Fall!

The weather is starting to turn a little in Michigan. Acorns are falling out of trees onto the pavement like machine-gun fire, it rains in the evening, and the leaves are just beginning to turn. Tracy and I went to the Renaissance Festival last Sunday (another sign of fall), and I took a few pictures:

I've almost turned the second Jaywalker heel, and I'm making slow but steady progress on Petal. I have finally broached the knitting-in-class idea, and so far my profs don't seem to mind. I am still participating, I'm just doing something with my hands (that isn't doodling, playing with my hair, checking my email, or texting). In fact, my acoustics instructor walked past me as I was pulling out my bag and remarked, "Huh. Another knitting linguist." Who'd have thought?

Brian and Beth get married tomorrow, and I am taking my (big bad) camera along. I bought a new (and jeebus! expensive) flash and I can't wait to try it out- the man at the shop (Eric) assures me it's fully auto. That'll be good till I get the hang of it.

Hey, Secret Pal, here's a shot of the soap- the body wash ran out this morning so I am looking forward to giving a full review.

Heartbroken, and other emotions

This weekend was bad. Grandma Mae passed away on Friday, while I was at work. I really wanted to go visit her recently, and I have been thinking about her a lot, but I let stupid things like work and doing dumb stuff on the computer prevent me from driving the whole mile and a half to see her. I suppose it's a wake up call- I only have so much life to do what I want and to spend with the people I care about, and I am not going to live anymore in the service of anyone but me and the ones I love. I am sad because she is gone, but she had a long life and was surrounded by her family. She was the last of her generation in our family, even though she wasn't the youngest. She was a stubborn woman (a stubbornness that granted her ten years of life after beating aggressive breast cancer), so if she thought it was time to go, I believe her. The family has planned a fitting tribute- we're going to rent a hall, eat till we burst, cram some dessert in on top of that, and sit around, looking at pictures and laughing about that time she made grilled cheese sandwiches with the plastic still on the cheese. (But seriously, she was a really good cook, by Midwestern standards. Her magic bars were better than your grandma's.)

So that was tough, and I was already feeling pretty low on Saturday when my sister called to tell me that the dog died. The family dog, my childhood pet, called it quits after sixteen years. She was a good dog, and old. When I look at my puppies (or, rather, when I am being pinned to the ground and kissed by my puppies), I am reminded of the boundless energy she had as a pup. When we adopted her, the previous owners had said that she needed more room to run than they had for her. She was never a particularly athletic dog, but she loved to bound up and down the fence until she was pooped, and then she liked to sleep under the ping pong table in the garage. She never lost her puppy fur, and even as a big old smelly dog, she was still bunny soft, and she loved to be patted on the head. At the end, even my father, who used to joke about giving Angel her "monthly pet" would sit with her and stroke her fur. She was gentle, friendly, and patient. I loved my fuzzhead. I am glad that she lived a long life, but I'm sad to see her go- it's like watching the end of my childhood pass me by.

Secret Pal: I owe you some glamour shots of the soap you sent (I think my husband is going to steal it- he is a soap connoisseur). I've got some progress to show on the Jaywalkers and Petal, but it will wait till I feel like knitting again. Right now I just want to sit around and watch baseball with my family (yes, you heard me- I have watched a number of collegiate and professional sporting events on television. Alert the authorities- I've gone mad!).

Plugging along

The first week of school is ovah! I met some of the other grad students. They seem pretty nice, although they tried to scare me a little about the syntax class I'm taking. It's not going to be hard. I have had syntax before. Minimalist syntax. With a guy who wrote his dissertation on noun phrases.

I'll be okay.

I've been taking the bus when I can to and from work. Dan really wants to fix the Impala's break lights on his own, so I'm letting him fiddle. The Detroit bus system is kinda crappy, but the route I take comes reasonably close to my house and to work. I hate the stigma that the bus is only for the poor and those who have lost their licenses to irresponsibility, but I guess I have to ask myself: will I continue to ride the bus when I have my car back? On one hand, it's damn convenient to drive. But on the other, gas is expensive, and standing at sketchy bus stops at quarter till midnight makes me feel like a badass.

