Winner!

I won a gift certificate today at work for teacher appreciation day! $125 - that will get a very nice dinner! Google's got a nice little image up today too... remember your teachers and say thank you!

While SP4 may be over, I have to say that I enjoyed being on the giving end to Sequink and pal of For the Love of Fibers - it was so much fun!

I've gotten some good feedback on cameras... still mulling it over.

Little knitting has been done lately - I have to double check my guage on the x-back tank (I think I'll do that at the North Haven Panera MeetUp on thursday). I've been busy thinking about an upcoming garden - good sites:
You Grow Girl, GrowGuide-Weekend Gardener,and CT-botanical society

And the back-tack matches have been made... I'm excited (both my matches are outside of the US)!! What to send....

Wishing I had a digital camera (and sewing machine)

I just got back some photos (yay!) of finished objects, but only prints - there's a really cute one of Patrick, the penguin, casting an Alfred Hitchcock shadow. Today at Target I was distracted by the cameras - I saw a digital one for $30 - real cheap, no preview, but maybe that would keep me momentarily happy. I walked around the store many times mulling this over, but then decided that no I wanted something good. So I mosey back to their camera display - there were no prices out on anything! Free? I wish. I waited for some red-shirt to come over and help - and he gives me a schpiel that I interrupted because 1)I'm not scared in any way of technology (I started out by telling him I mainly wanted it for photos for a website, that should be his first clue) 2)I'm not scared of computers 3)I'm familiar with cameras - I have a 35mm automatic and SLR!! I don't like being talked down to, so I left. Without a camera. Not quite as interesting as ThreeOliveMartini's tire near-fiasco but still.

I'm looking for 3-4 megapixels, with a zoom, preview screen. Not too large size wise. Gotta find a consumer reports on these cameras. Looking to spend less than $250. Don't really care about easy share or printing the photos (if they're decent enough that's what ofoto and snapfish are for!)

Also, poking around the blogs last night made me wish I had a sewing machine and really knew how to sew! I have cross-stitched, I'm trying to embroider, I briefly used a sewing maching during my years as head costume wench in high school theatre - but to see what some people are doing out there is just inspiring!! Take a peek!
DIY Chinese Take-Out Purse (more paper than sewing, but still!)

My My (check out the patches too!)

Sewing Stars

My Paper Crane

And how about the "Month of Softies"?
There's always ThreadBared - those gals don't sew, but they have an, uh, appreciation for the patterns...

I'm hoping the back-tack will lead me into other adventures to feed the crafting ADHD.

Where did the weekend go?

Yesterday we closed on the house - it went very smoothly. Then we helped move a few things over and continued today - moving the smaller, fragile, essential items over to their new house. We will move out of the apartment at the end of May - sure enough it will be here soon! I'm still getting in as much knitting as I can, but have to be careful - Dan commented tonight that I'm not finishing projects!!

See, I have to do some thinking for the rebecca wrap - to make sure I do the right / left fronts properly. I think I can just follow the directions as written... but it needs thinking. And the broadripple has to be completely undone and will wait for some other pattern - the cuff opening just doesn't fit my foot. And the heart sachet also requires thinking.

So what's a gal to do while watching a "non-thinking" movie (Monty Python Holy Grail)? Cast-on and start knitty's x-back ribbon tank. I really enjoy working with the deco-ribbon - it's lightweight and works up well.

In bummer news I think I'm 3 balls short of Filatura Di Crosa "Elena" that I'll need for the web / online shrug from Interweave Knits. I bought 3 balls, but didn't read the yardage requirements... eep.

Aw, crap!

last night I worked on the broadripple a bit more and then decided to try it on to see how much further I have to go -- and it didn't fit!!! *insert a Lucy "Wah"*


So I put it aside, and picked up the yarn and needes to attempt the heart sachet from Interweave knits... charts and I don't mix too well. Is anyone else trying this? I probably could use some back up.

My friend Betsy is knitting a scarf for Sam Watterston - nifty huh?

Short Weeks are still long

It's the end of wednesday - almost thursday! And that marks the end of this week for me - I took off Friday. I'm glad for it as our school is looking to be a little wacky and very "go-with-the-flow". So, one more day to sort through.

I'm still plugging away at the Rebecca eyelet cardi, and my first broadripple sock (I'm fascinated with how those stitches make the pattern!) I'm antsy to cast on for the Heart Sachet - I was hoping that if it's cute enough that I'll make one for my mom for Mother's Day.

I've joined the "back-tack" swap (gotta get the button up on the side) - how cool is this knitting fabric?!

Trips!

I've been busy the past two days. Yesterday another teacher from work and I took the train into New York. We really just wandered around, but did make it to Dylan's Candy Bar, the Hello Kitty store, Ricky's Urban Groove (I got some GREAT magnets and a pin, "Caffeine Queen" and Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix that we weren't able to have at this restaurant (also featured in one of my favorite movies) because the wait was too long!)

I even managed to drag my friend down to Knit NY - it was cute inside - smaller than I thought it would be. They had a sampling of many different things, and while I didn't get anything there yarn related it was nice to check it out. I did try the Naked Berry Blast juice which was yummy.

Today we went into RI to visit my grandmother and make a trip to the zoo. I have been so many times, but this was the best. My uncle works in the human services department and was able to take us "back stage" - we saw Mikey the baby zebra (who wasn't even out because he's recovering from a medical thing), we got to FEED Golden Lion Tamarins and white faced saki monkeys!! So neat! One jumped on my shoulder - they were startled easily, but were gentle and would respond to "Hand" - they put their hand briefly on yours and then you gave them their food - nuts, grapes or live mealworms!! The unexpected kicker of the day was feeding the ELEPHANTS!!!! Their trunks are like a vacuum cleaner inside a mitten! That was so unbelievable to be able to have that opportunity!

So cool, but soo tired now. Nap time made me feel a little less tired but more cranky. Now it's time to play catch-up on the blogs!

New Yarn :^) and book release

Today I met up with Dan for lunch - it was soooo yummy! Such a nice day out too! After lunch I went to my favorite knitting store - Yarns Down Under - I may be a younger knitter, but I am always treated with respect and interest in my current projects. Other yarn stores in CT have people working in them that would like nothing to do with customers or are trying to be too helpful and it comes across pushy or there's just so much stuff in the store I don't know where to start. Y.D.U. is a wonderful little shop - they even had the Filatura Di Crosa "Elena"!! I love it I love it I love it!!

I ended up with yarn to make the knitty ribbon x-back tank, one of the shrugs from the interweave knitters online patterns and the heart sachet.

Turnovers

It looks so nice out, I think I'll walk over to the library (the good one, not the one of frequent rants) and post office in a few moments. Also on tap for today is that I want to complete the ears for the Bobbi Bear (which really is huge. the size of my thigh.), keep working on Broadripple (this is knitting up so nice, although I keep getting "caught" at the join end of the circular needles. I'm using Addi Turbos, but I'm trying to keep those end stitches tight.... oh well. Also keep working on the Rebecca wrap. Swap out the winter clothes for the summer / spring. Find my reef flip-flops. FIgure out what to have for dinner.

While getting RAOKs ready this morning I had on "A Perfect Murder" (it was still too early for spunge or daytime talk tv) - Aragorn is in this movie!!! Never realized that before. He's so cute.

Lazy Day

It's so nice to have a day where I don't have to get lesson plans done before I do anything else. This morning I got up, did yoga (tried to anyway), made a CD, ran the dishwasher and then went back to work on the bobbi bear. I'm working on the 2nd arm, and probably will take care of the ears tomorrow. This bear is WAY bigger than I would like - I wonder how well it would work with different yarn /needles to make one that is smaller, because the shape is adorable.

I'm really getting hooked on the "Showdogs Moms & Dads" show - good things to keep in mind for when we get a dog - I don't want to be on this show~!!

Waiting in Lines

Today I went shopping to pamper myself. Spring Break woo-hoo! I think I got some pretty good deals. There's still no good spunge on tv, although the Discovery health channel has some interesting shows.

I went to the post office to post a few RAOKs and saw that there are Muppet / Jim Henson Stamps - did I know this already? Perhaps.

Bloglines let me sign in, then booted me out - acocrding to their news the problem has been fixed...

AND Target has some great dollar deals - they actually had a lot of beading stuff in the section I went to (wine charm kits, beads (all shapes / sizes / colors) - I got 2 sets of charms that I want to use as stitch markers for my smaller projects. Also, in the same section I got a cd case that I'll be using to store my circulars (some of them anyway) AND they had some very cool bug / frog stuff (magnets, stickers, puzzles) - miraculously, I held back :^P

Lifetime

Dan was up and out early this morning - I didn't sleep in too much, because it IS the first day of spring break (woohoo!) I was trying to log in to bloglines but it keeps telling me my password is no good. When I ask for it to be emailed I get a message that the email is invalid, and the password has been sent. Confusing? yeah.

There's nothing on tv on Saturday mornings. I was hoping for spunge (trash tv, think any reality show on MTV) and found out that we get the Lifetime Movie Network - right now Sally Field is a "Woman of Independent Means" or something like that - she has cried and screamed and been a "lady of society". Meh.

