Purlygirly

Witness to History

2008-11-05T06:40:00.003-05:00

I have cried 4 or 5 times already. I am so thrilled and excited and proud of my country.... Not just because of race, but because we had two roads before us, and we chose to take the high road. This win will have a profound impact on politics. We chose to reject negative campaigning and to believe in hope. It's amazing.

The streets of Detroit were alive last night with celebration. On our way home from the Lager House, where we watched the results, cars were honking and folks cheered to each other at each stoplight. Pedestrians raised their arms in triumph and danced in the streets.

Yes we can.

And for posterity's sake... J and I just after casting our vote.

There is knitting going on!

2008-09-15T05:38:00.001-05:00

Snowman Hat
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Amid the political action, neighborhood activity, church involvement, and time spent out enjoying Detroit, there really has been knitting.

This hat is a baby gift for a friend's upcoming shower.

Pattern: Snowman Hat from Itty Bitty Baby Hats
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (white), Knitpicks Comfy (honeydew green), smidges of leftover RYC Cashsoft for the nose, and some random black wool.

Liberation

2008-06-20T06:55:00.001-05:00

slutty?
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Ok, so apparently my girl time last night helped me to feel a bit liberated and today I felt strong enough to take on the slut shirt.

The shirt I am wearing in this photo was the one I wore on what turned out to be the last day of my first marriage. I was married for months afterwards, legally, but that day is now clearly the end. In a last ditch effort to have fun together my ex-H and I went to a baseball game. I had only a few minutes to change so I kept the pink 3/4 sleeve button down and white tank from work and just put jeans or capris on the bottom. And before we left for the game he told me that I looked slutty.

My self esteem at that time in my life was so low that I totally internalized the comment and completely associated that shirt with me being a bad person. Although the lighting in my messy closet does it no justice, it is actually a very pretty, very girly pink that looks quite nice with my pale skin. Other than the fact that it is mildly fitted and shows that I am indeed female, there is nothing slutty about this shirt. There is nothing slutty or bad about me. But despite how much my life has changed for the better I've never been able to wear this shirt.

Until today. Go me.

I'm still here!

2008-06-20T06:02:00.002-05:00

I hope some of you are!

Knitting has been slow. I've settled into Detroit something fierce and I've been actually too busy to knit. Add on a wrist injury and there isn't that much knitting happening. This weekend I hope to sit down and knit.

But, last night there was partying. My friend S and I are apparently the youngest Billy Joel fans in existence. We must have looked like a pair of silly co-eds to the rest of the folks at the opening of the Windsor Caesar's last night, but we had a blast!

Here we are taking a picture of ourselves in the bathroom. Later we got a nice gentleman to take one but it makes my arm look like a giant sausage so bathroom shot it is!
And here is the man himself. Very good show, just missed out on some of my favorite songs. But then again, almost every song is my favorite and I sang along like a maniac. My poor sister also received several phone calls full of music because I would get all excited about a song we used to sing in our childhood.
In this last shot you can see the head on the right of the lady who turned around, slapped my knee and shushed me. Yeah, grandma... I was at an 8th grade dance when I learned to line dance to We didn't start the fire, and I wasn't born when most of his big hits came out, but I know all the words by heart, even most of the obscure songs and so you can kiss my ass with your grandma perm.

Woot. We had a blast.

Debacle?

2008-05-19T05:25:00.001-05:00

We had a great day planned for yesterday. We would go to the flower market, pick up some screws to fix the deck boards Weatherboy ripped up to repair a pipe, clean the house and have friends over in the afternoon.

At least, that was the plan. We came home with supplies and were making trips in from the car when I accidentally locked us out of the house. So there we were, standing outside with a pile of groceries and all the pets happily inside wondering why we didn't come in. Whoops!

After an aborted attempt to climb from the neighbor's third floor window to our open third floor window, we decided to break the glass on the back door. Glass is cheap to replace, our neighbor pointed out, and Weatherboy is handy so this should be a 1 hour project.

Wrong. While attempting to remove the remaining glass we discover that our door is so ancient and so painted that any attempt to remove the trim to replace the glass will result in complete destruction of the door. So all of a sudden we are installing a new door.

Luckily, Weatherboy's friends are up to the challenge!

A mere 6 1/2 hours later - a new door! And it's only 2 inches narrower and 5 inches shorter than the former door and hole! Hooray for lots of insulation and finish work to do!
So there is still a lot of work left, but I think the result is rather pretty. This project was on the list, it has just leapfrogged a few others. And once Weatherboy is finished with the insulation and plaster, I get to come in with my paintbrush. Our house trim is a dark brown and since it is the back door and doesn't have to match any of the neighbors' I am planning on painting it "Potting Shed Green" a lovely Martha Stewart approved shade of green.

I'm glad we didn't call the locksmith.

Finally, I finished something knitted!

2008-05-14T05:37:00.003-05:00

It has been a long drought. For the past few months I have taken on too many projects and not finished anything. Throw a new job and pain in my wrist and thumb and there has been no progress around here on any of my creative projects. But, my knitting guild held a bag swap for our last meeting before summer break and so I managed to finish my bag on time.

Pattern: Wishbone Cable Handbag by Tygerlily also on
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease in Natural heather
Needles: Size 11 and 6? 7?
Handles, frame and lining from Joann Fabrics

Reasons I love Detroit, part 3

2008-04-29T05:05:00.002-05:00

Canine to Five. While in Florida I had a lot of options for doggie day care, training and boarding. I didn't feel like those options were as available when we were living in the Detroit suburbs. Then I found Liz Blondy of Canine to Five. She has set up a huge doggie day care business in the heart of Detroit, bringing a great business to the Cass Corridor.

My dogs love to go there! Annie absolutely looses her gourd when she figures out that it is day care day. Even Duke, who hates the care more than anything, will jump in when he sees Annie's excitement. He manages to find a girlfriend there every time.

And of course, Liz is the one who gave us Duke. She's the one who let me adopt that cute, skinny little puppy who is now a big strong baby who still needs hugs.

Reasons I love Detroit, part two

2008-04-13T05:08:00.002-05:00

Another reason to love Detroit... baseball.

Although I will always be a Red Sox fan, if I can't be in Boston, it's nice to be somewhere with a great team, a great park and a strong fan base. Comerica park is really beautiful and while the issue of what to do with the old Tigers stadium has lingered much too long, the new ball park has done a lot for the Foxtown area.

The Tigers originally played at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, first at Bennett Park and then after 1912 in Tiger Stadium. Coincidentally, Tiger stadium and Fenway Park both opened on April 20, 1912. The Tigers moved to Comerica for their 2000 series, citing the lack of premium seating and it's impact on revenue as reasons for the move.

As a fan of Fenway, I can certainly understand Tigers' fans sadness at the move to the new ballpark, but as a fan of baseball and downtown Detroit, I am thrilled at the new park. It has that retro feel that is the hallmark of recent stadiums such as Camden Yards, and is located closer to the center of Detroit. Yet 8 years later Tigers stadium still languishes, sitting empty and stripped of all items of value, a blight for Corktown. Perhaps someday Kwame Kilpatrick will live up to his promises and do something with the old park.

Hotness

2008-03-23T07:19:00.003-05:00

Uncle J
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I have no logical reason why my big tall husband hoisting up his tiny neice would be so incredibly sexy. It's not even that great a photo of him, but I snapped it because that whole moment made me swoon. Plus, our neice is just adorable. After dinner she told me all about Eeyore and the beach and puke. Her brother and sister kicked my butt at Wii bowing.

