I can finally post this now that several people who read this already found out in person. Sean actually was able to surprise me and propose when I didn't expect it. I of course said yes.
Does this mean I can finally knit that sweater?
Currently on TV: Wii Bowling in the other room

So I am doling out assignments.
Jen, I need the baby blanket pattern you used for Steggy. Sean, I need you to find out what colors Grenny likes that aren't gender specific.
Then I get to make the trip to Jen's sometime in the next 8 months to get the yarn at Betty's.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Lime and Violet

The Riff Raff socks are done!!!!!!! They only defeated two knitting needles. I also realize that it is past time to paint my toes. I also thought a self model of Sloane was pasted due.
I saw Eragon today. I felt it was cheesy. I need to read the book to decide on the entire series.
Currently on TV: Nothing

The yarn diet unfortunately got postponed a little bit. Lisa Souza is offerning a new yarn to help out Miss Violet, http://www.lisaknit.com/yarn/animalfibers/sock-merino.html. I ordered that and then I had to go to the LYS for needles only to find out that all yarn was 30% off. I picked up two skeins of Noro Kureyon, a skein of Manos, 4 skeins of Elizabeth Levold Angora. I also picked up hemp yarn for http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTeiffel.html. I do like how all of my yarn purchases were consumer friendly.
I received my Anne from the store in Seattle. I had to hand wind all of that and it took FOREVER. I casted on for Parthenope on two circular needles and I finished the set up chart. I am on the heel of the second Riff Raff sock, and so I casted on for Edie. I frogged the Icarus Shawl to remake it in Brown Bunny. I also finished Agatha Christie's The Moving Finger which I quite liked. It wasn't the typical mystery from her.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I finished my Molly Gibson sleep socks, and it's a good thing they are sleep socks and not regular socks too. I recounted the entire affair here http://www.blogger.com/posts.g?blogID=34583403. I am slightly saddened. I have so much holiday knitting that I don't have the time or inclination to fix the length on the second sock. Oh well.
Currently on TV: Monarch of the Glen season 2 disk 1

The yarn diet starts now. I do not need to buy anymore yarn until after the New Year. I currently have started or yarn for my mom's Asana tank, fetching gloves, a cable scarf, a hat, an Icarus Shawl, Jen's scarf, a Clapotis, four pairs of socks (at least), a Parthenope Shawl and Edie. This is not counting the projects people are giving me the yarn to make. The good news is that most of these are gifts. I need to sit down and knit them.
Yes, I have looked at this list and it is telling me no yarn until February. I am now off to clean out the bookmarks.
Edit: Bookmarks of online yarn retailers have been deleted. I have pulled out the needles and frogged Jen's scarf so I can wind up the yarn into a ball and thus the project will be portable. I'm going to also frog the bamboo Icarus and use the lace weight yarn I have on that. I think this is going to be a good project when it is all said and done.
Currently on TV: Nothing

The first of the Riff Raff socks are done. It is Socks That Rock medium weight "Rocky Horror" with an Alpacha toe. I've casted on the second sock. I think these will be nice for lazying around the apartment because the Alpacha isn't machine washable.
I've started on the second sock (yippii). I'm done with one of the two inches done on the cuff. This must be taking me forever because Sean has commented that the first sock took me a while to make. I was distracted by sweaters, vests, hats, baby bibs.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me

It was a Hugh Jackman day.
I was able to see The Fountain for free today thanks to a friend who can get into Academy screenings. It was really, really good. I didn't like Pi (I know Sean this is all but a dumpable offensive) and I haven't seen Requiem for a Dream. This lead to me being slightly unsure of what I was getting into even though I really like the lead actors. I was tearing up in places. The story is nonlinear which is a technique that I like, and I felt that it made the story flow better than if it had been a traditional linear story.
I broke a size 2 DPN on Sean's sock and so I went to Unwind to look for knitting needles. I picked up some Alpacha to do the toes and heel of the second sock. This is making a machine washable pair of socks into hand wash, but I have worries about the yardage of my yarn. I also picked up a cable hat pattern and the size 17s needed for that.
After finding out that UCLA beat USC, I got my final push to see a movie tonight. I went to see Flushed Away (where the main character is voiced by Hugh Jackman) which I loved. Aardman (is that spelled right) likes to do sight gags. I was the only one who laughed at England losing to Germany on penalty kicks, oh well. The movie was really cute, although I am worried that I knew all of the songs used in the movie (and was singing along).
The foot of Sean's sock is stuck at 7 inches; it is taunting me knowing I am knitting until it is 9 inches.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to The Knitting Cook

This is what happens when you have first sock syndrome.
Currently on TV: Nothing

It is coke thank you very much and my family is from MI.

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North   You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
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North Central	Â
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On the knitting front, I learned a valuable lesson, read the pattern then buy yarn. I don't know if I will have enough yarn for the way I originally envisioned my Edie Cardigan. I've decided to knit the body in the poppy and the ssleeves, coller, and button band in the chocolate. I don't have the money in the budget to buy another hank of the poppy right now and Edie is my knitting over the holidays along with some socks for me and a hat or two. I'm convincing myself that I will like this sweater and Lisa told me that I should have enough yarn to make it. She is really nice; everyone should go out and buy her book Yarnplay.
Currently on TV: North and South, Richard Armitage (Yum)

Sloane is done and as I love the pattern and the finished object, the Addi turbos in size 17 rock. The construction for me was difficult, but that is my issue. Photos of me in it to come. The vest is definately being worn for Christmas. I love Yarnplay. This book is so amazing.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Lime and Violet

