Knit Twit

Curses!

2009-11-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-10-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T22:15:00.001-07:00

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

College Dorms and Christmas knitting

2009-09-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

I have now entered. Play the music! beat the drums! I am at my college! now, granted, I am not yet alone in my dorm with only my dorm-mates and my roommate has not show herself yet. But, We have set up everything. For some reason, I thought there would be less room that there is. I mean, I have TONS of stuff! But, I hardly cover the area under my bed (which is, thankfully, raised) and I only need a few more things like my forgotten mouse for the laptop, my (sadly) forgotten microwavable mug from home, and hangers. Here's some pics from the dorm on my side (excluding the bed. the sheets come later this week).

Knitting will commence later. I am going to be working on the last of the birthday gifts, then commence the (duh-duh-DUUUUUUH) Christmas knitting! Well, I have about three months, which will be grand. and the best part is, because I am on "quarters" instead of "semesters," I start late in September, but I also get to have NO HOMEWORK OR STUDYING going on during the 3-week Christmas break. which will be very nice. I'll listen to Lime 'n' Violet Christmas songs, and maybe I should even make a play list full of Christmas songs . . . . . .

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Eating Yarn

2009-09-18T08:50:00.001-07:00

Normally, I do not feast on yarn. I just never feel that it is necessary.

After all, the yarn I usually knit with is wonderfully coarse and rough-'n'-tumble. Well, today, I think I have become addicted. As you can see, I eat yarn on a stick, and I WANT to eat the roving round my neck, and the grey sock is so soft, I swear, my hands will melt before I get to the end of the first sock.

As for projects, besides the melty-socks (this is their name henceforth) I have started Mary's scarf. I'm thinking that the yarn I'm using is really not the best. perhaps I will have enough to make the scarf with other yarn. (I have tons of leftovers, and at least 100 yards of yarn from the chocolate purse) The Chocolate purse is finished and renamed, though I don't know how long the needle-felting will last.

Other than the Clapotis for Emily, I am entering the realm of Christmas knitting. I can't believe it! Socks really are the best gift to make for big families!

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Hibernation begins soon.

2009-09-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

For you long-time readers, this is the part of the year where I virtually lock myself up in my studies and stash, and basically have little to no contact with the knitting world, except through podcasts. This is called Knitter's Hibernation. It is rare among knitters of adult status, but quite common among students, particularly college students, because of the increased amount of homework given.

I leave for college on Tuesday, and I said goodbye to all the knit-night ladies at the good old Close Knit. I also bought some yarn for a decidedly ungrateful brother of mine. He won't use fingerless mitts, he won't use a scarf, it's not enough for a sweater (it's 200 yards in sport weight), that's it. He's getting socks, no matter how hard he yelps. I will knit socks out of this lovely baby Alpaca mix, and he can't stop me. It'll be his Christmas gift, since he's soooooo picky.

As for the knitting, well, I've gotten started on my sister's scarf. I couldn't really get past the i-cord cast on (Where you make a rope out of knitting and pick up stitches, making a lovely edge) because it was at Knit night, and no one can really concentrate on knitting for that long! There is so much chit-chat going on, hardly any fancy knitting gets done.

Will look on ravelry for a sock pattern for men, will try to get this scarf figured out, and will try to post when I am in hibernation.

Ciao for now,
Cimorine.

Lacy fingerless mitts finished, Christmas projects begin to overwhealm . .

2009-09-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

First off, I've finished my lacy fingerless mittens. I need to take a pic of them, preferably one with me wearing them and my hands spread over the keyboard. I'll try to get a pic and post later (my camera's out of batteries). Edit: here they are! one's of them on me on my bed, and one's of them on me on my laptop.

In other news, Christmas is just around the corner. I know for you muggles, that it is most certainly NOT, but for knitters and musicians, and possibly even huge-company-planners, I assure you, it is. For musicians, it's the concerts. This is the time singers and musicians and directors start thinking about and practicing for Christmas concerts. It's a rather busy time, especially for directors, who have to organize one event after another. (directing doesn't pay well, I don't think.) For Huge-company-planners, it's, duh, the stuff. Of course, they are also thinking about Halloween, thanksgiving as well, and we KNOW they are trying to think of new and imaginative ways of making us buy their junk.

