Tag Archives: secret pal

Where did I put my concentration?

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I managed to get some quality time with Birch yesterday. Two more rows and I am done with the 11th repeat. Each row does seem to have gotten a tad bit faster, which is good seeing as I have reduced my stitch count by almost 110 stitches.

I also managed to get my last secret pal package another step closer to the eager hands of my spoilee (well, I am assuming her hands will be eager to get this since mine are finding it difficult to see it go). I wrapped each item in pretty tissue paper and have acquired a box. Tonight, I may even fill the box with packing material of some sort, tape it closed, and address it. Wow! But if I do that there remains the question of if I can actually get it to the post office tomorrow, or if it’s going to have to wait till Saturday.

I think I have decided to forgo Secret Pal 6. With the way classes look to be going this semester, one less thing to worry about will be a good thing. I had forgotten what this was like… 3 short months is all it takes to forget. My XML class has a 30 page handout to read, a 20 minute lecture to watch, and the first weekly assignment to do. My Collection Management class has 2 chapters to read, a lecture to read, a biographical introduction to write, and a library/information center to choose for the semester’s class work/final project. It also seems that the Collection Management professor is expecting thoughtful weekly discussions from each of us… this sort of thing almost guarantees that I’ll have absolutely nothing thoughtful to say. Who knows? Maybe I’ll start reading the textbook and have an epiphany that reminds me why I am getting this degree.

To tell the truth I don’t think it’s going to be too bad… although the XML class may break my spirit.

Dreaming of a high B flat

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I know I mentioned some time ago that I had received a package from my secret pal, and now I have finally gotten around to photographing it (just in time, too, the battery on my camera is about to die). This package included the Scarf Style book, a needle roll, a big mug with Alice in Wonderland on it with tea, stitch markers (always need stitch markers), lotion, and 3 skeins off a cotton acrylic blend in a very interesting color — it’s a sort of rusty looking red — I’m thinking of using to try my hand at one of the crochet scarves out of the book. And a basket… mustn’t forget the basket… can’t forget the basket, everything came in it. 🙂 What’s funny is I’ve been contemplating an attempt at wrangling my needle collection. The needle roll may actually give me a chance to accomplish it.

This is what showed up in my mailbox this afternoon. Two skeins of Cherry Tree Hill’s Possum Lace in Tropical Storm… 960 yards of 40% merino, 40% possum, and 20% silk lace weight yarn. I had a horrible rumor that Cherry Tree Hill is discontinuing this yarn, so I decided I had to order some before it became impossible to find. Judy at TheKnitter.com got it to me really quickly (NAYY) along with a skein of Trekking XXL. Thankfully, I have no idea what I should do with the Possum Lace, so I can stick with just Birch, Ribby Cardi, and The Third Incarnation for now.

Okay, that’s all for now… I’m being distracted by Celtic music on my television…. I wish I could speak/sing Gaelic… *sigh* I wish I could sing like I used to…

Today is the first day of the next 2 weeks

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Geez, how’d it get to be Thursday already? (Not that I’m complaining really, Thursday today means Friday tomorrow.) Today was the start of a rather busy 2 weeks for me. Thankfully, while many things are things that need to be done, several things are guaranteed to be packed full o’fun.

Schedule thus far:
Today
Morning dept all-hands meeting
Afternoon chiropractor appt

7/29
Morning company all-hands meeting
Afternoon team meeting

7/31
Hot tub for an hour
Kill 2 hours while the Husband gets a 2 hour massage

8/1
9 am Monday morning meeting about website

8/2
Yarn Harlot in Berkeley

8/3
Morning doctor’s appt about knee

8/5
The Husband’s sushi class

8/6
Friend’s garden party

8/7
Head to Monterey to see my sister’s presentation on her trip to Vietnam

8/8
Morning dentist appts for both the Husband and I

8/12
Wine guild meeting in Monterey

At least there are a few places here and there for breaks in all the action. Meanwhile, I have not been able to get me, my camera, and the basket full of prezzies my secret pal sent me all in one place at the same time… well, that’s a lie sort of… we’ve all been in the living room together, but my memory has been absent each time and I have not remembered to take a picture. I’ve been too busy knitting up a couple afghan squares for Annie’s project as well as trying to get the last of my secret pal things together so I can take the box to the post office.

