Has it really been three weeks since I updated this thing? Wow. I've been really busy at work, but my hours were recently cut. I've also been hurrying to get all of my Saci paperwork together, but at this point I'm just waiting on my loans and a new credit card (the loans were an adventure in and of themselves, and considering I won't get my overpayment until I'm actually in Italy, the new card is a necessary evil. I hope to pay it off as soon as I get my check).
I ordered the Blood Ties DVDs, and they are here, but I'm tucking them aside until Italy, when I will be with limited internet access and no TV or radio.
Tonight Alice and I are going to a midnight showing of Harry Potter. I was going to put it off, but we have to go into Hilliard so she can go to the bank anyway, and the theater is right next to the bank, so we might as well save ourselves a trip. I'm tempted to wear my black graduation robes and go in costume, but I'm a geek like that. :)
An update on the ergonomic crochet hooks: They're intended for people with arthritis in their hands, I think, not people with carpal tunnel. I find I actually have to do more work when I use them rather than less, which is a pain. I like the fact that they are interchangeable (I love it, actually), but I think I might have to pass them on to someone else before I leave. I wanted to take them with me, I just think I'm better off taking 4-5 of my normal hooks, since I know how to make them work for me with the least amount of pain.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me
Yep, that's right. Another year older, as of 8:49 pm, EST. And what a great two days it has been.
I got some of my presents early, things from my mom because apparently, I'm hard to shop for (when did this happen? Seriously. Three words: Amazon Gift Card. That's all you need to know). Both of them came from work--one of those IHome thingies that you can charge your ipod on, and wake up to actual decent music rather than annoying morning shows (that alone makes it worth the $39 price tag), and a super comfy dress in a cotton jersey, light blue. I need to make a couple of alterations, though, so no pictures.
Today, however, I got this:
Counter Clockwise, that would be a handmade necklace from Alice, a set of ergonomic interchangeable crochet hooks (more on that later) and a travel journal from my parents, and a picture of one of the crochet hooks and the test piece I was working on while talking to my uncle on the phone.
Of course, no birthday would be complete without a present to yourself. In my case, I splurged and spent $13 (don't laugh; that's almost two hours pay from my job over here) to get myself this:
That's right. I'm going back to Italy. The letter came yesterday, and I was dancing around work with excitement.
I'll be spending September 2-Dec. 15, then coming back to the US for two weeks, and then flying back Jan. 7-April 22. Alice and I are already plotting spring break in Cardiff. Torchwood sightings, anyone?
I know, some of you are probably wondering why I'm going back. Well, there are a lot of reasons, foremost among them being that if I'm a student, I don't have to repay my student loans just yet. Also, if I want to get into grad school for conservation of textiles, then I kind of need a conservation background, not just an art one, so going back to Saci is pretty much the only way I can get into grad school at this point (which is good, because if I'm not in school then I loose all of my insurance. Which is really, really not good.
Of course, I'm still on the market for that Canadian husband resembling Kyle Schmid so that I can move to Canada and gain citizenship, but alas, no one presented him to me gift wrapped (not that I would have objected unwrapped), so I'll have to settle for the Blood Ties DVD set, which, coincidentally, came out yesterday. Yet another wonderful gift that the world has chosen to present me with!
----
Okay, now for the knitting portion of the show:
Like I mentioned, I got those fancy ergonomic crochet hooks from my mom. I'd been eying them for a while because of my carpal tunnel, but alway nixed them because, well, I'm broke, and it didn't seem right to buy a fancy set of hooks when I already have at least one hook in every size from F on up, and two or three of my most used sizes.
I tested them out while I was on the phone with my uncle, like I said (his birthday was yesterday, by the way. This might be one of the reasons we are so close, despite the 2,000 miles between us).
I have two grips that I use when I crochet, alternating between an underhand grip (the most common, which is a lot like how I'd hold a pencil), and an overhand (which I only use when my wrist hurts and involves my index finger and thumb running on the the top and side of the hook, parallel to the shaft, with the other three fingers curled around it). So far I've found it easiest to use the trigger handle, but the frustrating part of this set is that it forces you to hold the hook in a certain way. I suppose that's the point, training you to change the way you do things, but so far I find all but one of the grips somewhere between awkward and downright uncomfortable. Also, the hook can only face one direction, regardless of how you hold your hand, which is unspeakably irritating.
I'm still using them though, and trying to adapt. If you are interested in the hooks, you can find them here. They run about $15 for two handles and six interchangeable hooks.