I just finished North and South, and Jen oh my gosh, Captain Who? I know that I have my own Roger Hamely, but Mr. Thorton could just sweep me off my feet.
I decided to finish North and South after spending several days knitting. I finished the SKB (I need to have someone take my photo). I finished the back of Sloane, and I turned the heel of the first of Sean's socks. I now am on the front of Sloan and have World War Z as the next book I read. Sean's socks must be done before Christmas and I am still working on my LnV sock. I have put to many things on my needles.
Currently on TV: Nothing

So a photo of Sean in his fine knit wear, it's not quite a cunning hat but I like it. Besides he still has my cunning hat. The sad thing is this is also the first time I saw him in his hat. The other two in the photo are Gonch in Goal and Beerman.
Currently on TV: Nothing reading North and South

The SKB is done and it is drying on my floor. I am going to probably have to wash this sweater often as there is STILL loose dye in it. This is a sweater that didn't have to be blocked except that it was turning my needles blue. As soon as the neck was stitched up and I was bathed out came the wool wash to bathe the sweater. The water started turning teal as soon as the sweater hit the water. The towl is now two shades of green where water was rung out of it. I'm going to let the photos show the rest. Needless to say there is still dye in the sweater that wants out.

I have both sleeves done and seemed where needed on my SKB (trust me there is rejoycing). I am now picking up stitches along the neckline {a glass of Bailey's may be needed (yes this is a joke)}. I couldn't quite understand one piece of the directions of the picking up stitches part so I refered back to my trusty knitty.com bookmark http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/FEATwin04TT.html
That article is a life savor. The instruction that I didn't get was a gauge measurement which I will have to ignore anyway since my gauge is funky. The sweater fits fine with the funky gauge btw.
Currently on TV: Nothing I'm burnt out

Happy Thanksgiving to my few precious readers.
Knitting update: I finished the right sleeve on the SKB and I am on the lace inset of the left sleeve. This is a special date for me besides Thanksgiving which is always a day of food and family even if they are not related to you. I understand objections that some people feel to this holiday. Today is also my anniversary. Sean and I've been together for 3 years. I unfortunately am still in CA and he's home in FL. In honor of this today, I'm knitting on his socks. I miss him so much. I love you Sweetie. I hope to have a photo of him in his hat.
On the reading front, I have put down almost all books except for North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. Wives and Daughters by the same author is one of my favorite books. This title looks at the beginning of Unionization in England from the labor and owners perspectives from the eyes of a young woman from the South (London). Toss in a love story and misunderstanding and there is a wonderful book.
Knitting book review: Yarnplay by Lisa Shobhana Mason, this book is wonderful and beautiful book. The patterns are well written and easy to knit. I am winding up some yarn for Edie as we type.
I also have bought domiKNITrix by Jennifer Stafford. I am going to knit her flower pins out of it for a major project. I'll write a report on it later.
Currently on TV: Hotel Rwanda

I am working my way down my first sleeve on the SKB which I still love. I purchased domiknitrix from Amazon. It has the exact flower pattern I've been looking for for the mothers. It calls for Noro though and I haven't seen the right color of Poppy in Noro but I found some in Malabrigo. I contacted Jennifer Stafford about how wonderful the pattern is and to find out how to sign up for the Elfin Goth pattern that you only can get by buying the book and get it from her site. I love that she is doing a local knit along and when she wrote back she asked if I was in the Bay Area and was a size XS because she needs another knitter. Oh how the fates tempt me. I'm a size XS I desperately want to knit this sweater, but I live in the LA area. Damn it. I explained that I do wearn an XS but where I live. I did say it made my morning though. I was set until 1st break at work.
Currently on TV:Nothing

I've hit a milestone in my knitting. I have finished the body of my first sweater. I've done a little bit of seaming where needed and now am on my first sleeve. All that's left of the SKB is the two sleeves which are technically started (got to love top down, raglin set in sleeves for that) and the collar. Pictures to come
Currently on TV: Monarch of the Glen Series 1 disk 2

I've been thinking about service and how people are treated by people we give our money to. This all comes about from an e-mail responce I received from an indy yarn merchant who dyes her own stuff. I inquired if my order had shipped yet as I had heard nothing from her and wanted to drool over my yarn. The responce to it was vaguely insulting. I was told the shop wasn't McDonald's (for those who know me they understand that is probably one of my layers of hell), and she said the website says shipping in 7-14 days. The site does in fact say this if the yarn is not in stock. I don't care about the length of time it takes to ship; I want the fact that I have given you money acknoledged. I responded saying that I was jealous of her talents that she is able to make a product that is so well known out of her living room. I understand how being a small company that responding to e-mails can be difficult, but I also know I'm not the only one who hasn't ever received responses back from this company. A LYS tried to sell this yarn and after writing an essay about the stores philosophy never heard back. I placed a large order for me on Sunday from this store because I didn't know if another retailer would carry the yarn I wanted to order as Christmas presents. I haven't received confirmation of my order and I know that I won't. I will not stop using the wonderful handdyed sock yarn. (It truely is some of the best that is available.) I will though order it over the phone from the nice lady who wrote a thank you on her businss card.
On the other end of the spectrum is Pureknits a LYS in New Jersey who has an online store. It is where I bought my Brooklyn Handspun and later my wool wash (I'm running low on shampoo it was time to upgrade). She keeps in contact at every step of the ordering process with confirmations, e-mails about shipping, and when the order arrives there are handwritten thank you notes. It is this reason that I continually go to her site looking for new yarn. It is similar reasons that I go and shop on etsy so much. I am connected with handcrafters (sock yarn!!!) who acknowledge me. I also today ordered two books that I couldn't get in my area from a store in NY. As soon as the order was placed more or less I had a note from the store owner thanking me and telling me the merchandise was in stock and how it would be shipped. That is all I really look for a thank you for your hard earned money, I do, I do not have this in stock, here is when you will get it. I have waited a month for yarn because I knew that they were dyed to order when the orders came in. I was just told it will be 3-5 weeks as they needed to get the yarn and dye. If you go above and beyond you'll just receive more business sooner than otherwise would happen.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to the birds

I thought I would post some photos of my current knitting projects. The hat is mine and the yarn was divine. The beanie is Sean's anniversary gift and he hasn't seen it yet. The bib is for Elisabeth and it is so so cute.




