dropped stitch? no problemo

So I was innocently weaving in my ends last night when I came across this:

A dropped stitch. Crap! And it’s like 2/3 of the way down, there is no way I am ripping this out. Luckily it's near the edge so my fix doesn't need to be pretty.

I consulted the plethora of knowledge on the Knitlist listserv for some help. Using a piece of scrap yarn, I will weave it in for a few stitches to stabilize the scrap, then stick the needle through the dropped stitch, and weave for a new more stitches. Violia, dropped stitch is repaired.

Panic is averted. Thank you ladies.

Admit defeat

Knitting

I was on business travel in Sarasota, Fla. for the past few days, which makes for lots of knitting-on-planes time. I brought the Jaywalker sock because it’s easy to transport and I had memorized the pattern so I wouldn’t be fumbling with my patterns and my complimentary bag of 8 pretzels.

I finished the leg and started the heel flap when I realized that I was knitting the largest heel flap in the history of sock knitting. This was one more red flag (how many did I need for crying out loud) that this pattern is just not for me. I am throwing in the towel. There are many other sock patterns I want to try. I will just pine away when I visit all of your blogs and see all of your beautiful Jaywalker socks. Sniffle.

Now that I am home I am going to block the Bell Sleeve Shrug and sew it together. I hope to have a FO for you later in the week. That project I am psyched about. The yarn is so groovy.

Dating
Date #2 with Shannon went fine, but I don’t think I want to go out with him again. There is no spark, he doesn’t have the same sense of humor as me, he’s a little mean-spirited, yadda yadda yadda. I have been ruminating on this, thinking I am not giving him a chance, but I hardly even thought about him when I was away this week so the decision is made.

I never called workaholic guy because he’s a workaholic and …

I met Gabriel. Well, we met online and have spoken on the phone a few times. Haven’t met face-to-face yet. He seems really interesting, has had a varied life, grew up in Germany and Canada, lot of energy. Seems like a prospect.

Houston, we have a problem

What is it with people who can’t comprehend personal space?

I was on the bus this morning, one of about 4 people standing. This guy gets on after me and stands right in front of me. He had the whole aisle in front of him, gobs of space to spread out. But no, with his back to me, stands with in inches of me. He even bumped into me a couple of times, a signal I thought would have told him that he was very close to me. Ugh.

I am big proponent of public transportation. The downside is the people.

Knitting
I can’t believe how fast my first Jaywalker is coming along. I hope this gauge is right. Part of me is afraid to even try it on for fear that it won’t fit and I will have to start all over again.


I also realized last night that this will be my second pair of socks made with this yarn. I really love the yarn (Paton’s Kroy in Fancy Free), but do I need two pairs of socks? Maybe I will keep this pair for a gift or something.








Dating
Shannon and I met for a late lunch yesterday in Arlington and then the Textile Museum. The date was fine. I don’t have any major complaints about him, but I am not excited by him either. I am most likely sending him “the vibe” that I send when I am not sure about someone. I might tell him I don’t want to go out again even though when put on the spot, in my car, his face inches from mine, I told him that yes, I would like to go out again. What was I supposed to say?

The Japanese painted silk exhibit was fantastic. It closes Feb. 12 so hurry to the museum (23rd and S St. NW, Washington, DC, in gorgeous Kalorama).

cell phone conversations

Overheard cell phone conversation, last night, corner of Mass. and Wisconsin avenues:

….so when you’re done having an orgasm….

Possible translations:

• Was she talking to someone who was in the middle of an orgasm?

• Relaying a conversation she had the night before?

• What to say when you’re just too bored by the act?

Anyone else care to chime in?


Knitting
On to safer topics. Like languishing projects.

After doing a little more work on the Jaywalker socks I started late last year but put away out of frustration/had to start Christmas knitting, I decided to frog and start over. My initial problem was that the leg was too stiff and tight but I have read somewhere to keep going. I tried on what I had done and couldn’t get it past the middle of my foot. So I swatched, like I should have done all along, and changed to #3 DPNs. Hopefully the larger needles will fix the stiffness problem.


Dating
I am meeting Shannon tomorrow for date #2: lunch and Textile Museum. I had a small epiphany recently that I really don’t give guys a chance if there isn’t that initial chemistry. Not saying that Shannon is a keeper. Just that I have a new approach.

