Tesserae Socks: Stalled. Actually, I'm not sure where they are. Probably in one of my yarn bins, but I can't access them at the moment. Last I worked on them, I was working on the heel flap.
Through Any (Blue) Window: Making very slow progress. I leave it at my desk to work on during my breaks and lunches, but it's slow-going. Since being busted for being online during work time, I've been trying to be good about using the internet on breaks only, which is cutting into crochet time. But, it isn't quite stalled.
Sunflower Purse: Stalled. It, too, is probably in my yarn bins. I'm shooting for finishing it by September. Truthfully, all I have left to do is crochet the "trellis" and sew on the outer lining, and find (or make) some handles for it.
So what AM I working on? Well, not much. Swatching, mostly. Just small things to keep my hands busy and practice the knitting skillz. I found my Knitting Stitch Bible, so I'm having fun playing with new stitch patterns.
I've added some yarn to my stash. I've become a bit of a yarn snob, but I've decided I'm ok with that. My favorite recent addition is some bulky black superfine Alpaca from Lavish Fibers. I also bought my first laceweight yarn, Jade Sapphire Lacey Lamb. I was going to make the Fiddlehead Scarf with it, but it's causing me some major headaches so I'm going to re-evaluate that. I also ordered some sock yarn yesterday from KnitPicks (this in Purple and Grass, this in Cosmos, this in Mixed Berries, and this in Violet and Leapfrog), along with the beginning of my collection of KnitPicks Options circular needles (the 60" cable and size 4 nickle plated tips). I hope they're as great as I've read. I want to try my hand at two-at-a-time socks, both the toe-up and cuff-down versions.
Let's see, what else. I'm trying to keep my Ravelry notebook up to date with the new additions to my stash. I'm also building up my collection of bamboo needles. I bought some fabric that I want to use for a needle case specifically for the bamboo needles, and since I couldn't find a pattern online for exactly what I wanted, of course I'm making it up myself. I've got a schematic-type-thingy drawn up with measurements, so I hope to start work on that tonight or tomorrow. Malakai ate some of my bamboo DPNs the other day so I need a too-big-to-eat place to keep them all organized.
Speaking of Malakai, check out this video of him and my roommate's dog, Isha, finally playing together after a week and a half of nothing but barking at each other. (Oh wait, I can't get to YouTube from work. Well, do a search for "Malakai & Isha" and you should find it. If I remember, I'll update when I get home) **Ok here's the link**
Upcoming projects! I've decided to make the Shifty sock with my Knitters Without Borders skein of STR. I only have one skein of it, so I'll have to buy more and hope that the lots are close enough in color to pass. Other than that, I think I'm going to stick with small things, stash busters especially, until I can do some sorting out of my stash. Yarn snob that I'm becoming, I'm thinking of giving most of it away on Freecycle.
I finally started a notebook for my patterns, rather than having the pages scattered about willy-nilly. I'm also hoping to change my yarn storage method from the giant purple Rubbermaid bins to the sleeker, see-through, stackable Sterilite drawers.
I just realized I forgot to blog about my trip to LA. But that has pictures, so it'll have to be later. Look for it!
Showing posts with label WIPs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label WIPs. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Through Any Window Progress
And that was a couple of days ago.
It's going pretty quickly, with the exception of the light blue rounds that are done in every stitch instead of the chain spaces. And I wish I had done the colors differently - I would have switched the dark blue and white, I think. But it's great, I like it, and I get lots of compliments on it when I work on it in public.
The baby that I'm making it for was born this week, about 3 weeks early, so I better get my rear in gear.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Word of the Day: Inefficient
Main Entry: in·ef·fi·cient
: not efficient: as
a: not producing the effect intended or desired
b: wasteful of time or energy
c: incapable, incompetent
Well I certainly spent the past 6 days being inefficient. There's something to be said for laying in bed though. Even a not-so-comfortable bed can be of great comfort in times of stress. In fact, going to bed is my favorite part of my day, I think.
I did make some progress on the Through Any Window Baby Blanket that I'm making for Cute-Guy-At-Work and his wife. It was a test at first, even with the tutorial, but I figured it out. I'm not looking forward to all the ends, though. (I should make a point to say that the difficulties at first are no reflection on Laurah and her design skills, they're more related to my own stubborn brain.)
Unfortunately I was supposed to spend those 6 days packing and clearing junk out of my house to get ready for my forced move. I didn't pack a single box. I did dig through two cupboards and come up with 4 bags full of garbage though. My can only holds 3 on a good day. I didn't apartment hunt either, but I did find out that I'm totally on my own when I move - roommate and his girlfriend are not going to be moving with me.