I married into a wonderful family.

Amy Singer likes my squares

2008-03-23T07:15:00.003-05:00

Amy Singer likes my squares
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Yeah, so I'm a bit late talking about this. A few weeks ago I joined the ladies from the Black Sheep Knitting Guild to see Amy Singer speak about non-wool yarn goodness, eat some yummy lunch and ruin our yarn diets. It was fabulous. Amy is very funny and the new book Big Girl Knits 2 has some absolutely gorgeous patterns in it that I might just learn how to do sizing for.

You are special. You make each day special just by you being you.

2008-03-19T17:04:00.002-05:00

As a child, I loved Mr. Rogers. So much so that my mother made a beautiful cross-stitch pillow with Trolley on it that said "You are special. You make each day special just by you being you."

To this day the sight of a classic mens cardigan evokes happy childhood memories. There is a man in my office who wears grey or camel button cardigans often and I can't help but think they would be better with a zipper.

In honor of the 80th anniversary of the birth of the late Mr Fred Rogers, tomorrow is Wear a Sweater Day. It doesn't have to be a zipper down sweater, just one that is special to you.

I think I have a few from my Bampa that will fit the bill.

Awww, yeah baby

2008-03-17T06:35:00.000-05:00

You Are 84% Massachusetts

Wicked pissa! Now go down to Dunkies and celebrate.

How Massachusetts Are You?

Miracle caught on film!

2008-03-09T07:12:00.001-05:00

A miracle!
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

A miracle

2008-03-06T06:22:00.002-05:00

A miracle happened at our house last night, and we weren't fast enough to grab a picture.

Went upstairs to get ready for bed. Duke likes to believe that he is not going to be crated, so he lies on the rug next to my bed. I turn on the light and there he is and right next to him, calmly laying on the rug, is Hermione. That's right - the cat.

Now both cats love Annie, the lab, but Annie was here first, and is much older and calmer than crazy puppy Duke. The cats like to kiss Annie and bathe her ears. She'll even give them a big sloppy kiss in return. But they both smack Duke across the snout on a regular basis.

And while Weatherguy went to grab the camera... Duke nuzzled her and put his snout down on her paw. And there they sat, touching, until WG arrived ready to snap the photo.

Finito!

2008-03-03T06:48:00.004-05:00

Well, this room is mostly finished. Finished enough. Apparently, the flying orbs like it so it will do for now. Headboard is not to my satisfaction (or weatherguy's either) but it will stay but for the weekend at least so we can host a big shindig and maybe even a guest.

Also, sewing machines are evil. I believe they conspire against me to make sure that I am the only one in my family who cannot sew. (Oh wait, can baby sis sew? She can paint, which is much more complicated.)

Please note the gorgeous flower arrangement which is... my wedding bouquet. Finally found a home for it!

Reasons I love Detroit, Part one

2008-03-01T06:36:00.002-05:00

Reasons I love Detroit, Part One... Ice Skating in Campus Martius. Weatherguy and I had date night in Mexicantown, followed by a few sloooooow turns on the ice.
See? Slooooooow. But we got the hang of it and had a fantastic time. There is a DJ and lights and the whole thing had a bit of a "roller skating in 8th grade" feel to it, which was great. I didn't get to do teenager things with my husband, so it was a great feeling to hold hands with him as we attempted not to fall. The rink was filled with a large mixed group, including a group of very well behaved teenagers who were smiling and laughing and aglow with that rosy cheeked look that comes from having fun outside during the winter.

Campus Martius is a beautiful gathering area in the city, reopened in 2004. To quote blogger Rob Goodspeed, the park is "an unqualified success". Campus Martius was originally a much larger park, a part of designer Augustus Woodward's grand plan for the city of Detroit. It is also the center of origin for Detroit's mile system, so to get there suburbanites would have to venture a full 8 miles south, deep into the "wrong side" of 8 mile. During the 1900s the park was lost due to reconfigurations of the roadways to allow for more traffic. It reopened in 2004 and is surrounded by the Hard Rock Cafe, Compuware and many other office buildings.

And, it's just down the street from another downtown favorite spot, to be featured soon.

Thank you!

2008-02-25T05:12:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to Margaux over at Tentenknits for the yummy sock yarn she sent my way. I know exactly what this yarn is destined to be... I just have to get through the millions of other projects first. Sigh.

Mmmmmm.... yummy koigu!

Life in Progress

2008-02-24T11:55:00.003-05:00

It seems as if everything in my life is in progress right now. I am surrounded by things half-finished. I've taken a break from the efforts to take a few pictures...

In progress #1 - Painting the guest room. This room was a bright spring green with a blue ceiling with a lovely mural of a hot air balloon. Perfect for a little boy. Not so perfect for my guest/craft room. Several coats of Kilz and Behr later I have an almost finished room. Just need to do that pesky trim.
In progress #2 - Den. My grandmother very generously bought us a new couch for our den/man land. Now I need to put the feet on it, hang drapes, clean and actually decorate the room. All by March 8th! WOOT!
In progress #3 - Baby blanket. It's a joint project with a friend. Let's hope the squares can be blocked into the same size.

In progress #4 - Cabled jacket. Sigh. So pretty. Sooooooo slow. Maybe I will be able to wear this next winter.

In progress #5 - Bird in Hands mittens. Because it is still freaking cold here. I left Florida why?

Detroit's New Graffiti

2008-01-27T18:22:00.000-05:00

These and many less destructive paper versions of the same message have been popping up all over the city. As Flashpoint says "An exposed coverup is worse than the original transgression."

When we moved to Detroit, both Weatherboy and I had serious questions about Kwame. The rumors of the infamous party and missing stripper, the Escalade episodes... but he also still gave us such hope. Projects like the Monroe Block deal have given me hope that when I tell non-Detroiters that the city is growing like a sunrise from the river out and up, that I am not talking out of my ass.

The bottom line is that Kwame cost us $9 million because he couldn't keep his d*ck in his pants. He fired three good cops to cover up his booty calls held nationwide using city funds. And once again the city of Detroit gets another black eye.

Over the next few months I plan to attempt to chronicle some of the reasons why I love this city so much already. My camera isn't the best and neither are my skills but I hope that you can understand why I am so outraged. This city has so much promise, hope, and soul.

For mom

2008-01-14T06:42:00.001-05:00

Duke models shifting sands
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

What could be better than a dog modeling a scarf?

This entry gives me a chance to update everyone on Duke. About 6 weeks ago someone decided to give this dog a chance with a new family and threw him over the fence at Canine to Five. He was emaciated and scared, but has grown into the sweetest boy ever. He has a lot of puppy left in him, but he is eager to please and is just a love who likes to be cuddled. My ferocious pit bull also likes to spend quiet time with his girlfriend at day care, and shies away from the rambunctious dogs.

This weekend he shared his kong with Annie. After he worked it, she picked it up to get the peanut butter in the bottom, and Mr. Man Dukus cuddled up next to her and let her work on it. We are so blessed to have this dog in our life.

And this morning, he did the Tawny-dog head turn and talked back to me. Mom knows what I mean.

Pattern: Shifting Sands by Grumperina
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft DK in opulence
Needles: Size 5 knitpicks options

It curls a bit in this lighter yarn, but is still lovely. And I am now an absolute expert in cabling without a cable needle.

Whoops. Stash happened.

