It's Almost illegal

how much fun I'm having with this round of SP. Not only has my pal already sent an e-card, and a real card in the mail, but today I had

shoved in my mail box. (I live in a high rise, so the mailboxes are small PO box sized). Ok. you can't really see the box. But I wanted to show the process of opening...

I was on my way to Capuvino to meet Theresa (who doesn't have a blog), and got my mail on my way. I demonstrated an incredible amt of willpower by not ripping into it immediately, but waited until I got to the coffee shop so I could properly appreciate everything.

Inside?

Cosmo loved the gifts too!! The Yarn Harlot's new book, some super cute magnets in flower form, and two stamps!! The stamps are of my favorite ocean mammals, the dolphin and orca (killer whale). My SP's been paying attention...
I can't wait to read the book, and I better not start tonight b/c I'm sure I'd be up all night.

I worked on the scarf for the scarf exchange (and leave a comment if you want to be notified when sign ups for round two start)... sorry no pics. Thursday, i hope.

and... has anyone else seen this blog?



And i thought i had visited most of the local coffee shops.

weekend bliss

I've been extremely remiss in not blogging about my beautiful new pair of socks.

They're from the sockapal2za exchange hosted by Alison. I joined the beginner round, and these are the first pair of socks that Debbie has ever knitted!! She did a beautiful job of turning the heel, b/c I see no holes. I'm very envious. In any case, the socks made their public debut at the...


... which was hosted by the Boulder Knitting Guild, of which our own dear Jenifer is the current president. So, Wanda and I carpooled up there, and wandered around the farmer's market for quite some time (after Wanda finished talking to EACH and EVERY knitter there...). I bought some Rainier Cherry perserves, fresh roasted green chiles (mmmm), and a head of the most potent garlic ever. The garlic will be tested on Thursday during my weekly dinner club night. Will post results Friday.


Here's a quick glimpse of the knit out, which was well attended, and attracted quite a bit of attention. Amanda B, of Interweave, grabbed a lot of passerbys' interest, since she was trying to ensnare unwitting people into becoming addicting to spinning fiber. So... um, I brought home a free drop spindle, and went to Shuttles to buy some practice roving. SHUT UP! I hear you snickering out there. I will NOT become addicting to spinning. Really... I suck at it, but it's fun, so I doubt I'll ever be a serious spinner... no mastery of craft = little enjoyment for me.

Here we have the yarn and needles that people donated to teach the curious how to knit. At the end, anything leftover was up for grabs!! There was even some Black Water Abbey yarn, generously donated by Marilyn.

we've got a knit meet up (through DenverKnits or MHCknitters... who knows) tonight at Capuvino on S. University. Across the street from The Saucy Noodle. Anyone see a theme for my culinary preferences? Garlic. Mmm. On October 7th, we're going to meet up at St. Mark's Coffeehouse on 17th and Vine. See you there?

ps. OH OH OH!! So, maybe I should've kept my mouth shut about trying to get into NYU and Teacher's College... here's a link my friend sent to me about the wonders of NYC. Knit New York. Coffee, yarn, and knitting. In the midst of SOHO... shopping mecca of the world? (so long as you don't mind debt or have the Trump bazillions). My friend is trying to make the move more appealing to me... here's a snippit of the email she just sent.

GET OUT!!! YOU IN NYC...YAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Can't
wait...can't wait...can't wait. so you MUST come out
and visit...MUST!!!MUST!!!MUST!!!

I miss you and if you move to NYC..I'm think I'm gonna
die!!!!!!!

Mail Time!!

Here's the mail, it never fails, when it comes, it makes me want to wag my tail....

MAIILLLLL!!!

So, maybe someone has been watching Blue's Clues. Maybe.

Lookie what my SP sent me! Her sense of humor is funny, isn't it?
But what a great way to address a secret piece of mail...

Speaking of which, I've been having a blast with this round of SP. Not only has
the pal spoiling me already sent me a card and a e-card, but the person I'm spoiling is so much fun to get to know.

