My first 10 weeks of Pottery 1 are complete. (I missed the last class because I was so sick I couldn't sit up. I expended all my energy that day to take a shower. It was sad.)
I am really happy with how I've grown and developed and I absolutely love pottery. I already asked Alpha if I can spend more funds on taking it again and he was down with it. He was surprised because he thought I wanted to take a stained glass class next. Don't make suggestions on how to spend money, sweetie. I already know how to do that!
Pottery has inspired another aspect of a business. I'll be more confident once the pieces I threw are fired and glazed. Don't expect pictures... well, ya'll know not to expect picture by now.
Showing posts with label alpha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alpha. Show all posts
Friday, September 13
Friday, July 12
Wow... summer gets busy!
Everyone is in and out over the summer! Mei-Mei went to germany for 2 weeks; momar and dad went to MormonMecca (read: Utah) for a cousin's wedding. Dad stayed out there for about a month. With all the trips of the family, it's pretty amazing that no one has gone crazy yet. The house has suffered abominably. Really. I am quite embarrassed and delighted that I have never, ever decided to post pictures of what it looks like here. In the interest of full disclosure... I haven't clean the basement in *coughcough* way too freaking long.
I went on a camping trip with Alpha. It was to commemorate our 5th year anniversary. We decided to further test our devotion to one another by eking out 5 days in beautiful not-quite wilderness. No one was hurt or maimed on the trip and I am very happy to congratulate myself on 5 years marriage. It's a wonderful accomplishment for someone who was never certain that maintaining a healthy relationship was even possible.
I went with every intention of working on knitting or spinning or even, you know, being productive, but sadly the allure of sleeping to all hours and cooking over a fire was too much to handle.
We did stop at The Needle Lady where I bought more yarn that I have no time to work with. Such is the way of things though.
I went on a camping trip with Alpha. It was to commemorate our 5th year anniversary. We decided to further test our devotion to one another by eking out 5 days in beautiful not-quite wilderness. No one was hurt or maimed on the trip and I am very happy to congratulate myself on 5 years marriage. It's a wonderful accomplishment for someone who was never certain that maintaining a healthy relationship was even possible.
I went with every intention of working on knitting or spinning or even, you know, being productive, but sadly the allure of sleeping to all hours and cooking over a fire was too much to handle.
We did stop at The Needle Lady where I bought more yarn that I have no time to work with. Such is the way of things though.
Saturday, October 13
Fairfax Fair 2012
I woke up today really excited. I blocked out this Saturday for the last 2 weeks since I knew the exact date of the fair, and mentally segmented October to go since last year. I didn't go to the museum exhibit about Dead Sea Scrolls; I didn't go to my alma mater's Homecoming; heck, I didn't even plan to do anything else for the entire day. So waking up without a car was a little devastating.
Dad took Imp and Mei-Mei to Dead Sea Scroll exhibit.
Alpha was at work.
Momar went here and was stuck on I-495 for 45 minutes because of a really bad traffic accident.
I waited for several hours, questioning whether I should take the bus, wait for Momar to return, whether Momar was hurt or had forgotten how much I wanted to go. As stupid as I knew it was, I began to feel sorry for myself. Once I succumbed to the temptation to wallow in bed eating cold, leftover pizza Momar came home and turned straight around to come with me.
The Fall Fairfax Fair was fun. Luckily, my progress in various crafty things and my assiduous window catalog shopping left me mostly immune to the lures of many handcrafted goodies. I know my tastes now and I rarely succumb to even thrift store prices.
I helped pick out a few Christmas gifts for family and thought I completely scored an awesome gift for Alpha. It was an antler back-scratcher. (His favorite Christmas gift ever was a bamboo back-scratcher from the Dollar Store.) There is no problem with sharing it because I am a bad hinter and he guessed within 5 minutes what it was. Sadly... Alpha is kind of creeped out by bones.
Sad, followed by fun, followed by disappointment in my gift-giving abilities.
Dad took Imp and Mei-Mei to Dead Sea Scroll exhibit.
Alpha was at work.
Momar went here and was stuck on I-495 for 45 minutes because of a really bad traffic accident.
I waited for several hours, questioning whether I should take the bus, wait for Momar to return, whether Momar was hurt or had forgotten how much I wanted to go. As stupid as I knew it was, I began to feel sorry for myself. Once I succumbed to the temptation to wallow in bed eating cold, leftover pizza Momar came home and turned straight around to come with me.
The Fall Fairfax Fair was fun. Luckily, my progress in various crafty things and my assiduous window catalog shopping left me mostly immune to the lures of many handcrafted goodies. I know my tastes now and I rarely succumb to even thrift store prices.
I helped pick out a few Christmas gifts for family and thought I completely scored an awesome gift for Alpha. It was an antler back-scratcher. (His favorite Christmas gift ever was a bamboo back-scratcher from the Dollar Store.) There is no problem with sharing it because I am a bad hinter and he guessed within 5 minutes what it was. Sadly... Alpha is kind of creeped out by bones.
Sad, followed by fun, followed by disappointment in my gift-giving abilities.
Wednesday, September 26
Upon which day I decided to become a dog hater...
It’s a no good, terrible, awful, very bad day, but I don’t really want to move to Australia.
So, I have been trying to make Galia Lael’s Oceanspray. I bought the yarn for it last year around thanksgiving at the Wool Lady. It took a while to decide what project it would become, but I loved the simple layout of the shawl.
I had to frog and recast the project three times. I had a problem with dropping stitches (or having little people pull at the needles). I decided this time to use a life-line... but it wasn’t in yet (I don’t much see the point if I haven’t reach the complicated part of the shawl). I’ve become a minor master of dropped stitches. I have learned to fix them.
Today, I decided to take a small human out for a walk. (It’s part of my job as a nanny you know.) When I came back, my employer was distressed and hoped that I wouldn’t leave. She told me that her dog, Wolfie (as in Wolf-ALL-the-plastic-things-down) had got into my knitting. The dog pulled out the needles, chewed up the $3.00 needle protector that I bought to prevent dropped stitches, and then ate the SIDE of the project. She didn’t eat a hole in the top, which while tragic, wouldn’t have been desperate. She ATE THE WHOLE SIDE. I have 3 inches to 3 feet of useless laceweight ribbons covered in dog slobber.