Nevertheless, commute=commuter knitting!

I'm a little sad that the green only appeared near the heel and toe. I think that means there'll be a lot more in the second sock, which will make them similar but not matchy.



This is too much to lug on the bus now. You can see Stefanie's trademark raglan increases, which I really like. I'm almost to the part where I join the body, and let me say, I am not loving the purl rows right now. I think I will ultimately make the sleeves longer than called for in the pattern because I am using a wool blend, but we'll see. Dan and I have been watching the second season of Twin Peaks, and this makes for great mindless knitting.

Blogging from school

Surrounded by kids who think the world is their playground and that their behavior is so adult... and for the most part it is. I don't believe for a second that the lack of restraint is something that fades from most people as they age from just-old-enough-to-drive to office-lackey to middle-management; rather, you have it or you don't, and even if you have it, it's an effort every day to use it. I will say, however, that I prefer the bravado and the boisterous performance of the student union to the weird, silent in-grouping in my speech acoustics class.

But hey: free wifi. We've come a long way since undergrad. I, for one, can't wait to be high enough on the food chain to get an office.

Chicago Anniversary

Dan and I love going to Chicago. It's not so far away, and even after all the trips we've made, there's still a lot of fun touristy stuff we can do. We loved this trip so much we would hope that anyone going to the city would at least check out some of the things we did. You won't be disappointed!

This trip we took the bus, which, despite small setbacks, was a wise choice (and cheap!). I love love loved not having to drive or park in the city. I am a major proponent of mass transit, and I hope that someday Detroit will have something worth riding (but I'm not holding my breath).

We saw the CIA and the Museum of Contemporary Art (free on Tuesday) this time around. I preferred the art institute- the works there are a little more tried-and-true, by my tastes. I really liked the Jeff Wall exhibit, but unfortunately there were no photos allowed. His is the kind of art I would pay to have a real live piece of it in my home. Insightful and disturbing.

We ate at some really tasty restaurants that even our Chicagoan friends hadn't tried. For our anniversary, we got (veggie) fondue at Geja's Cafe- they have half off bottles of wine on Monday. Dan loved the ambiance. Some folks might find the candlelight and cave-like walls cheesy, but we had a blast. Service was lovely (and that means something, coming from a fine-dining server!). We also ate at Cafe Iberico, which had some mighty fine tapas (I didn't dig the paella- but we got the veggie version) and pitchers of sangria. I recommend taking friends here, and be prepared to wait- we stood outside for 30 minutes on a Tuesday. The real gem of our dining experience was Irazu. It was a hole-in-the-wall place in a neighborhood a tourist would probably never go, but I encourage everyone to hop on the blue line and get there! The potato tacos sounded absurd, but I ordered them (and laughed when they came with rice AND plantains- starchy!). They were delicious, delicately spiced morsels, and they were accompanied by a knockout mole and a cabbage and cilantro slaw. Order a plate of potato tacos to share (they're a lot on your own), and on the way out the door, grab an oatmeal shake to go. It's like a liquid cookie and it was the perfect thing to sip as we walked around. And hey- it's got fiber to boot.

And, as in all knitting blogs, here's the obligatory action shot, courtesy of my husband, from the lounge on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building at sunset:

All the yarn I buy in Chicago I get from Loopy Yarns. This time they were way understocked, but I still managed to drop a little cash. They send out birthday coupons for folks on their mailing lists, and they let my use mine two months late. Thanks!


Happy anniversary, babycakes.

Back from Chicago!

And we had a great time. I'll upload photos eventually- they're almost finished. What I do have to show, however, is the cute gift my Secret Pal sent me while I was gone:

Gorgeous! Thanks a lot, pal!

More on this later:

Well, now there's too many

I have cast on too many projects. It happened so fast! I found a ball of red Wool-ease and realized I promised my sister I would make her a devil hat. So I knit the hat, but I need to put on the horns. My friend saw me knitting the hat, and somehow I agreed to knit some children's hats for the women's shelter in Ann Arbor. Then I agreed to test knit Stefanie Japel's new pattern. And my poor Jaywalkers might as well be in that bin with all the sweaters that need their ends woven in.