Have another match.com prospect. He is a self-proclaimed workaholic which worries me because that is one of the biggest issue I have with many of the men I date. We’ll see if he gets back to me.

Knitting

Here’s the progress on the shrug. The third ball of yarn isn’t pooling as nicely as the first 2 so I have pulled some of the large areas of brown and started at a more colorful point on the ball of yarn. But I think I am in the home stretch.

I went to pick up my new glasses, that I am still on the fence about, today at Ballston Mall so I treated myself to a manicure. One of the manicurist’s had a small bag with her as she walked in that had knitting needles sticking out of it. I chuckled.

Other Amusements
So little is happening around here. I stayed home Saturday night to watch the Patriots hand the Broncos a win. Jeez, what a ridiculous game that was.

None of the remaining teams (Broncos, Steelers, Seahawks, Panthers) mean anything at all to me. Now that the Patriots are out it seems that Leon’s Sans Super bowl party is on. For the past 10 years, or more, he has thrown a party on Super bowl Sunday, but not football is watched. Hence the name. So clever.

But the Patriots have been in the Super bowl a lot lately, causing much consternation (he’s from N.H.). To keep his friends from New England (me included) happy and in attendance, the game is on in a secluded room. The first year he was really torn because he thought he was letting his (boring) anti-establishment friends down. But now older and wiser, his attitude has morphed into “fuck’em, they know where I am.”

But looks like we are back to no football-watching, sitting around talking about politics and world peace and talking about which third world country I just returned from and keeping small children from sticking their hands in the hummus. Luckily the party is within walking distance of my house.

Girly or not, I like it

Knitting

I finished the charity scarf. It took longer than 2 hours but I finished it over the course of a

couple of days. I was hoping it would be unisex but Corey thought the yarn was girly. I like it, though, and it was quick. Two-strands of yarn made all the difference.

What is this, you ask?

I read on the KnitList about a scarf knitting project for orphans. They are collecting hand-knit or –crocheted red scarves for male and female college students who have aged out of the foster care system. Deadline is Jan. 20.

Here’s some more info if you are interested:

Webpage: http://www.orphan.org/redscarf.htm

Mailing address is:RED SCARF PROJECT, 21351 Gentry Drive, Sterling, VA 20166

Contact person: Annalisa Assaadi


Other Amusements

Gracie’s Poppies is hosting a virtual poetry reading on February 2.


Dating
I called Charles Sunday night and we chatted for a few minutes. Corey thinks I am crazy for keeping in touch with him, but what does he know! I think he is actually a little jealous of Charles. I would like to keep the lines of communication open with him even though he has relocated to St. Louis.

I am meeting Shannon tomorrow night for the first time. We have been emailing for the past week or so and it was going really well. He comes across as smart, interesting, we have things in common like art.

But I talked to him last night and I am not feeling so great about him anymore. He is a professor so he talked like an academic which kind of turned me off. And he kept referring to about all the “young kids” that live in D.C. and he’s only 32!! Cripes. The conversation was kind of negative and critical which also turned me off. And he was defensive about not being a homeowner.

But I am still going to meet him. I don’t like to judge people until I meet them in the flesh.

The rejection recap:
Greg – didn’t hear back after one date and couple of phone calls
Will the Parisian – was getting weird in his emails, like doesn’t go to the movie theater because he doesn’t like to hear people eating popcorn
Rick – I nixed him after deciding his describing competitiveness as a positive trait was too much
The Brit – boring, nothing in common – he probably didn’t even read my profile

Knitting for orphans

Knitting

I ended up frogging what I had done on the Bell-sleeved Shrug because the sleeve was too tight. So I recalculated, increased to #10 ½ needles, and started yet again. So far, so good. And I can see a difference in the way the variegated colors are coming together, and I really like it.

I read on the KnitList about a scarf knitting project for orphans. They are collecting hand-knit or –crocheted red scarves for male and female college students who have aged out of the foster care system. Deadline is Jan. 20.

Here’s some more info if you are interested:

Webpage: http://www.orphan.org/redscarf.htm

Mailing address is:
RED SCARF PROJECT
21351 Gentry Drive
Sterling, VA 20166

Contact person: Annalisa Assaadi.

I found some Lion Brand Homespun in the closet, and a cute free pattern for a 2-hour scarf so I started it this morning. The color isn’t a true red, but falls into the red family in my opinion. It’s that reddish purple color that some people call purple but I have never considered it purple.