That was the beginning of the day. Less than a minute after this terrible, tragic and ultimately dehumanizing event (the dog is not allowed near me for fear of its life), Alpha called to say that the car was towed.
Our community has few parking spots. In the year 2005, there was such a dearth of spots that a meeting was assembled and it was decided to hand out passes. Those unfortunates who did not have passes in the parking lot after 11 would be towed. This has cleared space in the parking lot, but the streets for ¼ mile around our community are bumper-to-bumper.
We actually do have a pass. Unfortunately, laws in this state prohibit anything to ‘obstruct vision of the road” so if you have something dangling off your rear-view mirror the cops can pull you over. Alpha didn’t believe me when I said this was the case, but while I am happy to be proven right on the law, I am not happy that we had to take the pass off, forget it, then get towed.
So, project et and car towed, that is already a bad day. It gets worse.
I lost my license. Can’t get the car without a license. Alpha lost his. He found a university card. The impound lot won’t take check, or credit and it appears that our pin doesn’t work. Not even at the bank atm.
At this point, I am done with the day. I send Alpha off to get cash from the bank with his passport. Guess what happens on the way to the bank?
An accident. And a 17-year-old who thinks that you need to get into the left lane to make a right turn and that’s it’s Alpha’s fault for not seeing the turning signal. (Not saying that there isn’t some fault there... but it isn’t ONLY the other driver’s fault when you don’t use common sense.) It’s only a fender bender and no real damage to either car, but the police are called by the stupid teen (because Alpha and Dad won’t sign a paper claiming all fault). Alpha gets a ticket for not having his license.
So, checking our bank balance after renewing my license, I see that funds are mysteriously disappearing. It appears that my account is still linked to Momar’s and when she accidentally overdrafted over the weekend, the bank munched the remainder out of my account.
I burned myself making pizza and I didn’t get the e-mail asking me to come into work tonight.
But to end on a good note: My employer will pay for the yarn. There’s a yarn store that’s holding onto a skein of Plymouth Baby Alpaca for me. We got our car back. I didn’t have to deal with the cop. Renewed my license and we have money in the bank. Also there was ice cream to be had.
Lots and Lots of Ice Cream.
I still hate dogs though.
So, I have been trying to make Galia Lael’s Oceanspray. I bought the yarn for it last year around thanksgiving at the Wool Lady. It took a while to decide what project it would become, but I loved the simple layout of the shawl.
I had to frog and recast the project three times. I had a problem with dropping stitches (or having little people pull at the needles). I decided this time to use a life-line... but it wasn’t in yet (I don’t much see the point if I haven’t reach the complicated part of the shawl). I’ve become a minor master of dropped stitches. I have learned to fix them.
Today, I decided to take a small human out for a walk. (It’s part of my job as a nanny you know.) When I came back, my employer was distressed and hoped that I wouldn’t leave. She told me that her dog, Wolfie (as in Wolf-ALL-the-plastic-things-down) had got into my knitting. The dog pulled out the needles, chewed up the $3.00 needle protector that I bought to prevent dropped stitches, and then ate the SIDE of the project. She didn’t eat a hole in the top, which while tragic, wouldn’t have been desperate. She ATE THE WHOLE SIDE. I have 3 inches to 3 feet of useless laceweight ribbons covered in dog slobber.
That was the beginning of the day. Less than a minute after this terrible, tragic and ultimately dehumanizing event (the dog is not allowed near me for fear of its life), Alpha called to say that the car was towed.
Our community has few parking spots. In the year 2005, there was such a dearth of spots that a meeting was assembled and it was decided to hand out passes. Those unfortunates who did not have passes in the parking lot after 11 would be towed. This has cleared space in the parking lot, but the streets for ¼ mile around our community are bumper-to-bumper.
We actually do have a pass. Unfortunately, laws in this state prohibit anything to ‘obstruct vision of the road” so if you have something dangling off your rear-view mirror the cops can pull you over. Alpha didn’t believe me when I said this was the case, but while I am happy to be proven right on the law, I am not happy that we had to take the pass off, forget it, then get towed.
So, project et and car towed, that is already a bad day. It gets worse.
I lost my license. Can’t get the car without a license. Alpha lost his. He found a university card. The impound lot won’t take check, or credit and it appears that our pin doesn’t work. Not even at the bank atm.
At this point, I am done with the day. I send Alpha off to get cash from the bank with his passport. Guess what happens on the way to the bank?
An accident. And a 17-year-old who thinks that you need to get into the left lane to make a right turn and that’s it’s Alpha’s fault for not seeing the turning signal. (Not saying that there isn’t some fault there... but it isn’t ONLY the other driver’s fault when you don’t use common sense.) It’s only a fender bender and no real damage to either car, but the police are called by the stupid teen (because Alpha and Dad won’t sign a paper claiming all fault). Alpha gets a ticket for not having his license.
So, checking our bank balance after renewing my license, I see that funds are mysteriously disappearing. It appears that my account is still linked to Momar’s and when she accidentally overdrafted over the weekend, the bank munched the remainder out of my account.
I burned myself making pizza and I didn’t get the e-mail asking me to come into work tonight.
But to end on a good note: My employer will pay for the yarn. There’s a yarn store that’s holding onto a skein of Plymouth Baby Alpaca for me. We got our car back. I didn’t have to deal with the cop. Renewed my license and we have money in the bank. Also there was ice cream to be had.
Lots and Lots of Ice Cream.
I still hate dogs though.
Friday, June 8
I have an illness... well, that's not NEWS
I dislike summer colds. It’s the worst time to have a cold. Not only is it beautiful and warm outside, so you don’t feel like you have an excuse to be miserable... but it’s a real bummer. You survived winter colds, the noxious spring colds and get pummeled by a summer cold that initially feels like allergies. What a way to feel like a wimp.
I hate it when I am sick. Either I am grumpy... or needy. Either way someone has to pay for the misery that I am feeling. I’m pretty certain that most of the time when Alpha offers me drugs it is a subtle way to knock me out so he can go play more Diablo 3. Okay, maybe not so subtle. Of course, I guess I have to admit that cuddling a wife who cries and blows her nose on your shirt is probably less attractive than the animation of Diablo 3. Especially if her nose turns red and her voice becomes startlingly low that if it weren’t for anatomical differences you’d mistake her for a small man.
