Just wondering...

Who the heck flips a coin to decide between two job candidates?

Ummm yeah, just heard back from an interview... he couldn't decide... so he flipped. I obviously lost.

More Dying

This time I used Knitpicks Dye Your Own Merino. I am really having fun with this! I want to get some of the lace weight and the worsted and really have some fun.

First up: Tropical Punch, Orange, and Lemonaid

I'd like to make a felted purse with this one, but I'm a little concerned because it is fingering weight. I was originally going for something to do striped socks with, but it just screamed out PURSE!!! to me. Maybe I'll have to get the heavier yarn and do it with that. Don't you wish knitpicks had a bulky dye your own?

Once I get my wheel, I guess I can have as much fun as I want with different weights.


Next round: Changin' Cherry, Arctic Green Apple, and Berry Blast

The darn palm doesn't take great pictures, but I criss crossed the colors and it came out a really cool ocean-y green blue. The arctic green apply was a milky green color and tinted the yarn an almost pastel chalk green. I can't wait to see what it knits up like.

Many thanks!

I wanted to thank Rabbitch, Ms. Rainberry Blue, Jess, and Christine for sharing wheel preferences. I got two recommendations for a Lendrum and one for an Ashford.

Of course I could be a wheel whore and just buy every wheel I look at... if I had a million dollars. Hmmm... here's a thought... forget next months rent, I'll buy two!

I actually have a friend in PA who has offered me both her wheel and her loom. I would just have to figure out how to get it here. No, I don't know what kind of wheel it is... I do remember that it had a HUGE wheel. The loom is an 8 harness - whatever that means.

She's a great woman who used to be my boss and ended up being the best friend that I ever had. She was a hippie and had built a log cabin (2 stories and BEAUTIFUL) and had all types of animals. Then, not only did her asshat husband cheat on her, but LEFT her just after she was in an accident... where an armored car hit her. She was in a wheel chair for months and crutches and a cane for almost a year after she got out of the chair. ANYWAY, she ended up moving and with the injuries she hasn't gotten back in to spinning and weaving. I was thinking of asking my dad if he could pick it up and pay for shipping instead of a Christmas present.

Ok, done with the diarrhea of the mouth.

Have a nice weekend!

Happy Friday!

I was tempted to leave these in someone's comment section, because her slightly twisted mind would totally get a kick out of it. Then I thought, why not stretch it out and get a post out of the deal too!


How Do You Catch a Unique Rabbit?
Unique Up On It.

How Do You Catch a Tame Rabbit?
Tame Way, Unique Up On It.

How Do Crazy People Go Through The Forest?
They Take The Psycho Path

How Do You Get Holy Water?
You Boil The Hell Out Of It.

What Do Fish Say When They Hit a Concrete Wall?
Dam!

What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?
Nacho Cheese

What Do You Call Santa's Helpers?
Subordinate Clauses.

What's The Difference Between Roast Beef And Pea Soup?
Anyone Can Roast Beef.

Where Do You Find a Dog With No Legs?
Right Where You Left Him.

What's The Difference Between a Bad Golfer And a Bad Skydiver?
A Bad Golfer Goes, Whack, Dang!
A Bad Skydiver Goes Dang! Whack.

Questions

I'm thinking I want to get a spinning wheel. Yes, I want to come to the dark side. So leave me a comment.

What wheel do you have?
What do you love/hate about it?
Single or Double treadle?
Any suggestions for a starting wheel?

Just help me narrow it down!!

Awwww shucks!

Thanks for all of the comments on my dying and spinning.

Peggy made a suggestion of slowing down and spreading out the lumps. Maybe I will get some more and try. With some of the bigger pieces I was able to spread them out a little, but it wasn't slowing down... it took coming to a complete stop! :)

I'm still a beginner and I'm using a drop spindle. It's a lot of trial and error. I do know that I will be taking a spinning class and giving a wheel a try. I'm a little afraid of learning to spin on a wheel... only because I know I will like it and will end up spending much more money on a new obsession.

Thanks also to Marti. I do love the color that the fiber turned into. Of course I'd love it even it was puke colored, because I made it! I have some knitpicks dye your own coming so I will be experimenting with colors.

I was supposed to go to Santa Monica tomorrow, but plans have changed. Hopefully sometime this week I'll get a chance.