Currently on TV: Monarch of the Glen Series 1 disk 1

This past weekend was wonderful. Jen has blogged about it also at www.jennismith.net. Also Jen can I have the pattern info for Baby Steggy's blanket. I arrived at her apartment at the same time that she did (love coincidences like that) and we went to the Cayucos Wine and Cheese festival after making appropriate stops first. I found a wine that I want to buy to share with guests who come to my apartment (JanKris Picaro or Crossfire), but it isn't sold in the Burbank area and would cost close to $30 for a $17 bottle for me to buy it online. We went to one of the local restaurants that had the best fried zuccini. It was made fresh so it actually had taste. Then it was back to Jen's to watch Monarch of the Glend season 1 disk 1. I made good progress this weekend on the SKB; I got upto the purl ridges and small needles and I'm currently half way done with the lace in the bodice.
Saturday we went up to Cambria. Ball and Skein needs to carry the Yarnplay book because they have so much of the yarn for it. I spent probably way to much there but I'm a good ways done with the back of Sloane which is a pattern that I'm doing strait out of the book. The colors of the yarn used in the book model are just to my taste and style. I also don't have to alter the pattern any. I love how knitting patterns are starting to take into account all sized people.
Saturday night was book club, more knitting, and watching Wives and Daughters. The Razor's Edge was a wonderful character study. Jen and I gushed over Gaskell's work and decided we had to read North and South while I drooled over Roger Hamley (I have a Roger). (It's nice to find the literary character Sean's most like). So Sunday after church (which had a fantastic sermon) we went over to B&N. They had two copies of North and South so we grabbed both of them. I'm in the 100s and I love the characters. Gaskell is one of my favorite writers. She was close with Wives and Daughters and North and South is putting her up with Jane Austen.
Today I received my Socks That Rock in Love in Idleness. The yarn is beautiful. I think I'm making Pomotomus socks out of it for me. I needed the beauty of the yarn because I'm worried that I've f***ed up again at work. I followed the schematic though (I think). I need to find a new job.
Currently on TV: Nothing.

Dude, I am so so so happy. I got mentioned in the Craftlit podcast. I am flying so high right now. On the knitting front, I'm on the lace part of my SKB.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Craftlit

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I'm almost done with my Christmas knitting. I just have Sean and Jen's to finish. I made a hat/beenie for me out of Brooklyn Handspun's Oatmeal for myself from a Rowan pattern. I'm now trying to stretch it out a little. I finally casted on the Simple Knitted Bodice in Mystical Creations 4-ply wool in China Teal.
Currently on TV: nothing listening to It's a Purl Man

I promise I'm working on my thesis proposal (I'm working on the last part of the last section, I hope) as I work on Sean's sock. ( I finished the LIT REVIEW (I feel/hope)). I have to say that he's wonderful with my knitting. I gave him the option on what style hat he would want and his final choice was what would make me happy to knit. He claims it's more important to him that I have fun with my knitting than it be ubersimple. I promise that the socks will be simple.
Edit: I have caved and bought some Socks That Rock for myself. I didn't think Sean would pick up on my hints last night. I bought Love in Idleness for me if anyone is looking for gifts for me Puck's Mischief or Midsummer's Night found here http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/. Alright I'm done giving gift hints. I went to Unwind to pick up needles. I got Brittany double points in size 2 and 10 1/2s. I also got a Rowan Pattern Book, and the Blue Sky Alpacha dpns.
Currently on TV: nothing listening to Knitty D and the City

I have a yarn rant. I bought a hat kit from Morehouse Farms for Sean's Christmas gift. It is becoming part of his anniversary gift because Sweetie as much as I love you I have a thesis proposal to finish and I've set a deadline. There is no way I can finish a pair of socks in time to get the package to you by the 23rd. I received the kit today. I chose the hat design from the three variations, and I started to wind up the skein of bulky yarn. There are bits of twig in my yarn. I've had this problem before with yarn from Urugay. This yarn is from NY. I made the executive decision with my wallet to not buy from them again.
This is based off of not only my bad experience with the yarn (shipping was great), but with Subway Knitter's issues as well as Miss Lime's problem with their pattern book.
Onto the reading front: I am loving The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (I think). The only reason the book has been put down is because I need to finish the Razor's Edge by the 11th. If you are interested in Historical novels or more information on Vlad the Impalor this book is highly recommended. It's on special at B&N for 20% off, go buy it.
Currently on TV: Nothing Netflix is back in the post.

