Saturday, November 25, 2006

Thanksgiving week

This week filled with sending more resumes out. There is not much out there now because it's the slowest time of the year. but I am hoping that there are allot of refi's of the ARMS that were underwritten. So I have not lost hope. Still nothing but I keep pushing on someone out there wants to hire me. Smudge doesn't appear to be to effected by all the knitting I am doing. I made progress on the Vilma, have the left sleeve and left side done, no starting on the right side and to end with the right sleeve. I am getting closer to the end of the front.
Lots of progress on the socks, got the heal flaps and turned both heals. I was even able to try them on and they FIT! For the first time!!!! I think I found the right way to make them. Now all that is left finish the instep and the toes and I'm done!!! Then I can make T a pair of socks finally.


But I saved the best for last. The Himalayan Shrug.... It's done! That was quick, only took 3 days.I love the way it feels, It looks so light but it is actually very heavy and I am sure quite warm. D saw it and fell in love with it. I think I have to make her one. I will take pictures with it on me later, right now with this cold/sinus infection I don't want to take pictures.


I made some progress on mom's shawl. still no where even near half way done but it's an easy knit. Cousin D has not called or emailed me with what color on Luka's sweater so that's on hold. I will work on another dog sweater that I bought yarn for last year to make a sweater for a friends dog. The Bella lace, I am still taking a break on it. I will probably start working on it next week. I have already sent out some more resumes, so we will so maybe this week will be the week.







Monday, November 20, 2006

Sumation of last week

Well last week started quite well with me excited about an interview with a head hunter. I have been in contact with her over the last week and still nothing about an interview with potential employer. I sent out my resume to a few more head hunters and responded to a job posting today. It's hard to stay positive. Now as far as a temp job. I did talk to the owner of the yarn shop I used to frequent. Instead of just simply saying I don't have any openings currently she insulted me in front of a customer and another employee. She had concerns because whenever I come to the shop all I do is sit and knit and that I am very quiet. Well ... gee... did it ever occur to her that I come to the shop just to knit????? And as far as being quiet, how can anyone get a word in edge wise with her monopolizing the conversation. I told her those are not issues and not a problem. My concern was going to be if she was going to give me the few hours off to go interview that I would need. Oh no that's unacceptable. Well then I said there is no further reason to discuss this. She tried to continue the conversation and I said once again there is no reason to further discuss this. When later that evening she was told about my cast on of 1095 in one setting in one try, she said that's nothing what about my 400 cast on of this sweater. I had to do it several times.... I am done with her and with the shop. They will not get any more of my business. The woman insults customers, employees, bashes customers and employees. Hell I am sure she will have plenty to say about me, but I don't care, I won't be there. As she says karma. I don't have to do anything or say anything what is to be hers will be hers.
As far as knitting. Yes part of the Bella is done, but, I can't get the lace edging right there is always a mistake and I have ripped it out 4 or 5 times already. The first 3 rows are fine but as soon as I go into the pattern.... Mistake!!! On the other hand the lace scarf I am knitting is fine, I don't understand how one lace project can be fine and the other a mistake. I will keep working on the lace edging for the Bella. I did finish the one wash cloth with cables. I am going to keep working on the rest of my projects along with working on the Bella.
My next question where the feck do I find all the yarn swaps, sock swaps, scarf swaps? I have only found one so far. If anyone knows please tell me.
Oh shoot I almost forgot... Saturday it came!!!! The book I have been waititng for... a book by Jennifer Stafford...... drum rollll please....Domiknitrix: Whip Your Knitting into Shape Book discription from Amazon.com
"Whip Your Knitting into Shape
do·mi·kni·trix \"dä-mi-'ni-triks \ n, pl -trices [US, var. of dominatrix, re: knitting] (2005): a woman who dominates her knitting; broadly: a badass knitter
You have knitted your last bad piece. Let the DomiKNITrix show you the ropes. Yes, it may be painful to take the time to knit a gauge swatch, count stitches and fix mistakes. But just think of the pleasure you'll get when you knit a gorgeous, perfect sweater with no holes and no uneven stitches.
Learn the rules or else. Inside you'll find a no-nonsense, comprehensive guide to essential knitting operations and finishing techniques, including step-by-step instructions for all the basic stitches used in the patterns in the book.
Get your hands dirty. The book features over 20 spicy projects to satisfy any knitting appetite. For a Knitting Quickie, choose from one of the smaller projects, such as the Mohawk hat or the popular Snow Devil cap. If you want more of a challenge, try the L'il Red Riding Hoodie or the Big Bad Wolf icon sweater, The Slink or City Coat.
Want to be a whip-smart knitter? Let the DomiKNITrix show you how it's done"
It's a great book with step-by-step instrucitons. easy to follow. I recommend it.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Almost done???

