Picapalooza

You've gotta be f***iing me. I just wrote a huge post and blogger ate it. Gobbled it and wouldn't spit it back out. Here's the shorter rendition.

I wanted to title the post "Cosmo and the Clap" but I figured it would attract too many people worrying about STDs. Wait, they're not called STDs anymore, are they?

Here's the pic of my baby with my clap. He wouldn't move out of the way, so I just took the pic with him standing on it. For size reference, he's quite the large kitty. Probably weighs around 14 lbs by now, and 18 inches from the base of the neck to the base of his tail. Eleven stitches dropped, and i love the pattern. i can finally knit w/o staring at the pattern.

cosmo and the clap 


I think I love this yarn. I love the colors. I even like it when it pools a little bit. The blues and camoflauge green keep it quiet enough so that the bright turquoise green doesn't make my eyes hurt.

close up clap 



The next two are pics of the lantern moon needle bag. Lantern moon sure does make a purty bag. Plus, it's practical. I love practical when it's mixed with purty. It's NOT pink. It's a light lavender. Looks smashing against my precious.
open needle bag 


needle bag 


My precious. I'd give a link to the manufacturer, b/c it's similarly priced to the Jordanna Paige bags, but there's no manufacturer's tag. As I mentioned before, i bought the bag is LA at L'Atelier. I have a link to the store in a previous post, so if anyone really wants it.... The bag is a great size. Big enough for a couple knit projects, a text book, and my smallish sized purse.

new knit bag 


The last pic is of my gorgeous best friend on her 30th B-day. We were having a nice dinner on Hermosa Beach with the family. She knits to relieve stress, so she likes patterns she doesn't have to think about too much (no lace, no yarnovers, and no increasing or decreasing). What does that leave? Scarves.

Best friend 

Oops... and keep it on the DL

Ok Ok! I got the message that more than one person is reading the blog. I'd continue writing posts just for my own selfish purposes even if no one was reading (doesn't everyone like to read what they were doing months and months ago?) Sometimes I can't remember what I was doing last week, much less a few months ago, so blogging has been great for me.

I'm sad that I missed Cathi's knit night, but very excited for Lesley's invitation at her home (through MHCKnitters on YahooGroups!) in a few weeks. I can't wait to fondle Cathi's new stuff, as well as compare her clap to mine.

As soon as my out of town guest leaves, i will be haranguing my brother for technogeek help in connecting the computer to the camera (w/o having to reload the driver every single time). Then we'll have updated photos of the clapotis, my new precious (say that ala Gollum) knit bag, and my new needle holder. I promise.

I suppose I shouldn't have made my snarky comment that I only had one reader left, when I've been lurking on blogs myself. Haven't left very many comments lately, and I think I'll go remedy that right now.

ps. has anyone else been following the knitters review forum re: Terri Shiavo fiasco? Clara closed it out, and wow! did people get HOT under the collar.

Ask and answer...

Seems I have only one person left who reads my blog. Besides myself, that is.

Anyway, the questions asked and answers...(questions from bluFelicia)

1. Would you tell us me about the first guy you had a crush on?
I remember having a crush on the boy with the locker next to mine in the 5th grade. Of course, my mom's brainwashing (that boys are bad) had taken effect and I thought it wasn't alright to like boys. I kept hush, then a friend wanted me to hook them up together (b/c, of course, I was friends with him). Turns out, he liked ME.

2. Did he know?
No. I was SO embarrassed when he told everyone he liked me. I know. I was a big chicken shit.

3. Do you know what he's doing now??
I have no idea. I left that school after 6th grade. I would guess that he still lives in my hometown, or somewhere pretty close. Probably married with a gazillion kids.