Other Amusements
A few of my colleagues and I went to see “Brokeback Mountain” last night in Dupont. It was kind of disappointing. After all the hype and award nominations I am usually let down by the movie. Deanna and I went for beers at Buffalo Billiards afterwards. She really liked the movie but agreed there were some undeveloped story lines. Jake Gyllenhaal sure is gorgeous, though. Heath Leger, not so much.

Last week I saw “Syriana” which I liked a lot. It’s a thinking movie, pay attention. I will see it again because there was so much that I missed. I left the theater feeling really angry. Who really runs this country?

Corey and I are going t see the lights at Brookside Gardens tonight in Wheaton. It closes tomorrow so go if you have been thinking about it. And then the Patriots are on, at 8PM.

Wishy-Washy

Knitting

Since Monday I have been going through my bookmarked knitting blogs, visiting each and every one of you. I just finished. Phew, you people tire me out! So busy traveling, visiting, partying, eating, knitting, eating, resolving, cooking, sneezing.

The general consensus is that the holidays are over, let’s get back to non-gift knitting and real life. Bravo! Great idea.

And the resolutions, so many resolutions. I haven’t done mine yet, but I will. Really.

This past fall I lost my tolerance to bad TV. I could usually stomach a bad show here or there, but I just can’t do it anymore. So now I have more time to spend on the Internet. It’s much more fun.


Dating
Well the match.com floodgates have opened. Must be the New Year’s resolutions (find a date, find a wife, torment some poor unsuspecting girl…) kicking in. Too many prospects, not enough time:

Greg, probably too old (+10)
Will the Parisian
Rick who thinks being competitive is a positive trait - might have to rethink him
Shannon the younger man (-5)
The Brit

I am embarrassed to admit that I bought Dr. Phil’s new book “Love Match.” I don’t ever buy love-self-help books, but it was kind of free because I had a gift card. So far it’s OK, nothing I don’t know. But sometimes you just need a reminder of what you are really looking for in a mate.

I think my biggest block in finding Mr. Right is that I am not sure that I want to be married at all. I think I send a vibe that I am not sure and they run. Charles even called me wishy-washy the other day. I can’t deny it. I am afraid of giving up the life I have made for myself. I have everything set the way I want it. Does that make me selfish? Or deranged? Kidding. It’s hard for me to let anyone into my life, even into my 600 square-foot space. Something to work on this year. Hey, a resolution!

My first FO for 2006

Knitting


I have my first FO for 2006. It might be cheating because this has been sitting in my knitting basket for more than 8 months waiting to be seamed. (That’s it, just seaming. A 30-minute job took me 8 months.) So Sunday morning while watching “Meet the Press,” and sipping my decaf, I finished the sides and the other arm.

This is the Garter Band Pullover from Berroco’s “My First Project volume 2.” Yarn is Cotton Colori from Tahki Yarns, in black. It is very hard to photograph.

Here’s the garter stitch detail around the neck and shoulders, down the center, and around the cuff and bottom edge. I just realized that the sleeves aren’t the same length! LOL


It’s fun to pull this old stuff out to see how much my knitting has improved. The edges were wonky so it was hard to sew – we will see if it holds together. The yarn doesn’t have a lot of stretch to it and the gauge is too big, making this kind of see-through. But I can wear a cami underneath. I like this sweater pattern and would consider making it again. Only better as my skills have improved.


I am working on the Bell Sleeve Shrug.

The yarn I am using is much heavier than the one she used so I am playing with the gauge and altering the pattern. Last night I knitted about 4 inches and decided that the #8 needles were making the fabric to dense. Today I frogged and started with #10s. I think this will work better. I love the colors of this yarn!

Dating
I can’t believe this is happening to me! Why do all the men I have ever had a relationship with linger out there in the ether, waiting to reappear when I have done my best to get over them?

Does this happen to you, too?

Charles called me yesterday, after not hearing from him, or hearing back from him, for a couple of months. I thought that was that, it’s over, I don’t have to think about it anymore. I thought it was going to be easy to forget about him.

Gosh, I like him so much. And I can’t really explain what I find so appealing. He seems so together and “grown up” compared to me.

He sold his house in D.C. and is in St. Louis permanently, “or until a better offer comes along.” What the hell does that mean?

Of all the men I have dated, he is the only one who can talk about his feelings and what he is thinking openly and intelligently. It’s refreshing and very endearing.

