I am finally registered for classes. It is the second week of school. This happens every semester for this class and it does nothing for my stress level.
I am almost done with the bottom of my Snow White Sweater before the waist decrease.

Hogwarts Sock Swap Two Contest 3

What type of pet do you choose as your companion at Hogwarts?
I chose an owl named Thanatos for it's outer beauty and the ability to deliver the post.

While shopping in Hogsmeade you stop by Honeydukes for some sweets. What treats do you purchase for yourself?
I cave at the chocolate counter and I buy a dark chocolate bar with a nut of some sort in it.

A potion you are preparing needs an ingredient available only at muggle shops. You don't want to stand out in your wizards robes, so you resort to traditional muggle clothing. Describe your outfit in detail.
I would wear the jeans that American muggles are so found of and a sleeveless shirt of some sort along with sandles.

What is your favorite subject to study at Hogwarts and why?
Charms and transfiguration. I love being able to create things

Likewise, what subject is your least favorite and why?
Arithamacy it is to much like math which when I got to calculus became difficult

Back to the potion you were shopping for ingredients for, what type of potion are you making, what color is it, what are the ingredients, and precisely what does the potion do?
I was making an all-purpose stain remover that is yellow. It contains chamameolle, lavendar, and dragon's blood in it to remove stains from anything. It hopefully will clean my kitchen.

I finished my first Hogwarts Sock for my partner. I'm going to wait until Jen comes to cast on for the second. I really want her opinion on the finished project and my ideal for the second sock.
I'm gauge swatching for the Snow White sweater. I'm knitting it in the Lorna's Laces fisherman I bought last year. I would love to have it done for Thanksgiving to wear in CO but I don't like to push myself. I also need to start Jen's shawl. Decisions decisions
Currently on TV: Nothing

The wedding shawl is finished. I casted on for it July 12th and I finished it September 8th. I still need to block it, but I am not wearing it until May 22nd 2009. I have time. I'm just super excited that not only do I have a finished object, but I have a finished LACE shawl.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Weekend America hour 2.

I want the Jane Austen Tote for a knitting bag. I was bad today and caved and bought the Gingerbread Dude Socks That Rock. I am half done with the edging of the wedding shawl. I know I have just under two years, but I don't want to be mad dashing on my knitting and blocking while doing a hundred other things.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to The Best of As It Happens

I stumbled back onto the Republic of Pemberley's Cafe Press store. I want the What would Jane Knit tote bag. It would make a fine knitting bag. I wonder where is the Elizabeth Gaskell store. I want a I married my Roger Hemley coffee mug.
On the knitting front I finished 20 repeats of the Willow Leaf lace border on one side. I thought I would need to knit 37 repeats but that won't be enough. I may need to knit the 57 repeats that are called for on the pattern. It is a lovely border. I just worry about yardage.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Forgotten Classics

I am on repeat 56 of 62 on my shawl. I'm using the melon pattern from Victorian Lace Today. I have read on ravelry that the shawls edging take a lot of yarn, and I am on my second ball of yarn. I finished the first ball during repeat 52. I am going to change the edging from the one in the pattern to the Willow Edging from the Maple Leaf shawl. What do my knitting readers think. I'm really worried about running out of yarn. I know I'm always worried about running out of yarn. This time I only have a little over a 100 yards of extra material.
Currently on TV: Bleak House episode 7

I am a little troubled that some of the yarn dyers are already rolling out their holiday yarns. A Swell Yarn shop has a color-weigh called Rustic Christmas that has sold out two weeks running and Blue Moon Fiber Arts also has their holiday yarns out. I am in love with this one called Gingerbread Dude. I just bought two skeins of sock yarn so I really can't buy anymore. Gifts however are always accepted. Blue Moon also have this color-weigh called Dreidel for Hanukkah.
Currently on TV: Nothing still have Stardust running through my head.

I am so excited. I found the perfect laceweight yarn for Jen's present. I put in an order for it, and I now can't wait for it to arrive. Edit: I just got a note that it is in stock and will be shipping from somewhere on the West Coast tomorrow. I'm just putting in hints to see if anyone can figure out the yarn dyer
I now need to narrow down the choices for the perfect lace shawl for her. Jen you are allowed an opinion.
Currently on TV: Bleak House episode 3

This really is only for Jen. Sean is coming to visit October 18-22nd.
Edit: I found the Devonshire Cream butter at Trader Joe's. It still is really good. When you come visit can you bring the brown sugar cookies?
Currently on TV: Bleak House