Angela turned me on to a knitting guild in the area! Oh my GOSH!!! Other knitters in my area. I've heard rumors of the elusive high desert knitter, but I thought it was a legend...right up there with bigfoot and chupacabra. It appears they really do exist.

Spinning... somebody stop me from posting

I was dying! There I am spinning away in the sweet, cool air conditioning when... BAM!!!! Thunder, lightening and the power going on and off. I was almost done with the fiber I working with so I cracked the windows and kept going. I started to get worried that between me sweating and the heat that I would end up with some felted yarn.

The fiber was a dyed aqua, navy and purple wool with these chunks of pink, yellow and red wool brushed into it (looked like someone too lint and threw it in). It was spinning nicely until I hit the chunks and then it ended up all wonky. I was getting a consistant thickness and twist until those darn chunks. Maybe I shouldn't have spun it thinner than the chunks.

I don't know what I'm going to do with it, but it was good practice.

Grrr... blogger eats post...let's try again

What do you do when it's another unbearably hot Sunday with nothing on t.v.? Why I tried my hand at koolaid dying. I used some merino roving I picked up the other day and used grape, lime, and berry blast. I wish the purple had been a little brighter. It was fun and I can't wait for my knitpicks to get here.

No Knitting?!?!?!?

What could possibly enthrall someone enough to cause no knitting?



Why this could!











This is the embroidery project that I started a year ago and forgot about when I discovered knitting. I picked it back up recently and get lost in it constantly. The roof and the pink flowers are done in that silk/merino thread I was talking about.

Facts for me to remember:
Purchased at Queen Anne's Stitches
Too expensive to mention
Handpainted canvas
Started July 2004
Hours completed: Est. 50

Must keep better track of hours done. Here's a close up. Not so hot with the Palm camera, but it'll have to do.

Aaaack!

You know you're addicted when you have to purchase another container to hold your stash.

That's right ladies and gentlemen, I have finally outgrown my large plastic bin. I now have one large bin for wool/animal fibers, one large for cotton blends and one medium for spinning.

The sad part is... they are almost full again.

Will that stop me from buying more?

Uhhhh NO!

Still a little disappointed

First off, thank you to everyone for your kind words about Pokie. She was a sweet little girl.

I've been to my semi-local yarn shop and I'm still feeling "meh" about it. Too much novelty yarn and not enough good stuff. I'm not sure how to explain the yarn... yes, they have a lot of different yarn, but not single yarns.

eg. They have Noro, tons of it, but only 3 colorways in the Kureyon, only a couple of the Cash Iroha, only a couple Silk Garden... you get the idea.

And what's with advertising in your fliers and newsletters that you have certain yarns... and NEVER have them in stock. Only two brands of sock yarn?

I did get a chance to stop at my FAVORITE embroidery store, Queen Anne's Stitches. I haven't been there in almost a year, but the lady still remembered me. I have fallen in love with some fabulous 50/50 Merino/Silk yarn to stitch my flowers with. I'll have to post a progress shot soon. I'm trying to scheme a way to make socks out of it. Of course, they would be $90 socks by the time I bought enough embroidery yarn to make them with, but they'd be luscious!

I got some GREAT stuff for my SP today too. I can't wait to send it. I can't say what it is, but it is great... trust me. I just have to restrain myself from sending it. It will be part of the reveal package. I WAN'T TO SEND IT NOW!!!!!!!!

Oh, and I got some great merino roving in a pale purple to spin and some plain jane merino to try and dye this weekend. I just can't restrain myself around fibers.

In other good news, I've landed a job. I'm going to be waitressing. I'm going to take this time to go back to school and prepare for the move. Unless I find a fabulous job before next spring. For some reason, hiring managers don't like the multitude of jobs... even if it's not. my. fault. THEY FETCHIN WENT UNDER!!!! HELLO!?!?!?

Ok... off my soap box (or off my rocker... you decide)

Poquito the Amazing

In the summer of 2002, this little princess came to live with me. A couple of girls (about 8 years old or so) were pushing a carrage with her in it around the neighborhood, knocking on doors, looking for her owner. They came to my house 3 times. They said their mom wouldn't allow the dog in the house and that she (the mom) was just going to let the dog go.

Of course I said "I'll take her!"

The vet said she was probably between 12 and 14 years old. Her vocal cords were cut and she probably had a stroke or two. We called The Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League. We called the local cops (hey I was from a small town) and put an ad in the paper. No one claimed her.

