Boo-YAH!!!!

Needling Ninjas. Fear Us!

We won!

That Last To Do List

Remains half done. I had more important things to do.

Like knit my Dish Rag Tag cloth and mail it to Emily!

I've never knit so fast in my life. I now know that if my life depended on it I could knit a dishcloth in about an hour. But oh my that hour. Sweat, tears, stress.

And I loved every minute of it. DRT kicks boo-tay!

As for the list... I'll get back to it tomorrow.

New To Do List

1. Chuck the old To Do List
2. Get ready for work
3. Take pictures of projects.
4. Weave in Lillian Ends.

Yay! I'm already halfway done!

Showin' Off

I just want to share my first attempt at a tubular bind off. Not perfect, but I'm pleased with it.



Extreme close up taken a nano-second later so I have no idea why the color variation is so wild:

although this is closer to the true color.

I'm really glad I listened to my knit gut on this. As I neared the end of the ribbing I just knew I could not use a usual bind off. I hated the thought of tubular bind off (it takes a little more effort), but in the end it's worth it.

I say again, I am not a fearful knitter. Just a lazy one. (Ok, that was mainly for the knit missionary at Knit Nite.)

To Do List

1. Mail prize yarn to Andrea.
2. Block dishcloth for swap ('yeah, I'm blocking a dishcloth)
3. Draw up a schematic for a "design" I'm toying with.
4. Find a stitch pattern for said design.
5. Stop plurking and actually knit.
   

ETA:

6. Sew button on bib.
7. Sew buttons on Little Sister's dress ('cause I've been putting that off since August.)

Groupie

I'm in 28 groups on Ravelry and I'm not active in one of them.

Still, I can't bring myself to leave them. I feel like having them there on my profile let's folks get a peek at my personality.

Am I crazy?

Wait, don't answer that.

Can You Believe I've Been Anxiously Awaiting This Since Last Friday?

Friday Fill In!



1. One week ago I tried my first Friday Fill-in.

2. I taught my self to knit and crochet when I was young.

3. Mama told me there'd be days like this.

4.Nuthin' but you and me.

5. Take your time and smell the roses.

6. This too will pass! (which can be inspirational or keep you humble. A great phrase for every situation.)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sitting on my butt and knitting/crocheting, tomorrow my plans include more derriere sitting/knit/crochet and football and Sunday, I want to continue the trend and be a slug/knit/crochet/watch football! (I believe this was last week's weekend plan as well.)

Prayerful Meditation

Blessed are you, O Knitter, Spinner of the Yarniverse, may it be Your will that the tubular cast on I shall soon attempt be successful. May it also be Your will that the sleeves for which the bind off is intended are not tight. May the circulation continue in my limbs. May I be blessed with a beautiful sweater at the end of the journey. May my vision be clear and my stitches even. Praised are You, O Knitter, who brings forth sweaters from the needles.

Twitter Is For The Birds

(Or, Reassessing my Cyberpriorities)

• I may have jumped the gun in April. I'm rethinking plurk. Yeah, I'm still not a huge fan of the karma, but I do enjoy it over there. If you think you might want to check it out, drop me a line, I'll send you an invite (and ok, I confess, I get some karma out of it.)
• Facebook-Still for Offspring stalking, but my poor pet is neglected.
• Crochetville-meh
• Ravely-seriously...duh!
• New addition: many moons ago I started a yahoo group: Crochet_KnittingThoughts. We were pretty active. And then I got some wild hair, or imagined some slight...hell, who knows, I'm an oversensitive moe-ron.... and left. Well, I wheedled an invitation and re-joined. So, I'm reconnecting.

In completely random news: Thanks to size 15 (10 mm) needles and a three hour meeting at work, I'm almost done with a charity scarf. I will be writing the skein down in the notebook.

Attention Readers

If you haven't seen it already, go now and read Andrea's comment on the mini-contest winner announcement.

Now! Go!

Proof That My Fiber Was Overweight

As if I didn't know I needed a yarn diet, it really hit home last night.

One of the ladies at Knit Nite is working on the Pi Shawl. Every time she pulls it out to work on, I admire it. So last night I decided I really want to give it a shot.