I had some good Pizza and Beer with my friends Ben and Amanda. We had some decent cheap mexican over the week too. No pictures. I really ought to start carrying my camera. Much loving of dogs happened as well - both theirs and my own.
: not efficient: as
a: not producing the effect intended or desired
b: wasteful of time or energy
c: incapable, incompetent
Well I certainly spent the past 6 days being inefficient. There's something to be said for laying in bed though. Even a not-so-comfortable bed can be of great comfort in times of stress. In fact, going to bed is my favorite part of my day, I think.
I did make some progress on the Through Any Window Baby Blanket that I'm making for Cute-Guy-At-Work and his wife. It was a test at first, even with the tutorial, but I figured it out. I'm not looking forward to all the ends, though. (I should make a point to say that the difficulties at first are no reflection on Laurah and her design skills, they're more related to my own stubborn brain.)
Unfortunately I was supposed to spend those 6 days packing and clearing junk out of my house to get ready for my forced move. I didn't pack a single box. I did dig through two cupboards and come up with 4 bags full of garbage though. My can only holds 3 on a good day. I didn't apartment hunt either, but I did find out that I'm totally on my own when I move - roommate and his girlfriend are not going to be moving with me.
I had some good Pizza and Beer with my friends Ben and Amanda. We had some decent cheap mexican over the week too. No pictures. I really ought to start carrying my camera. Much loving of dogs happened as well - both theirs and my own.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Yay for productivity!
Oh where oh where to begin!
Went to Fabric Depot yesterday and bought some new fabric to line my Sunflower Purse with:
Not quite as cool as the first one I found, but good.
Today I worked on - and finished! - the lining:
(cell phone pocket):
I do have enough of the original fabric to line the inside of the outside with, so I just need to cut it to size and crochet the "trellis" (which I'm also re-vamping to make it sturdier). I'll work on that later this week.
I also got a couple of yards of some fabric to goof around with, and a couple of fat quarter packs. Look, my first quilt square!
One pack came with the above fabric and these two:
And the other came with these (they're much more lavender in real life):
I'm on row 23 of the Half Moon Shawl, which I'm going back to working on right now - just wanted to share the progress :)
Went to Fabric Depot yesterday and bought some new fabric to line my Sunflower Purse with:
Not quite as cool as the first one I found, but good.
Today I worked on - and finished! - the lining:
(cell phone pocket):
I do have enough of the original fabric to line the inside of the outside with, so I just need to cut it to size and crochet the "trellis" (which I'm also re-vamping to make it sturdier). I'll work on that later this week.
I also got a couple of yards of some fabric to goof around with, and a couple of fat quarter packs. Look, my first quilt square!
One pack came with the above fabric and these two:
And the other came with these (they're much more lavender in real life):
I'm on row 23 of the Half Moon Shawl, which I'm going back to working on right now - just wanted to share the progress :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Some pics, just for you
Mom's older-than-dirt sewing machine that I'm using
The back side of the outside of my now-deceased Sunflower Purse
The outside of the outside of my now-deceased Sunflower Purse
The booze that killed my Sunflower Purse
ohmygawed!
A whole week between posts??!! You must all feel abandoned!
Nothing much has been going on. Well, ok, some. Lots of drinking. Not, like, "I can't function at work cause I got schnockered(sp?) last night" lots, but lots relative to the past 5 years.
Note to self - do NOT craft while drinking. My beautiful Sunflower Purse met its demise when I tried to work on it after an evening of tequila and mango lemonade. I have enough yarn to start over, but I'll need to buy more fabric. That's ok though. I'm really enjoying using my mom's old sewing machine, and might try my hand at some quilting (like I need another hobby).
Progress on the Half Moon Shawl is going well. I'm somewhere between 50% and 80% done, depending on how you figure it (I've used half the required yarn, but done 80% of the required rows). I love how it's turning out. This was my first attempt at using LB Jiffy yarn and I really like it.
My other WIP, the Tesserae Socks, are on hold pending completion of the shawl and the purse. The shawl is time-sensitive (I have as of now one week to finish), and the purse is for my mental health. Yes, I said it, I need to make a purse for my own sanity.
