tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113216402024-03-14T01:05:15.341-05:00Keeping Me in StitchesAlcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-66520951063511630462009-10-22T00:06:00.003-05:002009-10-22T00:10:31.474-05:00I'm still here!Still here and still alive! In case you haven't heard, I've started my own videocast, which is why I haven't been here. I put up a new episode each week, either late Wednesday or early Thursday. Look over there --------> in the sidebar for the link, or just go <a href="http://roundthetwistwithcarin.blogspot.com">here</a>. There are links to everything I talk about included in each episode post.<br /><br />I guess I've been slacking on this blog because everything I'm working on has been posted over on the blog for Round the Twist. I'll still be updating this one periodically, but if you want to keep really up-to-date then head over to the other blog.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-9964805952633923212009-08-26T04:04:00.003-05:002009-08-26T04:07:33.498-05:00the Queen of Procrastination strikes againOne of my college roommates is coming into town later today and will be staying with me over the weekend. I should be cleaning. I'm not.<br /><br />Well...that's not entirely true. I've cleaned the kitchen and cleaned off the dining room table. That's actually quite a bit. I've still got to: take down the old computer/card table from the spare room, set up the airbed, vacuum the entire house, clean both bathrooms, dust, and give the dog a bath. If I've got time, I'll clean my bedroom too, but I do want to sleep at some point in there.<br /><br />Guess I'd better get my butt in gear. I've got the ipod loaded up with podcasts, so I guess I just need the motivation now.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-3292688418676802672009-08-13T20:27:00.002-05:002009-08-13T20:28:42.496-05:00My new video cast!Go take a <a href="http://roundthetwistwithcarin.blogspot.com/">look</a>!<br /><br />I know the sound is wonky on this first one. I'll work on it for next week. And if anyone has any insight on how to get the "embed" feature on YouTube to actually paste to the blog, then I'd be forever greatful.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-9800267171572916522009-08-07T21:00:00.002-05:002009-08-07T21:18:43.962-05:00Sock Summit - Day 2Wow....just wow. I'm on so much overload right now. <br /><br />Today was an early day for us. Up early so we could be at the convention center to pick up our tickets for the Guiness Book of World Records knitting. We got the tickets, then Mom and I started moving chairs. The convention center people have a *thing* about having chairs set up in neat rows all facing the same way. We take the rows apart and make a circle. Who knits sitting in rows like a classroom? How are you supposed to have a conversation like that?<br /><br />9 AM was our first class. We both took Toe-Up Socks for the Stubborn by <a href="http://www.knittingpharm.com/">Deb</a>. I've got all my numbers crunched and I'm ready to give the toe-up socks another try thanks to her!<br /><br />Then at noon it was a run up to the upstairs ballroom to take part in the Guiness record knitting. The 15 minutes went by so fast! Probably the best part was when Yarn Harlot announced that the 15 minutes was up and someone hollared out from the back of the room, "Just one more row!" <br /><br />Lunch was the buffet at the convention center and it was some of the best food I've had buffet style in a while. Today was a taco salad offering and I had so much food.<br /><br />Then it was another wander through the marketplace to hit the booths that I'd seen yesterday and hadn't been able to get into. Snagged a great deal on Misti Alpaca laceweight from Webs, spotted the spinning fiber at Blue Moon, and got Dye for Glory entries from Purlescence Yarns (sock yarn) and Yarn Love (spinning fiber). Got some merino/bamboo blend sock yarn from The Sanguine Gryphon too since I missed out on their Bugga yarn. I think the only booth I still want to hit is the Signature Needles booth. I've got a yearning for some Stilletto dpns.<br /><br />Tomorrow is my slow day, but I'm planning on being at the Ravelry meet-up tomorrow night. Hope to see some people there!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-58198941762261940622009-08-06T08:48:00.005-05:002009-08-06T09:41:32.209-05:00my very own weenieSome of you might remember the Yarn Harlot's story of her encounter with a <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/10/03/weenies.html">weenie </a>on an airplane<br /><br />Leaving Omaha, I was in the middle of three seats on the plane with Mom on the aisle and a business-man type in the window seat. As soon as we sat down, we pulled out our knitting. Immediately, the guy next to me said "They let you on the plane with those?" I really wanted to tell him no, but just fixed him with a *look* and said "They've been allowed by the TSA since 2002." Now, I'm knitting on dpns, but Mom's on the other side of me with a circ. Weenie kept going.