We are so different in so many ways. Maybe opposites do attract.

On a completely different note, my date with Greg went well. We had a beer at Murphy’s and watched some of the Redskins game and then went to Asia Café (is that the name of it??) for dinner. He’s the oldest guy I have been on a date with (he’s 10 years older) so that was kind of weird. He looks middle aged which sort of bothered me. But he was very nice, we talked about a lot of different things.

Will this go anywhere? Probably not. I don’t think we have a lot in common, and the age thing could be an issue for me. But I will go out with him again if he asks.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

I am staying home tonight. I was invited to a nice dinner party but decided I wanted to stay home and watch movies or something.

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I usually do, but keep them positive. I am all about self-improvement. I need to do some reflecting on what I want to work on this year. Maybe tonight while watching “Napoleon Dynamite.”

Knitting
Here is a swatch of the Katia “Nepal” I bought yesterday. I love it! The receipt calls it Fuchsia and Pistachio which captures the colors perfectly.



Dating…or Craigslist Strikes Again
A couple of weeks ago I was bored and feeling like dating again so responded to a few ads on Craigslist, one of them being Angelo. His two sentence reply included a picture but little else. Then I went home for Christmas and it sort of lost momentum (read: I lost interest). Angelo didn’t tell me very much about himself so I didn’t really feel like meeting him after all. So I did the polite thing and told him that I wasn’t really interested in pursuing it any further, I am busy, blah blah blah.

This morning there was a message from him in my inbox. Should I open it or not? Could be a polite, thanks, have a nice life, or not.

It was the latter.

The gist of the message was that at my age I have to take what I can get, thanks for wasting my time. (I did everything in my power not to flame him. Something about stooping to his level. In the end, I am glad I didn’t respond to the weak ass.)

At my age?? No, Angelo, I will not be taking what I can get. I have a great life and I hope someone comes along that fits into it. If not, I will be fine.

With that attitude you will be getting what you can take. And she will take and take and take when she smells desperation.

I never learn my lesson. When I do the initial responding it NEVER works. I have an uncanny ability to pick the losers.

Velvet posts the pictures of her dating entourage. It sure is tempting…

Match.com is kind of vanilla, but after the last few guys on Craigslist, make it two scoops with jimmies.

half-priced holiday candy

Knitting

I am ready to totally frog the geometric scarf because it is driving me nuts. How worth it is another scarf? My problem is I can’t figure out the last part of the pattern. I started this project about 10 months ago and put it away because of my frustration.

I figured I had a lot more knitting experience under my belt now so I picked it up again. I think it’s the way the pattern is written. It’s like a word problem in 5th grade math.






I bought this very cool looking yarn at AC Moore today. It’s Katia “Nepal.”










I need to do some swatching but I think I am going to use if for this. I love the sleeves.














Dating
I have a date on New Year’s Day. Starting the year off right! I met Greg on match. He seems nice, we had a good phone conversation yesterday. I am not sure he is my type, but I am looking forward to sushi with him on Sunday in Old Town.

I am approaching dating in a new way in 2006. I tend to give everyone a chance, even the ones that probably don’t need one. I guess I want everyone to like me. But the is totally unrealistic and kind of ridiculous. Like my knitting, I am going to be honest with myself and realistic.

And I have slowly realized that I judge people based on superficial things a lot of the time. I say I don’t, but I really do. Not easy to admit. My biggest hang-up, in life, is doing things to please other people, even total strangers! But every day, since my early 20s when I first realized this, I remind myself amnd try to change it to a more positive character trait.

Henry is slowly creeping back and I am getting curious why. We have the same birthday so I got a message from him, and then another Merry Christmas email, and then today a message wishing me a Happy New Year. We met on match a couple of years ago but it sort of fizzled. I really liked him and it took me a loooong time to get over it. He is the one who taught me that people don’t change, a very import lesson. So I am apprehensive about him suddenly emailing me. We haven’t spoken in many months and he has a girlfriend. The last communication we had I gave it to him straight about his behavior (always canceling plans at the last minute, 3-4-5 times in a row) and I thought that would be the end of it completely. I guess not.

Chris, the guy I met the night the perv was trying to look up my skirt, has vanished. What gives? You can’t call, email, text that you don’t want to go out again? Is treating people like adults such a foreign concept?

About a week ago I get this cryptic text message from him (sent at 5:40AM) after a day of phone tag: Feeling overwhelmed.