Last night we were watching "Oceans Twelve" (it was slow and choppy and we turned it off half way through) I needed some stupid knitting - low-thinking stuff - I have to pay too much attention to the Rebecca wrap (I screwed up another row, I'm refusing to frog) so I cast on for a pair of Broadripple socks. Holy chickens, I'm stupid or something - I kept messing up that pattern too, so I stopped all together. double meh.

746.4

That's the call # at the library for the knitting books. I went to the library in the town where I teach and browsed their new books, then went up to the "arts" area and found more knitting books. I like the Miller Library in Hamden - but don't rush over there because I took out the books :) For the next 2 weeks or so I am pouring over
*Family Circle Easy Afghans
*Gift Knits
*Debbi Bliss Celtic Knits
*Knitter's Stash
*Vogue Knitting Socks Two
*Left-Handed Crochet
*Hot Knits
*Felted Knits
*Knitting on the Edge

And wether or not if that man-eating-rescued rabbit thing is a joke PETA should still go stomp on his tuckas. They do outlandish stuff like that.

I bought pink tulips today - I love tulips and the shade of pink was sooo springy.

I'm on Spring Break!! To celebrate I'm having frozen strawberry daquiaris with dinner.

Unbelievable

So, while this guy will devour his pet if he doesn't raise enough money, he doesn't say why - not that there could even be a good reason. Why isn't PETA all over this guy? Have I missed something here?

(It's also almost unbelievable that I have update more than once today!)

Wow

We're fast approaching spring vacation - the past few days for me have been okay - I've been showing A Bug's Life and human body / skeleton videos. I'm thinking about setting up a science weblog for next school-year - maybe one for class, one for me as a teacher - have to do it for the CT BEST program anyway - not the blogging, but a technology component and journal. Online is easier for each day. This story just made me stop My days sometimes are tough, but I can't imagine what this must be like... More power to her, and her students.

My Rebecca wrap-cardi is slowly, slowly coming along. The back is ok. My eyelets are not even and I'm ok with that. It's for me, not a gift. My mistakes will be a tribute to the higher powers.

Vents

I'm a library supporter. I have always loved going to the library. However, I really cannot stand the local library in the town I'm moving back to next month. I went there today to get a video for school. Now, I've used that library before, but now I have a new last name / new library card (with my current hometown library, one town over) - so I have to wait while they "re-input" into their system. I went to the library in the town where i teach and had to wait again. So I made a comment about how there should be a "CT State" library card, not this town thing. And the librarian piped up that it is a CT library card (See, how it says it right on the card?) Yes, ma'am I see that - however each time you use it for the first time in a new spot I have to wait while I get "input" into the system. I might as well just get a new town library card. Frustrating, because this really isn't as convenient as it should be. Also, the library has really shitty parking. There is a vote up to expand the library - while I think this is a good thing - expand / update / serve more people, they make no accommodations for parking upgrades, which sucks.

I met up with Betsy (who finally has a LiveJournal - yay!) a stitch and sip at our local tavern. It was fun, but when she moves out to PA this summer, I think I may have to switch my knitting night - there's only 2 or 3 of us (me included) that come out with any regularity.

I think I'm managed the eyelet pattern on the wrap but now I've come to a confusing part involving the increases - I don't see how they add 10 stitches because according the written directions, I see 5 are added. Groan.

And lastly, Gilmore Girls is still in reruns. :^( Not fair. This season hasn't been all that great, but I miss my show!

Wonderings

I'm on my computer alot. Mostly it's for lesson planning / teaching stuff. Frequently it's for email. Anything else it's knitting /crafting. So it's rather amusing when my hubby asks me what I'm doing on the computer - Looking at knitting. Reading about knitting. Finding new patterns I want to do.

Is there a way to see the blogs of those who have "subscribed" to me on bloglines? I'm amazed that 100+ people have "subscribed" and I would love to leave a comment in their blog to say "Hey" - but I don't know how to figure that out.

Today I made banana bread and pizza bread. So domestic.

I've been working on the Eyelet wrap from rebecca #29 - twice, I've frogged. I'm left-handed and this is my first chart pattern experience - I keep screwing up. Bah. But I'm still determined. Any tips for lefties working from charts? I want to avoid re-writing the entire pattern, but fear it may bome to that!

Too random for a title

It's been forever since I've posted - since just before Easter I believe. My mom and Nana loved the Cadbury chicks I made - my mom even brought hers into work to show it off to the knitters she works with - they loved it of course and wanted the pattern :) Spreading the joy!

Apparently the Easter bunny brought me a really icky virus / cold / thing. I was pretty much laid out all last week - no voice, stuffy nose and no energy for knitting! But I'm back on track - my bobbi bear has no arms, but I can start stuffing him tonight. I need to add the handle to the Crystal Palace Deco-ribbon bag. I think I'm going to use the yarn from my secret pal to make the Eyelet Wrap Cardigan in Rebecca #29, and I want to start that tonight.

I listened to the book,Second Assistant, on CD last week in the car - cute, fluffy. I read Laurie Notoro's book I Love Everybody (and other atrocious lies) - hysterical!! And I see by amazon, that there's even another book due out soon We Thought You'd Be Prettier - aside from Jen Weiner Laurie Notaro is my favorite! And she'll be on tour! Wow. No CT dates listed and R.J's is pretty good about getting good authors through, so maybe...

Flickr is fun

There goes the bandwagon - I'm on it!

I found this link through another bloggers blog - so peaceful and CUTE!!
orisinal (online games)

And I had been planning to make this Cadbury Chick for easter, but I don't crochet so I was thinking that I would use embroidery floss for the eyes / beak - but maybe this egg cozy is the way to go instead. Google eyes / paper beak? May require a craft store trip tomorrow.

FO! Yay!

No pictures, but I am happy to report that tonight, just in time to be put away because spring is on the verge of being sprung, Coronet came off the needles. I didn't knit it the 9.5 inches from the bottom of the band that my large head dictated in the instructions, I just stuck the thing on my head and decided. Go me! I'm wearing it now and it's wonderfully warm!

I've been working on a few knitted chicks / "peeps" for easter to give to my mom and Nana.

I recently received the Rebecca "Home" issue - bought from supercrafty on ebay - great great great magazine! I'm going to have to get it more often - every page in there I turned and squealed.

I'm thinking that maybe kiri would look nice in the green beauty that my secret pal sent me last week...

Catch-Up

This week has been ultra-crazy with report cards being due. I finally was able to get back to knitting on Thursday night. I finished my Koigu socks during Survivor and Apprentice - One sock has a shorter cuff than the other, but underneath jeans who cares?

I started working on Coronet from knitty.com because I don't have a decent winter hat and apparently, I need it - winter just won't let go of New England.

I've been hunting about ebay - I've won a Jiminy Cricket patch and Jiminy Cricket charm for a necklace. I'm bidding on a cute sanrio / san-x pencil case that I think I'll use for double points. I have two really cute metal pencil cases - one with Hello Kitty and one with Monchiki, but I think I'd rather have a soft sided case... I'm also thinking about getting this - it's a "beccabag" - how cute would that be?

Dan suggessted to me that once we're in the new house that we can lift the no yarn buying self-imposed resolution. We'll have the space for stash enhancement, and he just doesn't get knitting socks. He thinks I should go bigger. Bigger things need more yarn - I've got 2/3 skeins on average of whatever color and sweaters and blankets need 6-8 or so!

And congrats and welcome to Heide on being a part of RAOK now! She's a cool cat - send her stuff! :^)

AND, last but certainly not least, THANK YOU to my secret pal - I came home yesterday to a package - 4 skeins of a a mohair-type yarn in an absolutely GORGEOUS shade of green! I would love to use it to make something in time for St. Patrick's Day, but I don't know - maybe the Airy scarf from the Last Minute Gifts book she sent! Thank you again so much!!

Big News

I think my initial shock has started to wear off and I can begin to be more excited about this news: Dan and I are going to have our own house! eep! His parents are moving out and we're moving in. Close sometime in May, move in June? This happened really fast, but it's cool.

Knitting has been sidelined in order to do grades. Stinkers, as I am SO close to finishing my Koigu sock.

Surfing About

After a kinda icky day I came home to find that my wonderful husband had bought me a camera flash!! eeee! He gave me a SLR two Christmas-times ago and I adore playing with it, but couldn't use it inside because of the lack of lighting! Once I get the right number of batteries, I'll be playing indoors more, taking more knitting photos and burning through film!!!

Surfing around tonight - How cute are these: IttyBittyNecklaces (the hearts), and these MommyTags (not for me, not yet anyway) and this DIY yoga eye pillow!

And I had not yet checked out spunmag.com - another online knitting "thing" - I'm SO making this catepillar.

This is annoying

I've been running all the virus scan / malware finders / popup blockers that I can find because something is wonky with the internet on my computer. Also, somehow my sidebar only shows up at the bottom of the page under all the posts (that's not right. it was fine maybe 2 days ago). And when I open my blog page and then try to link out of it or open a link in another page IE freezes and I have to use the task manager to shut it down. Anyone else notice this?

knitting-wise I finished the Hallowig. There are 3 ends to weave in. It looks really goofy because I did the decreases as written and I should have flipped them - for crazy hair day at school it will be fine I think.