"Yes, honey. I’ll take the syrup that makes my eyes and legs feel like lead in the morning. Yes, I will take the 1-ply tissues you retrieved for me, even if they scrape my nose and I prefer your age-softened, cotton haiwaian shirt instead. Yes, honey, I love you. Wait! WHY ARE YOU MOVING! No, I need more cuddles."
Also, when my throat is sore and my nose streams viscous stuff, I have no energy except sit and watch Les Miserables: The 25th Anniversary concert. I don’t even have the energy to mute the repetitive fundraising efforts that derail the emotional climax of the concert. Oh, so amazing I wonder what’s going to- fundraising break- I no longer care about anything anymore.
I hate it when I am sick. Either I am grumpy... or needy. Either way someone has to pay for the misery that I am feeling. I’m pretty certain that most of the time when Alpha offers me drugs it is a subtle way to knock me out so he can go play more Diablo 3. Okay, maybe not so subtle. Of course, I guess I have to admit that cuddling a wife who cries and blows her nose on your shirt is probably less attractive than the animation of Diablo 3. Especially if her nose turns red and her voice becomes startlingly low that if it weren’t for anatomical differences you’d mistake her for a small man.
Also, when my throat is sore and my nose streams viscous stuff, I have no energy except sit and watch Les Miserables: The 25th Anniversary concert. I don’t even have the energy to mute the repetitive fundraising efforts that derail the emotional climax of the concert. Oh, so amazing I wonder what’s going to- fundraising break- I no longer care about anything anymore.
Tuesday, June 5
Breezy Hill Farm- Woodbine, MD
Breezy Family Fun
Memorial Day weekend means the beginning of summer for many people. It’s the start of the pool season in Virginia which usually goes hand and hand with a barbeque or two. The family was out of town and Alpha worked, so firing up the grill for me, myself and I was a little pointless. And the sun and I don’t have a great relationship (I, being the pale variety of human.) so the pool wasn’t particularly enticing. What is a girl suppose to do?
When she hears about an Alpaca Farm open house.. well, the situation becomes obvious right? I hightailed myself out an hour to visit the animals.
The trip was somewhat boring. An hour with no one to talk to and and a “300 greatest rock songs” countdown is not an ideal journey, but the scenery past the beltway was beautiful. Next time when I am not so worried about missing my turns, I’ll appreciate it more.
The farm was small and there didn’t seem to be anyone else there. I was worried that I had come at the wrong time. Luckily, the owner Alex, was near his bird pen and saw me drive up. He greeted me kindly and we immediately saw the animals.
Alpacas are beautiful. At least, Alex’s alpacas are beautiful. Graceful, lithe and fuzzy. Alex gave me some feed and I was slightly bombarded with animal affection, though once my resource was gone I was no longer popular. Fickle beasts!
Alex answered all of my questions and upon hearing that I was a spinner he offered to sell one of his fleeces that had a stress fracture. When alpacas are stressed the hair becomes weaker and tends to break at that point. It’s makes a crackle sound that isn’t usual for fleece. Since I am relatively new at spinning and I figure I couldn’t hurt the fleece anymore with my own spinning stupidity, I accepted. Would it be a tragedy if I had bought a perfect fleece and mucked it up badly? I’ll reserve the ‘perfect’ for when I am more experienced.
Alex tried to sell me on buying an alpaca and while I was not averse to the idea, my pocketbook is prohibitive to any such costs at this time. It was very sad. After meeting the animals, Alex had to meet up with a gentlemen installing a pond in the back and I was introduced to co-owner and wife Heather.
Heather led me into their shop, very chic and filled with Alpaca knick-knacks. They had the furry little animals made from Alpaca fuzz which are nearly irresistible. Again the pocketbook made me resist. I had an excellent time with speaking with Heather about alpacas and their farm and what life was like. She was initially afire for horses, but an riding accident put those plans on hold and then they discovered alpacas. Serendipity!
I purchased the fleece. It’s a beautiful caramel color from a yearling named Lilia. I shall clean and spin it soon. Maybe in a few weeks, I’ll take up a skein or two while visiting the new cria (baby alpaca).
Memorial Day weekend means the beginning of summer for many people. It’s the start of the pool season in Virginia which usually goes hand and hand with a barbeque or two. The family was out of town and Alpha worked, so firing up the grill for me, myself and I was a little pointless. And the sun and I don’t have a great relationship (I, being the pale variety of human.) so the pool wasn’t particularly enticing. What is a girl suppose to do?
When she hears about an Alpaca Farm open house.. well, the situation becomes obvious right? I hightailed myself out an hour to visit the animals.
The trip was somewhat boring. An hour with no one to talk to and and a “300 greatest rock songs” countdown is not an ideal journey, but the scenery past the beltway was beautiful. Next time when I am not so worried about missing my turns, I’ll appreciate it more.
The farm was small and there didn’t seem to be anyone else there. I was worried that I had come at the wrong time. Luckily, the owner Alex, was near his bird pen and saw me drive up. He greeted me kindly and we immediately saw the animals.
Alpacas are beautiful. At least, Alex’s alpacas are beautiful. Graceful, lithe and fuzzy. Alex gave me some feed and I was slightly bombarded with animal affection, though once my resource was gone I was no longer popular. Fickle beasts!
Alex answered all of my questions and upon hearing that I was a spinner he offered to sell one of his fleeces that had a stress fracture. When alpacas are stressed the hair becomes weaker and tends to break at that point. It’s makes a crackle sound that isn’t usual for fleece. Since I am relatively new at spinning and I figure I couldn’t hurt the fleece anymore with my own spinning stupidity, I accepted. Would it be a tragedy if I had bought a perfect fleece and mucked it up badly? I’ll reserve the ‘perfect’ for when I am more experienced.
Alex tried to sell me on buying an alpaca and while I was not averse to the idea, my pocketbook is prohibitive to any such costs at this time. It was very sad. After meeting the animals, Alex had to meet up with a gentlemen installing a pond in the back and I was introduced to co-owner and wife Heather.