<br /><br />"What about that one?" Nodding towards Mom's circ. "Can't they be used as weapons?"<br /><br />Mom just piped in with "These are allowed too as long as it's under 32 inches. Which this is."<br /><br />Dude just kind of hmphed, leaned back in his seat and proceeded to dig out every electronic device known to man.<br /><br />What a weenie.<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Met a very nice knitter, Janelle, at the Denver airport. We ended up sticking together to get to the hotel from PDX and then met her and her friend at the lounge to get some food. As we stepped off the elevator to the lounge, we ran into Yarn Harlot. She looked busy and tired, so I just let her go. Rashad, the awesome bartender, got us pizza and wine. A very good end to a great day. Also met MrsQuimby and Annimol (rav IDs), and got to chat with them. We managed to stay up until 11:30 or so before we both collapsed for the night.<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Today is the day for registration, finding a grocery store and possibly Yarnia, and volunteering to help in some way with Summit. When we emailed about volunteering, we were told to show up at the info booth to get our marching orders. We'll see what they have us doing. I'll report more later. Hopefully with pictures!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-71544003741654505522009-08-02T22:35:00.002-05:002009-08-02T22:43:29.352-05:00Let the Freak Out commence!I always tend to freak out a little bit before I take a trip. Scared I'm going to leave something important behind, worried that something will happen to the dog while I'm gone...that kind of thing. This is a little bit bigger.<br /><br />Sock Summit. I'm going. Leaving Wednesday. Have I packed? No. Do I have a list? Sort of....I've written down all the stuff I need to remember for classes and my laptop and Kindle. Am I worried that this trip will somehow come off the rails and crash and burn in a glorious explosion? Oh yes!<br /><br />I know that everything will be fine, but that little ocd part of me wants to plan everything out to the smallest detail and do it *now*....two days before I leave. I'm fighting this right now. But I'm going to show you what I've got on the *must not forget* list so far.<br /><br />-Stuff for toe-up sock class (half-done sock, needles, copy of stitch pattern)<br />-Stuff for sideways sock class (pick out yarn, needles, knit swatch)<br />-Scarf for Guiness World Record knitting<br />-Queen of Beads sock for plane knitting (yarn, needles, pattern)<br />-Kindle and power cord<br />-laptop and power cord<br />-camera and power cord<br />-phone and charger<br /><br />And that is currently my whole packing list. Should probably include some things like clothes, underwear and deodorant, huh?<br /><br />Excuse me while I go freak out in my little corner.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-57704418928489439812009-07-25T05:51:00.002-05:002009-07-25T05:59:32.936-05:00Pulling a 360I don't know if I ever wrote about it, but when I first started knitting socks, I did them from the toe up. There was so much appeal to this! Since I've got size 11 feet, I could knit until I ran out of yarn and not worry about running out before the socks were complete! Unfortunately, the pattern I chose (one from Elann.com that I can't even remember the name of) had a short-row heel. I've got a freakishly high instep that I have inherited from my mom, so the short-row heel posed a *big* problem. Still, I slogged my way through two pairs of socks (one in Koigu KPPPM and one in Knitpicks), neither of which will fit my foot without a major wrestling match.<br /><br />Then I switched to cuff-down socks. Amazingly, I have yet to run out of yarn knitting from the cuff-down. It's been close a couple of times, but I've managed to make it through. The closest episode was a pair of Dublin Bay socks out of the old put-up of STR lightweight. Finished with 10 feet to spare and I was freaking out through that whole toe.<br /><br />Well, I have now come the full 360. I am taking a Toe-Up Socks for the Stubborn class at Sock Summit in a couple weeks. Homework was to get a sock done halfway up the foot to be ready to do a gusseted heel turn. And I am happy to report that I have a toe. One sock toe out of Flat Feet by Conjoined Creations. We'll have to see how it goes....Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-39259018853060649702009-07-13T03:50:00.002-05:002009-07-13T03:58:57.842-05:00Contrary to popular belief........I have not dropped off the face of the earth. Been traveling (Estes was wonderful) and got a new computer (that I finally set up tonight). Really not too much going on. <br /><br />Knitting....<br /><br />Working on a 7th knitted gater to send to Operation Knitted Gater on Ravelry. Stopped work on my Mystic Roses, but I'm ready to pick it up at clue 3. Started and finished a Magic Shawl in some Brooks Farm Acero that I got at Estes. Finished Mom's birthday Lenores. Started on a Baby Yours sweater for Elaine's peanut. I think that's it. <br /><br />The Garden....<br /><br />Strawberries were delicious and the rhubarb gave me two quart bags of pieces so far. I've been baking rhubarb custard cake and loving every bit of it. My new daylillies have been blooming and so have the new fairy lillies. Still nothing from the gladiolas and irises besides leaves. The bunnies mowed off my gloriosa daisies and I don't think anything is bringing them back, but the coneflowers at least have leaves.<br /><br />Work....<br /><br />...is work. What more can I say? I passed my 5-year mark at the beginning of June. It's hard to believe I've been here that long.<br /><br />Sock Summit....<br /><br />Still can't believe I'm going. Hopefully I'll see a bunch of you there. Be sure to come up and say hi! I still need to start my homework for the two classes I got into. I think we're flying out the 5th, coming back the 10th. Mom and I will be staying at the Red Lion and going to the Luminary Panel as well.<br /><br />Guess that's it! Really, it's been a boring bit for me. Keep your eyes peeled for something new around there though!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-66679524897002145462009-05-30T05:17:00.001-05:002009-05-30T05:21:05.158-05:00Love Story meets Viva la Vida<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys">This</a> is amazing!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-61459935494113052352009-05-10T21:41:00.001-05:002009-05-10T21:43:09.042-05:00Apples and WineA wonderful person posted this on the Atlas Quest messageboards! Just wanted to share it with more people!<br /><br />Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take the apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree.<br /><br />Now Men....<br />Men are like a fine wine. They begin as grapes,and it's up to women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-20061786846246453702009-05-06T22:21:00.002-05:002009-05-06T22:32:00.115-05:00Bad things only come in threes...right?I finished two really crappy nights at work this morning. At the rate things are going downhill, it'll be par for the course if I have a patient die on me when I go for my shift Thursday. Needless to say, very little fiber activity has taken place.<br /><br />On the spinning front, I did manage to finish spinning up 4 oz of merino/tencel from Copperpot Woolies in Steel Roses. I've still got to ply it and I'm thinking Navajo ply just because. I might do that tonight if I feel up to it.<br /><br />And today in the mail I got a box from CJ Kopek with my ravelry spin-a-long fiber. Eight ounces of the merino/silk blend in Envious Eyes. I had her leave out the glitz that was supposed to be in it and it's completely gorgeous and very much in my color comfort zone. Beautiful greens and blues with just a little bit of natural cream colored merino thrown in. Can't wait to get this on the wheel!<br /><br />In knitting, I'm still slogging along on my two current projects. I'm almost done with the gusset on the first Lenore sock for my mom. I can't remember if I've mentioned those on the blog before. I'm knitting them up in Wollemeise in Granatapfel, a deep, rich red. The school Mom teaches at likes the teachers to wear red and black (school colors) on game days to support the sports teams. I had knit a pair of socks for her in another yarn that was red and black and she's worn and washed them so much that now they're pink and grey. So these should be done for her in time for next fall!<br /><br />And then there's the bane of my existence....Mystic Roses. The KAL for this ended weeks ago. I'm just barely started on clue 2 out of five. I've seen pictures of this shawl finished and it will be gorgeous when it's done, but it's taking <em>forever.</em> I'll keep slogging away and hopefully finish it to wear to Estes Park in June. If it's not done by then, the back-up date to finish by is August for Sock Summit. <br /><br />So that's the state of things right now. Just don't want to have the silence go too long here on the blog anymore.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-38143863253689886112009-04-30T02:10:00.002-05:002009-04-30T02:19:55.794-05:00I'm back baby!Wow! Hadn't realized how long it had been since I last blogged! But I come bearing pictures.