I had a fantastic weekend with my friend Jen. Friday night we had dinner with her sister, brother, and grandmother. After dinner, I signed up for Lime and Violet's Chore Wars, and we went to the Sea Shanty for Swamp Pie. After pie we went back to Jen's and knitted while watching Say Anything. (The actor Loren Dean was Ethan Hawk's brother in Gattaca).
Saturday was a busy day full of yarn. We went to Eileen's Treasures in Pismo Beach. It is a cute store with great needles and a good magazine collection. I didn't buy yarn. Lunch was at Nucci's where we had Rasberry Salad and Pizza. I was a dunce and didn't read all of the ingrediants so the pizza had ham on it. The people at the store rocked and got me a really good slice of cheese that I could eat.
After lunch, we went to Yarns at the Adobe to knit with friends of Jen's. I again didn't buy yarn; Jen bought Victorian Lace today. (I'm currently hunting the internet for lace weight yarns for a gift for Jen). While at Yarns at the Adobe Jen got a phone call from Morro Bay Fleece Works saying I'm open. All of my good work not buying yarn went out the window (the yarn I did buy was all local yarns. I got a skein of Alpaca and 4 skeins (1200 yards) of undyed fingering weight that I need to figure out if I want to beg Miss Dharmafay to dye the yarn up for me.
We then went to tea at the Cast House. It is a wonderfully restored home in Cayucus, CA that serves a great tea. If you are on the Central Coast Friday-Sunday please check out the Cast House for a wonderful tea. They have broken up the sweet and savory listings and have a sample tea. They mix the teas with different dishes to really accent the flavors. The Thousand Steps Oolong with the chocolate pinafours was heaven. I'm going to be on a lookout for that tea as well as the Silver Nettle and the Jasmine Pearl tea. The Oolong turned the tea into hot cocoa. I'm not kidding. We were suppose to go to Ball and Skein and More after Tea. We called them and let them know that we would be coming. After Tea we called and they were closing early. I LOVE that store, but I was really disappointed in them for closing and I am not sure Jen's friends will go back to the store. I still wanted to look at yarn so we head to Mr. Smith's office to look at yarn online. I also didn't buy yarn although I was tempted by Woolgirl.com.
Saturday night, I helped make dinner for Jen's family. It was good, so I was happy. Saturday night included games. Monster's Inc. and MI5. Mr. Smith agreed to take photos of Sean and I in October this makes me so, so happy. Sunday we went to church, I saw Ryan and Sarah's baby (she is beautiful). We had lunch with Brandon at Novo.
The drive home took 4.5 hours roughly. Santa Barbara of course had horrible traffic. Jen says she will come down for the Yarn Harlot. I'm going to try and make her stay as nice as she made mine.
Today at work I went home early because I was really sick to my stomach. This morning I was achey and nauseous. I was actually sick and still felt sick. One of the heads of the machine shop was kind enough to drive me home. I crashed and I just slept. I did get in the car to get some stuff from Trader Joes.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Knit Therapy

I am scrapping the original Hufflepuff socks for the sock swap. I am going to finish them eventually and if Miss Socks in the City wants them they are hers. The new socks are being made in the same pattern as the original pair from Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarns. These socks are more Hufflepuff inspired, but I think they will be pretty or else next week while visiting Jen I will look to see if Ball and Skein has the right color of black Bearfoot. The Bearfoot is a little splittie but really nice. I know these will keep my partners feet warm during Winter in England.
Currently on TV: Justice League Season 1

A photo of the finished Faith socks for Jen. I am wearing them with pride as I type.

My Faith socks are done. The pattern is Bellatrix from Socktopia.net. I knit the second sock in a week. I am in love with these socks.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Lime and Violet

My meeting went really well today. The director of the CDC liked my proposal and they are going to give me a space to do the research. This will give me access to potential research subjects. I'm really excited. During the meeting my mom called because it was 2:35 EST. It marked 25 years of my existance. I'm hoping for 25 more at least.
Currently on TV: Touching Evil Disk 3

I have finished my first Faith Sock. I immediately casted on the second and am on the ribbing. I can't wait for the weather to cool so that I can wear my socks around with pride and just have fun with them.
Edit: I have finished the ribbing of the second and I am now knitting on the leg.

I have started my Hogwarts Sock Swap Two socks. I hope my partner likes what I decided to do with them. I will not have my UCF Game Day socks, but the yarn is going to a good home. Nina wants to learn to knit, so I am going to take her to the LYS and let her pick out some yarn that she wants to knit with.
Currently on TV: Wire in the Blood Series 3 disk 4

I have a meeting with the nonprofit that I would like to do my thesis research with next Friday. This means that I am already freaking out. Friday the 3rd is also my birthday. I'm not excited at all even though I think 25 is a rocking number. I either know or have my presents from my closest loved ones. So far my plans are to go to this meeting (please pray that it goes well this is my future after all) and go out to dinner with two close friends (at least), one who is flying in from FL to visit.
I have decided that I would like what I call Fred and George socks. That is socks that stripe opposite each other and have different color toes and heals from one another. I have the yarn, but I don't know when I'll knit them. My Faith sock and Seasilk shawl are my knitting obsessions right now. I'm still thinking of the right cabled sock pattern for my sock swap partner. I luckily have had the yarn in my stash.
Edit: The meeting is next Friday at 10:30.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I'm in Ravenclaw again for my second year.