It has taken a few days for me to realize that he wasn’t referring to work…

Craigslist-guys tend to be a little sketchy. I guess there is so little buy-in to participate in online dating that they feel like they don’t take it too seriously.

I called Charles to wish him a Merry Christmas but never heard back from him. I really miss him but he is all wrong. I can hear my friend Sophie telling me, “Why do you get involved with men who are unavailable to you?”

So screw you all, I am going to sit home with my half-priced mini Milky Ways and be happy!

Survivor

I survived my trip home to Rhode Island for Christmas. My mother and I didn’t have our knock-down drag-out fight, either. Breakthrough?

All in all, the trip home was nice. I saw my friends Paige and Karen that I have known since childhood. Got my fill of cable TV. Saw my younger brother Ted and my nieces and nephew.

Do you watch this show “Laguna Beach” on MTV? It’s a trip. I am a child of “Beverly Hills 90210” (I also love the “O.C.”) so this show fits right in. I first saw “Laguna Beach” over the summer and was hooked. I didn’t realize that it was real people until much later. Hard to believe those high school kids are real. So I got all caught up this week. One question: what is up with Deiter’s eyebrows? It looks like he trying to emulate those freakish Gotti brothers.

Speaking of “real,” I tried to watch “Sweet 16,” but was so sickened by the whole thing I couldn’t watch for more than 5 minutes. I can watch fake rich people spending their money on ridiculous things but not real ones.

Knitting
My father’s scarf was a hit, but I totally forgot to take a picture! This is my best shot, him modelling. It was down to the wire to finish. I used my time in the airport exclusively to knitting. That evening and following morning I wove in the ends, and there were about a million of them. Then I washed and blocked it and it took freaking forever to dry. I ended up putting in the dryer for a few minutes at a time on Christmas morning. Yikes.

My mother liked her socks, too. At first she didn’t make the connection that I made them.

I have had a nice break from knitting so I am ready to take stock this week of what is still lingering and think about some new projects. I would really like to finish any loose ends before starting anything new. I am on vacation the rest of the week, yay.

Merry Christmas everyone

I don’t know whether to be flattered or offended. I was excerpted on this (stinking) Yankee blog: http://www.waswatching.com/archives/2005/12/rsn_reaction_to.html

I have one word for the Yankees. Karma.


Knitting
It dawned on me today that I leave tomorrow to my parents for Christmas and I haven’t finished knitting my father’s scarf, never mind weaving in the ends and washing and blocking it! What planet have I been on?

On an unrelated note, Grumperina asked:

A year ago I would have added that a large number of
my friends don’t even know I knit, but it’s too late for that – I think everyone
knows by now. How about you? Who knows about your knitting and your knitting
blog, and what are your reasons for revealing (or not) its existence to
these folks? Don’t just leave me a comment – rather consider this a meme and
answer on your own blog ;).

People are slowly learning that I knit. I don't keep it a secret, it just doesn't come up in conversation. Nobody knows about my blog. I write about non-knitting things that I don't want some people reading. If my content was all-knitting-all-the-time it wouldn't be an issue It’s kind of funny. I share things with perfect strangers that I won’t share w/the people I know. I guess that sums up my personality.

I am off to the computer-free zone so Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Holidays.

enough with the food

I can’t fight it any longer. It has been week after week of parties, cakes, pies, cookies, popcorn, candy, English muffins and crumpets, chocolates. My body only wants crap so crap it will get.

Dinner. (Great news Washingtonians, World Market opened in Friendship Heights! I love that place, especially the food.)
I know that I will get back on the wagon after the New Year. My body can only take so much bad food and then I crave broccoli and salad.

I am also licking my wounds. Johnny Damon has gone to the dark side. This is very hard to accept. For a mere $3 million more a year than the Red Sox were offering. So I don’t think it was money. I feel cheated on. He is already calling that team “we.”

Sniffle. I am sure going to miss the beard and Jesus-hair. Steinbrenner doesn't allow any freedom of expression. Snip snip.

But we will get ours. I can't wait for the booos to rain down on Johnny when he plays the Red Sox at Fenway Park this year. Roger Clemens is breathing a sign of relief.

Other Entertainment
Have you ever perused the Rants & Raves section of Craigslist? I do it a few times a year and get my fill but it is very entertaining. Especially on a slow day at work.


Knitting

Here’s the progress on Dad’s scarf. I really like how the stripes are coming together. This yarn feels really warm, too.

