I'm not sure if I've got all that I need from Pitney Bowes, but I did get some of it. And found out that the phone lines were indeed down, and that the PB people couldn't actually call out. Sucks to be them.
I didn't realize until the next day but I picked the day of Canada Post's big rate change to call to order printing supplies.
Am I not as smart as I could hope?
Oh yes. Not the smartest bunny in the clover patch right now. Smart bunnies call stupid companies when it is not Crazy Busy Day.
Whatever. It's Pitney Bowes.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
On hold....
I'm waiting for Pitney Bowes to pick up their phone.
I've been on hold for over 45 minutes. After being repeatedly disconnected from one of their numbers many times, and discovering that their previous ordering phone number is no longer in service or something.
I hate pitney bowes. If you are a company thinking to use them - do not. Save yourself the aggrivation. Find another company.
On a happier note. I want to share a few links. Because I can do that while I'm holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder.
New Favourite Links (or one day I will update my links, but not today)
1) Samurai Knitter - She's fun, she knits and she has a cute baby. I'm not so obsessed with the cute baby thing, but it is nice to hear someone talk about parent-life in a way that seems kindof realistic. You know her baby is cute, but that she also will have bad days. I knew I would like her blog when I read her discription of her arm pain, and when I read the phrase "demented weasels" I knew that this would be a blog I would enjoy.
2) Yarn Harlot - Also funny, and it's nice to know that someone who knits as wonderfully as she does also makes mistakes. It leaves me hopeful. The only downside - she doesn't like crochet. However, she did leave comments on my blog. Yay! I'm cool. Almost.
I've been on hold for over 45 minutes. After being repeatedly disconnected from one of their numbers many times, and discovering that their previous ordering phone number is no longer in service or something.
I hate pitney bowes. If you are a company thinking to use them - do not. Save yourself the aggrivation. Find another company.
On a happier note. I want to share a few links. Because I can do that while I'm holding the phone to my ear with my shoulder.
New Favourite Links (or one day I will update my links, but not today)
1) Samurai Knitter - She's fun, she knits and she has a cute baby. I'm not so obsessed with the cute baby thing, but it is nice to hear someone talk about parent-life in a way that seems kindof realistic. You know her baby is cute, but that she also will have bad days. I knew I would like her blog when I read her discription of her arm pain, and when I read the phrase "demented weasels" I knew that this would be a blog I would enjoy.
2) Yarn Harlot - Also funny, and it's nice to know that someone who knits as wonderfully as she does also makes mistakes. It leaves me hopeful. The only downside - she doesn't like crochet. However, she did leave comments on my blog. Yay! I'm cool. Almost.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Back at Home...
To my great surprise, Toronto has started to feel like home. Coming back to our apartment definitely felt like home. It was a nice surprise.
Going back to work?
Arrgh, but not as badly arrgh as I was expecting. I think that I'm almost caught up and almost done with the beginning of year stuff.
Now?
I fell asleep just before nine last night, and woke up at 10 am feeling pretty chipper. Which is odd, because today I have a very long list of things to do.
1) do laundry
2) clean the living room
3) clean the bathroom
4) maybe finish unpacking the last suitcase
5) sort clothes, giving away all the clothes that don't fit and I don't wear so that I can put all my new clothes (NEW CLOTHES!!!!!! YAY!!!! NEW CLOTHES!!!!) in the closet nicely.
5) play with my new knitting needles
The most interesting is, of course, playing with my new knitting needles. While I was home, I got new yarn. Some of it is for me, some of it is presents. However, I get more new mittens, and a new hat. To knit those things, I needed new needles. So - I am now the proud owner of a set of Clover 2.00 mm dpns, and a set of Clover 5.0 mm dpns. This should be fun, and definitely be an incentive to learn how to download pictures onto the internet from our camera.
I'm going to go and finish the last episode of season two of Buffy now and play with my 2.00 mms. Then I'll start cleaning. Yup. Then I'll start cleaning.
Going back to work?
Arrgh, but not as badly arrgh as I was expecting. I think that I'm almost caught up and almost done with the beginning of year stuff.
Now?
I fell asleep just before nine last night, and woke up at 10 am feeling pretty chipper. Which is odd, because today I have a very long list of things to do.
1) do laundry
2) clean the living room
3) clean the bathroom
4) maybe finish unpacking the last suitcase
5) sort clothes, giving away all the clothes that don't fit and I don't wear so that I can put all my new clothes (NEW CLOTHES!!!!!! YAY!!!! NEW CLOTHES!!!!) in the closet nicely.
5) play with my new knitting needles
The most interesting is, of course, playing with my new knitting needles. While I was home, I got new yarn. Some of it is for me, some of it is presents. However, I get more new mittens, and a new hat. To knit those things, I needed new needles. So - I am now the proud owner of a set of Clover 2.00 mm dpns, and a set of Clover 5.0 mm dpns. This should be fun, and definitely be an incentive to learn how to download pictures onto the internet from our camera.
I'm going to go and finish the last episode of season two of Buffy now and play with my 2.00 mms. Then I'll start cleaning. Yup. Then I'll start cleaning.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Still Packing....
Always a fun read.
Go enjoy. I'll be home this time tomorrow. Or at the very least, I'll be on the plane.
Go enjoy. I'll be home this time tomorrow. Or at the very least, I'll be on the plane.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Crowded
I think I've come to grips with the fact that Toronto is not home, will not be home, and probably never will be.
I don't hate it here, but I don't love it either. It seems to be pretty ok most of the time. I've gotten familiar with some parts of Toronto, and can make my way myself through several places without even a map. Some sights are becoming immediately recognizable.
The shopping is fun, especially for yarn, but the air smells like vehicles all the time. Public bathrooms are usually disgusting. There's so much stuff here. So many people, so many stores, so much random crap everywhere. Stores vomiting up random merchandise onto the street. There isn't too much of that at home, it just doesn't happen. Sometimes something will happen, or someone will say something, and
It's hard to feel like you can catch a breath here sometimes.
It feels a little like I'm on an extended vacation from my real life and when I go home, my life will start up again, except that right now, I am working, so that's not very vacation-y.
I'm going home soon.