I have relatively little knitting news to report. My good friend flew in on Friday afternoon, and we've been partying nonstop. We had happy hour with a lot of old friends that night, had some people over Saturday, and went to the Motorhead concert last night. Yes, readers, this knitter is a heavy metal fan. My ears are still ringing, so I'm taking the night off.
In the yarn world, I've been concentrating on the clap. I'm on my eleventh repeat in the straight row section. More than half done!!! When I get some time to figure out my camera/computer situation, I want to take pics of my new knit bag and needle bag (from latern moon)... I bought them while in CA.
My summer plans are shaping up, with an extra side of nerdiness. I'll be helping teach another class, and doing research on multicultural counseling competency with some of my professors.

With a Little Help From My Friends...

I've got some pics of a FO!!! I made this QT pie a pair of clogs after finishing his mommy's for her 30th b-day.

Showing off 


Clogs on 


For all I know, he hates them, but he's such a ham for the cameras. But doesn't he look excited to have them? And isn't he CUTE?? EDIT: I guess he wanted to wear them to school today, so I suppose he really does like them. He's been asking for me, which breaks my heart. I wish they lived closer.
His mom's clogs are much bigger, and reversed in color (navy on top, oatmeal on bottom). These would be the clogs I made with Debbie Bliss Soho (pics in some previous post).

Here's a different kind of MEME from bluFelicia's blog. You can check it out on her blog (using button on side bar) too! In the comments section, you recommend to me the three things in A. Then you can leave me three questions for me to answer at my discretion. Last, you put this meme on your blog. Then I'll come over and post in your comment section!

A. First, recommend to me:

1. A movie:
2. A book:
3. A musical artist, song, or album:

B. Ask me three questions, no more, no less. You may ask me anything you want, but I can decline to answer anything which makes me uncomfortable.

C. Copy and paste this in your blog.

I have issues...

yeah yeah, what's new, right? I'm having some issues with the puters. I love technology when it makes my life more convenient and they WORK. Somehow, my computer isn't recognizing my camera, for which I've already installed the driver. SO. That means no pics until I can get a few minutes with my technogeek (I mean, technophile) brother. What's that you say? Why don't I call the technical help for either the computer or the camera? Pshaw!! I ask you again to please note the name of the blog. ALL tech help lines require a humongo wait, unless you've got some huge account with them.

OH. Speaking of help lines, I heard a funny story. A friend works for a private client group for investments (please don't ask me to explain, all I know is it involves insurance and investment needs). Isaiah Thomas (of Detroit Pistons fame) and his wife were clients of this firm, and were accidentally given the 'regular' business card with the 'regular' call for help phone number. When Mrs. Thomas gets into a car accident, she calls the joe schmoe line and tells the customer rep something along the lines of "I need a replacement car, a tow truck, and blah blah blah because i just got into an accident." The rep puts Mrs Thomas on hold, and tells the CSR in the next cube "You won't BE-LIEVE the bitch I have on the line."
Well, turns out said CSR wasn't so great with phones yet, and Mrs Thomas heard the comment. He he he. Serves them right for not giving the same level of customer service to all their clients. And if you weren't amused, I'm sorry I made you read it. Wait a minute. I didn't make you read it.

Knitting news: I can't wait for another knit night b/c i'm making excellent progress on my clapotis. It's beautiful and the bamboo yarn has a silky (not the squeaky silk) feel when it runs through my fingers. I almost lost about 40yds worth, b/c I set the project down for a minute, and the cats attacked it. It was batted around from the living room, into the kitchen, into my bedroom, under the couch, around the legs of the end tables etc etc. I was NOT pleased.
I took a trip to Knitty Cat? on Arapahoe Rd today. Granted they were busy, but no one greeted me or asked if I needed any help. The lady that came in a few minutes after me was asked if she needed help, so I felt ignored and left w/o purchasing anything. I overheard the owner lady (who was very busy talking to some lady for an extended period of time) say that she owns a Lexus with the plates Knitty Cat. She's not going to miss my business, methinks. (And being naturally curious/nosey, I checked the parking lot as I left, and she owns the larger SUV Lexus, which run about $50K. Excuse the extreme bitchy tone of this post, as I'm expecting George very soon. He makes me cranky and tired.