I am posting pictures of some of my knitting projects. Here are Jen's fingerless gloves, and my first pair of socks. The socks are my father's Christmas Present and I love the yarn. I've casted on the first sock of a pair for a friend which I've knitted 4.5 inches out of 6 of the leg. I've finished the first sock of a pair for myself. I would like them done before I fly home so I can have comfy socks for the redeye flight home. I've casted on Sean's sock twice and frogged it twice. I love the yarn but it isn't becoming a sock yet.
Currently on TV: nothing I couldn't get into Titus

I'm finishing the foot of my second sock (finishing working on the 6th of 9 inches same thing right?). I will have to do some minor darning at the gusset, but it isn't to bad. I then will move onto Lee or Sean's socks plus work on Jen's scarf. Jen that may become your birthday gift. Sixteen rows of lace and then the repeat, what was I thinking. I am making a pledge with myself though. I will finish a pair of game day socks for myself out of Lorna's Laces Bee Sting for myself before I fly home on December 23rd. I think I can do it.
Edit: I also have decided what to do with my Lime and Violet colorway from Lisa Souza. I'm using it to make the heelless Sleeping Socks from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. I love the idea of the funkyness of the yarn being paired with a Victorian Sock design. This knitting book may also become where I knit most of my socks from. I want to make several of the pattern out of there. Started the LnV socks
Currently on TV: Nothing enjoying the silence

I've finished my first sock, and I have casted on its mate. For those that care I'm just starting the leg. Turning the heel only required Knitting Rules by the Yarn Harlot and the pattern. I have two more pairs of socks to knit before the winter solstice. They are anniversary and birthday gifts respectively. Also I'm in need of ideas. I have bought black and gold sock yarn for game day Saturday's for me. I need to figure out what pattern I want to make them into. So far I'm leaning towards the Flat Iron Clog Sock pattern I found via Lime and Violet at http://blog.designedlykristi.com/?page_id=158.
Other finished items in the Holiday pile include the felted bowls for the Nixons. I still need to do a second round of felting for the blue bowls. Nina's scarf is still finished, and Jen's scarf is still looking at me wondering why I pay attention to the other yarns and not it.
Currently on TV: Nothing

So I've started holiday knitting, I have finished Nina's drop stitched scarf and Jen's fingerless gloves. I have started Jen's lace scarf. I love how the Sunshine Yarn is knitting up. It has been heavily fondled Jen, I apologize. I have started a sock (Thuja from Knitty) for my father in Artyarn's SuperMerino. I bought two skeins of this to make sure I have enough. If I have extra they are socks for Alok. Oh my Goodness, I love this yarn. It is a dream feel. It is heavy sockweight and feels like cotton. I am making the felted bowls from One Skein for Sean's parents in Cascade 220. I am having to add a whole section of design because I had to double the cast on because I have a worsted yarn not a bulky yarn. I'm having nightmares of having to rebuy yarn and reknitting these. I love the colors of the Cascade. They are exactly the colors I wanted. I bought the yarn for Elisabeth's bib. I am still looking for the perfect knitting related gift for Carmen. I'm a good ways done with my holiday shopping. It's exciting.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to It's a Purl, Man podcast

Where to begin this post, first to the lovely Jen, Sean finally went back to the jewlery store. The ring is still there (Yippii) but they don't allow photos to be taken. However there are some new and cool developments on that front that I'll tell you about later. I am still knitting your second glove. I hope to finish it soon. I am trying to start Nina's scarf, but I don't know how to purl front and back. Any help there Jen, Carmen, random knitter on the street would be greatly appreciated.
I ordered the yarn for Sean's anniversary gift. It's Socks That Rock in the Rocky Horror colorway from The Fold. I am such a trend follower, but hello it's Rocky Horror. I think it'll make a great gift especially since I've made it clear that I want no more Rocky Horror themed anniversary gifts, two were enough.
School wise my lit review is coming along. I need to work on that tomorrow since I didn't today. I went to B&N twice this week to buy the books for November's book club. Lucky by Alice Sebold is amazing, wonderful, and disturbing. I had already read The Lovely Bones and this is her previous work about her own rape. Her narrative style is emmotionally very raw and open. I have the problem of not being able to put her books down. I also picked up The Devil in the White City for Nov. book club meeting. I am struggling through The Dante Club however. I can not for the life of me get into this book. I did like revisting Edgar Allen Poe and I remembered why I like his style so much.
Currently on TV: Nothing I'm sitting here knitting

I finally have the sock yarn I've been drooling over. I have the Hedwig sockyarn by Sunshine Yarns. I am looking for decent yarn for a gift for Sean. I need to go to bed soon.

I ordered the yarn for the SKB it's from http://www.mysticalcreationyarns.com/index.htm four ply wool in China Teal. I have to wait 3 weeks before I can cast on. I know that the price is good, not as good as the price at knitpicks. It is all about the color and the amount of yarn you get at MCY. It's over 1000 yards of wool for $50. I can't find that at a LYS. I could have had it cheaper from knitpicks, but this is hand dyed. They are dyeing it and then sending it to me. I feel special.
I ordered the lovely Nina's yarn for the clapotis scarf off of kpixie. If you are a knitter, I can't recommend KPixie enough. The prices are fair but the shipments are fast. They shipped my three skeins of Lorna's Laces Shepard's Worsted today. I am already envious of Nina's scarf. Superwash wool in worsted weight. Pardon me as I wipe up the drool. She will be able to wash the scarf. A washable 100% wool scarf, it's almost unheard of. I made one for Sean but it wasn't 100% wool or hand dyed. Sorry Sweetie, I'll work on that.
I saw Nina today also. The Halloween season isn't killing her yet. This is a very good thing. I went into the store where I met Brooke who was Nina's Snow White (Nina's doing a Twisted Fairy Tale Series). I am the biggest geek alive. Brooke asks me if I'm finding everything alright. I say yes as I'm looking at her strangelly. I then apologize explain I'm a friend of Nina's and that she's Snow White. Luckily, Brooke thought this was cute and went and told Nina all about it.
I went to book club last night, and I had pissed off Jan last month. It was by no fault of my own; she still is balancing her meds. Last month was my turn on the shit list. I won her over a little last night by providing good vegan cookies. I have a major soft spot for vegan bake goods even though I am not a vegan. I am a vegetarian, but oh dear lord how I love dairy. I am currently reading a few mysteries, but they are badly written or uninteresting. I want to love the math mystery, Flowers Stained with Moonlight, but the math is the only part she writes well. I'm also reading The Dante Club which I am having hard time with. I just don't like the writing.
I'm still waiting for UPS to come next week with my textbook and novel (novel is another knitting mystery) and makeup. Urban Decay company is located in Costa Mesa, CA. The makeup I ordered was shipped from Hollywood, FL. That is completely the opposite end of the fricking country. Costa Mesa is in Orange County, CA Balboa County is the last county before the border. Hollywood, FL is near where Sean is from and my Dad's friends live in where my sister grew up. I know Hollywood and it's not the Hollywood in CA. I need cool nailpolish and I need it now.
Currently on TV: nothing listening to Lime and Violet podcast