For knitters, it's the projects. I don't know what's so enticing about having a "hand-knit Christmas," but it is. I think it's because it gives a new meaning and sense of love to Christmas, or rather, gives BACK that meaning, originally stolen by the media. I plan to enjoy myself while I do this, and I think I will. I really need to buy some more sock yarn, but not much, I think 400 yards can last for two pairs of socks, meaning two presents for two people. I'll see what I can get for everyone the next (and last) time I go to my local knit store for a while. (tomorrow is the last knit-night at the good old Close knit.) I saw some sock yarn on sale.

Christmas is coming, the stash is getting fat.
please put a penny (and maybe a bunch more) in the little knitter's hat.
If you haven't got a penny, a written check will do.
If you haven't got a written check well, no gift for you!

(sung to "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat")

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

knitters out for my blood and consiousness

2009-09-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Before I begin this tale, take heed! It contains blood. Sterile blood, but blood just the same. so if you get queasy at the mere mention of our literal life that runs through our veins, you may want to wait for the next post. So, take heed!

I have now given blood 4 times. I got the inspiration and desire to carry out this frightening task because of my dad. he is a doctor (not in practice, but in knowledge) and he has been giving blood for as long as I can remember. every now and again, I'd see him walking through the door, a big colorful bandage on his arm and a little heart-shapes sticker saying: Be nice to me, I gave blood today! I take on this task because I love my dad, because I admire him, and because it is a very generous, very kind thing to do for your fellow man.

today was the day i was supposed to give blood. Now, normally, I am the kind that feels a bit faint when her blood is taken. Not many people feel this way, and it must be normal with me, because it's happened every time. last time was a better experience for two reasons: 1, I had compelling book to read, and 2, instead of squeezing the little stress-balls they give you in order to pump out your blood, i just rolled it around. When one feels faint, they lift your feet up, put your head down, place cold rags on your head, and make sure you don't black out. It took me about 2 hours last time to donate blood. and I didn't feel faint after I left the building.

This time, it was different. first off, many of the volunteers were knitters! what a wonderful surprise! I talked with at least two volunteers about knitting, and it was great. "and dad thought that knitting wasn't social," I smugly thought to myself. Little did I know that red cross knitters were different.

So, I told them immediately, of course, that I usually felt dizzy and faint when i gave blood. so, they put me up right away. Now, maybe they didn't know, maybe they didn't understand, but I asked them if I could roll around the ball they gave me instead of squeezing it, and they said no. They said, we want to keep the blood flowing. yeah, right. I think this man was thirsty. Thirsty for my bloooood. So, I got it done in 5 minutes, which concerned me a little, but I felt fine, so they wrapped me in a pink and red bandage, let me get up, and I ate a donut and some oreos and drank orange juice and water. I went outside to wait for my dad to pick me up, and everything seemed normal. But little did I know that the red-cross knitters of doom had also started seeping something from me: my consciousness.

If you have ever fainted, then you may know what it's like. First, your head feels funny and you can't quite focus. things get blurry. Then, the blackness starts to cloud the outer parts of your vision, I felt that for a while, then suddenly woke up on my side with my leg cramping! (luckily, I was sitting down) I don't know how long i was out, nor do I remember fainting, I just remember waking up. The red-cross knitters of doom must have gotten tired of waiting for my consciousness, and cut the invisible cord that seeped it out of my brain. I started to worry. I called my dad, lay down on the bench, and prayed that he'd come soon. It seemed like forever.

Finally, he came, and seemed totally unfazed by the fact that I'd just FAINTED! doctors. So next time I give blood (and I will. red-cross knitters of doom will not deter me from doing my humanly duty!), I'm not going to ask. I'm going to TELL them that I am GOING to roll the ball around, because I'd rather not faint, thank you very much!

