K-nits

I have a new blog!

2005-12-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ashley and I decided to undertake a blogspace that is shared. Go check it out.

KnittinTwins.com

Hope you like it.

2005-11-27T19:28:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I did. I was able to see my new nephew, and it was the greatest. How can you spend so much time just staring at someones face. He is so adorable. i wanted to pack him in my suitcase and take him home with me. But I think my sister and BIL would have noticed.

And I also spent the weekend working on my special project, which I hope to reveal later this week.

I had an hour ride on the train to NYC today, and I was able to knit a lot on my sweater. Ashley and I also were able to make it to the yarn shop in Princeton. I bought some Manos to make a great pair of fingerless mittens. And some yarn for my SP. And some opal gem sock yarn. I need to get at least one pair of socks finished so I can knit up all this other sock yarn

I am right now sitting on the 34th floor of the UN Plaza hotel, overlooking the East River, and getting anxious about my interview tomorrow. I have a great view from my hotel. And I spent the night reviewing the publications of the people that I will meet with tomorrow. I am a little nervous. I had wanted to wander around today, but I got here after dark, and I didn't want to do that in the dark. Hopefully I will have some time in the next 2 days.

Well, I have been tagged by Beth. So here goes.

What is your all-time favorite yarn to knit with?

Nothing in particular. I have some Rowan calmer that I am to knit with. And everyone raves about that. But I can't say that there is anything in particular that is my favorite.

The worst thing you've ever knit?
I have this sweater that I made when I was in high school. At that time it was wonderful, but now it has these puffy sleeves. I still like it. I'll have to take a picture when I get home, and see what you all think about it.

Most valuable knitting technique?
That is a hard one, since I can't say that I have that many techniques. So I will have to take a pass on this one, and maybe Beth can teach me her invisible cast on.

Your most favorite knit pattern?
That is tough, cause I don't have a pattern that I have knit many of. But if I have to pick something, it would be Anouk. I have made 2 of them, they are quick, easy baby girl gifts. and I love that it will grow with the baby!

Favorite knitwear designer?
I don't know. I need to peruse some designs and then I'll get back to you. I guess I have a lot more to learn about knitting.

Best knitting magazine?
Interweave, of course! I just love it.

Favorite Book?
I love my Vogue Knitting companion. It is a small version of there big book. It is easy to carry around and has lots of tips.

Your favorite knit blogs?
How can I list one and not offend others. So I am only going to list one. ARTwinKnits. That is because it belongs to the person who got me hooked on this crazy thing, and is the best sister in the world.

The knit item you wear the most?
I stareted knitting when I was in middle school. And then when I went to college I put it away. Then about 2 years I picked it up again. Most of what I have made in the last 2 years has not been wearable, at least by me. Several gifts, and a scarf or two. But I am knitting away on a sweater that I can't wait. i'll post some pictures soon.

I better get some sleep. If I get to a computer tomorrow, I may post some more about my interview. If not, then Wednesday.

Sunday, busy Sunday

2005-11-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well, I am on call day. And it has been the day of deliveries for first time moms. It has been a great day. We have delivered three so far, and have some more to go. I have also been working on the manuscript for my paper that I am trying to finish. My book chapter I finished last week, and I hope to get this finished before I leave for Thanksgiving.

I am also getting anxious about my job interview next week. I have two days full of interviews. And I don't know what to expect, what questions I should ask. But I am looking forward to it. It should be good.

Well, the one thing about today that has also been good, it I have some time to knit! I am progressing slowly on the sweater. I wish I had time to make some Christmas gifts, but I am not so sure that it going to happen.

I have also been investigating another project that I am going to keep secret for a while, until I get it all figured out. Hope you all have had a good weekend. I just want to leave you with this:
If I can't get a date on my own, maybe he can help (Hope you don't mind me stealing the pic Ash).

2005-11-14T18:25:00.000-08:00

You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine)

You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination.

You were born to be a doctor.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Glad to know I made the right choice.

Lazy Saturday of Work

2005-11-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

Okay,I have decided that I must complete the much promised pictures before I go to my office to finish this dreaded chapter. I must finish it today. I don't think it will be a problem, I just need to lock myself away from distraction and do it. So I will get my distraction out of the way first. But beware, this will be lots of pictures.

First I want to send out a thank you to my SP who sent me this package weeks ago. The sock yarn is beautiful. I have already used the soap, and the baby booty yarn is so soft. I love it all.

Next, I promise some pictures of the sweater that I am working on, but they will have to come later.

Finally, here are some images from the things I have been doing over the last few months. First, here is St. Louis, every year there is a Balloon Race. On Friday night they have what is called the glow, where they light up all the baloons and people walk around and look at them. My camera is crappy, so the pictures look like this,On Saturday, they actually have a balloon race. The energizer bunny is the start of the race.
My friend's friend works for Energizer, so we were able to get up close.
Then, the other balloons chase the bunny, and the first one to get close to him wins. I don't think they made it very far this year, cause the bunny crashed before he left the park. But the balloons were beautiful, and it was a beautiful day. Here are some of the pictures.

Finally, here is a picture from my trip to Aspen in August.

Unfortunately, all of the beautiful weather was when I was in conference, and it rained when I was out, so I have very few pictures. My plans to go hiking were foiled by a big thunderstorm. But I had a great time, and the trip was great. I even made it to the LYS there in Aspen, and they were having a sale. I got some sock yarn. Yipee!

Well, I think that is enough for today. Have a good weeked.

2005-11-09T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am a bad blogger. I have not posted in over a week. But I have a good excuse -- kind of. But I have been knitting some. But work is keeping me too busy.

My book chapter is almost half way finished. Unfortunately, my half I haven't really started. And it is due on Tuesday. I think it will be a rather quick thing. I have written a fair amount in the last hour. I just need to sit down and do it. And my manuscript for the study I finished in June is coming close to being finished. And I have to present on that on next Thursday. So my three day weekend will be no party. I will probably spend it in my office, writing. Oh, the life of an academic physician. But I love it.

The job interviews are slowly tricklin in. I am going to be going all over the country to look for a job. I am anxious and scared, and have shed many a tear over this whole process. I am sure there will be more tears. I just wish I had someone to help me make this decision -- but that complaint is for another moment - and should be accompanied by a good bottle of wine.

Now for a little knitting. I received my first SP gift now almost 2 weeks ago. I was out of town when it arrived, but it was here waiting for me. Some beautiful sock yarn, some baby booty yarn, and some great treats from LUSH (she did some blog reading to find I fell in love with this place on my trip to Aspen). I have pictures -- and lots of other pics I want to post -- but I can't find the cord to connect my camera. So I will have to search through my unpacked vacation stuff. I know it is there. The sandsoap that I got is great, and I have some bath bombs that are waiting for a good lazy saturday to be used.

I also have been working on a great sweater. I am almost halfway up the back, which is good progress for me. I promise pictures to come. The body is all in seed stitch, which makes me wish I wasn't a thrower, but I can never get the tension right the other way. I think it would mean lots of frogging and in the end will be faster with the throwing.

Well, I better get back to my chapter. This quick post has turned into a book. If I only had such inspiration for preterm labor.

Happy Birthday

2005-10-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

Well, today is my sister's birthday. And because we are twins, that means it is my birthday, too! So Happy Birthday sis.

The other news I have is that I am an aunt again! Ashley had her baby last week, and I was lucky enough to be there. H is so cute. I will post pics of him soon.

I have lots to tell about the knitting that took place during my vacation, but that will have to wait until later. Now I must go celebrate my birthday. Hopefully the rain won't keep the trick or treaters away!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Vacation

2005-10-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation. I haven't had a real vacation in a long time. And this is a working vacation, but fun none the less. I have come home to Virginia, and I will interview for a job today. Then this weekend is my 15 year high school reunion. I am excited about that, but I am bummed that Ashley won't be able to be here. But she is still anxiously awaiting the newest member of our family, and couldn't make the trip.

But on Sunday, I head to see her in NJ! Yay! And maybe I will ge tot meet HTK too. But he is showing no signs of soon arrival. Anyway, I have lots to update on knitting. But I need to go get ready for my interview. Hopefully I haven't had too much coffee.

More later. And kntting content promised.

Wow, it is already October 10!

2005-10-10T15:56:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger, but if you read my last posts, I have been really busy at work. And I have been out of town 2 weekends in a row. Last weekend I went to my college homecoming. I went to a small liberal arts school in North Carolina. It is a beautiful campus, and the weather was gorgeous. I was able to catch up with some of my friends. And the best part about it was the knitting shop across from the campus. I snuck away in the afternoon after the football game, and I happened upon some beautiful hand dyed silk from Nepal. I will definitely post a picture when I can find my camera. I think I may venture in the the Clapotis craze and use it for that. I also bought some stuff for my secret pal.