So Carmen is a godess amoung women. I bought the wonderful Blue Sky Alpaca size 0 DPNs with the money she sent me for them. I also picked up part of Nina's Christmas/birthday gift. She is being given to a beautiful Boogybag and a Clapotis scarf in Lorna Lace's Shepard worsted (ordered from www.kpixie.com). I'm having major yarn envy right now.
Kpixie's site is wonderful. There are so many wonderful things there. I go there just to drool. I am currently on the fourth repeat of the Icarus shawl. I am going to make it with just the four repeats. I am ready to strangle myself with the yarn. I am trying to order yarn for the Simple Knitted Bodice from mystic yarns. They aren't getting back to me though. It is very annoying.
Currently on TV: Inspector Morris

I blame Liam for the following and Stephen for the blog post (apparently not everyone cares about literature and knitting). I have been dating Sean for just under 3 years and all of a sudden the discussion of weddings doesn't make me want to break out in hives. We know that it will be a someday and not a what if. In fact we had started to causually shop for rings ( I found one that I'm sure will be gone when Sean goes back for it). The ring I found is a beautiful rose-gold ring with two small pearls and a small diamond in it made during the Victorian age. I'm certain it will sell soon. We are argueing over location and size already due to the two of us being equally stubborn.
My father even asked me if we were considering it. I so wasn't expecting that conversation for like two years from now. He has said though that if Sean asks his permission he'll go easy on him. My father likes Sean, and he sees how much I love him.
Sean's reaction to all of this at times is that he wishes I still would break out in hives. Be careful what you wish for.

My plans to do a spot of yoga today were canceled due to back pain. I finished Jennifer Scales and the Messanger of Light. It was a teen fiction novel that is supernatural crossed with Sweet Valley High. I bought it for a laugh. I think it took itself a little too seriously.
Currently on TV: Persuasion (the 1971 version)

I feel like talking about yarn. As this is a knitting/literary blog I can do this. I am currently torn between a love/obsession of two fibers, alpaca (you know you are my true yarn love) and bamboo. I am now on my second lace project with South West Trading Company bamboo yarn. They are lovely verigations that can be mixed in with other yarn colors in the line because of how they create their verigated yarns. My simple lace scarf was done in azul and the Icarus shawl is being done in butter. Azul goes from teal to green with lovely shades of blue. Butter goes from a Sunny yellow to the same green. It's fascinating to me how the designers create this.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I finished the first chart of the Icarus shawl. I now have to knit the chart repeat 5 more times. I'm not sure how to go about it. The really bad news is that the second note of Veronica Mars Season 2 is scratched. I have to return it to Amazon, but they are sending another set out UPS Red. Grr.
Edit: I finished the first of 5 repeats of chart one on the shawl. My eyes are screaming for a break from knitting. I promise pictures at some point.
Currently on TV: Veronica Mars Season 2

I went to Unwind and received the much needed help on Icarus. I'm now 10 rows into chart 1 which equals 18 rows into the shawl. What I found out however is that you can not knit lace and watch Veronica Mars. Damn Rob Thomas for his wonderful writing. I messed up in several spots because I paid more attention to the show than the pattern. Asana Tank saved the day there mindless stockinette to knit while watching TV. Pictures coming soon.
Currently on TV: Veronica Mars Season 2

I caved and bought yarn for the Icarus shawl from Interweave Knits Summer 2006. It's bamboo yarn from Soy Silk in butter. The problem is I seem to be a very ignorant knitter. I don't get the pattern at all. I know it is feasible. I see the pattern; I see the 5 casted on stitches. I do not see where to go from there. I'm stuck and now am just knitting on the Asana tank for my mother while reading for my thesis. Help please anyone.

A website to the wonderful amazing bag (plus they are made handmade near Burbank) I bought yesterday www.boogybags.com. I also thought to post some photos of my trip to Disneyland and of my latest scarf.




Disney is a lot of fun even if you are from FL like me and think it can't be fun anymore. I've been to Disneyworld so many times. The Materhorn rocks though and I saw Mickey climbing it. The photo of the D is outside of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride which is one of the original rides at the park and Disneyland hasn't torn it down like Disneyworld did to put in the Winny the Pooh ride which isn't that good.
Also I'm taking a poll should my next project be the Icarus Shawl from the Summer 2006 Interweave knits or the long sleeve Simple Fitted Bodice from http://www.stitchdiva.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SDS-026
Edit: One vote for the fitted bodice
Currently on TV: House Season 1.