I've been looking into digital cameras so that I can post pictures of the knitting. Any reccomendations? I'm willing to spend $200-$300 I think.

Today it's a snow day!
Things to do: work on Koigu sock #2, weave in ends of hallowig, write wedding thank yous, go to the post office, pick up wedding reprints, order others, scout out Job Lot of cell-making stuff for school, find dice for school game, internet search for upcoming school topics (DNA, genetics, ecology, biomes, cells, etc), work on Science Fair packet, grading, report card prep, set up pH cards for lab, go to grocery store, vacuum, clean bathroom, figure out dinner.

Where Does The Time Go?

I can't believe that it is Friday already!! Geez. I need a vacation from my vaction I think :) I knew it was going to go by pretty fast, so even though it will screw up our exam schedule next week, I'm hoping for a snow day on Monday. I'm awful, aren't I?

I just tore the seam on my new pajamas!! I must have been sitting funny on the leg - it's not a big tear, and easily along the seam so I can fix it, but bugger!!!

Last night I worked on the purple beast because the Hallowig was giving me trouble. Don't get me wrong - it's a great pattern, but I think because I'm left-handed the decreases are not in their right spot. Of course, I didn't think of this right away, only once I was several times in and I really don't want to frog it. Groan.

I'm meaning to work on my Hello Kitty bag this weekend, and maybe start one of the 6 sox, but I need to locate some needles.

My list of to-do's today also includes:

Picking up wedding photos for the paper announcement
Checking on a Jiminy Cricket bracelet link / Getting my grandmother a birthday card
Sending out stuff for my new social security card
Taxes
Thank you notes from the wedding
Getting together a knitting binder for all the sutff I print out from the 'net
grading
getting report cards ready
lesson plans
finalizing the final exams
cooking dinner

I guess I'd better get on it, the roads are mostly cleared and the stores should be opening soon!

Getting Good!

Yay! I've got the banner up! Huzzah! AND I got my comments back!!

Visiting with Nana was really good, went to PC and a great yarn store in Providence / near Brown University. Now I have the black that I need to continue working on my Hello Kitty bag. I worked on my Hallowig and am at the decreases - I might be done with it today!! But we have to do taxes and I should be grading / doing report cards.

I also came home last night to a fun package from my secret pal - a big thing of Mrs.Fields hot chocolate mix (white macadamia!!), frog stickers (so cute!), a "Teachers" Family brand soap (smells so pretty!) and a really cute book called "Furry Logic" - Thank you so much pal!!!

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Ch-Ch-Changes

Suz was so sweet to make me a banner - I love it so much! So I've been futzing with my layout so that the banner will look super! Plus it's always good to shake things up. When I did that though, somehow I have lost my comments (which I think were through haloscan), the type size on the sidebar of my blogroll links is too big, I've also misplaced my stickerplanet link and blogpatrol and truefresco things. Not anything urgent, but certainly annoying. If anyone cares to drop a comment I can be reached at
beccau AT care2 DOT com
for the time being.

Over the weekend we had our first dinner party for our parents - we had mine over saturday for dinner. Everything went pretty smooth. I think my dad was beaming, it was funny - like he was sitting back and enjoying the current generation put on the show (actually it was a lot like grampa, he would do the same thing when the family was all together) And I pleased my mom by finally setting the table right (I used the picture in the cookbook)

Sunday we went into New York to see the Gates. They were odd. Interesting. Amusing. It was really neat to see and walk among them, I'm glad we went - we also used it as an excuse to meet up with several friends from high school.

We came back to wet snow (haven't had any of that yet this year) and slept in way late yesterday. Did nothing for most of the day. At night I went out to the stitch-n-bitch - i liked the paperback cafe in saybrook - cute place, quiet, decent food. I forgot the second page of the Hallowig pattern, and the penguin to show and the slippers. I guess it wasn't my night. I did finish a scarf, so that's a plus.

Today I'm off to stay with my Nana - I'm not sure what we'll do (although it's so cold!!) but I'm looking forward to seeing her and giving her some company. I'm also planning to swing by PC to get a new t-shirt and a yarn store also in providence. I'm hunting for black yarn and small circular needles to make the wrist warmers in the Last Minute book.

Vacation Time!

Today starts February vacation! Although I've already booked myself up for most of it, it's a nice thought that I don't have to go to work for a week, and I'm busy with things I want to do (except for report cards).

Today I came home to a package from my secret pal! Belgian chocolates, Strawberry Shortcake stickers, a great journal and an adorable bear pin! Be jealous of me, because my secret pal truly rocks!! Thank you so much!

All this generosity further inspires me to be a great secret pal to my person! I picked up a few things for her today, I hope she likes them!!

And, Mindy (from gidget_casts_on) sent me a postcard and lucky scarab stitch marker! This is the first stitch marker I've ever received - it's so nice!! My rubber rings just won't cut it anymore :)

I really need to get a digital camera. My mini-pseudo-pda one is really not cutting it and I want to show off these great packages I've received! Also, I need to photograph and then scan the photo of Patrick, the penguin I made for Dan for Valentine's Day - he's finished this week and bringing us much joy :)

An Entire Post

Yesterday I was typing up a post, but then Dan came home and it was time to head out to dinner! Lucky us :) I hope everyone had a nice valentine's day, if you celebrate it. I was given some really cute (and unexpected) valentines from several of my students. Dan got me a great T and a Hello Kitty balloon from the store :) And dinner, of course.

And over the weekend I got my first gift from my SP4!! She had emailed me and left a comment about what was coming and on Saturday it was here!! I was gifted with Last Minute Knitted Gifts (Which, for all purposes that I heard was almost out of print and hard to find) and Encyclopedia of Knitting which I had my eye on for a while. I've already started working on a variation of the airy scarf that's in LMKG - I really just making alonger version because I don't know what else to do with the yarn if I have any left over, and I don't think I'm one to wear a short scarf like that. Anyway, thank you thank you thank you secret pal! I love them both!!

Happy Valentines Day

For Phyllis (My teacher training)

Hi Phyllis!
I just read the comments you left in my blog - I'm unable to email you because the email link tries to make me go through AOL which I don't use anymore. So I hope that you read this at it and it answers your questions!
I completed the weekend ARC program in May '04. The program as a whole I enjoyed and I think it prepared me well to be a teacher. I was lucky enough to find a job at a charter school with my Masters degree and the plan that I would complete the program. Teaching while taking the program gave me an interesting perspective.

Friday nights were spent in "Core" - these were mostly educational theory, touchy-feely sort of lectures - I didn't agree with most of what the people said, BUT they did clear up the state standards for teachers, and most of the alphabet soup that is involved in teaching (IEP, PPT, etc) The saturday classes were mostly your subject area (mine was general science / biology, even though my background is chemistry, I did this because I teach gen. sci) This class was SO AWESOME. I had two excellent teachers. It was a lot of hands-on, practical, useful stuff (I could try out the things I learned there immediately). We also had to practice teaching quite a bit. I met a nice group of people and have two binders FULL of great ideas.

The program was definetly intense. Tiring too, after working full time and prepping for school - to have homework and things. I had 2 papers to write for core (3 - 5 pages, really not bad, and if you didn't pass you were allowed to rewrite). I felt taken care of and made aware of due dates, tests, fees, etc. Good luck!

Fess Up

It's really hard to work on a gift knit for your significant other when you reside in a small apartment. I was working on the secret project at the Stitch-and-Bitch this week and even covertly working on it while we watched "Apprentice" and "Lost" and "Gilmore Girls" but I'm getting to the point of seaming! I was considering hiding out in the bathroom or the bedroom for about an hour, but that would have raised eyebrows. So I told him - I presented him with the penguin pieces and showed him the picture. Not how I intended, but hey, he was still surprised!

I really want to be working on the HelloKitty knit-a-long but I'm at the part where I need to focus on the chart stuff so it doesn't come out backwards or goofy.

I still want to finish the purple beast, also known as the sweater that is yet to be. I've got one front panel (it's supposed to be the buttonhole side, on the left, because I goofed in my leftyness) and I'm thinking I'll just leave the buttons off and do loops or something later... Groan.

I'm intested in finding yarn stores in Rhode Island - I found one in Providence, over near Brown - I'm thinking I'll swing by when I go to visit Nana during my Februray vacation.

Little Treasures

This weekend has had only some mild knitting moments. Last night I worked on my Lion Brand socks - I still think the leg portion of the sock is too huge. And I continued working on the ----- (can't say just in case DH decides to read this, it's a surprise). So far so good. I'm trying to decide what to do with the yarn that Sarah sent - it's gorgeous... I'm thinking maybe the flower bag from helloyarn.com

Today we wandered around the mall. I am loving


And I also wanted to purchase one of this, this, this, this, and this among everything else :) There's not enough time or skin to try it all :)

Random-ness

I was RAOK-ed today by knitterbelle - she sent me an oh-so-cute Hello kitty notepad. I have one now and I was just wondering the other day that I am going to have to ration the paper so it lasts :) Thank you so much for cheering me!