I had so much fun in the first Hogwarts Sock Swap that I fell hit my head and joined the second swap. For anyone who wasn't in the first year swap you can join in the fun with the second sock swap here Hogwarts Sock Swap Two starting July 14th. It has been so much fun doing this with my friend Jen and all the other knitters.
Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire
Second Years

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
I am a proud Ravenclaw. In real life I am a knitting grad student.
2. Shoe size? Foot length? Foot circumference?
US size 8, 9 inches, and the circumference is 8 inches
3. List your three favorite sock yarns.
Here is my dream list:
a. Yarn Pirate
b. Interlacement Tiny Toes
c. Socks That Rock
4. Would you like to try a new brand of sock yarn? If so, which brand?
Sure, I'm open to anything and my typing is horrible. I haven't tried the German Sock yarns or Koigu. I'm interested in trying both.
5. Do you prefer variegated or solid sock yarn?
I will knit with anything. I use mostly variegated as I think the hand dyeds are pretty.
6. What colors would you like to add to your sock yarn stash?
Not pink or purple, I love earth tones and if you put browns and blues together I will buy it. My love of blues and yellows is fairly well known.
7. What kind of sock patterns do you gravitate toward? Lace? Ribbed? Fair Isle?
I knit mainly lace and ribbing. I love cables, but I am frightened by Fair Isle.
8. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, animals, etc.)
I am allergic to cats
9. Will your socks be exposed to cigarette smoke or animals as you knit them?
No
10. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?
Yes, I think it would be fun.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Sticks and String.

My family is interesting like a Chinese Curse. I don't speak to one great uncle due to a mutual loathing. He made a big deal about giving me the photos he had of me in his home at my grandmother's 90th birthday dinner. He told my father that he thought my Aunt who died earlier this year was a sentemental fool to keep them. This really hurts me, and I am not fully sure I understand it. I only feel pity for my uncle because I know he is alone and the only one who loves him is my grandmother, his sister. I must feel bad because he view me as dirt under his feet.
At the same time he did me a favor, these photos are of me from when I was 4. The dress my grandmother made for me. It is the only photo I have of my grandfather and I together. I have come out better from this encounter not him.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I decided that I had to see Waitress before it left theaters. It just came to Burbank Memorial Day weekend (that's another rant). I called up Nina who also said she wanted to catch it in theaters to see if she was interested in seeing it tonight.
Student tickets were $10 each. The film was worth the $10. I can't really recall the last time I felt that way. I am buying it when if comes out for Andy Griffith's character alone. I am sad that Adrienne Shelly (is that spelled right) was murdered and this is her last film.
Currently on TV: Nothing

Baby Norgards hat is done.
I used the Bunny Tail Hat from Itty Bitty Hats. It has such cute patterns. I know it has made the blog and podcast rounds, but I am slow to pick up certain trends. This hat turned out so cute, and I've threatened Sean with making one and putting it away for the future. It only takes 1 skein of Rowan Cashsoft DK. I am not sure where the ball band is to find the colorweigh. Sean cleaned the living room (it looks fantastic), and I think it may have been thrown out.
Currently on TV: Mrs. Bradley Mysteries

Today was the day Sean flew back to CO. I'm sad and figuring out how to be back to just me. I caved and bought a new DVD player. The sound on the last one just got way too bad. I also bought a couple of books today: Moonstone and a cheesy children's book (the library didn't have the first).
I went to the dentist yesterday no cavities, and my teeth and gums look good. The dentist said he wished his teeth looked as good. My toilet has been acting up so Sean and I first bought a plunger (didn't unclogged it), liquid draino (didn't work), a snake (a temporary fix where the toilet reclogged 3 times) and finally a product called ramrod (it appears to be working).
Jen's friends Ryan and Sarah are expecting a baby and I bought a book for their shower. They sent me a handmade thank you card. I loved it and was touched that they thought of me. I am on the first ear of the Bear Hat for Baby Norgard. I will cast on for the Rock Star sweater when I am done. Baby Norgard is due to arrive in July. I am almost done with my firstHogwarts Sock Swap Sock. I'm on the toe. I just casted on for Dream Swatch Headscarf in Interlacements Tiny Toes on size 4 needles. I'll check gauge shortly. Tomorrow, I hang out with Nina. We both were going through withdrawals.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Craftlit episode 56

Final grades are in and I received a 4.0 for the semester. I had 9 credit hours plus a 32 hour work week. Both A's have made me very happy.
Currently on TV: Nothing I'm at work

I finished my semester last night, so I will have a lot more time to knit and post pictures. This post is for the Hogwarts Sock Swap. I will have photos of other projects up soon. I have a very nice cabled sock from Favorite Socks in some Yarn Pirate that I am very proud of.
I am currently working on the Jaywalker Pattern from Magknits, but I am worried about the socks being to tight. I am knitting them on size 1 Lantern Moon Sox Stix which are my new favorite double points. I haven't taken knitting socks on circular needles yet. I'm way to attached to my dpns.
The socks fit me really well, but I am not the largest person ever. I would love to hear others opinions. So far my new computer battery is working well. I'm calibrating it or what have you. Now off to Disneyland with Sean. Have a great day everyone.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I finished the first of my flatiron socks. I'm going to name them Bessy Higgins. I feel bad that I've already used Molly Gibson as a sock name although the color was totally Molly.
The link is for Jen. She always says she wants to visit The Loopy Ewe but wants my blog to get the credit. If you are a sock knitter, this is a great site to get yarn, needles, accessories. Sean is visiting soon so I'll have him take photos of some finished objects.
Currently on TV: Nothing