I had to replace my air mattress today. It was sad because the new queen mattress is smaller than the old mattress but I won't need to fill it up three times a night. It was also on sale much to my surprise. I splurged on House Season 1 while at Target (it was on sale). I also bought a much needed hammer and new candles for my scounce.
Lunch was wonderful at Sweet Chari-tea where I finally caved and bought two of their wonderful handmade, leather tulip napkin ring holders in yellow and blue. I was able to read during lunch. Anne has just found out the truth about Mr. Elliot. She never liked him but this is the icing on the cake.
After lunch I went to Unwind to spend my birthday coupon. I was look for potential yarn for Carmen. I found nothing but a new bag for me and the summer and fall Interweave Knit. I also found out about new dpns coming into the store. I must have them.
On my needles is a scallop and fan scarf in a varigated blue running from a blueish green to teal. The yarn is made from Bamboo. I love it, and Sean picked it out. Photos to come.
On tv: Nothing I'm listening to Insubordiknit podcast.

I finished the knitting for my niece and before she was a month old. I am waiting for the bolero to finish drying and then will pack it up and mail it to her along with a book by Doreen Cronin.




I also have the promised picture of me in the Honeymoon Cami and a photo of my wall. My apartment is almost done being decorated.
Currently on TV: Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children

I have finished with the left sleeve of the baby bolero and am on the right sleeve. Pictures soon.
Currently on TV: Coupling Season 3

I've stopped the selfish knitting for a spell and am knitting for my niece. I've already finished a baby hat and am working on a baby bolero jacket both from One Skein projects. I've started with the sleeves.
On the reading front, I've started on At Knits End. It's light bedside reading. I was given Forbidden Magic by Alok. I finished it out of love for him. I finished the Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. I enjoyed it but it parellels Brave New World. Also read and finished Nightingale's Lament by Simon R. Green. I really like his stuff. I finished Edith Warton's last work The Buccaneers. I really enjoyed it and have started on The House of Mirth which I also enjoy. Today I took advantage of Book Castle's 50% closing sale 7 books for less than $11. I picked up another copy of Pride and Prejudice, a work by Ursala Le Guin and Octavia Butler. I also bought the books that another customer pulled out thinking I would enjoy them. He was cute in a grandfather way. If my paternal grandfather read Scifi it was something he would have done. I miss him. There was also an experience at Movie World, but I wrote of it in another entry not here as it doesn't pertain to knitting or reading. I'm on Abhorsen in Garth Nix's Abhorsen trilogy. I'm taking a break from Nix though I feel I'm getting overwhelmed with his work. I feel like I've read more but I can't think of anything.
Currently on TV: 10 Things I Hate About You

I finished the Honeymoon Cami. Pictures to come when it's not 102 degrees F. It's an alpaca wool so it's warm. The armholes don't completely line up but I'm happy with the shirt. I'm not sure I would knit it again. The pattern writer had some mistakes in it. But my waist looks tiny in it, which makes my chest look like a barrel.

I received news that every knitter longs to hear. I am an aunt. My sister had her baby today Elisabeth Anne. I now have an urge to knit baby things. I quickly went to B&N to see if they had any pattern books for baby things. They had three. Two I didn't like and one I had a few things already from other books. I did pick up Knitting Nature. I love the patterns and the photographs are lovely. Who needs coffee table books when pattern books are so lovely.
On the reading front, I finished Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. I loved it. I searched for her other works today at the bookstore but didn't see any. I feel that Gaskell picked up in the same area where Jane Austen left off. I'm keeping my eye out for other works.
On TV: Middlemarch

This past weekend I was in Las Vegas. It had it's ups and downs. The misplacement of my debit card (it fell in the back seat of my car) was definitely a down. I had a wonderful time with Sean and his family. I admired the Madame Alexander Banshee doll and was about to purchase her when Mrs. Nixon bought her for me. It brought tears to my eyes. She treats me very well. I have finished the bust increase of the sweater. Now it's just under 4 inches of the simple repeats. After that I have the trouble of finishing the front and back. I'm worried about messing it up.
On the reading front in Vegas, I focused on the book club book On What Grounds. The author established the characters for the series. I felt she/he (it is a writing team) skimmed on mystery part of the story. I had Wives and Daughters with me but it was way to large to carry around Vegas. I am still enjoying Wives and Daughters and can't wait to finish it. I am finally in the 400s and chapter 40s of 60. I also have picked up Edith Warton's House of Mirth. I enjoyed the movie when it was in theaters.
On TV: Berkley Square

I'm on the bust increase of Honeymoon Cami and the start of the body design for Asana Tank. Asana was called darling by my mom. Good thing, it's her Christmas Present. I found a great pattern to knit for Sean's parents but it's really an expensive project. I'm thinking of making the baby blanket pattern and calling it a lap blanket.
On TV: Lain disk 2 Knights

I've finished the waist shaping on the Honeymoon Cami from www.knitty.com. My first sweater shaping, I'm so excited. Now I knit in the round for two inches before I start the bust shaping. I'm so excited.
Edit: I'm getting nervous about the shaping and construction of the v-neck. I hate the instructions work as the right reverse shaping as necessary. Any help anyone has would be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to try to map it out in word. I'll send it to any knitter who offers to help.
Also for the two people who are shopping for my birthday the Amazon wishlist has been updated (again)
On TV: Jim Henson's Storyteller Fearnot and Sapsorrow

My friend Jen posted about yarn store adventures in Cambria/SLO. I have discovered I hate the yarn in the Asana tank for myself. So I as I was going to the yarn store today to ask about a curious bit of instruction in the sock pattern, I also was going to see how hard it would be to salvage the Asana Tank yarn into yarn for the Honeymoon Cami I had planned to knit for my mom. My mom however says "I'll take it; I'll take it" about the Asana Tank, thus saving me from returning the 4 balls left to Ball and Skein. Because while at Sit "n Stitch today I found a great color and yarn to make the Honeymoon Cami from www.knitty.com. It being an ecru color in alpaca (at a cheaper price than the cotton yarn would have been) I had to make it for myself. I have casted on and also have now started Christmas Knitting. Yippi!!! Jen, I have not forgotten about your fingerless gloves. I also have a skein of the alpaca/silk blend up for grabs to make another pair for anyone intersted. No shopping for me for the next bit of time.
Edit: I've knitted a few rows on the Honeymoon Cami and already made a mild mistake darn twisted stitch eyelet border. No one but I will ever notice though. I love the yarn I'm working with. I also have 3 rows on my first sock. Now who to gift them to when they are done. Ponderings of importance indeed.
On TV: Pride and Prejudice (A&E version)