School was a zoo. The kids HATE the sub I had (which means he will be asked again, haha) and apparently one parent was shocked that her kid is failing. I spoke to the parent previously and told her that the biggest grade prior to the progress reports was a failing grade. She has since done makeup work, so it's not that bad now, but apparently it's MY fault and never the students fault. Oh well.

The funeral was ok. Actually it was a nice service, it was good to see my cousins again. Grampa would have loved the party afterwards.

I have one of his spare handkercheifs (not used, except by me yesterday) and I want to embroider or cross stitch or iron on Jiminy Cricket. Any leads?? Any ideas?? J.C. was a long running "part" of grampa and I really want him on the hanky to keep with me. But I'm getting stuck here...

Little knitting to report - I want to block the heart scarf, I'm working on a wrist warmer, but tonight I think I need to work on my grading.

This is for my SP4

(Thanks to those of you who commented on the loss of grampa. we're all very numb.)

To divert my attention, here's my Q+A for SP4

Becca - a lefty, self taught knitter. Currently has the following works in progress (yarn is bought / on the needles): purple cardigan sweater, tri-colored hat, lion brand magic stripes sock, hello kitty bag, and secret project for my DH

I like to think I'm not a yarn snob, as I do use lion brand (it's not all bad!) and red heart, but I have seen what else is out there. It's like going candy shopping at CVS and then candy shopping at Dylan's Candy Bar in NYcity.

My allergies are seasonal, to pollen, but *knock wood* they haven't been bad this year.

I have a wish list on amazon.com.

I have a massive sweet tooth. Jelly beans / mike-and-ikes are my favorites.

I adore the blue-green-purple range of colors.

I live with my husband - we've been married 2 months. I teach science to students in grades 5 - 8; I actually started out planning to be an environmental chemist, but got burnt out in grad school. I worked retail for a year (at a fabulous stationery shop, i've been there on and off for 6 years) and went through an alternative route program to get my teaching certification (done!). I love being a teacher - it's the hardest thing I have done yet, and I can't see myself doing anything else!

Quickie Favorites:
Movies: The Princess Bride, Singin'in the Rain, Rebel without a Cause, Say Anthing, the Muppet Movies
Music: Barenaked Ladies, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morrisette, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, 80's music - I listen to pretty much everything except country (yes, I'm mp3 compatable)
Actors John Cusack, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zelwieger
Misc. Hello Kitty, Paper, stickers, Becky Kelly, Kate Spade, Origins, Bath-and-Body Works, Bamboo Needles, Chad Pennington, basketball, environmentally friendly stuff, Burts Bees

I am into photography, doodling, stickering and interested in trying most DIY things.

My life dream is to always be content with what I'm doing, to see the lighter side of life, to not forget to laugh (at myself) and to always try my best. In that vein, I would like to own a home, plant a garden, raise a family of happy children, continue to make my family proud of me, and have pets!

Favorite yarns? Currently I adore lamb's pride. I love Koigu. I recently learned how wonderful Noro is.

I don't really like the eyelashy / overyl furry yarns.

My knitting obsession is starting projects. And the magazines.

I really enjoy socks, now that I have it down.

Ponchos are ok.

No needle preference, although I will say that now that I know how to do socks on 2 circulars, it's hard to go back to dpns (I keep pulling out a needle that has stitches on it)

Bamboo or plastic.

My oldest UFO is the purple cardigan sweater - the yarn was bought in 2002, I began working on it in '02-'03 and completely frogged it and started over. The button holes are messing with my head.

Animated characters I like: Hello Kitty, Sanrio, San-X, powerpuff girls, strawberry shortcake, muppets

Favorite animals are rainforest poison dart frogs.

Favorite holiday is thanksgiving.

I had a massive frog collection going, but I'm trying to limit it.

I hope this helps give you a better picture of me!

This Sucks.

What a way to end the week. DH went off on a trip to Vermont with the guys - fine, I'll get some schoolwork done / knitting done / go shopping. My parents left on Thursday for a trip to Kilimanjaro. My uncle (my father's baby brother) called me this evening. My grandfather (dad's dad) died today. Massive stroke.

This is a guy in his 70's who was apparently healthy. Goes golfing at every opportunity. Just got back from a trip to NC. Was getting ready for a trip to FL. This is so sudden and unexpected.

My parents will most likely get the message around 2:00am. Right now they are out of radio contact.

DH is driving back from VT.

I'm just sitting at the computer fixing a virus problem, half-heartedly knitting, thinking about what a wonderful guy grampa is. And how unfair this is. And how I'm so so so happy that he was at my wedding. And how I'm even more happy that we drove to my parents house on Christmas to visit with them. And how I should have called yesterday to tell him how much my students loved the rocks he gave me (the way they ooh! and aah! -ed you would think they had never seen a rock before). Never have I known a person with such a sense of humor, care for his family, pride in his sons / daughters / grandchildren, who continued to tell everyone how much he loved his wife (even after being married for 52 years) He will live on in us, as we all say his sayings: Food is scrumptious or laaaaaaaaalghtious. Q is the code word for a big bear hug. And "I'm mad now" (even though you're really not). He calls my nana "love".

He's my grampa, he's and old guy but so young at heart. He didn't have a college education but he was one of the smartest people I know. He could fix anything. He can come up with something that will work if he did not have the exact "thing" that was needed.

These next few days and parts of this year are really going to suck.

Last year was really sucky on my family (dad with cancer, nana with cancer) the highlight was the wedding - a "high" for everyone - relief. And now, this just bites.

Nerd-I-Am

I'm the first to admit what a nerd-geek I am. I took the test and it confirms my nerd status. But, don't you think it's more than slightly biased? I show my students a picture of Newton to make the lesson more interesting. As a science major (BA double major / MS ~ both environmental analytical chemistry) aren't I already at a disadvantage knowing the speed of light (numerical value with units) and elemental symbols of the periodic table? Hrm. Anyway, with pride
:

Teacher Perk

It's snowing again :) I didn't think we were going to get today off, so it's a bonus. Am I grading the papers I didn't grade last night? No. Am I writing up the 8th grade chemistry project? No. Am I cleaning? No. I'm sitting in front of the computer. Not too shabby.

I need to take a picture of Dan's fuzzy feet since they're done and perfect, but the lighting inside / today really stinks, so that's a no go. I have another finished object! I completed the Knitty Heart Scarf but it's curled so much you can't see the hearts! Gotta block.

At the CTShore-SNB on Monday I did a swatch for my bear - I'm using Lion Brand WoolEase ThickNQuick. Then I realize that I don't need size 17 straight needles, I need dpns and circs! Gah, size 17? Well, I bid on ebay for the circs, and i'll wait on the dpns for a moment or two. I haven't checked the guage yet, just knit it. I also started the back of my Hello Kitty bag. I've also got a Lion Brand Magic stripes sock started. It's so cool to see the stripes come out, but the sock looks HUGE!

I found a pair of socks - one completed, the other was 70% done and I hate them! I love the pattern (some sort of mistake rib) but hate how the yarn looks with them. I'm thinking maybe I could just finish them and donate? Or frog them and try again... My friend lent me her Patons sock pattern book and I can't wait to try a bunch in there.

With all the fun-fur flaming that is going round, I thought this was a really cute alternative to a scarf a fuzzy heart pillow- maybe next year.
Also, how cute is this, An "inside out heart" cup of tea??

Blizzard Beginnings

The "Winter Wallop" is coming apparently. According to the weatherbug on the computer it suggested that precautions to protect life and property be taken by noon today. Gee, it is new england. It does snow here in the winter. We have had blizzards before. I'm actually looking forward to it - I'm lucky, the apartment where I live is within walking distance of a supermarket, we don't have to shovel the driveway and we're on a major road. My father-in-law just brought us shovels though in case we have to dig around the cars - the parking lot gets plowed but that's all. I should be working on my lesson plans right now. I'm already hoping that the buses will be buried on Monday and that school will be cancelled - or at least delayed :)

I finished Dan's fuzzy feet today, now I have to toss them in the washer. I would have finished them last night, but I didn't realize until thursday evening that I didn't pay attention at the Stitch-n-Bitch gathering on Monday and completely missed the gusset decrease after the heel turn. GROAN. Stupid mistake, but luckily these are a quick knit.

Fuzzy Feet!

Wo-hoo! Last time I made a pair of these I was very scared of the whole felting process and did not let the washer attack them enough. Also, I think I had a rather wimpy washer. Now, I have a new washer, I wrapped up the feet in a pillowcase and threw in a pair of jeans. Two cycles (~14 minutes) and voila!!

FuzzyFeetBefore

FuzzyFeetAfter!

I'm quite pleased with myself!

Know what I can't find anywhere?

Starburst Hearts - I have such a craving for them!! Granted I don't recall seeing them around last year - I hope they haven't been discontinued!! I will keep checking, but if you spot them would you let me know?

Knitting Frog

I'm thinking that I should join up with one of the sock-alongs, seeing as how that's going to be an upcoming project. I'm currently working on a pair of fuzzy feet for me and a pair for hubby. They really seem to FLY compared to regular sock needles / yarn :)

I am a big fan of this little comic - Spot the Frog - I've sent a few emails to Mark Heath, the creator - he's really nice! And he has a blog too. I was reading the blog and I just love this picture:


More reason to love the frog!!