On to other mail...



How surprised was I to get a package slip last night, saying I had something from Amazon.com waiting for me? I went bright and early this morning to pick up my package, and ripped into the box to find out who it was from! See the name on the "bill to:" part? Joanne gifted me with Wrap Style for answering the lyric challenge correctly. I met Joanne this summer, not even 2 months ago, and i have to say, she embodies the "you'll never meet a more generous person than a knitter" saying that I've heard. Not only does she generously help us at knitting groups with what must seem like stupid knitting problems, but she even offers to help us learn the HARD stuff like Fair Isle and Intarsia. What a doll. Sneaky too! (as Laura knows...)

Life news: I got my last admissions packet in the mail this week, so I'm making bundles of recommendations forms for my professors. Six schools have the opportunity to welcome me to their programs, most of which are East Coast schools. Teacher's College at Columbia University, NYU, Boston College, Fordham, Seton Hall, and Loyola University are the schools to which I'm applying, and Teacher's College is my top choice. Now... I'm a lucky lucky duck. I found out this past week that a professor in my master's program is friends with the Department Chair at Teacher's College and that he'd like to help me with my application.

Other life news: In my master's program, I have to complete both a practicum (which I'm doing now) and an internship. In internship, I need to have 180 client contact hours with couples or families, plus another 60 of whatever kind of client contact hours I can muster up (either individual or family hours). I really wanted to do my internship at Safehouse in Boulder, which focuses on Domestic violence issues, and social justice. I had an interview on Thursday morning, and guess what? Still a lucky duck, b/c they asked me to intern there at the end of the interview.

Now, who's gonna join me in Boulder for the Knit Out tomorrow morning? Wanda and I are carpooling, and I hope to see some of you there!

SP6 questionnaire

I'm having so much fun in these exchanges, I signed up for round 6!!

for my SP, here's my interview.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

I'm a bit of a snob. Ok, mostly snob. I make baby stuff with acrylic b/c of it's long lasting, easy care, and let's be honest, cheap prices. For myself, I have gravitated toward wools and cottons and blends.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I do crochet, and I'm *thinking* of doing more, but knitting takes up so much time! Really, i only crochet baby blankets, but i love to try knitting anything.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

I hate the smell of smoke. If you have pets, don't worry about pet fibers (i won't notice...the two kitties of mine make sure EVERYTHING is covered in a fine fur). My allergy to fake crab shouldn't be of concern, right?


4. How long have you been knitting?

I've been knitting a year and a half (since March 2004ish).

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I sure do. click here. I'll update it soon.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla and lilac. LILAC is the best smell ever. Bath and body works used to have a pillow/linen spray that combined these two smells. mmmm. I like anything that's not too heavy and musky. Clean smells, the smell of wood fires, citrus smells are also pleasing to me.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

not as much as a salt tooth. but i'm a woman after all, so chocolate is a must at least once a month. apple and lemon jolly ranchers are my favorite hard candy.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Umm. I dabble, but i'm trying to be focused on the knitting. I make stitch markers once in awhile (beading).

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like everything from classical, jazz, hip hop, heavy metal, rock, soft rock, etc. I do NOT like anything close to country or gangsta rap.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love blue, green, grey and black. I hate anything approaching pink (i mean ANYTHING). I like a true blue-red (blood red?), purples... no yellows or beigish tan colors. I look like I'm suffering from jaundice if I wear these colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm single and live with 2 cats.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

For now, I'm hoping to get accepted to a PhD program, then do some ground breaking research in the field of counseling/psychology. I'd also love to raise awareness on racial issues, animal rights, and women's rights.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

I loved knitting my bamboo clapotis. I also enjoyed working with mercerized cotton, but can only knit for so long with that stuff. Sock yarn (like cherry tree hill) is a wonder too, but it's so SLOW. Anything soft and variegated always makes me smile.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

i'm not too fond of raw silk or anything squeaky.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

finishing my socks for sockpal2za. please please please let me finish soon. then i'm onto Rogue.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

i love it all, so far. socks are great for a travel project, but if you use sock yarn? progress is really slow. and since i hate waiting... you do the math!