No New Knitting....

I haven't touched any knitting projects since Monday. I did make some progress on the clapotis on the plane ride back from LA, but haven't touched needles since. I managed to get to A Knitted Peace to look at the trunk show of novely items, but was a bit underwhelmed. I'm just not a shiny, sparkly, frou frou kind of girl. As pretty as some of it might've been, I was much more attracted to the SALES in the back room. I bought a couple skeins of sock yarn (even though I don't know how to knit socks) and a couple skeins of wool for yet another pair of clogs.

In any case, I flew back to Denver late on Monday night, then drove back to the airport early Tuesday morning to pick up a friend. We had much fun, spent way too much money shopping, and ate too much good food. We went to Samba Room last night, which has never disappointed me. We split the skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, and the espresso tres leches cake for dessert. The steak is 14 oz of super tender beef. Yes, that's right. 14 ounces. The man at the table next to us ordered one and polished off the whole thing. Served with roasted, carmelized onions, and skinny fries. I had a mango daquiri, she had a mojito. The cake complimented our after dinner coffee very well, and we left the restaurant needing to unbutton our jeans. Great service at the restaurant as well. Cathi, if you're reading this....I would highly recommend this place for a date night.

Did Lamb's Pride stop making yarn? Every yarn store I've been to has had crappy selections. The last time I was at A Knitted Peace, they only had ugly colors left. When I went this week (it's been about 2 weeks in between), they had even less.

Another note: if you don't read bluFelicia's blog, please stop by and read about Tucker, an abandoned dalmation that needs surgery.

I'll post pics of the new yarn and the progress on the clap tomorrow. I need a nap.

Devil Inside

I think that there's a devil inside the city of angels. I only made it to one LYS while there, but it was a good one! L'Atelier has quite a bit of my $$ now, seeing as I couldn't resist a knitting bag I found there. I also bought my friend a skein of some shimmery novelty yarn to knit along with a white fluffy soft as a baby's butt yarn.

I finished the clogs made with Debbie Bliss Soho, and a children's pair for my friend's kiddo. I'm thinking it's time to try something new now. I had a little bit of time to work on my clap on the plane. The new project line up: finish WIPs (clapotis, backyard leaves, chevron scarf)... I have yarn for a long cardigan/coat, but it's going to get pushed back to the bottom since we're coming up on spring/summer season. The next CO will either be for a felted bag (to get rid of left overs from all the clog making), or...?? Any suggestions?

Am I on strike?

No pic post again. I don't even have an excuse, since I have a digital camera now. A pretty nice one at that. We'll just pretend I don't.
Survived my exam last night, which was relatively painless. My hand just cramped from writing so furiously for an hour. But when did professors start lecturing AFTER exams? Huh? Both profs this week are giving midterms, BOTH are lecturing after the exam. Hmph. Rushed off right after class to the meetup in Littleton. Met some people I've been 'talking to' or through blogs (Michelle from Sitting Here Knitting, Stacey from Sheep in the City...). I got some much needed help and reassurance on both my clapotis and my clogs.

I think I've fallen into a group of people that will be enabling my urge to buy luxurious yarns. I read somewhere about Brooks Farm's Yarn, and lusted after the colorings immediately. Apparently, it's as good as it looks, and there was talk about organizing a group to go up to Estes Park for the yarnapalooza up there (or whatever it might be called).

Another random thought: I keep leaving my cell phone in random places. I've had a cell phone for over 4 years now, most of that time it's been my only phone. I've NEVER lost it. Or left it. In the past week, I've left it at school twice. Anyone want to analyze that?

last funny: Stacey is going to LA at the same time I am. We joked (sort of) about meeting up to visit yarn stores together. I might need the escape, b/c I'll be staying with my friend, who has a just about 3 yr old, plus three step kids (twin girls, 7, and oldest at 8). Zoo, anyone?

