Friday Fill-In #131 – Saturday 4th of July Edition

Today's Knitting Project - Another Warm Woolies Mystery Sweater

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Friday Fill-In #131
(get yours here)
 

1. When I heard an M-80 at 2 AM last night I was totally incredulous and really kinda pissed.

2. Laughter is most definitely the best medicine.  But sometimes retail therapy goes a long way too ;)

3. It’s late, but I’m still being sort of lazy today.

4. Be good to those you love always.

5. My eyes have seen plenty of change in my hometown; some good, some bad.

6. I strongly hope that all of you have a wonderful 4th of July!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to knitting with my pooch, and Sunday, I want to try to get some photos of Pink Fluffy taken!
 

Happy 4th and Happy Weekend Bloggy Peeps!

 

A Churchmouse, A Hilltop and One Bad Woman

I have to apologize in advance for what will most certainly be a boring post.  The subject matter, though far from boring, will most likely not be elevated by my current lukewarm attitude towards writing and blogging.  Which is sad, really, because I had such a lovely day last Saturday with Troy on our own personal LYS mini-tour.  He deserves a much better account of our day shopping together down south and I think that’s why I have hesitated to blog about it yet, hoping that I would find some inspiration to write something deserving of the amount of fun I had on our trip.  But I will do my best and I’ll just tell you and Troy in advance that I had one of the best days ever hanging out with him last Saturday, whether or not you can tell from what I post.  Right up there with kissing alpacas ;)
 
Our day dawned bright and early.  Troy picked me up around 7:15 AM and while R. Darling was out working hard for his money, I was just getting prepared to spend some of mine.  After a quick stop for coffee crack and pastries at the local Starbucks, we hit the highway headed for the Bainbridge Island Ferry.  Our first stop was going to be Churchmouse Yarns & Teas on the island and I was supremely excited.  Troy had amped me up by showing me this blog post he’d found and ever since then, we’d both been trying to figure out the soonest we could possibly go visit.  On the ferry we chatted & knit, me on my mystery sweater for Warm Woolies, and Troy on his scarf from our Luxury Yarn Retreat back in the spring.  Before we knew it, we were there and looking for a parking spot.  The shop isn’t too far from the ferry dock, but finding parking takes a bit on a sunny Saturday.  But we scored a great spot right in front of Churchmouse and made our way inside. (Just a note – I think I’ve finally figured out the clickable photo thing, so all of today’s photos can be viewed larger except for the yarn pics.)
 

Troy entering the tour's first stop

 
I was stunned at the visual beauty and sheer amount of yarn in this place.  Yet, with the huge variety of yarn present, you never got the feeling that it was crowded in there.  And it wasn’t as if this was a gigantic shop or anything, they just have a very keen sense of space and aesthetic.  We were sort of dazed at first, not knowing where to start but wanting to look at everything all at once.  So we split up.  I only took one measly photo because I always feel weird taking photos in yarn shops, as if someone will come sprinting from the back room and tackle me the instant I point my camera at something.  Why do I feel that shops are off limits to photography?  I wish I could get rid of that feeling.  But I did look around surreptitiously about four times to make sure someone wasn’t giving me the eye, and managed to sneakily shoot this photo so you could see just how lovely the displays were inside the shop.  (Psst – go to that blog post I mentioned up above for better photos.  He’s obviously not afraid to take them!)
 

Gorgeous Churchmouse displays

 
I think we spent perhaps an hour petting yarn, looking at patterns, admiring the sensibility of the place.  There was a lovely gentleman there who was quite friendly and extra solicitous.  I am not used to that much personal attention in a yarn shop, but he was kind and really interesting to chat with.  I wondered if we were getting some special attention because he’d seen me snap my photo and thought perhaps we were important yarn folk of some kind.  Either way, it was a lovely shop and I’m so glad we made the trip over to see it!  Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed will be there teaching at some point towards the end of summer and I’m betting Troy will find his way back there since he enjoys Jared’s blog so much :)  So here’s what I bought at Churchmouse….
 

2 Hanks of Curious Creek Omo in "Birches in Norway"

 

1 Hank of Malabrigo Sock in "Rayon Vert"

 
Lovely new yarn in hand, my stomach started to grumble.  We decided that rather than eat in Bainbridge Island, we’d try to catch the next ferry back to Seattle and find some place to eat closer to our next stop which would be Hilltop Yarns.  I think we missed the ferry we’d hoped to catch, but stayed in line for the next sailing so as to be sure we wouldn’t miss the next one.  Ferries can be hard to catch on sunny Saturdays in the PNW.
 