This past weekend I went to Washington, DC for my dad's birthday. He turned the big 6 - 0 and through himself a party. So I had to represent the family since my granddad recently had surgery, and my sister is about to add a new addition to the family. My aunt and brother were there too. It was a lot of fun. But I made my dad take me to Knit Happens yesterday. You know that they have Lorna's Lace in their signature pink and green, made just for them! I didn't get any, but I did buy a pattern book, and I am going to get the yarn to make a sweater from there online store. I racking up the projects. With such little free time.

And I really need to start looking for a job!

I have made some progress on the FBS. I am in the second set of repeats in the lower pattern. It is going okay. But, I better get back to my presentation for Wednesday. I need to practice! I will write more later.

2005-09-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided to broach the lace thing. A few months ago I won some lace weight yarn from Cara. I decided to make the Flower Basket Shawl from IK. I have just started, but I think it will be fun. Following the graph will be a challenge, but I am excited to do it. I have cast on, and knit about 12 rows.

Otherwise, I have been really busy with work. I am trying to write the manuscript for one of my research projects. I am helping to write a chapter for a book. I have a big lecture to give in a few weeks. And my ultrasound project is taking a lot of my time. Plus, I should be studying for my boards which I will take in January. And I need to be looking for a job. All of this is so overwhelming that I don't know where to start.

And the knitting is taking a back seat. But I need to finish my sock pair. And I want to get this shawl done. Not to mention things for Christmas presents. I wish there was more time.

At least I am slowly getting out of the bad mood that has been interfering with my ability to get anything done. So for now, I can at least get something done. I'll post some pics soon.

Wow it has been a long time

2005-09-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I need to update a lot of things. But I quickly wanted to update my SP6 questionnaire. I signed up late and wasn't sure that I would even get to be a part of it. But I am excited to be a part of this once again. I have to say I have lucked out with my SP's from both 4 and 5, and I think that I will like my SO from this time too. So here is my questionnaire.

I'll post some other fun stuff soon.

SP5 is done!

2005-09-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't felt much like doing anything these days. My own mood, compounded with all the devastation of the hurricane has left me kind of down. haven't been knitting much. But I wanted to give an SP5 update. I first wanted to thank my wonderful SP from North of the Border. Heather was a wonderful SP and she sent me some great stuff. I guess I need to post a picture of the sweatshirt she sent me. But I love all the things she sent. The person that I sent to was Janet. Her last gift box is in the mail, and I hope that she likes it. I had fun picking out all the stuff.

I know there are lots of you all doing what you can for the victims of Katrina. I wish I could go down and volunteer, but I don't think I can. I am giving some money. That is the best I can do. Hope you all hang in there.

Thanks

2005-08-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Beth, and to my SP for answering my question about my sock. I think I have it all figured out. I am almost finished with sock number one. I will post a picture soon.

I had a wonderful trip to Aspen. I only have one picture. I was in meetings from 7 am til 4 pm almost everyday. And I took my camera, but I didn't have a chance to take any pictures. I'll have to keep those images in my mind. The weather was good. It rained almost every day. And the one afternoon I had free, I was going to go hiking, and the sky looked like it was going to fall. So I went shopping instead.

I went to the Aspen Yarn Gallery. Who could not check out the yarn shop. And to my surprise, they were having a sale! I bought some sock yarn, cause I still couldn't afford anything else in there. I am feeling strapped for cash these days. But they had some nice things.

I also found this store called Lush. They make all there own "cosmetics" they say. But it is really just skin care products, hair care, etc. It is good quality stuff, that is not that expensive (except for the $78 moisturizer that I kindly left on the shelf). Wish they had a store that was closer, but I am glad that they have a web site. I may have to buy some other stuff. I am a skin care nut, and I am always looking for good quality stuff. I bought some henna for my hair, but I am nervous to use it. $15 a block, instead of what I pay to get my hair done was enticing. But I'll have to see how it works. Makes me a bit nervous. They also had this "deli" where they had there own facial masks that are all freshly made and kept on ice. You can't buy those on line.

Well, I hope everyone in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama is doing okay. The pictures are making me sad. The power of nature is truly awesome. It makes me appreciative for all that I have. I wish I could go there and help. I may look into it.

I have a question

2005-08-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am tryng to knit the basketcase sock. All is going well, but I am a little nervous I cam going to run out of yarn before I get to the toe. Anyway, I have a question, as this is the first top down sock I have knit. The sock has 60 stitches. I have gotten to the heel flap part, and there are thirty stitches I have left behind, and I am knitting away on the flap. I have two questions.
1. Next I am supposed to turn the heel. I now have 30 stitches on the needles. These are the instructions:
Turn heel
Row 1: Slip 1, Knit 19 stitches, SSK, turn.
Row 2: Slip 1, Purl 10 stitches, P2tog, turn.
Row 3: Slip 1, Knit 10 stitches, SSK, turn.
Repeat the last two rows until all stitches have been worked (12 sts remaining). Slip 1, knit across.

I think I can figure this one out. Maybe another question later.

2. This is the real question I have. The instruction for the instep are as follows:
Instep Pattern (18 stitches):
Rows 1 & 2: K 8, P 2, K 8
Rows 3 & 4: P 6, K 2, P 2, K 2, P 6
Rows 5 & 6: K 8, P 2, K 8
Rows 7 & 8: K 2, P 2, K 10, P 2, K 2
Rows 9 & 10: K 2, P 2, K 2, P 6, K 2, P 2, K 2
Rows 11 & 12: K 2, P 2, K 10, P 2, K 2

Okay, now the instep pattern in the continuation of the sock patter, so theis is the top part of the sock. But I have 30 stitches on those needles and this says 18 stitches. I am very confused about what to do when I get to this point. Can someone help?

Thanks

I am headed to Aspen on Wednesday for a conference. I will have to figure out if there are any yarn shops, and what projects to take. And if I can't figure out the sock thing, it may have to be something else, which is no big deal. Anyway, thanks in advance for the help.

Finally some pictures

2005-08-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

I warn you, I finally have pictures.

My dad was in town this weekend. We didn't do much except eat! We went to two great restaurants, one to which I had been before, and the other I had been wanting to try. We had an awful thunderstorm yesterday, and we were stuck out in it. There are over 140,000 people in our area that no have no power. I am luck, mine never even went out.

But I was able to get some knitting done. I finished the placket neck pull over from the Last-Minute Knitted Gifts (I actually finished it last weekend, but I have been lazy taking the pictures) It is knitted in the Knitpicks yarn called crayon, in this beautiful red color. The pattern called for a wool yarn, but I thought the cotton would be better. And the boucle of the yarn makes is look very different. The seed stitch time is a bit hard to see, but I think that my friend will like it.

After finishing the sweater, I decided to start a new pait of socks for me! I found this pattern on line, and I swatched for the sock Wednesday night at the Knitting meetup group that meets at Barnes and Noble. I have never been to this group meeting before, and I met a lot of nice people. But here is the sock progression.

This is the Lorna's Laces that I bought when I was in Reno. The colorway is called Circus.

This is what the yarn looks like wound in a ball.

And this is what the sock looks like so far. I love the way that it is striping. I hope the next skein will do the same. Well, I think that I better go to bed. I am a tired cookie.

Christmas in August

2005-08-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

I got home today and I had two boxes waiting for me! One was my second Secret Pal package (really my third treat). It contains a skein of Noro Silk Garden in color 34, with a pattern for a Silk Garden Beanie from And She Knits Too. Along with the beautiful yarn is a sweatshirt from University of Calgary. My SP graduated from there and now work in admissions there. I am excited to have a college swetshirt from across the border. And it will keep me nice and toasty on Labor and Delivery, which is freezing these days. (Despite the temperature being above 100 today, one of the residents had his fleece lined jacket on when I walked onto L&D this morning.) You know what I love about my SP, she writes with a fountain pen (I do, too). And she sent the most beautiful picture of irises on the card that came with my package. I love irises.

And in addition to my SP package, I had my contest prize from Cara. (I have to give Cara credit for this picture, cause I borrowed it from her site). It is a beautiful purple Jagger Spun Zephyr Wool Silk (50% Wool, 50% Tussah Silk). I may have to venture into something lacy with this yarn. I had thought I would not take part of this lace craze, cause I really don't have the time. But I think that I am going to have to jump on the bandwagon. There is also a box of her Sheep and Wool Cards. These cards are beautiful. I can't wait to send them to someone.

I have finished the baby sweater for my friend. I have to seam up the underarm and weave in the ends. And then I can give it to her. I spent most of today, which I had off cause I worked yesterday, running around doing errands. I have been so busy with my case list and the abstracts that I haven't had time to do anything. One thing I had to do was take my cable box to the place and trade it in. Then when I got home, it wasnt' working, so they sent a signal to it and they zapped it. Now I don't have any movie channels. Ugh! I am not very happy about it. In the last 2 years of living here, I have had more trouble with this cable service, but I don't think I can get satellite here in my building. I may have to look into it.