Happy Mother's Day to any mothers who read this. I called my own mother first thing this morning. We had a nice conversation.
Edit:
I just received a call from my mother asking me if I liked her. My life is weird.
Currently on TV: Wives and Daughters

A real life update. I caved earlier this month and bought new lamps. This is because my bedside lamp (only 60 watts) has a short in the switch. Yes, I know I can rewire the switch in my sleep, but I don't own the tools yet. I found a set on Target that is a table and floor lamp combo. I was wanting to pick up another floor lamp for the living room so I was there. Today I received the lamps from Target.com. The UPS guy didn't come until after 7 PM. They are all assembled and in place, but the bulb bought for the floor lamp was to large. I luckily had a spare 100 watt bulb. I replaced all the dead bulbs that were around.
Today the car cost me $230 to change the oil, fuel filter, and transmission fluid. My car is just shy of 30,000 miles. Last month the car also cost a lot due to needing new brakes. I made new keys so Sean can come and go as he please while he's here. He doesn't love me enough to buy me the Sarah yarn. Alok does, but I wouldn't let him buy it.
I have been knitting socks lately, even though I only remember studying for Anthropology of Religion. I finished the first of my Flatiron Socks. I'm worried about yardage. I am using the needle case that I bought from Socks-for-MumNeedle Case Both of her daughters just graduated from Auburn so congratulations again.
Congratulations to Alok as well from graduating from the University of Illinois Chapagne-Urbana (I have no idea if that's spelled right).
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Socks in the City

Does anyone love me enough to buy this yarn for me? Labyrinth Yarns
The colors in Sarah are all of my favorites. I also love Sir Ditymus(?) as both a character and yarn
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Cast On

My camera is back from being repaired. This makes me so so happy that I immediately went walking around Burbank taking photos of some of my favorite things and of a sock. I love that I am within walking distance to Cartoon Network. The flower trees are gorgeous and that just because it's a day that ends with Y Burbank is supporting troops and veterans (flags come out for federal holidays). Next walk I need to take a photo of the political signs.



My one annoyance is that the sock that I was working on the leg was to small and had to be ripped out. Next time I ignore the pattern needle suggestions.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I downloaded Firefox so I could post hyperlinks. I'm using the blogger button to make them clickable, but now my links that are there in my post aren't showing up in the blog. Help, how can I post links to what I'm talking about.
I'm lost.
Currently on TV: Things You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her

I've been working a lot with card/ATC making. I love collaging and stamping. In my photo album that is dedicated to the engagement (I liked the album cover and couldn't wait to alter the interior). I had made some stamp placement choices that I hated. I now am loving the insides of the cover and the front page. I also added some paper to each page to journal what happened in the photo such as date, place, and why the photo was taken.
The story I meant to tell but had to tell Sean first. I ordered yarn Saturday because I had to have STR Mediumweight yarn socks for myself.http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com I picked up the Blue Moonstone that I had been lusting after.http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=24&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id=4
I was listening to Lime and Violet. I need to stop doing that. Miss Violet mentioned that she was told Bluemoon Fiber arts had updated their colors. I looked over the colors. I was drawn to the Thistle and the Spring Fling yarns. I was fine until I stumbled over LUCY. http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/colorway_detail.php?colorway_id=241&fiber_category=Animal&colorway_category_id
I will wait while you click the link. Sean and I have a contest going to see if I can spend the summer without buying yarn. Lisa Souza yarn is on the line here. If I don't buy yarn from May until August 17thish. Sean will buy me some Lisa Souza. I am not lusting after any of her stuff right now so I'm okay. I knew if I didn't find some way to buy Lucy before May 1st I would end up cracking in July and buy it. This would cost me my Lisa Souza.
So yesterday I called up The Fold http://www.handspinning.com/thefold/yarn.blue.html.
Tina told me she would be finding out soon what new colors she would have for Maryland Sheep and Wool. I can't go to Sheep in Wool being in CA and a grad student. Long story short, I caved and bought Lucy from Bluemoon so that I wouldn't crack under pressure come July.
Currently on TV: Things You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her

I had to download Firefox so I can post hyperlinks. Opera doesn't work with Blogger and Safari doesn't have hyperlink abilities. I can't remember the HTML Code anymore. This is for the Hogwarts Sock Swap; I'm not sure if I'll get any points though. I have casted on for my sock swap partner's socks I'm using Cosmic Fibers' yarn and I'm making Jaywalkers, the pattern can be found here I am currently on the cuff of my first sock.
I'm worried about my Anthropology of Religion course. I have missed two classes since the midterm, but I am prepping for my paper. Sean will be here in mid-May so I'm almost excited. I have a story to blog about, but I have to get yelled at by Sean first.
Currently on TV: Cold Feet Season Two disk 3