I finally joined Ravelry, and of all the addicting web-based things I do, this is the best because I can do it from work. If you're a crafter and haven't signed up - DO IT! My Ravelry ID is ZarahPDX for those of you who want to see what I'm up to. I have all but Monday off work next week and my goal (along with spring cleaning and some serious home de-cluttering and rearranging) is to take stock of all my needles, hooks, yarns, etc and get everything organized in my Ravelry Notebook. Plus upload all the pics that I've taken and haven't done anything with. *sigh* so much to do, so little time!
Annie is almost completely moved out of the house, I think. I've spoken to her a couple of times and things are back to being civil - even NICE - but it's still a bit awkward. I might be going to The Bridge with her on Sunday, and then out for pool and maybe dinner. I've finally gotten used to having the house to myself, and now Keight will be moving in next week. Sounds like my roommate that went to Cali might be back not too long after the first of the month, too. So much for all my privacy!
Nothing much has been going on. Well, ok, some. Lots of drinking. Not, like, "I can't function at work cause I got schnockered(sp?) last night" lots, but lots relative to the past 5 years.
Note to self - do NOT craft while drinking. My beautiful Sunflower Purse met its demise when I tried to work on it after an evening of tequila and mango lemonade. I have enough yarn to start over, but I'll need to buy more fabric. That's ok though. I'm really enjoying using my mom's old sewing machine, and might try my hand at some quilting (like I need another hobby).
Progress on the Half Moon Shawl is going well. I'm somewhere between 50% and 80% done, depending on how you figure it (I've used half the required yarn, but done 80% of the required rows). I love how it's turning out. This was my first attempt at using LB Jiffy yarn and I really like it.
My other WIP, the Tesserae Socks, are on hold pending completion of the shawl and the purse. The shawl is time-sensitive (I have as of now one week to finish), and the purse is for my mental health. Yes, I said it, I need to make a purse for my own sanity.
I finally joined Ravelry, and of all the addicting web-based things I do, this is the best because I can do it from work. If you're a crafter and haven't signed up - DO IT! My Ravelry ID is ZarahPDX for those of you who want to see what I'm up to. I have all but Monday off work next week and my goal (along with spring cleaning and some serious home de-cluttering and rearranging) is to take stock of all my needles, hooks, yarns, etc and get everything organized in my Ravelry Notebook. Plus upload all the pics that I've taken and haven't done anything with. *sigh* so much to do, so little time!
Annie is almost completely moved out of the house, I think. I've spoken to her a couple of times and things are back to being civil - even NICE - but it's still a bit awkward. I might be going to The Bridge with her on Sunday, and then out for pool and maybe dinner. I've finally gotten used to having the house to myself, and now Keight will be moving in next week. Sounds like my roommate that went to Cali might be back not too long after the first of the month, too. So much for all my privacy!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Weekend Update
First off, sock progress! I went to lunch yesterday with my mom and a friend and got lots of progress (a full repeat) on the sock.
Question: If you're still participating in the conversation, is it rude to crochet/knit at the table while you're waiting for your food, or once the plates have been cleared? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.
Newly started project last night is the Half Moon Shawl from LB. I used LB Jiffy in violet. I like the pattern, and the bobbles stand out much better in person than they do in the pic on LB's site.
Not yet started but probably starting today is a new purse for myself. I dug out my mom's old sewing machine this past week, and yesterday went and bought a new presser foot for it, as the old one was missing. Also armed myself with some new bobbins and some fun sunflower-ish fabric, and yarn to make some sunflower motifs from Coats & Clark's Crochet Sunflower Afghan. According to their specs, each motif should be 10.5" x 10.5", so I'll use that plus a couple/few rows of boarder for each side of a tote-style bag, and stripes (probably) of the same colors will make up the sides and bottom. I'll line it with the sunflower fabric, make a couple of pockets/sections on the inside, and off I'll go with a fancy new bag.
I also took stock of my knitting needles and supplies yesterday
(before)
(after)
And made lists of what needles I have and what needles I want to get. Geek much?
Heading off to dinner with Dad and his wife later this afternoon. Corned Beef & Cabbage with Red Potatoes, in honor of the holiday tomorrow. Have a good one!
Question: If you're still participating in the conversation, is it rude to crochet/knit at the table while you're waiting for your food, or once the plates have been cleared? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.
Newly started project last night is the Half Moon Shawl from LB. I used LB Jiffy in violet. I like the pattern, and the bobbles stand out much better in person than they do in the pic on LB's site.