Quite the update

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I seem to be going through one of my don’t-really-like-computers phases. This usually consists of my only really using a computer at work, avoiding email, and (obviously) not posting to my blog.

I haven’t really been doing tons of knitting either, and I certainly haven’t taken any pictures. I did manage to finish the body of my Ribby Cardi even with the short delay of having to redo the right front armhole shaping section. For some reason, instead of doing the k2tog at the end of the RS rows I did them at the beginning of the WS rows (oh wait, that’s right, the pattern didn’t tell me where to do them). It wasn’t too hard to rip it out and reknit it. And I can say that I learned something (besides the fact that I’ve decided I don’t like patterns that tell you to knit one part like another, but change something). I’ve started on one of the arms… I’m knitting it in the round using the magic loop technique. I’ve got 4 more increases to do before I need to start worrying about length and shoulder shaping.

I’ve only completed 2 repeats on Birch… total. I just don’t feel like working on lace when I get home from work.

But, then, the thought of knitting with any kind of wool the last few days hasn’t been entirely appealing since we went from rather moderate weather to sit-on-the-couch-in-shorts-and-a-tank-top-while-drinking-chardonnay-
and-not-moving weather. I’m just glad I don’t live in Gilroy… 100 F… *ugh*

Now the funny part is I’m sitting at work wearing a scarf and fingerless gloves cause I’m freezing. I’m even thinking about putting on my hat. Geez. I get in in the morning and it’s actually rather nice, but come afternoon, once the a/c is really going, my fingers start turning blue. I’ve complained to facilities a few times, and it get better for a day, then I’m back to figuring out how to wear my winter wardrobe without dying of heat exhaustion while coming to work on my scooter.

Maybe I should have a cup of peppermint tea. My secret pal sent me a great card with peppermint tea to get my through the stress of my manager being on vacation. Yes, a hot mug of pepperminty goodness… that would be nice.

Nifty Goodies

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I’ve been working on the shawl slowly, concentrating more on my Ribby Cardi. But, the shawl is growing nonetheless.

Yesterday, I came home and found a package just for me. My secret pal sent me 2 skeins of Araucania Nature Wool Chunky in a gradiated purple (pretty), a size 5 24″ Clover circular needle, a set of three soaps scented like angel food cake, chocolate, and strawberry, and a really cute card.

Speaking (writing?) of Secret Pal 5, I have received the last of the orders I placed for things to send to the secret pal I’m sending to. Now, I just need to go pick up chocolate-y goodies to put in the package, and I should be able to send it off on Saturday. Yea!

SP5 Questionnaire

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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 think novelty yarns have their place, but usually that place is not on my needles. I love natural fibers… fibers that breathe… although I’m not terribly fond of 100% cotton, but I’m willing to believe this is because I haven’t met the right kind yet.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I’ve been spinning for over a year now and still love it even if I don’t get a lot of time to do it. I know enough crochet to do a provisional cast-on without too much difficulty.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I have asthma, so things like smoke and heavy perfumes set me off.

4. How long have you been knitting?
I’ve been knitting for almost 3 years.

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

6. What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I am fond of herbal scents… lavender, thyme, sage, rosemary, etc.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yup, but I’ve had to cut back on my intake since I started Weight Watchers in April. I’m not saying don’t send me chocolate (mmmm), but things that are easy to have small pieces of are great. 🙂

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Knitting and spinning are pretty much it these days. I like the idea of being creative, but it doesn’t mean I am… and I’m learning to accept that. 🙂