I finished Sabriel by Garth Nix. I really liked it, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I think I'm going to stop on the Asana sweater because the yarn is wrong. I've finished the lower band and the waist tab. It's to rough and it still has to be hand washed. I can't exercise in something that has to be hand washed.
On TV: The Vicor of Dibley

I spent a great weekend with my friend Jen. The quote of the entire trip was "Stop molesting the Alpaca". It was an amazing find. I also found Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkiban on sale with a $5 rebate. I now only need the second movie.
I've talked a lot about current and recently finished knitting projects (which by the way Carmen do you like the fingerless gloves I made. I have enough of the yarn {silk and alpaca blend} to make another pair.) Also for the one person who knows my current project I'm on row 11 of 23 of the lower band of the shirt.
I am currently reading Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskel. I love the 1999 miniseries based on the unfinished work. The ending was based on notes Gaskell outlined before her death. I started Sabriel by Garth Nix. I chose it because Jen in all of her wisdom recommended it to me. I intern recommended Markus Zusak's work. I swear if I lived in Sydney and didn't have a Sean, I may possibly stalk him. Alas I do not live in Australia and I do have a Sean. Jen said she would look into his work. Considering i am the messenger is now out in paper back it's a good idea. Go to the library get his work.
I have seen two movies this weekend: Superman and The Devil Wears Prada. I really liked Superman, Kevin Spacey was a perfect Lex Luther. The story was really well done and there were scenes that it looked like we were looking at Christopher Reeve. The Devil Wears Prada is all about Meryl Streep. She, Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci were great. It was fun. I'm not sure I want to own it though. That was my reaction to The Lake House.
On TV: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkiban

I decided to do the only bit of seaming that the Asan shirt has the rest is sewing. It's my first piece of seaming so be kind.
Currently on TV: Akira (It hasn't aged well story wise)

I spent the long weekend at my friend Jen's. She's one of my favorite people in CA, and I love her town. I finished the fingerless gloves and she gave me baby alpaca to knit her a pair. We also stopped into Ball and Skein in Cambria for yarn. I have enough to knit Asana from knitty.com. I have finished the two waist tabs and have started the lower band.


On the literature front I finished Hex and the City by Simon R. Green. I love his Nightside series. It was the fourth book in the series. Also Jen gave me a framed photo she had taken of the beach across from her house. It's now hanging in my bedroom by the window near my bed.
On TV: Ballykissangel Series 2 disk 2

Yesterday was the worse day ever. The only good thing about it was I finished the glove I was working on. I had to cut one row short however, and I started the second glove. There is something about knitting moss stitch on size 6 dpns that relaxes me.

This past weekend I went to Boulder, CO where knitting and reading were accomplished as well as some quality time with Sean. The pros of the relationship still out weigh the one major con (distance). He was kind enough to let me photograph him in his scarf. That he feels he's probably allergic to.


I was surprised when in Borders he took The Yarn Harlot's book from me and bought it. He enjoys her prose but still doesn't want to pick up any needles. I got a fair bit done on the Blue Sky Alpaca fingerless gloves as well. I had to rip out the lace on the plane to CO. I almost cried. I tried very hard not to need to frog but I had dropped a stitch. The first glove is over 8 inches and looks not half bad.


On TV: Nothing I had a problem with my netflix dvd

I have moved on past scarves and blankets, and I am currently knitting www.blueskyalpacas.com fingerless glove pattern. My cuff looks great (it should I had to frog once or twice). The lace on the glove is messed up I think. I'll know when I finish it. Hopefully, I can make glove number 2s lace work. I don't know where I messed up. Pictures coming soon.
On TV: Nothing, listening to Craftlit.

I went and saw The Lake House today. I really liked it. Persuation by Jane Austen was referenced. It's one of my favorite works by her which I don't have anything of. It made me think of my birthday and what I'd like and a copy of the book and either of the adaptation for the screen would be greatly appreciated. The BBC/Masterpiece Theater one does a good job of looking at the characters. The movie adaptation is also very strong. The world needs more of Anne Elliot.
On TV: nothing

I haven't updated in a while so I thought I would write. Thursday was Murder Mystery Bookclub at B&N it went well. We read The Eyre Affair and Aunt Dimmity's Death. The Eyre Affair is one of my all time favorite books and Aunt Dimmity is wonderful afternoon fluff reading. Thursday I also ran out of yarn on the Must Knit Scarf so off to Sit 'N Stitch I went. I love the store and the wonderful Joan works Saturdays and Mondays so I got to see her. She remembered me.
They didn't have one of the yarn I was working with. Two weeks ago I bought their last hank of it (www.blueskyalpaca.com dual tone bulky number 3000). So I picked up another hank of the Fawn and a hank of a matching slate that was in the 3000. The striped scarf is now taking on a funkier edge by having different combinations. I really like it, and if Sean doesn't it becomes the base of a blanket.
On the reading front I'm reading Death by Darjeeling for next month's book club book. I don't like the author beating me over the head with descriptions, but it is set in a tea house which is an idea I love. I'm also reading Knit One, Kill Two which I love. It's fun and the character is learning to knit and is going through all the issues of a begining knitter (like why are there holes in my knitting). The 1x1 rib scarf is bagged up and is waiting for me to eventually go to the post, but who to send it to. I know my mom would love it but do you need a wool, mohair, silk scarf in FL? I'll send it to my Mema probably. It will take a while though because next weekend I'm going to CO and then after that to visit Jen in Cayucos. I love that town. Back to knitting and reading
On TV: Nothing listening to podcasts

More blocking photos because to be honest this is only the second time I've blocked and my mother forgets to block. Scarf in the tub or something like that. You get the drift.