Not yet started but probably starting today is a new purse for myself. I dug out my mom's old sewing machine this past week, and yesterday went and bought a new presser foot for it, as the old one was missing. Also armed myself with some new bobbins and some fun sunflower-ish fabric, and yarn to make some sunflower motifs from Coats & Clark's Crochet Sunflower Afghan. According to their specs, each motif should be 10.5" x 10.5", so I'll use that plus a couple/few rows of boarder for each side of a tote-style bag, and stripes (probably) of the same colors will make up the sides and bottom. I'll line it with the sunflower fabric, make a couple of pockets/sections on the inside, and off I'll go with a fancy new bag.
I also took stock of my knitting needles and supplies yesterday
(before)
(after)
And made lists of what needles I have and what needles I want to get. Geek much?
Heading off to dinner with Dad and his wife later this afternoon. Corned Beef & Cabbage with Red Potatoes, in honor of the holiday tomorrow. Have a good one!
Monday, March 10, 2008
My Love Affair with Socks
Isn't getting any better. Well, the socks are, but the affair is not.
This shows the color best, and the progress. I love the way it's striping, it's just perfect.
This shows a bit of the texture/pattern better. I'm only 1.5 repeats into it, so it's not looking like too much yet, but it's already addicting. I'm a little worried that I won't have quite enough yarn, so I might go buy another hank in a different color for the heel/toe.
The pattern is the Tesserae Sock by Anne at Knitspot
The yarn is Koigu KPPPM
Feel the sock love.
This shows the color best, and the progress. I love the way it's striping, it's just perfect.
This shows a bit of the texture/pattern better. I'm only 1.5 repeats into it, so it's not looking like too much yet, but it's already addicting. I'm a little worried that I won't have quite enough yarn, so I might go buy another hank in a different color for the heel/toe.
The pattern is the Tesserae Sock by Anne at Knitspot
The yarn is Koigu KPPPM
Feel the sock love.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
More sock love
I know, I know - shut up already about the socks. Just be glad that you're not my mother, roommate, roommate's girlfriend, or ex - they get the sock excitement even worse than you do!
My friend Sally (blogless) last night asked me how many pairs of socks I'd finished, because I was so excited I wouldn't shut up. The answer is, sadly, none. I apparently have caught singlesockitis. And honestly, I haven't technically finished the first sock either, because it's still on its last two needles waiting for me to get over my fear of toe grafting.
But never have I let lack of finishing one project keep me from starting a second. So I've started my first "real" pair of socks.
The pattern: Based on Silver's Sock Class, with a little twist of my own
And yes, in the picture, I'm using paper clips as stitch markers. Ghetto, I know, but my real stitch markers are at home. I've already frogged this (rip-it, rip-it) twice, but I think I've got it this time. I'm using a stitch pattern that is 16 stitches wide and 8 rows long and I was having trouble keeping track. Repeat after me - stitch markers are my friend! And having both a chart and written instructions on hand - on the same piece of paper even - helps tons too.
In other news, I'm going to be teaching a crochet/knit class for The Bridge. Any Portland-area folks are of course welcome to come along. Leave your email in comments if you're interested in learning or co-teaching. If all goes well it will probably be a monthly class, with perhaps a 2nd night each month for coffee/beer/SnB.
No sesame-flavored love the past few days, but I'm going to make some chicken salad tonight, and I'm sure sesame will make an appearance. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
HA! Now I know
I'm going to make some of these Ami from Lion Brand to use up my RHSS and similar textured stash.
And I'm going to make piles and piles of coasters with my cotton stash.
And miles of scarves with the rest (mostly LB Homespun and Chenille T&Q).
So there you go, uninspired crisis averted!
And hopefully I can build up a stock and maybe participate in our next craft sale at work, or or start selling a bit on Etsy.
And I'm going to make piles and piles of coasters with my cotton stash.
And miles of scarves with the rest (mostly LB Homespun and Chenille T&Q).
So there you go, uninspired crisis averted!
And hopefully I can build up a stock and maybe participate in our next craft sale at work, or or start selling a bit on Etsy.
Uninspired
Now that my swap projects are done, I'm feeling uninspired.
I started a knitted sock the other day. Ripped it out because it was waaaaay to big, started over with smaller needles. Got about 5 inches done, started to do the heel, and got frustrated and ripped it out again.
This morning I stuck some LB Homespun in my purse, and a giant (I think Q) crochet hook, figuring I'll just make a mile-long scarf to keep my hands busy.
But I really want a project. What I really NEED is a stash-buster. I guess I could do some more dishcloths - I've got plenty of cotton left. I could try again with the sock, but I really need to sit down and go through the book, or have someone who knows what they're doing sit with me, before I try that again. Plus the plain sock wasn't really holding my attention anyway, I want something with pattern and texture and excitement.