Anyway, I will post some pictures tomorrow when there is some light.

Finally....

2005-08-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

A knitting Post. I am almost finished with my baby gift sweater. That is my goal tonight! I also have two abstracts due by the end of the week. The first one - C'est fini! I have some more data to look up on the second one, and then hopefully I can get that one finished too. Then I will have more time to KNIT!

I am enjoying my new computer. Except that the mouse is so sensitive that it I hit it when I am typing it moves the cursor all over the place. I can't complain though.

I will try and post some pics of the sweater later tonight or tomorrow, depending on if I finish. Hope all are well.

I'm So Excited......

2005-07-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

And I just can't hide it. I got a new computer from work. But it is a laptop! So I get to bring it home. I am going to go and play with it. i should be knitting! Maybe I will do some of that too. I also am going out of town this weekend and I should pack. Too many things to do. Hope you all have a good weekend.

2005-07-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

I don't have much knitting to post about. I am really busy with work. I am excited about this weekend though. I am going home for a baby shower for my sister. I am loking forward to seeing everyone. I also had jury duty this week. I was called on a panel, but not chosen to sit on the jury. I didn't think I would be chosen. There were injuries involved with the case, and as a doctor, I am not someone that they would want on the jury. Oh well, I have to many other things to do this week.

Otherwise, life continues to move along. I struggle with knowing why I am doing what I am doing with my life. Not my job. I do love what I do. But, why am I here in St. Louis? Where should I go when I finish? I know I am here for work, but I don't know why I am here from a personal standpoint. It is a struggle some days. Probably more than you all want to know.

Happy Knitting.

May the force be with you

2005-07-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

I got home today and found a card in the mail from my SP. She has been great, more than I can say for myself. And it is always nice to actually get some correspondence in mail, instead of just bills and all of the junk that I get. I think I could have refinanced my house 200 times in the last years. Oh well enough of that.

The card had 3 great flowery book marks in it! And this cut out from the paper .

She said she thought of me when she saw it. (And I must give credit to the authors, not to impinge on any copyright) And I agree with Kenobi, although if you choose to go it alone, that is okay too.

Anyway, thanks SP.

Not much new knitting news. I did finish the first sleeve on my baby cardigan, and I have joined it with the body. I finished the edging on the second sleeve, and hopefully that will go quickly. But I have been really busy with things for work, so not much time for knitting. Let's just say that I am glad that you all are grateful that OB/GYN's have to be board certified, but the preparation to actually take the test (and that is not the studying part) is a pain in the neck. I better get back to it. Hope all are well.

2005-07-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

I decided to take part in this survey.

I'm a bag blogger...

2005-07-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

.... and a bad secret pal. My package to go to my pal is sitting in my car waiting to be shipped. And I haven't posted any pics of what I got from my pal. So, here is the lovely sock yarn that I got a while ago.

I love it (Sam likes it too). I just have to get through this baby sweater and then I can knit some socks. I really love the green hand-dyed. And the others are great too. I'll have to find a good pattern.

Things are going well with the baby sweater. I'm half way finished with the first sleeve. Then once I finish the sleeves, it will be the yoke. The nice thing about this sweater is there is no seaming. I am excited about that.

Well, I think I might get some knitting done. I am going to have to work this weekend, so I think I'll get something done right now. More later.

I WON!

2005-07-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't been doing much knitting lately. I am working on my baby sweater, but I have been really busy at work. No excuse, I know. But I amheaded to Miami this weekend! So hopefully I will be able to knit while I am there.

But I am so excited, cause I won Cara's contest. She asked what our favorite love songs were. Hard to pick a love song, when you haven't been in love for a long time (I won't actually mention how long it has been. But let me just say, I wasn't yet delivering babies when I was last in love, and I have been doing that for quite a while now). I picked "let's stay together" by Al Green. I thought that was fitting. And I WON! I have some yarn and cards headed my way. I am very excited, especially about the cards. Her pictures are so great and I had thought about buying some anyway. Well, I need to finish getting ready for my trip.

Have a good weekend.

2005-06-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Alright, I need to post something new since my rant about caffeinated coffee. Things are getting better. I think. But I am getting through the days. And the caffeinated coffee helps with that. Otherwise, I have not much news. I will soon post pictures of my baby sweater. I am half way up the body. It is knit in the round, so less seaming in the end, which I am glad about. I have bought my first SP gift and I need to get it in the mail! I am sure that she thinks I am lost in blogland. But I just haven't had time to make it to the post office. But for now, I need to go to the cleaners and then head to yoga. More later.

2005-06-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder if your head is screwed on right. I have not had a good week. Last night I cried from the time I got home, til I went to bed. For no good reason. And I just realized I got home with a 24 ounce bag of coffee and it is DECAF! I just can't deal with that. I need my morning jolt. I guess I'll have to make another trip to the store.

Secret Pal 5 strikes

2005-06-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

I got home Monday night (yeah, I know I am a little late, but I have been busy this week), and a package was waiting for me. It was 4 different sock yarns from my secret pal! I know that she is from Canada. I am happy to have someone North of the Border. I've always wanted and international pen pal. Now I better get back on the sock band wagon. I'll take a picture later -- I can't find my camera. One is red, one is green, two are striped. I am excited to get some socks for me to wear. Thanks SP.

But for now, I am slowly getting started on my baby gift. I hope that it works out okay. I am a little nervous about this yarn, but it is very soft. I think it will be okay, but I have been worrying a lot lately.

As for my academic tragedy, thanks for all the sympathy, and I am sorry to cause any panic attacks. It is kind of cathartic to talk about it. Also glad to know that those note cards still get lots of use.

2005-06-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I have decided to share one of my academic tragedies. And I don't mean reading Shakespearean plays. When I was in the tenth grade(I think it was that year), we read Wuthering Heights. Now I don't really remember the plot. I just refreshed myself on the internet -- where was that when I was in high school. A love story of sorts between Heathcliff and Catherine, but they don't end up together. Anyway, I have probably pushed it out of my memory for other reasons. We were required to write a term paper on this book. We had to read critical reviews of the text, take nots on them on note cards. And then write the paper. The note cards were supposed to be turned in as well, cause that way the teacher could prove we actually did the work. Well, this paper was due friday before spring break. I went home one night that week to continue to work on the paper -- or start on it is probably more like it -- and when I got home, my note cards were not in my bag. I thought, "oh, they must be in my locker." well, much to my dismay, they weren't in the locker, and they weren't in the English class, but someone had remembered that they had seen them under my desk. I looked the whole school over. I even went digging in the dumpster, but they were no where to be found. And I had 2 days to finish the paper. What a spring break bust. Thank goodness the teacher was a friend, and she let me have the next grading period to get all the note cards done and finish writing the paper. I bet in this day and age of better computers, they don't have to use those darn notecards. It was a traumatic experience, ...and one I haven't thought about in a long time. It hasn't made that big of a scar. Seems to me I remember another traumatic english paper of mine in high school to. I was writing the paper and the computer crashed and it didn't save it. That was at 10 pm the night before the paper was due! I think I at least had a copy of it that I could type from. Anyway, enough traumatic high school stories.

Not much knitting here. I did swatch both the crayon and the elegance, and I have decided to use the crayon for the baby gift. I hope it works out. I will post some pictures later. My blue sweater is on hold for now until I can get this gift done.

I'm at work, and I better get some things done.

3 in 3

2005-06-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well, 3 posts in 3 days is impressive. Not much progress on the knitting front. But I did want to share this.

Yes, that is my first KnitPicks purchase. I bought 12 balls of Shine to make , the Vintage Pink cardigan from the Spring IK. I think the cream color will be nice.

Then I bought some Crayon in red and some elegance in green to make the Child's Placket-neck Pullover from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts for a friend who is having a baby. I wasn't sure which yarn would be best. The Crayon is a nubby one, and the Elegance is smoother. I'll have to swatch them both and then decide. But all together the six balls cost me less than $10, so I figured I could afford them both (and i needed the free shipping)

I think I am snapping out of my mood. I need to before I stop wanting to be around myself. Thanks for the nice comments. Rachel wanted to know more about the Wuthering Heights tragedy. I will post more about it over the weekend. It will take some time to get it all out. And just so you know, I am a huge magazine fan too - Real Simple is on my list of read every month. I actually had to stop renewing my subscriptions cause I was getting too many. Darn Publishers Clearinghouse.

Tank pattern

2005-06-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I think there is something wrong with my internet connection. half of my links won't work, but when I got to work today I was able to link to the tank pattern, so here it is. enjoy it. I followed the small size and used the needles it calls for. It fit guage perfectly. Have a good day.