17. What are you knitting right now?

see above. darn socks!

18. What do you think about ponchos?

i think ponchos would look great on my best friend. who weights 125 at 5'10.
with an a cup. me? at 5'3 with a c cup? not so cute.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

i love me some addis. turbos or naturas. love em love em love em. i have most sizes though...

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

i prefer wood and metal.

21. Are you a sock knitter?

i won't be for quite awhile.

22. How did you learn to knit?

my grandma showed me how when i was little. i picked it back up a year or so ago at an LYS.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

ha ha. how long have i been knitting?

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

i love dolphins and orcas.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

thanksgiving. and i'm not saying that b/c it's coming up. the food. the friends. the food. the football.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

yarn. books. shoes and handbags/pocketbooks.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

none!

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

The yarn harlot's second. Nicky Epstein's books. Erika Knight's knitting for the home (or is it simple knits for the home?).

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??

umm... not that i can think of.

ETA: 30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?

if you were to make me hand knit socks, i woudln't care what you made it out of.
but, my foot is 8-9 inches from heel to toe. i don't like the cuff to be very tall (4-5 inches is more than sufficient).

WHEW! that's some interview.

Needle Exchange info

Ummm... I did confess to procrastination, right? SP 6 interview tomorrow. Needle exchange... tonight.

1. What do you like to knit or crochet? (socks, sweaters, etc.)

I've only crocheted baby blankets... I knit socks, sweaters (attempting my
first right now), tank tops, scarves, and clogs.

2. What fibers do you like?

I love the wool! Alpaca, angora, cashmere (duh, who doesn't?), and some cottons. Luxury merino sock yarn? Mmmmmm mmmm good.

3. What type of needles do you use most often?

I've found that I tend to use circs whenever possible. I've got from size 1-9,
11 and 13 size circs. In straights, I have 7s, 10s, 10.5, 11 and 15s. I would love any size dpns in the shorties (4-5" length)

4. Do you like to knit in the round?

LOVE IT.

5. Do you use a magic loop method or any other we should know about? Are you interested in learning a new method?

I tried magic loop, but have yet to master it. Maybe my circs aren't long enough,
b/c I felt i put too much stress on the two points.

7. Do you have a favorite place that you shop online? (knitpicks.com, knitpixie.com, jimmybeanswool.com....)?

I have yet to try knitpicks yarn!! I've ordered from Webs several times, and Loop once. I'm convinced the internet was invented to enable knitters.

8. Do you want to be surprised? then erase all your answers above and write surprise me!!!

Super Trooper

Yes, I like ABBA. But I'll admit it, b/c I'm so geeked about my scarf!!!
Becky sent me this beautiful scarf on Saturday. It's crocheted, and such a lovely stitch. I'd love to get the stitch pattern Becky!!


It's made out of alpaca, so it'll keep my neck nice and toasty this winter! I can't wait for it to get cold enough for me to use it. I'm so glad I decided to participate in the exchange, and I'm about halfway done with mine (the deadline isn't until the end of the month).



We met at our B&N tonight (I rushed over after my practicum class) for our monthly knit group. Here's the group's biggest ham showing off her latest FO. A Hallowig, for those of you who are unfamiliar. She's going to wear this bright creation while running the Race for the Cure on October 2nd. Wish her luck.


The orange tabby is Stacey's purty putty tat. He coulda been a contender at the Silly Sleeping Olympics.




I can't post a pic of someone else's kitty and not show off one of mine. I was just practicing taking close ups and using flash with the camera. Looks like those goofy dog pics with the big schnozs.



