riizu.blogspot.com

What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?

When I was 14 or 15, we went on a vacation to Presqu'il Provincial Park with some family friends. We went two summers in a row and stayed in a cottage on the water and stayed for a week. What made it so memorable? So many things… I can count on one hand the number of times I've gone on that kind of vacation with a cottage and everything. The family we spent those times with are as close as you can get to being family without actually being related. I will never forget the good times I had with them. The father, James, passed away from Cancer a few years ago. I think of them, and James, a lot, and I will never forget it or them.

In other news, I went to the gym Monday for the first time in MONTHS and discovered that I've lost 10 pounds. Woo!! Another five and I think I'll be pretty satisfied, and if I can manage to get down to 135 again, I think that would be quite a day for celebration ^_____^

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The initial plan was to stick to the pattern. I am apparently incapable of doing that. Everything I've knit since the very beginning has been modified is some way or another; yarn, needle size, size of the object being knitting, etc, etc… So of course, Thermal is no exception. I started with deciding to make it longer.

Looking at people's FO's on Ravelry made me decide that I probably want a longer sweater than what's pictured. Just preference. Then I'm all like, oh yeah, I can do short row shaping and put in darts. No problem. Just ignore the fact that I'm completely new at this, have never done a sweater before, and just thinking about doing this is giving me panic attacks.

Okay, so, we have the lengthened sweater, the short row shaping, and then we're removing the "split" with the buttons. Yeesh… I'm afraid that I'm biting off more than I can chew here. I also don't like that I have to bind of the inside edge and pick up to do the ribbing later. I'm af raid that it's going to look like crap and these months of effort are all going to be a waste because I fail at the stupid neckline finish.

On a happier note: I am now officially 30%! Behold!


BOOKS! I love books. I read a lot. I'm very sad that since I started knitting, reading has very much taken the back burner. I guess I could get audio books, but it's just not the same *sigh*. To fill this hole, I have begun buying knitting books ^__^;;;; Here are some of my newest acquisitions.


BOOK REVIEW:
Cables & arans: 250 stitches to knit Interweave Press; The Harmony Guides edited by Erika Knight

I was hesitent to buy any of the harmony guides after reading some reviews that though they are helpful, the photos left a little to be desired; too small, and didn't show enough detail with the patterns.

After looking at the lace guide, I completely understand what they were complaining about, however I found the cable guide not to have the same problem. IMO there are a lot of patterns in here that I would love to try, it includes written instructions as well as charts, and even the non-knitter boyfriend was interested and wanted to flip through and see what was there. I'm looking forward to modifying patterns in the future to incorporate some of the patterns from this book ^___^

BOOK REVIEW:
Knitting Lingerie Style: More than 30 basic and lingerie-inspired designs
by Joan McGowan-Michael

I was very excited with this book. I have been looking for a book with some nice, fitted designs. Ones that maybe I can modify, but don't necessarily have to. All of the designs in this book could either be made as lingerie, or done "appropriately" for every day wear. They are lovely and I can't wait to try out some of them!

More resolutions? Maybe. I read on someone's blog recently that they have resolved to not have more than 3 WIPs at any given time, and I think that sounds like a a really good idea. I could see getting bored with things, and then just never finishing them, but if you resolve to not start anything new until something is done, FO's will magically appear! Right? I think so.

In other news, Thermal is coming along. I have 7 inches or so more to go before I can do something "more interesting" like bust shaping and arm holes and the like so progress on that front will either be minimal or really boring to read about ^^;;. I did knit up a sleep mask because I broke mine and the apartment accross the way is way to bright and makes it hard to sleep. Pattern? I made one up cause I couldn't find one I liked.

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Hot Cocoa Swap Blog Challenge #3:
What is the most 'random' memory you have from your childhood?

I'm not sure about random… wouldn't they all count as random? I think she means odd things, or odd occurrences. I think after awhile it all blends into a fabric of moments for me. Time where I was acutely aware of what I was doing, regardless of why. Like sitting under a gazebo making bracelets out of gimp at summer playground, or my first time riding a horse, or having the pants scared off me at an overnight camp by older kids telling horror stories.

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In other news, I've been a very active knitter in the community this week! I went to two meet-ups (one at the Alta Vista Library and the other an Ottawa KnitNites at the Bridgehead on Third Avenue). There's also been a scheduled Spins & Needles craft night on Friday planned that I'd really like to go to. The only concern there is that I'm also hosting a tea party (tea stash busting party) on Saturday and need to make sure I'll have enough time to prepare. I'm a little concerned that if I go out on Friday night I'll run out of time. We'll see how it goes, I'll have to go by ear. Happy knitting everyone!

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

Since I only started knitting seriously in November (learned mid summer), so far all of my knits have been "winter" oriented. Frankly, I'm looking forward to knitting something sumery like a cami or tank top. I think my knitting will change with the seasons. New inspiration, new purposes. It's a way of driving my creativity maybe… I hadn't thought on it too much until now.

And since I'm so new, I'm experiencing all different types of fibers this season! I've used straight up wool, yes, but I've also used some Misti Alpaca, Merino silk blends and some straight up cotton too. It's been a season for experimentation I suppose. I did use a super wash wool that I think turned out quite nice (mittens) and it was way more comfortable than I was expecting them to be for something that was entirely wool. Usually I find it scratchy, but not this time. I really do want to move into socks and start experimenting with sock yarns. Soon soon!

