Eat.Knit.Sleep

It is horrible that I keep track of this, but someone unsubscribed to my bloglines. I'm sorry if I bored you to death? Although I'm not particularly surprised.

I found my camera cable so I can provide a little bit of entertainment in that way. So I have finished a few items since last I showed photos.

Finished Sockapalooza socks already received by my pal. They are Tofutsie and a slip stich rib from Sensational Knitted Socks.

I also finished a dishcloth, that I may not have blogged about at all.

And a Daisy sweater, which I think is adorable for a baby just 10 days old.

I also did some frogging. I apparently think I am Shrek sized.

Exhibit A: Second Trekking Sock

The top finished sock is big and slouchy. The bottom sock was loose on C's size 13s and these socks are for me. Frogged and sent to their room without supper. Plan on recuperating with some of this:

I also frogged CeCe which I was really enjoying. I took it off the needles to frog back to fix a mistake and realized that it would fit around a person twice my size. This is even though I swatched and I was spot on. I'm going to try again in a smaller size but I need to do some more swatching.

This time of year is touch because I can't decide whether to squeeze one more summer project in, or to get started on fall. Tough call.

Posted by Jenny at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Finally, here is some of the bounty I collected from my One Skein Secret Pal. I'm SOOO not worthy.

This is a lovely bit of handspun from pancake and lulu. It's lovely and sparkly and will mostly likely never be knit, but merely admired.

Yummy Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk in a butterscotch color. Jacquie, you have to give me your Mobius patterns, I have 4 other skeins in a wine color!

Beautiful stich markers!

A lime green box . . .

containing a black knit box . . .

Actually, it is a toilet paper cozy containing all kinds of goodies!

I'm assuming the bones are for Oscar!

Posted by Jenny at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So, I've been pretty busy lately now that I'm out of training at work and have been pretty beat by the time I get home.

Tri training should be improved by my new purchase of a heart rate monitor. My giant clapotis (pictures to come) arrived in time for the first day of spring, albeit it is 30 degrees out! My SewIKnit skirt is . . .well, still not done. My Project Spectrum postcard arrived, but my socks are on their bazillionth short row heel . . .why do I only get holes on one side?

Lastly, wonderful goodies from my Secret Pal arrived last week!

Posted by Jenny at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I'm neglecting my knitting (although some has gotten done), my housework (none of that is getting done), my school work (very little is getting done). So don't feel so bad. I can't believe how long it has been since I've written a REAL post and I feel especially guilty that I'm at work and have no pictures to show you. I also have to try to remember what has happened in the past 2 weeks.

February 14th, Valentine's Day, is C and my anniversary. 4 years! And there have been a lot of times in the last 4 years that we didn't think we'd make it. Anyway, we did, and we were very happy and he cooked me a lovely meal of scallops and wild rice pilaf, cheese and bread. Champagne was drunk and chocolate fondue enjoyed by all.

After I ripped out my Rosedale, I started a Clapotis in some Noro Shinano I purchased off of ebay. So far so good . . .I'm in the straight sections and have dropped 4 stitches; I will take some pictures tonight. I'm also up to the heel on my red socks and am eager to finish so I can cast on for my Sockapaloooza socks, probably doing a pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks.

I also got some other goodies in the mail . . .my pattern for the Sew I Knit sewalong, and I purchased my fabric and other notions as well. Now, I just need to learn to use my sewing machine! And learn how to cut out a pattern! Any tips . .. I also got a drop spindle and some beautiful fiber from Adrian at Hello Yarn but I haven't had a chance to do more than fondle (and I realized that Oscar may not love yarn, but he LOOOVVVES fiber . . .so I need to be careful with storage there)

This weekend was nice . .. Friday I wasn't feeling 100% (waiting for blood work results from the doctor to hopefully find out what is wrong) so I skipped the gym. C went, and I made some pasta and we chilled out with some wine on the couch. Saturday we met a friend of C's from Munich and a coworker of his in NYC (It was their first time there). We had oysters and soup at Bar Americain, drove down to the financial district and walked around SoHo, South Street Seaport, and the West Village before having an amazing Portuguese meal in a little place we never would have just found. I highly, highly recommend both. I love NY.