The New Hilltop Yarns

 
Back on the ferry, we knit on our projects again and then disembarked and drove around quite a bit (no, not lost!) looking for the way to Queen Anne.  Troy, not being your typical guy, finally stopped and asked for directions and it turns out we were quite close to the shop after all.  Spotting it on the corner of the block, we drove around until we found a parking spot about a block behind it and then made our way up to the shop.  It was much smaller than we’d expected from all the hype, but still nice inside.  To their credit, they were moving the week before we arrived and I’m sure things felt very up in the air for them.  We browsed a little and though I had hoped to find some Hazel Knits Rogues, I was disappointed.  Perhaps at Hilltop East in Bellevue I might have found what I was looking for.  But I did find one color that she hasn’t had in her Etsy shop until the big update on Friday June 26 (at which I scored 3 new colors: Strawberry Lemonade, Stick o Butter & Blacklight).
 

Meet "Lipstick 1984"

 
By the time we finished browsing Hilltop, we were starving.  I don’t know if any of you familiar with the Queen Anne area of Seattle have ever noticed this, but I swear that you could throw a rock, blindfolded, any direction in this area and hit an Asian eatery of some kind.  There are sushi places next to Thai places, next to Asian bistros, next to Japanese places, next to more sushi places.  It was crazy.  I could totally dig it.  We ended up choosing Thai food and boy am I glad that we stopped there.  Orrapin was perhaps the best Thai restaurant I’ve ever been to. Sorry On Rice, but I believe there’s a new standard for you to live up to.  They first served us with a delicious cabbage and broth soup with just a hint of spice, and then our entrees came quickly after.  I had ginger chicken and Troy had yellow curry.  Everything tasted so good I ate until I thought I might burst, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to take it home with me as I normally would.  But still, there was room for coffee afterwards of course!  We filled our caffeine tanks at Caffe Ladro and then began our way home.
 
Commenting on the exorbitant traffic which we assumed was just a normal Saturday in Seattle, we came across a charming old building on the side of the street.  As traffic had slowed to a standstill (which we later found out was due to the Solstice Fair in Fremont) we had the chance to look more closely at what turned out to be one of the best stops of our day.  I desperately wanted to stop but didn’t want to make Troy go if he wasn’t interested.  He said, I kinda want to go in.  And I answered with, It does look cool.  And then, We’re kind of passing it. Then he said, I think we should go in.  So we turned into Wallingford Center, parked and headed inside where we were greeted by one of the most glorious sights I have ever seen – CUPCAKES!
 

Simply Sweet Trophy Cupcakes

 
We decided we would most definitely have to come back for those because I had noticed on the shop directory that we were in the presence of yarn!  With a wistful backward glance at Trophy Cupcakes, we made a beeline for Bad Woman Yarn.  Which, incidentally, was the yarn shop I’d expected to see when I went on my trip to Manzanita, Oregon last summer, but which had been replaced by the T-spot Yarn shop instead.  I found out today that it’s the exact same shop, just moved north!
 

Bad Woman Yarn - Not So Bad At All!

 
The shop owner asked, as we stepped into the shop, “Did you get a good picture?”  I said I hoped so, but it turns out I didn’t take too many great photos that day.  But you get the idea.  I felt guilty carrying my iced coffee in there, but he didn’t seem to mind, just whistled along to the bluegrass playing in the background.  This shop had quite a selection of yarns I’d never seen before and some I’d heard of but had never seen in person, much as Churchmouse had.  We amused ourselves walking through the extensive sale section and up and down the many aisles of cubbies filled with yarn. I could have easily spent much more than I did, but I was trying to be good that day (and there were still cupcakes to buy!) so I limited myself to 4 hanks of Malabrigo Chunky in Pollen and a Norah Gaughan booklet.  Both the owner and the gal in line behind me wanted to know what I was going to make.  I said I didn’t know – maybe a scarf, or a hat and a cowl, or a hat and some mitts (any of you Malabrigo Junkies have some good ideas for something more exciting?).  All I knew was, whatever I ended up making, it was going to be something that would cheer me up on a cloudy day!  Somehow I still ended up spending more than Troy in this shop though (How is that possible, Troy?).
 

