knit myself the Central Park Hoodie.  I know.  I said I never would since I’m a big kid.  But I found a steal on the yarn (Valley Yarns Northampton) and have seen others make it in this yarn on Ravelry.  I’m going to buy the color card and a skein to play with.  I think it’s pretty comparable to Patons Classic Merino which I love.    

I bought a new vanity table.  It’s so white and clean.  Very nice.  Oh, and mom made matching curtains and recovered my vanity seat in camo.  It’s like sleeping in a blind. *   

I bought a new cell phone.  Sony Ericson Walkman.  I love it.  it’s so pretty.  Even made it it’s own sock!  *  

My fun purchase of a ball winder has made my life so easy.*    

Sista Slimdown is starting next weekend.  We’ll take starting weights, and measurements.  I’m going to keep track at how long I bike for and at what speed to figure out the miles, and my new phone keeps track of steps so I’ll record that.  Every week we’ll weigh and measure again.  And I get to use my cute new tape measure that looks like a dinosaur*  

*: Pictures to follow.

Stationary

I have to give up my spinning wheel.  The dollar a day rent went up to $1.50.  I can’t afford that.  So I’ll be giving it back in January.  Probably in two weeks.  It’s fine.  I actually haven’t really had time to spin.  I have saved about 300 so far for the Ladybug.  But the dog needs to go to the vet.  She needs a distemper booster and she’ll probably get put on pain/joint meds.  I hope they aren’t that expensive.  Though I’m prepared to use all of my spinning money on her.  I wouldn’t mind at all.  I’d rather have her around then a spinning wheel.  I think the spinning is something I can do – but not something I want to do.  And it’s just so expensive.  I’m going to put that towards paying off my cc instead.   

 But on a more knitterly note, I have finished the first lagoon sock.  And it’s a little big.  I’m not ripping it back.  I’m just going to deal with it.  I put it on waste yarn so that I can knit the next one up to that point and then divide the yarn I have left and finish them both off so that I use all the yarn.  I love the colors, and the yarn is so soft.  But I’m definitely going down at least two needle sizes.  I’ll try it on 1s and hopefully I’ll get a denser fabric.  I think I said that after my last socks – but I forgot.  I’m determined to not forget next time.    

I’ve picked up Karen’s clapotis again and have done a couple of rows.  I’m almost halfway done.  I’ll finish the straight rows before I start on the second lagoon sock.  This whole clapotis thing, while really pretty – is really stressful.  I hate dropping stitches, it makes me so nervous.  I’m also worried that it might not block the way I want it.  It does have some acrylic in it. Also I feel like it’s not going to be long enough.  The straight section says to do the series of dropped stitches 12 times.  But that doesn’t seem long enough.  Other people have repeated the straight section 2 or even three times.  I might do it twice.  I have the yarn, and I want Karen to have a really awesome scarf.    

I am thinking of making Karen some socks for her birthday.  I’ll use one of the colors of the corn fiber sock yarn she brought me from San Diego.  That way she’ll always remember the trip.  I want to do something really cool for her.  I definitely want to do toe ups, since the yarn comes in two small balls and I’ll be able to get the most out of those.  But I think this project might have to wait for the perfect pattern.  I want to start it by next month, so I have some time to do some digging.  I think something sort of lacey would be good for her since she gets so hot.      

As far as the SSS (Super Sister Slimdown) goes, it was a bust this week.  Hopefully this weekend we’ll start.  I’m buying my new exercise bike and Karen is going to help me put it together on the weekend.        

2007 Wrap UP

I’m not having the greatest day.  And it’s the last day of the year.  I was pretty happy up until today, so I’m going to focus on those things that made me happy – like crossing things off my 2007 to do list: 

1. be more outdoorsy (I went camping and did a bunch of BOW workshops)
2. learn to knit socks (I have made 2.5 pairs already)
3.  learn entrelac (I made the Quant)
4. take over the bills in the house (done, and doing a pretty good job I must say) 
5. change rooms (I moved into the master bedroom finally) 
6.  went fishing (did this a lot of the summer – still haven’t caught anything) 
7. started a blog and kept up with it (I’ve done pretty ok with this one)

So I think I’ve done a lot.  I’m pretty happy with 2007.  There have been ups and downs but I’m still here, and so are my friends and family so things are good.    