2008-01-04T06:11:00.000-05:00

I've always thought my stash was small, especially compared to the legendary stashes one hears about all over the kitternet. It's mostly purchased for specific items, with a few early exceptions when I was new and made very stupid yarn purchases.

So after my resolutions yesterday I sat down and created a list of projects that I have the yarn ready and waiting for. A sweater started and put down so Christmas knitting could start. Another sweater's worth of yarn - birthday gift from DH. A few pairs of socks.

And then I started thinking about the non project random yarn. And all of the green yarn I bought for Wicked, that was absolutely the wrong shade of green. And I came up with a list of at least 16 items, some big, some small, that I can make from my current stash. And I guarantee you that I can make more than those 16 since some projects will mean leftovers. Ouch.

The good news is, I can absolutely make it until I go yarn shopping with Tracy.

Resolutions

2008-01-03T07:01:00.000-05:00

Seems like I am always behind the ball lately, so here are my late resolutions for 2008:

Knit from my stash with the following exceptions: yarn needed to finish a project, or if I am really down to the novelty yarn only I can consider the stash complete. I have some strange novelty yarn. This is in anticipation of my June yarn event with Tracy and Missy. In preparation, I purchased yarn for one last baby gift on my list. That reminds me of another exception... babies. If one of my very close friends gets pregnant, all stash bets are off.
Enjoy what I knit and don't take on projects that will feel like a chore.
Have less WIPs.
Knit more, Ravel less. I spend a lot of time oohing and ahhing and not finishing my own work.
Work out more often, but don't diet.
Eat more veggies and keep up the cooking streak I am on.

Last year I also pledged to work out more. It went well for a while and then life got in the way. Let's see if I can figure out a way to make it a habit.

Projects planned for this year, that I have the yarn for:

Finish Mom's Christmas scarf
Anemoi mittens, attempt #2
Bird in hand mittens
Baby gift #1
Baby gift #2
Cabled Jacket
Socks for J
Socks for me

Last FO of 2007

2007-12-31T19:55:00.000-05:00

Horrible picture, which pretty much sums up the project. They look nice in person actually, but don't fit at all. The yarn made a rather thick fabric which has no stretch to it, so they won't go over the foot. Sigh. But, MIL claims she loves them anyways. She is too kind.

Pattern: Uptown Boot Socks from Favorite Socks
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft fingering weight

What I did on my Christmas vacation

2007-12-31T15:29:00.000-05:00

Moving into a new home takes so much longer than I ever expected. I was full of ideas and thought I had it all figured out. I had swatches and paint chips and big dreams. Then unpacking while working and getting ready for the holidays hit. And the house came to a standstill.

But, my mother arrived on Christmas day with some huge gifts... first she was there to spend Christmas with us, and then she made me drapes! I had bought some of this gorgeous but rather loud fabric to use as an accent but she picked up 5 more yards and went to work. She convinced me that this large wall in a very plain tan could handle the loud print and she was right. It may be overwhelming in this picture, but the room is large and has a lot of plain items - plain green couch, plain tan walls, plain brown and eggplant accents, and these take all of the colors and just pop. Thanks again, Mom.

So, motivated by the gorgeous curtains being sewn up in the guest room, I painted the dining room yesterday. Luckily the wainscoting is already two colors of beige that go very well with the russet color that I am so in love with right now. She's planning on making some more drapes but I kind of like these brown ones from an old apartment and I may make some patterned roman shades to go behind them. Thoughts?

Of course having the room all done and pretty just reminds me how pitifully small our dining room table is, but a new set will have to wait for a while. Eventually I'll have a set with better scale.

One room down!

2007-12-16T16:45:00.001-05:00

8 to go!

Our living room is mostly complete. Complete enough that I will settle down and enjoy it. Mom is coming for Christmas and we will make some brightly colored drapes to add some more color and life to the room.

Not too shabby for a snowy day stuck inside. I cannot even begin to express how much I love this fireplace.

Now to the next item on the huge list. Enlarge photos for those frames and get the dining room painted.

Duke

2007-12-01T06:12:00.001-05:00

Duke
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Can you believe someone abandoned this adorable puppy? We received an email from Liz, the owner of Canine to Five, the daycare Annie goes to a few times a month. Apparently someone threw him over the fence and left him.

So, we have a new family member. He's adorable and fits in really well. He thinks the cats are rather interesting and is even housebroken and crate trained! Who would give up a dog that sweet?

Please ignore the mess behind him. The whole house is absolute chaos because the big move is next weekend!

We get our house today!

2007-11-28T05:18:00.001-05:00

Foyer & Front door
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

DH picks up the keys at 1! I am pee in my pants excited. This last month of waiting after closing has been horrible. It's quite frustrating to be so excited to be a first time homeowner and have to wait to even see it again.

We will paint this weekend and move in on the 8th! Hooray!

Fireplace
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

My first Socks!

2007-11-25T08:31:00.001-05:00

Jim's socks
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Shhhh.... don't tell FIL, but my first socks are his Christmas gift. I've been assured by my husband and MIL that he won't notice all of the mistakes. Let's hope so.

After reading a lot about toe up socks using Silver's Sock Class and Queen Kahuna's Crazy toes and heels, I cast on for these. I should have paid a bit more attention to Queen Kahuna's instructions because these are a bit narrow and long. Hopefully it evens out when on his foot. They are just a smidge too small for my H, with his gargantuan feet, and FIL's feet are a bit smaller.

Pattern: Mostly Queen Kahuna with a 2x2 rib on the top and cuff.

Yarn: Knitpicks Essential in Navy, less than 2 skiens

Needles: 3.00 mm knitpicks options

Modeled on borrowed blockers generously lent by City Knits - the best yarn store in Detroit. The ladies there are incredibly friendly and sweet.

You would think I had children...

2007-11-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

...given the large number of baby items I've produced this year. It's just a reminder that all of my friends are happily having children while I sit around wondering why I just don't feel the urge. Maybe once we are settled into the new house and I feel more secure I'll get the urge again. Until then I can satisfy my need for cute, quick FO's with baby gifts for friends.

This was a request for another EZ February baby sweater... my third this year. Jenny's sister is having a little girl and Jenny, who has attempted to knit but wasn't bitten by the bug, wanted to give her something special. So, since I was already knee deep in Christmas gifts, this is Jenny's "gift"... at least until after Christmas.

I changed the sweater up a bit this time. I used the same yarn from my first one, but since I have discovered the magic of blocking I used that and a bit larger needle so it would end up a bit bigger. I'm sure EZ won't mind if I didn't get gauge since babies come in all sizes, right?

Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Sweater on Two Needles Practically Seamless
Needles: Size 6 Knitpicks options
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Silk in Dusty Rose

Go Sox!

2007-10-29T05:17:00.001-05:00

I love you Papelbon!

Dinah is very loving lately

2007-10-21T16:14:00.001-05:00

cats love dogs.JPG
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I attempted to enjoy the amazing weather we are having and knit outside for a bit, but Dinah, my cat, cried at the door. Apparently having me be a few feet away was just too much for her.

So I went inside and she loved on me and the knitting for a bit, and then moved on to Annie. Please ignore the mess in the background - I had towels out on the table to paint my nails earlier and haven't gotten around to picking it up.

Sigh...

2007-10-21T11:42:00.001-05:00

Entrelac Scarf in 4 skiens of Patons SWS. Size 8 needles to make a denser fabric. Now if only fall would really get here so I can enjoy this beauty!

Pattern: Lady Elanor from Scarf Style, but with only 4 base triangles. At this point I have it memorized, with the exception of the last row, which I just made up as I went along since I was on a train without the book. Whoops.