Heather led me into their shop, very chic and filled with Alpaca knick-knacks. They had the furry little animals made from Alpaca fuzz which are nearly irresistible. Again the pocketbook made me resist. I had an excellent time with speaking with Heather about alpacas and their farm and what life was like. She was initially afire for horses, but an riding accident put those plans on hold and then they discovered alpacas. Serendipity!
I purchased the fleece. It’s a beautiful caramel color from a yearling named Lilia. I shall clean and spin it soon. Maybe in a few weeks, I’ll take up a skein or two while visiting the new cria (baby alpaca).
Saturday, June 2
Sorry for the lack of posting
Blogger
was acting a little weird and I couldn't see any of my posts. Instead
of trying to fix it I got lazy and just didn't post anything for several
months. BUT! I will begin posting again soon, even if I have to move
heaven and the place below to do so. Or if it means copying and pasting
my post from whatever Word/ google doc that it comes from. I will be
heard!
It's been a great several months though in life. Alpha was accepted into grad school. So we will e living with the family for another year or two before we move on. I realized what a bummer my life was going to school. I love school. Love learning and education, do not love the stress. All in all life has been very kind.
You know what the last few months haven’t been good for? Not so great for knitting. Being a nanny means that I can't take my knitting with me because the little wee ones think it's a game to unravel all my hard work and I can't blame them. It is fun to frog, unless you've been working on a shawl and that was the 4th time you tried to knit it.
I went to the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival at the beginning of May. I took Momar and Mei-Mei with me. Momar decided that she wanted a spinning wheel and I didn't gainsay her in the least. We now have a little Roadbug, who will tentatively be named 'Lady' since she fits into my ladybug tesco bag from England. Pictures will be forthcoming.
I've visited an Alpaca farm. I want one... an alpaca, mayb a farm. Now I have fleece to clean and wool to spin.
P.S. Alexandria- Fibre Space will take your money and take it well. Very well.
P.P.S. Will anyone be interested in the excess yarn that will be spilling forth from the bowels of my house?
It's been a great several months though in life. Alpha was accepted into grad school. So we will e living with the family for another year or two before we move on. I realized what a bummer my life was going to school. I love school. Love learning and education, do not love the stress. All in all life has been very kind.
You know what the last few months haven’t been good for? Not so great for knitting. Being a nanny means that I can't take my knitting with me because the little wee ones think it's a game to unravel all my hard work and I can't blame them. It is fun to frog, unless you've been working on a shawl and that was the 4th time you tried to knit it.
I went to the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival at the beginning of May. I took Momar and Mei-Mei with me. Momar decided that she wanted a spinning wheel and I didn't gainsay her in the least. We now have a little Roadbug, who will tentatively be named 'Lady' since she fits into my ladybug tesco bag from England. Pictures will be forthcoming.
I've visited an Alpaca farm. I want one... an alpaca, mayb a farm. Now I have fleece to clean and wool to spin.
P.S. Alexandria- Fibre Space will take your money and take it well. Very well.
P.P.S. Will anyone be interested in the excess yarn that will be spilling forth from the bowels of my house?
Tuesday, January 10
Update: Head down in the Reconstruction!
Time for an update while I continue work on the reconstruction. I may or may not post instructions for the rest of the world to see, since I am definitely certain that while it is very similar to the design, it is not the same.
Currently? Almost all done with the dark green. I have three more hexagons to finish and then I have the joy of binding them all together. yay. As in, I’ve been thinking about it for months since I started and am not enthused. Not at all.
This is a picture of me and Alpha dressed in our Whovian best for Christmas. I have worn my nerdiness on my sleeve before. Alpha didn’t want to wear the scarf initially, then when he saw how the massive scarf hid the prominence of his belly, he was fine with it. I have to say, given the fact that these are our normal clothes, we are pretty smashing.
P.S.- Purists don’t hate me. I created a super-long scarf from a stash of free yarn. And my 15+ foot scarf has pockets.
Currently? Almost all done with the dark green. I have three more hexagons to finish and then I have the joy of binding them all together. yay. As in, I’ve been thinking about it for months since I started and am not enthused. Not at all.
P.S.- Purists don’t hate me. I created a super-long scarf from a stash of free yarn. And my 15+ foot scarf has pockets.
Saturday, December 31
How arbitary, to measure our lives by a calendar that means nothing...
If my readership of one is DYING to know, I've been busy these last couple of weeks. Yes, I was hit with the sudden and inevitable "Knit/ Crochet All the Things" before Christmas, but thankfully I was able to read the Yarn Harlot and realize that it's okay to feel this way and if I don't want to have a mental breakdown, I shouldn't push myself too much. I still have two Christmas gifts to complete. Since one of them is for Alpha and I will steal it, I don't feel too badly.
Alpha was really sweet this year. Since we are the unemployed, he spent very little, but he intends on making me a swift. He was so cute about it really. A couple weeks before Christmas he told me that he had an idea for a gift, but since he was completely illiterate in the ways of yarn and notions, he didn't know if it would be useful, so he had to tell me. I agreed that a swift and ball-winder would be nice and then he set about looking online for homemade techniques. It's almost done. I think he is holding the finishing off until I finally look over his grad school essay.
Alpha also bought a large wooden salad bowl and cut a curve in the side for a yarn bowl. It's very pretty and one day, when I am not so lax about taking pictures, I'll show it to you all.
I've been looking on Pinterest at geeky sayings, fuzzy animals and crafts. It's my internet crack. I surf this website for hours and pretend that I don't have job applications to fill out and a dungeon to clean. I can successfully put off being an adult until the next day, when I do it all over again.
Alpha was really sweet this year. Since we are the unemployed, he spent very little, but he intends on making me a swift. He was so cute about it really. A couple weeks before Christmas he told me that he had an idea for a gift, but since he was completely illiterate in the ways of yarn and notions, he didn't know if it would be useful, so he had to tell me. I agreed that a swift and ball-winder would be nice and then he set about looking online for homemade techniques. It's almost done. I think he is holding the finishing off until I finally look over his grad school essay.
Alpha also bought a large wooden salad bowl and cut a curve in the side for a yarn bowl. It's very pretty and one day, when I am not so lax about taking pictures, I'll show it to you all.
I've been looking on Pinterest at geeky sayings, fuzzy animals and crafts. It's my internet crack. I surf this website for hours and pretend that I don't have job applications to fill out and a dungeon to clean. I can successfully put off being an adult until the next day, when I do it all over again.