<br /><br />First are my Holidazed socks. These were part of the December shipment for the RSC last year. Done in the medium size, STR mediumweight in Muddy Autumn Rainbow. I think this is going to be my new go-to pattern for the rest of the mediumweight STR in my stash. Easy to memorize and it's got so much ribbing to it that it hugs my foot nicely.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3487528105/" title="Holidazed socks by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3487528105_fced7f9ac9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Holidazed socks" /></a><br /><br />And here's a really bad, blurry, bathroom mirror picture of my Snow White sweater. I'll get a better one this weekend hopefully.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3487528155/" title="Snow White by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3487528155_5b5bba82bc_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Snow White" /></a><br /><br />And my February Lady sweater. Don't know what's up with the squinty eye in this one...wasn't that sunny out when we took it. I'll try to get a better one of this over the weekend as well. Oy. Done in DiC Classy in Blue Lagoon. I ended up not making the sleeves full-length like I originally planned because....well...I'm not a patient person and I wanted the sweater done. Now I'm glad that I did them 3/4. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3487528195/" title="February Lady sweater by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3487528195_12daaf8800_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="February Lady sweater" /></a><br /><br />Last of the pics is one of my new hair! I still go to a hairdresser in my hometown 4 hours away because I trust her and can just walk in for my appointment and tell her to "have fun." It always comes out different and always looks good. You can't really tell from the picture, but that dark part is just in the front. The rest of it is about 4 different colors and I love it so much! Might have her keep it this way for a while.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3487528053/" title="new hair! by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3487528053_6d4bcbc9b8_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="new hair!" /></a><br /><br />Aside from that, I've been spinning some and since the weather has been nice I've been out letterboxing too. And I bought a Kindle 2 which is my new baby. It's so nice to not have to cart around a heavy book in my bag all the time.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-42427270945345178382009-03-08T00:17:00.002-06:002009-03-08T00:27:54.583-06:00wow...Out of communication for nearly a month. Don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm back! Now where was I?<br /><br />Remember these?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3257940840/" title="County Clare Leyburn by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3257940840_9280543a32_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="County Clare Leyburn" /></a><br />Imagine them about twice as long and that there are two of them. Other than that, I haven't touched them in over a month.<br /><br />The Holidazed socks are finished, but no pictures yet. I keep forgetting or I wake up *way* after the sun is down. <br /><br />Still no pics of Snow White either. I'll get Mom to take some for me when I'm home this week.<br /><br />Here are the Fetching mitts that I made for our evening shift unit secretary. Done in the Little Lovely colorway of Malabrigo.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3337444956/" title="Renee's Fetchings by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3337444956_cae6fb45d1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Renee's Fetchings" /></a><br />She says her cat loves them too and keeps stealing them.<br /><br />I also started another pair of Lenores, this time in Wollmeise in the Granatapfel colorway. These are Mom's birthday socks for this year. The colors of the school she teaches at are black and red. Well, the socks I made her a couple years ago in Little Devil by Lisa Souza aren't red and black anymore, but pink and grey. So the Granatapfel was recruited to be Lenores. I'm doing the larger size on size 2s. Hopefully they'll fit Mom's instep. I'll have her try them on this week before I continue down the leg.<br /><br />Finally, my February Lady sweater is slogging along. The body is done and I'm about 8 inches out one sleeve. I was planning on making the sleeves full-length, but I may just go with the 3/4 sleeves so I can finish quicker. What can I say? I'm not a patient person!