My current fiber projects include the blue sweater (still plugging away at that second sleeve), the sample project shown above, a crocheted death cloak/Anubis mask for Anubis (the details of which will be available on the ResinCast blog sometime next week), and a whole hell of a lot of spinning.
In the last two weeks, I finished with the silk/bamboo blend that I began ages ago (remind me never to hand blend fibers. Pain in the arse)then plied the lot, spun the left over blue bamboo into a gorgeous single, spun the black into a single which got turned into the afore mentioned death robes/Anubis mask, spun and plied together the leftover silk, and have begun spinning a blend of grey milk fiber and hot pink merino into something resembling sewing thread, that will eventually become a three ply. If I can get the fibers to stop coming apart at the wrong moment.
Vanyel, of course, is reveling in the attention, since he sat and collected dust for so long. And plying means that he gets to spend time with his beloved Lazy Kate, Tylendel. He is a very happy spinning wheel at the moment. I'm not sure how to break the new that he won't be coming to Italy with me, especially since I don't want to leave him be hind anymore than I want to leave behind my cat, but some things just can't be helped. He's way too expensive and valuable to ship.
And that my dears, is the end of this long-winded update. Hope you enjoyed. :)
I got some of my presents early, things from my mom because apparently, I'm hard to shop for (when did this happen? Seriously. Three words: Amazon Gift Card. That's all you need to know). Both of them came from work--one of those IHome thingies that you can charge your ipod on, and wake up to actual decent music rather than annoying morning shows (that alone makes it worth the $39 price tag), and a super comfy dress in a cotton jersey, light blue. I need to make a couple of alterations, though, so no pictures.
Today, however, I got this:
Counter Clockwise, that would be a handmade necklace from Alice, a set of ergonomic interchangeable crochet hooks (more on that later) and a travel journal from my parents, and a picture of one of the crochet hooks and the test piece I was working on while talking to my uncle on the phone. Of course, no birthday would be complete without a present to yourself. In my case, I splurged and spent $13 (don't laugh; that's almost two hours pay from my job over here) to get myself this:
That's right. I'm going back to Italy. The letter came yesterday, and I was dancing around work with excitement.
I'll be spending September 2-Dec. 15, then coming back to the US for two weeks, and then flying back Jan. 7-April 22. Alice and I are already plotting spring break in Cardiff. Torchwood sightings, anyone?
I know, some of you are probably wondering why I'm going back. Well, there are a lot of reasons, foremost among them being that if I'm a student, I don't have to repay my student loans just yet. Also, if I want to get into grad school for conservation of textiles, then I kind of need a conservation background, not just an art one, so going back to Saci is pretty much the only way I can get into grad school at this point (which is good, because if I'm not in school then I loose all of my insurance. Which is really, really not good.
Of course, I'm still on the market for that Canadian husband resembling Kyle Schmid so that I can move to Canada and gain citizenship, but alas, no one presented him to me gift wrapped (not that I would have objected unwrapped), so I'll have to settle for the Blood Ties DVD set, which, coincidentally, came out yesterday. Yet another wonderful gift that the world has chosen to present me with!
----
Okay, now for the knitting portion of the show:
Like I mentioned, I got those fancy ergonomic crochet hooks from my mom. I'd been eying them for a while because of my carpal tunnel, but alway nixed them because, well, I'm broke, and it didn't seem right to buy a fancy set of hooks when I already have at least one hook in every size from F on up, and two or three of my most used sizes.
I tested them out while I was on the phone with my uncle, like I said (his birthday was yesterday, by the way. This might be one of the reasons we are so close, despite the 2,000 miles between us).
I have two grips that I use when I crochet, alternating between an underhand grip (the most common, which is a lot like how I'd hold a pencil), and an overhand (which I only use when my wrist hurts and involves my index finger and thumb running on the the top and side of the hook, parallel to the shaft, with the other three fingers curled around it). So far I've found it easiest to use the trigger handle, but the frustrating part of this set is that it forces you to hold the hook in a certain way. I suppose that's the point, training you to change the way you do things, but so far I find all but one of the grips somewhere between awkward and downright uncomfortable. Also, the hook can only face one direction, regardless of how you hold your hand, which is unspeakably irritating.
I'm still using them though, and trying to adapt. If you are interested in the hooks, you can find them here. They run about $15 for two handles and six interchangeable hooks.