Could this week get worse

2005-06-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess I shouldn't complain that much. And I don't think you all need to hear all my woes. And there are certainly many people out there who are having worse weeks. But I have not really had a very good last 3 days. Sunday I went to lunch with some of my co-workers and burst into tears. Then the last two days I have been on the verge. And then today, I was all geared up to go to yoga tonight and I had no clothes! I had packed them up this morning and left them by the door. So when I got there I was really upset. Yoga has become my way to relieve myself from all of my stress. When I moved to St. Louis I started going to Bikram yoga. An hour and a half at 105 degrees is a great way to forget all my worries. And tonight I really needed to go. So instead I came home and decided to blog. I might as well utilize what has become my other stress relief.

So for some knitting content. Finally a FO. Here is my tank! (sorry for the blurry picture)

Pattern: Shapely Tank from White Lies designs (I can't get the link to work)
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Jungle Green (from the best ever Secret Pal, May)

I love it. I wish I had altered the pattern a little. The neck band is a little ruffly, I think I picked up too many stitches. But I can live with it.

Finally, I have been tagged by Rachel with the book meme. She and I went to the same college. She was an english major and I was not, as you can probably tell by my answers. But I lived with one, does that count. I must warn all of you avid readers, my answers will probably not inspire you to go and crack open any great books.

Total Number of Books in Your House
Tons, I don't even know where to start. At least 300. There are tons that I have never even opened. And all of my medical books. There are a lot.

The Last Book You Bought Was...
There Eyes were watching God. I watched the movie when it was on TV and thought, I really have to get this book. But I haven't opened it yet.

What Was the Last Book You Read Before Reading This?
The Heart is a lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. But I have been trying to read it

Write Down Five Books that You Often Read or that Mean A Lot to You
1. Williams Obstetrics. I don't recommend it to everyone, but it is the book that has gotten me through the last 6 years of my life. And I pick it up often.
2. Wuthering Heights. I think because I had tragic paper writing experience with this one. Maybe that is why I never became an english major.
3. I don't really have any other books that I read often or mean a lot to me. Unfortunately most of what I read is medical journals. I wish I had more time to read for pleasure. But I have always been a slow reader, and I have had so much other stuff to read in the recent past that my novel reading has gone by the wayside. Any suggestions on how to improve my reading speed will be greatly appreciated.

What Books Can You Absolutely Not Wait to Read to Your Children
I have to say anything by Dr. Suess. What a great exposure to great rhymes and all kinds of crazy creatures. But that will be far in the future since Mr. Right has not come into the picture yet.

Who Will You Tag Next and Why?
I am going to tag my sister Ashley, cause I know she has more time to read than me. But I also know that she is very busy, so we will have to see what she says.

Okay, I need to read more - and not medical related things.. So I think I may pledge not to watch any TV for the next week. And I should read something for fun, but I also have a lot of reading to do for work. For all of you out there, keep knitting.

I found it!

2005-06-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I think my cats are up to their usual craziness. I must have put the magazine on the arm of the couch. And when they were chasing each other they knocked it into a magazine rack. Now I knew I would not have put it in there, so I didn't look there. Well, now I can get back to my sweater. But I think I am having a guage problem. My guage swatch worked but I am afraid that the sweater is too small. Oh well, such is life.

No other news here. My tank got some use this week, and I got some complements on it. But my lame self photos are lousy so you''ll have to wait to see it in action.

UGH

2005-06-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

I'm having a bad night. I am trying to knit my sweater and I can't find the magazine with the pattern in it. I thought I left it on the couch. It might be in m call bag which is in the car. I hope I can find it. If not, I will be very sad.

Secret Pal 5 -- The Questionnaire

2005-06-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I sent Rox an email to say I was bummed I missed the sign up and that I would love to be an angel if she needed them. Then I got an email that she was able to get me in! I am very excited. I was hesitant to join cause the cash seems to keep flowing to the wrong things, but this will be a good thing. I am very excited. I heard from the person who is spoiling me, but I am waiting to hear who I will be spoilin'. So I better get this questionnaire done. Here goes. You can also read the one from SP4. Wonder if my answers have changed? Pictures of my tank to come.

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 wouldn't call myself a snob. I have been known to use Lion Brand. But I do like nice things and things that are not itchy.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Do not spin - although I'd love to learn. I do crochet, but I prefer to knit.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No allergies, but I really can't stand smoky things.
4. How long have you been knitting?
I learned to knit when I was about 12 years old. That was a long time ago! I knit every summer for a while, then picked it back up about a year ago.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No, but I could make one!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like candles, but I'm not a huge fan of really fruity smelling bath products. They are good for some, but not for me.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, more than I care to admit.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I have dabbled in some scrapbooking and some jewelry making, but nothing very exciting.
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 just about anything. My new found interest in Jazz continues. I can play MP3s, and my ipod is waiting to be filled up.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
No real favorite color.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just me and my two fury friends, two cats. See them here.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To live a fulfilling life, and be surrounded by people I love.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Can't say that I have a favorite. I have some Calmer waiting to find a home, and everyone loves it that I can tell. It just has to be soft.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Nothing really.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I am fascinated by the sock craze. I have finished one sock - not a pair, and I have tried to start another, but I have put that aside for now. I may pick it up again soon. There are so many things I want to make! NBaT, booga bag ... The list goes on. And the stash continues to grow!
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Just about anything.
17. What are you knitting right now?
A sweater from the spring Knitter's magazine.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
They are okay. I think I any try and knit one for next winter.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circular, cause I have a set of Denise's that I love.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
No preference.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes.
22. How did you learn to knit?
One summer, my mom taught my sister and I to knit. I wish I still had that little tank sweater that I made. I really loved it.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
This past summer, my mom found a bag in the closet with yarn and a half knit sweater that I started in college -- that was about 12 years ago. I think I will pull it out and use the yarn for something else, cause the pattern is big sleeves, and big body. Gotta love the styles from the early '90s.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I don't have one.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween, it is my birthday!
26. Is there anything that you collect?
No, I'm not a big fan of things that clutter. I guess if I picked something to collect, it would be good bottles of wine.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Not really.

Another busy weekend

2005-06-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

Well, A busy weekend, but not much knitting. I wanted to start this post with a picture of my tank. But I went to take the picture and realized that my camera batteries were dead. So I plugged in the rechargeable ones, but it takes a few hours. So you'll have to wait. Not much other knitting news. I have started Scoop It from the spring Knitter's magazine. I picked a beautiful light blue. I think it will be great. This is my first venture into a full sweater since I was in high school. That was a long time ago, but I think that I will be okay. The tank looks pretty good, so hopefully the sweater will be okay.

I have another baby gift to make. I think I may knit the Child's Placket-Neck Pullover from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It is a cute sweater and I think I will find some yarn from Knit Picks. In the mean time I may get some shine to knit the Vintage pink cardigan from IK. The kids sweater calls for a Koigu wool, but I think I will make it in a more all season yarn if I can find one.

Otherwise, nothing really new here. I went dancing last night with some of the folks from work. I forgot how much I like to dance. But we were going out to celebrate the end of the year for the current graduating resident class. Another reminder that it is coming close to the end of the academic year, and I am getting nervous and anxious to see what the next year will bring. New jobs, finishing my research and who knows what else. It is a little scary to me to know what will happen, but I am optimistic that I will make all the right decisions. Well, enough seriousness. I'm going to go watch Shrek 2!

2005-05-31T19:12:00.000-07:00

I had a great week last week. One of the things that I have always been hesitant about is doing research. It is something that I don't like, mainly because I don't know what the heck I am doing. And bad research is worse than no research. So being able to take a course that tells me what it is all about was great. Now it will help me to decide what to do with my life when I am done with my fellowship. And Amelia Island was great. I was at Amelia Island Plantation. What a great place. It is over 1300 acres, and wooded. There were lots of beautiful places. And I walked every where. The beach was great. And the weather couldn't have been better -- 70-80's and little humidity. Mom and my sis came for the weekend and we had a great time just hanging out. It was great to be away.

I was able to do some knitting while I was gone. I have given up for now on the socks that have given me such trouble. I am too frustrated with them. But I finished the tank! And wore it while I was in Florida. I will take a pic when I have some light. I also swatched and casted on for Scoop It! From the spring Knitter's Magazine. I have a great blue color. I hope it goes quickly. I am anxious to knit a cardi, so I want to find a good one.

I am bummed that I was late to sign up for SP5. I sent an email to Rox today and I'll be on the back-up list. There may still be a chance I will be a part of it, but we'll see. Hope all you all out there in blog land are well.

No catchy title today

2005-05-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I am getting ready for a another trip. I'm kind of sick of packing! Tomorrow I leave for Amelia Island, FL for a week long research course. Hope that it is good. It is supposed to be excellent. I need to learn everything I can about research. Then my mom and sister are coming to the island for the weekend! It should be a fun girls weekend.