Two weeks

I'm not planning on posting much for this entire week or the next. I have midterms, then going to LA for the weekend. Then, a friend from college will be visiting for a week! I'm very excited, since it seems post college you don't get to spend lots of time with those friends anymore. I made some very good, very close friends while in college (all from freshman year, what's that all about?)

In any case, Cathi has given me a great excuse to keep procrastinating. A knitting meme...

1. Do you knit continental or English? Definitely English, though I've tried continental too. I don't have to take my right hand off the needles in order to wrap though, b/c I wrap the way a crocheter would...

2. How long ago did you learn to knit? My grandmother taught me how when I was about 8. I lost interest for a very long time, and started knitting again about a year ago. I don't think I'll lose interest for quite a while! I want to start knitting more elaborate garments (sweaters, socks), and learn how to use DPNs.

3. First FO? A scarf, made with baby monkey.

4. Favorite yarn? I don't have a favorite yet, but I've lusted over many. I don't like the feel of silk (it feels squeaky), but love wool, cashmere, and cotton.

5. Favorite pattern? Hmm. I've only knit 5 or 6 patterns so far. All of them scarves except for the FiberTrends Clogs. I like the backyard leaves from Scarfstyle, the ubiquitous Clapotis... and the clogs are quick and easy.

6. Favorite pattern source? Knitty.com is a great place where I like to get ideas of future projects. I do lots of oohing and aaahing when I look up patterns online.

6.5 [I'm adding one of my own] Favorite knitting book for technique/reference (of any kind- general, fair isle etc)? Well, what about favorite LYS, Cathi? They're a great source for knitting help too (The Recycled Lamb). I have Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch for quick and easy reference for me.


7. Favorite needles? I love my circular addis (the metal ones). I also like the Lantern Moon straight needles. I prefer working on wood needles.

8. Nicest thing you’ve ever knit? Either my clogs or the WIP backyard leaves.

9. Most hated project? Well, I didn't finish those projects, now did I? I just ripped them out and never mentioned them again. I tried a huge fishermans blanket, made by knitting 8 different panels... it sucked.

10. Who are you going to pass this along to? I dunno who hasn't had it yet. But, I think Sarah, Michelle, and Anne.

Other news: I am an overanxious worry wart. I came home yesterday after class, and threw open my sliding glass door b/c it was freaking beautiful outside. What followed was about 10 minutes of sheer panic b/c Danger started sneezing madly, then had this wheezing, hacking dry cough. Now, if it was just a couple coughs, no problem. But he coughed for about 10 minutes, sticking his little pink tongue out. freaked me out enough to start calling vet clinics. He stopped, so i didn't take him in anywhere, but I think he might have asthma and allergies.

promised pictures...

Grr. Blogger is having issues. I had this post all typed out and it ate it.
Sarita, from Bienvenue, has called me out on my continual promises to post pictures of the clogs. Here they are. I'm a wee bit concerned re: the thickness of the upper portion of the clog. I used Debbie Bliss SoHo yarn, which slubs quite a bit. I used a single strand (the pattern says either use a single strand of bulky or double knit with worsted weight yarn. From the pic in the link, you can see for yourself how much slubbing is involved.

An aside: My baby cosmo just tried to eat a rubber band. He's 10 years old, for crying out loud! Do cats EVER figure out that some crap is NOT edible?

Back to the clogs: Anyone out there with mucho clog experience? Care to
comment? The person for whom the clogs are intended lives in SoCal. I didn't want to make the clogs too warm for her by double stranding the Soho.

current clog 


sideview 


In any case, there's the promised pictures. I need to read for my next class, and write three papers before Saturday, so I should get going!

I'm not narcissistic!!!

More pics will be posted tonight of other WIPs (back yard leaves, mainly)
and my kitty kats. But for now...


You are a MASTER of the English language!