On the weight front .  .. for you Elisa . ..at the doctor on Wed I weighed 131.8 (4.2 lbs down, 21.8 to go). My working out and eating habits have been sporadic at best, and my not feeling hot hasn't helped. Nor has copius amounts of red wine, so I'm happy with my results and that I've lost at all. The 125-130 range is where I've been for the past few years, and is where most of my clothes fit best so I'm getting close.

In September 2004 I did the Danskin triathalon. I didn't have the time or the know how to train for that event and did it in 2 hours (after literally nearly drowning during the swim portion). I had wanted to better my time in 2005, but the move shelved that idea. I still have no idea if  I will be able to compete this year (the time of the event is close to the time we want to go to Portland, and right now that is a priority) but I've decided to train as if I am. Now, I haven't swam or ran since then, so I'm starting with a 10 week walk/run program before I start the tri training with spinning/cycling mixed in to prepare me for the 5 Borough Bike Tour in May. I'm hoping this will kickstart my fitness, and my weight loss.

Posted by Jenny at 10:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
Somewhat. I need fibers that feel nice and I don't like most 100% synthetic fibers. I am knitting a scarf out of Wool-Ease now, and I would prefer 100% wool.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? I don't spin but am interested .

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Nothing now, which is actually a bit of a problem.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting regularly for about a year. I think my skill is starting to move from beginner to intermediate.

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

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I like vanilla (if it isn't too sweet), lavender, citris and fresh scents like mint and rosemary.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I like anything gummy and dark chocolate. No nuts please.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I'm interested in getting into sewing but don't know where to start.

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 a whole lot of everything besides mainstream rap and country.

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 greens, blues, reds, and purples a lot. I don't really like neon colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my boyfriend, his 16 year old cousin, and our Boston Terrier, Oscar.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, no but I should, no but I should, no.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Good question. I've really enjoyed knitpicks merino style, Noro, Lorna's laces, koigu.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I probably wouldn't like fun fur.

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

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

17. What are you knitting right now? A scarf for Patrick (the cousin) and some socks.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love my Denises, and addis. I use bamboo DPNs, but mostly work with 2 circulars now.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes.

22. How did you learn to knit? My mom taught me when I was a kid and it didn't stick. I re-taught myself from the Stitch N' bitch book about a year ago.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

A month.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Wallace and Grommit. I like elephants and boston terriers.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving -- good food and no religious content.

26. Is there anything that you collect? Clutter and yarn apparently.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave Knits.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Um, I'd love to try more Noro, and more of the handpainted sock yarns. I'd love Sensational Knitted Socks and I'd love to see a Rebecca magazine.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'd like to learn cabling and maybe fair isle. I'd like to get better at lace and on finishing techniques.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, I am. I wear a women's 8/5.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) November 9. Scorpio all the way.

Posted by Jenny at 01:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Yesterday was my 25th birthday.  I meant to post something quick with a baby picture or something, but I don't have any. Mom -- if you are reading this, send me one before 26!

So a bunch of stuff has happened since my last post. The first being this

which lead, incidently, directly to this:

Which lead, also incidently, to me being pretty gimpy on my birthday.

I'll spare you the details of how it happened, just know it involved wine, both as a cause, a weapon, and an anesthetic, and let your imagination go.

In other news, I started, and finished a Branching Out. I was using leftovers from this.

Here is a pic from before I finished it:

And a closeup:

Knitlisters know that I was having trouble with my original branching out with Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Wool -- I will try it again, now that I have a better handle on the pattern. I will also post finished pictures when it is blocked.

And for the long awaited Secret Pal pictures. Here was my fantastic present from my fantastic secret pal:

And the inside:

We didn't do anything special last night because Oscar had to go to the vet, but I had a nice day off yesterday, and one today and tomorrow, gimp foot and all.

Have a great day!