Scarf on the blanket that is really green.

Where else but the living room floor can you block an 8 foot plus scarf.

The final product

So I decided to expand on what is on my needles, I am almost done with my 1 by 1 ribbed scarf. It was going to be my first effort scarf for me. (I try to knit the test knitting for myself.) I decided I hated the color for me. It won't go with either of my two coats or my clothes. Mint green in the three different yarns are beautiful but so not me. I'm going to send it off to my grandmother. The second thing on other needles is a moss stitch scarf for Sean. I love the yarn (www.blueskyalpaca.com) striping the scarf with two different colors of complimenting yarns (damn yarn shortages). I'm not sure when I'll give him the scarf. I've knitted four rows and it's already four inches. I'll focus more on it once I have finished the scarf for my grandmother. Then I think I'm attempting socks from Minds Eye Yarns (they'll be yellow). I have found pretty sock patterns once I master the socks in the pattern book I have.
On the reading front, I was in a Meg Cabbot mood. I reread Boy meets Girl and the tail end of her Mediator series. I'm not crazy about the Mediator series. Jaqueline Carey has another Kushiel book (I think that was a publisher decision) out in hardcover, so next year I'll pick that up. On the thesis front I am stuck in a I don't want to do this any more rut. Currently I'm reading the box of comics and graphic novels that Sean sent. I have all six Fable graphic novels now as well as the monthly issues since 41. Fables is the one series that I can not stop buying. The writing and stories are amazing. I read Sean's 4 (I don't buy Marvel so it's the series he can't stop buying). He also sent me Goon vol. 0, Hellboy vol 6, Hellboy Weird Tales vol 1, and B.P.R.D. vol 1 (anyone else see a pattern forming here). I must know what the Right Hand of Doom does. I'm trying to save money so not much in the book buying department. I did pick up Seven Soldiers of Victory vol 3 Friday. Oh my god Morrision what are you on. I loved the wrap up of Klarion the Witchboy and Zantanna; I'm with you on The Bulleteer but Mr. Miracle and Frankenstein just has a weird sexual undertone that honestly freaks me out. I picked up the series due to the Zantanna part of the story; I'm almost positive that I won't pick up the monthly series. Birds of Prey this past month was good (mainstream superheros outside of the mainstream story). Wonder Woman has been restarted with Donna Troy in the starspangled panties and it works. Rachel Dodson of Spider Man Evil That Men Do is one of the artists along with her husband. What's great about with the restart, WW isn't suffering from the disjointed feel of the rest of 1 Year Later that DC is going through (although apparently there is an Animal Man sighting in the recent 52). (I love Animal Man and he should be spotlit more). Lastly I picked up Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes. I personally am a sucker for anything Kara. She rocks; I'm looking forward to seeing how the new creative team does with her main book. They got to start with 1 Year Later but I want to know why Supergirl and Powergirl are on Kandor. I'm so lost, but they promise to explain soon. Wednesday, Paul says he'll have Swamp Thing Vol 2 for me. I'm such a dork but I'm loved so it's alright.
On TV: Nothing yet listening to Craftborg and then Fraggle Rock

Monday was knitting lessons. It was money well spent because besides learning to purl now I can pop in and get help from the staff. I was given a bag pattern for free and I picked up some yarn that I couldn't live without knitting. Sean used the disappointed voice again but I'm sure he'll like the end result. Money is not quite as big as an issue. I need to work on my thesis and sleep. More later
On TV: Nothing I'm reading

Sean is going to use the mildly disapointed voice when he read's this. I am church mouse poor. There is no denying this. I've also spent a week in the fruitless effort of teaching myself to purl. I know no knitters in LA who can teach me. The nice ladies of Sit 'n Stitch offer classes Monday night for beginners for $25. I've signed up for one. I need it desperately. I also picked up a Sock Pattern book for $15. That is all of my fun purchases until the end of August. I'm reallly scared about my financial situation. Which doesn't help that I want Chinese food which is a restaurant buy. I hope to God it all works out alright. I think I'm going to kill some trolls in NWN to make me feel better.

Still procrastinating my lit review, I changed fiction areas to chick lit (it was in the closet as I forgot to give it to my sister for her birthday) I started and finished The Boy Next Store (TBNS) by Meg Cabot. Cabot has a way of taping into mass communications to write her stories (ie The Princess Diaries). TBNS is told completely via e-mail and she is able to give each character their own unique writing style. I can barely juggle different vocal styles in writing forget about juggling different characters e-mail.
Also playing Neverwinter Nights. The bastard is dead. It only took to god damn long.
On TV: Wives and Daughters (great BBC Miniseries from 1999)

As I procrastinate writing my lit review by reading the first volume of Piled Higher and Deeper (thank you Alok), I remembered I promised baby blanket photos (more procrastination).
I actually blocked this project.
First step soaking it in the tub (wet and I didn't want the chance to ruin my camera). Next, dry/ring out it in a towel (also wet and I need to paint my toes).

After the soaking of my towel, next is to finally use the kitchen table to block.


Finally the proud display by the sun pillow I made when I was 17.

It's now all boxed up and at the post office waiting to be sent. Now back to the procrastination.
Currently on TV: Nothing I have a headache