Buttery Malabrigo in "Pollen"

 
After Bad Woman, we made our way to one of the coolest pharmacies I’ve ever been to called Pharmaca, and an all handmade shop called Amita.  I would have loved to buy so many things in the handmade shop but honestly, $100 for a skirt?  I really can’t afford that, no matter how cute it is and how much I’d love to support someone making things with their hands.  After much browsing, we finally went back upstairs to get in line for our cupcakes. Would you believe that there were now at least 15 people waiting in line for cupcakes?  At least there were still Red Velvet cupcakes on the available list.  That was all I really cared about. I have never tried one and everyone is always raving about the Red Velvet, so I figured here was my perfect chance.  Halfway through our wait, I felt my chances of tasting this cupcake wonder slip away as Red Velvet was removed from the list.  No!!  It can’t be!  But faith was restored moments later as a new batch of Red Velvet arrived.  I bought 2, one for me and one for R. Darling who I was hoping, wouldn’t want his so I could have two all for myself.  Turns out, he wanted his after all, but that’s o.k. :)  I’m afraid my picture of it turned out terrible, so no Red Velvet goodness for you, but you can see what it looks like on the Trophy Cupcakes site.  Mine is long gone.  It was good, but I don’t get the hype really.  Still, I can say I’ve had one and I might enjoy learning how to make them myself someday.
 
Well what do you know? I guess I had a lot more in my verbiage tank than I’d expected! Hope you enjoyed the small glimpse of our lovely mini-tour of Seattle area LYS’s. And many special thanks to Troy for such a lovely day last Saturday! I had a truly wonderful time with you :)

 

I Think An Alpaca Slipped Me The Tongue

And it might have been a girl alpaca too.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Last Thursday I mentioned that R. Darling was taking me away for a much needed surprise weekend getaway.  It was so nice to have that prospect to look forward to at the end of the week!  So when Friday morning rolled around, we put on our workout clothes and loaded up R.Darling’s kayak on the truck to take to Sterling’s shop.  R. Darling needed a few repairs done on it in time for his next kayaking foray (which happens to be tomorrow) and the shop is close enough that we could take it in quickly on our way to our workout.  Fridays are “long run” days on R. Darling’s marathon workout training schedule so after dropping off the kayak we headed for one of the amazing trails scattered around our town and put in a 6 mile run (I rode my bike).  After cleaning up, packing an overnight bag (and some knitting of course!), we left the house and made a beeline for our favorite coffee stand.

Cool, overpriced, tasty coffee drink in hand, we hit the highway.  All I knew about the day’s activities was that there were creatures involved, it didn’t cost much, and R. Darling had “no idea there was anything like this here”.  My first thought was a whale-watching tour, but since those aren’t cheap and there are tons of them around here, that was sort of out of the question.  Imagine my surprise when I found out we were going to The Outback!  The Outback Christmas Tree & Kangaroo Farm, that is, not the restaurant.  Creatures!  Hooray!  We arrived just in time for the 2 PM tour, paid our $8 each, and wandered around seeing what we could see before the tour started.
 

Awww.... what's more precious than baby duckies?

 
There were several peacocks in the yard, as well as these adorable little ducklings, and it was all I could do to resist snagging one and kidnapping it.  But cute little baby ducks grow into big ducks and we all know what that means – big poops and a lot of biting.  Nobody wants that.
 
The tour started with a cute little introduction and feeding of the resident lemur family, and then we headed back to the wallaby homes.  After everyone received a piece of bread to feed the wallabies with, we were led inside the enclosure and introduced to each wallaby in turn.  I wanted to tuck one of these little guys into my bag too, they were so adorable.  When you feed them they take the bread so gingerly and snuffle your fingers for more afterwards, sitting still for pets and cooing.  It was so amazing to be able to get so close to such an exotic creature!
 

A sweet boy wallaby

 
Next, our tour guide tried to wake up “Kangaroo Jack” a young male kangaroo that had been born at the farm.  After poking, prodding, and even good-naturedly wiggling his appendages (gently of course), he finally stood up for us and allowed us to come over and feed and pet him.  Amazingly, kangaroo fur is even softer than wallaby fur and dense and downy like a rabbit’s.  I expected it to be more coarse than that, and was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t a bit like I’d imagined.  We also learned that kanagroos have developed a permanent squint due to the bright glare in their natural environment.  What I mistook for a sleepy roo was actually how he protects himself from the sun.  I learn something new every day!
 

Not sleepy, just squinting

 
Next, we were introduced to their Patagonian Cavy (or Mara) which is a large relative of the guinea pig.  This creature was a bit more shy and would come close for bread, but wouldn’t tolerate any petting or too much closeness.  It had the skinniest legs I’ve ever seen on a creature of this size.  No idea how it supports itself on those!
 

Meet the Patagonian Cavy

 
After the exotic creatures we met some more pedestrian creatures, though they were no less fun to feed than the exotic ones.  There were miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, regular goats, emus (too mean to feed!), and a variety of other farm animals.
 

Hey, does that shirt look familiar Ravelry fans?

