Hello
Feeling like I don't have much of interest to blog about. At least this thought has occured to me. But it has also occured to me that there is a lot that I have wanted to write about that I just haven't been . Habit , fear? When I write habit I'm thinking about my journals, they seem to be the same way, maybe its just my way, or maybe I'll get there.
So something I've been thinking about for awhile is moving to California or maybe Seattle. I have all these vague ideas about it but fear of finding job, the actual move, and lots of other small things take over. I keep telling myself that I'll find happiness inside me and not in CA. Yet the idea of moving is still there. My only requirement is to live somewhere like Santa Cruz where it seems like the weather does not get extremly hot, ya know, so I can keep knitting with wool and actually wear it. I'm llistening to a book on my Ipod at work and one sentence from it keeps coming to mind "sometimes just doing something is the best thing if your stuck and if it turns out to be a mistake you will have learned from it and then its really not a mistake." Okay thats not word for word but thats the jist of it. Kind of thinking of doing something, hmmmm, we'll see.
So I am knitting, its just that I'm working on something for my SP7 and just in case I don't want to show. Other knitting looks much like progress shots I've shown already.
Right now and right here its time to feed the cats and then myself.
Night Night.

I loooove Ikea.
Oh my gosh, what a store, what a cool day. When you go to Ikea it is an all day experience, but worth the time. They have a cafe as well and of course I had Swedish meatballs.
So I spent some money but I got tons of good things, new silverware, wine glasses, curtains, pillowcase, fitted sheet, tupperware, pasta cooker, frames, and some cool storage containers. Besides the nice prices, I love the simple modern designs. Some of the things I got were to replace some old stuff I had grown up with. I feel like my true sense of style is making its way out and part of it is letting go of some old stuff. I also like the idea of mixing clean modern designs with things that have age, and I have plenty of old stuff.


Above are the new wine glasses and tupperware, both are so nice and simple.
I fell in love with this tree pillowcase and it was only five dollars. Folded below the pillowcase are new curtains for my bedroom, I was using sheets before so this is really nice. Plus they come in a really long length and they supply you with that stuff thats the nonsewing way to hem (sorry have no idea what its called but I know you use an iron to make it work) so you can make them any length you like.



Metro and Una together at last. So off and on today they have been hanging out together and I think its progressing pretty well. Metro got upset here or there but I think it will be okay. Below is a picture of one of the first close encounters.


The two below are both of them exhausted after the experience. Hee hee as I was writing this Una joined Metro on the couch, he's asleep, phew.




I got another really nice ecard from my secret pal, it was so nice. Thank you SP!

So right now they are both asleep on the sofa and I'm going to try to jump in the shower and hopefully not wake them up.

Jaywalkers
Whew hoo the Jaywalkers are done. I likey. Well I still need to sew in the ends and that will happen tonight because I would like to wear them tomarrow. They did come out a little large but I kind of knew they would since Grumperina recommended using size one needles and I ignored that and used two's.


So these are my favorite shoes, wear them almost every day, and I never noticed how well the colors go together. It's like it was meant to be. Hee Hee.
The yarn is Lorna's Laces Sheperd Sock in colorway 205, Irving Park.


So tonight I can finally let Una and Metro have contact. Yeah!
One thing I need to work on with Una is to get her to stop attacking my hands and feet, I think I remember reading somewhere its good to distract them with other toys. Is this a common kitty problem? If anyone has advice I would gladly take it, right now she thinks this is fun but I think it would be good to get her out of the habit.

I'm so excited, today a friend and I are meeting for coffee and then it's Ikea time. I'm having dreams of my apartment being all organized and pretty after shopping at Ikea, shhhh, just let me daydream about that for now.

Well it was cold and windy last night, after a day of warmth. Its strange, this keeping my cats apart, I want to be with both of them, I've been back and forth all day. I hope Una's eye will be okay, need to be patient , I just started the treatment. Metro is acting more curious and less hissy at whats on the other side of the door. They have made eye contact. Hee hee.

I feel like I'm in a creative slump, or like I can't get out of the one I've been in for a very long time. Need to stop complaining and just do it. Gawd I'm sounding like a Nike commercial.

I did, almost, finish this scarf. Thinking I might add fringe, not sure. I do like it and despite some frogging here or there, it was fun to work on. The yarn would change every few stitches and I just love all the colors. Basically made a large buttonhole for the scarf to slip through and it fits nice and snug around the neck just the way I like my scarves.