Yesterday was a busy day. Went to interview with head hunter for one of two possible possitions. She wanted me to change my resume and email it back to her, once she received it she could send it out. She said I would know in about 2 to 3 days about interviewing with either company. In the mean time I made progress on the short lace edging on the Bella. Almost done with it then sew side seam, knit straight 6 rows, put the elastic in around the neck and then I get to start on the big lace pannels. I would say I am about halfway done.

Now on the rainbow shrug, I thought it would be done but. there is still about 3 inches of edging around it, and then then collar, and I think I will put some edging on the sleeves. I am hoping to finish it next week.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Weekend update

The Bella shawl is that much closer to being finished. I have the lace knitted all the way on one side and past the middle. Once I finish the lace here, I have to sew up the shoulder seam, and add six rows to the top part. Then the fun begins... I have to knit 5 panels of the larger lace... It's only 60 stitches and 32 rows in each panel. But I am allot closer to being finished than I was last week.
Vilma sweater is coming along just fine. I have finished the Left sleeve. Now onto the body


And lastly, the socks, the Heel flaps are done, now to turn the heel. I bet you didn't know that the average sock has approximately 17,000 stitches in it. That would be 34,000 approximately in a pair of socks.... That's allot of stitches. I am getting a later start on this today, I had an interview with a head hunter. She has two positions that she's going to send my resume to, I would really like to have a job at either of these two places. In the mean time I am also looking for a part time job just to have while I am looking for a new job.


Wednesday, November 08, 2006

I HAVE LACE!!!

I did it! I finally did it!!! I have the 311 stitches, and I have started working on small lace edging!!!! This part is not so bad yet. Still may be too early to tell. Small victory!!!
This is my other project to work on yesterday. It is from Fiber Trends and it is called ruffles and ridges.

I am making it out of Positano Ornaghi filati, the color is called Mardi Gras.



Now granted this does not look like much, however the instructions said, cast on 1095 stitches. Yes you read that right 1095. I started out using a #9 needle that is 40 inches wide, I got about 150 stitches and knew it would never hold the 1095. I was at Tuesday night knitting at Yarn Heaven, when one of the employees (who also got me to switch from straight needles to circular needles) brought me #9 needle that is 60 inches wide and on top of it, it was an Addi Turbo. YIKES!!! I have never used metal, the Addi's have a reputation of being quick but also it is very easy for the yarn to slip right off and you loose stitches. Within a quarter of the first row, I was in love I am switching over to Addi's, sorry bamboo, rosewood and ebony.... I love the way the yarn glides on these, no tugging or getting caught on the cable. L said that 1095 is the most stitches anyone has ever cast on at one time at Yarn Heaven for one project. She said she will tell T to put me in the news letter. .... If that happens, I will post it.
As for today 11-8-06, I will keep on working on the bella, and pick up my cardi wrap.
I talked to mom last night. Things are not too good with her heart she says. She says it's either pounding like a hammer, or so faint that you can barely feel it let alone hear it and then there are times when it stops altogether. To me these are just all more signs of the advancement of her health problems.


Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Progress for Monday

With each stitch I get closer. I am now at 301 stitches I need 311. I think there is an end in sight. I hope that I can start working on the lace border today.
My other project for today is this shrug the pattern was purchased from the Yarn Market it is called the Rainbow shrug. This shrug is made out of Recycled Sari Silk. I got some last year on eBay and have been looking for the "right pattern". (Yes I am clearing out my stash)

This is what sari silk looks like. About Recycled Sari Yarns: Recycled Silk yarn is undoubtedly the most unique yarn you will ever encounter. Silk sari comes from India's weaving mills are hand spun by women's cooperatives and cottage industries into gleaming silk skeins. Many of these women are refugees or have been abandoned or widowed with families to support. Using their traditional skills they are able to create vibrant, textured yarn in a endless array of colorways. Each Recycled Silk skein is hand spun creating natural inconsistencies and a rather scrappy nature; to make any project, no matter how simple in design, instantly charming and unique.
This is a very quick knit, I just started this yesterday and have the left side almost finished. I am using size 13 needles. The colors are outstanding. You can definitely tell where one skein ended and I started a new one.
Today, as I said I hope to get to start the lace on the Bella. My other project today is a Fiber Art's ruffled shawl.
Have a great day everyone.