My current fiber projects include the blue sweater (still plugging away at that second sleeve), the sample project shown above, a crocheted death cloak/Anubis mask for Anubis (the details of which will be available on the ResinCast blog sometime next week), and a whole hell of a lot of spinning.
In the last two weeks, I finished with the silk/bamboo blend that I began ages ago (remind me never to hand blend fibers. Pain in the arse)then plied the lot, spun the left over blue bamboo into a gorgeous single, spun the black into a single which got turned into the afore mentioned death robes/Anubis mask, spun and plied together the leftover silk, and have begun spinning a blend of grey milk fiber and hot pink merino into something resembling sewing thread, that will eventually become a three ply. If I can get the fibers to stop coming apart at the wrong moment. 
Vanyel, of course, is reveling in the attention, since he sat and collected dust for so long. And plying means that he gets to spend time with his beloved Lazy Kate, Tylendel. He is a very happy spinning wheel at the moment. I'm not sure how to break the new that he won't be coming to Italy with me, especially since I don't want to leave him be hind anymore than I want to leave behind my cat, but some things just can't be helped. He's way too expensive and valuable to ship. And that my dears, is the end of this long-winded update. Hope you enjoyed. :)
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Sigh
By now everyone has probably realized that I'm not the best at the whole promotional advertising thing. I try, but really, not that good at it. So, after much debate, I decided this week that I am closing down my etsy shop. Basically, I'm taking offers. Want something? Just tell me how much. I'm sick of looking at this stuff. I've still got items that were posted when I originally made set up the shop. I had things that I wanted to add, but they just weren't cost effective. Since it opened in 2007, I've lost over $100 to etsy, either through fees, shipping, or materials. I tried the whole "you have to spend money to make money" thing, and it really never worked out. So, either it sells or it's gone. Some of it I might give away or tear apart, but a lot of it will probably end up in the trash--like the wool. I doubt the local thrift shop will take roving, and I don't know any knitters here who aren't allergic to it. So, save a fleece and make a purchase. Really.
It's just been kind of depressing in general in internet land for me. See, on top of shutting down my etsy site, I also have been skimming though the job boards on ravelry, and it's like a graveyard there. All of these "ISO Work" listings, and no one hiring. There has to be a way for a group of skilled fiber artists of varrying sorts from around the country (or the world) to make a living doing what they love. I just can't think of a way to do it that would provide fair pay to everyone without giving the customers sticker shock (or outright heart attacks, if they didn't die laughing first). What do you guys think? Some kind of fiber arts collaborative? I keep thinking of programs that I set up for spinners and knitters in third world countries, but those women get paid pennies (even if they're still paid double what anyone else in the area receives), and then their products come here and we get $40-50 balls of yarn, or $150 sweaters. So how could an American female support her family on her knitting without charging thousands of dollars? How could she do it with a product that normal people could afford and find useful?
Any thoughts would be welcome. It just doesn't seem right that there are so many people out there with these skills and the exact same problem finding employment, and yet no way to join the two.
It's just been kind of depressing in general in internet land for me. See, on top of shutting down my etsy site, I also have been skimming though the job boards on ravelry, and it's like a graveyard there. All of these "ISO Work" listings, and no one hiring. There has to be a way for a group of skilled fiber artists of varrying sorts from around the country (or the world) to make a living doing what they love. I just can't think of a way to do it that would provide fair pay to everyone without giving the customers sticker shock (or outright heart attacks, if they didn't die laughing first). What do you guys think? Some kind of fiber arts collaborative? I keep thinking of programs that I set up for spinners and knitters in third world countries, but those women get paid pennies (even if they're still paid double what anyone else in the area receives), and then their products come here and we get $40-50 balls of yarn, or $150 sweaters. So how could an American female support her family on her knitting without charging thousands of dollars? How could she do it with a product that normal people could afford and find useful?
Any thoughts would be welcome. It just doesn't seem right that there are so many people out there with these skills and the exact same problem finding employment, and yet no way to join the two.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Spinning a Tangled Web
So...um...I'm going to preface this by saying that I was following that new healthy plan for a week before I made that last post.
I didn't so much fall off the wagon for 48 hours, as fall, then was backed over and dragged for a few miles.
It started with icecream for dinner, because when you get off work a t 10pm, you often don't feel like cooking, even if it's just mac and cheese (which really, is about as healthy as icecream). It ended with a cookie for breakfast, pizza for lunch (because I forgot the one I'd packed), and my dad's cooking for dinner, which consisted of homemade chicken fingers and french fries. Soooo good, but the kind of food where you can feel your arteries clogging as you eat it.