I need April to go away. This month has been very expensive. The first week I had to fix my breaks, then pay for camera repairs, a new mattress, and I managed to damage the audio in my DVD player.
This weekend I had so so much fun with Jen. I got in to Cayucos before Jen got home from work, so I lunched at Sea Shanty. I worked on my new hat and just enjoyed being out of LA County. We had dinner at Scooner's and knitted and talked until we both crashed.
Saturday we went down to the Cayucos Pier (after getting breakfast at the gas station) and saw her coworkers band Rhodes play. They were great and Jen bought their CD for me. The gas station has the best pasteries. I caved and finally bought the Blue Moonstone from STR. This was the only yarn bought this weekend. We went to Betty's Yarn in SLO. I found amazing fabric for the bridesmaid dresses. We found patterns that would flatter two of my lovely friends. I'm thinking of putting my younger sister in the same skirt with a corsetlike top. We supped at CPK and then went to Stamp Luis Obispo. I found several new stamps and Jen ordered two stamps of the Persuasion letter. I swapped her yarn for one. We visited the new yarn store in town which had some great sock needles.
Sunday was church which is always nice. We went to B&N to pick up books for Ryan and Sarah's babyshower. Jen bought them Animalia by Graham Base, and The Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle. I bought them a book by Carle about a spider. I bought Papa, please get the moon for me. We had lunch at The Madonna Inn with women from Pemberley. I had a wonderful time. I left SLO at 3:40ish and got back to Burbank a little before 7 PM. Traffic was nonexistant for a Sunday.
Jen also gave me a Mary Kay cup that is wonderful for tea.
I was watching a disk of my netflix that had come in and rembered I wanted to check my trunk for a corset pattern. I took everything off of the trunk to get into it, but the dvd player wouldn't go down so I tilted it on it's side. My dvd player is a 5 disk tray changer that had 4 disks in it. I was able to get all of the disks out. I'll find out later this week if they are alright, but the audio is fuzzy now if there is no sound of the scene is quiet. One of the disks in the player was Our Mutual Friend which is one of my favorites.
Currently on TV: The Forsyte Saga: To Let disk 2

http://www.mess.be/harry-potter-names-female.php
Apparenly in the HP Universe I am Celestina Quirell. I am totally digging the first name I am lumie after all but Quirell? I don't want to be related to that weak willed Voldermort supporter. The cunundroms we face. keep the rocking first name with the horrible second or regenerate my HP name?
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Craftlit

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. The good news is that my proposal has been accepted. I can now move on to face the CSULB IRB for approval to go out into the field.
I was so stressed about tonight, but I didn't know what to expect and how to properly channel my stress. It ended up being focused on the wedding two years away because that is a situation that I know I can control. I received my Hogwarts Sock Swap yarn from http://dharmafey.etsy.com. The yarn is so so soft. The packaging was done in house colors. I can't wait to start knitting with it. My camera is in IL being fixed or else I would be posting lots of pictures of it.
Currently on TV: Nothing

I totally want to buy this book just because of the website ttp://noonebelongsheremorethanyou.com/
Currently on TV: Our Mutual Friend

Thank you to all of my friends for your thoughts and prayers for tomorrow. I will update about the defense tomorrow night. I have started the My So Called Scarf from Sheep in the City http://www.sheepinthecity.prettyposies.com/archives/000079.html. I'm using the Malabrigo Dusty Rose that I picked up in Tampa. If a knitting store carries Malabrigo I will probably buy a skein or two.
I sent my camera to the repair shop last week to fix the view screen. It broke while I was in FL. I haven't heard back. I have constantly been wanting to take photos (I love my new camera), but the lack of camera is a problem.
The new challenge in the Harry Potter sock swap is going to be interesting for me. I'll have fun finding sock patterns to post. I'm so very jealous about not having been more clever in my answers to the sock swap questionaire.
Edit: I'm stressed about my thesis proposal defense. I've worked so hard on the document and I have no idea what is going to happen. I want to move forward so badly. The inability to do anything about the cause of my stress has me stressing about ridiculous things like the wedding. The wedding is two years away. There is absolutely no reason to stress about it yet I am.
Currently on TV: History of Violence

For those who care, my thesis defense is this Thursday April 12 at 5:00 PM PST.
Any good and helpful thoughts would be appreciated.

I want my House Points.
This swap seems like it will be a lot of fun. To join go to http://hogwarts-sock-swap.blogspot.com/
Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Ravenclaw of course
2. Shoe size?
US size 8
3. Foot Length?
9”
4. Foot Circumference?
8”
5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
I knit socks with DPNs these are some of my favorites
a. Brittany Birch 5” size 1
b. Brittany Birch 5” size 2
c. Brittany Birch 5” size 0
6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
I totally would be interested in new needles. I'm up to trying anything
7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?
I don’t have a strong preference, but I do prefer the book colors. I am canon strict. I want to deny it, but I can't. I love blue and silver together, but it isn't Ravenclaw's colors.
8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?
Yes
Edited:
We were just informed that the swap is being capped at 100 participants. If you want in sign up soon. The swap may be run again in the Summer. Jen I'm so glad you got in, but I never thought of you as a Hufflepuff.
Currently on TV: Jim Hensen's Storyteller

Is anyone surprised?

Which Hogwarts house will you be sorted into?

I found a Harry Potter Sock swap here http://hogwarts-sock-swap.blogspot.com/. I am so in. Jen want to join? Now the question, by doing this swap should I still do Sockapalooza?
Currently on TV: Nothing Angels in America came in Netflix and I'm so not there mentally. I'm listening to Craftlit.

I started and finished the Italian Job hat from Lisaknit.com. The pattern is fantastic and I loved working on it.