So give me some ideas. What do those of you who knit and crochet do when you're in a slump? What's your go-to project for keeping your hands busy?
I started a knitted sock the other day. Ripped it out because it was waaaaay to big, started over with smaller needles. Got about 5 inches done, started to do the heel, and got frustrated and ripped it out again.
This morning I stuck some LB Homespun in my purse, and a giant (I think Q) crochet hook, figuring I'll just make a mile-long scarf to keep my hands busy.
But I really want a project. What I really NEED is a stash-buster. I guess I could do some more dishcloths - I've got plenty of cotton left. I could try again with the sock, but I really need to sit down and go through the book, or have someone who knows what they're doing sit with me, before I try that again. Plus the plain sock wasn't really holding my attention anyway, I want something with pattern and texture and excitement.
So give me some ideas. What do those of you who knit and crochet do when you're in a slump? What's your go-to project for keeping your hands busy?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I'm hooked on socks!!
Well, so far at least!
When I bought my first (3) sets of dpns, and told the woman at the store that I had just taught myself to knit and hadn't tackled anything with dpns yet, but was looking forward to making socks, she sorta rolled her eyes at me and told me that I really should start with something more simple like a hat. Well HA! Who needs hats when you can go straight for the big fish and make socks?
After some brief initial confusion (why does this say four needles? the picture only shows three? Do I knit one stitch from each needle to the next and turn it as I go?) I've got it down and am almost done with the suggested 2" of 2x2 ribbing.
If the yarn looks familiar, good for you! It's the same stuff I used to make my bamboo hook case. I didn't want to use anything superspecial, in case they didn't turn out, but I also didn't want to use RHSS. I have a whole bunch of this and a whole bunch of light blue (both worsted weight) that I'm going to practice with before I get into the two superspecial handpainted 100% merino sock yarns I bought as incentive.
Think sock-y thoughts for me!
When I bought my first (3) sets of dpns, and told the woman at the store that I had just taught myself to knit and hadn't tackled anything with dpns yet, but was looking forward to making socks, she sorta rolled her eyes at me and told me that I really should start with something more simple like a hat. Well HA! Who needs hats when you can go straight for the big fish and make socks?After some brief initial confusion (why does this say four needles? the picture only shows three? Do I knit one stitch from each needle to the next and turn it as I go?) I've got it down and am almost done with the suggested 2" of 2x2 ribbing.
If the yarn looks familiar, good for you! It's the same stuff I used to make my bamboo hook case. I didn't want to use anything superspecial, in case they didn't turn out, but I also didn't want to use RHSS. I have a whole bunch of this and a whole bunch of light blue (both worsted weight) that I'm going to practice with before I get into the two superspecial handpainted 100% merino sock yarns I bought as incentive.
Think sock-y thoughts for me!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Productive weekend
I can't wait til Friday, when I get to send out my SSG package. I finished item #2 last night, worked on item #3 at work today and should be able to finish it tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest (and that's just working on it at work, not taking it home). Item #4 has yet to be started but that's because I'm missing an important piece which I'll find this week. Item #5 is about half way done thanks to a long car ride yesterday.
Just a short post for now, maybe more about my weekend later.
Just a short post for now, maybe more about my weekend later.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Updates Updates Everywhere
Craft update:
Almost done with item #2 for the SSG Swap. Just have finishing to do. Any more than that would give it away. Also purchased item #5. So items #3 and #4 to do. Goal is to send it out next Friday (which is payday, which is important). Laura, if you read this, will you send me your address please?
Life update:
I am TOTALLY in love with this condo. I went and saw the inside on Wednesday and it is absolutely perfect for me. I'm going to try to borrow money from my dad to pay off my one credit card, and sell the car that Annie and I bought last year and hopefully be able to pay that off too. Then hopefully my credit will be clear enough to get a home loan. If I can't get into this place now, they have two more building sites going up next door and the first of the two should be finished in the summer. Annie wants to leave before then, but I'm hoping that our roommate might pitch in an extra $100 in rent and I could probably afford to stay here for a while. Even better, roommate's girlfriend just got her SSI (social security) and I told him that if she's willing to pitch in $200 or so in rent she can move in here and then we'd be even more set. Roommate's girlfriend isn't my favorite person on earth (she drinks a bit, and gets a bit annoying) but it would be worth it to be able to stay here until I get the condo thing figured out.
Soup update:
I was craving soup. So I made some.
1 whole pre-baked chicken of unknown flavor from Freddy's
some butter. 1/2 a stick or so?