How excited am I - I've got some felting yarn coming in the mail resulting from my contest win!! Yay!

Me, a winner?

Wow-ie! I came home tonight after a rather long day and a delicious dinner out with my hubby to see in my email that I had won How Many Miles of Yarn does a Crafty Snargle Have? contest! I started squealing as I read the email and called out to my husband. When I told him my prize options (and it's a tough choice!) he rolled his eyes and made a comment about did I really win MORE yarn? He was not as impressed as I to learn that Miss Crafty Snargle has just over 34 miles of yarn. Why did I guess 26.5? It's my age. As the man says, now I can really "Carpe Yarn-Em" :)

What a geat way to wrap up the week!

And my good friend and I have managed to rejuvenate the shoreline stitch-and-bitch --- I'm looking forward to monday night!!

Me, In Terms of My Stuff

I've seen this around a few blogs...
Grooming Products
Shampoo: Garnier Fructis
Moisturizer: Lubriderm, Origins Ginger Burst, Origins Precipitation, Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea, Body Shop Mango (It's winter in New England - it takes work to keep the flakes away!)
Cologne: None, the lotions are all scented enough
Razor: Venus
Toothpaste: Aquafresh whitening / tartar control (I think)

Electronics
Cell phone: A sony ericson, but I really want to get a flip phone / camera phone
Computer: Dell Desktop
Television: One big Sony
Stereo: Yes, but I have no idea what brand / make it is It's Mr. NutmegKnitter's

Home
Sheets: t-shirt jersey style sheets from Bed, Bath and Beyond
Coffee-maker: Drip style, a pleasant beeper
Car: 2003 Ford Focus Unbelievable that she's still nameless! Maybe I should have a contest
Stationery: Jeez. I used to (and still occasionally) work part time at a local card / stationery gift shop. I have Crane's, William Arthur, Hello Kitty, papyrus, snoopy, frogs, and stickers - endless stickers!! I love love love paper and all it's accessories!

Beverages
Bottled water: it's ok, I don't stick to one type
Coffee: Dunkin Donuts - Large Regular (They know what to do)
Vodka: Yes please.
Beer: Yes please - Sam Adams (any style), Corona, Bass, Boddingtons

Clothes
Jeans: GAP
T-shirt: Right now? Hanes-His-Way that's too small for Mr. NutmegKnitter and have now become my pj's top
Briefcase or tote: A big LLBean style canvas tote with an American Flag on it
Sneakers: New Balance, but looking for new ones
Watch: Fossil

Favorite Places
Home, under the covers, in my pjs

Necessary Extravagance
Movies, Music, Yarn, Candy, Magazines

Beans!

As my hubby says "You get such interesting mail!" I came home today from school to find a RAOK from Illanna - Jolly Rancher jelly beans!! They are like little seeds of spring! I'm such a new england gal, and am enjoying winter, but the colors of jelly beans along with their sweetness always make me smile! Thank you so much Illanna!! I will be enjoying them tonight while I read a little bit of the devil wore prada and watching Hero while I knit. *does a little snoopy style happy dance*

Finished Objects

This weekend was good in terms of finishing objects - I finished a second pillow for our couch, and they have been immediately put to good use!




And, while we were cleaning up for our dinner party last night, I went back through a knitting bag that had a few projects in it, in several stages. I found a pair of socks that were nearly done - all I had been waiting on (or avoiding) was grafting the toe - but recently I feel I have somewhat mastered kitchener stitch thanks to SNB-nation!

So, in 2005 I have finished two pairs of socks and a pillow. I started attacking the purple people eater sweater that I have been working on since 2002. I have to do the left front, with buttonholes, because apparently I forgot that I am left-handed and what I thought was the left front is actually the right front. Gah. And I can't quite picture the spacing for the buttonholes. And the pieces look really small. I don't know how I'm going to fit into this cardigan. I am unsure about blocking - to do or not?

It feels nice to finish a project - or 3 - within a week!

Snow Day = Possibilities

Knitting things: My last finished object of 2004, my first finished object of 2005: a pair of socks! My poor quality camera (on my ViewSonic Pocket PC) is not getting a good picture of them, it's just too dark today and the battery is still charging up, so I can't really move it. Anyway, the socks were made on two circs with Plymouth Sockotta yarn - I still have what seems like a lot left over. I am really pleased with them - there are perfect for me :)

Random work related school bits: the fastest way to get 16 seventh-grader's attention is to drop the word "smart-ass" (it was an accident I swear! I was carried away by the dramatization of the proton/neutron/electron drama!). We had an early dismissal yesterday so I went shopping at Target. No school today because of the storm!

So, what would I like to accomplish today, keeping in mind that I've already started frittering the day away sipping cider and blog surfing?
1. Sign up for SP4.
2. Add the button for Knit One, Read Too.
(I borrowed the book from the library but I think I may be better off starting next month...)
3. Add the button for Knitlette's Yarn Charity 2005 - I really dig this idea. I want to make donations to tsunami relief, big brothers / big sisters, my friend's Avon walk for Breast Cancer among others.
4. Organize my stash - what do I have, really? Can I assign yarn to projects and get cracking?
5. Work out. Bought a new 10-minute pilates DVD last night - you can create your own workout!
6. Lesson Plans - for next week, so I won't have to do them on Sunday. But notice, it's at the bottom of my list. :)
7. Figure out where in the world that adhearus thing came from and how to get rid of it!

Year-End Wrap Up And Other Thoughts

I know the year is coming to an end - I'm even looking forward to attending it's farewell party at my brother's in NY city on Friday - but some people are just getting too much of a jump on the new year. My latest magazines are February issues! And at Stop-and-Shop, the valentine's day candy is already being put out!! I feel behind because I'm only thinking about New Year's resolutions and sales at the mall / stores!

I had a thought last night, that I mentioned to Dan, as a possible New Year's Resolution: Not to buy any yarn this new year, to only knit from what I have, but if it was absolutely neccessary to purchase an emergency skein to do only that, if as a gift for a secret pal... I suppose that's the ultimate yarn diet... While there's nothing wrong with purchasing the pretty yarn, "for something special, I just don't know what yet" I have limited resources and space. I did mention to him that if I did do that, I would have to be rewarded with quite the yarn spree :) Today I'm thinking I might go through my stash and sort / assign what I've got with what I'd like to make...

And while I'm thinking about that, wouldn't I love to try my hand at the designs in the Donnelly sweater - I'm nowhere near ready to try a cable aran sweater (I managed my Irish Hiking Scarf, but that's all), but maybe as a pillow or something... I've got some Donnelly blood in my veins.

But that's on top of all the other dumb errands I have to squeeze in today / tomorrow - get the stuff done now that I can't while school is in session. And I'm trying to get the month of January done in terms of lesson plans. January already feels shot - we've got a dinner date with friends the next weekend, a family visit the weekend after that, take down the Christmas ornaments, restore order to the apartment, SuperBowl... Maybe some valentine's candy would help :)

In my actual knitting, I finished one sock the other day and got through the leg of #2 last night, I think I can get the heel turned tonight. Pictures will come back, just have to charge the gizmo.

Post-Christmas

This holiday season was different for me for a lot of reasons - waking up without my family was one. But I loved waking up with Dan. We split up the families - saw my mom's side on Christmas Eve and Dan's mom's side on Christmas Day, then saw my Dad's folks at my parents house Christmas Night. Worked out well. The only snag is that I have somehow caught a cold. I know it's from one of the school kids I just don't know which one. Little stinkers and I did a big lesson on handwashing / not getting sick with them too. Oh well. I've been on the couch all day and Dan's been making me lots of tea, bringing tissues, etc. I hope he doesn't catch this.

My knitted gifts were a big hit - my secret santa at work loved the knitted flower washcloth, my mom loved my Irish Hiking Scarf, and my brother fit the Broad Street Mittens from knitty.com like a glove!!

Because of the cold (it's a doozy) I've been too achey to knit, but I'm feeling slightly better now. I'm thinking I'll pop Shrek2 in and knit something. I've got a sock that is almost up to the toe (maybe 1 - 1.5 inch), I started a scarf with some yarn from my SKP2, I've got the purple sweater that if it ever actually ends up a sweater I'll be amazed, a pillow for Dan, and a glove for Dan. These are things on the needles. But of course, I want to start something NEW :) Maybe in the upcoming year I'll be more organized with the knitting projects...

Returned, A Married Woman

The wedding was perfect! The honeymoon was beautiful - we went to San Fran, CA and Hawai'i ~ It was like right out of a movie!! And I adore being married to my husband - it still seems a little surreal, but it's wonderful!!




That's my husband!! His college roomate and me. I don't have a good picture of the back online - it was a corset!! Oh wait - here, from the designer's site :



I was able to knit without any problems at the airports, in the airplanes, a little bit by the pool, and each night before bed. I have 99% finished the Stitch Diva poncho - just have to make the cords. It's curling a bit - can you block somethign like this? I don't know how much I'll actually wear it, and I may even leave off the cords...

I've got just a bit left on the Broad Street Mittens for Brother#1. I should be able to take care of that today. As well as a flower washcloth that I want to make as a secret santa gift for work. And tonight I think I'm going to an actual stitch-n-bitch!! yay!