I was super sensitive however when working with the yarn and when I was wearing it. It has undergone a strong blocking process. I will find out tomorrow if this is a hat for me or if it will be a gift.

Currently on TV: The 1990s Persuasion

I am starting to feel like an adult. I am 24 years old. I should be defending my thesis the week of 4/9. I do my own taxes. I am getting married in two years.
I've noticed in decorating my apartment that I am moving away from the framed posters into more artlike pieces. They mostly live in my bedroom and bathroom and I found them on Etsy.com or in a coop type shop in Madison. I thought I would share the pieces that I have purchased and hope to keep for long period of time. Sean is saying he is saving any framed posters for his office so they still feel loved. Although I don't think the classic Audrey posters are going anywhere anytime soon. I just want to incorrporate more adult like pieces with them.

I was shopping for Missy's birthday present earlier today. (It was later ordered off of Amazon.) I found The Sandman Papers edited by Joe Sanders in my local comic bookstore. I am still thinking about gifting it to someone, but it was neat finding an academic like text in House of Secrets.
I got a beautiful skein of Yarn Pirate. I wasn't crazy about it in the photo, but I love it in person.
Currently on TV: Heavenly Creatures

It's not Reinbach or Maryland Sheep and Wool, but does anyone want to come with me?
http://www.thefiberfest.com/index.html
Lisa Souza will be there. She is amazing. I'm hoping to be able to take a drop spindle course.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Sticks and Strings

I am thinking of posting yarn here to swap. I have some very nice yarns that I will probably never use. The problem that others might have is I have a tendancy to wind all of my yarns. They probably be Plymoth Alpaca and Malabrigo.
Currently on TV: Marple: The Moving finger

To answer Jen's question the sock forms I have are from The Loopy Ewe (www.theloopyewe.com). The exact URL to take you to the blockers and miss out on all of the wonderful yarn is http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/fun-accessories/the-loopy-ewe/loopy-ewe-wooden-sock-blockers/. Sherri, the owner, is a really sweet woman who writes personal notes on all of her orders. The site offers free shipping for orders over $50. She also has a FREQUENT Buyers program. For every $250 you spend you get $25 off; she has a program that keeps track of your spending for you. I currently am at $75. There is a link in the left side column that is clickable and will take you to the site.
Currently on TV: Nothing

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I finished The Monkey socks without running out of yarn. I was close and I'm now working on Queen of cups with Scout Swags Snow Bunny. It is really hot in LA. I am finished with buying all of my accessories for the wedding (yes I know the ceremony is May of 2009).

I finally will be defending my thesis proposal May 22nd at 5 PM.
Edit: My defense has been pushed back to the beginning of April because a committee member wants her revisions included before the defense. I am just annoyed because I already made the arrangements to get the time off of work and to make up the time.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Off Ramp
Edit Currently on TV: MI:5 (aka Spooks)

I had a long day yesterday. It starts leaving for work at 6:40 AM and getting home around 10:20. I still had proposal edits to do only to find out that the guy who always backs in had backed partially into my spot and his. This made it EXTREMELY difficult for me to park and I had to deal with not hitting his car or scraping the shit out of mine more.
I got to my door to find that the UPS man hid a package under my welcome mat. I got two bags of Noro.
I then sat down to make the last round of thesis edits before my proposal defense. I quickly made all the edits and started on the proposal work cited page. I had all of the texts either written down or easily at hand to write except for ONE. This was a problem because the text had been borrowed by a member of my thesis committee. I looked for the article in the library catalogue, on Amazon, I googled the author. I finally googled my citation. I found another article that cited the same work. I quickly found the citiation on JSTOR and wrote it into the work cited page.
I am worried that I will not have enough yarn for the socks I'm knitting on. I'm going to have to do something for the second socks toe. I had enough yarn for a pair of lady's US size 8 socks. I'm making a pair of lady's US size 10 socks.
I contacted The Fold today to get another skein and they didn't have any. Blue Moon Fiber Arts is out of the particular weight I need. The Fold has a lot of medium weight yarn though. I ended up buying a skein of Rocktober which is one of Toni's (owner of the fold) favorites from last fall. She told me that she saved a skein for herself at Reinbeck.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Craftlit- Tale of Two Cities.

I am coveting the pink snowman head stitch markers over at http://www.goodtobegirl.com/. I have a set of her penguins and I love them. I'm already on the foot of my first monkey sock. I'm destashing some of my sock yarn and I am definately making this pattern again. I'm excited about the sock plan I've come up with, and it reminds my mother of her grandmother who used to make mittens for everyone.
Currently on TV: Nothing I'm between Netflix. I listened to the radio today.