So close to finishing my Jaywalkers, hopefully in the next few days.
Below is the other colorway of Vesper sock yarn that I got from Etsy, I love it. Can't wait to start knitting with this yarn, but first I think I'm going to knit something for the secret pal that I'm spoiling.


Yesterday I went to the pet store and bought some kitty supplies and toys of course. Right now Una is confined to a small room and it seems to have a black hole somewhere that is sucking up her cat toys. Thank goodness I got the wire toy that attaches to the wall so at least one cannot go missing. This wire toy is amazing, it keeps her entertained for long amounts of time and tires her out so she sleeps here or there.

I'll leave you with a photo of Una helping me clean, it got even funner when she attached herself to it and dusted the floor with herself, what a help.


Night Night

Hello !
Its been ages, kind of.
Let me introduce you to the newest addition to my family.

Una!
Yes her name is Una, the people who took her in called her Una and it just seemed to fit. I guess they named her that because she was the only one the momma had and she's a she. The mommy is a stray and has kittens at a construction site and the workers bring the kittens to these people.

So I got Una last night and and today I took her to the vet. Poor thing has a ulcer on her eye and ear mites. Yuk. It also means I have to keep her separate from my other cat, Metro, for at least a week. Probally just as well since right now every time Metro walks past the bedroom door where Una is, he hisses.

She is a dear, lots of energy and playfulness. I had a hard time getting a good picture of her because she hardly ever stays still. Well except for now, she's worn out from the vet visit.

So I knit a little bit today in Una's presance and she thought is was the most amazing toy, ahem, I'll have to train her like I did my other cats. By training I mean distracting her with other toys.

So I have to warn everyone that there will be more cat photos forth coming. Metro and Una equal time, equal love. Its funny getting Una sort a makes me miss Shezam, who I lost over the summer.

Surreal Week.

So yesterday was interesting. There was a scheduled demonstration on my street, and lets just say race was involved. Lots of police and lots of rain. So one group , the one supporting equality and peace, showed up and marched in a circle strongly voicing they're beliefs. The good news is the other group, with a very different opinion, never showed up, and they are the group that scheduled the demonstration. It was declared a small victory. I've never seen or felt anything like this, I mean the police had sticks (not used thank goodness) and formed a wall. You could feel the emotions, tension, anticipation, and finally victory. My narrative here is based on the view I had from my window, I didn't catch the news or read the paper. Wow. It all ended around three and by the time I ventured outside it was like it never happened.

So my idea of being at home sick with a cold (now keep in mind I am without a cold when I come up with these images) is;
-All cozy lying on the sofa.
-Knitting tons.
-Reading tons.
-Drinking lots of tea.
-Watching lots of good TV or movies. Like the whole Pride and Prejudice or You've Got Mail, you know cute, cozy comforting movies.

Here's how it went;
-Switching between bed and sofa for a little variety and avoiding sun in room cause it hurt eyes.
-Knitting. Some. Kind of went like this; Knit , rip out, knit , rip out, knit, partially rip out, throw on floor (happily I believe I gotten out of this routine). Or knit a round, rest, rest, knit a round, rest, rest.
-Spent a stupid amount of time on computer stalking Kpixie in hopes of getting another skein of Vesper sock yarn (got two actually).
-I did finish a mystery called Maisie Dobbs, which I enjoyed and look forward to starting the second one. This does not qualify as tons of reading time but some was done.
-Some tea did happen.
-Lots and lots of trashy tv, Could not seem to get the energy up to put a tape in the VCR, (yes I'm really behind the times I'm just waiting for it to die, die VCR, die). Really trashy like Meet the Barkers, Girls Next Door, Celebrity Fit Club, The Gym. I can't believe I'm saying this but I am sooooo sick of TV. Still watching a bit though, whats wrong with me?

This is the project where all the restarting occured. Using leftover Lamb's Pride worsted and its a top down Anthropologie inspired thing, I say "thing" because I'm not sure where I'm going with this, I'll know more when I get to the point where I separate sleeves and body. Sort of following the pattern from a thread on Crafster and I discoverd this from CuteiKnittahFairy. So I will show a photo that actually shows you what this is like when more progress has been made.