Weeeeee!
I don't hate it here, but I don't love it either. It seems to be pretty ok most of the time. I've gotten familiar with some parts of Toronto, and can make my way myself through several places without even a map. Some sights are becoming immediately recognizable.
The shopping is fun, especially for yarn, but the air smells like vehicles all the time. Public bathrooms are usually disgusting. There's so much stuff here. So many people, so many stores, so much random crap everywhere. Stores vomiting up random merchandise onto the street. There isn't too much of that at home, it just doesn't happen. Sometimes something will happen, or someone will say something, and
It's hard to feel like you can catch a breath here sometimes.
It feels a little like I'm on an extended vacation from my real life and when I go home, my life will start up again, except that right now, I am working, so that's not very vacation-y.
I'm going home soon.
Weeeeee!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Easy Peasy Free Lace Pattern
So, here is my lace pattern. It is fun, and pretty easy. I think it is a great starting lace pattern because there is a good balance of knitting and lace knitting. It will keep you from being bored, but won't drive you to drink. I borrowed heavily from Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting Stitch pattern "Feather and Fan".
If by 'borrowed heavily' you mean pretty much 'cut and pasted'.
The dimensions of this scarf are still pretty nebulous, since I haven't blocked mine yet, however, it is currently about the width of my hand, and goes from just below my belt, around my neck, and back down to just below my belt. So it is long enough to not look funny for a decorative scarf. However, be warned that it isn't really wide enough to be a proper "it's minus 40 out right now and I need something to keep from losing my face to frostbite" scarf.
You will need:
Circular needles (or not, again, this is your choice) at least a size 11 or bigger if you've got them. I used 11 because that was the biggest I had. I would have used a bit bigger if I could, like a 15.
1 skein of bulky weight wool yarn. Or not. It's not like there is a gauge or anything. Pick something you think is pretty and you keep touching. Use a needle size a bit larger than what your yarn calls for. Remember, the bigger the needle, the bigger the holes. However, also remember that there is an inverse relationship between size of holes and warmth of scarf. I used Lamb's Pride Bulky in White Frost. The mohair is really pretty with the lacyness.
A row counter, but only if you really like using them. Unless you like to live on the edge, like I generally do. Although it is more of a "losing small articles is very common" rather than a "has problems with authority figures" sort of living on the edge.
Notes: You can do a gauge swatch, if you like doing that kind of thing. They're also good for getting used to a new yarn, but again, a scarf is a long rectangle, and there isn't any fitting or not fitting, there is only not long enough.
Now:
Cast on 12 VERY LOOSELY. I did a long-tail cast on, because it is the only one I know, and the others don't really make too much sense from only pictures. However, it did work, and it is very pretty.
To Begin:
R1: Knit all
R2: K2tog, K2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, K2tog, K2tog (This row is the lace row. It doesn't change. The sooner you memorize, the happier you will be)
R3: Knit
R4: k2tog, k2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, k2tog, k2tog
R5: Knit
The Body:
Do this part until you have about 6 rows worth of yarn left, or you start going buggy. Remember though, that it should be long enough to wrap at least once around the neck, and the ends should hang at about the belt of the person it is going to belong to. Another good thing is to remember the approximate size of that person. Kids = short. Adults = long. Big tall adults = even longer.
R6: K2tog, K2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, K2tog, K2tog
R7: knit
R8: knit
R9: knit
R10: knit
To Finish:
R11: K2tog, K2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, K2tog, K2tog
R12: Knit
R13: K2tog, k2tog, YO k1, YO, k1, YO k1, YO K1, k2tog, k2tog
R14: knit
R15: Cast off LOOSELY
Helpful Hints:
Read the whole pattern. No really, it might help.
When you are knitting the lace row, think of it this way: "knit 2 together, knit 2 together, yarnover and knit one (think of it as one step, and errors will be easier to fix and find) until there are only four stitches left on your source needle, then knit 2 together, knit 2 together"
If you are doing the full 4 rows of garterstitch between each lace row, there will be two bumps one each side of your knitting between each lace row. If you are doing the 2 row alteration, you will only have one bump on each side of your knitting. This will be invaluable knowledge if you are prone to losing row counters or just don't feel like using one at all. Picking up your knitting in the middle of a repeat has just lost its terror.
Alterations:
1) Leave out R9 & R10 for a more lacy lace. However, make sure that your lace repeat has an even number of rows of knitting between each lace row, because otherwise your lace will become off center and look really odd. Not that I know this for a fact. Oh no, not me at all.
2) Change the second k2tog to a ssk, or your favourite left slanting decrease. Not that I know any left slanting decreases yet, but someday. Someday that knowledge will be mine. When I get off my butt and go look it up.
3) Make the scarf three times as wide by repeating the pattern three times. However, you will then need approximately three times the yarn. Just so you know. But this could be really interesting in a "I totally am just thinking of this right now and have never actually tried this" kind of way. You could make the lace row:
k2tog 6x, YO K1 12x, k2tog 6x*
or
(k2tog 2x, YO K1 4x, k2tog 2x)3x*
Either way, I totally haven't tried it out and have no idea how it would work in reality.
*2x means two times, 6x means six times, ()3x means do everything inside the parentheses three times. Just so you know.
If by 'borrowed heavily' you mean pretty much 'cut and pasted'.
The dimensions of this scarf are still pretty nebulous, since I haven't blocked mine yet, however, it is currently about the width of my hand, and goes from just below my belt, around my neck, and back down to just below my belt. So it is long enough to not look funny for a decorative scarf. However, be warned that it isn't really wide enough to be a proper "it's minus 40 out right now and I need something to keep from losing my face to frostbite" scarf.
You will need:
Circular needles (or not, again, this is your choice) at least a size 11 or bigger if you've got them. I used 11 because that was the biggest I had. I would have used a bit bigger if I could, like a 15.
1 skein of bulky weight wool yarn. Or not. It's not like there is a gauge or anything. Pick something you think is pretty and you keep touching. Use a needle size a bit larger than what your yarn calls for. Remember, the bigger the needle, the bigger the holes. However, also remember that there is an inverse relationship between size of holes and warmth of scarf. I used Lamb's Pride Bulky in White Frost. The mohair is really pretty with the lacyness.