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Note: no knitters were harmed in the making of this story. The red cross is actually a very nice place, and people do not lust for your blood or your consciousness. I thought it'd be a fun story, because while telling my mother about it, I mentioned that I fainted, they were the ones collecting the blood, and that they were knitters all in the same sentence. I encourage you to donate blood, if you can. Like I said, it's a chance to do a good turn for your fellow man, and plus, people are totally nice to you if you do it, too.

picture update from the beach

2009-09-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry this has not appeared until now, because I was sick (I suspect it was the crab) for a day, and needed a few more to gain my land-legs. (not really. I just wanted to relax a little.) plus I've had a lot of work to do. but, I took loads of pictures. I had a blast, and the beach was gorgeous. Surprisingly, it was sunny most of the time, I went shopping a little, and my only regret was that I wasn't able to get YARN! (sniff) :( anyway, hope you like the pictures.

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

PS. view the slide show by clicking on this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/42359555@N05/show/ , since there are over 100 pics that I took on the trip.

To the Beach!

2009-09-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today, our family is going to the beach in Lincoln city, as well as ALL my aunts and uncles and ALL my cousins on my Mom's side. Here are the two projects I'll be knitting:

Also, there is a yarn store in Lincoln. We may not be able to get there, but I'm hoping so. I will definitely take tons of pictures at the beach, and will try to post on Tuesday at the earliest (we get back on Monday, Labor day). See you in a few days!

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Catching up on the PODs.

2009-08-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

PODCASTS GALORE! Since I have finally finished my book on tape of Tale of Two cities, (see other blog for more details: http://ireadclassics.blogspot.com/ ) and now I can finally finish catching up with the podcasts! Lime and Violet is very very hard to catch up to because each episode is at least an hour long, while David ready's podcasts, Sticks and String, is easier because it's half as long. I know I'm a knitting Geek. I'm proud of it. Podcasts are part of the deal.. Lime and Violet I especially love because they are funny, and they seem to improvise a lot more. It's like a radio show, KNITTING RELATED! very cool.

David Ready is also fun because he's got an accent. This is not the only reason I like him. (he's from Australia) but also because he has good insights into the knitting world. Because he is a male knitter, he reveals things about knitting that are sometimes hard to see if you are female. I know it sounds prejudiced, but it's not. It's very interesting. and cool. and he's fun to listen to. He has info and songs and interviews, and a wonderfully peaceful voice, whereas Lime and violet? they are kind of loud. this does not mean that I've actually fallen into a small slumber listening to them: only because I've been exceedingly tired.

anyway, I am glad I've been able to get back to the podcasts. It will be nice to listen to stuff for fun again. All this audio is really good for my knitting.

Currently, I'm working on my Clapotis for Emily (shh, don't tell her) my cousin. She doesn't know. Plus, it doesn't look like much right now.

As for the upcoming and on-the-needles projects, I want to make fingerless lacy gloves up to my elbow from the leftover yarn used for Becca's lacy rose socks (for her birthday, already wrapped. sorry. I'll ask for pics to be sent to me when it is opened!), as well as the sweater vest for steepen. I'm rethinking this. first off, I have no idea if I will have enough yarn for this. Secondly, I thing that this will take forever and will make me sick with it's monotony of seed stitch. lastly, I think Socks would be great for him. Nice, Navy-blue socks. But the thing is, he disdains the fact that I knit socks. Like it's the worst gift one could get! how does one knit for that kind of person? well, I don't think I will. I'll knit him socks for Christmas, but that's it. And only then, those are backup socks, in case he changes his mind. But if he doesn't want it, I'm not sure I'll knit it. Plus I really want the yarn for a cabled yoke pullover that I've had my eye on. I want to design one of my own, one a little less complex, but very nice nonetheless. I need a nice pullover, to wear when I am frigid.

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Sock summit

2009-08-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

So, I know I've not been posting as much, which is strange since Summer should up the anti on anything blog related, what with all the time I'm supposed to have. and I certainly have not made this year's resolution (for those long-time readers who remember my oath I swore in January) of posting pics with every post. but this is going to make up for it.