The Recipe For Liz

3 parts Impishness 2 parts Fun 1 part Glamour Splash of Fascination Finish off with whipped cream

No, those aren't the ones I saw, but aren't they cute anyway? Now when was it? I think it was Thursday night last week. Right! Dropping some friends off at home after a movie (GO SEE SWEENY TODD!) last week, we passed a transport truck full of sheep. ^___^ They were cute and awesome and we're not thinking about where they were going *lalalalala* Regardless, they had floppy ears and they made my day (aside from Sweeny Todd. Go see it dammit!).

And I know, I know. ANOTHER WIP? I'm crazy, but at least I'm having fun right? Right? Ya, okay, whatever.

I'm knitting Bubby (knitty Fall 2005) for my cocoa swap partner person or other. It's okay to post about it 'cause they don't know who I am mwa haha ha! (link on Ravelry)

It's Mission Falls Cotton 1824 so the toy should be soft. I plan to use white for facial features and haven't decided what's going around his neck as of yet. Probably ribbbon or something. So far, I have the body, the head (not stuffed yet, but will be soon) and one arm.

On this project, I have learned how to knit using the Magic Loop method, and how to graft (kitchener stitch). Go me! So far, he has most of his stuffing but has no legs. Oh Noes!. Poor Bubby needs some help.



I had started a hat for my friend Jeannine, but I'm frogging because I think I need to use smaller needles for this yarn. Boo urns. Not to worry though, I'm sure I can find a pattern with a gauge to match (because I'm lazy and don't want to do the math XP)

I'm still knitting away on Thermal from Knitty, I've also started some hats for some friends of mine, hopefully I'll have something worth photographing soon. The sweater is coming along really well. I'm almost done the first skein, so go me!

And now, the Hot Cocoa Blog Challenge thingy:

1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Criquette
2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa: Cindy W
3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States: Amanda R., Devin H., Jenn S.
4. Name a fan of Harry Potter: Devin H.
5. Name someone who crochets: Charity R.
6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions: Kristen M.
7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ): Angela A-H (jan. 7)
8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Carly S.
9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit': Cindy F.
10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring.: Geraldine P.
11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!): Kris L.
12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat: Holly O.
13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate: Cathy D
14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette
15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs: Kerry L.

The Mmmmm… Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire!!!!

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? I love it with milk, in a mug that fits in my hands nicely
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? mmmm whipped cream

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? I'm in love with soft ones with merino in them, and earth tones
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? I learned to knit in July and so crochet is pretty far off right now
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I don't really have a favourite, but I did get some size 6 bamboo needles for Christmas I'd like to try out soon
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? Sort of… I have one cable needle and one set of plastic stitch markers that I keep losing
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? A needle case of some kind.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) Calorimetry (knitty) or some fingerless gloves

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? I love tobaggoning but I never get to do it anymore
2. What is your favorite animal? Chickens
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Yes, usually
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? spend time with loved ones and drink lots of tea
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? Being lighter (no coats, boots… etc.)
6. What are your favorite treat? small amounts of dark chocolate
7. What is your favorite board game? I'm not too big on them, but I seem to remember liking Rat Race
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? we have two guinea pigs, mocha and bean
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Not as far as I know in terms of fibers, but I do have sensitive skin to scratchy wools and I know I'm allergic to hay and cats

Knitting Year in Review

Yeah, okay, so it's not much of a "year" when you've only really learned to knit in July, and have only been seriously knitting since November ^^;; so, many a Christmas 2007 review? *sigh* I'm special.

*ahem* Onward! The final count:

2 pairs of mittens, one of them fingerless
4 hats
4 scarves (1 repeat)
1 dish cloth
1 pair of slippers
1 bag that I really need to line! Gah~!


The biggest loser was probably the bag since I keep meaning to finish it, but never do ^^;; (And you don't even get to see a picture of it so there!)

In first place I think I'll put Dashing fingerless mittens that I knit for my friend Lise (They're going in the mail soon, I promise!) in England because learning how to cable was a pretty big wall for me and I was pretty nervous about it. Thanks to these mittens, I'm fearless!

In close second I think I'll put the mittens I made for Grandpa for Christmas. Another hurdle was colour-work. At least to this degree. I think I was expecting it to be more difficult…


New years eve was an enjoyable evening with some friends, and I started a sweater so that's a great way to start the new year I think!

I was resisting doing the typical new years resolutions this year, but I think maybe I can make some knitting resolutions.

1) Finish this sweater this year. I don't know how ambitious this is, but I do know that I have a crappy attention span so we'll have to wait and see if I lose interest or not.

2) Go to at least one knitting gathering a month

3) Participate in at least one swap per season

4) blog at least once per week (to encourage knitting? Perhaps ^_^)

5) knit a pair of socks!

2007 FO's




 

Drop Lacestitch Wascloth

(Christmas game contribution)

 

Dashing

(Fingerless Mittens at Knitty)

 

Manly Mitts

(free pattern at knitty)

 

Foliage

(hat on Knitty)

 

Cotton slippers

(modified pattern)

 

Calorimetry headband

(free pattern on knitty)

 

Brown vine-stitch scarf

 

Reversible lace-stitch scarf

 

Vine-stitch scarf (blue)

 

Mock-cable slouchy hat in green