I just hope the black doesn’t scare him.

Social Graces

Looky what I got today:

My socks from the Holiday Knits Sox Exchange. Thanks Anastacia! I love them. (Do you have a blog?) The color is great (she hand-dyed them with Easter egg coloring). How fun. She also stuffed the toes with blueberry tea and hot chocolate.

I needed the boost after a ridiculous day w/my troll colleagues. I don’t give my mother enough credit for teaching me social graces. Thank you Mom!

We had our department lunch today at Corduroy. We also revealed our Secret Santa so it’s fun outing and we get gifts.

Our boss had to leave sort of quickly because she had a meeting she had forgotten about so she paid the bill before departing. After she left I mentioned what had transpired and they all played dumb. How could you miss Norma asking for the bill, whipping out her credit card, and paying? I suggested that we not just assume that Norma would foot the bill and that we should pay for our part and offer her the money when we got back to the office. Everyone practically got their calculators out to figure what they owed. It reminded me of my college days when money was particularly tight and we did in fact pull out the calculator and run down the bill to see what you got? That’s what it felt like. What the f*ck? Pay up!

Picture me squirming, doing everything in my power not to read the these cheap sons of b*tches all the riot act. It so pissed me off.

When it was all said and done we had collected $100 for a $240 bill. With $40 of that being mine, that means that 4 people left $15. For a first course, lunch, soft-drinks, dessert, and coffee. That left Norma’s share and one other person who was still holding onto the hope that Norma would pay, like she has done in the past, at $140 for 2 people. Do the math girls.

I was so furious and disappointed. Over the past many years now, my friends and I just split the bill by how many people are there. It all evens out, it makes life easier, and doesn’t leave that awkward moment when everyone has to chip in a few dollars more because some cheap ass didn’t pay their fair share.

We all had a say in what restaurant we went to. We all knew the price range and we all agreed. If money is so tight, why didn’t we go to a less expensive place?

In the end, Norma paid, thank you Norma. But the whole incident left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Happy birthday to me

The b'day weekend

My birthday came and went with little fanfare. Some years I do it big, others I keep it low key. Because it's so close to Christmas it takes a little extra planning. I wasn't feeling this year.

Corey and I went to the holiday market in downtown DC. It was featured in the Post last week so I was really psyched. But it was kind of a dud. Most of the booths were empty, although many of the artists and vendors there were really good. There was some interesting glass jewelry, and some knitters.

There was a guy selling felted bags so I explained to Corey how felting was done. The guy, a**hole that he was, was with a customer but piped up that his felt wasn't made in a washing machine, it was made inTibet. Whatever! So it was made in a sink with hot water and a box grater. (I don't have access to a washing machine to felt, either, buddy.) He must use that line with yuppies so you can charge them hundreds of $$$.

There were some kids from Joy of Motion performing which was cute. But all in all, I was disappointed.

We ate pizza a Matchbox because I have been wanting to go there since it opened. Nice atmosphere, the pizza was good, the people watching even better. They played good music, too, nothing like the cheesy stuff on the web site.

And then we went to see "Walk the Line" which I really liked. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon have great chemistry which is so important for a love story. So often the actors don't zing and the story is totally unbelievable.

Holiday Partying
We had out office holiday party Friday at Maggianos. It was a fun time, it always is. This year there was karaoke so my department sang (if you can call it that) "Santa Baby." We had fun with it, props, hip-shaking, the whole bit. We won our category! But I am not quitting my day job.

After a few drinks and a belly-full of Italian food, some people really let their hair down. It was hysterical.

Oh yeah, knitting
Here's the progress on my father's scarf. I am going with an 8x4 rib to keep it flat. This shouldn't take too long. I am psyched to see how the stripes come out. I used the Random Stripe Generator. It is so much fun to play with!

ready to move on

Knitting

I am looking forward to working on my old projects once Christmas knitting is done. That little list in the right column is very handy.

Sorbet has been languishing so I am going to frog it and make a ballet wrap style sweater. Sorbet is gorgeous and very sexy, but how often will I wear it? The geometric scarf needs to be dealt with, too. When I put it down almost a year ago I was confused about the pattern, but I think I have been away from it long enough, and have some more knitting experience under my belt, that I will be able to finish it quickly.


The winter Knitty is up. There are always really creative and interesting projects, but many of them are things I wouldn't wear. But this season, there are a couple of things that are intriguing me.