1 sweet onion very chopped
several carrots sliced bite-size
1 head of celery, chopped (including a good amount of the leaves, they're good)
1 package of beef polska kilbasa, halved and sliced into half-moon shapes
1.5-2 pounds of baby gold potatoes cut into halves or quarters depending on size
-Remove chicken from bones. Keep good chicken in one bowl, and place all skin/bones/etc in a large soup pot.
-cover skin/bones/et with cold water and bring to a boil. Boil until it looks yummy. Then strain and reserve the "stock" and toss out the rest.
-Melt butter in the soup pot, and add the onions and some salt & pepper. cook until the onions are soft
-Add the leaves of the celery and cook a little longer
-Add the celery and carrots and the kilbasa and cook a little more
-Add the chicken and the potatoes, then the reserved "stock"
-Cook until the potatoes are done, and then enjoy all your hard work.
Almost done with item #2 for the SSG Swap. Just have finishing to do. Any more than that would give it away. Also purchased item #5. So items #3 and #4 to do. Goal is to send it out next Friday (which is payday, which is important). Laura, if you read this, will you send me your address please?
Life update:
I am TOTALLY in love with this condo. I went and saw the inside on Wednesday and it is absolutely perfect for me. I'm going to try to borrow money from my dad to pay off my one credit card, and sell the car that Annie and I bought last year and hopefully be able to pay that off too. Then hopefully my credit will be clear enough to get a home loan. If I can't get into this place now, they have two more building sites going up next door and the first of the two should be finished in the summer. Annie wants to leave before then, but I'm hoping that our roommate might pitch in an extra $100 in rent and I could probably afford to stay here for a while. Even better, roommate's girlfriend just got her SSI (social security) and I told him that if she's willing to pitch in $200 or so in rent she can move in here and then we'd be even more set. Roommate's girlfriend isn't my favorite person on earth (she drinks a bit, and gets a bit annoying) but it would be worth it to be able to stay here until I get the condo thing figured out.
Soup update:
I was craving soup. So I made some.
1 whole pre-baked chicken of unknown flavor from Freddy'ssome butter. 1/2 a stick or so?
1 sweet onion very chopped
several carrots sliced bite-size
1 head of celery, chopped (including a good amount of the leaves, they're good)
1 package of beef polska kilbasa, halved and sliced into half-moon shapes
1.5-2 pounds of baby gold potatoes cut into halves or quarters depending on size
-Remove chicken from bones. Keep good chicken in one bowl, and place all skin/bones/etc in a large soup pot.
-cover skin/bones/et with cold water and bring to a boil. Boil until it looks yummy. Then strain and reserve the "stock" and toss out the rest.
-Melt butter in the soup pot, and add the onions and some salt & pepper. cook until the onions are soft
-Add the leaves of the celery and cook a little longer
-Add the celery and carrots and the kilbasa and cook a little more
-Add the chicken and the potatoes, then the reserved "stock"
-Cook until the potatoes are done, and then enjoy all your hard work.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wubster Weekend and more
The chaos never ends.
This past weekend, Annie and I babysat Tabi and Rhionna allllllllll weekend. I am never having children. Friday night was pretty ok, but Saturday we all went bowling and Rhionna only played about four frames before she desintigrated into a full-blown hissy fit. By the end of it, all four of us were cranky and exhausted.
Saturday night I went to dinner with Mom and a couple of friends from work. It was nice to get away from the kids and all The Breakup drama. But Sunday Annie got me back by going to church and leaving the kids with me. Chaos, yelling, pouting, lots of "I'm never coming here ever again! You're never going to watch me ever again!" Didn't get away from them until almost 8:00 Sunday night.
The hardest part of the weekend was having to pretend that everything at home was hunky-dory. We haven't told Annie's mom about The Breakup yet (gee, I hope she doesn't read my blog), so we haven't told the girls either. I did find it a little odd that neither of them asked howcome we weren't sleeping in the same bed, but horray for small miracles I guess.
Monday after work I picked up Rhionna and took her back to Jen's house, and stayed there until almost 8:00 waiting for Jen to get home and helping out where I could. But it was more of the same, chaos, yelling, arguing, etc. I need a break.
The good news, today is my Friday. Tomorrow I'll get to sleep in, but then we'll be off apartment hunting. I've got an appointment to see this condo that I'm really interested in, but the thought of owning my own place is a bit daunting. Thursday will be a lay around day. Hopefully Friday too.