Yarn: Patons SWS in Earth

Needles: Knitpicks options size 8

Awwwwwww

2007-10-16T04:13:00.001-05:00

Sharing our Meal
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Hermione loves dog food so much, Annie lets her have some.

One year ago today

2007-10-07T19:16:00.000-05:00

Thank you, J, for making my life better. Happy first anniversary.

And just to keep the day huge, we signed the purchase agreement for our first house today. Detroit here we come!!!

Child's Placket in Action

2007-10-07T19:10:00.000-05:00

Isn't he the cutest little man ever? I hate being halfway across the country from my honorary nephew, but pictures help. I'm glad you like it Sara! <3

Suck it Yankees fans

2007-10-02T06:17:00.001-05:00

Not only will we be kicking your ass in the playoffs, we'll be dancing better after we win.

Horrible pictures, warm sweater

2007-10-01T05:42:00.000-05:00

My office is rather cold and now that I live where I can enjoy fall I decided I need a chunky sweater that can be thrown over anything. I had planned to make the hedgerow coat, but I don't have enough time with all the Christmas gifts looming, so I took the Lion Wool-ease meant for Hedgerow and held two strands together for Lion Brand's Autumn Afternoons cardigan.

I didn't like the curling associated with all over stockinette called for in the pattern, so I added 4 rows of seed stitch at the bottom edge, and then made the shawl collar seed stitch as well. I'm also making the back and sides at one time until the armholes, which I have just reached. Now I will go back and forth and leave on the needles to do a 3 needle bind off for the shoulders, I think.

That will work, right?

Woot! Christmas comes early

2007-09-26T20:44:00.000-05:00

I present to you Christmas Present #1

and #2...

Both are gifts for my college roommate and dear friend, Sara. The sweater is for her son and I hope it fits... or is a smidge big.

We're infamous ladies...

2007-09-24T16:38:00.000-05:00

From Wikipedia...

Since his death Jonathan Brandis has become a cult icon. His fans, eager to spread the word, bombarded online message boards with the news of his death. One such online message board, known to it's members as The Fuge, was overwhelemed with the news of his death so much that going forth any news item posted numerous times became known as "JB" for Jonathan Brandis.

Oh yeah, baby. I'm on "The Fuge". And sorry, you can't join because I probably talk about you there.

Tubing is hard

2007-09-22T18:28:00.000-05:00

Tubular cast ons are at least. Holy wah.

I have pictures but they are of gifts. As soon as the package is opened (which will be soon because I am sending them early so they get used all fall) I will be able to show why my ass has been on the couch knitting a lot for the last few weeks.

Go Blue!

2007-09-03T12:33:00.001-05:00

Jared in his U of M Scarf
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I managed to finish J's scarf in time for him to not wear it to the game out in the hot sun, but we snapped some pictures anyway.

And yes, despite the whuppin we took this weekend... GO BLUE!

Pattern: Based on Harry Potter patterns I had read but at the time I cast on I just guessed.

Yarn: Blue: Plymouth Encore Worsted color 828, Yellow: Cascade 220 Superwash
color 820

Needle: Knitpicks options Size 7

Rest in Peace, Tallulah Belle

2007-09-03T12:31:00.001-05:00

Tallulah Belle
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

We lost our beloved eldest cat, Tallulah, on Thursday after a very brief and unexplained illness. This weekend we drove to Western Michigan to bury her on the family farm with other pets from my husband's childhood.

Tallulah truly chose to live with my dog Annie and I, at a time when my life was very stressful and I needed a lot of love to get me through. She and Annie met in the lobby of our vet and they touched each other gently through the cage. I adopted her on the spot, and just a few short hours later I met my now husband. She was playful and mischievous and could hold a grudge like nobody's business. She most definitely adopted DH and would shove her way onto his lap the second he sat still.

We miss you dearly, Tallulah. Please know that although your time with us was short you will be loved and remembered forever.

Awww yeah baby

2007-08-20T17:21:00.001-05:00

Apparently Joan thinks I rock. I have fooled her into thinking I am spontaneous. If only she knew what anal retentive list maker I really was. My dear, I have already picked out the color for my craft room/office in my not yet purchased new house.

At any rate, I nominate:

Missy. I met her through her sister and adored her right away. She kicks serious ass. Not only is she very creative with scrapbooking and knitting, she's recently won a huge award for being a kick ass producer.
Jackie. She moved and completely uprooted her life to study the coolest major ever. Plus she has made being in Michigan very nice.
Alice. Dirty mind. Enough said. Not so much dirty on the blog, but I know the truth.
Fickleknitter. Her shawls are stunning and she is one hot babymomma.
A friend to knit with seems more like a rocking lady blogger because she is so ladylike and the things she makes are so darn pretty.

I would have liked to nominate Michele because she lives in JP and kicks serious ass, but she has already been nominated. I'd also love to have been able to nominate Tiennie because she has FINISHED THE COBBLESTONE PULLOVER ALREADY! You make EZ and Jared proud.

Yes, even more FOs

2007-08-19T12:45:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have done absolutely no blogging lately or reading of blogs and it leaves me so disconnected. We have been so busy - first unpacking, then house hunting - that I am left avoiding the computer since I sit on one all day at work. I hope everyone I got so used to checking in on is doing well.

But, I have been knitting, mostly while watching Tigers games with the other half. He's thrilled to have access to Michigan sports again. For his birthday we will be going to the U of M home opener. So his scarf will need to be finished in time.

I've also started absolutely panicking about Christmas gifts. I have 8 to make this year and they are of course a LOT more complicated then the garter scarves and felted items of last year. I won't be blogging about them but for those of you on Ravelry they will be posted. I am so thrilled with the one that is finished already. It will be hard to give away.

So here are too ill-lit photos of recently finished items. I need to take a weekend to build a light box, because these photos are just horrible.

Pattern: Olive You from Itty Bitty hats
Yarn: all from the stash!
Patons aran for the white
Green and Red Elann Peruvian highland wool
Needles: Size 7

Next is the Fetching, finally rescued from the UFO pile. This means I now have only one item on my needles. ONE! A whole bunch planned and yarn on it's way, but only one to work on.
Pattern: Fetching from Knitty
Yarn: Kashmir Aran from Louisa Harding
Needles: Size 6

It's Wicked finished

2007-08-14T18:08:00.000-05:00

You might think that now that Wicked is finished (and has even been worn to work - hence the wrinkles) that I might stop using Wicked as a modifier. Um, no. I'm from New Hampshire and a child of the 80s. In other words, wicked lame. Stoppin at the packies before I head to have some beeahs with Sully kinda lame.

So without further ado... my wicked big for me Wicked cardigan.

And a close up of the fabulous buttons I found at my new LYS (which is also fab) City Knits in Detroit.

Football hat

2007-08-11T10:36:00.001-05:00

Football hat
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Quick little baby knit for the Squiffer's bambino.
No time to tell you much more since we are going house hunting today!!! WOOT! Suburbia here we come.

Pattern: Football from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn : GGH Samoa in light blue and tope, some acrylic white from the stash
Needles: Knitpicks options size 7

Chevron

2007-08-09T04:08:00.001-05:00

Chevron
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Well, I finally gave up on the Chevron and just bound off. I think it was the color combination that was boring me. It looks great - since it was just one color of Artyarns it ended up looking like an impressionist painting, instead of having the variety that other Chevron's have had.

Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Artyarns Ultramerino 4 in 105

Baby K is not impressed

2007-08-05T14:25:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin hat
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Look at that face! Simply not impressed with the pumpkin hat. But, her mom and dad were and that's what counts.

Pattern: Pumpkin Hat from Itty Bitty Baby Hats
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in Clementine

Holy Shiznit

2007-08-02T04:25:00.000-05:00

Look what I did last night...

The photos aren't of the best quality but I was darn excited to get steeking and barely stopped to document it. I was even able to start the garter stitch button bands last night. I have to admit, I read EZ this week for fortitude.

More soon.

Wicked ready for sleeves

2007-07-11T04:53:00.001-05:00

Wicked ready for sleeves
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Well, the apartment is mostly unpacked, the new job has been started and I am finally getting around to posting the progress I made on Wicked - the Cardigan on the drive up. I attempted to pick up an extra size 7 circular last night so I could make the sleeves on two needles but didn't make it to the knitting store in time... so I've been working on Christmas gift #1 instead.

I miss blogging and I miss even more reading blogs. I feel quite disconnected. But, internet access at work is highly limited and monitored so it will just be limited time at home to catch up from being gone so long.

Moving day is almost here!

2007-06-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

I cannot wait to get all of those boxes emptied and feel as though my world is in order again. The entire house is a messy maze of boxes and random items waiting to be packed. And of course we move to Michigan planning to move again (into a house we will own!) in 6 months or so. I just have to remember all of this chaos is worth it.

Despite the packing, Wicked is still moving along as it is the only item not boxed up. Just an inch or so more and I start the bottom ribbing. Then the sleeves will be started. I'm not too impressed with how the yarn looks over large areas of stockinette - it looks almost uneven in random spots and I know my tension is very even. I hope blocking will help.

Oops, some knitting happened.

2007-06-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I am supposed to be packing. But a co-worker is having a baby girl and that is another excuse to make up Elizabeth Zimmermann's February Baby Sweater. It went much faster this time as I have learned to recognize actual stitches apparently. I topped it off with some bunny buttons that look cute but are kind of a bitch to close. Whoops.

Pattern: EZ's Baby sweater on 2 needles from Knitter's Almanac
Yarn: Caron's Simply Soft (practical but not fun)
Needles: Knitpicks options Size 6
Time to complete: about 1 week

Frozen North, here we come!

2007-06-15T14:52:00.001-05:00

I got a job! I was offered a long term contract position in Detroit today! I actually still have an interview next week in Detroit, so I haven't excepted but it sounds like a great position that will be a welcome challenge to my skills.

I don't even know what to say except that I will be packing my knitting up for a few weeks and getting boxes packed because I'll be in Michigan by the 4th of July!!!

In the meantime, Wicked has made it down to the armpits. And it languishes on scrap yarn, where it will sit for a while. But, it's looking good and I'll be happy to get back to it soon.

Decisions

2007-06-06T08:21:00.000-05:00

I think I have finally admitted to myself that as beautiful as Lady E will be, it is just not my style to wear a large shawl like that. So, she will be made into an oversized scarf instead, probably 2 of them, one will be a Christmas gift.

Sigh.

I must, I must

2007-06-05T07:08:00.002-05:00

I must increase my bust. Remember that Punky Brewster episode? Margo convinced Cherry and Punky that cheese puffs help increase bust size because they are full of air. Man I loved that show. I think my sister really wanted to be Punky. It definitely inspired some fashion disasters in my childhood of which I am not proud. (Purple fake converse high tops anyone?)

Anyways, I must, I must, I mush finish up some WIPs! I've been stressing about next Christmas for months now. I am a ridiculous planner and if I need time to chill I will make lists about the future. Basically I've had Jenny's Christmas gift planned since February, but of course no yarn purchased or knitting done. And then my H has no knitted items so he deserves one. Renae, Sara, MIL,& FIL are all the types to appreciate knitted gifts. I think SIL likes them, so I'll try to work in something for the kids. Aaack! How am I supposed to knit all that?

So to do this I am going to work on one item exclusively on my WIP list until it is done. Then I will work on one secret item and one bloggable item. H doesn't read this and he sits next to me while I knit, so I can show off his. MIL reads, but she can be trusted not to tell anyone else in the family so I only have to keep hers a secret. And of course, I have more mommies to be to knit for, so it is a good thing that I recently acquired Itty-Bitty Hats. What an adorable book!

As far as knitting progress goes, before my one item only resolution I managed to get Wicked down to the underarms and put it all on waste yarn. I tried it on and it is fabulous, and a bit sexy even. Small, not puffy cables are fantastic on the chest, ladies. But, Chevron is the closest to being finished and thus it gets worked on first.

Pictures soon.

The ugliest baked item in the world

2007-05-30T07:44:00.001-05:00

The ugliest baked item in the world
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Ta da!!!

This is the crapola created for me by the Publix bakery. Hey stupid girl in the bakery - you suck!!!!!!!

This is not the lovely baby shower pull-a-part that I ordered.

Rrrrrrrrip!

2007-05-30T07:15:00.001-05:00

Wicked progress
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I think I will name several posts this. I tend to rip a lot. Last night I pulled out the Lady E for some long deserved attention. I could have sworn I was making it with size 9s. But the first rectangle looked too tight compared to the prior work. So I switched to 10s. Closer but, well, I'm just a better darn knitter than I was several months ago apparently.

So while on the phone with Sara in one of our marathon phone sessions, I ripped that entire puppy out. The whole thing. And I'm starting over with Size 9s for a denser neater fabric. I got a whopping 3 triangles done before I fell asleep!

In other news, my modified/copied Wicked (based on this lovely mod by Flint Knits) is moving along. I have added the same panels of cables down the front that she made, but because I am a glutton for punishment and I knit so much better in the round I have added 5 stitches and made a panel of 7 ready for steeking. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I said steeking. I, a mere novice knitter, will send up a prayer to EZ, gaze at the instructions of Eunny, and fortify myself with a shot of whiskey and of Brooklyntweed and cut my knitting.

Oh la la!

2007-05-22T16:38:00.001-05:00

Oh la la!
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I did it! I made a sweater and it is wearable! Despite it totally not looking great with black pants, I wore it in to work today after creating a complete mess looking for the perfect bottom to wear with it. I was just that excited to wear it. But seriously it looks like my closet threw up all over my room and I still had nothing to show for it. But then I put on some jeans and forced the DH to take dorky pictures of me outside. So, here is me with my knitting bag that is full on old lady sized, and our vain attempt to recreate the Knit and Tonic picture. Yes, the dog is on the wrong size but you try getting my Annie May to sit. I love her, but she is not the brightest dog ever, let me tell you.

Pattern: Flair by Knit & Tonic
Yarn: Blue Sky Organic Dyed Cotton in Toffee
Needles: Knit Picks options Size 8 US
Mods: Added 2 inches to length, still a bit short

Flair is so freaking close

2007-05-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

I almost have my first sweater!!! You would not believe the difference that putting that collar on (last step) makes for the whole sweater. It looks so much better.

I am going to block it to try to give it just a smidge more length. I am convinced the pattern is wrong... it says that I should knit 7 inches from the underarm to the seed stitch border (1.5 inches). But then the garment from neck to bottom should be 18.5 inches. My ass. Mine is barely that and I added 2 inches on (so I did 9 inches from underarm to border). I still have plenty of yarn left over (a whole skein plus some!) so if anyone makes this go ahead and make it as long as you need without fear.