My internal clock has also been off for the last too days, meaning that my only exercise has been running around putting stuff away at work (which, honestly, I think should count for something. Please be nice to your local retail associates. We work our asses of trying to make people happy, and more often than not we get yelled for things we have no control over).
Okay. Now that I've just written a page of excuses...
Hey look! Spinning!
This hand dyed bamboo. Can you believe it? I love the way it dyed, and it's spinning so wonderfully. I though it would completely fall apart, but it's just fantastic.
The ball of black on the left is also bamboo (both were dyed with fiber reactive dyes). The one on the right is hand dyed, hand carded 50/50 silk bamboo.
Speaking of hand carding, I NEVER want to do it again. Ever. That little ball of silk/bamboo? Sat on my wheel, staring at me for months before I managed to finish it. I was actually supposed to have three times that amount, but I decided I was sick of hand blending the fibers and it was time to spin something that I would enjoy.
(by the way, the bamboo I'm spinning now is the same bamboo that I used in the silk blend.)
Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever shipped a wheel internationally before? How much did it cost?
I didn't so much fall off the wagon for 48 hours, as fall, then was backed over and dragged for a few miles.
It started with icecream for dinner, because when you get off work a t 10pm, you often don't feel like cooking, even if it's just mac and cheese (which really, is about as healthy as icecream). It ended with a cookie for breakfast, pizza for lunch (because I forgot the one I'd packed), and my dad's cooking for dinner, which consisted of homemade chicken fingers and french fries. Soooo good, but the kind of food where you can feel your arteries clogging as you eat it.
My internal clock has also been off for the last too days, meaning that my only exercise has been running around putting stuff away at work (which, honestly, I think should count for something. Please be nice to your local retail associates. We work our asses of trying to make people happy, and more often than not we get yelled for things we have no control over).
Okay. Now that I've just written a page of excuses...
Hey look! Spinning!
This hand dyed bamboo. Can you believe it? I love the way it dyed, and it's spinning so wonderfully. I though it would completely fall apart, but it's just fantastic.
The ball of black on the left is also bamboo (both were dyed with fiber reactive dyes). The one on the right is hand dyed, hand carded 50/50 silk bamboo.
Speaking of hand carding, I NEVER want to do it again. Ever. That little ball of silk/bamboo? Sat on my wheel, staring at me for months before I managed to finish it. I was actually supposed to have three times that amount, but I decided I was sick of hand blending the fibers and it was time to spin something that I would enjoy.
(by the way, the bamboo I'm spinning now is the same bamboo that I used in the silk blend.)Just out of curiosity, has anyone ever shipped a wheel internationally before? How much did it cost?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Ice cream for dinner is healthy, right?
So, a couple of weeks ago, Jennifer (AKA MajorKnitter, whom I had no idea read this blog and I am extremely flattered that she does) suggested giving up processed sugar/sugar substitutes in order to help with my allergies. Since I was already trying three different OTC medications, lost my insurance when I graduated making prescriptions out of the question, and the only other suggestion I'd gotten was snorting lukewarm saltwater, I decided to give it a shot.
I already avoid sugar replacements like Splenda and Sweet'n'low, because the aftertaste is disgusting and it makes me feel kind of ill (also, Alice is allergic to fake sugar, so it usually never crosses our threshold). I figured that aside from the allergies, now would be a good time to cut out the processed bits, since I've been trying to get healthier.
I've set out several rules for myself. They're based on one simple belief: All things in moderation. I'm not cutting out any food group completely (not even sweets). My goal is to find a balance in all things; balance that has been lacking from my life for the last four years. I've got enough stress in my life due to financial issues without adding what I eat to the list. I'm not going to punish myself or beat myself up if I slip. The goal is to find a balance somewhere between only having 15 minutes to eat and NOT eating from a vending machine, and working for hours at the computer but still making time to go for a walk or dance or do something.
Care to join me? Here are my "rules":
1. No fake sugar. No sweetners, high fructose corn syrup, etc. Use the real stuff, and use cane sugar when you can.
2. Only fresh meat, cheese, vegetables, and bread. No wonderbread or anything like that. It has to come from the bakery, because it has fewer chemicals and is fresher. We usually get either Italian or wheat.