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-68028754209049417042009-02-08T17:47:00.002-06:002009-02-08T17:54:07.509-06:00*collapse*I'm home from the Des Moines Metro Knitters gathering. Second year attending and it was even better than last year. Great fun to reconnect with people.<br /><br />The State of the Knitting<br /><br />County Clare Leyburns - Didn't touch them all weekend. They were too big a pain to haul in and out of the bag with a sock attached to both ends of the ball.<br /><br />Hollidazed socks - Got a bit more done on them. Heel flap of #2 needs a couple more rows, then I can start the gusset and head out the foot.<br /><br />RSC Queen of Beads socks - A very nice lady at the gathering (ToastyToes on Rav) helped me string the beads for these so I'll be able to start the actual knitting soon.<br /><br />Fetching mitts for Rene - Knit entirely this weekend for a secretary at work. Just need to do the thumbs and weave in ends. Out of Malabrigo in a pink called Little Lovely.<br /><br />February Lady Sweater - To be done with DiC Classy in Blue Lagoon. Swatched this afternoon when I finished the second Fetching and didn't feel like moving on to the thumb. Swatch came out great so I'll be starting the actual sweater sometime this week.<br /><br />And now I need a nap! Who knew that knitting and talking for a weekend could wear a person out so much?Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-8817027423784595352009-02-06T04:12:00.002-06:002009-02-06T04:31:36.886-06:00catch-upIt's been a while, hasn't it? Time to play a little catch-up.<br /><br />Have to go all the way back to early January. My parents had bought me a new stove for Christmas, so a weekend they were down to visit I picked one out at Lowe's and had it delivered. Here's my new baby, Frank (I named him after one of the delivery guys).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3257940748/" title="New stove!! by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3257940748_fdf108056b_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="New stove!!" /></a><br />We're happily making beautiful meals together and I love the fact that the burners light on the first turn of the dial.<br /><br />I also joined the Leyburn KAL on the rav Socks that Rawk! group. I'm using lightweight STR in County Clare. This has been marinating in my stash for at least 3 years now....maybe 4. All I know is that it was one of the first skeins of STR I purchased. These are being worked top-down and I've already had to rip out and increase from 60 stitches to 66 to make it fit over my instep. Things are going fine now. And I'm much further along than this.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3257111905/" title="County Clare Leyburn by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3257111905_57fc7b0b75_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="County Clare Leyburn" /></a><br /><br />Guess what? I've got a picture of Snow White!! Okay, it's only of it in the sink being washed, but it's a picture. I just couldn't believe the color of the water as I was pulling the sweater out. And I don't think it was dye. Considering this was mostly at-home knitting, I was pretty disgusted. But I keep my house fairly clean, so I couldn't figure out where this dirt was coming from. I guess it's just off the yarn from the spinning process. But ewww!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3257940920/" title="ewww! by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/3257940920_c9f5da696c_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="ewww!" /></a><br /><br />Finally, my sock yarn stash tried to rebel a couple weeks ago. It exploded all over my craft room, leaving me with a 4" path to get across the room. I couldn't stand for this little rebellion, so tonight I went through the offenders with an iron fist. Culled out at least 50 skeins that are now packed in the duffel and the white plastic shopping bag. They will be going to the Des Moines Metro Knitters gathering this weekend and divided among the knitters there. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3257940944/" title="The Purge by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3257940944_c221318dfd_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="The Purge" /></a><br /><br />Knitting on the second Holidazed sock continues, I've got another sweater planned soon, and I still need to work on my mom's birthday present and the Fetchings for the secretary on my hospital unit. But I'm going to get through the weekend first.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-52123594523246145432009-01-15T03:52:00.002-06:002009-01-15T03:57:15.587-06:00Mystery cookiesI baked a half batch of these tonight to break in my new oven. The "mystery" to these cookies is that they contain tomato soup! Once you tell people, they keep eating them and trying to taste the soup.