What's On The Needles

Last year, I discovered the English magazine Simply Knitting. I have been amazed by how many patterns I find that I want to try. In one of the issues last Fall, there was a pattern for a simple stockinette rolled hem sweater that I thought would be perfect for my husband. Something he could just throw on, light but warm. I wanted to try a larger project with Rowan 4-ply Tweed, and with some minor adjustments, I was on my way.

I finished the front tonight.



I know, I know. It looks like a couple of greenish rectangles at this point, but it won't be long before DH is modeling it for the world. I started a sleeve last night. I'm finding that this is a really good commute project. See, I can knit something other than socks.

And speaking of socks.....

I am test knitting a pair of socks. That's all I'm willing to say. Here is the sole of the sock:



Can't tell really anything from that. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome in the colorway Green Mountain Madness. I love CTH. It is so soft and squishy. The socks feel wonderful to wear too.

That's it - check back Friday. I finished something!

Thoughts for a Tuesday

I've been busy catching up on the New York Sex Scandal. I felt so sorry for Mrs. Spitzer. I don't get it. Why did she have to be dragged out in front of the media for further embarrassment? More humiliation. The woman looks like she hasn't slept, that she's probably been crying until there was nothing left. What goes through your mind when you realize this man you loved, trusted, shared your life with was also capable of scorning, lying and betraying you? A part of her died and that betrayal will be with her forever.

I don't really know what my opinion is of prostitution. If a woman is willing to have that type of intimate relationship with someone, be it for money, support or gifts, I guess that's her decision. But isn't she also saying that she's a commodity that can be bought and sold? I didn't think you could put a price tag on a human being. Whether you're getting $1000 an hour, and apartment and a allowance, or $50 for a back alley encounter, doesn't it come down to the same thing?

I hate the wall to wall coverage on the news. I don't care who the 22 year old is. I'm more concerned with the reasons why the IRS got involved. Why they were wire tapping? Less salaciousness, more legal footing. What consenting adults do behind closed doors is their business. If the money came from other than personal funds, that is our business. I don't need to know the conversation between the Escort and her handler/pimp/agent. I certainly don't need to hear it on the evening news or the cable news channels.

Honestly - the media are acting like 11 year old boys nervously giggling over an issue of National Geographic. You know the one I'm talking about. I had hoped the days of Beavis and Butthead were behind us, but alas, they can now be found on MSNBC, CNN and Fox News.

Memorable Moments

Some things just strike your funny bone, and this one did. Nacho Mamma, Garberville, CA.

Sunday Quotes

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

- Mahatma Gandhi

Please share this video

If you haven't had the chance to see "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch, please take the time to go see this video. His philosophy, and the message he conveys, is empowering. It is a stark reminder that as long as we have breath, we can make a difference.

A combined post

It was quite late when I got home last night. Had a late afternoon meeting far from home and office, and my boss dropped me off at one of the ferry docks so that I could make my way home.

I picked up the ferry at the Larkspur port, north of San Francisco and within site of San Quentin prison. San Quentin is where California's Death Row is located. When someone is subjected to the death penalty, this is where it - and the protests - take place. It's been a few years since the last one. What amazes me is that the original structure is a beautiful piece of architecture, and the views are some of the best on the Bay. No wonder so many people want to see this facility closed. The real estate, and subsequent property taxes, would be quite a boon.

This was my first time on a ferry here in the US. This is a common form of transportation in Norway, especially Northern Norway where I have spent the majority of my time overseas. It's been a few years since I was on the Bay, and I have never been out there at night. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

With the sun setting as I was waiting to board, it took on an almost magical feeling. Because it was twilight, when we were pulling away from the dock and moving into the Bay, it made me feel like I was back in Norway. Of course, playing some Norwegian folk music on my iPod probably helped create that mood. I was thinking of what I would blog about and how the experience restored some peace to my mind. I love the ocean. It has always had a restorative effect for me. I don't get to see it much, even though I pass under the Bay twice a day. I miss the smell and the sound of waves. It was chilly due to the wind, but it felt good. It was a much needed balm to my soul, after the last week or so. I need to remember that this is a viable option for me to get out on the water every now and again. Also, there's a great pub that serves good beer and food at Larkspur Landing. I believe there is also a yarn store within walking distance. I'm going to have to check that out sometime.