Photos soon. I have informed DH of the importance of doing a complete photo shoot for the purpose of my knitting blog. He is not convinced.

Goodbye, my friends

2007-05-16T07:11:00.000-05:00

Yes, I cried like a baby. Yes, I snotted all over the place. Huge blubbering tears and tons of tissue. And although I will miss them, that was quite possibly the best series finale ever.

On the edge

2007-05-14T07:26:00.001-05:00

Flair with collar started
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Well, the collar edge that is. I can see the finish line. I've picked up the stitches for the collar and made it in 3 rows. Now we just hope that blocking makes me like the way this looks on me.

Baby Bunny Hats

2007-05-14T07:21:00.001-05:00

Bunny hats
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

So many friends are having babies this year that as much as I would like to make up cute 3 piece sets, I just can't. So instead they get hats. Here are 2 bunny hats for two different mommies.

Pattern: Baby Bunny Beanie
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: Knitpicks Size 9

Oh woe is me

2007-05-11T13:08:00.000-05:00

I am grumpy. Take a huge heaping helping of work stress, add in a bitchy coworker, and then sprinkle in some lovely smokesmog and you have one grumpy Kate. I have been working quite hard at work, getting lovely reviews and then one person has to go and ruin my week. To counteract this I attempted to blog about the cuteness I created last weekend, but no. The batteries on the camera have died and I am photo-less. You will have to take my word that bunny baby hats are adorable.

Shameless Plugging

2007-05-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

I have to give a well-deserved plug to Sarah's Yarns. I am a new customer and bought some yarn on sale a few weeks ago for the Chevron. Well, I realized I am dumb and needed 4 skeins. She has stopped selling Artyarns but to help me out sent, free of charge, a good 3/4 of a skein that she had used to make color cards. It is more than enough for me to make the scarf. Free shipping as well. Plus, she is incredibly prompt with her service and shipping. It was so nice to have personalized service during online shopping.

She also offers try before you buy services - allowing a knitter to make a swatch before purchasing! My LYS won't do that!

I will definitely shop with Sarah again. Thanks a lot!

Sleeves are slow

2007-05-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

Sooooo slow. When will the cotton work be done?!?! My fingers hurt.

Flair and Chevron progress

2007-05-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

I traveled to Detroit and other parts of Michigan this weekend, so I managed to get in some airplane knitting time. Brought along the Chevron scarf, which I ripped out completely and started again at the gate alternating two skeins of the same color to help avoid pooling. As you can see, pooling is still happening, but I like it quite a bit anyways.

Flair sat at home, but I haven't posted an updated photo, so here is one. Now that I am home, I'm going to finish up the sleeves and the collar, then block and pray the length is long enough.

Too short? Just right?

2007-04-26T19:14:00.000-05:00

So I am working away on Flair. I have bound off the bottom and started the sleeves. I tried it on... and it's too short. Or is it? I added an extra 2 inches onto it before starting the moss stitch border, and the husband still claims it looks dumb. But, the work-friends, who had me try it on today, all claim that it is just right. I will finish it up, block it a bit, and then post pictures here for my 2 whole readers to decide.

And, I'm a bandwagon jumper, so I've started on the chevron scarf. Mine is a very muted colorway and I am not switching between 2 yarns, so it is quite different than the ones posted on Flickr. I might buy one more skien and switch yarns to help it out, but I can't decide. Ehh.

Porn

2007-04-16T20:50:00.000-05:00

http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/

Sigh.

Oops

2007-04-16T06:45:00.000-05:00

So I was early morning browsing on Craftster, and someone mentioned that Sarah's Yarns is having a sale on Artyarns Supermerino and whoops! 3 skiens fell into my cart. But I can't help it. I need a scarf for me for the move to the frozen north and I really want to do either a chevron, or a so called scarf, or a shifting sands. I'll probably swatch all 3. Plus, look at this colorway... gorgeous.

I'm also making a bunch of progress on Flair. Yesterday morning I was able to put it all on waste yarn (hence the white yarn all over the place in the picture) and try it on. It fits! Yippee! I knit a bunch during the day and I'm now a good 2 inches below the armpits. I think the button holes are too close but I am just going with it. Hopefully I will have this finished in time to take it to Detroit with me in 2 weeks. Yes, DH has convinced me to go with him on his trip to Detroit, so I am going to spend another weekend in the cold.

Happy Birthday, Meme!

2007-04-11T14:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Meme!! Wandering Aran Fields is done, blocked, buttoned, fini! Blocking helped to soften the Patons crapola up quite a bit and gave the whole garment a nice feel and drape. This project felt like it took forever, but it was really only about 3 weeks all together.

Pattern: Wandering Aran Fields by Norah Gaughan in Wrap Style

Yarn: Patons Wool

Needles: Knitpicks options in size 6-8

And just because, a bonus picture of Hermione posing with the capelet.

Happy Birthday Jenny!

2007-04-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

I managed to sneak up to Jersey and surprise my friend Jenny by showing up at her birthday party. It was great - 10 women managed to keep a secret for two months, and we managed to make Jenny cry. So now I can finally show off mystery project #1 - Jenny's birthday present. I am without a doubt more skilled at the knitting part then the sewing part, but I will work on it.

Pattern: Best Friend from Knitty
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Silk in Celadon
Needles: Knitpicks options size 4

I love you Natalie Dee

2007-04-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Finally! I can call myself a knitter again!

2007-04-01T17:54:00.000-05:00

At least a knitter who finishes things. I finished up my mystery project, which I am sure Jenny has guessed is her birthday present. It's fabulous and I can't wait to post pictures. And after a weekend of the husband being away I have managed to make some terrific progress on Wandering Aran Fields. I've finished the body and I'm making the button bands both at the same time. It's even more full of cat hair, but I know I'm not the only knitter to have that as a nice little feature in her knitting, so I'm just planning on giving it a good bath and a once over with some tape to pull it all out. I think it's mostly Hermione's since she likes to stick her head up inside the circulars and snuggle. How can you resist the snuggling though?

I'm pretty excited about WAF though. It just looks very cuddly and soft and still elegant - just the way cables should be.

Proud Member of the Liberal Elite

2007-03-27T11:48:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah, baby. That's right. We may be moving to the midwest, but I am still a proud, snobby, elitist New Englander (and we all know that when they say liberal elite, they're bitching about us). And why shouldn't I be? Of the top 5 states for public education, 4 are in New England. (#4 is New Jersey, and we all know that I have a special love for New Jersey) Despite my husband's claims that U of Michigan is the greatest school ever, I still maintain that Boston is the absolute Mecca for education. We have great beer. (Colorado, you are still special in that regard, but we have much better pubs that are withing walking/T distance and we dress better.) We know enough to wear a lot of black. We're comfortable enough to welcome all types of love to join into the institution of marriage. And we're chock full of die hard libertarian/progressive/unitaritan style blue blooded liberals. Amen.

PS - Do not let my current FL location fool you. I hate it here.

Mystery #1 is blocking

2007-03-25T06:58:00.000-05:00

Yippee!!! It's blocking and the issue I whined about to my small group of crafters on a message board that the recipient can never see has been resolved, and I'm actually completely psyched about how I resolved it.

And I had to frog about 4 rows of WAF last night. Never knit and drink margaritas.