I finished the first item for Laura's All About Hearts package, and I'm working on item #2. So hopefully I can get that (and items 3, 4, and 5) done this week. If I focus it shouldn't be a problem.
This past weekend, Annie and I babysat Tabi and Rhionna allllllllll weekend. I am never having children. Friday night was pretty ok, but Saturday we all went bowling and Rhionna only played about four frames before she desintigrated into a full-blown hissy fit. By the end of it, all four of us were cranky and exhausted.
Saturday night I went to dinner with Mom and a couple of friends from work. It was nice to get away from the kids and all The Breakup drama. But Sunday Annie got me back by going to church and leaving the kids with me. Chaos, yelling, pouting, lots of "I'm never coming here ever again! You're never going to watch me ever again!" Didn't get away from them until almost 8:00 Sunday night.
The hardest part of the weekend was having to pretend that everything at home was hunky-dory. We haven't told Annie's mom about The Breakup yet (gee, I hope she doesn't read my blog), so we haven't told the girls either. I did find it a little odd that neither of them asked howcome we weren't sleeping in the same bed, but horray for small miracles I guess.
Monday after work I picked up Rhionna and took her back to Jen's house, and stayed there until almost 8:00 waiting for Jen to get home and helping out where I could. But it was more of the same, chaos, yelling, arguing, etc. I need a break.
The good news, today is my Friday. Tomorrow I'll get to sleep in, but then we'll be off apartment hunting. I've got an appointment to see this condo that I'm really interested in, but the thought of owning my own place is a bit daunting. Thursday will be a lay around day. Hopefully Friday too.
I finished the first item for Laura's All About Hearts package, and I'm working on item #2. So hopefully I can get that (and items 3, 4, and 5) done this week. If I focus it shouldn't be a problem.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Daisy Square
While perusing CPC several days ago, I ran across this Daisy Square pattern. The designer offers the pattern for free, and only asks that you send her at least one completed square, which she then joins and gives to charity. It's totally cute, so I decided to give it a shot. It calls for 4 colors: CA for the center color, CB for the petals, CC for the background, and CD for the border. I used only two colors (two very clashing, random, verigated colors) because I was on my way out the door for work and there were only two skeins easily grab-able. So my CA and CC are the same, and my CB and CD are the same. Oh here, see for yourself.
(Apologies for the green-ish picture. I took it with my cell phone, and for some reason everything I take with my phone turns out with a green-ish tint. I really need to get a point-and-shoot digital. Really.)
So yeah, it's pretty wild. But I'm totally in love with it! I decided to make a negative of it (using the darker yarn for the petals and border, and the lighter stuff for the center and background) which I'm nearly done with. Then I decided, why not make a whole bunch of them in random colors, in pairs (a positive and a negative), and make my own afghan out of them. So, last night I went through my stash (two giant rubbermaid bins) and separated out the worsted weight acrylic from everything else. I was surprised (pleasantly) to find that fully half of my stash is WW acrylic. I've definately got my work cut out for me.
The pattern is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and it's a good carry-along project.
Oh and Krystal, if you're reading this - I promise I'll get a square out to you soon. My guage ended up with a 6.5" square instead of 8, but I'll do some tweaking and color picking this weekend.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Where have I been?
Well, busy.
I've got nearly all of the gifts made that I need to have done, with still a week to go. I've started another project which of course is a gift for someone else so I can't talk about it. Suffice it to say that I've taught myself Filet Crochet, and it's not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.
We've been watching mass quantities of TV at home, too. Thank goodness for whole commercial-free seasons on DVD available from the library! Shylent and Annie have got me hooked on Grey's Anatomy (finished season 1, working on season 2), plus I've got Law & Order (season 3), House, M.D. (season 2), Frasier (season 7), South Park (season 5), and L&O SVU (seasons 1-3 and 5). Oh and I just yesterday finished season 1 of the American version of Whose Line Is it Anyway. That's some funny shit right there.
After the holiday I'll post some pictures of my Christmas Crafts, and the December installment of my Yarn of the Month Club review (better late than never, right?). Plus a couple of dishcloth patterns I've come up with.
Oh and today I got a big fat raise. I'm not supposed to tell anyone, according to my boss. But it's my raise and I'll gloat if I want to! I got a 7.5% increase, not merit-based. Plus next month is my review and I'll get my merit increase on top of it all. So HA!
I've got nearly all of the gifts made that I need to have done, with still a week to go. I've started another project which of course is a gift for someone else so I can't talk about it. Suffice it to say that I've taught myself Filet Crochet, and it's not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.