Monday, November 06, 2006

Monday a fun day

The long awaited update photo of the Jarwall socks. I have started the heel flap. As I said this is a new pattern I am trying out. The pattern I have from the class I took .... well for me at least the socks don't fit, too baggie in the ankle so I am trying a new pattern. I can't wait to try them on. I am considering getting a pair of either clear clogs or clear boots so I can show off my socks... maybe I'll just put it on my wish list along with the rosewood needles.
272 Stitches!!!! so close but so far.... need 311 slowly getting there. Still doing it like I said, work one hour on bella and one hour of the project of the day. Speaking of project of the day.....


Sunday's project of the day a patter by Berrocco yarns named Vilma. I liked it because even though it's a loose fit, it still is slinkie. The pattern looks to be very easy it's knit in two pieces. You start at the left sleeve cuff and work your way across the back of the sweater to the right sleeve cuff. We will see


This is the "yarn" I am using it is also by Berrocco it's a ribbon yarn called Yoga.. the color name is Om. It's very different knitting with this.... have to keep the ribbon wrapped tightly.




The color patterns look pretty interesting. Definitely a tank top will have to be worn under this. The knit is very open.






This is the Fania scarf done in red alpaca wool. The purple lines are not part of the desing, they are my safety lines. I am finding out they are a livesaver when knitting lace. They will be pulled out later. Good to know since the rest of the bella shawl will be done in lace.




Progress report on the Bella shawal, Still moving along, a few more mistakes still fixable I am trying not to fret too too much about them. I am figuring out a few things to help me along with it. Like putting stitch markers in front and in back of the knit through the back loop and the yarn overs.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Friday Insanity must be setting in

For some reason this picture uploaded first onto the page even though I uploaded it last onto the page. I am going to start working on this scarf I have some red alpaca woo that I got off eBay when I found this pattern I knew it had be made out of the red alpaca wool. I know I am insane for working on two lace projects at the same time.
This is the progress I made on Frog's compression bandage, based on prior measurements it should fit his 27 inch calf. I hope.

And this is the progress on the Bella for yesterday. still allot more to go.
I am still looking for the Holz and Stein rosewood circular knitting needles. If I only knew how to speak and write German I might be able to order them from Germany. These needles are the Mercedes Benz of knitting needles. I only have one pair but I love them. I have put them on my wish list who knows maybe Santa will get them for me.


Progress for Thursday




The photo on the bottom is the progress on the dish cloth and practicing cables. There are a few opps but this is just practice. The Bella is to the top, the chain of yarn around the otter edge will be removed, for not it is needed because it was a chained cast on. Yes there are a few errors, mistakes... but at this point they are very fixable. I think I am at 163 stitches, and need 311 before I can move to another point. I would rather work slowly on it than try to race through it. More photos and progress updates tomorrow.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

I have to remember


Some days I am forced to remember I live in Texas. Coming home from knitting on Tuesday I was forced into that. There I was driving along Arbrook , I was stopped at a red light. at Arbrook and Center to my right there he stood all by himself beautiful coat. Wild. No cages, nothing just standing there watching traffic. A lone Coyote. I blink. Oh that's right this is Texas. They are removing another wooded area for a strip mall. I don't think they bothered to see if Mr Coyote had a new home or not.
Another note, I know there are many people exacted about the colder weather... but not me. I hate wearing socks.... like knitting them but hate wearing socks.

Smudge!!!


This is smudge.... he was the runt of the litter, his fur stoodout on ends. he looked possessed. He is the sweetest cat on this earth. he will sometimes cross his front paws placing them on my thigh and looking up at me with those wee beedie red eyes

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

New Plan for Bella Poncho

I took a deep breath and started the whole thing over again. What I am doing different this time is working on it for an hour, stop take a break for an hour. Working slowly and counting everything. so far so good... Knock on wood, The good Lord willing and the creek don't rise. During the hour that I am not working on the Bella. I am working on dishcloths with cable. Hey a lace Poncho wasn't torture enough? Learn to knit cables at the same time. I wonder if H and T would like a wash cloth for their orange bathroom. I wonder if it's still orange.

Happy Halloween, Happy Samhain


All day yesterday I worked on my Cardi Wrap I didn't touch the Bella. I will post a photo of my progress as soon as T reinstall Kodak for me. You see I clicked the button to turn it on and it sad update available. I go through the motions and when it finally finishes it tells me there is an error and that the update didn't work. Ok no biggie let T figure it out when he gets home... well I removed the previous version of Kodak all I get now is an automatic update thingie. Yes I made a ticket to my IT guy. He will have to take a look at it when he gets home. Oh the joy of computers.