 
Last but not least, me met Fuzzy Butt and Mr. T, the farm’s friendliest alpacas.  We were told to take a food pellet, place it between our lips, and kiss the alpacas!  I missed one critical part of the instructions though – pick a long pellet.  Needless to say, mine was rather short and Fuzzy Butt got a little familiar.
 

Aren't you going to buy me dinner first?

 
Not one to be outdone, Mr. T decided he needed a kiss too.  The tour guide assured me that Mr. T would be much more gentle to me than Fuzzy Butt, and he was right.  I barely felt him take the pellet from my lips.
 

Aw, Mr. T., you're so sweet!

 
And with that last alpaca kiss, we said goodbye to the creatures and made our way to our final stop for the night.  I still hadn’t guessed where we were going to stay the night, but once we reached the off ramp I had a good idea where me might be headed.  In sleepy Anacortes, WA we checked into the historic Majestic Inn & Spa.
 

The Historic Majestic Inn & Spa

 
R. Darling had booked us a package which included 1 night’s stay, champagne and chocolates in our room (which we ended up just bringing home with us – I know – we’re lame), dinner at the hotel, and a massage the following morning.  Truly maximum spoilage!  We checked in, took a peek at our room, then went to the dining room for dinner.  We were hesitant to eat in the dining room, feeling underdressed as we were, but we were assured that we were dressed appropriately enough and ushered to a well appointed table.  Dinner was served by our blonde Miley Cyrus look-alike waitress and we both felt completed sated after an appetizer course of fresh steamed clams, salads, and a main course of prime rib for R. Darling and razor clams strips and chips for me.  Afterwards, we got our things from the car and settled into our room for the night.
 
What a stunning room!  How I wish it was mine!  It reminded me of a summer cottage with shuttered windows and a cheery yellow and white color scheme.  I would love a yellow and white bedroom, or just a yellow and white room in general; it looks so crisp, clean and cheerful.  But I’ve been told that yellow’s not restful so I always shy away from it.
 

Our bright and lovely room

 
We curled up for the evening with books and knitting, pausing briefly to make some coffee and take a glance at the sunset.  Then we turned in for a wonderfully peaceful night’s sleep and the next morning woke up ready for our massages.  The spa in the hotel is a sister spa to one we’re familiar with up here where we live called The Chrysalis, so we knew we were in for a relaxing visit.  We each had a one hour swedish massage which was lovely, though I found out later that R. Darling got some special heated stone action thrown into his that I didn’t get.  Bummer, since I’ve always wanted to try that. Maybe next time.
 
After checking out, we walked down to Ana Cross Stitch where, if you can believe it, I didn’t buy a single thing.  Then to the Island Cafe for a greasy spoon breakfast, and off to our final activity of the weekend which turned out to be a jet boat tour of Deception Pass.  It was a beautiful day to be out on the water and R. Darling was so pleased for me to be able to see what he sees when he goes kayaking there.  Though we didn’t see as many creatures as I’d hoped, we did get an amazing view of the area in the pass and learned something about some of the history of the islands and pass area nearby.
 
Driving home after our lovely getaway, I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband who does such unexpectd and thoughtful things for me.  Thank you honey, for everything!  You’re the best :)
 

Because I can never resist hamming it up for the camera....

 

Friday Fill-In #128

 
A couple weekends ago Miami and I took a day trip to Seattle.  We had “noods” (Miami’s name for noodles) at Uwajimaya’s, poked around the Kinokuniya Bookstore for a long time, and goggled at all the asian produce.  I also tasted my very first bubble tea as evidenced by the photo above.  Can you tell that I just threw up a little?  Sorry all you bubble tea lovers out there, but I have to say, this is just about the grossest thing I’ve tasted in a long time.  Those “pearls” are just so wrong on so many levels.  Imagine not-so-delicious gummy bears that taste like absolutely nothing, but yet somehow find a way to be vile flavored, being sucked up into your unsuspecting mouth while you are casually sipping a tasty pineapple slushy.  Quite the nasty surprise.  But now I finally know what all the fuss is about.
 
It’s been quiet here at the bloggy because I’ve been doing 2-a-days with the workout program.  I run a couple miles on the treadmill in the morning and then ride my bike with R. Darling while he runs in the evenings.  It’s not every day, but it does take a lot out of me and I never seem to have enough time during the day to do everything that I usually do.  So, the blog languishes.  But this weekend R. Darling is taking me on a secrety squirrel surprise getaway so I will hopefully have some fun things to share when we get back.  I know there is a massage and creatures involved (but not at the same time, cause that’s not how we roll).  I’m SO looking forward to this.  I sorely need a vacation but we just won’t be able to go on one until much later this year.  This will be a nice substitute.  Thanks honey!
 