And today continues to be wonderful - SNOW!! No school for this teacher :) It's nice to have the break (finish the knitting, plan the next projects, etc) but now I think I may have created a to-do list for myself that is too big: go get copies of the marriage license from town hall, go to the post office to change my address and send out RAOKs, go to the library, go get wedding photos reprinted / enlarged for wedding gifts, work on school goals / future lesson plans, laundry, ironing, clean the bathroom... It's all good though! Even if it's 9 degrees!

Somebody's Getting Married (No Knitting)

Thanksgiving, the wedding / part on friday. MY wedding - still seems surreal!



I've been driving my fiance crazy this week singing
"He'll make me happy
Each time I see him
He'll be the reason
My heart can sing
He'll stand beside me
And now I'm everything."

Miss Piggy's lines from the wedding at the end of my favorite movie - Muppets Take Manhattan.

Here's to many happy knits and purls!

Stress Therapy

So, the wedding is now less than a week away! eep! I go back and forth between wanting to scream and shout and shreik to being so overwhelmed with emotion that I'm speechless (in a good way of course).

I bought a yarn store gift certificate for my maid of honor today. And of course how could I pass up retail therapy for me? I needed needles anyway, and a round thread cutter for the plane, and I ended up buying 4 skeins of cascade quattro (I'm thinking fuzzy feet and a sophie bag) and 4 skeins of fiesta rayon boucle for the stitch diva poncho. Didn't realize that would be such a pretty penny, but I'm worth it.

I'm thinking I'll bring yarn for socks with me, as well as the poncho - it's made from the rayon boucle yarn, so it's not too bulky. At least, that's the plan now - I have to wind it into a ball before we leave...

Thinking About

I wonder if the yarn that my secret pal 2 sent would work out ok in this pattern:
Knit Poncho, Stitch Diva Studios... I'm not a big poncho person, but that might be cute...

I wonder what to bring with me on the plane. According to the Transportation Security Admission (pdf file) knitting needles are ok in carry-on and checked luggage... Maybe I'll get new bamboo circulars. I've learned how to do socks on two needles - do they even make bamboo circs that small? Socks are easy to transport... But a poncho would fill the time just right I think.

What sort of project would you bring?

I still haven't gotten my bobbi bear pattern... That might be a "ring in the new year" bear at this point.

Stressed

Okay, we're just about at T minus 15 days till the wedding. I can't complain too much - our families get along, I've gotten pretty much everything I want and for the most part this whole process has been stress free. But now, I'm starting to do internal flip flops. I have a zillion things to do, and no time to do them in. Including knitting (wah.) I'm checking airlines though because I want to bring at least a sock or two to work on during the honeymoon flights.

And thanks to a fabulous RAOK by a person who's name escapes me at the moment, I have wonderful new sock yarn - it also came with candy (yummy) and a star shaped post it note pad!

I finished my mom's scarf. I started on a noro hat for me. I've yet to finish my brother's gloves. Dan's pillow. The purple sweater that will not end.

And in non-knitting content I've got sub work to prepare, lesson plans to write, grading a month long and report cards to ready. *whine*whimper*

SKP2 - Package!
Posted by Hello

Wow! Thank you very very much to Joanne for being such a super secret knitting pal! So generous! The last package I received (last Wednesday, but I waited to reveal) included a new knitting book: Knitting on the Road: Sock Patterns for the Traveling Knitter, Burgis Brook Alpacas Soap (which I've been using - so yummy, and did you notice that they are from Guilford??!!), A mug with "Carpe-Yarn-em! (Seize the Yarn!), a bookmark "Needles, Yarn, Life Is Good!", and some scrumptious multi-colored Kid Boucle Autumn House Farm Yarn (350 yards.... what to make? scarf, socks, hat?? I need some ideas!!) Thank you thank you thank you! This was so much fun!

And today, I have off from school (professional development) - my fiance keeps telling me to Carpe- Yarn-em!! :)

My secret pal was Brooks - I hope you enjoyed the packages!

I wish I could be par-taking in SKP3, but life is so crazy now, that I think it's better if I wait until SKP4 and just play with RAOKs... Happy Monday!

Secrets Revealed!

Life has gotten in the way of posting lately, but that's soon to change - especially as it's now the weekend, we were given Monday off from school, and Tuesday is a short day.

I've been working on my Irish-Hiking-Scarf KnitAlong.
I've been really drawn to the latest knitty suprise.
I've yet to order my pattern for the bear-along (hence the hesitation in posting the button of participation!!)
I've started glove #2 on the BroadStreet mittens that are a christmas gift.
My secret pal sent me a great package and I now know who she is!! Thank you (more descriptions / pictures to come)
And I've gotten a great ROAK of music mix CDs.

Life is good.

It is halloween weekend which means it's the time for scary movies. I saw the movie "SAW" last night. Oh my holy chickens. what a mind twist. gruesome and disturbing.

2 Treats!

What a lucky duck I am :) Yesterday, in the mail I received a package from my SKP2 - stickers!!!! Yay! A pretty fall notepad (it's up on the fridge) AND a really cool book ~ Stranded Color Knitting by Nanette Blanchard. I have been very cautious about doing this sort of thing (meaning I've yet to give it a go) and I think this book will be the sort of thing to help me get to it!! Thank you soo very much!

And, today when I returned to the apartment with the fiance there was a RAOK for me :) Thank you so very much for the magazines, Eileen!! I'm going to have fun poking through those today as a break from lesson planning!

Not a bad weekend. I also went to the new Michael's (right on my way home from work!) and bought some wool-ease to try and make my dad a DNA scarf. The Irish-Hiking-Scarf Knitalong has given me some cable confidence.

I also wanted to post that I made it out to the the yarn barn in woodbridge. It's ~ 15 minutes away from work too. I bought some pink cascade fixation to make a pair of the breast cancer socks, and some brown sheep lambs pride in black and lime green for new fuzzy feet. Woo!

If only I could type up / write my lesson plans as I knit.

Irish Hiking Scarf Knit-Along Progress

It's been a while, but - tah-Dah!! A knitting photo!

I'm using Cascade 220 - it's a purpley-green. I love this shade - my mom commented on it when I used it to make a Sophie bag over the summer. So, she's the intended recipient of this scarf - birthday or christmas, I don't quite know.

100 Things About Me

I've decided that while you all patiently wait for my next knitting post I would work on one of those "100 Things About Me" list. I think I can come up with that.
1. My name is Becca.
2. I'm left-handed.
3. I cut right-handed though.
4. I've always been crafty.
5. I doodle more than I draw, but I enjoy it all the same.
6. Beading used to be my crafty outlet, but knitting has totally consumed me.
7. I taught myself how to knit left-handed.
8. My first project was an afghan - Red Heart Maroon.
9. I now hate Red Heart's Maroon colored yarn.
10. I am a science nerd.
11. My academic background is in environmental chemistry.
12. I was supposed to be an environmental chemist.
13. I even went to grad school for my masters in environmental chemistry.
14. Grad school completely burnt me out.
15. I became a science teacher.
16. I teach science to 5, 6, 7, and 8th graders.
17. I am having a lot of fun being a teacher.
18. I like being in charge.
19. It appeals to my bossy side.
20. I have a rather large frog collection.
21. I adore the rainforest poison dart frogs the most.
22. I think the muppets are hysterical.
23. Favorite muppets include: Kermit, Pepe, Beaker & Bunsen, and the Electric Mayhem Band members.
24. My favorite actor is John Cusack.
25. I will also see just about anything with Brad Pitt, Ed Norton or Heath Ledger.
26. My favorite movie is "Singin' in the Rain."
27. I did tech crew in high school and college theatre.
28. I was a costume wench, and eventually the costume Goddess.
29. I did very little acting, but when I did I was good!
30. I have 2 younger brothers.
31. They also did theatre, but more performance than crew.
32. I love watching "I Love Lucy" reruns.
33. I can't get enough of "Gilmore Girls".
34. I enjoy watching Survivor and The Apprentice.
35. My favorite food is mashed potatoes.
36. I have a massive sweet tooth.
37. For me sweets / candy = high-octance sugar stuff (jelly beans, mike and ikes, jolly ranchers, smarties) - not chocolate.
38. I do love chocolate too!
39. The book "Candy & Me: A Love Story" means a lot to me!
40. My favorite author is Jennifer Weiner (Little Earthquakes, Good in Bed, In Her Shoes)
41. I dabble in photography.
42. I have a 35mm automatic camera, an SLR camera (my baby), an I-Zone camera, and a 600-speed polaroid.
43. There is also a camera feature on my pda.
44. I have been using a computer since I was 5 years old.
45. Some days I wonder if I should have studied computer science / web design.
46. In graduate school I used an electron microscope to photograph pollen and dirt particles on the surface of oak leaves.
47. I'm getting married on November 26, 2004.
48. My fiance and I have been dating since the end of high school (Class of 1996)
49. I don't have any pets, yet, at home.
50. I do have a pet in my classroom.
51. It's a betta fish, and he is named Louis (after L. Pasteur)
52. I love all kinds of music.
53. I love going to concerts.
54. Top favorites musically: Barenaked Ladies, Dave Matthews Band, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Indigo Girls, and Tori Amos.
55. I do love oldies, classic rock, hip-hop, classical, acapella, alternative and dance.
56. I absolutely adore 80s retro music.
57. I am pretty good when it comes to trivia.
58. I am a fierce competitor.
59. Dan (my fiance) and I keep track of who wins Trivial Pursuit each time we play.
60. I love board games.
61. I love stickers.
62. I love snail mail.
63. The world needs more snail mail (excluding the bills)
64. I occasionally work part time in a small invitation / gift store in town. (On and Off since 1997)
65. They enabled my sticker and stationery collection to spiral wildly out of control.
66. I am a magazine whore - I love those slick glossy pages.
67. I even enjoy the alternative reads of Bitch once in a while.
68. My heroes include Rachel Carson and my grandparents.
69. After a discussion with my eighth graders I have also come to the conclusion that Einstein is my homeboy.
70. I have a hard time making decisions.
71. I require coffee on a daily basis.
72. In the evenings I am a tea drinker.
73. If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be fruit salad.
74. I have been to London and look forward to when I can return.
75. I love going to the movies.
76. I drive a Ford Focus.
77. I love Hello Kitty.
78. My favorite colors are in the blue-green-purple hues.
#79 - #100 to be finished later....