My knitting goal for today is to get to the heel and do the heel by the end of today. I think this will happen, really in the mood to get some good knitting time in today.


Kpixie rocks, I already got my shipment from them. Yeap, I had to try something else as well, its Artyarns Ultramerino 4.


The other skein of Vesper is coming from Etsy and it will probally arrive this week. If you haven't check out Etsy you should , its all handmade stuff, including yarn.

Have you ever listened to Beautiful Girls? Freedom Part 2 is playing right now. I just love it , just guitar and the voices, simple and wonderful. Its about the struggle in your mind to keep your soul. Itunes party shuffle is really cool , you just put in a playlist and it never plays the same order, all my favorite albums all mixed together.
So its a really windy day today and I live on the fifth floor of a narrow old building near the top of a hill. The curtains of blowing like I have the windows open and sometimes I swear I can feel the building swaying, I swear.

Last night I found another Flickr group that I absolutly love, its called Corners of My Home. Basically people show you corners of their home, I think people also post the photos on their blog on Thursdays as well.

Last night I got a ecard from my secret pal, it was really cool. Thank you secret pal!

This building is always fun to look at.

SP7 Questionnaire.

So I'm very excited about SP7, I had been wanting to do this for awhile. Today I'm at home with a cold so it was the perfect thing to spend some time doing, now I think I'll take another nap.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
I guess I am a little bit of a yarn snob. I do avoid 100% acrylic but I think some of the blends out there now are interesting.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don't spin. I crochet but only a bit.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My straights are in my mom's old psychedelic needle holder (picture in Nov. 20th post). Double pointed needles I try to keep in the packaging, but as I'm typing this I see a lot of theem hanging out in my pen holder on my desk. Circular needles are in zip lock bags ( yuk).

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about fifteen years, with about two nonknitting years in there somewhere. I would say my skill level is intermediate.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Oh yeah I have a Amazon wish list, I love wish lists.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I have a favorite lotion thats called Skin Trip (yes I got that from you G) , its got coconut, aloe, and lanolin. Anything that smells like that I love, plus I love candles and incense (mild in the scent, light and beachy).

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love sweets and coffee, my addictions. Love cupcakes, cake, cookies.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Drawing, bookbinding, would like to start doing a little sewing(no experience), and want to do some beading again.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Love, love Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Beautiful Girls, G Love, and similar. Also like Gwen Stefani and the new Strokes.Love discoving new music. I listen to music thru my computer with Itunes but can do cd's as well.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
All over the place with color right now. I am going through a pink phase, from pale pink to magenta like. Love pink combined with warm oranges and reds.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have one cat and pretty soon a new kitten.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Not much of a poncho wearer but yes to the rest, especially scarves.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don't have a particular favorite yarn right now. I do love Rowan yarn, Vesper sock yarn, and Lambs Pride worsted.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Not into cotton or anything else that does not have a lot of give to it. Hurts my hands.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Socks, top down garments, and scarves.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Same as above.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Jaywalker socks in Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock yarn (its yummy). Insubordinat handspun which is already knit up but 99.9% sure I will rip and reknit. A Anthropologie inspired top down thing using leftover Lamb's Pride. I called "Thing" because its a decide as I go project.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Oh yes.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Addi Turbo circulars all the way.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Addi's and S. Bates double pointed needles.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I own both.

22. How did you learn to knit?
When I graduated from art school (majored in woven textiles) a long, long, time ago I started working in a textile supply store . They agreed to hire me if I would learn how to knit.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Well lets see I have one of my Grandmothers unfinished projects, okay so if that doesn't count its probally a fair aisle vest that was started at least ten years ago. yikes.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I like Hello Kitty, Minna No Tabo, like flower, cupcake, and skull and crossbone images.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
I guess its Christmas because I usually get to see family.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn I guess, permanent markers (thin).

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't have subscriptions but I generally buy Rowan magazine, Rebecca, and sometimes Interweave Knits.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Dying for more Vesper yarn (got Aqua Melon) and Regia Fun Color Nation.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not at the moment.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes I'm a sock knitter. Foot measurements are 9.5 inchs from back of heel to tip of toe.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
5/29

SP7

Bad me.
All I can say is I ordered these awhile ago, before I was freaking out about money. At least thats the excuse I'm telling myself.