<br /><br />Mystery Cookies<br /><br />1/2 c. melted butter<br />3 1/2 c. sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 can tomato soup (just plain tomato, not bisque or any other fancy variety)<br />2 tsp. cinnamon<br />2 tsp. nutmeg<br />2 tsp. baking soda<br />2 tsp. salt<br />2 c. raisins<br />2 c. chopped walnuts<br />4 1/2 c. flour<br /><br />Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix butter and sugar. Let cool before adding eggs. Add the can of soup. Mix in spices, soda, and salt. Add walnuts and raisins, mix. Add flour slowly, mixing between each cup. Scoop dough onto greased cookie sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until brown on top. Let sit on pans 1-2 minutes (no longer or they'll stick!), then place on a cooling rack.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-36339769385662020162009-01-12T23:43:00.002-06:002009-01-12T23:50:56.439-06:00goal-settingI really don't like to make resolutions. I never seem to keep them, so why bother making them? Kind of the same thing during Lent. Some years, rather than giving up something I'll make a commitment to *do* something instead. I've had a couple of weeks now to mull over what kind of goals I'm setting for myself for the new year and I need to post them so I'm accountable.<br /><br /> - Knit the Peacock Feathers shawl. I've had the pattern and yarn for at least 3 years now....it's time to do something about it.<br /><br /> - Rip out my aran sweater. Seven years after starting it is just too long of a gap.<br /><br /> - Whittle down the stash. This doesn't mean that I won't buy yarn! But I'm going to do my best to work from what I've got and even send out RAoKs to people this year.<br /><br /> - Write letters to friends. A good friend from high school keeps writing to me and I have yet to return a letter.<br /><br /> - Reorganize my craft room. Paint, shelving, the works.<br /><br /> - Rent a dumpster, clean out the basement, give away clothes I don't wear anymore, just a general cleaning.<br /><br /> - Organize the garage.<br /><br />I guess that's enough to be getting on with for now.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-35569689202669359822009-01-03T16:01:00.002-06:002009-01-03T16:15:19.153-06:00Here's to a great year!I've decided to start the new year with a great big cleaning binge. Don't ask me why, but I want nothing more than to clean out my closet, dust, vacuum, do home improvement projects and just generally do what most people would consider "spring cleaning" in January. To illustrate how crazy I was....I was actually considering calling my trash company to rent a dumpster just so I could throw stuff into it from my second story windows. I'm sure the neighbors would have loved that one. Decided to sit on that idea until we're not having sleet/rain/snow on a daily basis. But it will happen this spring!<br /><br />Speaking of out with the old....<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3160262791/" title="Out with the old.... by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/3160262791_d224d90c46_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Out with the old...." /></a><br />These are my old Fibertrends Felted Clogs that my mom made me 4 years ago. Notice the gaping holes in the toes of each one. The soles were just as bad.<br /><br />....and in with the new!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3161098510/" title="...in with the new by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/3161098510_132df5b02d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="...in with the new" /></a><br />My new felted clogs (same pattern) knit by me! Knit out of Cascade 220 in Purple Jewel Heather and Dark Charcoal Heather in the women's large size. It took 2 balls of each color and I still had quite a bit left over.<br /><br />More FOs!!!<br /><br />My Bluebird Lenores from the RSC 2007 Lenore pattern and knit in STR lightweight in Sapphire. As much as I love the original socks in the Raven colorway, these held so much more magic because I could see the stitch pattern of the feathers at the top. I might do these again in a red sometime.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3161098758/" title="Bluebird Lenores by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3082/3161098758_a804daac76_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Bluebird Lenores" /></a><br /><br />My Christmas present for V. It's the sushi wallet kit done with the single"sushi" that really looks like some kind of diseased nipple. It's worse in person...trust me. But V loves it so I'm leaving it. This just needs the zipper sewn in and the "sushi" attached to the front.