A row counter, but only if you really like using them. Unless you like to live on the edge, like I generally do. Although it is more of a "losing small articles is very common" rather than a "has problems with authority figures" sort of living on the edge.
Notes: You can do a gauge swatch, if you like doing that kind of thing. They're also good for getting used to a new yarn, but again, a scarf is a long rectangle, and there isn't any fitting or not fitting, there is only not long enough.
Now:
Cast on 12 VERY LOOSELY. I did a long-tail cast on, because it is the only one I know, and the others don't really make too much sense from only pictures. However, it did work, and it is very pretty.
To Begin:
R1: Knit all
R2: K2tog, K2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, K2tog, K2tog (This row is the lace row. It doesn't change. The sooner you memorize, the happier you will be)
R3: Knit
R4: k2tog, k2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, k2tog, k2tog
R5: Knit
The Body:
Do this part until you have about 6 rows worth of yarn left, or you start going buggy. Remember though, that it should be long enough to wrap at least once around the neck, and the ends should hang at about the belt of the person it is going to belong to. Another good thing is to remember the approximate size of that person. Kids = short. Adults = long. Big tall adults = even longer.
R6: K2tog, K2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, K2tog, K2tog
R7: knit
R8: knit
R9: knit
R10: knit
To Finish:
R11: K2tog, K2tog, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, YO K1, K2tog, K2tog
R12: Knit
R13: K2tog, k2tog, YO k1, YO, k1, YO k1, YO K1, k2tog, k2tog
R14: knit
R15: Cast off LOOSELY
Helpful Hints:
Read the whole pattern. No really, it might help.
When you are knitting the lace row, think of it this way: "knit 2 together, knit 2 together, yarnover and knit one (think of it as one step, and errors will be easier to fix and find) until there are only four stitches left on your source needle, then knit 2 together, knit 2 together"
If you are doing the full 4 rows of garterstitch between each lace row, there will be two bumps one each side of your knitting between each lace row. If you are doing the 2 row alteration, you will only have one bump on each side of your knitting. This will be invaluable knowledge if you are prone to losing row counters or just don't feel like using one at all. Picking up your knitting in the middle of a repeat has just lost its terror.
Alterations:
1) Leave out R9 & R10 for a more lacy lace. However, make sure that your lace repeat has an even number of rows of knitting between each lace row, because otherwise your lace will become off center and look really odd. Not that I know this for a fact. Oh no, not me at all.
2) Change the second k2tog to a ssk, or your favourite left slanting decrease. Not that I know any left slanting decreases yet, but someday. Someday that knowledge will be mine. When I get off my butt and go look it up.
3) Make the scarf three times as wide by repeating the pattern three times. However, you will then need approximately three times the yarn. Just so you know. But this could be really interesting in a "I totally am just thinking of this right now and have never actually tried this" kind of way. You could make the lace row:
k2tog 6x, YO K1 12x, k2tog 6x*
or
(k2tog 2x, YO K1 4x, k2tog 2x)3x*
Either way, I totally haven't tried it out and have no idea how it would work in reality.
*2x means two times, 6x means six times, ()3x means do everything inside the parentheses three times. Just so you know.
And now for something completely different...
After a barely useful day of Christmas shopping, I discovered this.
One of my favourite comics has an issue online. I definitely recommend it, for anyone who likes superheroes, or even just grand stories.
Go enjoy.
One of my favourite comics has an issue online. I definitely recommend it, for anyone who likes superheroes, or even just grand stories.
Go enjoy.
Friday, December 08, 2006
News News News
Work News
Work is slowing down. And by slowing down, I actually mean that I think I might be a little less stressed.
Today there aren't any bosses in the office. YAY!
Today is the work Christmas party. Everyone gets to donate money for World Vision goats, and then bring a White Elephant present instead of buying presents for people.
In theory it works a little bit better than in actuality, as not everyone who works here and is coming to the Christmas party has a house. A House Full of Stuff.
While Charming and I do have an apartment, we were actually pretty good about what we packed and brought so we are high on the essentials, but low on random stuff we never use.
Knitting News
The first three scarves are done.
The stockinette faux-clapotis for A is done, and wickedly curly. I'm not sure how well it will work, because it is made of acrylic, and I don't think you can block acrylic. However, it turned out to be this really long decorative scarf, so it should be ok.
The racing stripes for S is done, and looks not bad. Still a little curly, despite its border, but nowehere near as bad as A's scarf, and the colors are very nice. The stripes are not lying flat because I was knitting tightly as usual, and it wasn't until I relaxed about half way through the scarf and realized that drinking wine + knitting means that two-color knitting can lay flat. So then I had to tighten it up to finish it. Because then it means that it looks like you meant it to do that. Which I did once I saw how it turned out. It looks pretty cool, if I do say so myself.
The lacy scarf for G is done, and was ridiculously easy and fast. The final pattern turned out to be a variation of feather and fan. The variation was that it was one repeat, in a garterstitch, not stockinette. Because I was so sick of curly scarves. SO SICK. I should post this pattern for anyone who might want to try lace, but thinks it is scary. The scarf is really pretty too. I think I might have to make one like it for myself, but maybe in a bright red or something fun. The yarn is a bit scratchier than the others, because that yarn was originally planned to be something for me, and I couldn't make up my mind, and I ended up ripping it a bunch. It will definitely get washed in conditioner. I still can't really believe that it was so much fun seeing the lace row come out after you knitted it. It's not exactly like the row ever changed, but damn, it was so fun seeing the holes show themselves.
The cabled scarf is coming along nicely, and I've discovered that CABLING IS FUN!!! and also easy. It does need a rowcounter though, but I've developed a rhythm, so its getting a little better. Fortunately, I'm using a very dark yarn, so any artistic licsences are not as noticeable as they could be. Cabling is also very good for when you are stressed. I think it's the twisty-ness that makes it so satisfying. I now really want the Cables Untangled book. I was in a bookstore last night and flipped through it, and it looks pretty good, plus she has a TON of cable patterns in the back.
I will admit a very strong weakness for stitch patterns. Not so much for patterns themselves, but definitely for stitch patterns.