3. Frozen vegetables and fruits are good to have on hand as a stand by, but fresh is better.
4. Absolutely no dieting allowed. "Diet" items tend to be full of chemicals and fake sweetners. If you want a soda, go for regular. The Jones sodas are better (made with cane sugar and fewer chemicals), but water is best.
5. I love juice. I'm drinking only juices that are 100% juice.
6. I'm allowed one chocolate indulgence a day. I'm also letting myself have other candies and sweets, but there has to be a movie involved. Why? Because of money, movies are a special treat. So if we go to Blockbuster (maybe once every two weeks) or to a theater or whatever, then I can buy candy there (usually Sour Patch, because those are my favorite), but I can't get it from the grocery store where it's really accessible.
7.I'm trying to work out every day. I have a series of exercises that I'm doing every day. They're just low impact things to help strengthen my muscles again. You remember my knee? Yeah. Caused by weak thigh muscles that couldn't hold my patella in place anymore. I have awful periods and back pain because I don't have any abdominal strength. And my carpal tunnel gets aggravated because I have no arm strength.
My list looks like this:
10-15 push ups (I do mine by bracing my hands on a hip-high counter; I've never been able to do them on the floor. My goal is to get there, though, by slowly lowing the thing I'm leaning on)
15-20 crunches
15-20 knee lifts (just sitting and lifting my legs straight out. I do this with a 1.5lb weight on each ankle. After doing 20 or so lifts, I hold my legs straight out for 30 seconds)
15-20 leg lifts (as in, laying on my side and lifting one leg at a time (again, with a weight)
After this, I switch the weights to my arms and do a "boxing dance" Basically, I punch the air in time to a song (my current favorite is "I Don't Care" by FallOut Boy). The important thing is that the strokes are powerful, creating my own resistance. I go straight out, then straight up, and throw in a couple of lifts from the side as well.
8. I bought a DVD of a cardio workout, which I'm going to try to do at least once a week. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll probably start out doing just the first part, and work my way up from there. It's danced based, and I love to dance, so it should be fun.
I think that's all of it. I might add more if I realize I've forgotten something. As you can see, this is really basic. It's not one of those "loose five pounds in a week" diets. I'm trying to change my lifestyle, so I'm not doing anything drastic, just little things here and there. Maybe my list isn't for you, but you're welcome to use it as a basis for your own small changes.
Basically, the healthiest I've been was actually in Italy, because I walked everywhere and it was almost impossible to even find processed foods. Our veggies came straight from the farmers, and even our "easy meals" were low in salt and preservatives, and didn't come drowning in sauce or gravy. I've never seen butter, white bread, and even snacks that were so healthy. I'm trying to get back to that.
Care to join me? Let me know. Leave a comment. I don't really have a support system for healthy living out here, especially since our choices for groceries are Walmart (mostly chemicals) and Kroger (where everything costs about twice as much as Walmart, and is out of my budget).
Wish me luck!
Do you see what I have to put up with? No help, whatsoever. Lies on his back while I'm trying to work out...he's already killed three of the plants I was starting indoors.
I already avoid sugar replacements like Splenda and Sweet'n'low, because the aftertaste is disgusting and it makes me feel kind of ill (also, Alice is allergic to fake sugar, so it usually never crosses our threshold). I figured that aside from the allergies, now would be a good time to cut out the processed bits, since I've been trying to get healthier.
I've set out several rules for myself. They're based on one simple belief: All things in moderation. I'm not cutting out any food group completely (not even sweets). My goal is to find a balance in all things; balance that has been lacking from my life for the last four years. I've got enough stress in my life due to financial issues without adding what I eat to the list. I'm not going to punish myself or beat myself up if I slip. The goal is to find a balance somewhere between only having 15 minutes to eat and NOT eating from a vending machine, and working for hours at the computer but still making time to go for a walk or dance or do something.
Care to join me? Here are my "rules":
1. No fake sugar. No sweetners, high fructose corn syrup, etc. Use the real stuff, and use cane sugar when you can.
2. Only fresh meat, cheese, vegetables, and bread. No wonderbread or anything like that. It has to come from the bakery, because it has fewer chemicals and is fresher. We usually get either Italian or wheat.
3. Frozen vegetables and fruits are good to have on hand as a stand by, but fresh is better.
4. Absolutely no dieting allowed. "Diet" items tend to be full of chemicals and fake sweetners. If you want a soda, go for regular. The Jones sodas are better (made with cane sugar and fewer chemicals), but water is best.