Thursday, December 15
Pictures are optional right?
(This is a repost from my other blog, but I don't think I've updated it here... and it actually applies to my hobbies.)
So those who know me well have probably had some brief encounter with my security blanket. Yes, I still have my security blanket from when I was little. I refer to it at my 'itchy blanket' because it was... so itchy. It has red crocheted poinsettias in hexagons all over it. It should probably be a Christmas blanket, but rules like that don't apply to children and emotionally-dependent adults.
I got my blanket sometime when I was 2 or so. It was a source of comfort and love, especially when my little world collapsed. I would worry at the white fringe on the sides and wonder if I would ever worry the fringe right off. (Once I even cut off some of the fringe, in a not-so brilliant attempt to detach myself from the object of my obsession.) I have grown old enough now that the fringe is starting to fall off pretty much on it's own.
For the longest time I thought my blanket had been made in a store. I didn't look at my blanket long enough, nor did I know very much about crochet. It had been magically produced somehow and I thought it was perfect. Fast-forward 20 years and gain a world of knowledge about crocheting and I began to realize that my perfect blanket was not so perfect after all. One hexagon is bunched and warped because it has too many stitches, and none of the center circles are the same. I can put my whole thumb through one and I can even manage my pinkie in another. Suffice to say, the person who was following the pattern: didn't.
I still love my blanket. However, the neurotic side of me is distressed by all the problems and imperfections in my blanket. (I am also worried that someday in the future my blanket will disintegrate and I will be clinging to only a few strands of puff.) Knowing now that my blanket came from a pattern of some kind I look on the internet and find a woman on etsy who has a similar blanket for sale. "Can I have the pattern?" I ask after relaying the love and growing concern that I have for my own blanket. "No." Is the returning response. "But the pattern is found in McCall magazine #."
(Side note: This response upset me somewhat. I understand that the woman is on etsy to sell her product, I don't understand withholding the pattern. If someone wants the pattern, they want to recreate it. Presumably, they enjoy the craft and want to spend time making the product themselves. Withholding the pattern is not going to make them want to purchase the product from you. If they are stubborn, like me, they will go about it in their own DIY way. Perhaps there was some copyright laws about it... but I was still miffed.)
I am of sufficient DIY-ness that I refused to hunt down the pattern (my husband did hunt it down, but then that's his way.) What I did was stare idly at my blanket for months. I slowly reconstructed how it was made in random moments simply because I wanted to know. Then something snapped. Perhaps it was the year's supply of yarn in my possession (I am not kidding. I have promised myself no more yarn until I have used up what I have.But you all know how that's turned out. Not too awesomely well, but my new stash is AWESOME.) or the need for my hands to do something while watching General Conference Started during October... dropped and neglected for a month or two. I began making my blanket.
The colors are very different, the gauge is slightly so and the pattern... maybe not exact. What I do know... I am learning more about my blanket than I knew before. Another 'itchy blanket' is beginning to form.
Center circles: 32/32
1st round leaves: 32/32
2nd round leaves: 32/32
Finished hexagons: 9/32
Another thing? This new blanket might be able to accomplish what no other blanket or object has ever done. Replace an old obsessive need with a new one.
I've updated the stats since the original post, I am much closer to finishing. And since I am vaguely lazy, I decided that Alpha is going to get the blanket. Then I am going to steal it from him.
So those who know me well have probably had some brief encounter with my security blanket. Yes, I still have my security blanket from when I was little. I refer to it at my 'itchy blanket' because it was... so itchy. It has red crocheted poinsettias in hexagons all over it. It should probably be a Christmas blanket, but rules like that don't apply to children and emotionally-dependent adults.
I got my blanket sometime when I was 2 or so. It was a source of comfort and love, especially when my little world collapsed. I would worry at the white fringe on the sides and wonder if I would ever worry the fringe right off. (Once I even cut off some of the fringe, in a not-so brilliant attempt to detach myself from the object of my obsession.) I have grown old enough now that the fringe is starting to fall off pretty much on it's own.
For the longest time I thought my blanket had been made in a store. I didn't look at my blanket long enough, nor did I know very much about crochet. It had been magically produced somehow and I thought it was perfect. Fast-forward 20 years and gain a world of knowledge about crocheting and I began to realize that my perfect blanket was not so perfect after all. One hexagon is bunched and warped because it has too many stitches, and none of the center circles are the same. I can put my whole thumb through one and I can even manage my pinkie in another. Suffice to say, the person who was following the pattern: didn't.
I still love my blanket. However, the neurotic side of me is distressed by all the problems and imperfections in my blanket. (I am also worried that someday in the future my blanket will disintegrate and I will be clinging to only a few strands of puff.) Knowing now that my blanket came from a pattern of some kind I look on the internet and find a woman on etsy who has a similar blanket for sale. "Can I have the pattern?" I ask after relaying the love and growing concern that I have for my own blanket. "No." Is the returning response. "But the pattern is found in McCall magazine #."
(Side note: This response upset me somewhat. I understand that the woman is on etsy to sell her product, I don't understand withholding the pattern. If someone wants the pattern, they want to recreate it. Presumably, they enjoy the craft and want to spend time making the product themselves. Withholding the pattern is not going to make them want to purchase the product from you. If they are stubborn, like me, they will go about it in their own DIY way. Perhaps there was some copyright laws about it... but I was still miffed.)
I am of sufficient DIY-ness that I refused to hunt down the pattern (my husband did hunt it down, but then that's his way.) What I did was stare idly at my blanket for months. I slowly reconstructed how it was made in random moments simply because I wanted to know. Then something snapped. Perhaps it was the year's supply of yarn in my possession (I am not kidding. I have promised myself no more yarn until I have used up what I have.But you all know how that's turned out. Not too awesomely well, but my new stash is AWESOME.) or the need for my hands to do something while watching General Conference Started during October... dropped and neglected for a month or two. I began making my blanket.
The colors are very different, the gauge is slightly so and the pattern... maybe not exact. What I do know... I am learning more about my blanket than I knew before. Another 'itchy blanket' is beginning to form.