In knitting news, I’ve finally been able to start the lagoon socks.  I bought the yarn way far back from BSK.  It’s Sunshine Yarns in the Lagoon colorway (hence – lagoon socks, I never said I was a genius) I CO Friday Thursday night and I’ve already turned the heel.  I’m going to make these socks super long.  Since I’m doing them toe-up (thanks to Amy Swenson and her knitty Toe Up Sock Formula) I’m going to knit till I think I’ve reached the halfway point, then put the yarn on scrap yarn, and start knitting the next sock.  When I’ve reached the same point as with the other sock, I’ll stop and then measure out what yarn I have left, divide it in half and work the ends of the two socks.  My goal is to get them as high as possible without having a lot of excess.  I’ll have them fit my huge calves by extending the ribbing pretty far.  I really like this yarn.  And the colors are unbelievable. Blues, greens and all variations.  And they are working up really pretty.   

How did I forget to talk about my favorite knitting item I received for Christmas?  A headlamp.  It’s awesome.  When I am working on socks (wee needles) or dark yarns a little bit of light shining is great – I don’t need that much.  Plus this means that I don’t have to turn the overhead light on in my bedroom, I can get by with just the lamp on the side table and the headlamp.  Then if I get super tired I don’t have to crawl out of bed to turn the overhead light off.      

Ketchup

A lot has happened in the week(s) I’ve been away.  Since I’m the only one who reads this I’ll do a quick sum up for posterity:  

SNOW PART 2:Ugh.  I think this was the bad storm that I ended up getting stuck in 3 hours of traffic to go 12 miles home.  we should have left work earlier, but they didn’t release us till it was too late.  Highland ave was a nightmare. 

SNOW PART 3:Not bad.  But enough to make me angry.  Roads were slushy – so was the driveway.  We didn’t even get plowed.   

Christmas Shopping:I sucked at this and finally squeaked it out at the last minute.  I took Mom to Bass Pro and she had a ball.  I love it there.  As for knitting, I finally got the blue mittens done.  Lisa’s going to be getting those.  Abby and I aren’t exchanging gifts.  I didn’t think Lisa and I were either – but she said she has a present for me.  Karen got the pink/purple mittens and a white crochet scarf.  I whipped up a simple cable hat with some pretty yarn I got at AC Moore for nana – she cried when she opened it and didn’t take it off till it was time for bed.  I ended up making the quant for a girl at work.  It looked gorgeous with her curly hair.   

Christmas:Chris came.  He had saved a faucet from the hotel demo and ended up buying us a vanity too, so we have a new bathroom sink that doesn’t leak!  He gave everyone 50 bucks to walmart.  Karen and I are going to use them to get a tent and a cooler.  We’re going camping.  I can’t wait.  We’re both so excited. 

Knitting:Finished the green socks.  I’m debating on giving these to lisa.  She’s a really good friend so I think I will.  Besides, I’m making another pair for me.  And I’m doing really well.  I think I finally have a hold on this crochet cast on.  I’m also back to the clapotis.  I’m hoping to have it done by my birthday.  Yeah, I know – just in time for her to not need it.   

Spinning:Karen got me “The Big Book of Yarn” for Christmas.  It’s so awesome.  I’ve got about 75 dollars saved toward my new ladybug.  I should be able to get it for my birthday.  I’m hoping to not have to use my credit card at all.  I’m predrafting tonight.  I hate drafting, but I have to for this ball of fiber that I’m using.  I want to get it spun and plied and then bring it with me to the farm this weekend to pay for January’s rent of the wheel.  And buy more fiber of course.   

Avon:I’m not doing avon anymore.  I hate it and never do it since I hate it so much.  I’ll wait for stuff to come in that’s on backorder – but after that, nothing.   

I’ll post some FOs and WIPs later.  They’re over at Ravelry if you want to see them.  I’m fiberjewel. 

Snow Part I

Everyone pray for a snowday.  It’s supposed to start coming down at around 3.  We’ll have at least 10 inches before nightfall.  I’m presently in work, praying to be let out early.  On the up side, we scored a plow guy so we’re all set on that front.  And maybe I’ll get to use the “snow” setting on my digital camera. 

Derailed.

I did not follow the plan at all this weekend.  But instead finished the second pink/purple mitten, and the first pink camo mitten.  I decided that I don’t have enough yarn to complete the second camo mitten, so I started on the blue snowflake mitten.  I’m already up to the finger opening.  I really like this pattern.  Very easy to read and follow.  I’ve been fiddling with increases and so far like the kfb (knit through front and back loops).  It looks the neatest and doesn’t leave holes like the yarnovers.  I’m planning on duplicate stitching the snowflake on, but I’ll wait till I have both mittens so I have a better chance of them being the same.  If I have enough time I’ll do the same only opposite – white mitten with a blue snowflake.   