I am NOT in the knit from your stash in 2007 group

2007-03-22T07:25:00.000-05:00

Obviously, since I just totally added to my stash last night with a purchase of Cotton Fleece for Rusted Root. I have the pattern, and the desire, and the yarn was $14. You can't beat a sale like that. So, now it will be stashed until I get to it, which is driving my husband nuts. Now since I have told him I will make his sweater so that he has it in time for actually wearing it and not before that, he wants socks. Socks he can wear now. I think DH is starting to realize that I'm not half bad at this and he wants some goodies.

And yet he wants me to keep the stash small. But seriously, I have no sock yarn. Most of the yarn in my stash is for actual projects. I have a bunch for the things that I have on the needles, then the yarn for Flair, some black worsted wool that I will make myself a purse from eventually, remnants enough to make another baby apple hat and some random crappy stuff that everyone seems to pick up in their first months of knitting before we learn about good yarn. Guess I had better start shopping for sock yarn!

One of the two...

2007-03-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

... projects that I am working on. Since I can't show you the other one, here is the gift I have started for my grandmother. That's the very bottom of the Wandering Aran Fields capelet. It's very cosy and warm already, and absolutely full of cat hair. It's like the yarn demands cat hair. I've given up and I'm hoping I can lint brush it out at the end. A girl can hope!

I dream of Le Slouch

2007-03-18T15:51:00.001-05:00

Apparently knitting has worked it's way into my dreams. Perhaps in preparation for our move North (most likely to MI) some point later this year, my dreams have me sporting fabulous knitted items to keep me warm. While napping to recover from St. Patrick's day, I dreamed of wearing Le Slouch, which will be going on the project list at some point. I think maybe I should make it as my last FL FO. Fitting?

Maybe it's because my yarn and pattern for Flair arrived. I better get moving on everything else because this can actually be worn to work in Florida. The Blue Sky cotton is gorgeous. Hooray!

Cats are better than FO's right?

2007-03-16T14:34:00.000-05:00

I hope so, because I have no FO's, and nothing even close. What I did have today was two very cute cats (and one who hid from me all day, and a very clean dog).

Hermione climbed into a bag and Dinah into a basket... so cute and sweet.

blabity blabity

2007-03-14T20:14:00.000-05:00

The latest version of the project list...

Wandering Aran fields for Meme whose birthday is coming really fast.
Mystery item #1
Charity sock
Wicked
Mystery item #2
Lady E
Flair. Oh yes. Flair. Hot hot hot. And totally wearable.
Dreaming of items in my still not in my mailbox Interweave Knits Spring 2006. Grrrrr.

Lady E moving along

2007-03-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

I spent a few days at a robotics competition dealing with sullen and selfish teenagers. Some of them were lovely, of course, but it is all sullied by the shitheads. But, I got a bunch of knitting done. Wicked is back on track and Lady E made a lot of progress. I'm up to 13 tiers! Yay.

Rrrrrrrrip!

2007-03-06T08:23:00.000-05:00

I frogged all of Wicked. Why? Because I am a dumbass and I didn't count correctly when I marked for the sleeves. So, it would work perfectly if I had a hunchback.

I will never finish this sweater... which is ok, because my new patterns will never arrive. Where are you freaking Interweave Knits Spring 2007? Huh? I see you in the stores.

I am the slowest knitter of all time

2007-03-01T08:19:00.000-05:00

Nothing is moving forward. Nothing. I completely blame the AI chat girls who distract me and force me to drink heavily. (Every time Randy says Dawg or Pitchy, Paula dances and if Simon is especially insulting - so I am tipsy by the end!) I think I managed to get in two whole rounds on Wicked during AI last night. 2 rounds! Ridiculous.

And, I am sorry to say that I have a social life for the next three nights. Expect little to no knitting until Sunday. But next week I will make up for it. I am chaperoning a robotics event with my husband the teacher/advisor. I get to organize our schedule and activities before we go and then sit in the stands and cheer and knit, an assignment I am absolutely suited for. Organize, plan social events, cheerlead and knitting. That pretty much sums up most of my talents.

America is full of hate, and it breaks my heart

2007-02-28T08:09:00.000-05:00

Last night Largo, FL officials voted to begin the process to fire Mr Steve Stanton, city manager of Largo, because he is a transgender individual. Mr Stanton expressed his intention to begin living as Susan as part of his process to become a woman. Hundreds of Largo citizens turned up at the city meeting last night, but ulitmately hate and bigotry prevailed.

I cannot begin to imagine what Mr Stanton and his family are going through. One has to feel enormous internal conflict to want to begin such a difficult journey. I'm sure this is very difficult for both him and his family. And it is made worse by people who hate him simply because he makes them feel uncomfortable or because they think it is weird or wrong.

I see people do things I find as weird or wrong every day. I certainly don't understand Mr Stanton's feelings. However, I am lucky enough to feel comfortable in my skin. I have never doubted my gender. So imagine feeling uncomfortable with something that for the rest of us is at the core of our being. He has obvoiusly had to make a very serious decision and should never be mocked for doing what he feels is necessary for him to feel like a whole person. It doesn't prevent him from doing his job. It doesn't mean he has been a bad city manager. It simply means that he is a human being in need of our understanding and support.

I cried last night because of the hate displayed still in this country. It makes me so sad that people continue to preach hate, when love is so much easier and more wonderful of a path to follow.

Please know Mr Stanton, you have a supporter in me.

Tears!

2007-02-27T20:48:00.000-05:00

Wow. A girl scout earned her gold award doing the red scarf project. Story here... http://nownormaknits2.typepad.com/red_scarf_project_2007/

Wow. As a scout for 12 years I am so proud to see things like this. Girl scouting is such an amazing program that really creates strong women with incredible values.

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.

Joan, I'm sorry

2007-02-27T07:39:00.000-05:00

There is no way I am going to make that sock deadline. I started last night and there is just no way I will be able to get my first pair done on time. But, I'm inspired to do some more charity knitting and will get a pair of socks done for The Dulaan Project in March. I'll knit some more in the months to come and ship them all off together. Promise.

Progress pictures!

2007-02-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

Got in a good amount of knitting time this weekend, so I've been able to move ahead on both of my major projects. The yarn from elann.com is

nice to work with, especially for the price, and I adore the color. The Patons SWS for Lady E continues to be heavenly, with the exception of these three rectangles of red that have showed up rather unexpectedly. Not a fan. But overall I still adore the Lady E. I'm about 9 tiers in so far. I've also made progress on my first grownup sweater, Wicked. The neckline is below. I have made it just one row past the pattern and I'm about ready to start the increases. Yay! Of course, by the time I finish it will be way too warm to wear in Florida, but my office is cold so maybe I can sneak it in just once.

I also heard that at the shower this weekend the baby sweater was a hit. I do hope she likes it. I've got to get started on more baby gifts soon. If only my friends would slow down with the reproducing!!

Finally! Something wicked this way comes

2007-02-25T12:28:00.000-05:00

I have finally cast on for Wicked. I am so excited about the color of the new yarn. It's my favorite color of green - kind of a sagey seafoam. Gorgeous. I will take pictures very soon.

I'm just so excited... my first sweater ever is on the needles!

Never ever trust my lists of projects

2007-02-20T08:07:00.000-05:00

I am seriously a huge flake. I have a designated area for my stash and I really want to keep it that way. The basket is already overflowing with yarn that really is being used (Lady Eleanor takes a lot of yarn, people!) Last year when I was a new knitter (it seems so long ago!) I planned to make myself a felted bag. In cream. Oh how boring. I'm sure it will come out nice and that after doing a bunch of complicated stuff I will be happy to make something nice and simple. But for now, I need complicated. I need challenge. And grandma needs a birthday gift. And I need to get rid of 5 skiens of Patons Wool Merino in cream.