The problem was, after questioning her about yarn and yardage, I didn't think I had any yarn. Obviously buying some was out of the question. I kind of sulked and worked on a dishcloth the rest of the evening.

Eventually the conversation turned to Malabrigo. (Some in our group are slaves to it, others of us are lukewarm, one loathes the stuff.)

I'm glad it did. I remembered I had several (er... 6) skeins of gorgeous royal blue laceweight* in my stash. Seriously, so far there hasn't been a pattern I didn't have the yarn for. That is too much yarn indeed.


*Who buys 6 skeins of laceweight with no project in mind? I chalk it up to the fumes.

Oh Snap!

Not that it's really important, but I wanted to give a few stats on the mini-contest.

15 folks entered.
1 guessed correctly
a couple thought it was a trick.


And I still haven't officially sewn the button on.

Ding Ding Ding!! Winner! Winner!

The mini-contest has ended! The mini-contest has ended! And the winner is........................


Andrea! (Every time I announce a winner, I picture Kermit the Frog announcing the acts on the Muppet Show....Ladies and Gentlemen: Miss Julie Andrews YAAAAAAAY...arms waving.)

*ahem* Anyhoooo. Andrea, e-mail me your address and I'll get the yarn out to you by Saturday.

For the record, I'll be using a red button. Since Deneen guessed correctly, I hope she send me her addy too so I can send her a little something.

Addendum-Mini Contest

I will use good ol' random.org to pick a winner. Basically, you guess, you get on list. Two lists, actually since I'll add you to the commentapalooza contest list, too.

We Interrupt This Contest For a Mini-Contest

The comment contest is still on, but I wanted to run a mini one in the meantime.

1. Look at this picture:



2. Um...actually look at this one, the lighting is better and gives a more accurate idea of color:



3. Now, guess what color button I'm going to put on it and leave your guess in the comment box. Sorry, only one guess per person.

4. The contest will end tomorrow (9/21/09) at midnight CDT. Winner will be announced sometime Tuesday afternoon.

5. Winner receives these (yeah, BOTH of them!):


On the left:
Cascade Heritage Sock Yarn
437 yards/400 meters
75% Merino Superwash/25% Nylon
Color 5614 (purpler than it looks in the picture.)

On the Right:
Fibranatura YUMMY
370 yards
100% Superwash Merino
Color 41354 (Pot dyed and no purple in it despite what you see in the picture. Just shades of green.)

Need Help

Yes m'dearies, I need your opinions again. I cannot make decisions on my own and I know it's annoying, but I appreciate everyone's help. :-)

I think I found the pattern for my prize yarn. Click here. What do you think? Yes? No?

And yes, commenting on this post still counts as an entry :-)

Not Quite As Requested

I think y'all will still be pleased, though.

Some readers asked for picture of more of the Prairie Blanket. I tried.

PBAS- Wimp Out

Please note: the word "skein" is overused in this post. If you have an aversion to the word or poor writing, you may want to skip this one.

No, no. I didn't buy yarn. I'm just rethinking my counting. I have a difficult time keeping up with the skeins I'm using. I thought about not reporting skein usage.

I'm pretty sure the last count was 7. Since then I'm pretty sure I used 2 skeins on Lillian and one skein on some bibs...so that puts me at 10 (I think.) The only place I was really keeping up with it was here. I'd finish a skein and just keep going. It's not in my nature to stop what I'm doing to take note of the skeins. KnitMeter is wonderful 'cause I can just stick my numbers in there and the program does all the work. Unfortunately, there is no program like that for skeins.

The thing is I'd really like to be able to say "I used x skeins of yarn" when this is all over and done. So I'm not ready to just chuck the counting yet. I'm going to keep a notebook near my knitting/kitty snuggling spot (it's a multipurpose area) and mark it down when I finish a skein. That I can manage. Stopping everything to get on the computer to blog it, not so much.

I'll start with 10. I've used 10 skeins.

Stylin'

Two new items arrived in my wardrobe this week.

A royal blue monogrammed polo:



This was made especially for me because I always sit with the band at the football games. I can't wait to wear it next Friday! (That's our school emblem, btw.)