Turns out, the week before last, the Sock Summit took place. For those who don't know, it's bascially a sock-learning, sock-loving, sock obessive convention. It took place at the Convention center in portland, and of course I knew about it. But, I thought it was bascially a bunch of classes. I had no idea there was a MARKET! Of course, I find this out only on Saturday. Typical. And from a non-portland resident, but a portlander, Brenda Dayne of Cast on podcast! (Ta da!)

So, I biked down, paid the admission, and spent abotu $100 bucks at this place. (sigh) Here is what I bought: Skein of yarn for my pen-pal from Blue moon (it looked like the hawthorne bridge and the wallamette river at night), Monkey colorway sock yarn for my dad for Christmas, Dpn (double-pointed-needles, for you muggles) carrier, a walk-and-knit triangular bag (it's brown with teeny white polka-dots) and a ginormicous bag full of purple washable worsted weight baby alpaca (holy cow! See the pic below of the bin where I found my yarn). The portrait below is of the woman who gave me a discount, because I expressed my concern for spending so much money when I'm going away to college. She gave me a $5 off discount and a free book! I couldn't refuse, though I think I might regret that buy, or any other, when I have to fish out money to pay for the outrageously expensive college books.

The bigges thing I experienced there was when I nearly had a heart attack when I saw the Yarn Harlot (by day known as Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.) For those who don't know, I got back into knitting because of her. She is my inspiration. Plus, I have no idea how to act around celebrities. I finally got the guts to thank her for her inspiration just as I was walking out the door, and I think she kind of looked at me like I was crazy, as I didn't make eye contact since I was so shy, and spoke so fast she probably understood half of it. Plus I'm sure she was exhausted. After all, she's one of the main people who organized the Sock summit, and who organizes it every year. I was completely unsettled by her presence, and I really wish I could have gone with a knitting freind. (any volunteers?)

Most of the vendors were of yarn and needles and spinning wheels and drop spindles, but a few, like the walk-and-knit bag place, seen below, as well as a clog vendor and a few others that I forget, didn't sell yarn, but things for knitters. (clogs apparently show off socks really well. I'll stick to my black mary-janes.)

Lastly, here's the Sock museum, going from modern socks to the past. I took pictures of most, and posted most of those (Lost some to the blogger site! my bad!) Enjoy!

Ciao for now,

Cimorine

Should I quit?

2009-08-16T16:56:00.001-07:00

I may have written this kind of post before, but I think I should quit blogging about knitting. especially since holiday hell is nearly upon me, and I'll need all my spare time to knit, especially in college. If you do not think I should quit, say so, and say why.

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Birthday and Christmas rush coming up soon

2009-07-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

I Am Poor! Seriously. Mom and Dad say that now that I'm going to be a college student, I need to start living like I am on less than minimum wage. . .. haha! I already am! But seriously.

Seeing as my Bank account number is dropping rapidly, I don't think I'll be able to pay for any yarn AT ALL this year, for any birthday or Christmas present. (Not that that little fact stopped me yesterday. We went out to downtown Joseph and got some hand spun/handyed yarn for my cousin's socks. Delightful!) This poses a problem, seeing as not only are 5 out of the 8 people in my family born in the Fall/Winter, around the same time, but that is also the CHRISTMAS SEASON!!! How on earth will I survive????

Well, after some stress and frantic wondering, pondering, and planning, I have a rough idea for what I'm going to do for everyone's birthday and Christmas present.

The first one to come along is my cousin, the one for whom I bought the yarn. She is getting mohair/wool socks. Lucky.

Next in line is Peter. He's 2 days after her. I don't know what I'll do, but I'm hoping I can make him socks with the yarn left over from Grandpa's mittens. If not, I'll have to make him blue socks or something. or maybe some mittens, too.

Becca is next. She gets either pinky-fuzzy socks or something from my stash, which I can't quite look at, seeing as I'm still at my Grandparents' house.

Stephen is getting a seed-stitch navy blue sweater vest. and he WILL wear it, if it kills him!