I just hope that I have time to knit while I am there. I hope to take my tank and finish it there. I got the neckband done. I hope that it flattens some in the blocking. It kind of curls forward. Now all I have to do is seam the sides and do the arm hole finishing. Maybe I will get it done before I leave tomorrow, but I doubt it. I am on call tonight and didn't bring it with me, and I have to go home at 8:00 tomorrow morning and pack, then leave the house by noon to get the airport. It will probably have to go with me.

I may be MIA for the week while I am gone. I will have internet access, but my colleagues may wonder why I am reading blogs instead of writing my research protocols. But to all of you, have a good week. I'll catch up next week. Can't believe it is already almost June!

I'm tired of frogging these socks

2005-05-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have decided that it is easier to take socks with me than sweaters when I am knitting at work. So I took my soft cotton sock yarn, and started knitting away the other night using the Sock Calculator pattern. This is how much I finished.

It is almost big enough for both of my feet (I have small feet, and this may be an exaggeration, but they are too big). So I frogged these socks for the third time! I want to do a top down sock. But I don't think I have chosen a good pattern. So I better go in search of a better one. Any suggestions will be appreciated. But I am tired, so I think I will go to bed for now. I haven't yet picked up my neckband, I guess that will be my challenge for the week.

In the mean time, here are my boys.

Neck Band Woes

2005-05-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

I hate picking up stitches. I am to the point of picking up stitches for the neckband, and arm holes. And I have to say that I have to HATE it. I never get the spacing right, and it always takes so long. I wish I had someone who could do it for me, but I guess I better get over it.

Not much other news. Work is frustrating me. I feel like I am never going to get this research thing finished. I wish that I knew what I was doing! Oh well. This is going to be a short post. Back to the neck band.

Thank you SP!

2005-05-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today I came home to find my final secret pal gift! Two hanks of Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud n s beautiful blue, a hank of dye your own sock yarn, all kinds of Kool-Aid to dye with, and a bottle of Eucalan to wash all my goodies with. It has all come from May! (I'll have to take some pictures when I have some light.) She has been the best Secret Pal I could ask for. She even e-mailed my sister to get some ideas. She has sent me lots of great stuff. And she has a great blog! I will really enjoy getting to know her now. Thanks a ton! And just so you know, Amanda was the recipient of my gifts! I had a great time buying stuff for her. This is such a great way to meet new friends!

The tank is almost finished. One more inch on the shoulders, then the seaming and the neck and arm bands, then it will be another FO. I need to block it, but I need to find a good place to do that. I don't have a board, which would probably be a good investment as I continue to knit more things.

Finally, my plea to all of you. Beth is donating her hair to Locks of Love. She is trying to collect enough money to pay for a wig to be made from it. She is just $90 from her goal, and her big day is this saturday. So go help her out. You can make your donation right from her blog. I did, it was really easy and you will be helping someone who will be forever grateful to get such a great head of hair.

What a night!

2005-05-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

Last night was one of those nights on call when it becomes greatly obvious to me why I love what I do. Many of you would think I am crazy, cause the events of last night were not good. I mean we had a lot of normal deliveries and healthy babies. And that is always nice. But last night, there were two women who bring to the forefront the reality that childbirth was the number one killer of women 100 years ago. Now, no one died last night, but these two women became very sick. I don't want every day to be like it was last night. But it makes me realize that all of the things I have given up to become who I am is really worth it. It also makes me realize how precious someone's life is and how I must approach my privilege to take care of them with great humility. I don't want to get on my soap box, so I think that is enough.

On to the knitting content. I did go to my LYS sale before I went to work. And I walked out with this.

9 BALLS OF ROWAN CALMER! I couldn't resist. I have never knit with this and I think it will make a nice sweater. So now to find the perfect pattern. I am getting ever more close to finishing my tank. I'm going to try to finish it tonight. But that is a lofty goal.

I am watching Desperate Housewives and Bree, Marcia Cross's character, was just knitting! Wow, it is fun to see when knitting hits the main stream television. Well, I better get back to the sticks.

By the way, Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are mothers.

A bunch of nothing

2005-05-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Things are kind of slow in my world. I am in the middle of doing research, but the most crucial piece of equipment has not arrived. So I sit in my office everyday reading and working on some other things. But I have very little contact with anyone. Then I come home every night, and I love my cats, but there is no one to talk to there either. I am really getting run down. And then last night the folks that I work with went out, but they only invited certain people, and made it clear that no one else was invited. Are we still in high school? I thought as I became an adult, people would change, but I guess not. So I spent another Friday night alone with a glass of wine and my needles. Enough about my woes.

To the knitting content. I am almost finished with the shapely tank, and I will post some pictures when I'm finished. It is coming together well, I just have to finish up the back and seam it up. Probably a few hours work. I still haven't decided if I should seam the shoulders with the three needle bind off, or if I should bind off and then seam them up. I will figure it out when I get there. It is not too heavy, so I think the three needle will work.

I started to knit the retro rib sock with my new cotton sock yarn , but you can't really see the pattern because the yarn is so wavy. I think I will frog them, and just do a regular old non-patterned sock. My last sock was toe-up, so I found a pattern for a top down pattern that is changeable based on your foot size. I think I will try that one.

Lauren has given me some pointers on reading and knitting at the same time. I think I may give it a try, and try to get out from in front of the television for so long.

Well, I have to work today, but I wish I could be at the MS&W. I hope to get all the juicy details from all who are going. One of my attendings from residency goes every year. I know that she probably doesn't have a blog, but I think she is still knitting. She was kind of my inspiration to pick up my needles again. I think I better go, my LYS is having a sale and I want to go by there before I have to be at work.

A FO!

2005-05-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, I was able to take a picture of my french market bag here at my house. And I have a picture of the pre-felted version at my mom's house. The pictures that are stuck on my mom's camera had a tennis ball in the picture to tell scale, but oh well. I used Paton's classic merino in Royal Purple and Dark Grey Mix. I didn't have enough grey to do the handles, so they are purple all the way. I used the pattern verbatim, except I made the body of the bag 10 inches instead of 8. If I were to do it again, I would make the handles a little longer. But I like it none-the-less.

I also have a picture here of the beautiful sock yarn that I bought at Ewe Knit Kits, in Virginia Beach. It is made by Keltic Krafts, and called Stoca in color Shades of Jade. It is hand dyed right there in VB, and the lady who makes it works in the store. It is really soft, and stretchy, so I better find a good pattern.

I am progressing somewhat on the back of the tank. I have about 3 inches. I am looking forward to finishing it. But since it is still pretty chilly here, I am not motivated to finish it.

Things have been hectic at work, and my research is not going as I thought it would. It has given me incentive to knit, to get my mind off it. But I am afraid that I am going to be pretty busy in the next few weeks, so I hope I can continue knitting at this pace. Well, I think I'll go search for a sock pattern for now.

I have returned home

2005-05-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

I had a good week on vacation. But all my pictures I took for my blog are stuck on my moms camera. And I couldn't get them off. But I finished my french market bag, and I need to take a picture of the sock yarn that I bought. The yarn shop that I went to have a big online business. Here it is for all who are interested. They really did have almost any imaginable Lorna's Lace and Koigu. Well, since I don't have much more knitting content to talk about, here is a little interesting thing about me. Since I'm here in the midwest, maybe I should start speaking like them. But don't know how to find about that.

Your Linguistic Profile:

50% General American English

30% Dixie

20% Yankee

0% Midwestern

0% Upper Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

I'm in Virginia....Finally

2005-04-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation this week. And I am glad to be home in Virginia. But it was a nightmare trying to get here. Because I was on call Friday night, I had to leave in the afternoon on Saturday. But because of the weather, my flight was delayed leaving. Then, I got to Chicago and had missed my connection. So, I tried to get on the next available flight, which was full. That was when I first got mad because the gate agent in St. Louis told me there were plenty of seats. So they were going to reroute me back to St. Louis, then on to Virginia. But that flight was late too, so I decided to stay in Chicago and take a chance on getting off the stand-by list for the later flight. But when I didn't get on the plane back to St. Louis, they must have assumed I was a terrorist, and so they took me off the stand-by list. So it was 8:00 pm, and I was stranded in the Chicago airport, and they told me, "Sorry, it was weather delay, we can't pay for a hotel room for you." So I started yelling, and then I started crying, and they still wouldn't pay. I finally got the room paid for, but it was a nightmare end to an already bad week. But I am finally in Virginia!

Today I decided to go to the LYS here. It was a great shop. They had every color imaginable of Lorna's Lace, and Koigu. I ended up buying some had painted cotton sock yarn. I will post a picture later. I am almost finished with the french market bag. I just need to attached the handles, and then felt it. I will take some pictures of that tomorrow. Next step is to start the back of the shapely tank.

The other news is that my sister in law said to me yesterday - "I want to learn to do that." Her sister stood there and laughed in her face, but I encouraged her that she could, and maybe I will teach her this week, or find her a class. Or maybe my mom could teach her, she did an okay job teaching me. Anyway, I am off to fix those handles. More later, with pictures.