Center circles: 32/32
1st round leaves: 32/32
2nd round leaves: 32/32
Finished hexagons: 9/32
Another thing? This new blanket might be able to accomplish what no other blanket or object has ever done. Replace an old obsessive need with a new one.
I've updated the stats since the original post, I am much closer to finishing. And since I am vaguely lazy, I decided that Alpha is going to get the blanket. Then I am going to steal it from him.
Wednesday, November 30
Burning Shame
It's the end of the month and I didn't blog like I wanted to. I was awful, horrible, evil and lazy.
Oh well.
Hat Hell 2011 was a partial success. I got rid of a lot of stash and made hats. I got about halfway through the month. Then I went mildly insane and wanted to stab myself countless times, instead I began actively organizing my stash and pattern collection. That project is still in the works.
My resolution not to buy yarn until I burned more stash failed... but it failed nicely. I bought 2 skeins of Red Heart to patch my MIL's blanket and then promptly burned them over the Thanksgiving break. Guess what the colors were? Orange and Black. It was a granny-square, Halloween blanket. I should be happy, but Halloween does have it's time and place and that is not during Thanksgiving. (See the orange skein to the left? Yeah, I was working with that and black.) I had the benefit of showing off my talent to a large group of talented in-laws. Alpha's brother designs and crochets blankets, that brother's wife does needlepoint and cross-stitch. Another sister-in-law takes fabulous pictures and is crafty. All in all, clinging to the lap blanket of orange and black made me feel like I could be a contender. And I did. They are all cool, wonderful people and they made me feel cool and wonderful too, which just makes them more awesome.
After this never-ending cycle of ego-stroking, I went to Salvation Army and rescued a skein of Red Heart Fleck... It's acrylic and nasty, but my heart was enlarged and willing to forgive even Red Heart. It was partly because it was nice enough (at a thrift store there are much worse yarns than Red Heart), and mostly because I went to a wool store just before.
That's right. My new fascination to shop for yarn when I visit other parts of the world continued. It began in England with sock yarn and has only gotten worse. This time I dragged Alpha out of his way to feed my need. We stopped in Temecula, California at a beautiful Wool store called The Wool Lady. It's an all animal-fiber store, specializing in wool bats for quilting. Seeing the lovely soft wool and cute projects made me want to begin quilting too. So, being in a beautiful, small business, I spent money.
I picked up 3 skeins of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Lace in 1071 blue. It's so soft and delicious to touch. I will share pictures, though if you google it you will see why I love it so much. I am already dreaming of a large lace shawl that will make me weep in frustration and glow with pride. It's why I bought 3 skeins. I also bought point protectors and a lovely Skin Thimble. While knitting the sleeves of my sweater, I realized that my right pointer finger does not have the necessary callus... so I was in pain. I knew that a decent thimble would work, but I didn't see one until I was in Wool Lady Heaven. If you are in the area, I suggest stopping buy.
So I might be awful, horrible, evil and lazy, but I am also kind of productive, crafty, savvy and totally Awesome.
(Did you see what I did up there for The Wool Lady? I cleverly said 'buy" instead of "by" instilling in your mind the necessity of purchasing, not just perusing. See?)
Also, not that enough people read this and adore me, but I would love to have a share of wool fromthe best place ever. They had a great sale for Cyber Monday, but my pocketbook is stretched a little thin right now.
Oh well.
Hat Hell 2011 was a partial success. I got rid of a lot of stash and made hats. I got about halfway through the month. Then I went mildly insane and wanted to stab myself countless times, instead I began actively organizing my stash and pattern collection. That project is still in the works.
My resolution not to buy yarn until I burned more stash failed... but it failed nicely. I bought 2 skeins of Red Heart to patch my MIL's blanket and then promptly burned them over the Thanksgiving break. Guess what the colors were? Orange and Black. It was a granny-square, Halloween blanket. I should be happy, but Halloween does have it's time and place and that is not during Thanksgiving. (See the orange skein to the left? Yeah, I was working with that and black.) I had the benefit of showing off my talent to a large group of talented in-laws. Alpha's brother designs and crochets blankets, that brother's wife does needlepoint and cross-stitch. Another sister-in-law takes fabulous pictures and is crafty. All in all, clinging to the lap blanket of orange and black made me feel like I could be a contender. And I did. They are all cool, wonderful people and they made me feel cool and wonderful too, which just makes them more awesome.
After this never-ending cycle of ego-stroking, I went to Salvation Army and rescued a skein of Red Heart Fleck... It's acrylic and nasty, but my heart was enlarged and willing to forgive even Red Heart. It was partly because it was nice enough (at a thrift store there are much worse yarns than Red Heart), and mostly because I went to a wool store just before.
That's right. My new fascination to shop for yarn when I visit other parts of the world continued. It began in England with sock yarn and has only gotten worse. This time I dragged Alpha out of his way to feed my need. We stopped in Temecula, California at a beautiful Wool store called The Wool Lady. It's an all animal-fiber store, specializing in wool bats for quilting. Seeing the lovely soft wool and cute projects made me want to begin quilting too. So, being in a beautiful, small business, I spent money.
I picked up 3 skeins of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Lace in 1071 blue. It's so soft and delicious to touch. I will share pictures, though if you google it you will see why I love it so much. I am already dreaming of a large lace shawl that will make me weep in frustration and glow with pride. It's why I bought 3 skeins. I also bought point protectors and a lovely Skin Thimble. While knitting the sleeves of my sweater, I realized that my right pointer finger does not have the necessary callus... so I was in pain. I knew that a decent thimble would work, but I didn't see one until I was in Wool Lady Heaven. If you are in the area, I suggest stopping buy.
So I might be awful, horrible, evil and lazy, but I am also kind of productive, crafty, savvy and totally Awesome.
(Did you see what I did up there for The Wool Lady? I cleverly said 'buy" instead of "by" instilling in your mind the necessity of purchasing, not just perusing. See?)
Also, not that enough people read this and adore me, but I would love to have a share of wool fromthe best place ever. They had a great sale for Cyber Monday, but my pocketbook is stretched a little thin right now.