Posted by Jenny at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Before I get any further, let me thank my WONDERFUL secret pal. She sent me this a few weeks ago.

There was also some RedVines included in the package, but they were consumed while reading the card.

What is it?

There is a calander, a card, a candle, AND . . . . some earrings made just for me!

Thanks so much!

I also feel the need to show a picture of some other recent stach acquisition, some Lorna's Laces just for me

Oscar finds it very odd that I take pictures of yarn.

And for proof that I still knit socks, and am a true member of Lolly's Socktoberfest,

Other than that, things are good. I'm finally being proactive about work issues and am going to a seminar about grad school on Tuesday. Had a great weekend. We saw Wallace and Grommit on Friday Night.  I loved it as I have had all the Nick Park films. Saturday we went home to NJ, and saw some old friends in N.B. Hope to do more of that soon. Sunday, we attempted to go Apple picking and I actually took a decent picture of my boy, so I will post it here to trump all other scary pictures . ..

  We didn't actually PICK apples, after a trip to the orchard in a convertable school bus ( I shit you not), we discovered that they only had Red Delicious left, which wasn't what we had in mind for the apple tarts that C made later that night. The scenery was still beautiful, and we did get tarts so all is well in the world.

Posted by Jenny at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

OK, It has been a really long time since I posted, so first off, let me do the SP6 questionnaire.

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 am a bit of a yarn snob. I do prefer natural fibers or blends of such. I did love Cotton-Ease, and do use Wool-Ease occasionally. I do not like all acrylic yarns like Red Heart -- Wool-Ease is as far as I go, and only under specific circumstances.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I do not do either.

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

Nothing that would affect SP6 unless you plan to send me penicillin . . .  Don't like smoke, but it won't kill me . .. it didn't all the years I smoked. I hate peanuts with a passion.

4. How long have you been knitting?

As a child I remember my grandmother knitting constantly, and I am sure she and my mother tried to teach me to knit then, but it didn't stick. I started again in my early twenties, but not regularly (i.e. obsessively) until last winter.

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

I just recently updated mine, but it does not have everything I want ;-)

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I love citrus, especially lemon and lime, mint, anything fresh scented like grass, or greenery.

7. Do you have a sweetooth?

Yes, yes I do. I love dark chocolate and red licorice. Starburst and anything gummy.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I don't really, but I would like to get into sewing and gardening. I do love to cook.

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

I don't even know how to narrow it down. I like all different types of music, except country, but it has to be good! I'm open to new musical experiences.

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 greens and blues, purples and dark pinks. I like browns, greys, and blacks. I really don't like pastels and bright colors as much.

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

I live with my boyfriend of almost 4 years, and his 16 year old cousin. We have a 5 year old Boston Terrier who means the world to me.

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

To be honest, I really have no idea of anything practical. If anyone has ideas, let me know!

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

Depends on the project. I've enjoyed all of the yarn I've worked with so far. My favorite has probably been Koigu.

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

I haven't knit with them, but I don't think that I would like using novelty yarns, nor do I really like the effect that they have.

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

Good question. I'm working on my first lace project which I both love and hate. Socks, I like socks.

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

Socks. I do want to do more sweaters.

17. What are you knitting right now?

Right now I am knitting Branching Out from Knitty. I will probably start a new pair of socks soon, too.

18. What do you think about ponchos?

To each her own, but I can't imagine wearing one.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

I prefer circulars . . .  usually Addi Turbos, or my Denises.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I prefer aluminum or my Denises.

21. Are you a sock knitter?

Yes, ma'am.

22. How did you learn to knit?

I learned when I was a child. I re-taught myself earlier this year with a book.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

Now, about 2 weeks old.

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

Um, don't know. Wallace and Grommit?

25. What is your favorite holiday?

I don't have one. Maybe Thanksgiving?

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Lately, yarn.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I subscribe to Interweave and Rowan.

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

I'd like Vogue Knitting, Socks Soar on Two Circs, and that's all I can think of offhand. I'm sure there is more.  Knitting on the Road.

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

Now that you think of it, I think this is in a book, but Klaralund. I love that sweater!