I'll show some samplings of the insides soon.
Got an email today that the new Rebecca is available and you can preview and purchase it here.
So I got to meet this little grey kitten today. It was so tiny, so sweet, definitly going to adopt her, how could I not, she made me melt. Metro , my other cat, actually got to meet her and did not hiss nearly as much as I thought he would. I have a good feeling about this. I have to wait a little bit till I can take her in, at least till Monday.

Self Portrait Tuesday
Personal History


This bookcase holds so much personal history for me. From the bookcase itself to everything inside.
Here are some of them;
My grandmothers Shakespeare, with love from my grandfather.
My first woven piece from art school.
A set of Anne of Green Gables. A gift from a dear friend who taught me how to knit.
Pat the Bunny book I had as a child.
French bindings I started but have not finished when I interned in Sweden for a summer.
A book I repaired and made a box for when I was in school.
Laurie Colwin, Banana Yoshimoto, books I have read and reread several times.

More SPT

Half a Jaywalker.
OOh I like.

Gotta say I hate this photo, but it shows my best heel yet. No holes. Yippi, yeah, do a little dance, make a little (what disco song did that turn into?)


And the reason for the blurry photo is to talk about the toe. Still kitchener but the pattern has you work across 14 on each needle, flatter. The usual pattern I have used its 4 on each needle, pointier. So far I'm saying flatter is better.


So in the Socknitters yahoo group people are reviewing their socks of 2005. I had just done my laundry and got inspired. Just imagine how it will look when I've knit a gazillion more (which I will).

In this post I used;
Bad photos
Horrible grammer (And)
I showed you my laundry (at least its clean)
Started humming, writing, and sharing a disco tune I can't remember the words to.

I think its time for bed. Night Night.

So I need an opinion.
This yarn is beautiful.


I made it into this.


I don't know....... I think I would prefer it longer if I were to wear it like this, but this is all of the yarn. So I'm considering pulling it out and making a shorter and wider scarf with a slot in it, like the windy city scarf in the Stitch 'n Bitch. I would still knit it lengthwise for sure, but maybe even do something besides the garter. It took no time at all to make so pulling it out and remaking is no biggy.
All ideas are welcome.
So I'm thinking this is a hint that my cat would like a new roomate. We lost Shezam over the summer and M seems lonely. Maybe a kitten. He could still be in charge but entertained at the same time.


Found another heart today.

So the other day I discovered this yahoo group, socknitters. Easy to join, good for all levels of socknitters and people talking about yummy sock yarn discovies.
Let the sock addiction continue!

Self Portrait Tuesday
January Challange- Personal History


Lately I have felt like I have been living in the past. And living in the past is about loss for me.
So tired of feeling sad about the loss.
Life is really good now and there are many good memories from the past.
Its about changing my outlook.
SPT

Weekend.
Ya know, I didn't get as much knitting done as I thought I would.
I did get the hat done.
Its the Corrugated Asymmetrical hat from Loop-d-Loop and the yarn is Rown Polar.


Goofy angle because I'm not sure I like the way it looks on me but I wanted to show you anyways.
I think I've made three or four hats for myself and have really only felt comfortable in my pink one. I made it a little over a year ago.


Like a lot of people I have been thinking about goals and such for the new year.
Really the ideas and goals I have are a continuation of a process that sort of began in the middle of last year.
And they are hard for me to describe but heres a try.

I'd like to be braver with my art.
Experiment.
Walking home today I was thinking about this. As I walk I see all these images, colors, and textures that I want to capture. So I take pictures (like below). What for? I'm not sure.


I want to draw, but I'm not drawing much. So today I went to a coffeeshop and sat with my fresh for the new year journal (yes it another one from my school days, and yes first year).


I felt so self conscious. I drew a little, read a magazine, read a little Drawing From Life for inspiration (By the way I love this book) . I had my book held in a way so hopefully people couldn't see. So I changed my method and just wrote down things I observed around me.
So I guess what I mean is braver in trying things out and not chickening out because I'm afraid of what people are thinking? saying? seeing? Writing this makes it seem silly.

Knitting. I love knitting and fashion. Another creative outlet that I'd like to experiment with. But I think I will always have simple, comfortable, following a pattern projects going.

Meditate everyday and live in the moment.

Be more patient with myself and other people.

I like having goals but want to enjoy the process more than anything else.

2006 sounds good to me.