Thursday, November 3
Day 3- Softie #1
This series of hats is my purgatory. It’s a mini-hell of bad yarn choices built up over time, hence the name for this month. Yeah, they are great ways to start out learning (because they don’t cost too much and they come in every color imaginable) but once you feel how soft alpaca, wool and mink (mink yarn? Heck yes!) a lot of commercial brand acrylics are squeaky, rough and ever present. I’d still do a Doctor Who scarf in them for now, because I am unemployed college graduate who can’t afford copious amount of wool. (Do you remember about Wovember? You should! Go over and sign the petition now and wear wool.)
These next two hats were my joy. I'll reveal one today and the second tomorrow. I can't go about showing off all of the work that I've done. I proposed one hat and day and I will stick to it, even if you think you are suffering from deja vu. They were made from 1-ply Softie wool/ acrylic blend. So soft. So very soft before and after crocheting red heart hats.
It’s a pretty standard ribbed beanie. A pom-pom of extra yarn was added on top, mostly because I truly hate to waste yarn. I used 58 to 60 stitches with a k2, p2 and decreased at the top.
The one problem with this yarn was the fact that the 1 ply twist would gradually come apart if I let it. I had to be very conscious of the twist and occasionally had to retwist the yarn. It made it exciting!
Dad is modeling Softie #1 for you all. He was a good sport. I popped it on his head, took a picture and then ran away cackling. I already had a picture of me modeling a hat, I don't want to inundate you with my beauty.
I keep saying that this yarn is so soft. This is the excess from Chachi’s hat. Chachi was a neighbor and still is a good geek friend. He and Alpha can talk Doctor Who into the ground. He begged for a hat for 3 years and then after we both moved away I gave him one for his birthday. That kind of diligence should be rewarded. I don’t say patience, because he doesn’t have a lot of it. So I had this extra yarn around and decided to make more hats. I touch that yarn and I want to swoon, and afterwards it’s even more of a penance to work with cheap yarn. I am paying for all my young exuberance in stash burning.
I still have a month and a half before hats/ scarves are officially due, since this is all a part of service project for ACCA. I have a bag (my wonderful, jute Dover bag... which I haven’t replaced even though the corners are ratted out) which I intend on filling with my stash burning goodies. Maybe if I am really, really dedicated, I’ll have extra hats and scarves.
These next two hats were my joy. I'll reveal one today and the second tomorrow. I can't go about showing off all of the work that I've done. I proposed one hat and day and I will stick to it, even if you think you are suffering from deja vu. They were made from 1-ply Softie wool/ acrylic blend. So soft. So very soft before and after crocheting red heart hats.
The one problem with this yarn was the fact that the 1 ply twist would gradually come apart if I let it. I had to be very conscious of the twist and occasionally had to retwist the yarn. It made it exciting!
I keep saying that this yarn is so soft. This is the excess from Chachi’s hat. Chachi was a neighbor and still is a good geek friend. He and Alpha can talk Doctor Who into the ground. He begged for a hat for 3 years and then after we both moved away I gave him one for his birthday. That kind of diligence should be rewarded. I don’t say patience, because he doesn’t have a lot of it. So I had this extra yarn around and decided to make more hats. I touch that yarn and I want to swoon, and afterwards it’s even more of a penance to work with cheap yarn. I am paying for all my young exuberance in stash burning.
I still have a month and a half before hats/ scarves are officially due, since this is all a part of service project for ACCA. I have a bag (my wonderful, jute Dover bag... which I haven’t replaced even though the corners are ratted out) which I intend on filling with my stash burning goodies. Maybe if I am really, really dedicated, I’ll have extra hats and scarves.
Tuesday, October 25
A Brag post?
Do you know what?
I’d hate to be like other blogs that brag all the time about their wonderful husbands.. but really, I can’t help it. Alpha is just too awesome for words. He stayed up all night and then in the morning proceeded to make baklava bites for my book group tonight. (Yeah, I hang out with awesome older women and talk about books. That’s just how I roll.) He was worried that they were too salty and put strawberries on top. I would have taken a picture, but they were too delicious and I inhaled them with the help of Momar, Guru, and another lady. The picture below might give you a hint of what we indulged in, but it doesn't do it justice. Firstly, you can't recreate taste and secondly, there were strawberries on ours.
We read The Curse of Chalion for this month. I love that book. I reach a point when I just can’t put it down and then I end up screwing up my fragile sleep schedule again.
I wish this post related somehow to spinning or knitting... but it doesn’t. It’s just a brag post about the awesome treats that Alpha makes for me all the time.
I’d hate to be like other blogs that brag all the time about their wonderful husbands.. but really, I can’t help it. Alpha is just too awesome for words. He stayed up all night and then in the morning proceeded to make baklava bites for my book group tonight. (Yeah, I hang out with awesome older women and talk about books. That’s just how I roll.) He was worried that they were too salty and put strawberries on top. I would have taken a picture, but they were too delicious and I inhaled them with the help of Momar, Guru, and another lady. The picture below might give you a hint of what we indulged in, but it doesn't do it justice. Firstly, you can't recreate taste and secondly, there were strawberries on ours.
Image courtesy of The Food Network
We read The Curse of Chalion for this month. I love that book. I reach a point when I just can’t put it down and then I end up screwing up my fragile sleep schedule again.
I wish this post related somehow to spinning or knitting... but it doesn’t. It’s just a brag post about the awesome treats that Alpha makes for me all the time.
Sunday, October 23
Weekend Plans- recap
Well... we went to the renaissance festival.
It was fun, but I suspect that I have reached the stage where a sheep shearing would have been more awesome. Alpha had a good time though, that’s what counts. We checked out some of the shops, overall they weren’t as enthralling as when I was younger. I kept walking around going “I can do that. Or I could learn to do it really easily.”
Also, the cigarette smoke really killed me. Only the smell of cinnamon sugar nuts abated it at all. There was a reason why I hung around those stands and was tempted to buy more than I ought.
Here is a picture of Alpha wearing a glutton sign. He’s not a glutton, really... he’s been working on losing weight and has lost a fair amount since the summer. We also saw a Gandalf playing games, a Sir Bedevere from The Holy Grail and I took a couple pictures with my phone here and there. I am trying to get better at taking pictures.