Emily (other cousin) is getting a white Clapotis, which might become a Christmas gift because her b-day is in December.

And then . . . . (drum roll) the Christmas rush!!!!

here's the list:
Dad: blue socks with cables
Mom: wine/green colored scarf OR tan animal felted hot pads. (what animals are tan?)
Me: possibly no yarn. I'll have to use the iron to permanent press it in everyone's head that I ONLY want yarn.
Stephen: blue socks with cables
Mary: grey rug-yarn scarf with a single cable. it'll be cool!
Becca: if her B-day present wasn't the pinky-fuzzy socks, this will be! and if not, possibly the wine/green colored scarf.
Teresa: fun-yarn shawl
Peter: Blue cabled socks.

So, as you can see, I have at least 3 people who will be getting blue cabled socks. this is because I have over 1000 yards of beautiful vintage wool, which I want to use for a sweater, but since I must be poor, I shall have to use it.

Unless . . . .

Aunt Clara is going to be sending me money for yarn . . . . I shall have to wait and see to hear what she really wants me to use it on (I suspect Mohair, but dad and Stephen and Peter probably won't like that because they are boys, and boys usually don't like fuzzy stuff. Manly Cables!

So, that's my list. (whimper) I shall have to work on it soon, but I don't know how I'll do it, seeing as I still have that darned tank top on the needles, waiting for me, as well as Grandpa's mittens (finished Grandma's today) and SOMETHING for my Choir teacher, Anna song. maybe a scarf? white, with the music symbol on it . . . I have no idea!!! I shall have to look at my stash long and hard when I get home . . . .

Ciao for now,
Cimorne

Darkwing duck socks progress, Grandma's mittens, and two traveling scarves

2009-07-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

First off, I have cast off the first DWD sock, and am currently working on the foot of the next. It's slow, but I think I'm almost to the heel. (and I am, again, sorry that I could not provide pics. but as it seems that no one really minds, I shall continue, because being as busy as I am, it's hard to post pics all the time for me.) I am going to embroider anything on it, and then I will take pics, because I have to update it for Ravelry anyway.

As for the mittens, I'll be working on them on the backpacking trip that we're going on on Monday or Tuesday. It's a long trek, and I think it's a little bit futile, but sorta fun. I do it mostly so my dad won't get mad at me and throw up his hands in despair, but whatever.

I've also found the teal green yarn for Grandpa's mittens, but sadly, I do not understand the pattern. (I don't know that I would understand many of Zimmerman's patterns unless someone explained them to me, or she wrote a diagram.) That project will have to wait until the next Knit night, which should be in August. (sigh) that is around the time that we will be coming home.

And of course, I got two scarves to work on the day before I left. I believe I have told you about the traveling scarves before, but let me remind you.

Ever heard of the Sisterhood of the traveling pants? well, if you haven't, it's a story about 4 girls that have spent every summer and most of their lives (they're 16) together. This is the first summer almost all of them will be away. and before they leave, they find a pair of jeans that magically fit them all, regardless of their size or height. So, they agree to send the pants to each other, and write about what happens to the during the times when they are wearing the pants.

This is the same principal applied to knitting. We are the Sisterhood of the traveling scarves. We each make a square of about 4 inches, and send it to the person next in line (we make a circle, so the owner's scarf will get back to her eventually), and we write about what happens to us when we knit the scarves, etc. So, I got two scarves, and the first I knit while being extremely nervous about college, as I was visiting the campus of the place I'll go next year.

The next one I'm trying to work on at my Grandparent's house, since I'm getting bored with the DWD socks. That's all for now. If I survive the Backpacking, then

Ciao for now,
Cimorine.

PS. if I don't, fellow knitters are welcome to my stash, fellow readers to my library, and bury me with my laptop.

sweater ideas are sprouting, and progress on the socks

2009-07-20T09:05:00.001-07:00

Well, first off, before I say anything mentioned in the title, Teresa's slippers are finished, and have only to be wrapped. They need the bottom part, but I cannot wait for that. I suppose I shall have to use the glue gun, though I'd rather have a slipper bottom on it. She is very excited about her present, mostly because she does not know what it is. Hopefully, she won't be too disappointed.