I've figured out a way to decrease/increase my sock yarn stash. Everyone that I'm going to be with on Christmas Morning is getting a pair of handknit socks. This has been a great way to knit up some absolutely beautiful yarn that had me looking at it and going this is great, but I'll never wear it.
I've also joined the Creative Mom podcast Altered Trading Card Exchange. This way I get to make cards but they are only 3.5"x2.5" instead of a normal card size which is nice because it uses less resources. The size constraint also makes me think more on exactly what I want to do because space is limited. This months prompt is a Space of One's Own has me thinking of Virgina Woolf's essay a Room of One's Own. This essay is one of my favorite pieces of roughly first wave feminist writings. I am trying for a Victorian theme on the card because Woolf looks closely at the Brontes and Austen. It is sad that even in 1929 Gaskell's work is already fading from popular opinion.
Currently on TV: Spirited Away

I have my next sweater project. It's going to be Poppy from Yarnplay. I have half the yarn I need. Little Knits in Seattle is having a sale on BAGS of Noro Cash Irohna. I just need the silk garden for the sleeves.
Currently on TV: nothing at work

A friend who will know who she/he is when they read this left a comment here that got me to thinking about what I expect from a yarn store. She (as I tend to use the female for singular people) mentioned her new knitting group wasn't crazy about her lys and prefered a store I haven't been to. I love my friend's lys; it is small, packed with yarn and it is the first place I bought yarn.
The women at this store remember me even though I live 4 hours away and haven't been in that often. The selection of yarn is great and the needles are good. However, I understand why other people would not be fond of the store. There is one woman in particular who is very disparaging of the internet. I was shopping for yarn for a pattern off of Knitty.com and it was almost like I was asking for Red Heart. Another time I mentioned the Tilly Tomas contraversy and she didn't believe that internet retailers had as much expense as brick and morter retailers. The other reason the knitters may avoid this store is it is a bit of a drive for them from their town.
This past weekend I was in Boulder, CO. I finally visited Shuttles, Spindles... I picked up another drop spindle (I think I have found one I really like), Mountain Colors Barefoot sock yarn, and No Sheep for You. The store is nice I LOVED the needle selection and pointed out some needles that would give Sean some private rewards later if he happened to purchase them ever (Lantern Moon size 19s and their DPNs). The store was larger with a great book selection Amazon last time I checked had No Sheep for You as a presale still. I casted on the Tuscany Shawl with some bamboo I had scrapped from another project. I'm loving this pattern. The sock yarns were fabulous they had the Mountain Colors, Koigu, and the Cascade one. They sold Manus(?) del Uruguay, and an entire room full of millends but overall the colors weren't really my taste. Sean as always did math while I shopped.
I was looking for Shaefer Anne to make a shawl out of Victorian Lace today. I had bought some purple lace weight baby alpacha and started a shawl that will be given to one of the mothers, but I quickly realized I don't like purple. The Boulder store sold Schaefer but not Anne. I had earlier found some Anne I loved at www.theloopyewe.com; they have free shipping on orders of $50 or more. I didn't get it because I knew that I was already going to a yarn store and if I found something I liked better then Sean would lecture. I ordered two skeins of the Anne in midnight blues, and a sock blocker keychain. I placed the order Friday night, and Monday received my yarn. I quickly wound it up and e-mailed a thank you to the owner of the store who included a handwritten note of thanks, and wondering what I was making with two skeins of Anne. When I told her she asked for a photo and understood why it will take two years to possibly make. I am a slow lace knitter. The lesson I've learned on this particular project is don't buy yarn just because it's the prettiest in the store. It may not be a color you personally like.
Currently on TV: Nothing

Alright a life update, I was invited to lunch last Wednesday for a department lunch at CPK. As former roommates can tell you I LOVE CPK. I can eat off of every section of the menu. I'm a vegetarian this is very rare.
So we went to lunch today and my wonderful coworkers totally surprised me by having this lunch as an engagement shower. It was mildly spoiled, but I was not expecting a gift. My boss gave me a card (which was beautiful Jen I need to show it to you). I looked at it and thought I could totally make this. I was reading all of the lovely things that my coworkers wrote and saw there was two bills in there one was a $20. I flipped over to see what the card really said and exclaimed Oh my God. I am still in shock I got teased with what you thought we just gave you 20. The money went strait into the savings account and into the wedding fund.
It was lovely. I do love the people I work with.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to Knitty D and the City

I don't know who other than a few acquaintances read this, but I need advise from anyone who knows the Tampa, FL area. Sean and I will be there the last week in March for a conference/mini vacation. We are going to be in the Downtown area near Palm Street I think. The conference is at the Hyatt Regency. Does anyone know an affordable hotel in that area?
Thank you in advance.
Currently on TV: Persuasion

Sean commented that I haven't put photos on the blog lately. I haven't had any finished knitting projects done. I have a sock, and two scarves that I'm working on. I finally finished a scarf for my mother. I hated the yarn (it was novelty and gifted) and I think the scarf is short. She's wearing it with a suit though so it should work.
I also took some photos of the cross I found at Hallmark. Thank you Jen for being willing to give me yours. I also bought two canvases for my bedroom. I love the smaller one.

I am: Ursula K. LeGuin Perhaps the most admired writing talent in the science fiction field.

Which science fiction writer are you?