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3160263631/" title="V's Gangrenous Nipple Wallet by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3160263631_b51d69eec1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="V's Gangrenous Nipple Wallet" /></a><br /><br />Tonks socks!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3161098974/" title="Tonks socks by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/3161098974_025415d5c0_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Tonks socks" /></a><br />These are just plain vanilla stockinette socks on 64 sts and a US 2 needle. Done out of Opal's Harry Potter line in the Tonks colorway. I told the little ocd part of my brain to shut up when it tried to insist that I make the stripes match and I love that they don't!<br /><br />...and hope for the future!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3161099066/" title="Next sweater! by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3161099066_b61dd305ea_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Next sweater!" /></a><br />Cascade 220 in Shire to make Snow White by Ysolda Teague. I've swatched and I'm ready to start!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-53756673210768133672008-12-19T06:16:00.002-06:002008-12-19T06:19:31.455-06:00winter clothing memoTo: Me<br /><br />From: Me<br /><br />Please note. In the winter, when using the snowblower, it's a good idea to wear more layers on your legs. T-shirt + hoodie + scarf + winter coat + hat + mittens on top is more than enough since you end up sweating on the top half of your body. Just jeans on your legs is not enough as evidenced by the fact that you cannot feel your thighs after just 25 minutes outside. <br /><br />Wear long underwear while moving snow!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-39637481080879060432008-12-17T01:44:00.003-06:002008-12-17T01:52:04.700-06:00wrapping things upChristmas has snuck up on me again! All my knitted Christmas presents are done (minus weaving in a few ends), so I'm all set in that department. My tree still needs to be decorated, but at least it's up.<br /><br />I've spent the last couple of days working on a new pair of slippers for myself. The old ones my mom made for me almost 4 years ago are coming apart and I've had to switch to a pair of store-bought ones that work, but don't keep my feet as warm as the wool ones did. A couple months ago, I ordered Cascade 220 from <a href="http://theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe </a>just so I could make myself a new pair of slippers and I'm finally getting around to it. I got Purple Jewel Heather and Dark Charcoal Heather to make the Fiber Trends' Felted Clogs. I've been amazed at how fast they've gone. One slipper was complete in about 4 hours of knitting time. Wow! Tonight I started the second one and I'm already working on the upper portion so I'm pretty confident that I'll have a pair by morning. Then they'll just have to be felted and shaped. Hopefully they'll be dry to take home for Christmas.<br /><br />I've also got a surprise of a Christmas present for someone that needs to be finished and have some handsewing done to complete it. Should probably get going on that too. Forgot about that one.<br /><br />And aside from a boring pair of stockinette socks in Opal's Harry Potter sock yarn (colorway Tonks), that's it for knitting! I've even been boring myself.<br /><br />Have to work this coming weekend and then Tuesday and Wednesday. Heading to the parents' Christmas Day after I get off work. So I guess I'll write again after Christmas!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-85768905960578430452008-12-07T23:59:00.003-06:002008-12-08T00:08:00.054-06:00a little paradeTime for a little parade of the stuff I've finished recently and what I'm currently knitting on.<br /><br />First up is my friend Sarah's Birthday/Christmas present. Which I can't show you since she sometimes reads the blog. If you really want to see them, the hop on over to my flickr.<br /><br />Next is my new winter set of stuff....Fetching, Calorimetry, and an adapted One Row Scarf. All were done in Malabrigo Worsted in Whale's Road.<br />Fetching<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3088794518/" title="Fetching by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3088794518_4eca4c985b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Fetching" /></a><br /><br />Calorimetry<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3087956739/" title="Calorimetry by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/3087956739_c2a53e10e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Calorimetry" /></a><br /><br />And scarf<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3087956787/" title="Malabrigo one-row by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/3087956787_aab8e82cc4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Malabrigo one-row" /></a><br /><br />Next to last is the Tulip Sweater I made for Brogan, a co-worker's baby boy.