There was always a joke or two because she never turned right. Always to the left (a side effect of a stroke). She would get sick a lot, but she always pulled through. It was funny to see her running through the tall grass or get stuck under the sprinkler.

She moved cross country with me to L.A. and then again up to the desert. I've always been a big dog kind of gal and really never liked small dogs. This dog wormed her way into my heart.

The point of all of this? Poquito or Pokie for short passed away last night. It was a combo of age, being sick the past couple of days and the heat.

She was a sweet, quiet dog that you rarely knew was around. At least until dinner time. She used to look at you with these HUGE brown eyes and you couldn't help but give her a little something.

I miss her.

Just a thought

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired and success achieved."

~ Helen Keller

Stats

3 people wanted to know "how to make a girl happy". Yarn, lots of it. Really. Merino, plain ole wool, sock, natural, dyed, hand painted. Take your pick. Maybe a spinning wheel and roving. Email me and I'll send you my address... you can make this girl happy.

2 people wanted to know: how do you do an f stitch in crocheting - uh, no idea.

1 person was looking for the bikini webring. Not here... not ever... really, wouldn't be a pretty sight.

1 person was feeling a little angry and searched "hate office manager". Glad I'm not that person's boss.

1 person wanted to know about clear snot. Well, it's clear and comes from your nose. What does it mean? No idea. How about webmd?

You can now uncross your fingers...

and pray/talk/what ever you choose to do to the higher power of your understanding.


Was that politically correct enough?

I just need lots of good stuff coming my way for the next day or two.

Keep your fingers crossed

That's all I'm gonna say...I don't wanna jinx it.

Clapotis and a great SP

Clapotis

Yes, it it finished. Finally. I loved the increasing and the decreasing, but DANG! that straight section was never ending. I kept singing

"this is the shawl that never ends...it just goes on and on my friend... some people started knitting it, not knowing what it was, but they'll continue knitting it forever just because...."

You know the rest.

Pattern: Clapotis from knitty.com
Yarn: SWTC Bamboo in Tequila
Started: February 4, 2005
Finished: July 10, 2005

I love, love, LOVE this yarn... love it to death.

The pattern really wasn't that bad. When I actually put time in on it, it did go relatively fast. I would make another one, but wider. This one is perfect for summer a/c. Maybe something a little heavier (heheheh Noro?) for cooler weather.


Yes, I finally opened my SP mail. WOO HOO! SOCK YARN!! I'm going to make the chutes and ladders socks from SixSock. I was looking for something to make these socks with.

I've been coveting those little sheepy tape measures. It's in my bag already.

YEAH! Another purse pattern! Now I have a reason to hit knitpicks again. Gotta have wool.

Not pictured.... one of those adorable compressed wash cloths. It's hanging on my line drying because I had to let it be free.

Oh what to start on next...

Finito

The clapotis is finally done. 1:09 a.m. I'm tired. I still have to weave in the ends and maybe block. Pictures to come tomorrow. Also received a package from my SP, but didn't open it yet. I wanted to finish the clap.

More coherent post tomorrow?

Maybe.

And the winner is....

St. George, UT

Yep, I've consulted weather charts, job sites, cost of living web sites, travel guides, grilled a missionary or two... you name it, I've checked it out. I'm going to go for a visit in October (should be cool enough by then) to firm up my decision and hopefully plan for a move in Feb/March.

senseless

This kind of makes my stuff seem trivial

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

I do believe I've fallen in love

Why oh why does Lorna's Laces have such beautiful sock yarn?

Lakeview
Uptown
Sweetie
Flames

I refuse to start anything new or work on anything else until the clap is done. I will finish this. I swear. Doesn't mean I can't drool over new yarn ... right?

On a brighter note

I'm decreasing on the clap.

My mom is buying me a subscription to Interweave Knits.

I found my dog brushes so I can card my wool and spin it. (the lady said it was ok instead of investing $$ right off the bat)

I have time to work on projects (when I snap out of my funktified moments)

I bought a boat load of stuff for my SP while still at my old job, so I have everything under control on that front.

I have a roof over my head and food in the kitchen. My pets have food and litter- can you say Costco? Thankfully I stock up on things.

I have 2 RAOK's to send out - ok, so one person already knows that something is coming, but it's all good.

My SP is sending me a package.

I'm in sunny California, I'm in sunny California, I'm in sunny California.