And since I’ll be gone, I’ll leave this for you before I head out of town tomorrow:
 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Friday Fill-In #128
(get yours here)
 

1. I grew up thinking I would never live in my hometown.  Just look at me now!

2. Ravelry was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don’t you be good to yourself today?

4. Massages helps me relax.

5. Thanks for the support here at the bloggy!  All of your kind comments really keep me going :)

6. Rudeness is very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight (Thursday)I’m looking forward to going to bed early, tomorrow (Friday) my plans include riding my bike with R. Darling for about 8 miles while he runs, and getting out of town for our secrety squirrel trip, Saturday I want to enjoy my massage and Sunday, I want to spend some more time with my hubby!
 

Have a wonderful weekend bloggy peeps! I’ll be back with knitting news soon ;)

 

Revenge Of The Norwegian Punisher

Getting older stinks. The Norwegian Punisher has bested me already and the only thing I can reliably point a finger at is my diminished bouncebackitude and advanced outofshapeness. How is that possible? I’ve only run on it a grand total of 4 times and I have only logged about 9 miles so far. Somehow I have already wrecked my hip flexor in my feeble attempts to become a shadow of the former running machine I used to be, back when I could do a whole lot of stuff a lot better than I do right now. The jelly rolls must be getting a kick out of all of this. So you thought you could get rid of us honey? Think again. We’re here to stay biznitch! They giggle as they jiggle and they wiggle (Remember this commerical? That’s what I imagine jelly rolls would sing while they mock me). The hard part is, I’m not the type of person who is o.k. with taking it easy. Once I start running it’s all or nothing. Go big or go home. So it’s going to be a struggle to take it slow and allow my hip to heal. I guess the fact that it hurts like hell for 2 days after a run might be enough to make me patient. At least for a little while. Funny thing is, it feels better when I’m running. It’s only after I stop that it hurts like a bitch. WTF.

A lot of you have asked about the Knit Picks Interchangeables. I would love to give you a good answer but, well, they still haven’t arrived. And neither has my first installment of the Magnolia Society Yarn Club. Boo. I’m seriously hating the mailman right now. But at least there was something exciting in my mailbox when I opened it this evening after work:
 

Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn May 2009 Sock Club Colorway

 
Pretty pretty “Wildflower Meadow”.
 
And now – back to The Norwegian Punisher. Don’t worry I’ll only be walking this time. Or, limping rather.

 

WIP Wednesday – The Rule Of Three

I decided something recently.  I should never ever ev-er be allowed to have more than 3 WIP’s going at one time.  That’s not to say I haven’t indulged my bad habits in the past, but I’m attempting (emphasis on that last word) to change my evil ways.  I’m turning over a new leaf in my desire to simplify my life because, ultimately, simplicity is what I’m seeking and needing most right now.  Though I absolutely abhor odd numbers, 3 seems like just the right amount: 1 test knit (that rchrispy is a busy girl writing her patterns & such!), 1 Warm Woolies project, and 1 WIP which should most preferably be a UFO that needs finishing.  It’s the perfect amount of challenge, mixed with simple but karmically fulfilling, mixed with the sense of satisfaction that only comes from finishing a project (finally!).  So three it is.

And the current roundup?
 

A Pretty Hem

 

#1:  Pink Fluffy a.k.a. Bell-Sleeved Scoop-Neck Top from Glam Knits by Stefanie Japel (on Ravelry here).  I’m using the suggested yarn – Blue Sky Alpacas Brushed Suri – and it is oh so soft I swear I may never take it off once I put it on that first time.  If I could marry a yarn, this would probably be it.  Except it’s such a little bitch sometimes that I almost broke off our relationship, but luckily I came to my senses.  The body is finished and it just needs sleeves and a neckline.  I wanted to magic loop the sleeves but I didn’t have the right length and size of circs so I ordered a few interchangeable needles from Knit Picks which are in the mail as I type.  This will also give me a feel for their interchangeable needles and help me decide if I want to buy a whole set or not.  The gal at my LYS suggested I borrow them from somebody before committing to the whole set, but I don’t know anyone that has any.  Then Maryse posted about buying a couple needle tips and a couple cables to go with them and I figured – genius!  So I totally copied her :)  Thanks Maryse!

 

Another Hem Shot!

 

#2:  Mystery Sweater for Warm Woolies (on Ravelry here).  I’ve finished the hem pattern and am now in the straight stockinette portion.  I love the color of this yarn and I almost wish it was going to be for me (are you even surprised?)!  Sometimes mindless stockinette can be so soothing and I’m really glad that I have something in this stage right now so I can just pick it up whenever and knit a few rows without thinking too hard.