As for the sweater, I think I might make a militia coat. It is double-buttons, goes around to the thigh, and I think I can afford to use up all the yarn for it. (hopefully) I have 1400 yards of yarn, and I pray that this is enough. White and blue will add nicely to it, making it look like a rather dashing revolutionary officer. I can hardly wait to get started!

The Darkwing Duck socks are going well. I just finished the heel yesterday, as well as the first D on it. (It will have DWD going down on the front) But I worry that this is too much color work for me to not have second-sock syndrome. I've found a way to avoid second-sock syndrome: all one needs to do is keep one's patterns simple. this might seem easy. but it's not. Especially when Darkwing Duck socks are at stake. So, I have decided to make a pledge:

I, Cimorine, hereby pledge to make the second sock of the Darkwing duck pair if it kills me, and should I ever obtain second-sock syndrome, I promise to place the sock aside for a while, then pick it up again and try it. Amen.

Sadly, I still cannot find the teal-green-grey yarn for my Grandpa's mittens, so I suppose I shall have to go buy him more. (sigh) I love Grandpa, but I really am spending money like a drunken sailor, and I want to be able to get on with it. After all, Birthday season is coming up fast. (it starts with Teresa's birthday, and grows steadily more intense as we pass my birthday, and then slows down by the time we reach Mary's birthday). I really want to knit socks for everyone, too. But that might have to wait. I'll probably make Mary a purse or a scarf with the bulky yarn I got along with the other booty found at Goodwill.

the knitting mojo is going strong, thank heavens, and I only hope it stays that way through the rest of the birthday season. the worst part of the Birthday season is the fact that it's around Christmas. I think I might make socks for every one's birthday, or scarves. Stephen is going to get socks for his birthday and a sweater vest for Christmas, and I hope he wears it.

Finally fixed mom's birthday gift, using a ribbon to keep the darn thing on her shoulders. It looks great, and she wore it all day yesterday.

Well, that's pretty much it for today.
Ciao for Now,
Cimorine

felted clogs on the way

2009-07-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

So, OK, I'm making felted clogs for Teresa for her birthday. But there's a problem. I don't understand the pattern! It had me make 2 soles, an inner and an outer, so does that mean inner as the center vs. the outer ring, or does that mean inner as in inside the slipper? I have no idea what to do. Good thing her birthday's not for another 2 weeks. (it's on the 28th.) I'll get help from the LYS (local yarn store).

I am truely sorry for no pics today, and I know I promised not to do this as my new-year's resolution, but oh well. I'm in-between computers, so I feel I'm justified.

update on the laptop, it's in china. drat. my printer got here, and so did my mouse. But the problem is, I don't WANT the mouse or the printer, I want the COMPUTER. I mean, it's like buying a car, and getting the wheels and the gas before the actual car. what's the point? I've asked dad several times, to the point of his impatience, and he says that since the thing is "custom made," it's gonna take a while to get here. oh well. I can still use this computer, right?

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

Knitting mittens, planning for socks, and ansticipating

2009-07-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

First off, I'm working on mittens for my Grandma. I've got most of the first mitten done, just need to do the top and the thumb.

I cannot find Grandpa's ball of teal-green yarn anywhere! and I got the pattern now, too! darnit!

Teresa wants socks, and my mom wants thick slipper-socks for her, so I need to buy the yarn today, in order to finish them by her birthday.

and finally, I'm waiting impatiently for my laptop. I've been evicted out of my room, and am currently sharing a room with my sisters. and sharing the computer with most of the family. Rats.

Ciao for now,
Cimorine

the 4th of july, and the knitting that came with it

2009-07-04T23:07:00.000-07:00

normally, it wouldn't take me this long to finish a darn pair of socks. But I ran out of yarn, so something had to be done. Knitting happened today as follows;

Morning: ripped back the finished sock, got purple yarn for the other sock.

