Curses!

Oh, Drat! So, today I found out a crucial fact: the second sock is wrong. See, I made dad's first sock,

and it was fine. I still don;t know how long my dad's foot is, but the width was ok. So apparently, I cast on too little stitches. this wouldn't be a problem, except I was nearly done with the sock! I had turned the heel and everything! So, I had to rip back everything. The heel, the cuff, all of it!

here are the before and after pics:

Before

After

Not only that, but I am being sort of lonely today, since my dorm-mates left for the weekend (can't say I blame them. I'm not much of a party animal.), and my best friend, Ashley (who I was knitting the bright pink scarf and mittens for) is not yet back from Portland. I kind of wish I'd gone with her. I mean, I'm glad I didn't miss any of my classes, but I really miss my family.

I think I'm going to have to work harder at the podcasts, because I have a long list to go through! Not only that, but I still have Lime & Violet on my tail. Must. . . . get . . . to . . . END! . . . .

Anyway, the only thing that seems to be progressing in the Christmas knitting is dad's socks. I haven't started anything else. there's so much to work on, too! here's the list:

Becca's snugly pink socks

Mom's oven mitts

Peter's socks (or slippers, I'm not sure which right now)

Stephen and Mary's gifts, whatever they might be (Mary's white scarf is for her birthday)

I have a lot of blue yarn weight left over . . . perhaps a scarf? I don't know. I'll have to surf the patterns on ravelry and through my huge collection. Does anyone else have any ideas?

Ciao for now,

Cimorine.

Finding new podcasts, How exciting!

I know I'm breaking my law. I don't believe I've mentioned it, but my law is that "thou shalt not listen to any other podcast until thou hast caught up to the latest Lime & Violet podcast." And I have been working non-stop, diligently, ever since I got to La Grande, even further! but now . . . now . . . . I'm nearly done! I've got around 10-15 more, I can see the end, I'm only less than a year (in terms of the dates the episodes were released) and I CAN'T WAIT! I mean, I love Lime and violet, don't get me wrong. They are funny, and cool, and imaginative, no episode's the same, they always have stories to tell, it's great. And let me tell you, to plow through their 1.5 hour episodes is not only committed, it's knitterly love! (Knitterly love: N, def: to love one's knitter. rather like brotherly love, except this is love of knitters. Philos with knitting involved.)


But today I decided, since I have a few hours before my first class, and no homework to work on, I am going to look up some podcasts. I tried the Internet, but decided to go with itunes, since I could not only look at the podcasts, but also listen to them and see if I like the way they sound, what they talk about, who is talking, what their voice is like, etc. And I think, yet again, I have bitten off more than I can chew. Because Knitting Podcasts are multiplying like bunnies! There are tons of new ones, some old ones that I remember when I was looking for more. (I came to this point sometime this last summer. I was tired to listening to Cast On, and wanted something new. Lime & Violet solved that problem. But I looked at other podcasts, too.)


So, let's begin (I really wish I had a podcast of my own, but with all the competition . . . I think I might just stick to blogging for now. At least until I can afford the equipment).


The Anatomy of Knitting The title interested me, and so I took a look. It is fairly new, only about 4 episodes so far. But the knitter has a wonderful, light, cheery voice, not unlike the guest that would often appear on Cast On to read knitting stories. She seems very happy, and I need that, since I sometimes seem to like being depressed (whooo hoo! depression!) ahem. I am listening to her right now, and she has been doing the podcast for about two months. Hooray! I hope there are more to come. I have a gut feeling about her, and I like it. More to come as I listen more.


Cloudy with a Chance of Fiber Not only is this based off one of my favorite stories (cloudy with a chance of meatballs) but it also takes place in Portland! I have a hate-love-relationship with that city, I swear. The podcast has two hostesses, and they have light, quiet voices. calm, lovely. They are brand-spankin' new, and have only one episode out. It's been a few months, so I posted on their blog and told them to get back to work, since their podcast was the shizzle, as my home-bros from high-school would say it. It's a thoroughly enjoyable podcast.

The Belle of the Ball. Again, her voice is nice, but she is very creative with her podcasts. I believe she is centered in the PNW (Pacific North West, for those who don't know) She has 79 episodes, and her episode that I'm listening to is Halloween . . . oh my! The songs are great, too. That is a big point in her favor! I need to get going, but I will definitely listen to her in future.

One that I am really, really, really excited about, is Craftlit. I have two passions that are apart of my identity, and have been for quite a while: Knitting, and reading. I love reading, love it, love it, love it. Knitting too, as you know. So, this brilliant lady puts both together. I love her. She reads famous books, like the scarlet letter, and talks about knitting. Again, this is a gut feeling I get. It reminds me of my two favorite Knit-fic (Knitting fiction) series, The Dyed in the wool series (I don't know the official title, but I do know the title of the first book) and the Sweetgum knit-lit society. Both books not only focus on knitting, but also on either mysteries or books, life, love, and all sorts of cool things. Both are profound. Anyway, this reading knitter is in Arizona, and she sounds like a wonderful companion, with a sort of motherly voice.