I'm jealous of her. She is the daughter of Kroeber who started the Anthropology program at Berkley and her mother wrote Ishi. Which I can't find my copy. I'm now troubled. I wanted to reread that.
Currently on TV: Nothing

My apartment is getting all decorated. I bought two canvases for the bedroom in mixed media, collage art. I love them, and today I finally found a cross for my apartment at Hallmark. It never occured to me to look there. I've looked at all these independently owned stores but never thought Hallmark. It was a Duh moment.
Currently on TV:Nothing

I think I have found the shoes to go with my dress. It's sad I don't think I'm going to be able to make a decision without consulting Bridal Bargains first. It is so lame, but the authors have done research and shopping. Through it I found a website that had exactly the shoes I wanted. I need to remember that I have resources open to me. I tend to forget that in all aspects of my life.
Currently on TV: V the Miniseries

I start the spring semester Thursday. This week at work hasn't been all that great, but I will persevere. I am working on my mom's novelty yarn scarf. It is almost finished. I have started another pair of socks for Sean. I'm on the heal flap now. I'm excited about it. I was bad today and ordered more sock yarn for both my mom and Sean. (Must knit from stash, must knit from stash).
I have read some great novels. GO BUY Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs. It's wonderful. It is the sequel to Moon Called. I'm currently reading Daughters of the Raven by Barbara Hambley (I think that's spelled right). I'm waiting for Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs from Amazon to quench my thirst for her writing.
I am getting married in May of 2009. I can't believe it. I already have the dress. I'm looking for a bolero jacket to satisfy my mom. I can't find shoes though. It shouldn't be so difficult. Now Sean and I need to decide where we are having the wedding. For the small wedding I want it looks like a FL wedding is in my future. I want it in my hometown; he wants it in his hometown. I need to sleep. Sleep is what I need.
Currently on TV: Nothing

So I'm back to watching nutrients. I pigged out way to much this week with chocolate cake and cupcakes along with fried sandwiches. I had some trouble getting into clothes I judge my weight off of.
Currently on TV:Nothing

I finally got the swift down. I had a friend unscrew it (she had trouble to). Thank you everyone for their advise. It is always good to be reminded about the northern hemisphere tightness rule.

I am trying to get my swift to budge. For the life of me it isn't happening. I have a question to everyone. How do I get the wooden screw to loosen so I can move the swift. I need to shift it so I can wind up all the wonderful yarn I have. I want to knit socks darn it.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to the Yarn Harlot interview.

So work didn't happen today, I'm achey and work in a warehouse, a day of rest was ordered.
I need to get my winder and swift in the mail soon. I have now two skeins of sock yarn for Sean, three skeins of hemp, and four skeins of malabrigo. I knitted a few rows on Jen's scarf today before my arms said No, no more. Sorry Jen you will get your scarf someday. I'm maybe 6-8 inches into 50.
Currently on TV: Nothing listening to The World

A knitting update: I've picked up the Flatiron clog socks again. I'm still working on the leg of the first one. I also resisted on Jen's birthday lace scarf. I think having the yarn balled up will help it actually get done this time. I have two scarves, one pair of socks to do for my mom, and something in the baby family for Grenny.
I finished The Thirteenth Tale this week. I loved it. I'm getting into Northanger Abbey as well. I get the feeling that Jane Austen had fun writing it. I also saw Pan's Labyrinth yesterday; it was worth a rental not a see on the big screen.
Currently on TV: Bride and Prejudice

I decided to make myself be more proactive in my education this semester. To do so I am taking another elective Anthropology of Religion with my thesis advisor. My Thursday's are going to be long. I start work at 7:30 and then drive south to Long Beach for class from 7-9:45. It's a good thing I don't work on Fridays. I'm hoping that by taking this class we will be able to communicate more often. I found out today that he feels I am close to defending with some tweaking of my proposal. This is good news for me, but he only told me this after I sent him an e-mail freaking out. I've been contacting him weekly since November. I'll be a full time grad student this semester so I'll get more of my financial aid.
I guess want to be done.
Currently on TV: nothing listening to All Things Considered

A photo of Sean and I at the Jupiter Lighthouse that I particularly like. The ring is almost visible in this photo. I've been engaged for a week; the wedding date isn't set but I am ready to elope. My family is intriguing.
Currently on TV: Jane Eyre

I was so excited about Sean proposing to me that I forgot to mention Christmas. My mom totally spoiled me. In the nonknitting category because everyone has to do that I received three silicone spatulas. I was excited about that because they are yellow. I also received a much needed muffin pan also silicone (I love baking with those because they are so easy to clean) this was in light blue. My mom found cookware to match my kitchen. I also received DVDs that I had been wanting: Gilmore Girls season 5 and 6, The Sound of Music, 101 Dalmations, The Little Mermaid, and Coupling season 4.
In knitting stuff my mom bought needles, a stitch dictionary calendar, cable needles, other clover accessories, fun fur (I made her knit with it to see how nasty it is), malabrigo, sock yarn for her, and a ball winder and swift.
Lastly I opened up, a new camera and printing dock with a bunch of neat camera accesoris. I love it. My mom was excited because as she noted this was the first time in 25 Christmases that I have ever gotten excited about a gift. It was completely unexpected.
I then was spoiled by Sean and his family. More dvds, a calendar, books, and then the surprise proposal.
The minor downside was New Year's Eve. My stepmother and siblings live in Thailand and are renevating/building thier house. My father and my family are in Bangkok and I didn't know for a few hours where they were in relation to the bombs. My father said they could hear them, but they weren't close to the blasts.
Currently on TV: Nothing

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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The West	Â
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What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

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.