Huzzah. While your English is not exactly perfect, you are still more grammatically correct than just about every American. Others admire the way you speak and could learn a lot from listening to you. Still, there is always room for improvement...

How grammatically correct are you? (Revised with answer key)
brought to you by Quizilla

EDIT: well, hmph. The pic is above should show Danielsan with Mr Miyagi from The Karate Kid. Go take the quiz and see for yourself.

I found this on some other knit blog, but I can't remember to whom credit is due. I need to get ready for dinner. Denver is having Denver Restaurant Week, where many of the upscale restaurants are offering a multicourse meal for two people for $52.80. Get it? Some places include the wine! (Like Maggiano's) The point of the week is so people can try new restaurants without paying a steep price, I guess. I've made reservations at Rioja, on Larimer Square. Next door to Josephina's, for you other Mile Hi Knitters. The entree said eggplant, and that was all I needed!!

By the way, the camera taking the lovely pictures is a Sony Cybershot. A new model that my brother (technogeek/technophile, whichever you prefer) recommended. I can't really say he's a geek I guess, b/c I depend on him for all my gadgets and gizmos (like programming my universal remote). In any case, the camera is very user friendly. I spent about 5 minutes skimming the manual, and I think I've got most of it figured out. More pics later.

Drum roll please.....

and...ta da!!! the long promised pictures of some stuff I've been working on. I don't have a picture of my finished felted clogs. The story behind the re homing of my clogs is as follows: When one spends a considerable amount of time in a friend's kitchen, and that friend has a large doggy...that likes to drool and drip water all over the floor, one becomes tired of walking around with either cold feet or wet socks. Felted clogs to the rescue!! Actually, the clogs were knit and felt with this purpose in mind. My house slippers in a home away from home. I'll take pics of them next week.

onward we go!

A close up of the chosen colorway of bamboo yarn from SW Trading company.




Here's a pic of the WIP. I'm loving the colors!




Here are some yarns I bought for more clogs. The oatmeal color is the base color for three sets. It'll be the sole for two adult pairs of clogs. Perhaps the top portion for a kid sized clog. The blue/tan will be the top portion for one set of adult clogs. The blue with fading will be the sole/cuff for the kid clogs.




The black yarn got kind of left out. It'll be the top portion of another pair of clogs for me (a set that gets to actually live with me!)

I'm So Excited....and I Just Can't Hide It...

Am I showing my age by using that song? The title of the entry was going to be, I'm so excited, I could pee my pants...but I thought the Pointer Sisters said it better.

Today is THE day. THE day that Fed Ex (I hate them) says I should be getting my camera. I hate both Fed Ex and UPS b/c those services SAY they have all this fancy detailed tracking, right? So what if I can see the night before that it will be delivered today? WHAT TIME TODAY? It's worse than the cable guy, who at least gives you a four hour window, instead of expecting you to be home all effing day. The tracking site says it will be delivered by 430pm today. So, either I sit on my ass all day at home, or chance missing the delivery. Watch, I'll stay home until the last possible minute, and they'll try to deliver it between 345pm and 430pm. Of course, I won't be home b/c I'll be at school. Then, they take my precious back to the warehouse. When I go pick it up in BFE, I'll have to wait for at least an hour while the track it down. Sigh. I prefer USPS, b/c I'm lazy. They leave a slip in
my mailbox, then I walk the two blocks over to my post office and pick it up. The kicker? It's much cheaper than either Fed Ex or UPS. Have you had enough of my whiney ass yet?

Sarah figured out how to air her music mixes so we could have a listen. I think she's getting frenchified, but it was still good music to listen to while knitting.

I didn't wish anyone a happy chinese new year, did I? (way back on Feb 9th). Michelle has an alternative chinese zodiac on her site. Supposedly, I should be a fried fruit pie, but it doesn't sound like me at all!!

I think this post will be the last non pic post. We'll see if I can outsmart the Fed Ex man.