Sheepy Things!

eep! jcrew sent me their catalog today - how much do I love the embroidered critter lounge pants / boxers?? Sheep & Dragonflies!!

New projects

In my mail pile was the latest Family Circle Easy Knitting. I am really taken by the first of the "Trimming" selections... I'm thinking maybe a blue on blue or brown / blue combo of yarn and trim? Hrm. That would be fun.

Also, it would take me four evers to even do a pillow, but how cute is the "Knitters" afghan?!

I finished my multi-directional scarf this weekend - gotta take a picture. I used Noro - love the color, but find it a little scratchy. Should be okay in the winter with a jacket...

Happy new week!

Funny Monday

Need a laugh today? Check this out:
http://codaproductions.com/elevator/

The frustrated guy in the elevator (not the forgetful one) is my brother. I'm proudly promoting his talents (non-knitting) :)

Pals, Knits And Other

For My Secret Pal -
Thank you thank you thank you thank you and thank you for the package you sent! I adore the yarn (I'm thinking I'll make a felted bag...) and the Mike & Ike's were eaten promptly!! THe sticky notes are perfect for school - and wouldn't you know I've just made my way through a large pile of papers and I need to sticker them! And tose sock pointer-covers - I have picked those up SO SO SO many times in the stores :) What a wonderful pal I have!!

(I need to get my next package out to my secret pal...this week!)

Last weekend during football I made myself work on the Broad Street Mitten (yes, made - if only all of lifes challenges were this hard). So far I think I'm figuring out the extra stitches okay. The cuff is done, the first 4 rows are done, and now I'm doing the increases. Thank goodness for football - I can knit while the fiance watches and we're still spending time together :)

Slacker

I'm ashamed to admit that I have slacked off a bit here - only because school has started up again. Teaching science to grades 5 - 8 is exhausting. Plus wedding planning. Plus keeping everyone happy :) Plus squeezing in knitting (truly a good description, it's like guerilla knitting!) I'm working on it.

I'm going to see this author tomorrow night! How excited am I? I loved her previous 2 books - can't wait for the movie versions!

Broad Street Mittens

Ok, so currently I am working on two pairs of Broad Street Mittens (knitty.com), one pair for each of my brothers. I made one pair last year, for me, following the pattern exactly. They were a little big, but for me they were fine. My concern is that I'm knitting these for guys with big hands. I am wondering if I were to cast on 52, then increase to 64 if that would increase the size just enough so that they would still be snug on my brothers hands... I don't know if anyone really reads this blog, but I could use some input if you've made these for guys... I have one brother's handprint traced out, thinking that would help...

I have been knitting the first left hand on my 2 circulars and I love how fast it has gone!!

Lucky Duck

To my secret pal ~ thank you so much for the goodies! Wouldn't you know that the next thing I am supposed to knit for my guy is a pair of socks? Perfect! And I adore the Burt's Bees (I'm trying to move from here to his place, so the little samples are great!). And the Maude Asbury photo album is beautiful - "she" makes such pretty things - the small store I work at in the summer has had some of her scrapbooks - thank you - I already have some photos to put inside!

Secret Pal Goodies!
Posted by Hello

My Green Monster.

I really would like to love this hat a little more... it's practice I suppose. maybe Kermit can wear it in class.

My Summer Bottoms Up Hat
Posted by Hello

Wrapping Up to Start Anew

Last night I finished my bottom's-up-along-piece. I'm affectionately calling it the big green monster. It's not Incredible-Hulk-green, rather "Lily Pad" which I really liked when I started (I have a fondness for all things froggy, especially those poison-dart-frogs) But now I'm sort of just fed up with this project - it's a great pattern, a quick knit, and it looks cute, but I had to cast on numerous times before I got the right number of strands and the right number of stitches. Also, I'm just not as thrilled with how this one came out. This was knit with Classic Elite cotton, the other was with Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim (I think... I don't have the labels right here to check). I feel like I can see all sorts of bumps and loose bits from the decreases. Maybe I just need to block it? I don't know. Still thinking about it. Pictures are coming - I know I keep promising that. I forgot to do it today with my palm, and I didn't bring the hat here so I can't ask my fiance to use his camera phone to try it... Patience, Becca...

How excited am I that I get to set up my classroom next week? Very.
The week after that is professional development meetings. okay.
Then the kids return. Yay for the start of school and new office supplies!!

Psst - my talking of big green monster reminded me about this site: monsters.net - I love the drawings and things she does with the monsters - too cute! Especially the one with the sock!

This is for my secret pal

*waves hello* This post is more of an "about me" sort of thing, until I figure out how to add that sort of page to this blog. I sent my pal the link to my other online journal, but figured it would be okay to add something here.

Becca - a lefty, self taught knitter. Currently has the following works in progress (yarn is bought / on the needles): 2 pairs of Broad Street Mittens, Multidirectional scarf, DNA scarf, bottoms up hat, 2 pairs of socks, purple cardigan sweater, light blue summer cardigan sweater, toy lamb, honeymoon cami.

I like to think I'm not a yarn snob, as I do use lion brand (it's not all bad!) and red heart, but I have seen what else is out there. It's like going candy shopping at CVS and then candy shopping at Dylan's Candy Bar in NYcity.

My allergies are seasonal, to pollen, but *knock wood* they haven't been bad this year.

I have a wish list on amazon.com.

I have a massive sweet tooth. Jelly beans / mike-and-ikes are my favorites.

I adore the blue-green-purple range of colors.

I currently live at home with my parents but am planning to move in with my fiance in the upcoming weeks before school starts. I teach science to students in grades 5 - 8; I actually started out planning to be an environmental chemist, but got burnt out in grad school. I worked retail for a year (at a fabulous stationery shop, i've been there on and off for 6 years) and went through an alternative route program to get my teaching certification (done!). I love being a teacher - it's the hardest thing I have done yet, and I can't see myself doing anything else!

I am getting married the day after thanksgiving this year to my boyfriend of 8 years - we went to high school together and just kept up our relationship. He is wonderful beyond words. So, while I am on summer vacation for the next few weeks, I am busy planning the wedding (we finally got the bridesmaids their dresses), planning for school and relaxing.

Quickie Favorites:
Movies: The Princess Bride, Singin'in the Rain, Rebel without a Cause, Say Anthing, the Muppet Movies
Music: Barenaked Ladies, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morrisette, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, 80's music - I listen to pretty much everything except country
Actors John Cusack, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zelwieger
Misc. Hello Kitty, Paper, stickers, Becky Kelly, Kate Spade, Origins, Bath-and-Body Works, Bamboo Needles, Chad Pennington, basketball, environmentally friendly stuff, Burts Bees

I hope this helps give you a better picture of me!

VH1 Commercial

I just saw the greatest commercial on VH1 - all you see are women on stairmasters, and they are knitting! You hear "Knit... and purl... C'mon ladies keep on knitting!" Then at the last woman, she is sort of struggling, and you hear "You want to look like Madonna, you're going to have to knit like Madonna... Those sweaters won't knit themselves!" (or something similar) - then it shows the tagline - Celebrity hobbies are getting harder each year. Sounds like VH1.

That's just silly. But there have been good commercials lately - have you seen the one with the guy who licks the blender and it accidentaly goes on? He's off brownies for a while, but gets the fix at Dairy Queen. When I was little I wanted to make silly advertisements like that...

Settling on Projects?

Today I went to fabric place with the intent of finding some sort of lab coat pattern and possibly the fabric to make the coat. My fiancee won me a huge Kermit doll a few years ago and I have decided that Kermit would be an excellent "teacher's assistant" in my science class, so I wanted to dress him up. This will be an adventure - an excellent adventure if I am successful :)

I found the pattern, and the fabric, and even a discount from the lovely lady at the counter when she found out I was a teacher. But that was after I also found 2 circular needles I'll use to make the Broad Street knitty.com mittens for my brothers, and yarn I want to use for my dad's DNA scarf, and Hello Kitty fat quarters.

$70 later I think I can finally get started.