All my scarves are knitted in Lamb's Pride Bulky, except for A's acrylic which is Patons Chunky Softee (in Carnival).
Work is slowing down. And by slowing down, I actually mean that I think I might be a little less stressed.
Today there aren't any bosses in the office. YAY!
Today is the work Christmas party. Everyone gets to donate money for World Vision goats, and then bring a White Elephant present instead of buying presents for people.
In theory it works a little bit better than in actuality, as not everyone who works here and is coming to the Christmas party has a house. A House Full of Stuff.
While Charming and I do have an apartment, we were actually pretty good about what we packed and brought so we are high on the essentials, but low on random stuff we never use.
Knitting News
The first three scarves are done.
The stockinette faux-clapotis for A is done, and wickedly curly. I'm not sure how well it will work, because it is made of acrylic, and I don't think you can block acrylic. However, it turned out to be this really long decorative scarf, so it should be ok.
The racing stripes for S is done, and looks not bad. Still a little curly, despite its border, but nowehere near as bad as A's scarf, and the colors are very nice. The stripes are not lying flat because I was knitting tightly as usual, and it wasn't until I relaxed about half way through the scarf and realized that drinking wine + knitting means that two-color knitting can lay flat. So then I had to tighten it up to finish it. Because then it means that it looks like you meant it to do that. Which I did once I saw how it turned out. It looks pretty cool, if I do say so myself.
The lacy scarf for G is done, and was ridiculously easy and fast. The final pattern turned out to be a variation of feather and fan. The variation was that it was one repeat, in a garterstitch, not stockinette. Because I was so sick of curly scarves. SO SICK. I should post this pattern for anyone who might want to try lace, but thinks it is scary. The scarf is really pretty too. I think I might have to make one like it for myself, but maybe in a bright red or something fun. The yarn is a bit scratchier than the others, because that yarn was originally planned to be something for me, and I couldn't make up my mind, and I ended up ripping it a bunch. It will definitely get washed in conditioner. I still can't really believe that it was so much fun seeing the lace row come out after you knitted it. It's not exactly like the row ever changed, but damn, it was so fun seeing the holes show themselves.
The cabled scarf is coming along nicely, and I've discovered that CABLING IS FUN!!! and also easy. It does need a rowcounter though, but I've developed a rhythm, so its getting a little better. Fortunately, I'm using a very dark yarn, so any artistic licsences are not as noticeable as they could be. Cabling is also very good for when you are stressed. I think it's the twisty-ness that makes it so satisfying. I now really want the Cables Untangled book. I was in a bookstore last night and flipped through it, and it looks pretty good, plus she has a TON of cable patterns in the back.
I will admit a very strong weakness for stitch patterns. Not so much for patterns themselves, but definitely for stitch patterns.
All my scarves are knitted in Lamb's Pride Bulky, except for A's acrylic which is Patons Chunky Softee (in Carnival).
Monday, November 20, 2006
Christmas Knitting
I've started my planning for Christmas Knitting.
I'm not sure if I will:
a) crash and burn or
b) totally kick ass with the knitted gifts and win everyone's admiration and acclaim.
It involves a lot of scarves. I'm actually happy about this because a scarf is a good way to try to try something new without a lot of investment. Like cables. Or lace. Or two colour knitting.
My List of Scarves to Make... so far
1. A's scarf - it is a stockinette with a k2tog yo border. It is the scrolling curler of epic proportions. I started it last monday.
2. S's scarf - something with a racing stripe in manly yarn.
3. Polar Bear's scarf - cables? in a dark blue
4. Grizzly Bear's scarf - more cables? something? who knows?
5. G's scarf - white garterstitch lace of some sort
I'm not sure if I will:
a) crash and burn or
b) totally kick ass with the knitted gifts and win everyone's admiration and acclaim.
It involves a lot of scarves. I'm actually happy about this because a scarf is a good way to try to try something new without a lot of investment. Like cables. Or lace. Or two colour knitting.
My List of Scarves to Make... so far
1. A's scarf - it is a stockinette with a k2tog yo border. It is the scrolling curler of epic proportions. I started it last monday.
2. S's scarf - something with a racing stripe in manly yarn.
3. Polar Bear's scarf - cables? in a dark blue
4. Grizzly Bear's scarf - more cables? something? who knows?
5. G's scarf - white garterstitch lace of some sort
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Rank Heresy
I'm at work.
It's very quiet right now, and while I do have a big bunch of stuff to do, I really don't want to do any of it. I want to have a nap. This is not at all surprising. What is surprising is...
I wore a skirt today, and have mostly bare legs. I'm wearing my leather boots, but still, that doesn't equal pants. I have the window open right now. It feels so wrong to be wearing skirts in November. It feels like heresy most rank.
I'm wearing a skirt, and I didn't freeze on my trip to work this morning.
Another surprising thing, I was in the best mood walking to work and for the first few hours. I was all chipper and cheerful watching the extremely fat squirrels running around Philosopher's Walk as I was coming to work.
Now... I feel like all I want is a nap. Or maybe some nice mindless knitting.
ps. I started a new scarf after I cast off my italian babyblanket. It is pretty fun. Its just stockingette with a knit2tog, yarnover border. The interesting part is that I'm probably using needles about 2 full sizes too small, and it's making the fabric really dense, and causing this odd rolling. It looks like a partially rolled scroll. I'm using Bernat Chunkee Bulky (?) in Carnivale.
It's very quiet right now, and while I do have a big bunch of stuff to do, I really don't want to do any of it. I want to have a nap. This is not at all surprising. What is surprising is...
I wore a skirt today, and have mostly bare legs. I'm wearing my leather boots, but still, that doesn't equal pants. I have the window open right now. It feels so wrong to be wearing skirts in November. It feels like heresy most rank.
I'm wearing a skirt, and I didn't freeze on my trip to work this morning.
Another surprising thing, I was in the best mood walking to work and for the first few hours. I was all chipper and cheerful watching the extremely fat squirrels running around Philosopher's Walk as I was coming to work.