5. I love juice. I'm drinking only juices that are 100% juice.
6. I'm allowed one chocolate indulgence a day. I'm also letting myself have other candies and sweets, but there has to be a movie involved. Why? Because of money, movies are a special treat. So if we go to Blockbuster (maybe once every two weeks) or to a theater or whatever, then I can buy candy there (usually Sour Patch, because those are my favorite), but I can't get it from the grocery store where it's really accessible.
7.I'm trying to work out every day. I have a series of exercises that I'm doing every day. They're just low impact things to help strengthen my muscles again. You remember my knee? Yeah. Caused by weak thigh muscles that couldn't hold my patella in place anymore. I have awful periods and back pain because I don't have any abdominal strength. And my carpal tunnel gets aggravated because I have no arm strength.
My list looks like this:
10-15 push ups (I do mine by bracing my hands on a hip-high counter; I've never been able to do them on the floor. My goal is to get there, though, by slowly lowing the thing I'm leaning on)
15-20 crunches
15-20 knee lifts (just sitting and lifting my legs straight out. I do this with a 1.5lb weight on each ankle. After doing 20 or so lifts, I hold my legs straight out for 30 seconds)
15-20 leg lifts (as in, laying on my side and lifting one leg at a time (again, with a weight)
After this, I switch the weights to my arms and do a "boxing dance" Basically, I punch the air in time to a song (my current favorite is "I Don't Care" by FallOut Boy). The important thing is that the strokes are powerful, creating my own resistance. I go straight out, then straight up, and throw in a couple of lifts from the side as well.
8. I bought a DVD of a cardio workout, which I'm going to try to do at least once a week. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll probably start out doing just the first part, and work my way up from there. It's danced based, and I love to dance, so it should be fun.
I think that's all of it. I might add more if I realize I've forgotten something. As you can see, this is really basic. It's not one of those "loose five pounds in a week" diets. I'm trying to change my lifestyle, so I'm not doing anything drastic, just little things here and there. Maybe my list isn't for you, but you're welcome to use it as a basis for your own small changes.
Basically, the healthiest I've been was actually in Italy, because I walked everywhere and it was almost impossible to even find processed foods. Our veggies came straight from the farmers, and even our "easy meals" were low in salt and preservatives, and didn't come drowning in sauce or gravy. I've never seen butter, white bread, and even snacks that were so healthy. I'm trying to get back to that.
Care to join me? Let me know. Leave a comment. I don't really have a support system for healthy living out here, especially since our choices for groceries are Walmart (mostly chemicals) and Kroger (where everything costs about twice as much as Walmart, and is out of my budget).
Wish me luck!
Do you see what I have to put up with? No help, whatsoever. Lies on his back while I'm trying to work out...he's already killed three of the plants I was starting indoors.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Yay! No More Pain!
Thanks to my wonderful mother, a former OT, my knee no longer hurts. I guess I've been a bad girl, letting my quads get weak, so my knee cap decided to go for a little walk around the block without me. My mom has the same problem from time to time, so she popped it back into place (really, doesn't hurt as much as it sounds like it would), and told me to ice it and do some exercises, which I'm doing.
Called off work today...er, yesterday...because of the knee. Working nine hours on a bad knee is not something a recommend doing. Feeling up to going in later today, though.
Fixed the first sleeve on the sweater and got a little less than 1/2 done with the body. I've just started the cuff for the second sleeve and am about 15 rows in. No more spinning, though I've really been wanting to get back to that. I was avoiding it yesterday and today, though, because I like to treadle with my left foot (the bad one), and I have to card everything as I go, which is such a pain. No more blending fibers, I'm just going to buy them as I want them from now on. :)
I've started listening to two new podcasts; Brass Needles, which is scifi/knitting themed, and Stitches in Time, which has an excerpt from a turn of the century book for the first half, and then the knitting content of the host. I prefer the books to the knitting content, actually, but I'm still listening to the early episodes so I'm hoping that bit gets more interesting as you go along. Both are free on Itunes.
If you've been following my writing blog (Link in sidebar), I've begun updating it again. Sorry about the long break. Life happened in spades (again/continually) and it was more than I could handle. I had to skim back on a lot of things the last few months. I'm picking up now though: I'm trying to write and craft more, I'm working on the BJD podcast, I'm trying to updated here and on Etsy more (still working on that) and I'm picking up hours at work. It feels so good to be able to do things I enjoy again, I can't even begin to tell you.