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have ecceltic tastes… I think the only stuff that turns me off is country and 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 like burgandy, french blue, and purple. I can’t stand orange and bright greens (like grass green)… they make me look ill when I wear them, so I just avoid them if I can.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Just the Husband and me.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Sorry, I haven’t figured out what I want to be when I grow up, let alone what my life dreams are yet.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don’t think I have one. There are yarns I like, but none I go out of my way to get, or find myself always knitting with. I can’t even really say anything like “soft yarn” cause I kind of like the way wool is scratchy… it’s a tactile experience.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I find kitchen cottons make my hands ache… and I tend to stay away from artifical yarns (e.g., acrylic) unless I’m knitting for charity where something washable that won’t cause a potential allergic reaction is recommended.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Again, I don’t know that I have any… I knit lace, I knit socks, I knit preemie hats… *shrug* I think socks are the closest thing to an obssesion cause I try to always have a pair of socks going… they’re a great travel project.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
See question 15. 🙂

17. What are you knitting right now?
I am currently knitting a pair of socks for the Husband and a shawl for myself while working on a shawl for my mother-in-law on the side.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
Not for me.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Depends on the project.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo, wood, or plastic, but no metal hurts my hands like cotton.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yup.

22. How did you learn to knit?
Knitting for Dummies.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
A year and a half old… I think.

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

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn, roving, and fleeces. 🙂

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I am currently subscribed to Interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, and Spin-off.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Not really…. although I am contemplating getting the 3rd Barbara Walker treasury (I have 1 and 2, and they’re great).

P.S. – If you have any other question I’ll be happy to answer them to the best of my ability. 🙂

It’s not a Flaw… it’s a Feature!

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Shawls
I finished the Wool Peddler’s Shawl (officially this time) on Monday night. It took me about 2.5 hours to finish the sewn cast-off, but it looks really nice. Now I just need to wash it and block it. You’ll get pictures when it looks pretty… right now it looks a bit lumpy.

I did a swatch and cast-on for the Beginner’s Triangle last night. This morning I discovered a new design feature that I have added to the pattern. I photocopied the chart because there is no way I was going to cart around a hardcover copy of A Gathering of Lace. Unfortunately, certain things didn’t show up in the copy… those certain things being the purl stitches at the end of each row. They’re there to create a clean edge… the first stitch of each row is slipped as if to knit. Well, I have been knitting the last stitch of each row… opps. Since I was on Row 18 when I discovered this (by looking up something in the book) I decided it looks just fine and to continue as I have been. *shhh* Don’t tell anyone.

Secret Pal
I still haven’t figured out who my Secret Pal was.

But I can happily say that my other Secert Pal (the one I was sending to) is Lisa @ Slip Knot Pixie. Yea!

Monday again

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Once again it is Monday and I find myself at work… the last place I want to be. I have no idea where I’d rather be or what I’d rather be doing, but work just isn’t it. It’s just a blah day… there’s no motivation to do my job, not even my paycheck.

My Thanks
Thanks to everyone who shared their sympathy over the fridge situtation. I think it’s a problem in any workplace with a communal fridge. I think it was just the last straw for me last week, and I snapped. But, a loud angry blog posting is probably better than me actually yelling and throwing things in the breakroom. (I don’t get out-right angry easily, but when I do I have a tendancy of throwing a fit… usually I just get pissed off or frustrated and I might give people looks and fume, but I tend to keep it to myself.) I’m thinking of inveting in a mini fridge. Kenmore makes a 1.7 cubic ft mini fridge that’s only like $60 at Sears. I figure that’s a worthwhile proce to pay to not have people taking my food… and who knows over time, if they keep doing it, the cost of lost food could eventually add up to the cost of the fridge.

RAOK’d!
Sunday, when I finally got around to checking for Saturday’s mail, there was a package from Marina containing a couple of lovely lavender sachets. I like lavender… I like all herb-y sorts of scents. One sachet came to work with me today in order to try to establish a sense of calm in my cube. *Crosses fingers* Here’s hoping it’ll work. I think the other will find its place amongst part of my wool stash. I have cedar balls in with the wool that’s in a dresser drawer, but my overflow is in plastic storage without anything to chase off pests or keep it from smelling plastic-y and stale. So, many thanks to Marina from me and my yarn!

Actual Knitting Content
I unofficially finished the Wool Peddler’s Shawl last night. It’s unofficial cause I am still working on the cast-off. I decided to go with the sewn cast-off from Knitting Without Tears; I think it gives a nicer edge, which I think this shawl deserves. But, it’s going to take forever. I started casting off last night and got about 8 inchs done in about half an hour. I think part of the problem is the ass long end I’m using, but I’d rather be using too much for the cast-off then run out an inch from the end, which happens more than I like to remember.