Now... I feel like all I want is a nap. Or maybe some nice mindless knitting.
ps. I started a new scarf after I cast off my italian babyblanket. It is pretty fun. Its just stockingette with a knit2tog, yarnover border. The interesting part is that I'm probably using needles about 2 full sizes too small, and it's making the fabric really dense, and causing this odd rolling. It looks like a partially rolled scroll. I'm using Bernat Chunkee Bulky (?) in Carnivale.
Monday, October 30, 2006
More On The Knitting Disaster. And Other News.
So after knitting myself into a peaceful stupor on (by? with?) the Italian baby blanket and a very nice nap, I'm ready to face the disaster.
A giant ripping will ensue. Soon. I was actually thinking that it would have been very fun to have a Halloween post involving me filming the ripping of the AfkaS to scary music. Unfortunately, I would have needed Charming to film it and since he won't even stay in the room while I'm ripping, getting him to film it for me seems... a little optimistic.
I do have a knitting reference book, Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting. I quite like it, however, it does assume you know the basics. Somethings are easy to find (like different ways to cast on) and some things are difficult to find, like how exactly is a yarnover is supposed to be done (Thanks Knitty!) . However, this book looks really good. The knitter's handy book of sweater patterns sounds good and useful. I think I might want to make myself a sweater because a) it's cold. b) I'm cold. and c) I'm always wearing a sweater or a cardigan. Why not make one for my own self? Then it would be long enough in the waist and arms, skinny enough in the arms and deep enough in the bust.
Anyway, back to the fixing. I know my proportions (picked up stitches/row) was way too high. The heady feeling of almost being done was my downfall.
In other news, only 2.5 more balls of green left on the babyblanket, and then the border, and then I'm done. I've also noticed that I've gotten faster knitting so progress is going so well on something!
ps. Did Stephanie really post in all of her Yarn Harlotty goodness on my Blog? While that would be indescribably cool, but rather unknowable due to my statcounter not even registering any of the commentators so I can't even tell where they were from, grr. Although if that hit was from anywhere in Ontario at all, I would definitely be deciding that it was in fact, a hit from her own self. (On another note, is that as cool as meeting Nathan Fillion? And getting a picture? And seeing him do very good improv?)
pps. Ohh! There's a handy book of patterns too. Fun! And Baby Alpaca for sale!!!!!!
ppps. For those who might be interested, I got the job. Now I get to work my buns off getting everything ready for when the maternity leave actually starts. I'm looking forward to it. Also looking forward to less depressing paycheques. Yay!
A giant ripping will ensue. Soon. I was actually thinking that it would have been very fun to have a Halloween post involving me filming the ripping of the AfkaS to scary music. Unfortunately, I would have needed Charming to film it and since he won't even stay in the room while I'm ripping, getting him to film it for me seems... a little optimistic.
I do have a knitting reference book, Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting. I quite like it, however, it does assume you know the basics. Somethings are easy to find (like different ways to cast on) and some things are difficult to find, like how exactly is a yarnover is supposed to be done (Thanks Knitty!) . However, this book looks really good. The knitter's handy book of sweater patterns sounds good and useful. I think I might want to make myself a sweater because a) it's cold. b) I'm cold. and c) I'm always wearing a sweater or a cardigan. Why not make one for my own self? Then it would be long enough in the waist and arms, skinny enough in the arms and deep enough in the bust.
Anyway, back to the fixing. I know my proportions (picked up stitches/row) was way too high. The heady feeling of almost being done was my downfall.
In other news, only 2.5 more balls of green left on the babyblanket, and then the border, and then I'm done. I've also noticed that I've gotten faster knitting so progress is going so well on something!
ps. Did Stephanie really post in all of her Yarn Harlotty goodness on my Blog? While that would be indescribably cool, but rather unknowable due to my statcounter not even registering any of the commentators so I can't even tell where they were from, grr. Although if that hit was from anywhere in Ontario at all, I would definitely be deciding that it was in fact, a hit from her own self. (On another note, is that as cool as meeting Nathan Fillion? And getting a picture? And seeing him do very good improv?)
pps. Ohh! There's a handy book of patterns too. Fun! And Baby Alpaca for sale!!!!!!
ppps. For those who might be interested, I got the job. Now I get to work my buns off getting everything ready for when the maternity leave actually starts. I'm looking forward to it. Also looking forward to less depressing paycheques. Yay!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
A Knitting Disaster Has Struck
My very first knitting disaster has struck.
It is my Afghan formerly known as Scarf.
I decided to adapt it into a lapblanket for my Grannie, after seeing one in a store. The perfect part of that plan meant that I didn't have to do anymore of the pretty wide rows of garterstitch because it was definitely long enough for Grannie to use when sitting in her wheelchair (she recently hurt herself and is now in the wheelchair for a while).
However, this meant that the AfkaS was not quite wide enough to go across the lap, so I decided to pick up stitches along the side and put on about 5 more rows of stockinette to match the bit of pattern I put on it (three rows of stockinette, which made a nice contrast to the garterstitch). So I picked up stitches along the side and painfully knit the border on. After row 4, I discovered that the border was on backwards, so that the purl side was showing on the right side of the piece.
I decided that I didn't care. Knitting those rows actually hurt. Not only were those rows even MORE boring than knitting the length, but knitting them was painful in a way that I've never had to go through before. It was more painful than knitting a whole ball of Shine Worsted (stockinette) in one day and mostly one sitting.
It had to do with the splitty-ness and the tension of the yarn I was using (and USED to love, but now super hate.
Anyway. That is not the disaster.
This is the disaster.
The border is supposed to be flat and even, just an extension on main piece. It is this wide curvy ruffle thing that is erupting from the side of the AfkaS. Its huge. It is not at all what I was hoping for.
I do not know how to fix it, but I do know who to blame.
Who To Blame
It is my Afghan formerly known as Scarf.
I decided to adapt it into a lapblanket for my Grannie, after seeing one in a store. The perfect part of that plan meant that I didn't have to do anymore of the pretty wide rows of garterstitch because it was definitely long enough for Grannie to use when sitting in her wheelchair (she recently hurt herself and is now in the wheelchair for a while).