Too many scarves maybe?




I bought this lovely yarn on sale many months ago but haven't found the right project for it. I am kind of afraid to use it because I have such high expectations. You know what I mean? I am thinking cardigan. I love this color green so I want to make something I can/will wear a lot. Cardigans are my favorite kind of sweater because you can unbutton to cool off or button-up to keep warm. And in my old age I don't like the pullovers so much.


Dating
I haven't updated you all on the dating scene. After coming on very strong, Chris is practically invisible. What gives? We are playing phone tag at the moment and I admit I am playing it cool. I don't want seem over eager. But I don't want him to think I am not interested. I left him a message on Sunday, returning his call, and haven't heard anything 2 days later. I would like to go out with him again. Hmmm. To call him or not to call him.

KAL FOs

I don't know if Lolly cares anymore, but I finished my Socktoberfest socks. Here they are.

A Christmas gift for my mother. This yarn softened up considerably after I washed them.

My sock buddy, Deirdre (at Knitter from Keene), will probably have her socks very soon, so I think it's safe to advertise that I finished the Holiday Knits Sox Exchange. This yarn is really nice (Knit Picks "Sock Landscape") to knit. It is merino wool, and super soft, I thought it was cotton. And the colors are beautiful. This is a color scheme I wouldn't have picked for myself so I am glad Deirdre mentioned her favorite colors. My only worry is that they won't fit her. I am still figuring out sizing in sock-knitting.

My father's scarf is all that remains for Christmas knitting. I made the mistake of using stockinette for his scarf so it is curling. I have to rip it out and either rib it or use a border to keep it flat. I really like the look of garter stitch (it will lie flat) but I think it's too girly for my dad.

Dad's Scarf

Knitting

I started my father's scarf after actually doing some calculations for the width and length. This is new territory for me. Knitable (downloaded on my PDA) has this conversion feature that will calculate how much yarn will be needed for your project once you enter the gauge, number of rows per inch, the finished size, and needle size. I just hope I have enough of the cranberry yarn.

I also used the Random Stripe Generator, a very cool tool for making interesting stripes.

This yarn, Panache from Knit Picks, is soft and will knit quickly. It feels really warm which will be good because my father lives in Rhode Island where they just got a foot of snow. That's a lot even for them! So glad I don't live there anymore.

I know he will like it. I just hope he wears it. He is very easy to gift because he is so grateful for presents. Sometimes at Christmas he wants to wait to open some of his gifts on the 26th. My mother won't let him, though.

The B'day

I went for a massage at Cleveland Park Day Spa on Saturday. I treated myself to start celebrating my impending birthday. It was great, deep tissue, and boy did she go deep. I am sore today in my shoulders but it feels great. I hope to go for massage quarterly in 2006. It is so good for you, even if it's just a relaxation massage. I need to see it as a wellness activity, not a splurge.

Vegas Baby
Remember the drama surrounding the trip I hope to make to Las Vegas in January? Well my friend who I hope to travel with called me on Friday, but did not leave a message. What's up with that?

The last we communicated was email at least 2 weeks ago. So I guess I need to call him and at least clear the air. I went for a beer with my colleague who is planning the trip and he was getting me all excited about it again.

Toe Graft

Knitting
Look at all these socks in need of toes.

The first toe was holey, had to re-do. But now that I have done 4 toes in a row I feel like a master! Thank goodness for Knitting at KNoon - Knitting Videos to help me with kitchener stitch. Thank you Chris!

Now I have finished 2 pairs of socks, except for weaving ends and washing. What a great feeling.

Next stop, Dad’s scarf.



Holiday Angst
I had lunch with one of my print vendors today. We were talking about holiday stress and I mentioned my total lack of enthusiasm to decorate. He confessed that he dragged the Christmas decs from the attic 2 weeks ago and they are still sitting there. I laughed but felt better that it’s not just me. I wonder if it is because we start seeing Christmas decorations in late October and by now we are, possibly subconsciously, sick of them.

Even my brother and his family weren’t all excited to decorate the tree. It was the highlight of December when I was a kid. We had this awful, artificial tree for years, that would get dragged up from the basement. The tangled lights were inevitable start a fight, but it looked so restive and happy when we were done. But I really think I am going to leave the decorations where they are. Maybe a couple of poinsettias. They are always so pretty and scream Christmas.