Can't sleep

2005-04-23T02:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm at the hospital and I am on call. It has been a realtively slow night, but I got a phone call at 2:50 am. Now it is 4:30 and I can't sleep! So why not post to my blog.

I have not had a very good week. It must be in the air, cause it seems that there are lots of bloggers out there who feel the same. All for different reasons, but now it is the weekend! Hopefully it will turn around. I am on vacation next week and I will be going home to Virginia later this afternoon. I can't wait to have absolutely no responsibilities.

What shall I do -- I think I'll knit! I will definitely take my tank, and hopefully get it finished. I have finished the front. I thought I might do the 3 needle bind off, but it calls to be seamed, so maybe I'll just do it that way. I haven't decided. I'll post a picure a little later. I bought some yarn last weekend to make a sweater from Knitter's magazine. (I'll have to post it later cause I can't figure out how to copy the picture on this Mac). Maybe I'll take that and start it. I picked up a great light blue cotton yarn last weekend. I think it will be great. And maybe I'll try and tackle some socks while I am there. I haven't scoped out the LYS at home, cause I wasn't knitting the last time I was there, so I'll have to do that as well. Hopefully I'll be abe to keep you all up to date while I am gone. Well, I better try to get some sleep.

Another beautiful day in St. Louis

2005-04-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

I can't complain about the weather at all. And I am here blogging from work, which I feel guilty about. But I am on call tonight, so I need some down time. I gifted my baby blanket today, and they liked it a lot. They couldn't believe that I had made it. And the baby was born on Sunday, so they were going to wrap him up in it to take him home. But I have been struggling with white fuzz all over my black shirt today after carrying the blanket. Oh well. It is usually cat hair!

On the tank front, I am about halfway finished with the front. It has been moving along mighty quickly. I am glad of that. And I am contemplating finding a nice cardigan pattern and buying some more green cotton fleece to make a set. But I guess I'll need to find the same lot to match it. They have a lacy cardigan on the white lies web site that they suggest going with it, but I think I would rather have a non-lacy cardigan. Oh well. I will keep perusing the free patterns, and the mags that I have.

There are so many things that I want to knit. I think I may get some of the knitpicks summer yarns to knit up the vintage cardigan from the spring IWK. Well, enough rambling for today. I need to get back to this silly spreadsheet that is taking away my attention. I should be writing some of my article, but I can't get motivated. I don't really like to write. But I better get to it.

A busy weekend

2005-04-17T18:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I got home from being on call Friday night with another package from my secret pal. She is the best. Here are all the goodies I got.

Two packages of hot chocolate mix. The new bookbookbook from Yarn Harlot, At Knit's End (which didn't make it to the picture). Three skeins of brown sheep cotton fleece in a beautiful green. Green is not a color that I would normally buy for myself, but I love it. It also came with a pattern for shapely tank from Whites Lies designs. So after I finished my baby blanket yesterday,

I cast on for the tank!

Other than all the knitting, I spent most of the weekend outside. The weather here in St. Louis was absolutely gorgeous. Mid 70's, no humidity. I spent some of both days in the park, reading and knitting. Hope everyone else had a good weekend.

Pre-tax day

2005-04-14T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is what Sam did while I finished my taxes today.

Wish I could have been laying in the sun too. But, I am such a procrastinator. And I hate taxes. I mean who likes them. But they don't take any out of my fellowship stipend, and I have to pay estimated ones, quarterly. Come to find out I underestimated my state taxes by half! So I have a hefty bill to pay. Oh well, it is my own fault.

On the knitting front, here is the scarf that I made for my mom.

It is made of Plymouth Eros, on size 13 needles. It is my own pattern. This is not a great picture, but I'm not sure how to make it better. I knit it on the bias. I hope she likes it. I had knit one for my research mentor at Christmas, and she liked it, so I decided to knit her one. I will give it to her when I go home in a few weeks as an early mother's day gift.

Well, the baby blanket is coming along nicely, but hard to take a picture of on the circular, so you'll have to wait til I am finished. Until then, more knitting.

By the way, I think I have found the sweater I am going to make. It is the Vintage pink cardigan in the spring IW. Now to find a good yarn. Always open for suggestions.

Alright, I'll give the posting another try

2005-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well, ever since I lost my post, I have been hesitant to post. But here goes.

My trip to L.A. was good. I ate lots of good food, and spent too much money. But not much shopping. I did have some willpower. Tuesday night I went to Trader Vic's. It was pouring down rain and the restaurant was in the hotel. I saw Paula Abdul. She was sitting across the restaurant, talking about music. Wednesday I spent the day in my conference. Walked around Beverly Hills on Wednesday and window shopped on Rodeo Drive. Too bad I couldn't afford anything. Went to bed early Wednesday night. Thurday night we went to a restaurant called Asia de Cuba, a cuban-asian fusion restaurant. It was very good. While waiting for dinner on Thursday, we had an exciting time in out hotel lobby. I got a great deal through hotwire, and we stayed at the Beverly Hilton - and for only $136 a night. They were having an event for the Starlight, Starbright foundation to honor Steven Spielberg. We saw Carl Lewis, Tamyra Gray, Paul Hamm, and Teri Hatcher! She is so skinny. We had fun, and didn't see any other stars. And for some reason my friend and I must have seemed to fit in so we were able to stand there and see what was going on. Well, back to the restaurants. Friday we went to Crustacean. I had the best piece of sea bass I have ever eaten. And they have a fish tank like a river in the entry way. It was really cool.

The conference ended on Saturday, and then I went to Manhattan Beach. I stayed with a friend. We had a nice dinner at an italian place. I had a great walk along the beach too. Sunday was easter and we went to the sunrise service. It was really great. We hung around the beach for the morning, then I had to come back home. The weather was lousy the first few days. And it never was above 70 degrees. But most of the days it was in the 50s. Not what I expected for southern california.

On the knitting front, I have finished my scarf for my mom. And I am more than halfway finished with my baby blanket. Hopefully she won't have the baby before I can finish it. I hope to get some done tonight. I will take pictures tomorrow when the sun is out. I am wanting to knit a sweater for myself, but don't know what to knit. I'll have to peruse some magazines and some blogs. Hope all in blogland are doing well.

I have been remiss

2005-04-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

Just cause my blogging has been sparse doesn't mean I haven't been knitting. I have lots to blog about, but I am just going to give a short update. I need to let you all know about my adventure in California. I also went to New Jersey this past weekend to see my sis, Ashley. We had a good weekend. I'll tell more about this too, but I have been knitting. I finished my mom's scarf, and I am almost half finished with a baby blanket for my friend. I will add more later, and promise to post some pictures, but for now, back to the basketball game. It is getting exciting.

2005-03-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I just spent half an hour creating a post about my trip and then my computer crashed. I will try again tomorrow. I'm about to throw this thing in the trash!

Here is Anouk #2!

2005-03-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Friday night my friends had what they called an elephant party. We all brought things we didn't want anymore and went shopping from the other peoples stuff. I got a bunch of things, nice things, and all for free! And the bonus was I didn't think that I was going to be able to go. I really lucked out.

I have finally finished my second Anouk. But I can't decide if it needs pockets. I think it is colorful enough not to add the pockets. And maybe I'll just oversew the flowers onto the bottom without the pockets. Ashley thinks it looks good like it is.

So not much else in knitting news. I am still trying to decide what to take with me on my trip. I bought some Homespun to make a baby blanket. I think I may take that. I was going to use this pattern from the Lion Brand web site.

I'm going to California!

2005-03-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

Next week, I am going to sunny California! I will be in Los Angeles for a conference. I'm excited to get away from here, and to get to some warmer weather. And I hope to have lots of time to knit! But what to take? I hope to finish Anouk this weekend. And I want to finish the French Market Bag. I have another baby gift to make, and I think I will make a blanket. She doesn't know what she is having. But I also want to start a sweater. And I have some sock yarn waiting to knit up. So I am perplexed. Any suggestions? I'll keep you posted about what I take with me.

Secret Pal Strikes Again

2005-03-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

I got home yesterday and I had two notices left for me. No, I had not defaulted on my mortgage, my home is still mine, but I had 2 packages to pick up. The first was something that I knew was coming from my dad. And it came UPS, which will never leave things outside the door. But the other was from the postal service, and they usually leave things. So I was interested to find out what it was. So this morning I decided to go to work late and go by the post office. And there was a little package from THE BEST SECRET PAL EVER!

There is a great smelling citrus cilantro candle, some Burt's Bees lip balm, and a great little book called Undress your Stress. It is a great book full of stress relievers. Boy do I need that.

I still have some to go on Anouk. I should work on it tonight instead of just sitting on my butt in front of the TV. I didn't get much done this weekend. I was too busy reading The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier. It is the same author of Girl with a Pearl Earring. I liked this book and it is the first non-medical book I have read in a while. It is a great book about family connections as the main character comes to realize where she should be in life. I have decided I need to read more. And I think that Lauren sums up the reason why in her post today.