The Central Park Hoodie is now available in plus size.  I’m psyched.  Finally a sweater I can get behind.  I really want to spin my own yarn for this sweater.  I think it would be a huge accomplishment.  But, first I will need to purchase my own wheel. 

I keep thinking that due to the wicked smallness of my turn-of-the-century saltbox, I’m going to need a small portable wheel.  I’m due a 150 reimbursement in January.  With that and my year end bonus from work I should be able to get the Schacht Ladybug.  It’s wicked cute.  Plus the plastic composite wheel is awesome since New England is known for warping wood with it’s temperature and humidity extremes.   

Totally on track (to Crazytown)

I spun some more weds night.  I filled two bobbins and still have a bit left over.  I ended up plying them last night.  But ended up with some left on one bobbin.  I think what I’ll do is spin up the remaining fiber and then ply that with the remaining on the bobbin.  I’ll totally have plenty to do something with.  I’m thinking maybe a hat.  (of course I’m thinking a hat – I love hats).  I have come to the conclusion that I’m not a big fan of mohair.  I think it’s the halo.  It just looks messy.   I also finished kitchenering both ½ done mittens.  I’m getting better at this whole kitchener thing.  I also did the thumb on the pink mitten.  I’m so happy with my progress so far, I have a few lofty goals for this weekend: 

• Finish at least one more mitten
• Drop 6 stitches on Karen’s Clapotis
• Buy a yarn ball winder
• Spin and ply remaining blue fiber
• Make one santa hat
• Set twist on all blue hanks
• Go to Iron Horse Farm and show off to Debbie

 I also have a couple of other (non-knitting related) goals: 

• Go to bank
• Go to post office
• Make cookies (I’m thinking spritz)
• Clean and vacuum room
• Cut and polish nails

 So all in all not bad.  I totally think it’s doable.  Tonight (Friday) I’ll swing by BSK and see if they have a ball winder for sale, I’ll finish the thumb on the pink camo mitten, and start and finish up to the opening on the second pink/purple mitten, and spin and ply the remaining fiber and put into hanks.  I’ll set the twist tonight and then Saturday I’ll get up early and go to the bank and the post office, maybe pick up some of the crockpot classic soups and come home to hang with nana (the fam is in NY on a shopping trip all day).  While with nana, I’ll finish the mitten and drop 3-4 stitches on the clapotis.  In the afternoon I’ll take a run to the farm and show off to Debbie.  Depending on the cost of the ball winder, I’ll purchase 1-2 balls of fiber.  When I come back we’ll eat the soup that has been cooking all day, and I’ll make a santa hat.  I’ll finish the second pink/purple mitten and start the second pink camo mitten.  Sunday (game day) I’ll finish the second pink camo mitten, drop the remaining stitches on the clapotis and possibly cast on for the blue snowfake mitten.   Totally doable.  (I may be crazy)  In Non-Knitting Related News, I got a call from my uncle.  His boss is sending the guys home for Christmas, and since Chris wasn’t going, he offered to fly his girlfriend Trishie up for the holiday.  Right.  Where in the hell are they going to sleep?  Cause he’s been sleeping on an air mattress in my old room (read: tiny ass room).  Chris seemed so excited and said, “you will love her, you are like peas in a pod”.  So, what? You are dating someone exactly like your niece – well, that’s not uncomfortable at all.  So we’ll see how things go.  He said she might not go for it since she’s originally from California and it’s freezing up here. 

I’m so tired of people saying it’s freezing up here.  I think it’s wonderful.  I love the cold.  I love knitting warm things, and afghans on your lap and hot chocolate and turkey and meatloaf and Christmas and snow and everything.  I think it’s wonderful.  I’m trying really hard not to let those people who hate cold get me down.  If you don’t like that it’s cold – MOVE.  Cripes, I’m so annoyed.  It’s December in New England people, it’s cold every year.  I get it.  It’s cold.  It’s supposed to be.  And guess what – it’s going to be like this for 3 more months.  So you better suck it up and put on a sweater and some warmer shoes – cause vnecks and chucks aren’t going to keep you warm.  /rant.