Enter Wandering Aran Fields. It's a gorgeous cabled capelet that I think would be great to do but might never get worn. Who would wear it? Grandma who is cold constantly would love it. She has a birthday in April. A wool capelet in a gift in April? Grandma keeps her house at like 90 degrees. Trust me, she'll wear that bad boy all summer.

Yay. Problem solved.

Oh the cuteness!

2007-02-18T16:10:00.000-05:00

I totally cheated by making my first sweater a baby sweater, but who cares. Look at that cuteness! I hope little Nora loves it.

Pattern: February Baby Sweater from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitters Almanac

Yarn: Elann Highland Silk in Celadon

Needles: Knitpicks options size 6

This yarn was great to work with. It's nice and soft and yet very affordable. It has a great sheen to it and the color is just gorgeous. It's a bit more green than it appears in this picture. EZ, of course, is the goddess of patternmaking. I really feel as if I learned a lot making this one and now I feel ready to tackle almost anything. Seamless hybrid here I come!

And as proof that I have been making progress, here is the lovely Lady E. Photos do not do her justice. The colors are a bit more muted and earthy in real life. I keep praying that it stays cold, at least in NH and SC where I will be visiting, throughout March so I can get this done and wear it.

I hate the color I bought for my first sweater

2007-02-18T06:14:00.000-05:00

All excited to at least swatch for Wicked, last night I pulled out the green yarn I bought for Wicked. I hate it. It is way too bright. It is way too green. It's not something I would actually wear.

Oh the trials of buying something over the internet. I think I will give in and buy a shade card and also pick up some of the same color I used for the EZ baby sweater in a heavier weight. I love that color and would wear it.

So, in the name of stash management, I vow to make froggy hats and socks, dragon scarves, etc for all the wonderful kids in my life. Because I will not wear froggy green.

Math Geek, me?

2007-02-17T07:53:00.000-05:00

I am not a math geek. I used to be. I used to be the strange child who begged her mother to create logic and word problems for me to solve. Then calculus sucked the life out of me and math became lame. But I have a little bar graph on the side that shows my progress, and I am now working on a project with a known number of rows. The Lady E has 36 tiers, plus fringe. So I am saying it has 37 things to complete. Therefore each row I complete is approximately 2.7%. Now I can update my little graph and feel mathmatically happy.

So I started on the Lady E last night in earnest. I cast on using 10s, and then because interchangable needles are the coolest thing ever, I started knitting using 9s. Ooooh. Interchangeables are cool. I've got enough that I can understand why others experience Lady E fatigue, but I'm still facinated with the fabric that is growing from my needles. I'll finish up this tier (almost 9% done) and then go back to finish up the baby sweater.

I have to tell you about Patons SWS first though. It's so soft. And it was absolutely made for entrelac. I'm using Natural Earth. Sigh. Gorgeous. Progress pictures soon.

Plugging along

2007-02-15T08:02:00.000-05:00

Not getting knitting time does not help. But, I have made a lot of progress and the baby sweater actually looks like a sweater! Hopefully getting in just one more session will finish it. I get time for that this weekend.

Don't distract me while knitting

2007-02-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

Or I have to frog. Tears streamed down as I frogged back 9 rows of the gull pattern on this baby sweater. But, I managed to make up for it and get down to the sleeves! You can almost tell it is a sleeve in this first picture. It's the part that sticks out a bit. Whoo hoo!

I have discovered that I am not good at watching movies and following patterns at the same time. I am not smart at all, apparently. No multitasking for me. Hopefully I should be able to make a bigger dent on this today.

Here's also a close up of the gull pattern. Gorgeous, no?

Good things come in small packages

2007-02-08T08:26:00.000-05:00

Which is great because little packages have been arriving for the past two weeks. Yesterday I received Scarf Style and Wrap Style and the yarn to start on Wicked. The color is not quite what I expected, but I still like it and can't wait to get started. I just have to finish up this little baby sweater first. I ripped it all out because I hated the way my first increase looked, but now it's going strong and I am almost done with the collar.

I also stopped by my LYS Tuesday and picked up some beautiful pink wool/cashmere blend to make Knitty's Fetching for myself. I cannot handle being cold in my office anymore, and these will be a much faster knit then the gorgeous but difficult Endpaper mitts, which are still on my list.

Hopefully I will have enough progress on the EZ baby sweater to have pictures tomorrow.

Apple pie, anyone?

2007-02-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

I am so darn proud of myself! I managed to learn stranded colorwork and the magic loop yesterday! Thank you knittinghelp.com! This is the first FO for a gift for my friend Tracy. Shh! Luckily her internet connection sucks, so she probably won't make it on here to see. It's a bit rolly, so it's now safely blocking to help out with that. Here are some pictures before and during blocking.

Pattern: A total Ann Norling knockoff that I feel a bit guilty about plus a leaf from Janelle knits

Yarn: Elann Peruvian wool in Pottery Red and Celery

Inspiration: A beautiful hat Sandra made for her soon to arrive bundle of joy

A special thanks to Sandra for helping a random knitter to find the pattern and make a great gift!

Now I'm just waiting for the sweater pattern to arrive. The yarn that arrived for that is absolutely gorgeous and I will be saving my pennies to be able to get enough of it to make something for me. Also, my Patons SWS arrived yesterday so I will soon be able to start work on Lady E! It is absolutely beautiful and very soft so I can't wait to work with it. The yarn for Wicked should be here soon as well. I am one happy knitter!

New list of projects

2007-02-01T08:36:00.000-05:00

This post is mostly just a way to keep myself organized. But, if there are any nosy people out there who want to know what I am planning and whirring in my head, read on.

Finish Renae's keyhole cable scarf
Cable purse
Gift for supah cool friend's baby
Wicked sweater
Lady E/Danica wrap
Endpaper mitts for me because my office is cold
Sweater for Mr Purlygirly
Start Christmas gifts
Eris sweater

I have no desire to knit for other people at the moment. Right now I want to make some shit that requires me to push my skills forward, and then I want to wear it.

Pirate Invasion!

2007-01-31T08:58:00.000-05:00

The lovely Lily hosted a Gasparilla brunch this weekend, and we could see the boat parade from her place. What a great party!

Lilly hooking up the cuptags:

Our labels: The arrival of Jose Gaspar!
Mr & Mrs Purlygirly looking fat and happy

Yay for finished gifts!

2007-01-29T17:06:00.000-05:00

Finished MIL's needle case!

Pattern: Kables

Knit with: Cascade 220 in Lichen and Natural

And Jenny's scarf!

Pattern: Irish Hiking Scarf

Yarn: Some pea green crap she picked out. :P

I'm glad these are done, because I'm really ready to move on to some more complicated things. I cast on for a purse for me and Renae's scarf is mostly done. Sweet!

Little lovelies

2007-01-28T06:29:00.000-05:00

So since I am a ridiculous morning-insomniac, I have woken early this morning and started back on Renae's scarf. It's a bit hard to see the pattern in my sleep-deprived state, so I've been able to use my new lovelies. How gorgeous are these? I bought them the other day from Etsy seller Zero. I'll talk her up. Fast shipping, nice little freebees thrown in as well. Beautiful product. And nestled in among the fluffy yarn it's like little jewelry. So pretty.

Today is crafternoon at my friend Nicole's house, so maybe I'll be able to get some pictures of finished objects this afternoon. I'm so close on so many things!!