Afternoon: split the yarn in half (by measuring it) and knit both socks evenly with purple.

Evening: Knit the frill with pink, run out of pink, rip back and start again.

Nighttime: try to cast off one sock (finally) with pink yarn in the dark with 5 dropped stitches.

I didn't have a very peaceful knitting day. The only time I really enjoyed myself was when we went to a party, and we talked about several things. I feel like my dad doesn't think I can carry a conversation, and I felt like I talked too much myself. I had a bad day because I'm moving out of my wonderful, glorious room, to my sister's small, hot, cramped, ugly one. oh yippee.

And so I was exceedingly grumpy and rude today, and probably committed at least 20 sins today. and was inevitably follows is depression. so, I'm depressed. hopefully some knitting and reading will take my mind off the fact that soon I'll be leaving my family.

ciao for now,
Cimorine

SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

O. my. gosh. I've learned how to turn a heel! I'm sooooooo excited!

OK, let me slow down. first off, sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have a growing list of knitting, and a list of Jane Austen books as well. I think I will be put off Jane Austen after this month, because it took me forever to finish Emma, and now I have to start in on Sense and Sensibilities. I think I need to make a schedual for each day, where I knit a little and read a little, because I will not get 3 projects done by the end of the month otherwise. Projects for this summer:

my ribbed ribbon tank top
Grandma's mittens
Grandpa's mittens.
choir teacher's mittens
Teresa's birthday socks
my frilly simple first socks.

I spent a whole day, Thurseday, to be exact, knitting up a sock. and I cast it off yeasterday . .. no, 2 days ago, since it's now 1:05 AM Saturday (happy fourth!).

To answer the impending questions, yes, I am up at 1. no, I was not doing something super useful or important. I am burning the midnight oil, as they used to say, for socks. I know.

Before this, and I think I have mentioned it before, I would have NEVER knit socks at all, much less at 1 in the morning! you must be wondering, what the heck did they feed Cimorine at knit night?

no drugs, I promise. I didn't even buy anything this time. :)

No, the secret of the heel was revealed to me through a book about toe-up socks. and since I love toe-ups, and will most likely knit nothing else for the rest of my life, I picked it up and started to read (wisely avoiding my knitting project, for I doubt that it is doing anything but distracting me from the mittens!).

I was amazed at how simple heels could be! turns out, I was struggling to learn a completely different heel. Granted, this heel apparently is better because the heel doesn't wear think, as in the simple version, but I talked to a fellow knitter, who also helped me figure it out (she's making an awesome pattern for a sock, and I so want to knit it when the patt is out!) said that she makes all her heels/toes garter stitch instead of stockinette, and she and her husband never wear through their socks. So, garterstich heels are the secret to knitting heels.

so, as a tribute to my newfound knowledge, I began socks using a spare skein of purple wool. I finished the first sock, as I said, 2 days ago, and I am working on the second one last night/this morning, while listening to Lime and Violet podcast, because they are big sock knitters.

And guess what? I ran out of yarn. Oh foo. I swear I have half of the skein split, because I remember vaguely trying to knit socks with this yarn before, and I split them to work on both at the same time, and I think the other half when to my cousin. I scanned my mini-stash, didn't find it, and now I have an unfinished sock. I really want to finish it soon, because I feel these extra projects are just getting in my way. I've changed grandma's mittens to the mitred, so that I can work on them quicker, but I also need to do Grandpa's, and Teresa's birthday gift.

Also, it was boiling hot today, and I took everyone out to fountains in downtown, and we were all exhausted by the time we reached home. I'm gonna go to bed now. wish me luck in getting that darned sock yarn back from my cousin . . . ..

ciao for now,
Cimorine

Returning

2009-06-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I've returned. here are some pics pertaining to camp:

the girls most commonly seen are my lovely red jaguars. we had legends of the hidden temple as our theme this year, and it worked out pretty well. I was able to keep my wonderful yarn as well, and keep working on my tank top. take a look!

ciao for now,

Cimorine