Renaissance food is expensive. Luckily, it’s pretty much all that Alpha and I spent. We like food experiences. I’ve grown to like them more than object-experiences since we are living in a tiny space. The only thing that we bought was a 1lb. glass of pepper honey. (Still counts as food though.) The things that really sparked my interest were things with sheep on them, a candle, a mug. The two things I would have bought were a pin with “wibbly, wobbly, timey, wimey” written on it and a knitting bowl. The knitting bowl is an awesome idea and I am tempted to make Alpha make one for me. (Of course, I could make one for myself out of polymer clays, but the glazes are so pretty.)
All in all, a pretty good time, but I certainly feel like I’ve outgrown the scene. Shearing Celebrations happen twice a year, so there’s always the spring.
Here are some other highlights: In order, Gandalf playing mind games, Sir Bedevere, 'Ye Olde Gamery', Alpha at the entrance, the towers are the entrance. It was fun.
It was fun, but I suspect that I have reached the stage where a sheep shearing would have been more awesome. Alpha had a good time though, that’s what counts. We checked out some of the shops, overall they weren’t as enthralling as when I was younger. I kept walking around going “I can do that. Or I could learn to do it really easily.”
Also, the cigarette smoke really killed me. Only the smell of cinnamon sugar nuts abated it at all. There was a reason why I hung around those stands and was tempted to buy more than I ought.
Renaissance food is expensive. Luckily, it’s pretty much all that Alpha and I spent. We like food experiences. I’ve grown to like them more than object-experiences since we are living in a tiny space. The only thing that we bought was a 1lb. glass of pepper honey. (Still counts as food though.) The things that really sparked my interest were things with sheep on them, a candle, a mug. The two things I would have bought were a pin with “wibbly, wobbly, timey, wimey” written on it and a knitting bowl. The knitting bowl is an awesome idea and I am tempted to make Alpha make one for me. (Of course, I could make one for myself out of polymer clays, but the glazes are so pretty.)
All in all, a pretty good time, but I certainly feel like I’ve outgrown the scene. Shearing Celebrations happen twice a year, so there’s always the spring.
Here are some other highlights: In order, Gandalf playing mind games, Sir Bedevere, 'Ye Olde Gamery', Alpha at the entrance, the towers are the entrance. It was fun.
Friday, October 21
Fungly
I am making hats as part of a service project for church. In this area, it gets pretty cold (not Maine cold or anything... but there has been blizzards in the area) and there are kids who don’t have winter hats and scarves. It’s a good service and I get to demonstrate and teach a talent that I have worked on for years.
It’s also a way to get rid of yarn stash.
This particular yarn was donated and it is obviously a Red Heart brand yarn. I can feel it in every stitch I make. It’s... squeeky. Still, the colors are fun... but mixed together it turns into something fun and ugly... fungly.
Alpha hastens to point out that “fungly”, if it were a word, is a portmanteau. A combination of two words to make a new word. It’s sometimes fun to have an English major Alpha. He makes criticisms and books interesting to think about. (And that’s not even getting into the discussions and criticisms that we get into after plays and movies. I am so glad that I got married to him because who else would talk about subtle themes, inconsistencies and Hollywood propaganda with me?)
Fungly hats... awesome.
It’s also a way to get rid of yarn stash.
This particular yarn was donated and it is obviously a Red Heart brand yarn. I can feel it in every stitch I make. It’s... squeeky. Still, the colors are fun... but mixed together it turns into something fun and ugly... fungly. Alpha hastens to point out that “fungly”, if it were a word, is a portmanteau. A combination of two words to make a new word. It’s sometimes fun to have an English major Alpha. He makes criticisms and books interesting to think about. (And that’s not even getting into the discussions and criticisms that we get into after plays and movies. I am so glad that I got married to him because who else would talk about subtle themes, inconsistencies and Hollywood propaganda with me?)
Fungly hats... awesome.
Monday, October 17
Let the games begin!
Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to do all the cool things that her mom did. She wanted to knit and crochet and sew and do physics... well, not really physics, but then who could blame her? Anyway, she asked her mom to teach her to do these things... but no matter what they did, the little girl could not learn how to crochet or knit. It was a frustrating time for all.
Then one day, the little girl found a book that explained how to crochet. She finally learned! Then she decided to learn to knit from a book and she learned that too. She was very happy. She made large afghans and small scarves. The little girl grew up, found a wonderful alpha male and then learned the purl stitch before she got married.
The girl and her Alpha went on a trip to England, where the little girl found a yarn store in Canterbury and bought sock yarn and double pointed needles . A new page was turned. She started making socks all the time.
Then the little girl became interested in something that she never thought she’d be interested in. Physics. Of course, it wasn’t the same physics her mom did, but it was kind of close. You see, the little girl learned to spin.
So I now embark on a new obsession and quest (not for the Holy Grail) to learn to spin and teach others the talents and skills necessary to denude a sheep and clothe yourself. On this journey, you may encounter references to family and friends, but for the purpose of not being stalked I will disguise them all! The people you see in pictures may look like people you know, but you are being fooled by advanced picture technology!
Then one day, the little girl found a book that explained how to crochet. She finally learned! Then she decided to learn to knit from a book and she learned that too. She was very happy. She made large afghans and small scarves. The little girl grew up, found a wonderful alpha male and then learned the purl stitch before she got married.
The girl and her Alpha went on a trip to England, where the little girl found a yarn store in Canterbury and bought sock yarn and double pointed needles . A new page was turned. She started making socks all the time.
Then the little girl became interested in something that she never thought she’d be interested in. Physics. Of course, it wasn’t the same physics her mom did, but it was kind of close. You see, the little girl learned to spin.
So I now embark on a new obsession and quest (not for the Holy Grail) to learn to spin and teach others the talents and skills necessary to denude a sheep and clothe yourself. On this journey, you may encounter references to family and friends, but for the purpose of not being stalked I will disguise them all! The people you see in pictures may look like people you know, but you are being fooled by advanced picture technology!
- Alpha- my husband. A sweet, wonderful man who agreed to marry me. Little did he know... He would probably still agree to marry me... but his acceptance would be peppered with caveats and compromises.
- Momar- a pet name for my Mom, the physicist.
- Dad- doesn’t have a nickname... though I could call him the Gamer. Dad is better though.
- Imp- is my sister and she is one.
- Mei-mei- my youngest sister. She is sweetly indulgent to my madcap adventures, often aiding and abetting them. We may not rob a bank together (both of us value the law) but we will raid the library and engage in tickle wars.
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