Knitted Spoon. She, like Cloudy with a chance of fiber, has a light voice, and is also so new that she has only one episode. I may drop her, because I am not vegetarian. however, I am also not goth, and still listen to Lime & Violet. If she seems to focus mostly on vegetarian cooking, I will not listen to her long. Well, i won't anyway, since she only has one episode. But I will keep my options open, because she has a good voice, and seems excited. Cooking is a sort of minor passion of mine. Knitting and cooking are good combinations. I shall have to keep listening. . . . and watching . . . and waiting.

The Knitting Rose Podcast. She has a lovely, lady-like voice. Elegant, poised, yet relaxed. I am unsure about her, but I will definitely have to listen to her more. she is a new field. What does she have to offer? Only time will tell.


Never Not Knitting. I like the feel of this one. again, bright, cheery voice, but with a bit of age. She has 27 episodes so far, and like the Knitting Rose, is worth exploring. More later.


Saphires-n-purls podcast Also a new podcast, she only has 5. The reason would be that she is working on podcasting bimonthly. She has a simple voice, one that I might have if I had a podcast. The title interested me, but again, I will have to watch and wait.

The Sassy Sheep This one is strange. Theme song is good, co-hosted, (which is a lot less lonely, and two heads are better than one). The voices are clear, and are a dummed-down version of Lime & Violet. Not as crazy, yet not as laid back as Cloudy with a chance of Fiber. background sounds are also a bonus. I like to hear cars going by, rain, waves, wind, anything in the background. It makes the podcast more . . . real.


Stitichz in time This podcast first interested me only by the name. It has a lovely piano intro, speaking to my classical-music persona (she lives inside me and comes out whenever she hears Beethoven, Mozart, or Vivaldi!). She has 14 podcasts, and has a quiet voice. She knits while podcasting, which is always a good idea. However, there is a big sound in the background, but those are technical issues. Is this in every podcast? No, it's not. neither is the theme. How exotic! this one, however, might be dropped. if any will be dropped, this probably will be.

WHEW!!!!!!!!! Also, as an added bonus, the next Cast On episode is out. She must have started a new season, because it's been a while since her last one.

Also, my knitting is basically consisting of this easy baby, Ashley's hot pink scarf. She is my best friend, and we like to hang around a lot. She loves hot pink. It's a nice scarf to knit while listening to podcasts.








Ciao for now,


Cimorine

Edit: appologies to the hostess of Knitted Spoon. she has more than one episode out. Sorry!

Knitting club

You know, you know I will start a knitting club at this school. I am starting to get really excited about it, too. See, I have found, now, at least 4 adults that are interested in it. My ed teacher, a librarian, a science teacher, and another ed advisor (ed means education, fyi). So, I talked to them, they admired my lovely Manon, who has been on me during this Halloween season. Yes! He is so soft and warm, especially with the snow that has been falling off and on around here. It pretty much turned to mush as it fell today, but was still pretty and rather romantic.

The librarian is good with basics of knitting, and with lace. The science teacher is good with Norwegian knitting, like inertia and Fair Isle I suppose, and the other person, who I actually forgot to mention, Regina, who is really interested in it, is good at making up patters on the fly, like me. The other ed teacher is mine, and she wants to learn how to knit. I will give more updates on how the club goes, since I finally got the signatures for it all, and will soon be contacting the student life area about setting this club up. Maybe they'll even let me use the copier to make the posters for advertising! the first meeting, I'm hoping, will be around 5 next Wednesday.

Also, i talked to a girl who was interested in learning how to knit socks. Her friend collects interesting socks, and there is no sock more interesting than that of a knitter. I am excited for this club, and I look forward to knitting and chit-chatting about anything and everything.

I think the first part of the club will be to basically make winter stuff that you need in this cold weather, like hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, socks, etc. anything one might need for the cold winter months. Then, we can do something like Knitting for charity, which is something I've always wanted to get into. I feel like using my knitting skill to help others is what God intended.

more updates later,

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Tiring day filled with knitting and sewing and buying

So, today was one of those days when I am exhausted. I am very tired, but I want to write this so that you can get a more recent update. I dunno why I want to do it, I just do. Maybe just hide from going to bed, or maybe to just stay up so that I will sleep in until 9 at least (I don't have a class at 9 like I usually do). Anyway, I've been knitting today. Like a fiend. on this:

I believe I told you about it, but in case you just arrived, this is an afghan for my aunt. The white part was knit for her and her husband originally. I am working on a border for their baby. As the family grows, the blanket grows, thus becoming (hopefully) a family heirloom. This has to be a God-inspired idea, because I could not think up something so brilliant. Anyway, the top and bottom are done. I just need to work on the sides.

As for the sewing, I'm doing a swap with a girl who likes CSI and law and Order. I assume you've heard of them. I have, though I don't watch them. they're crime shows. anyway, I am making her multiple project bags. I'll sew them up tomorrow.