It's bad. Damn you, Ravelry. I blame Ravelry. Yeah... Ravelry.

Behind the times

No, the blog is up to date, but my taste in projects is way, way behind.

Observe:

I'm taking today for me, so I might just have a finished sock by the end of the weekend!

Finally Raveling

Here. Stop by if you want to- I really want to know who reads the blog!

Holy cow- I won something!

Yeah, so I am the winner of Craft's little birthday contest. How cool is that? I get a t-shirt and an issue of the magazine. Neat!

The play is finally, finally done. Put to bed. The postmortem was last night, and I filled up on pizza and candy and Lenny's lemon punch. We didn't stay late or go out because the girls were spayed yesterday and we wanted to keep an eye on them (read: we wanted to watch them wobble around high as kites). They each have little tattoos now. It's official- I'm less hip than my dogs.

I'm really glad that I threw my record shots in an album, because the photographer never showed with the "official" photos. After a lot of post-processing, these are a few of the pics:

Socks are forth-coming, as is Ravelry and new yarn.

Here we go again!

Hello, Secret Pal! Here's the questionnaire. You might want to flip through the old one, too, if you want to see what I wrote last round (I swear I haven't changed that much). If I may just whisper in your ear a single word to describe my current knitting obsession: socks. That is all.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Right now, superwash wool sock yarn. I am in love! For regular-style knitting, I also like Noro, for the color, and Mission Falls wool, for the hand. Paton's wool for felting. I am open to trying a lot of things, but I shy away from mohair (allergy).

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a couple of needle rolls, and a vase for my straight needles. My circulars are on a hook, and they fall down. A lot.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

It's been a while, a few years? I'm a middle-of-the-road knitter. I fear colorwork, but I can do lace no problem.

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

Amazon and etsy are in the sidebar.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Right now I'm on an essential oil kick. I desperately want soap/lotion that's all natural with EO scents. I really like the combination of grapefruit and mint, as well as ginger.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

CHOCOLATE. I love it. All kinds. I especially like Vosges chocolate with hot pepper in it.

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

I like crochet, photography, candle making. I would like to learn to spin, but I have no equipment and have no idea what I'm doing. :)

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

At the moment: Gogol Bordello, Magnetic Fields, Scissor Sisters, ohmygod. I love mp3s, and I love discovering new music. Bring it on!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

Green, orange, brown. I don't like pink and blue together, and thus avoid all sock yarn and Noro like that (unless it's RED, blue (aqua), and pink, and then it's my kitchen!).

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

I have a husband.



And some monsters.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

No ponchos. It's like drawing a knitted arrow to my (ample) ass.

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

SOCKS. I never thought I'd say it, but there you go. I also love top down raglans- no seaming. Yay!

13. What are you knitting right now?

um, SOCKS. :)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes please.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I prefer cheap ol' aluminum and plastic. Seriously. A big box of grandma's hand-me-downs gives me shivers. I knit mostly with circulars and dpns. I think I could learn to love bamboo, though.

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

Sadly, no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Ugh. Too old. And it predates my knitting career.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween- costumes + candy = bliss. Also, Christmas for the family whirlwind. I don't generally like my birthday because I don't like being the center of attention, and I don't like Thanksgiving because I'm vegetarian.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

White milkglass vases. Someday I'll photograph what I have. It's nothing special- mostly from the Sally Ann, but I like it.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Fitted knits. Knitting Nature. Vintage Socks. Socks That Rock. Hell, any sock yarn, especially handpainted stuff. I have no subscriptions.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Colorwork.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I'm a size 9-9.5. My foot is 9" around at the ball and 9" long. Surprisingly, my feet got smaller when I lost weight. Weird.

23. When is your birthday?

June 10

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I wish. Soon, my pretties. I've already begun the stash organization.

Finished: First Socks

Well, well, well. I told myself that tech week would see the end of these socks, and the recent dearth of reports to edit has left me with enough free time to actually finish them up. Of course, the compulsion to wear them immediately after the ends were woven in didn't last long- it's 95 freaking degrees outside.

No drinking and no smoking makes Veronica knit socks, I guess.

There's even enough left over for a matching pair of wee tiny socks... should we have a use for them around here.