Now... NO NO KITTY!! Jesse, trying to devour Stacey's latern moon knitting bag. He was up on the couch, batting away at the handles, and decided to get serious about noshing on the handles!

tortoise and the hare... or... The Little Engine that Could

I would post more frequently, but when all you're working on is a pair of socks, it doesn't seem very exciting. I'm working on the heel flap of sock #2, so it should be finished and shipped on time for the deadline of sockpal2za. Somebody shoot me if I sign up for a third sock exchange (actually, I think my local knitting pals will kill me if I sign up.

In other exciting news, I got my scarf from my secret scarf pal!! It's a beautiful deep purple (eggplant) color, crocheted in some seemingly tricky stitch. I'd have a pic, but I left the camera in the car. Pics tomorrow. Thanks to Becky for the beautiful, soft, and I bet warm as hell scarf!! I know I'll use it this winter, but it'll be even handier if I'm lucky enough to need it on the east coast.

That's it for now...

If you voted for and support Bush...

you won't enjoy this email as much as I did... I'm not saying Michael Moore is unbiased, but he does tend to raise consciousness on some subjects that need to be investigated...


Vacation is Over... an open letter from Michael Moore to George W. Bush

Friday, September 2nd, 2005

Dear Mr. Bush:

Any idea where all our helicopters are? It's Day 5 of Hurricane Katrina and thousands remain stranded in New Orleans and need to be airlifted. Where on earth could you have misplaced all our military choppers? Do you need help finding them? I once lost my car in a Sears parking lot. Man, was that a drag.

Also, any idea where all our national guard soldiers are? We could really use them right now for the type of thing they signed up to do like helping with national disasters. How come they weren't there to begin with?

Last Thursday I was in south Florida and sat outside while the eye of Hurricane Katrina passed over my head. It was only a Category 1 then but it was pretty nasty. Eleven people died and, as of today, there were still homes without power. That night the weatherman said this storm was on its way to New Orleans. That was Thursday! Did anybody tell you? I know you didn't want to interrupt your vacation and I know how you don't like to get bad news. Plus, you had fundraisers to go to and mothers of dead soldiers to ignore and smear. You sure showed her!

I especially like how, the day after the hurricane, instead of flying to Louisiana, you flew to San Diego to party with your business peeps. Don't let people criticize you for this -- after all, the hurricane was over and what the heck could you do, put your finger in the dike?

And don't listen to those who, in the coming days, will reveal how you specifically reduced the Army Corps of Engineers' budget for New Orleans this summer for the third year in a row. You just tell them that even if you hadn't cut the money to fix those levees, there weren't going to be any Army engineers to fix them anyway because you had a much more important construction job for them -- BUILDING DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ!

On Day 3, when you finally left your vacation home, I have to say I was moved by how you had your Air Force One pilot descend from the clouds as you flew over New Orleans so you could catch a quick look of the disaster. Hey, I know you couldn't stop and grab a bullhorn and stand on some rubble and act like a commander in chief. Been there done that.

There will be those who will try to politicize this tragedy and try to use it against you. Just have your people keep pointing that out. Respond to nothing. Even those pesky scientists who predicted this would happen because the water in the Gulf of Mexico is getting hotter and hotter making a storm like this inevitable. Ignore them and all their global warming Chicken Littles. There is nothing unusual about a hurricane that was so wide it would be like having one F-4 tornado that stretched from New York to Cleveland.

No, Mr. Bush, you just stay the course. It's not your fault that 30 percent of New Orleans lives in poverty or that tens of thousands had no transportation to get out of town. C'mon, they're black! I mean, it's not like this happened to Kennebunkport. Can you imagine leaving white people on their roofs for five days? Don't make me laugh! Race has nothing -- NOTHING -- to do with this!

You hang in there, Mr. Bush. Just try to find a few of our Army helicopters and send them there. Pretend the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast are near Tikrit.

Yours,

Michael Moore
MMFlint@aol.com
www.MichaelMoore.com

P.S. That annoying mother, Cindy Sheehan, is no longer at your ranch. She and dozens of other relatives of the Iraqi War dead are now driving across the country, stopping in many cities along the way. Maybe you can catch up with them before they get to DC on September 21st.