And I still need to post pictures, I know.

Secret Pals

I got my matchup tonight, and while I may not be on "the list" yet, I am just as excited as the other members who are! I think I have some good ideas for my pal already :)

Tomorrow I hope to have pictures of a finished pair of socks (for crying out loud, I have only had to graft together the remaining 10 or so tow stitches for what? two weeks now? how hard can it really be. I just don't like to graft, or kitchener, or whatever it's called) and my progress on my multidirectional scarf, which I am in love with. I may end up keeping this one and making another one as a gift. I also need to research working the Broad Street knitty mittens on two circulars instead of double points because I think it may go faster. And I want to make the DNA cable scarf as a Christmas gift as well. I think. I do a lot of thinking about these things, there needs to be more actual doing.

Note to self: DNA scarf pdf file & Lefty-translations

4 months from this past monday I'll be married!
4 months from today I'll have been in San Francisco and be on my way to my Hawaiian honeymoon!

Kuryeon my Blues Away

Last night I cast on and started my multidirectional scarf - I like this yarn, especially the color(s).  Potential holiday gifts here... Anyway, I had myself scared of short rows but they really aren't so bad! I hope I haven't just jinxed myself with that.

I forgot to mention that last week during sidewalk sales days I wore my Chickami! I was a tad nervous about it, but it was so comfortable.  I impressed my boss with it - "It looks like you could have bought that in a store!" "Look at the detail on the bottom!" (rib)  :)

Random thoughts: So GAP's newest fall "must-have" is a poncho. Will that bring in a slew of new knitters? Or critiques? 

The cover of GQ has Halle Berry in a sexy sort of bikini-type-thing.  My fiancee showed it to me and asks "You can knit that right? You'll knit that right?"  Aside from the fact that I think it's crochet rather than knit and I can't crochet, sure.  Maybe I'll make the "Stitch-n-Bitch" bikini to hold him over.  I am flattered that he thinks I could do that.  He has been telling me lately that he was thrilled when I stopped beading and started knitting.  :)

Mid-summer blues?

I've been bushed lately - I worked more at the store this past week because of sidewalk sales.  It was busy, but at the same time the days just dragged.  I was so pooped that I could barely pick up any knitting.  I think I only knit 2 or 3 rows on my Bottoms Up hat (after finally casting on properly!). 

This funk has not stopped me from purchasing yarn though - I took one of my closest friends http://www.yarnsdownunder.com last week.  She's moving back up the area, so I was helping her find the good spots!  I treated myself to some Noro Kuryeon to make myself a multi-directional scarf ~ I am going to be the scarf queen this year :)  I also picked up a skein of something, which I have forgotten the name of and don't have it here with me... in the store it was used in a sample with cables, and I wanted to try it out... if it works I'll pick a project and buy more.  I also fell in love with "Aura" - but I wanted it in white - I'm thinking that it would make a gorgeous shawl for my wedding (11/26!)  The dress shop ordered extra material to make me a shawl, but this would be a little extra special, right?  Thinking about it, but do I have the time? When school starts up I have so little time for knitting...  Bummer.  Don't get me wrong - I love my job (middle school science teacher), and I'm looking forward to the start of school, but I have enjoyed the knitting time that summer brings.

I also need to buy yarn to make my brothers their Christmas presents - knitty's Broad Street Mittens - I made myself a pair this year using Mexican Wave, but I think my brothers would want something solid color / dark.   I've been checking on elann and just have to decide. 

Frustrated

Last night I was working on my summer bottoms up hat.  The night before it took me 3 times to cast on the right number of stitches with enough yarn.   Anyway last night I realized that I should have cast on with 2 strands not the measly one.  Because you are supposed to drop one, and I can't very well work with a half strand.  Gah.  The bottoms up went flying across the room.  Followed by all the other knitted objects in my grasp - which really was only a pillow, but had I made it to the beer cozies they would have gone too!

Grumble.  I really don't feel like casting on again.

It's probably ok to use one, it would just be more floppy, right?  But I'm a sucker for directions.

Sidetracked

Last Wednesday I went out to this yarn store and to my surprise they were having a "Christmas in July" sale - mostly the funky/novelty yarns for scarves and such.  I took my time picking and choosing but ended up with a skein of black opal lang, 4 skeins of eros (2 that are like a mermaid's tail (blues/greens) and 2 that are more blue/purpley), and 1 skein of the blue "butterfly" or "daisy" yarn by Giardino.  Completely selfish knitting, I am making myself some thin, long summer scarves... because I want to.  :)
 
Sophie has been felted and dried, and I am still debating what to do about the handles.  Pictures will come I promise. 
 
I'll be going to my first knitting meetup this week, with my good friend in tow (not really, because she's looking forward to it as well!)  I'm very excited!

Sophie Update

This morning I was (pleasantly) surprised to see that Georgia was "checking in" on my Sophie status. I finished knitting it, but somehow goofed on the handles I think - hanging from the side of the chair it looks ok, but laying flat I'm cringing... But I want to toss it in the washer to see what happens anyway, and if the only way I can use the bag is off the back of a chair, so be it - I'll make another one and pay attention this time to the hand placement. I thought I followed the directions properly about holding the six stitches on each side... but perhaps not. And I didn't realize until I was "done" either - now I don't know how to fix this without unravelling everything. So I think that I will toss it in the wash and see what happens from there.
Sophie1 Handles

And here's a picture of the fabric I purchased, but don't know what to do with...

I need a bigger oven

I have way too many projects "on the back burner" as it were. I made it out to Fabric place today and bought several needles, yarn for my summer "Bottom's Up!" hat (Classic Elite Flash - Lily Pad), yarn for a pillow, lion brand cotton to make a scrubber and several fat quarters. I also bought some patterns to use on the fat quarters (small bags, small cases, etc) - I don't quilt, I don't sew although I would like to learn. What can you do with fat quarters? I have found these ideas:Tissue Holder and Circular Needle Holder. And according to craftster I could also make a regular needle holder.

The Guilford Handcraft Center Expo happens next week - it's a juried show - always interesting. I haven't been able to attend in the past because I have had to work, but I think this year I may swing through after an appointment.

Future Projects

Yesterday I had to deal with some unexpected car issues (not my car, but I'm doing my parents a favor since I had the time to go up to the dealership) and did not go to the yarn store. Kind of bummed about that, but it will be ok. After I work a few days at the retail shop I'll use my paycheck to treat myself. In the meantime I am looking online for the needles I need just so that I can get started!

This weekend is highly lazy. Everyone is out except for me and my fiance is out of town too! I got a stack of movies from the library (Frida, Raising Victor Vargas, Life as a House, Sopranos Disc1: Season 3) because I'm waiting for Netflix to get the ones I sent back and send me some new stuff!

So, while I watch DVDs I'm going to knit. These are my upcoming projects:

*Finish the mate for the Regia blue / green sock
*Start / finish the mate for the purple Koigu sock
*Sophie!
*Weave in ends on a flower facecloth, block it
*Tea Set (maybe)
*Deco-Ribbon Bag
*Silky Look Cardigan Need the needles for this one, I don't want to work with Susan Bates needles on this one.
*Hat, with yarn sent to me from my Secret Pal, from back in May

My first sock on 2 circular needles, wow this is quick! I started Sunday evening, and will finish the toe tonight!! Yarn: Regia 4-color, (Fabre 5025, Partie 44134)
Posted by Hello

I really am diggin this socks on 2-circular needle dealio. I truly don't feel like I've given more time to this particular sock, although being that it is summer vacation, it's entirely possible. I noticed today that the pattern for the lavender eye pillow from Interweave Knits is on 2-circs as well... Yay! I think that I will treat myself to the yarn for that tomorrow following the car service appointment!

I'm not happy with how this grafting job came out - I think I did it backwards, because there is a ridge at the top.
Posted by Hello

How lucky am I though that in the latest issue of Knitty.com one of the features is about grafting!! Invisible seams here I come. I'll have to try it on the blue-green sock and then whip up the purple sock companion on the 2-circs.

Sideways view of my purple sock - yarn is Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino, Dye Lot #97, Dye Code P305
Posted by Hello

Hi there!

Greetings and Salutations! My first few tests of this new blog are *working* photo posts of some recently finished objects - yay! This seems to be the year of actually getting things done!

My background - I taught myself how to knit back in 2002 because I was determined to knit an afghan for my boyfriend (now fiance, so much for "the curse" - maybe it only applies to sweaters?). From there I went on to smaller projects and am now slowly working my way back up to the big stuff. I am still learning, but I do not mind the practice!

Currently on my needles I've got three different socks in progress. Two of them already have one of the pair completed, so they are halfway done. I've also got a cardigan on the needles, for which the back and one front side are completed. It's just too warm to work with this time of year.

I am a nutmegger, I've been Connecticut just about all of my life, if you overlook 10 weeks I spent in North Dakota, 4 years of college in Rhode Island and 2 years of graduate school in upstate New York. I'm a science teacher to grades 5 - 8, starting summer vacation. This summer I expect to improve my knitting, take up a yoga class and do lots of reading!

Bottoms Up Hat Finished!
Posted by Hello

ChicKami finished!
Posted by Hello

ChicKami in progress
Posted by Hello