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3087956683/" title="Brogan's tulip sweater - natural light by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/3087956683_70e4049bc9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Brogan's tulip sweater - natural light" /></a><br /><br />And now for what I'm frantically trying to finish. It's another One Row scarf (done right this time) for the nursing student I've been precepting for the last 6 weeks. I gave her a choice of three yarns (two colors of Lamb's Pride and one of Malabrigo), and she chose Lamb's Pride Worsted in Persian Peacock....which I think is a discontinued colorway. Here's how much I got done that night at work.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3087956879/" title="Jamie's scarf by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/3087956879_579c28d75b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Jamie's scarf" /></a><br /><br />Not bad...about 15 inches or so. It's grown since then, but I haven't moved on to the second skein yet. That might be later tonight after I get the tree set up. Time to go move the spinning wheel!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-83196428572297217262008-12-05T21:14:00.002-06:002008-12-05T21:16:08.669-06:00Someone set out the crash pads......because I am going to fall down hard! <br /><br />Blue Moon is having a sale tonight/tomorrow. My credit card is already screaming in anticipation.<br /><br />Pics of recently finished stuff will be up this weekend.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-2547085433112352422008-11-20T04:20:00.002-06:002008-11-20T04:22:58.366-06:00Papparazi sneak attack!So Sunday I handed V my camera and asked her to take a picture of me in my Nottingham sweater. She took about 20 in quick succession, never pausing to tell me when she was taking them. This one is the best of the bunch.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/64846313@N00/3045727112/" title="Nottingham #4 by Alcariel, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/3045727112_9ceaba1a17_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Nottingham #4" /></a><br /><br />Yeah....<br /><br />So I was laughing my butt off and trying not to fall on the floor so I could at least get a decent picture. Click to go to my flickr account and see the whole sad tale.Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-72100227527424894472008-11-16T05:44:00.002-06:002008-11-16T05:52:22.357-06:00When motivation hits......don't question it. The Nottingham sweater is 99% complete. I only have to crochet around the neck edge and weave the ends in from that. So my one weekend goal will be complete either this morning or later this afternoon when I get up.<br /><br />The Tulip baby sweater's body is almost complete. I'm on the bottom seed stitch border, but it was laid aside this weekend in favor of getting my own sweater done. Funny story with this one. I had another tulip sweater in another color in my Loopy Ewe tote at work on Friday. Cindy, the baby's mom, saw the sweater and asked what I was working (since she's a knitter too). I pulled out the sherbet colored sweater and showed it to her. She replied "Oh! One of the ladies at my SnB made one of these for Brogan, but the colors are kind of girly so my husband won't let me put it on him." When I heard she already had one, my heart about fell out of my chest. But the girly comment made it restart. I've got about the "manliest" colors that Dream in Color makes picked out for this sweater. Here's hoping that it'll still fit by the time I get done with it.<br /><br />And I cast on the second Lenore sock in STR Sapphire. I'm into the easy part of the leg. Again, it's been put aside until the sweater is done.<br /><br />No spinning, but I still have to ply the Bonkers' merino/tencel in Raspberry.<br /><br />Now I need to go track down the Nottingham pattern and my crochet hooks. Just my luck, I probably won't have the size I need. Pics to follow late tonight since I'm supposed to head out to V's to record since KD is coming into town. Later!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11321640.post-88256639985490166982008-11-14T09:25:00.002-06:002008-11-14T09:27:13.761-06:00oneI only have one goal for the weekend....finish the Nottinham sweater.<br /><br />There are other things I want to do. Like baking, letterboxing, knit another sweater, knit my new slippers, cuddle with Phoebe, watch movies. But my goal is the sweater. <br /><br />It will be done!Alcarielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464237934085390685noreply@blogger.com2