Posted by Jenny at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am at work right now, so no photos. Unfortunately, I don't know if there will be photos from home in the immediate future because our hard drive crashed last night. Bleh.

Yesterday was C's birthday. He decided he (!) was going to cook his own birthday dinner and bake (!!) his own birthday cake. He maid Pancetta wrapped Pork Roast and herbed cheesy polenta. And for dessert he made Triple layered dark-chocolate cake with orange buttercream frosting. Oh my god, my boy can cook!

I was feeling very guilty because I came home from work to a fresh poured glass of wine and he told me to sit and knit. Who's birthday was this???  And to top it off,  a wonderful present from my Secret Pal (and the Rowan 31 magazine I bought off ebay). I know have a pamphlet full of sock patterns, some Brown Sheep handpainted Wildfoote (in a beautiful colourway), some note cards and pads. I'll take a picture and attempt to post it. THANK YOU SECRET PAL!

I bought Rowan 31 to try to find a pattern to make with my 2 skeins of Kid Silk Haz I had bought to knit Grace from knitty. In the time since I made that decision, I decided that I didn't think I would wear that much. Stupid Jenny.

Anyhoo -- lots been going on here. We may have a 16 year old boy come move in with us.  I'll get into that more if it happens, we should know this weekend.  (No-- C didn't have a secret love child when he was 12, but that would be exciting).  I have a meeting now so must be going. Why can't I knit in meetings?

Posted by Jenny at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I am a bad, bad blogger. My digital camera is still out of commission, and we closed on the house (!), and I got a new job (!!) so I've been lacking here. I have been knitting, though . . . and stashing.

I'm working on the Magic Stripes socks, and a baby sweater for a good friends new son. I have some other things in the works that I will post about very soon. 

Here is my Secret Pal Questionnaire . . .

1. I wouldn't call my self a yarn snob, per se. I'm not a fan of acrylic, but it is fine blended in with other fibers  .. . I did just buy some Cotton Ease to make Sitcom Chic.

2. I do not spin, but would love to learn someday. I do not crochet.

3.  No allergies.

4. I've been knitting on and off since I was 8  . . . I've just started knitting actual garments.

5. I have an Amazon wish list, but a lot of stuff on it is old . . . I will try to clean it up.

6. I don't like overly flowerly, or overpowering scents. I like mild, and spicy sents, and clean smelling things.

7. I have a big sweet tooth, but I like things simple . . .dark chocolote, caramel, anything gummy. I don't like nuts.

8. I used to paint and make books but I haven't in a long time.

9. I like all kinds of music but not the average Top 40 stuff. I don't like country.  I am addicted to my ipod.

10. I like all colors, not really a fan of neon. I'm drawn to greens and purples a lot.

11. I live with someone and am moving into a brand new house (my first) with him and my Boston Terrier oscar.

12.  To work with my hands, wear jeans and flip flops every day and never see the inside of a cube again.

13. So far . .. I've really enjoyed working with Blue Sky alpaca, with Butterfly 10, with Artful Yarns serenade . . . I've only picked lovely yarns. I'd love to try some Rowan.

14. I had a lot of trouble with KidSilk Haze . . . I'm not sure I'm ready for mohair.

15. Everything and socks.  Koigu!

16. I really liked seeing the Chickami come together. And scoks.

17. A pair of socks and a baby sweater.

18. I like some of them on some people. I can't really imagine one on me.

19. I prefer circular needles . . . Addis and my Denises.

20. All of the above.

21. I am a sock knitter.

22. My mother taught me.

23. A couple of months.

24. My favorite animated character . .. anyone voiced by Hank Azaria on the Simpsons.

25. My favorite holiday . . .  I don't really have one.

26. I seem to collect yarn . . . I'd like to start a collection now that I have room to store one if anyone has an idea.

27. I don't have any subscriptions but I plan to subscribe to Interweave Knits, Vogue knitting, and Rowan. Maybe Rebecca.

28. Any good knitting books I don't already own!

Posted by Jenny at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)