However, this meant that the AfkaS was not quite wide enough to go across the lap, so I decided to pick up stitches along the side and put on about 5 more rows of stockinette to match the bit of pattern I put on it (three rows of stockinette, which made a nice contrast to the garterstitch). So I picked up stitches along the side and painfully knit the border on. After row 4, I discovered that the border was on backwards, so that the purl side was showing on the right side of the piece.
I decided that I didn't care. Knitting those rows actually hurt. Not only were those rows even MORE boring than knitting the length, but knitting them was painful in a way that I've never had to go through before. It was more painful than knitting a whole ball of Shine Worsted (stockinette) in one day and mostly one sitting.
It had to do with the splitty-ness and the tension of the yarn I was using (and USED to love, but now super hate.
Anyway. That is not the disaster.
This is the disaster.
The border is supposed to be flat and even, just an extension on main piece. It is this wide curvy ruffle thing that is erupting from the side of the AfkaS. Its huge. It is not at all what I was hoping for.
I do not know how to fix it, but I do know who to blame.
Who To Blame
- Knitter. She is the one who taught me how to knit, and lives two time zones away. She lives in a place where I can't just run upstairs and bang on the door and get her to show me how to do something. Therefore, some of the blame belongs to her.
- Yarn Harlot. Somewhere in her blog she mentioned picking up stitches and knitting off the edge. Sounds easy. But its not. Not at all. Her stuff comes out looking like pretty lace. Mine comes out looking like.... I have no idea. Crappy ruffles. They aren't even cute ruffles. Just lame crappy ruffles.
- The person on our floor who keeps stealing our paper. You big jerk. Not being able to read my paper on the days when you steal it obviously made me get the whole picking up stitches thing wrong. Do you feel any guilt at all?
Friday, October 27, 2006
Hey.
So.
At this exact minute, I feel like I've just sidled up to a group of people that I kind of know and am faced with the mind-numbing task of breaking into conversation.
Except I have no idea what the other part of the conversation is about, or what pace it's at or anything. Apparently I'm speaking into a void right now which would make sense, since I'm actually posting on my blog.
I'll start with knitting, because I have knitting news.
Knitting (and Crocheting... This section should actually be called Yarn.)
I bought birch double pointed knitting needles. I am in love. I love the wood in my hands, I love the smooth warmth of the needles. I love the simplicity of them. Unfortuntately there is no picture, but they are dpns. Dpns all look the same.
Love. Love. Love.
I crocheted my first flower (that I really like). I've been playing with making flowers (both knitting and crocheted, but crocheting is faster and quite a bit easier for me. My flower is a faux poppy; as today, when I was gadding about, I saw that people had started to wear their poppies. I do wear my poppy all month, but I'm forever losing mine and then end up wearing a poppy i found on the floor. So this year, I'm making my own. If I see a stand selling them, I'll still try to drop some change, but I'm not going to bother attempting to wear them. I'll try to take a picture of the poppy and post it later, but I'll have to do it when Charming is a bit less busy with schoolwork. I've never downloaded pictures before.
On the Job Front.
Nothing new to report. I do have a meeting on Tuesday, and hopefully it will be good news. However, as long as it is definite, I'll be happy. I hate limbo.
Hate. Hate. Hate.
My worst test anxiety in school tended to be after I'd written the test, and before marks got back.
Married Life
I like married. I like it alot.
It feels really good. I love having Charming around, and just that we're able to spend time and be together. I love that I come home to someone who loves me. I love that there is someone at home to take care of, and who also takes care of me.
I also really love that wedding planning is over and done with and I never ever have to see another bridal anything store ever. EVER.
Living in the Really Big City
I've gotten used to living in the RBC, and finally feel like Alice in Wonderland after she figured out which bit of mushroom to eat to get large, and which bottle to drink from to get small again. The world did finally stop spinning. Which is always nice, because I do get motionsick from that sort of thing.
I can leave the apartment building (usually) without my map, and can find my way around certain areas all on my own quite well. I'm pretty proud of myself. It took time and work to get this way.
I'm at the point where I don't mind it here, and do like some things about the city.
I'm still ok with moving home when the time comes though. That will be nice.
Conclusion (or I'm off, just going to say bye for now)
I'm done for now. That's my news. I"m going to go watch Babylon 5 with Charming.
Oh, and I'm getting a hair cut. The person who is doing it said something about 3 from Battlestar Galactica. I'm intruiged and ready for a change.
At this exact minute, I feel like I've just sidled up to a group of people that I kind of know and am faced with the mind-numbing task of breaking into conversation.
Except I have no idea what the other part of the conversation is about, or what pace it's at or anything. Apparently I'm speaking into a void right now which would make sense, since I'm actually posting on my blog.
I'll start with knitting, because I have knitting news.
Knitting (and Crocheting... This section should actually be called Yarn.)
I bought birch double pointed knitting needles. I am in love. I love the wood in my hands, I love the smooth warmth of the needles. I love the simplicity of them. Unfortuntately there is no picture, but they are dpns. Dpns all look the same.
Love. Love. Love.
I crocheted my first flower (that I really like). I've been playing with making flowers (both knitting and crocheted, but crocheting is faster and quite a bit easier for me. My flower is a faux poppy; as today, when I was gadding about, I saw that people had started to wear their poppies. I do wear my poppy all month, but I'm forever losing mine and then end up wearing a poppy i found on the floor. So this year, I'm making my own. If I see a stand selling them, I'll still try to drop some change, but I'm not going to bother attempting to wear them. I'll try to take a picture of the poppy and post it later, but I'll have to do it when Charming is a bit less busy with schoolwork. I've never downloaded pictures before.
On the Job Front.
Nothing new to report. I do have a meeting on Tuesday, and hopefully it will be good news. However, as long as it is definite, I'll be happy. I hate limbo.
Hate. Hate. Hate.
My worst test anxiety in school tended to be after I'd written the test, and before marks got back.
Married Life
I like married. I like it alot.
It feels really good. I love having Charming around, and just that we're able to spend time and be together. I love that I come home to someone who loves me. I love that there is someone at home to take care of, and who also takes care of me.
I also really love that wedding planning is over and done with and I never ever have to see another bridal anything store ever. EVER.