Well, off to the Anouk and American Idol.

A quick update

2005-03-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

Well, It has been an okay week so far. I thought I would have my Anouk finished, but it is close. I haven't picked it up in the last 2 days, but I hope to get lots done tonight. Work is keeping me busy and stressed out. But what else is new. I just wish my research would work out. I feel like I have been waiting forever to get started. But I must be patient. More later.

Anouk update

2005-03-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

I have not been much in the mood to blog. I have been working, and I have had time to knit. I am halfway finished with Anouk. I have been busy trying to get it finished. Cause my friend who I am making it for went and had her baby 3 weeks before she was due. She and the baby are both doing fine. And I am making the 6 month size, so it won't fit yet. But I do want to get it finished.

I haven't really worked on anything else, but I figure I should make some goals for March. So here goes:

Finish Anouk
Finish French Market Bag
Finish my mom's eros scarf.

I think those are fair goals. I would like to make a sweater for myself. But I need to figure out what I want to make. I feel like I have been working a lot. At least I have been on call a lot. Which is no fun. But it is what pays the bills, and buys more yarn. So I can't complain. More later -- and pictures of Anouk as soon as I finish.

2005-03-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

Well, on the knitting front, during the Oscars I started to knit a scarf for my mom with Plymouth Eros Glitz. I knit one for my research mentor at Christmas. My mom saw it and really liked it. While she was here, we were supposed to go and pick out a color, but we didn't make it. So I went and picked out a color I thought she would like. I have already pulled it out once and may pull it out again. I decided to knit it biased. And then I forgot to increase and decrease. So I had to pull it out. Now I think I have made it too narrow, so I think I may pull it out again. I'll have to wait and see. I have been working some on my French Market Bag. I need to finish it so I can felt it. I am very excited about that. And I have started on my second Anouk. My friend is due March 23, so she could have the baby any day now. I'd like to get it to her before she delivers. I will post pictures later.

And I have decided to get on the meme bandwagon. Ashley, my sis, tagged me a few weeks ago and I didn't do it. I don't even remember what she tagged me with. But I decided to do the state thing, since she has it on her site today. We have been to a lot of the same places, but I think she has been to more. Helps when you have travelled for work. So here goes.

Bold the states you've been to, underline the states you've lived in and italicize the state you're in now...
Alabama / Alaska / Arizona / Arkansas / California / Colorado / Connecticut / Delaware / Florida / Georgia / Hawaii / Idaho / Illinois / Indiana / Iowa / Kansas / Kentucky / Louisiana / Maine / Maryland / Massachusetts / Michigan / Minnesota / Mississippi / Missouri / Montana / Nebraska / Nevada / New Hampshire / New Jersey / New Mexico / New York / North Carolina / North Dakota / Ohio / Oklahoma / Oregon / Pennsylvania / Rhode Island / South Carolina / South Dakota / Tennessee / Texas / Utah / Vermont / Virginia / Washington / West Virginia / Wisconsin / Wyoming / Washington D.C /
Go HERE to have a form generate the HTML for you.

No knitting news

2005-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't had time to much knitting today, but I wanted to blog something. So I'll talk about my cats. They are a crazy pair. I got Sam my first year of residency. He was very tiny and he had fallen out the tree outside of one of the houses where one of the nurses lived. He had cut up his face. I could put my whole had around his belly and I have a small hand. But I was away from home so often that he was lonely. One of my friends had kittens and I got one of them to be his brother. His name is Isaac. They do love each other, but they also love to fight each other too.

Sam has been acting weird. He wanders around the house crying all the time, and I think he is losing some weight. I give them low calorie food cause Isaac is very fat. So maybe he is just hungry. I should probably take him to the vet. I gave him some other food tonight and he has calmed down some. I'll have to see how he does. Well, more knitting news later.

Here are the boys!

2005-02-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

Not a very productive weekend. I was on call Friday night, and I took my knitting bag with me. But I didn't get anything done. Then yesterday I came home and laid around the house, and didn't get any knitting done. But I did go to Hobby Lobby, and Hancock fabrics. I got some ribbon for my capelet at Hobby Lobby, then some LionBrand Micro-spun at Hancocks. The Micro-spun is for my second version of Anouk. There are too many of my co-workers who are having babies. But it keeps me in business, so I can't complain. And more fun gifts to make!

Today I knitted some on the french market bag. It seems to go on forever. And I cast on for the Anouk. I decided to do the front and back at the same time this time. Hopefully it will go quickly. Anyway, now it is off to bed.

My secret pal is very nice!

2005-02-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to my secret pal. I had a very unproductive day at work. I couldn't get motivated to do anything. Then I went to a free drug rep dinner at Morton's (gotta love nice dinners paid for by other people). And waiting for me was this

Then when I opened it, it was this.

Yes, that is Sam's paw on the right side. He and Isaac were happy to see the package too. It is a Miles Davis CD for my budding Jazz habit, a great book mark, and three balls of soft GGH Aspen yarn. She bought it for the baby gifts I need to make, but I think I may keep it for myself. There is also a godiva chocolate bar, but it didn't make it into the picture. And not cause I ate it already.

The capelet is almost done. I haven't bound off, cause I think that I may add a few rows. I can't decide. Oh well, I am going to go and watch ALIAS that I TiVo'd.

I'm back!

2005-02-13T18:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a good trip to Reno. It was a productive conference and I had a great first day there. I had intended to go skiing in Tahoe. But I never got any gear together, and I really didn't want to go by myself. So I rented a car, and first stop was Jimmy Beans Wool, the Reno store. Then to Trader Joe's for some reasonable priced food for the week. Then I went up to Truckee, CA. Then I went to drive around Tahoe. What beautiful place. It was cloudy, but the lake is beautiful, and the mountains were breath-taking . I took some pictures and will upload them soon. Then I will share.

I didn't knit as much as I had intended to, or thought that I might. But I did get some things at Jimmy Beans. I got some Rowan ribbon twist and Big Wool Tuft to make the capelet in the Rowan Ribbon Twist collection book. I had to get the book and the needles. I already finished it once, but I had to pull it out cause I screwed up somewhere. So I think I will work on it tonight. I also bought some Lorna's Lase sock yarn. Here they are.

I worked on the market bag on the plane out there. But I read on the plane back. I will post pictures of my finished capelet soon.

The weekend must end

2005-02-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

Well, I had a relaxing weekend. But it was chock full of lots of things, that did not include knitting. Friday night I went to a wedding. Then yesterday, I spent time doing laundry and cleaning the house. I did go to Hobby Lobby to get a crochet hook, and ended up getting a bunch of frames. Then I decided to scan in a bunch of pictures from all the places I have been so that I could print them out and hang them on the wall. I will have to post some of them soon. Then I had dinner at one of my faculty's houses. Finally today I spent cleaning the rest of the house and getting ready for the superbowl party that I had. It was a small gathering but fun none the less. I think I spent more time in the kitchen than watching the bowl, but that is okay. The time I wasn't getting ready for the party, I was getting ready for my trip to Reno this week. I have to go there for a conference, so I won't be posting for the remainder of the week. But I also hope that I will be able to get some knitting done. I think Jimmy Beans Wool has a store in Reno, so I may have to check it out.

Sock one finished ..... almost!

2005-02-05T09:24:00.000-08:00

Well, I finished sock number one. But I bound it off and I can't get it over my heel. It is way too tight. So I have replaced the sock on the needles and I am searching for a looser way to bind off. I am up for any suggestions. Otherwise, not much knitting news. I hope all out in blogger land are doing well.

Wow, It's already Thursday

2005-02-03T20:14:00.000-08:00

This has been a hectic week. I don't know where the time has gone. And I have to say that I haven't done much knitting. I did order the book Last-minute Knitted Gifts. It shipped today. I got a deal on it on e-bay. I hope there are some nice quick knits in there to solve my baby gift dilemma. As for the other things, I am almost done with sock number 1. I need a few more rows of ribbing and then I can cast off. It has turned out well. And then back to the market bag.

I am still very excited about the whole secret pal event. I can't wait to get some things for my SP. I plan to go this weekend. Well, it is late, and I better go to bed. More to come.

A busy knitting weekend

2005-01-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I have to start my post with a funny story. This past summer, my mom found a bag full of yarn that I had bought to make a sweater when I was in college - probably 12 years ago. It is a pretty blue mercerized cotton. I had forgotten about it, until she found it in the closet. I have decided to pull out what I have already knit and find something else to use it for.

Last night my mom called me and told me that she had been looking at a knitting magazine at Barnes and Noble and found a sweater that she thought would be pretty in that yarn. The funny part about it is that I actually bought that magazine yesterday, cause I saw the sweater and thought the same thing! It is funny how my mom and my sister and I do that all the time. The sweater is called Tea Rose in Knitter's Magazine. I will have to get started on it soon.