And this, dear friends, is the sudoku and rubix cube of the knitting and sewing world. It was bought at the sock summit in Portland this year, and i still have no idea how it is put together. each time I think I get it, new evidence pushes me back to square one.

Lastly, bought yarn today for this swapper, too. I hope I get something good, really good, in my package. Because I am working really hard on her bags, and spending a boatload of money. actually, i should probably call the people who have sewing machines on the campus about that.

Ciao for now,

Cimorine

That darn scarf!

Well, this isn't really a knitting update, because I am going to talk about the media I watch/listen to during the knitting. First off, I'm working on the scarf for Mary. I like it, but it seems to be going too slow. Good thing I have at least 2 months to work on this! this is what I have so far:

So, tonight I decided to work on knitting because I was sick of playing solitaire for about 3 hours straight. (No, I am not kidding, I actually played it that long.) I got my homework done today, so I was able to blow off the rest of the day. So, I started in on Lime and Violet, because I am so behind it's just sad. and each month, the list gets longer and longer. Which frightens me. I mean, I have David ready to catch up on, too! thank goodness he is only 1/2 hour long, instead of 3 times that long (lime and violet usually is 1.5 hours long). But, here's the thing. I like to multitask. Lime and violet are engaging, but for some reason I like music. So, I started in on my growing playlist on YouTube and played it while I was listening to it. Just to show how good I am, I think, with multitasking, I'm typing this, listening to "Life of a hero," and Listening to Lime and violet. They are talking about yarn porn. I LOVE multitasking.

Also, I found a movie on YouTube that I think any of you would like, if you like cats. It's called, "that darn cat!" really. get the version with Haily Mills. She plays Pollyanna in Pollyanna, stars in castaways, and was in the first version of the Parent trap (playing the twins) she's a famous 70's actress, and I like her. also, my other favorite 70's actor is in this movie. It's the guy that plays the main character in Herbie (no, he doesn't play the car). he plays the doubtful driver that doesn't believe his VW is alive. with a mind. and a heart. and one heck of a sense of humor.

Anyway, that's what I've been doing lately. Sorry the updates are so few and far between. I suppose when Christmas rolls around I will post more and more often, because I will be knitting madly. (maybe. I have no idea if I'll be insane during the Christmas season because I am chugging through these Christmas projects. I've also cast on the second sock for daddy.)

Ciao for now,

Cimorine

Been awhile, but I'm not dead yet!

I know you are all probably wondering, "is she dead? will she ever post again?"


Ok, maybe not. But I know I've been slacking, which is a really bad blogger of me, no cookie. (I got that from Lime and Violet, which I also have slacked off on as well.)


I have been knitting, though, and here are some of the things I've knit:

emily's Clapotis birthday shawl is ready for shipping, appart from the wrapping bit.










Stephen's socks are finished, I just need to put starbucks to blow the pain that he will be getting (oh the horror) socks for his birthday!










I whipped up this little baggie for my cards (ID, laundry, key cards, all the ones I need when walking around EOU) out of the Tofutsies sample I got at the sock Summit, 2009.











Finished one of Daddy's socks for Christmas,











And finally, started in on Mary's lovely scarf! The pattern was made by a dude, and depending on the colors, it can be easily for men and women. She is such a tomboy that I thought this pattern would work really well. it's super easy to knit, and I love doing it. She asked for white yarn, which will make this all the more lovely. I like the scarf a lot, don't you?









So, that's all the knitting I've been doing. Clearly, I have not slacked off on that . . . well, almost not. Lime and Violet slacking has been going on, as well ask knitting slacking (a little) though I think that my solitaire skills have really amped up. I actually win 42% of my games, instead of 0%! whoopee!

Geek moment.

PROUD Geek moment.

ciao for now,
Cimorine

Late Birthday post

So, I've been busy. I guess. but not that busy. . . . anyway, here's the details from my birthday. First off, my mom gave me addictive chocolate-covered candy. Yay. (shrug) I guess it's a good gift, though. I got wonderful cards from everyone, several calls from family, freinds, and posts on ravelry wishing me the best. best of all, I got the newest Redwall book, Doomwyte. I can hardly wait to read it! I also went out with my dorm-mate, Shauna, to Wendy's, then to baskin robin's, and had some lovely lite ice cream. That was pretty much it, other than a few more calls. My Godmother sent me a card I got yeasterday, with $30 in it, and I am pleased to say I spent some of it on yarn. i'm think I'll spend the rest on perhaps a spindle to use up all that extra roving I have lying around (around 1 oz, which is actually a lot more than you'd think) that was pretty much my birthday.

I have nearly finished Emily's birthday Clapotis, and I have already started my dad's christmas socks.

Sorry this isn't flowy or flashy or even written in a way that might be interesting. Classes have started, and it's hard to keep up with everying. I did finished the Knit for Love book today, a great book if you enjoy romace novels and knitting. the first one was grand, too, the Sweetgum knit-lit society. that's just for those who like to read and knit.

Ciao for now,
Cimorine