Living in the Really Big City
I've gotten used to living in the RBC, and finally feel like Alice in Wonderland after she figured out which bit of mushroom to eat to get large, and which bottle to drink from to get small again. The world did finally stop spinning. Which is always nice, because I do get motionsick from that sort of thing.
I can leave the apartment building (usually) without my map, and can find my way around certain areas all on my own quite well. I'm pretty proud of myself. It took time and work to get this way.
I'm at the point where I don't mind it here, and do like some things about the city.
I'm still ok with moving home when the time comes though. That will be nice.
Conclusion (or I'm off, just going to say bye for now)
I'm done for now. That's my news. I"m going to go watch Babylon 5 with Charming.
Oh, and I'm getting a hair cut. The person who is doing it said something about 3 from Battlestar Galactica. I'm intruiged and ready for a change.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Blogger Ate My Post
ARRRGGGGGHH
I was in the middle of writing this big long post saying how sorry I was about my long neglect.
However.
Blogger ate my post. And I think that it might be my *&(*(%^$%##%*&^ computer's fault. It does this thing, where the internet will forget that it is connected, and perfectly functional, and then I have to go and re-click or re-enter the website address and oddly enough, it will work. It started when Charming made it so that we could have our own profiles (running windows xtra poo) and now the internet doesnt always work.
%$#@@!#$&*^%$#@@$%^&*%^$()*&^(&%^%$%#&*&^^^&* *(*%$%$$&
I only sort of feel better. I'm going to go knit now. And go to bed. I have to work tomorrow.
I was in the middle of writing this big long post saying how sorry I was about my long neglect.
However.
Blogger ate my post. And I think that it might be my *&(*(%^$%##%*&^ computer's fault. It does this thing, where the internet will forget that it is connected, and perfectly functional, and then I have to go and re-click or re-enter the website address and oddly enough, it will work. It started when Charming made it so that we could have our own profiles (running windows xtra poo) and now the internet doesnt always work.
%$#@@!#$&*^%$#@@$%^&*%^$()*&^(&%^%$%#&*&^^^&* *(*%$%$$&
I only sort of feel better. I'm going to go knit now. And go to bed. I have to work tomorrow.
Monday, October 02, 2006
a street in a strange world...
The dvd is just at the part where they are discussing the video for You can call me Al. It is definitely one of the best videos ever. It is comic genius. Chevy Chase sings in a bare pink room while Paul Simon plays the instrumental parts. Especially compared to the original video, which is a great example of why we don't need to go back to the eighties.
Note.....
http://www.greenstar.org/butterflies/Hole-in-the-Wall.htm
this is crazy. absolutely crazy, and completely fascinating. everyone should read this. this is so cool.
Note.....
http://www.greenstar.org/butterflies/Hole-in-the-Wall.htm
this is crazy. absolutely crazy, and completely fascinating. everyone should read this. this is so cool.
New Template
I've changed my template again, becasue of two things.
1) I hate not having comments.
2) I really hate that no one can see the titles of my posts. A title is important. It tells you what is going on. I put them in for a reason.
1) I hate not having comments.
2) I really hate that no one can see the titles of my posts. A title is important. It tells you what is going on. I put them in for a reason.
who am i to blow against the wind?
i'm listening to a dvd that my dad gave me. it's doing a good job of cheering me up.
i'm in the middle of doing laundry, cleaning, putting more stuff away and then doing dishes, maybe laundry, possibly some baking for our thanksgiving roadtrip.
the dvd is the one about Paul Simon's Graceland.
I used to have that recording on tape when i was little, and i warped it because i played it so often. I've had several copies of the cd, because i'm also brutal on cds. I scratch them like crazy.
I used to play it so quietly as i was falling asleep. On a good night, I would listen to one side of the tape, when I couldn't sleep, I would hear both sides.
It is quite possible my favourite cd. I haven't listened to it for a long time, because all my cd's are mostly put away, and I'd forgotten how much i love that cd.
i'm in the middle of doing laundry, cleaning, putting more stuff away and then doing dishes, maybe laundry, possibly some baking for our thanksgiving roadtrip.
the dvd is the one about Paul Simon's Graceland.
I used to have that recording on tape when i was little, and i warped it because i played it so often. I've had several copies of the cd, because i'm also brutal on cds. I scratch them like crazy.
I used to play it so quietly as i was falling asleep. On a good night, I would listen to one side of the tape, when I couldn't sleep, I would hear both sides.
It is quite possible my favourite cd. I haven't listened to it for a long time, because all my cd's are mostly put away, and I'd forgotten how much i love that cd.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Bhaa Bhaa Bhaam Vol. 2
Yay!
Shoes and purses are done!
Blue Cross - I still have to print off and re-check off that daft section again. And re-fax it. Yippee. However, my actual print file seems to be unavailable. Hmmm.
Having worked in a dental office for years, I do believe that this is cover-my-ass speak for some dip lost the file. Nice.
This place looks surprisingly the same. I would have to say I feel pretty cheated right about now.
Shoes and purses are done!
Blue Cross - I still have to print off and re-check off that daft section again. And re-fax it. Yippee. However, my actual print file seems to be unavailable. Hmmm.
Having worked in a dental office for years, I do believe that this is cover-my-ass speak for some dip lost the file. Nice.
This place looks surprisingly the same. I would have to say I feel pretty cheated right about now.
Bhaa Bhaa Bhaaam
So things are very messy in married-land right now. As soon as I finish this little post my exciting jobs for the day are to:
1)Call Blue Cross (health insurance) and figure out why there are problems with my application. After calling them back, I discovered that apparently part of the form didn't get faxed. It was the check yes or no, have you ever had ________ part of the form. I asked why I couldnt just fill it in over the phone (which apparently was Very Much Not Done), I discovered that the person who I was talking with didn't have my file. I asked if they had recieved my medical history yet. She also didn't know. Then the girl decided that I probably should talk to the person who actually had my file. Sounds good, yes? Except that that person was also on the phone and was supposed to call me back, and hasn't yet.