In other news, I am almost finished with my first sock. I will post pictures later. (My camera is full of pics. I need to download them.) I spent most of last night working on it. I also went to see In Good Company (Topher Grace is so cute) and I took my French Market bag with me. I got quite a bit finished. The theater I went to is really cool. There is a huge balcony, but the first floor is covered with couches. I curled up on one of the couches and knitted away.

Well, I am excited about secret pal 4. I have heard from my pal, and sent a note to my pal. Yipee. I look forward to all the secrets!

Secret Pal 4, Here I Come!

2005-01-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about Secret Pal 4. Here are my questions:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I'm not a yarn snob, but I do like nice things. I do like some of the Lion Brand, I have used several of there things. But anything itchy is not good.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I do not spin, bit I can crochet. I prefer to knit, probably cause I haven't crocheted in a long time.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No allergies, but I don't like smoky smelling things.

4. How long have you been knitting?
I learned to knit when I was about 12. I knitted every summer for several years. Then when I was in college I stopped. I picked it up again about a year ago.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No, but I may make one soon

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like candles, just about any scent. But I am not a huge fan of scented bath products.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, a big one.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I have made some jewelry in the past, and I have dabbled in scrapbooking. But I can't watch TV and do those very easily, so that is why I like to knit.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Just about anything, except for rap music. I have recently had an interest in Jazz, but I don't know a lot about it. I am trying to learn. I can play MP3s.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I don't really have a favorite color. I don't really like very bright things.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Single with 2 cats.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To live a fulfilling life, and be surrounded by people I love.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don't really have one. I like anything that feels good.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Scratchy anything is not good.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Not really anything.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I have knit everything, sweaters, scarves, bags. What ever I'm in the mood for.

17. What are you knitting right now?
A pair of socks, the French market bag from knitty, and a scarf for my mom.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
I like them.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I use whichever.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have a set of Denise interchangeables that I use a lot, cause they have about every size. But I love wooden needles. I really would like to try some Addi turbos, but I haven't bought any yet.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes.

22. How did you learn to knit?
One summer, my mom taught my sister and I to knit. I wish I still had that little tank sweater that I made. I really loved it.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
This past summer, my mom found a bag in the closet with yarn and a half knit sweater that I started in college -- that was about 12 years ago. I think I will pull it out and use the yarn for something else, cause the pattern is big sleeves, and big body. Gotta love the styles from the early '90s.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I don't have a favorite animated character or animal.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween, it is also my birthday.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
No, I'm not a big fan of things that clutter. I guess if I picked something to collect, it would be good bottles of wine.

Another Friday

2005-01-28T18:47:00.000-08:00

Well, another night at the hospital last night. And another day catching up on sleep. Sometimes I wonder why I have chosen this crazy job. But I really do love what I do. I just wish that babies didn't like to come in the middle of the night.

On the knitting front, I am halfway finished with the foot part of my sock. I will take some pictures later. It is going faster than I thought it would. The striping is coming out nicely. I hope to get some more done tonight as I veg out in front of the TV.

I am getting excited about SP4. I need to do the questions, and I will post them tomorrow. It is supposed to be a messy weather night here, with some sleet and snow. So it sounds like I will have lots of time this weekend to knit. Have a good weekend everyone.

Not much news

2005-01-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

Well, I have not a whole lot to say, but I am trying to procrastinate while I should be reading for a presentation I have to give tomorrow. Since finishing my Anouk, I have been trying to work on the other WIPs I have right now. I have gotten some done on the french market bag, and I have joined the sock craze as well. But the biggest news, is I taught myself to knit continental. I don't know if I will be able to knit faster that way, but I am going to practice. Well, for now I must go read. More later.

Anouk is finished!

2005-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I have finally finished anouk. Now I need to give it to my friend. I hope that she likes it. But now I have more time to knit for me! I have two more baby gifts to make, but I may get the Last-minute Knitted Gifts book, and the gifts won't take too long.

For now I am gonna work on my market bag and my sock. Not much more to share.

2005-01-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it is cold here too, but I can't complain too much. We are not supposed to get nay snow, although the temperature is only barely gonna top freezing.

I am celebrating tonight cause I got my research proposal in to the review committee. Except I can't celebrate too much, cause I forgot a pretty important part. I just have to get it to them by Monday morning, which shouldn't be a problem. I basically have it done, I just have to cut and paste some things together.

Oh well, I have some knitting plans for the weekend -- first and foremost, finish Anouk. I may be able to do that tonight. Then I want to finish the market bag so I can finally say that I have felted something. I hope to also find a new project to start.

All of you all, stay warm out there. And have a good weekend knitting.

I can't think of a catchy title

2005-01-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I have realized that I have truly succumbed to the knitting craze. I have three projects on the needles, I want to buy a lot more yarn, and I want to quit my job and open a yarn store (just kidding -- after 8 years of post high school education and almost 7 years of training, I really shouldn't do that).

I am almost finished with Anouk. I just need to finish up the front -- only about 3 inches left. It will knit up quickly. I bought some sock yarn , and I am trying Wendy's toe up pattern. I struggled with the wrapping at first, but I think I got it figured out. And then I must finish the French market bag. Then more projects to start!

I better get to bed. For a final note, I decided to sign up for Secret Pal 4. I'll have to start thinking of some ideas for presents. I am looking forward to it.

Let it snow!

2005-01-15T18:24:00.000-08:00

It has snowed here twice this week. Today, we just got a dusting, but it was a good day to stay home and knit! For a girl from Virginia, where everything is at a standstill with the snow, twice in one week is a lot.

I am getting there on Anouk. I wish I could knit faster, but oh well. I think I am getting tennis elbow but I'm not sure why. My whole right arm aches. I think I am leaning on my elbow too much. And typing with my laptop doesn't help much.

Right now I am watching the Tsunami relief concert on TV, trying to stay warm and knitting away. I wish I had more exciting news to report. I need to find some good yarn to knit up something fun. Then I will have more to report. But for now, back to Anouk. Here is the front so far.

And here is the scarf I made for my grandmother for christmas.
I think she liked it. I loved the Squiggle yarn that I used. It was a little tough to use, but it looks fun. Well, back to knitting.

A lazy Tuesday

2005-01-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

I was on call last night, which means I had the day off today. I was unproductive, as usual. I did get a cable so I can hook up my new iPod to my stereo. It works! But working last night also means that I had to be in the hospital. I should start taking my WIPs with me so that I can work on them when I have some down time.

Right now, I am trying to finish Anouk. It goes much faster once I get to the bodice. I finished the back this weekend and I have cast on and knitted the first inch or so of the front. I think it will turn out nicely. I can't find my camera, so I can't post a pic. But I will search for it soon. I need to work on my french market bag too.

But right now, I am sitting here surrounded by my kitties, with a fire in the fireplace. I think I will go open a bottle of wine and watch Sex and the City on TBS. Here is a picture of my kitties. It is old, but they look the same. They are lazy, but I love them. More later.

Wish I had more time to knit

2005-01-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well, this has been a busy week. I have been working on my Anouk. My friend had her baby on Monday. I guess I better get this thing finished. Otherwise, not much knitting. Work has consumed a lot of mine time, but what else is new. I should be used to it. Not much new knitting news. I wish I had more money to buy some yarn. But I hope to get lots of knitting done this weekend. I'll try to post some pictures this weekend.

A busy holiday finally over

2005-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been negligent in the last 2 weeks. But I haven't been knitting much either. Work has been crazy in the last few weeks. But now I am finished with all of that busy-ness and I can get down to some knitting.

First of all, my few knitted Christmas gifts were a hit. Lots of scarves - grandma and Bill. And that is really it.

Today I have started Anouk for a friend at work. A belated baby shower gift. I hope it will knit up quickly. I am using Micro-spun doubled and the gauge works that way. The colors are great. I will post some pics as I get some done.

Well, not much more. I am gonna go try and find some rings to join.

A lazy weekend

2004-12-18T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what to do with myself this weekend. It is the last weekend before Christmas, and I have finished all of my Christmas shopping. That hasn't happened in a long time. I guess having to get everything in the mail has kept me on the ball. That means more time to knit!

I am working on a scarf out of navy blue bulky alpaca. It is warm and in a fun pattern. I will post a pic when I am done. I have another picture of a hat I made out of the same yarn in pink. Here it is.

I have some other scarves I want to make, but I don't think I will get them done. I need to figure out a way to get people to read my blog. I'll work on that later. For now, I'm gonna watch Knitty Gritty.

First Shot

2004-12-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I have decided to start this knit blog. My sister has gotten me hooked. And I have been knitting some things for christmas presents. I started knitting when I was about 10, but haven't really done anything in a long time. I have been blog surfing for about month. Now I have to figure this whole thing out. I hope to figure it out okay. Happy blogging.