Called off work today...er, yesterday...because of the knee. Working nine hours on a bad knee is not something a recommend doing. Feeling up to going in later today, though.
Fixed the first sleeve on the sweater and got a little less than 1/2 done with the body. I've just started the cuff for the second sleeve and am about 15 rows in. No more spinning, though I've really been wanting to get back to that. I was avoiding it yesterday and today, though, because I like to treadle with my left foot (the bad one), and I have to card everything as I go, which is such a pain. No more blending fibers, I'm just going to buy them as I want them from now on. :)
I've started listening to two new podcasts; Brass Needles, which is scifi/knitting themed, and Stitches in Time, which has an excerpt from a turn of the century book for the first half, and then the knitting content of the host. I prefer the books to the knitting content, actually, but I'm still listening to the early episodes so I'm hoping that bit gets more interesting as you go along. Both are free on Itunes.
If you've been following my writing blog (Link in sidebar), I've begun updating it again. Sorry about the long break. Life happened in spades (again/continually) and it was more than I could handle. I had to skim back on a lot of things the last few months. I'm picking up now though: I'm trying to write and craft more, I'm working on the BJD podcast, I'm trying to updated here and on Etsy more (still working on that) and I'm picking up hours at work. It feels so good to be able to do things I enjoy again, I can't even begin to tell you.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Gimp
Does anyone know where I can trade in my body for a slightly newer, more gently used version (and preferably ten pounds lighter? Maybe with better skin and hair that's an actual color)? See, this past week, my allergies attacked with a vengence. The problem with Ohio is that it doesn't have Allergy Season. You just have to keep the meds and the tissue box handy from March until October and hope for the best. My nose is raw, and this evening is the first time in three days I've been able to breathe with my mouth closed. It hasn't been fun, and there's no telling how long it will last.
To top it off, I did something to me knee this afternoon. No idea what, but it feels like it's been twisted or something, and I can hardly put any weight on it (and wouldn't you know it, about five minutes after I settled in with the rice cozy, my boss calls to ask if I could pick up a nine hour shift). Heat, cold, pain killers--none of them are really doing much. I can't see any swelling or anything out of place, it just HURTS.
Anyway. To take my mind off of that, I've been knitting. I got all the way done with the sleeve, was about to cast off--and then I realized that my measurements were way off. So I ripped back six inches and started again. I'm just about to cast off again, hopefully this time it will be right.
I did a little bit of spinning. The house has been topsy turvy from getting the kitchen re-done, so I didn't have anyplace to work. But I cleared a spot for my wheel, and spun a few yards of the silk/bamboo mix I've only been working on since, oh, March? February? Earlier? and am still less than halfway done with.
Did a little sewing but I really need to oil poor Gemma, and my bottle of oil is nowhere in sight. Anyone know of an alternative to sewing machine oil until I find it?
I went to the Asian Festival over the weekend, but a full report on that will have to wait, since it's already almost midnight and I'm not done yet with everything I need to do.
To top it off, I did something to me knee this afternoon. No idea what, but it feels like it's been twisted or something, and I can hardly put any weight on it (and wouldn't you know it, about five minutes after I settled in with the rice cozy, my boss calls to ask if I could pick up a nine hour shift). Heat, cold, pain killers--none of them are really doing much. I can't see any swelling or anything out of place, it just HURTS.
Anyway. To take my mind off of that, I've been knitting. I got all the way done with the sleeve, was about to cast off--and then I realized that my measurements were way off. So I ripped back six inches and started again. I'm just about to cast off again, hopefully this time it will be right.
I did a little bit of spinning. The house has been topsy turvy from getting the kitchen re-done, so I didn't have anyplace to work. But I cleared a spot for my wheel, and spun a few yards of the silk/bamboo mix I've only been working on since, oh, March? February? Earlier? and am still less than halfway done with.
Did a little sewing but I really need to oil poor Gemma, and my bottle of oil is nowhere in sight. Anyone know of an alternative to sewing machine oil until I find it?
I went to the Asian Festival over the weekend, but a full report on that will have to wait, since it's already almost midnight and I'm not done yet with everything I need to do.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Hey, Look Over There! Knitting!
I present you with: A very exciting photo of 3/4 of a stockinette sleeve. Ooh, Aah. Have you ever seen anything as interesting?
I <3 Sarcasm, by the way. Just in case you didn't notice.