 

#3:  Secrety Squirrel Test Knit for rchrispy.  Sorry guys, no Ravelry linkies or pics to show.  But it’s in rotation and I’m working on it.  You probably won’t see it for a year (that’s my deadline) but I’m sure I’ll bring it up now and then.  Just ’cause I can.  ‘Nuff said.

 

Our New NordicTrack Treadmill

 

And because I’m the biggest work-in-progress of all, here’s our new toy (if you think it’s cool to call instruments of torture, toys).  Yep.  We gots us a treadmill.  I took the inaugural run last night (and then proceeded to bike 4 miles with R. Darling while he ran some trails) and spent some more time on there this afternoon.  My bikini better appreciate all the hard work I’m putting in.

 

So what are you working on?

 

Ocean Waves

So check it. I finally finished my first sweater for the Warm Woolies 10 for 10 by 2010 Challenge.  I decided, for now, that I don’t like how small the clickable pics were in the last post, so I’m back to the what you see is what you get images I had before.  I will probably try to mess around some more with the formatting, but I’ll keep you posted.

Maybe it’s the holiday weekend, or maybe it’s just that I’m so bone-tired these past couple weeks that I can barely stay awake long enough to go to work and go home, but I’m not feeling super chatty.  No funny vignettes to report or kooky goings on to share.  But I figure, I got an FO, so I should totally post it before I forget to.  Then, maybe I’ll go get myself some more coffee and try to make myself useful.  Laundry and dishes await.
 
 

 

 

Pattern: Ocean Waves by Peggy Boisvert (on Ravelry here)

Yarn: About 4.6 skeins of Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Bulky in “Blue Heirloom”

Needles: Size 10.5 – 24″ & 16″ bamboo circulars

Mods: Hmmm….. this pattern is more of a “recipe” so I guess that I probably kind of modified it a lot in the sense that I just did whatever I wanted to the whole time; magic looped the sleeves

New Techniques: This was a Percentage System sweater which was totally new to me, so I learned a lot about that as I went along

Time Lapse: April 5, 2009 – May 13, 2009

Comments: This pattern was definitely “pithy” as it is self-described by the creator.  I had to do quite a bit of math and figuring out of the Percentage System (this article was invaluable), as well as guesstimation of what size would fit a 10-15 year old (How long to make the body? How long to make the arms?  Would it fit?).  Though I found that sort of annoying at first (I’m very much a “tell me exactly what to do” kind of gal) it was also sort of liberating once I’d figured out how to do it myself.  And when the sweater turned out to be something that actually looked like a sweater that might kind of fit someone, I felt just the wee-est bit proud of myself.  I might actually make another sweater using this system in the future as it was kind of fun to go patternless once the initial fear was over.  This will be my first sweater for the Warm Woolies 2010 challenge and I’ve got to make at least 4 more to qualify.  When I connected the sleeves to the body, I knit about 1.5″ straight before starting my decreases which kind of elongated the body and placed the cable further down on the sweater than I think is aesthetically pleasing. But I did it because Warm Woolies requested extra room in the underarms so the kids can wear many layers underneath their sweaters, and not enough room in that spot could cause the layers to bind up uncomfortably. I guess it won’t matter if the sweater fits with extra length since they practically wear them as coats anyway, but I’m not sure I like how it looks visually. But that’s just me. On a side note, I bought this yarn as seconds from a site I found a while back and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised.  I expected tons and tons of knots, and out of the 5 skeins I used only the first ball had any knots at all.  Granted, it had like 3 or so, but I expected them all to be like that.  Just sayin’.  I will probably be more likely to buy yarn from there again next time now that I know what to expect.
 
And, because I got nothin’ else to say and it’s always fun to do, here’s the Friday Fill-In a day late:

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Friday Fill-In #125
(get yours here)
 

1. Moving is always a great time to get rid of things you don’t need or want anymore (including old boyfriends).

2. Love is free.

3. My best quality is modesty? Or maybe sympathy for others.

4. Don’t sweat the details.

5. In nearly 10 years, I will be way older than I even want to think about.

6. Another massage and some soft serve ice cream is what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hanging out with my man, tomorrow my plans include maybe going to Seattle with Miami and Monday, I want to knit knit knit!