Too strange to be (or not be) real

I went to a temp agency today and although the lady seemed a little rude, I came out a little wiser. I put my self in her place, listened to what I had to say and broke out in tears. Thankfully I was in my car already.

If I was hiring, I wouldn't hire someone with my CA job history. It just sounds completely outrageous.

1st job, through a temp agency was with an attorney who stopped paying his bill - although he did offer to pay me under the table instead of paying the temp agency. I was there three months.

SO, the agency placed me permanently at one of their largest customers where I became the office manager. (oh how I loved that job) 10 months later... they end up closing the doors and filing for bankruptcy.

I FINALLY get a job about 5 months later which lasts 6 weeks before the owner closes the company.

I find a job again at an autobody shop that was going good (although paid crappy and was mind-numbing) and stayed for 2 months.

I left for this GREAT opportunity that paid amazingly and was there 3 weeks - a company being investigated for bribing government employees and fraudulently billing government credit cards. (the owner is being arrested this week... that's why I didn't go back. I don't want to be there when the fed's come in.)

If I hadn't lived it, I would never believe it. I'm just so frustrated. I keep trying and trying. I've never been fired, I'm a great employee. Want to know how fetching desperate I am? I'm going to apply for waitressing jobs. I haven't done that since I put myself through school (10 years ago). At least they won't close tomorrow.

I finally did it...

Turned on the air conditioning.

After 5 days of 100 degree weather, even with the pool, I couldn't take it anymore. I was ready to go off my rocker.

Jen - I wish it cooled off at night here...the past few nights it's been in the 70's and even with fans I just can't get cool enough. If the winds are blowing, it's not that bad. I sooooo wish I could sleep outside, but I'm terrified of black widows.

I have one more repeat on the clap and I can start decreasing. YEAH. Cute pattern...tired of knitting it.

Happy 4th!

Hmmm... blogger won't let me post a picture. So

(imagine great fireworks picture here)


Happy 4th everyone!

Too busy knitting and swimming. Hope it was a great weekend.

Did I mention

It's fetching hot here.

102 yesterday
72 last night (yes, that was the low)
99 today
and more of the same for tonight

not good sleeping weather

blech

"At least it's not humid" - I'm sooooo going to backhand the next person that says that

Lazy Sunday

Uhhh, I mean Saturday.

Yeah, I'm going to leave that typo because, well just because it fits. I woke up this morning in a panic because I didn't know what day it was.. .and there was no drinking involved.

Must have snack today: Cheddar Horseradish Cheese spread and crackers. OH YEAH, it rocks! I'm using it as a substitution for dinner.

Must have lunch today: Panera Bread's Bistro Steak Salad... I could eat one every day. Most of their food is FABULOUS. The french toast bagels are great; even better with the honey walnut cream cheese. If you have one near you...GO .... NOW!!!

I also bought 12 skeins of Cotton Ease in black. Why you ask? Because I saw this great cardigan in Family Circle Easy Knitting that I want to make. I wanted blue ice, but they didn't have enough skeins. Black was the only color with enough... so I bought. They're still in my trunk. I didn't think about it until I got home - what happens when I wash the beautiful black cardigan made with lion brand cotton? (AND I'm sure will take me months to make--come on now people..I'm STILL doing clapotis) It's gonna fade. It's gonna fade hard. I know it.

PLEASE.. someone out has to have used black cotton ease... what did it do?

Still haven't re-cast on sock. Still too pissy. But I did start the purse from hell that my mom wants.

Two words: Fancy fur

Do you feel my pain?

I am not a snob I swear. Novelty yarn has it's place. I even like some of them. But for the love of cheese and crackers.... fur and "kernels of color" that I compare to cotton balls on X. They love me, my shirt, my pants, I even found a piece in my bra earlier (I swear I don't know what happened there!) I'm afraid.

no more sock

Yeah, you stupid pair of socks... you suck!

I got all the way to the heel and decided to try them on...and ended up ripping them out because they were too small. I don't have enough confidence to just add in stitches to the patterns. I'm back on the hunt for a sock pattern.

***EDITED TO ADD***

Found a website that helped me figure out how many stitches I would need to cast on to fit my foot with this yarn. Then found this website with a pattern for a 64 stitch cast on.

Wanted to add, that I don't have HEEL confidence. I haven't done enough heeled socks to feel comfortable not having a pattern to work from.

For all of you WONDERFUL Canadian Bloggers

I'm sure you'll hear tons and tons about the 4th from us down below.... so here's to you!!