We've been watching mass quantities of TV at home, too. Thank goodness for whole commercial-free seasons on DVD available from the library! Shylent and Annie have got me hooked on Grey's Anatomy (finished season 1, working on season 2), plus I've got Law & Order (season 3), House, M.D. (season 2), Frasier (season 7), South Park (season 5), and L&O SVU (seasons 1-3 and 5). Oh and I just yesterday finished season 1 of the American version of Whose Line Is it Anyway. That's some funny shit right there.
After the holiday I'll post some pictures of my Christmas Crafts, and the December installment of my Yarn of the Month Club review (better late than never, right?). Plus a couple of dishcloth patterns I've come up with.
Oh and today I got a big fat raise. I'm not supposed to tell anyone, according to my boss. But it's my raise and I'll gloat if I want to! I got a 7.5% increase, not merit-based. Plus next month is my review and I'll get my merit increase on top of it all. So HA!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
We interrupt your regularly scheduled project...
Don't worry, Ma - it'll get done eventually!
But for now, this is my project of choice! It's the first arm of a shrug. Second arm is in progress. Once arms are complete, the back will be joined to them with a series of granny squares.
It's made with leftover Lion Chenille Thick & Quick that I had after I finished this afghan for my grandmother.
But for now, this is my project of choice! It's the first arm of a shrug. Second arm is in progress. Once arms are complete, the back will be joined to them with a series of granny squares.
It's made with leftover Lion Chenille Thick & Quick that I had after I finished this afghan for my grandmother.
It's lovely luscious stuff. Mmmmmmmmm
Monday, November 12, 2007
Yes, there is crochet in this blog.
Current WIP is a poncho for my Dear Mother. She found a pattern she liked, and I just happened to have yarn in my stash (inherited from her) that would work. It's soft and lovely, and other than the colors being such that I wouldn't personally wear them, I'm totally coveting. She got this yarn at the Knittin' Kitten, and I might have to go and see if they have some more in more appropriate colors. It's niiiiice (that's for you, Ubbieten).
Other UFOs (UnFinished Objects) include my Hoodie from this pattern, done in Lion Suede, and a gift for someone who might read this so I'm not talking about it :) Both require the purchase of more yarn, but thankfully the Lion Suede is available from Smiley's for cheap. Well, relatively. Oh, and a bunch of small, quick projects also for gifts so that's all the info you get. Christmas, here I come!
Speaking of Christmas, I've started getting questions about gift ideas for Annie and I. So look for another blog soon with a list.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Rata-tat-tat-touille
Well, I finished my costume! Wore it to the Bridge yesterday and was having a great time. Then Annie's ex showed up. Awkward!
It's not like there's really anything to be awkward about, at least for me. It's not like I "stole" Annie from her (they'd been broken up for a looooong time before I came along). But I think it was just knowing that we'd all been sort of friends at one time, and then all of a sudden this girl is straight and into Jesus (not that being into Jesus is a bad thing) and Annie's left going, "huh?"
So, it was weird. But Annie's costume was a total hit, and so was mine, and that was the important part.
Rhionna's birthday was also a huge hit. Super-kudos to Tim for doing the bulk of the work to make this way-too-genuine Ratatouille recipe I found. It was a pain but it was also delicious. The kids didn't like it, but it was vegetables so I don't think anyone expected them to. I'll post some pictures from the party later. Hmmm, that makes me wonder if anyone took pictures of the finished ratatouille before we devoured it.
Next crochet project on the list is the shrug I have to make (and wear) so that Mom will get off my case about not wearing a jacket :) Oh and I'll post pictures of my finished costume later, too.
It's not like there's really anything to be awkward about, at least for me. It's not like I "stole" Annie from her (they'd been broken up for a looooong time before I came along). But I think it was just knowing that we'd all been sort of friends at one time, and then all of a sudden this girl is straight and into Jesus (not that being into Jesus is a bad thing) and Annie's left going, "huh?"
So, it was weird. But Annie's costume was a total hit, and so was mine, and that was the important part.
Rhionna's birthday was also a huge hit. Super-kudos to Tim for doing the bulk of the work to make this way-too-genuine Ratatouille recipe I found. It was a pain but it was also delicious. The kids didn't like it, but it was vegetables so I don't think anyone expected them to. I'll post some pictures from the party later. Hmmm, that makes me wonder if anyone took pictures of the finished ratatouille before we devoured it.
Next crochet project on the list is the shrug I have to make (and wear) so that Mom will get off my case about not wearing a jacket :) Oh and I'll post pictures of my finished costume later, too.
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