We pulled into San Francisco about 40 minutes or so after having left Larkspur. I stopped to take a quick shot of the boat.



It's a little hard to see because it was so dark.

I decided that I would have a quick bite to eat before getting on the train to head home. I thought this shot was pretty cool.



I had dinner at Ferry Plaza Seafood. I highly recommend the shrimp salad. It was wonderful! I also stopped at the bookstore and took a look around before heading out.

It is the first time I can say that I traveled by car, boat and train in one day. In fact, it was within 3 hours.

As to my Friday update - alas, I finished two separate socks, but not a pair. Amazingly, I have nothing to show off this week. Next week will be a different story.

What's On The Needles

This is the new thing I can show you. I joined the Sock Knitters Pentathlon. This is a group that will be knitting 5 specific patterns leading up to the Summer Olympics. The yarn is from J. Knits in the colorway Los Angeles - the place I was born. The first Summer Olympics that I felt connected to was the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. So this colorway seems somehow fitting.

I'm still working on the socks I'm calling Ribby Goodness. I am also test knitting a pair of socks, which I can't really speak of or obviously show off. I am using Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome, which is awesome. I think I may have enough left over for a pair of fingerless gloves.

Nagini remains unfinished, as do a number of other projects. I think that there will be nothing ready for Friday. Oh well. One week with no FO's won't kill me.

A little off

I've been a little off this past week. I had some news last Wednesday, though not completely unexpected, was still a shock to the system. It's not really something I'm ready to talk about, and it's not going to kill me, it just means I have to make some lifestyle changes. In other words, it's going to be a pain in the ass and I'm going to be cranky.

It just causes me to wonder "why me"? The only happy little refuge I have in my life right now is knitting. With almost everything else there is pressure, responsibility, inadequacy, disappointment or angst. I realize that I have it better than a lot of people, but there are a lot of people that have it better than me.

I know I'm just wallowing in a shimmering pool of self pity, but honestly, I hardly ever put myself first. Maybe that's why I'm in the shape I'm in now. So many people pull at me during the day, I have nothing left for myself at the end. Except for a little knitting time just for me. There are times that I wish I could just knit my problems away. About as likely as Santa and Tinker Bell stopping by for a drink this Friday night.

I'm just frustrated and mentally tired and I feel like whining. Sorry.

Tomorrow normalcy will return and I will post what I'm working on and we'll just put this little pity party on the back burner. Not every day can be wine and roses.

Thanks for humoring me.

Memories

Sunset out at Point Reyes. One of the reasons that I am happy to be a native Californian.

Sunday Quotes

The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering.

-Doctor Who

Just because

Finished Friday

The hats are done. I ended up with two from the Sensations Dolcetto.



These will both be going to charity.

I also finished socks!



These are my Gryffindor 2nd Year Socks finished. The yarn is from Dharma Fey's Cosmic Fibers in the colorway Gryffindor 2nd Year. I think I would have preferrd a broader stripe, but I've never knit anything so funky before. It was fun - and quick! They were completed in a week.

Favorite's

Rainbows.

This one is from the base of Interstate 5 at the Grapevine. Aptly named in this case. There had been terrible storms throughout the Southland, with major flooding. Seeing something so beautiful after the damage of the flood waters was a little surreal.

What's On The Needles

This week, Nagini is still on the needles. One sock is done.

Here is something else that I've been working on:

This is going to be a kid's hat with yarn I purchased at Joann's. It's called Sensations Bellezza Collection Dolcetto, a wool blend. I'm using size 10.5US dpn's for this one.



I just got this yarn last weekend from the Yarn Barn at Stitches West. It's Fortissma Socka Mexiko Color, colorway #24. I am doing a ribbed sock, so I am calling them Ribby Goodness.

The preemie blanket is still in the needles. I also cast on for a sock I am test knitting, so not too much I can say on that one, other than it is really cool. Sweaters have been untouched. I'm just wondering if I will have anything else done by Friday. We shall see.