As soon as the cast-off is finish I’ll be casting on for the shawl for me… it shall be mine… mine, I tell you! Bwahahaha! *Clears throat* Excuse me, yes, I shall be making a shawl for myself. Of course, I could also cast-on a sweater for myself. I went to my LYS on Saturday and they were selling all their Cascade yarn at 20%. Couldn’t pass up a sale, now could I? I picked up enough Cascade 220 for Mariah in color 4148 (I think)… it’s a heathery mauve color.

I also got to pick up my drum carder while I was there on Saturday. Yea! Drum carder! Let the rejoying commence for my precious is in my grasp. Sadly, I’ve been so busy it is still in the box. *pout*

It’s That Time of Semester
While I have not yet redeveloped my eye twitch from last semester, the next 2 weeks could see it coming for a visit. I have a 20 page paper on the history of a California library (I’m researching the Mountain View Public Library) due in a week. I have 2 small Web projects due this Wednesday and next Wednesday. I have my History of Books and Libraries final exam on the 16th, and my final Web project is due on the 18th. *ack*

Secret Pal
A trip to the post office on Saturday saw off the last package to my secret pal, a goodie package to the person for which I’m a secret pal angel, and finally, the felted kitty bed for my sister’s new kitten. Yea!

Unfortunately, my secret pal (the one that was sending me goodies) has not revealed themself. Secret pal, are you out there? Are there email problems again? Have you revealed yourself in your blog and I some how missed it (actually, that wouldn’t be that hard… I had so much of a back log in Bloglines that I only skimmed the blogs, and then Bloglines started making me login every third blog.) If you have tried to get a message to me and I have missed please try my email again, or post a comment here. For now, whoever you are, thank you for being my secret pal. 🙂

Thursday? Already?

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Geez, how did it get to be Thursday already?

There was a great amount of grumpiness earlier this week. Every little thing made me want to bite someone’s head off. Thankfully, my mood seems to be improving. I “stole” some roses for my desk… The campus where I work has a ton of rose bushes (unfortunately, they’re only white and yellow… not enough variety for my tastes), so I cut off 3 and put them in water in one of the many company cups I have collected. Bright yellow roses certainly help with the grumps.

I am down to 8 rows of lace left on the Wool Peddler’s Shawl. Hopefully, I can finish it this weekend. Then, block it and send it off to its intended recipient.

I must, absolutely must, go to the post offie tomorrow to send off my final package for my secret pal… I don’t think it’ll get to her till Monday though. Oh well. I just haven’t had time to finish it off (although I did get the needlecase done on Saturday) and get to the post office. Also need to hunt up some goodies for another person since I’ve been asked to be an angel. It’s fun coming up with little goodies to send out. 🙂

Time Warp

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The closer I get to the end the further away it seems to be*. 16 rows of lace left on the Wool Peddler’s Shawl. I think it feels like it’s taking so long because I have my next project picked out. I can’t start the new shawl until this one is done, because I know I would leave the Wool Peddler’s Shawl behind, uncompleted. If I just finish it before moving on I won’t have to worry about it staring at me from the knitting bag I keep it in. Lace does that you know… stares glaringly when you have cast it aside for another project. At least my lace projects do. If you have a deadline for the lace project it mumbles incoherently as well; it knows it shouldn’t be forgotten because it has a debut to look forward to.

I’m still procrastinating on the main part of my secret pal’s last package. This time around I am blaming it on my yard stick going missing, which isn’t really much of an excuse. It’s just that it’s the only long straight edge I have. I’ll either have to find it or make do… most likely I’ll be making do, then I’ll find it when I no longer need it.

*I always think of Waiting for Godot when I think of the idea of approaching infinity. My English teacher even had an inclass demonstration… she put a garbage can across the room and told the student to walk towards the garbage can, each stride was to be half the size of the one before. He could walk forever and never reach the garbage can. For some reason she explained it better than my calculus teacher did.