Fleece Artist Nova sock, using the pattern on the ball band
8 stitches=1 inch on Boye size 0 needles (I love love love aluminum needles)

It does not stop because I'm tired.

Oh, August. It's the busiest time of year for me. And here I am, in the middle of tech week for Bye Bye Birdie. It's been going deceptively well- I didn't cry myself to sleep last night, which is a first for a Tuesday of tech. Actually, I have been sleeping in quite a bit lately, and Dan has been kind enough not to disturb me, even if I fall asleep in the middle of conversations or stay asleep till noon and he has to deal with the morning dog mayhem alone. (Un)fortunately, the training for Fusia is only in the evenings this week, so Mike and I are missing it. Oh, well. It's not like we've never waited tables before. It takes a little pressure off, though, knowing I don't have to deal with that this week, and if I were a betting girl, I'd say the official opening is going to get pushed back again, probably for the menu. But I don't know.

I weighed myself this morning: I hit the original goal weight I set for myself. That's 25 pounds in exactly 4 months. I am quite proud of myself, and as soon as the play is over, I am going to get started on weight training and cardio. The treadmill is calling (blecch!). Walking the dogs will also provide some of the exercise I desperately need- I'm a little... doughy.

The socks are almost finished. I have about an inch of foot and then the toe to do. I'll have something to show by the end of the week. It's official- I am a Sock Knitter.

I have SOCK.

Just one. But it's great, and the second one is moving right along.

Also, I have COLD. Blecch.

Note to Self: Performance Art

Some guerrilla theater ideas we came up with (this is mostly for me, so I won't forget):

• Maury Povich: "Oh Jesus, show me that there is a causal relationship between my actions and their consequences!"
• guerrilla theater for parties: blood packs, collapsible knives, and calling cards
  

Busy Busy

This whole work-two-jobs-while-you-start-a-third thing is a little stressful. Each of my days are divided into AM and PM, and each of those shifts is filled with one of the jobs. And it's just going to get more crazy from here on out! Tech week is in two weeks, and if I feel stressed now...

But from the craziness (and despite the humidity) I bring you THIS:

I've cast on three times, but I think the size 0 needles are doing the job. I'm using the pattern on the ball band, despite the vague small-medium-large sizes. I haven't touched it in a few days, but the stress release when I do is awesome. Sadly, it's so good that I usually fall asleep after a couple of rounds.

Yay first sock!

Gypsy law

I'm back from vacation, and feeling quite refreshed. We blew off quite a bit of steam, and I feel like I can get back into real life for a little while. Some images I like:

Happy birthday to you! (don't worry, we bought him a new tent- it is, after all, gypsy law)

Their first swim wasn't a disaster, but it is going to take a little more work. I'm still getting the hang of the new camera, but I've still gotten a few good shots.

I'm almost done with the red spiral top, but there is some finishing stuff I'll do when I feel like (which probably means never- that's my curse). In the meantime, I'm starting a sock!

PS If you wanted to know where the box bag tutorial came from, it's here.

Almost free

Dan and I leave for our little camping trip on Friday (and we're actually going for three days without the dogs!). Even though the quarter is over for my editing job, things have been frantic around here! Since the last post, I have:

• decided on a school
• registered for classes
• left a job
• started a new job
• learned how to use a sewing machine
• and much, much more!

I'll be gone till the fifth, and when I come back I hope to have vacation knitting projects to show. The forecast insinuates that it'll be cool enough to knit with wool, but we'll see about that.

Dear Secret Pal,

Thanks for the lovely birthday gift.

Did you make the cases yourself? They're fabulous (and I'm not just saying that because I have a fear of sewing machines)!

I am totally ready for portable summer knitting now.

I haven't decided how to use the yarn you gave me during the swap, but when I do, expect lots of pictures (I have recently upgraded cameras to the Canon 10d, which will be coming in the mail any day now).

Thanks a lot!
Veronica

Life is good.

The weather has been glorious lately. On my birthday I got to spend some time in the yard with my girls:

And I've even got some knitting to show (and some marigolds, too- the hanging baskets are only five bucks at Meijer right now!):

Have a good day!