 

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!  Eat an extra grilled food of your choice for me :)

 

And… an outtake!  No makeup, wet hair, gah!  It’s so scary I can’t believe I’m sharing :)  But check it out – my sweater fits!  Even if the arms are a bit short……

 

 

Playing With Yarn

That’s what I’ve been doing for over a week now.  For some reason I’m finding it really soothing to start putting some order back into the chaos my life has become over the past few months.  And what better way to start it off than with something I already love messing around with anyway?  So I’m taking photographs, I’m buying rubbermaid tubs and giving them crazy names like “For Those About To Sock”, “Worsted Wonderland” and “A Fine Mess”, to help me remember what’s what.  I’m busting out the label maker and putting every crazy detail into Ravelry.  It’s like drinking without the hangover.  I can touch all my gorgeous yarns and overindulge in every way, yet refrain from starting something new and getting myself in too deep with WIP’s (something you already know I have a problem with).  Plus, everything is contained, instead of spilling out of bags and boxes in the office.  Sometimes, it’s just good to be OCD.

I know I said I’m refraining from starting new projects, but the good thing is, this leaves me motivation to finish old ones.  And I’m trying.  Really I am.  But Cherry Fizz keeps whispering to me in the dark, tempting my willpower.  So far I’m resisting the siren call.  But who knows how long I can hold out.  I mean, I have the yarn and pattern already.  But I did say something about finishing, didn’t I?  At last, an FO to show you!   Behold!  Spirogyra!
 

(I’m trying a new thing where the images can be clicked on for a larger version.  It looks kinda small to me in this size, but we’ll see how it goes….)

 

Pattern: Spirogyra by Lynn Vogel (on Ravelry here)

Yarn: 1 ball + a few yards from a second ball, of Frog Tree Alpaca Sportweight (stash baby!)

Needles: Size 3 Addi Turbo circs & Size 2 Knit Picks Harmony 40″ fixed circs for Magic Loop

Mods: None except to use Magic Loop instead of dpn’s

New Techniques: Nope.

Time Lapse: February 7, 2009 – March 21, 2009

Comments: These were made for a Random Act Of Kindness gifty that I promised to Andrea (Agaknit on Ravelry) in February.  With all the crap I’ve been through over the past few months, they kinda languished a bit but I finally got them out to her a couple weeks ago.  I thought the lace pattern was perhaps a little lost in the fuzz of the alpaca, but both Andrea and rchrispy mentioned they liked the fuzz factor.  So that made me happy!  This yarn is definitely super soft and the cherry red is such a pretty color.  I like the pattern very much and may one of these days, make a pair for myself.
 
Now.  Back to the stash!

 

From Acorns To Oaks

The past few days haven’t been the best. I guess I have a lot to learn about true grief. Maybe I thought I could just cry my tears, wipe my eyes after a time, and then pack the sadness away in a box stored next to last year’s Christmas decorations. But grieving feels more like a process rather than a singular event; something that ebbs and floods, turning me over and over in the tide until the rough edges are smooth, only to dash me against the rocks and split me open to start the process all over again. Funny thing, sorrow. Whenever you are least expecting it, even when the sun is shining and life seems good, despair and melancholy will creep back in to twist your smile and dull your shine.

But here’s a little something that put a smile back in my day recently. A couple weeks ago my talented & super thoughtful bloggy friend Amy honored me with this sweet little award:

 

The Renee Award

 
I think the award came from here originally, and is described with these words from one of the originators:  “….this is a brand new award, and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow.  I hope it finds its way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns…..”
 
Thank you so very much Amy, for this wonderful award!  I certainly don’t feel as strong as an oak these days, nor as full of potential as its little seed, but you touched me nonetheless and I am forever grateful for that.  I know that it’s my job to now pass it on to some deserving people but honestly, I’m going to chicken out and not name anyone specific (except for giving it right back to Amy!).  That sounds like a cop out, but I see it this way: each of you who comes here to read, or comment, or even just glance at the pretty pictures, are all in some way like both the acorn and the oak to me, and thus each of you deserve this award in one way or another.  From some of you, I’ve received the seeds of true friendship which have grown strong over time and will hopefully remain true through many storms and winters ahead.  From others, I have received the seeds of inspiration which will encourage the branching out of new endeavors and the planting of new seeds in faraway places.  And some of you, like the oak, have been strong and wise, protective and sentinel, watching over the sleeping acorn that is my heart until the warmth and light can penetrate it once again.  Each piece is important and without it, without you, things just wouldn’t be the same.
 
So consider yourself awarded!  And pass it on if you feel so inspired.  Thank you so much again Amy, you really did make my day :)

 

Friday Fill-In #123

Ocean Waves for Warm Woolies

 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Friday Fill-In #123
(get yours here)
 

1. Apples are to oranges as drizzle is to downpour.

2. Bananas gross me out and that’s all I have to say about that.

3. I think I hear the hum of spring arriving.

4. Don’t be afraid to fly your freak flag.

5. Do what you want to do, but be mindful of others in the process.

6. Willy Wonka led the way and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with everlasting gobstoppers.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to staying in and watching a movie with my man, tomorrow my plans include visiting with my Mom in honor of Mother’s Day and Sunday, I want to relax and work on my sweater for Warm Woolies!
 