Thoughts for a Tuesday

This really isn't Tuesday, because, quite frankly, I feel soundly asleep on the couch about 15 minutes after I sat down, which was around 9:30pm. I woke up around 3 am and crawled into bed. It was about 10 minutes or so later that I realized - damn - I forgot to blog.

I hate being tried. I hate not being able to do the things I want to do. Sometimes life just doesn't want to work with your schedule, and you just have to deal with. I hate that I'm getting older and I can't function anymore on less than 6 hours a night.

So, in my head I blogged these thoughts yesterday. I have to cut myself a little slack every once in a while.

The simple things in life

I don't know why this is such a favorite picture of mine - a lonely, little pine cone on the Tahoe shore. There was just something so sad, yet poignant.

There are times when you just have to appreciate the simple things.

Sunday Quotes

As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of being.

Carl Jung

SEX - Stash Enhancement X-perience

Did I get your attention? It's totally juvenile, but I've been wanting to post an entry with SEX in it. Hehe.



More stash. I don't think I went nuts. I thought I was pretty good, all things considered. I bought a Ravelry bag yesterday, and took it home to decorate. I had a few more buttons than I thought! 5 of the pins are from Ravelry. I love collecting these!

Ok, stash. From left to right.....

2 skiens Ecru Inca Organic Cotton from The Village Spinning and Weaving Shop
2 skiens Dusky Aurora - Dream In Color Smooshy - intended for the Mystic Light Shawl KAL - I'm going with Aurora Borealis instead of Sunrise or Sunset
4 skeins Black & White: Lana Grossa Bingo Chine
3 skeins Purple: Lana Grossa Soffice
2 skeins Palest Pick - Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton, 100% Organically Grown


...and down in front is a beaded I-cord necklace and bracelet kit. After taking 2.5 hours to thread the beads, I managed to finish the bracelet in under 2 hours and start the necklace. It takes a little getting used to, but I think the overall effect will be quite nice.

I received an email earlier this week from Afghans for Afghans. They weren't going to be in attendance this year, but Nine Rubies Knitting was collecting hat donations for them. I went through the basket where I keep my finished charity items, and donated these:



Nine hats for Nine Rubies. The basket is pretty empty again. I guess I better get to work!

Well, that's it for the 2008 Stitches Stash Enhancement X-perience. I am so glad it is a once per year event!

Finished Friday

It was a long day - and a good one. This was the first day of Stitches West, and the Marketplace was a fibery garden of earthly delights. Ravelry had a great idea and created passports - you had to go to specific booths and get your passport stamped. It was a fun way to get around the show and see what was available. I got mine done and turned in by 11:30. My first stop, however, was Blue Moon Fiber Arts, and I kept myself to just two skeins.

Here is a picture of my acquisitions:



I love the handmade baskets from Africa, so I picked up one of those. I also got a Ravelry bag, but I'll show that tomorrow.

To the top left - that Malabrigo. Two luscious skeins that go remarkably well with my Yarn Pirate Kalamata socks. To the top right are the two skeins of Blue Moon. The red skien is Lang MerinoSeta, with which I am going to make a pair of fingerless gloves. Next to the Lang is a skien of Orange Mondial Cotton Soft for a baby hat. The purple looking stuff is Windy Valley Muskox Qiviuk, a blend of Qiviuk, Extrafine Merino and Silk. After that are two skeins of OnLine supersock, one for hubby and one for me, and a skein of Fortissima Socka. Then the BMF followed by another skein of OnLine.

Bottom Row is Tess Designer Yarns Super Socks & Baby and Microfiber Ribbon.

I also bought a few patterns and some notions. However, I bought something that I have long salivated after, but would not purchase until I held them in my hand.



From Signature Needle Arts, may I introduce the Stiletto Needles. These are wonderful! I can't say enough about them. They grip, they are solid aluminum needles and they have a wonderful point. I purchased the 10" length in size US 3, 5 and 7. Will I buy more? Yeah. I tried them tonight on some afghan squares, and they were done in no time. I love the feel of these needles. The sticker, by the way, is from Ravelry.

It was a wonderful day, and I get to go back and do it all over again tomorrow.

Favorite's

BEER - Tasters at the Eel River Brewing Company, America's first certified organic brewery. The Hazelnut Porter was a-w-e-s-o-m-e!