2) Clean house. More specifically this means:
a) Unpack shoes and put them away.
b) Put away clothes. Put dirty clothes in hamper/dirty clothes pile.
c) Put away bags/purses. Somewhere.
d) Start emptying the bookcase that Prince Charming is going to use for his research/school books.
e) Organize the Bathroom. Sounds small, is actually terrible due to the exceedingly large amount of bath-stuff I presently own.
3) Take something out for dinner for when Charming comes home. Goodness only knows what that should/could be.
4) Work on my knitting. I've started working on an exciting new project that is working out shockingly well so far. I just have to adjust a pattern or two, and it will be perfect.
Well, maybe. In other knitting news, I'm still progressing on my Afghan formerly known as a Scarf, and thinking about getting back to work on my baby blanket. Once things get tidied up a bit, knitting will go faster. Along with everything else I suppose too.
So, this is my life right now, along with just hanging out with Charming and enjoying being married. Its nice having someone to come home to. Charming is gone today, at school, so I've been pretty lazy so far.
Pajamas? Check. No shower? Check. Breakfast of cookies? Check. Lunch of leftovers? Check.
Did I mention that I made cookies? I made chocolate chip cookies that are super great. And tea buscuits that also turned out. Charming made tea buscuits yesterday that turned out... not bad, but I've had better. He asked me if I could taste anything different and... I wasn't sure. There was something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Then he told me he used my vanilla soy milk instead of milk. Bleah. For your information, vanilla soy milk leaves tea buscuits rather dense and tasting like soy. Now you know, and you don't have to experiment. It is ok in a pinch, but I don't really recommend it. Which is somewhat funny, because I drink vanilla soy milk. It's ok. I think I like it, it is a good milk substitute, and it is great with cookies. If I could drink milk without all the fun that being lactose intolerant involves, I wouldn't go near it. I honestly think that people who drink soy because "it's good for you" or "they just like it" are actually crazy. Crazy. There are a very few types of soy milk that actually taste good. Soy itself is gross. It is not good. I just can't stress that little point enough. It does not have the natural sweetness that milk does, and requires much sugar to be palatable. Loads of sugar. Truckloads of sugar. Aircraft carriers full of sugar.
Mmmm. Sugar....
1)Call Blue Cross (health insurance) and figure out why there are problems with my application. After calling them back, I discovered that apparently part of the form didn't get faxed. It was the check yes or no, have you ever had ________ part of the form. I asked why I couldnt just fill it in over the phone (which apparently was Very Much Not Done), I discovered that the person who I was talking with didn't have my file. I asked if they had recieved my medical history yet. She also didn't know. Then the girl decided that I probably should talk to the person who actually had my file. Sounds good, yes? Except that that person was also on the phone and was supposed to call me back, and hasn't yet.
2) Clean house. More specifically this means:
a) Unpack shoes and put them away.
b) Put away clothes. Put dirty clothes in hamper/dirty clothes pile.
c) Put away bags/purses. Somewhere.
d) Start emptying the bookcase that Prince Charming is going to use for his research/school books.
e) Organize the Bathroom. Sounds small, is actually terrible due to the exceedingly large amount of bath-stuff I presently own.
3) Take something out for dinner for when Charming comes home. Goodness only knows what that should/could be.
4) Work on my knitting. I've started working on an exciting new project that is working out shockingly well so far. I just have to adjust a pattern or two, and it will be perfect.
Well, maybe. In other knitting news, I'm still progressing on my Afghan formerly known as a Scarf, and thinking about getting back to work on my baby blanket. Once things get tidied up a bit, knitting will go faster. Along with everything else I suppose too.
So, this is my life right now, along with just hanging out with Charming and enjoying being married. Its nice having someone to come home to. Charming is gone today, at school, so I've been pretty lazy so far.
Pajamas? Check. No shower? Check. Breakfast of cookies? Check. Lunch of leftovers? Check.
Did I mention that I made cookies? I made chocolate chip cookies that are super great. And tea buscuits that also turned out. Charming made tea buscuits yesterday that turned out... not bad, but I've had better. He asked me if I could taste anything different and... I wasn't sure. There was something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Then he told me he used my vanilla soy milk instead of milk. Bleah. For your information, vanilla soy milk leaves tea buscuits rather dense and tasting like soy. Now you know, and you don't have to experiment. It is ok in a pinch, but I don't really recommend it. Which is somewhat funny, because I drink vanilla soy milk. It's ok. I think I like it, it is a good milk substitute, and it is great with cookies. If I could drink milk without all the fun that being lactose intolerant involves, I wouldn't go near it. I honestly think that people who drink soy because "it's good for you" or "they just like it" are actually crazy. Crazy. There are a very few types of soy milk that actually taste good. Soy itself is gross. It is not good. I just can't stress that little point enough. It does not have the natural sweetness that milk does, and requires much sugar to be palatable. Loads of sugar. Truckloads of sugar. Aircraft carriers full of sugar.
Mmmm. Sugar....
Monday, September 04, 2006
That's Right, You Heard Me
The fighter jets were particularly busy today.
That's right, you heard me. Fighter jets. There are fighter jets flying over Toronto pretty steadily during the day, since Friday or Thursday.
That's right, you heard me. Fighter jets. There are fighter jets flying over Toronto pretty steadily during the day, since Friday or Thursday.
The first time I mentioned them, Prince Charming looked at me and thought that I mis-said jumbo jets (which totally sound different, I think). He didn't quite believe me that there were fighter jets,* until we saw some flying overhead. However, when I was in Greece, the fighter jets used to fly overhead every so often on their way to heaven only knows (but probably Cyprus or the Greek-Turkish border**) and so you get to recognize the sound as they fly past.
In other news, Prince Charming, while waiting for the rest of our stuff to show up, have begun to play a computer game. It is very old and called "Under a Steel Sky". We are at about 1/3 through. I kindof like it. It is slowed down (so I can play) and involves funny dialouge and much pointing and clicking.
*Prince Charming would like to say that he had thought that that it was fighter jets first, and thought that I was thinking that they were only jumbo jets.
** Prince Charming says that they were probably just on a routine patrol, but I didn't think that they liked Turkey very much over there, because I saw this poster one time and it did a great job of making Turkey look like a not-nice place to go, and I also have a very fuzzy grasp of Cyprus' history.
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