So what is going on in CrazyLand? Well, for starters our kitchen is getting redone by our landlord, who wants to sell the house this year. Which means we have no appliances except the fridge, everything from the kitchen is in the dinning room (which was our craft room) and everything from the dinning room (i.e. all of our craft and art supplies) has been moved into our bedrooms, because once the kitchen has been put to rights, the dinning room is getting re-done. And I didn't know about any of this (at least the part involving the dinning room) until after I had finished cleaning and organizing my room, which I'd been meaning to do since December. Let me just express how happy I was to move all of that stuff into my (newly cleaned) living space: #$%^*&##$%^&%@@¢∞¶™!$&%$#µµ∫˚©ß†ˆ¬˚…∂å%**^@!#$!$%^&**!!
I keep asking if they need help (the landlord and his wife), but they keep saying no, so I've been hiding in my room knitting for the last few days. I feel kind of guilty because their son has been coming from the East Side to help, but every time I ask, "No, we've got it."
In better news, my printer came yesterday, which surprised me since I'd only ordered it on the 18th. It's shiny and spiffy and photo quality with a flatbed scanner and I can't wait until my mini comes to try it out. I could hook up the laptop, I suppose, but I prefer to only install things once. Now if only I could get the rebate center to work and get my $100 back, everything would be just dandy.
I've been in a much better humor since graduation. Probably because I have time to breathe now, and it doesn't feel like every single thing has to be done RIGHT THIS SECOND OR OH MY GOD THE WORLD WILL END AND I WILL DIE ON THE STREET. I have a little bit of leeway at least, though the job hunt continues and I still don't have any options for grad school.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Graduated
Well, it's official. I'm graduated, and have joined the ranks of the working adult (*snort*). The day before the ceremony, my graduation present to myself (ordered a couple of months ago) arrived in the mail. You can veiw him here (You may need a Den of Angels account in order to see the thread).
I won't tell you how much I raked in from my graduation party. I will, however, tell you that I ordered a Mac Mini and a new printer (the printer was free, by the way, once I send in the rebate), so you can do the math on your own. Mac makes me squee.
So far, being Graduated isn't that exciting. Especially since I requested to start working 40 hours and am stuck with 18-25, which is exactly what I was putting in during the school year (that sinus infection? Totally a result of working 7 days a week for two months immediately after having my wisdom teeth out).
I started knitting again. I'm making a sweater out of the Spa yarn at JoAnns (is that Carron? I think it might be. It's bamboo/cotton/acrylic). I'm about halfway done with the first sleeve. Pictures when it's a little more exciting.
Speaking of excitement...I have none. See you when I do.
I won't tell you how much I raked in from my graduation party. I will, however, tell you that I ordered a Mac Mini and a new printer (the printer was free, by the way, once I send in the rebate), so you can do the math on your own. Mac makes me squee.
So far, being Graduated isn't that exciting. Especially since I requested to start working 40 hours and am stuck with 18-25, which is exactly what I was putting in during the school year (that sinus infection? Totally a result of working 7 days a week for two months immediately after having my wisdom teeth out).
I started knitting again. I'm making a sweater out of the Spa yarn at JoAnns (is that Carron? I think it might be. It's bamboo/cotton/acrylic). I'm about halfway done with the first sleeve. Pictures when it's a little more exciting.
Speaking of excitement...I have none. See you when I do.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Home Again
Remind me to never make another seven hour drive without cruise control EVER AGAIN.
Also, I never want to see Uniontown, PA again. Ever. The end.
Hermes missed me. He actually let me cuddle him. Twice. Also, while we were gone, stole a ball of yarn from the craft room, and while Mr. Alice's Dad was sleeping, turned the living room and dinning room into a wooly spider web. I empathize completely.
Today Mom and I are getting some of the food together for my graduation party, and I'm taking her to see Star Trek here in a bit. I'll also be picking up prints and a photo cd of the trip, so I can share those tomorrow.
Not much else going on; mostly it's just been traveling and sleeping and cooking.
Also, I never want to see Uniontown, PA again. Ever. The end.
Hermes missed me. He actually let me cuddle him. Twice. Also, while we were gone, stole a ball of yarn from the craft room, and while Mr. Alice's Dad was sleeping, turned the living room and dinning room into a wooly spider web. I empathize completely.
Today Mom and I are getting some of the food together for my graduation party, and I'm taking her to see Star Trek here in a bit. I'll also be picking up prints and a photo cd of the trip, so I can share those tomorrow.
Not much else going on; mostly it's just been traveling and sleeping and cooking.
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