Sheesh!  I had to work for that one ;)  Have a wonderful weekend Bloggy Peeps!

 

Psssst. I caved. I’m now on Twitter!

 

Tweet?

Could someone please tell me what the big freakin’ deal is with Twitter and Facebook anyway?  It bugs me that something I’m not even interested in could make me feel so left out and behind the times just for not joining in.  I mean, do you really want to know that I just found a dog harble the size of Mexico underneath my desk?  I should think not.  But I’m curious, I really am.  Please enlighten me on what you love best about Twitter &/or Facebook.  I’m dying to know!

Oh and I’ve had my finger poised over the “Join this group” button at the Hodge Podge Scarf Swap over on Ravelry for about 3 days now.  Please please please, would someone talk me out of this?  I don’t have time for a swap obligation but it just sounds like so much dang fun I can’t hardly stand it.  Or maybe we should just join it together……  Enabler?  Anyone?

 

West Beach Weekend

Welcome to West Beach - Orcas Island, WA

 
There’s something to be said for getting out of town for a few days.  Those things that cause you turmoil and ambush your peace of mind are left far behind you.  Go worry someone else. No stacks of mail to sort through, no sink that needs scrubbing, no cloud of remember-whens to stifle your ability to live your own happy life.  Instead there is salt air and sunshine, the hiss of waves on sand, and sunwarmed pebbles to sweep your hands through, searching for that one perfect treasure to take home.
 
A sunlit ferry ride carried us to Orcas Island, WA (home of Cat Bordhi!) and miles away from things we didn’t want to worry about.  Mom was there, and R. Darling and his kayaking friend.  The first day was travel, grocery store food for lunch, a walk on the beach while the guys firmed up details for their 2 day kayaking class with Body Boat Blade, and later, dinner at the Tavern in Eastsound.  Apparently it’s quite easy to say you have the “best burgers in town” if you have the only burgers in town.  But the food was deservedly amazing.  Back at Cabin #4, West Beach Resort, for the night – replete with circa 1938 dark wood paneling, vintage door hardware, creaking floors, arctic bathroom and munchkin sized shower – we caught the last breath of sun as it sank into the ocean.  While the sky continued to drip mauve and persimmon, we filled our lungs with one last breath of campfire and salt breeze and turned in for the night.
 

Our rustic abode: Cabin #4 at West Beach Resort

 
Saturday dawned cold and cloudy, though it would warm to a pleasant afternoon. R. Darling and I had coffee together before his class and later, when he had gone, Mom and I drove to Beach Haven.  In the late 197o’s she and Dad had stayed on the island for a weekend and she couldn’t quite remember where, but thought Beach Haven might have been the place.  They had dug  clams right on the beach, cleaned them with cornmeal, and eaten their fill in front of a roaring fire.  After stuffing themselves, Mom had strung the remaining clams on thread and smoked them over the fire.  She tells me staying here with Dad was one of the happiest memories of her life.  I wish he could have been there that day as we stood on the beach and looked at the horizon, remembering happier times.
 

West Beach Resort viewed from the pier

 
After Beach Haven, it was off to explore some of Eastsound.  With the pastry shop closed, we instead made Poppies Fine Yarns our first stop.  Though the selection was not as bountiful as what I’ve become used to, I did find the perfect yarn for Mom’s long requested Fake Isle Hat with Earflaps (am going to have to improvise this on my 0wn) and best of all, she okayed the choices herself so there will be no danger of, “It’s too itchy!  I don’t like the color!”.  This makes me happy.  A few galleries, and a long search for the “perfect” espresso (Mom, not me) behind us, we bought a couple sandwiches and headed back to the cabin for the afternoon.  I started a pair of Berry Hill fingerless mittens in some Mirasol Hacho I received recently but decided they just seemed too small (I suspect I have manhands) and quit working after separating the thumb stitches.
 

These Berry Hill Mitts seem much too small.....

 
We went for a walk instead and continued our search for non-existent agates, while heartily resisting the urge to take a nap.  R. Darling finished class much sooner than expected and after he cleaned up we all went for pizza and arrived back in time to see a spectacular sunset.
 

 
I heard a quote not long ago and it has been turning over in my mind, like a gentle wave worrying a piece of polished glass, smoothing away the sharp edges that draw blood when you are least expecting it:
 

“The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.”
~Isak Dinesen

 
I’ve had the tears, I’ve tried the sea and the only balm that is left is sweat.