Hub-a-dub and Offspring will be traveling to Tampa next week for the Bucs/Bills game. He bought a jersey for Offspring and I asked him to get one for me. He kindly obliged (mainly 'cause he didn't want to hear me whining.)


Now I have an Adrian Peterson jersey for game day!

Bandwagon, Lemming It's All the Same: Friday Fill-In

I've tried Thursday 13, but I can never come up with 13 things. Maybe I'll be better at this.

1. My car is battered and bruised.

2. Yom Kippur is coming up next.

3. Lately, things seem wet.

4. Behind my computer is one of my favorite 'hiding' places.

5. What happened to the Buffalo Bills?

6. Losing weight is not impossible!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sitting on my derriere, tomorrow my plans include football, duh and Sunday, I want to continue to sit on my bum and watch football!

Happy Post!

It was another "day", but I'm not going to wallow in negative feelings (though it is one of the few things I'm really good at....it's a gift, if I do say so.) I'm going to act-cen-tchu-ate the positive.

First up: YARN!!!


Remember that I said I won a contest? This was the prize! How's that for flippin' sweet? And I so needed a pick-me up. A bright one at that 'cause it's been gray and rainy for days (*wrist slap* Just positive things!) I just love this color: Flamingo Stripes. I'm in love. Now I have to find the perfect pattern for it. (Right now, I am seriously considering a shawl.) I just love the card, too. I'm going to take it to work and hang it where I can see it. It just cheers me up.

I haven't gotten over the knitting blahs completely, but I have seen a reduction of symptoms. I decided to just knit on through it. I know for some folks, they find it helpful to just put the knitting down for a bit and wait until the mojo returns. If I do that, suddenly it's been 6 months since I knit something, I become cranky as hell and I end up killing someone. So really, it's best I plow through it. Otherwise I may end up rotting in jail for murder. I'm working on the Lillian Tank. Boring, but hard to mess up. Nothing hurts lack of mojo-itis more than a royal screw up.

And I also joined Project Spectrum about a year late. The focus for September (which I am aware is halfway finished) and October is blues and greens. I've got several skeins in blue shades and I'm feeling inspired!

Also in the good news department:

• I came up with a brilliant idea for swap gifties (which shall remain seekrit* in case any swap members are reading.)
  
• Tomorrow is Friday!
• There are some great football games on Saturday.

*thanks to bubblesknits for the spelling. I've been dying to use it since I first saw it on her blog.

Suckfest

It's raining.
I'm freshly showered.
I'm in my warmy toasty jammies.
Good music is playing.


And I have nothing to knit. (Well, I do, but nothing that thrills me.)

Ok, I'm All Titled Out

I just can't think of one. (I'm pretty sure it's a rule somewhere that says that as a blogger, you have to have at least one post with a "I can't think of a title disclaimer.") I guess I should go ahead and warn you I can't think of any content, either. I just feel the need to prattle.

Do I sense a mish-mash?

Hardly. Even mish-mash has some semblance of order.

The knitting blahs have arrived at Casa Lazy. They arrived quickly and without warning. I had perfectly good mojo Sunday and Monday while knitting these:

(as usual, please ignore poor picture quality. If you're wondering, it's the Log Cabin Washcloth)

And then today while getting ready for knit nite I was bombarded with "meh." I had no idea what projects to take. I worked a few repeats of my Sweet Lorraine scarf and called it a night. I was home by 7:45.

I need to make an effort tomorrow to work on my ugly socks and Lillian tank. Maybe that will help. Tonight I'm just to tired.

Side Effects May Include

The Yarn Diet is really not that bad. It's not even like it's a diet. It's more like I'm catching up with my queue. I did not expect the mail to get so boring, though! Pretty much circulars and bills. No packages of yarn to look forward to. No patterns arriving. To alleviate the postal boredom I've considered joining some swaps.

That's dangerous thinking.

In my experience one of the following is bound to occur: either I get burned or I unintentionally burn someone. I can deal with getting burned. Flakes exist. I accept that. But I can't stand the guilt when I get my package (on time.) I'm miserable as I open the box (and remove more and more surprises.) I'm speechless as I try to convey to my partner how much I enjoyed the gifts.

If you are ever cursed to swap with me, this is what will happen:

• your package will be mailed by the absolute latest moment (or even a day or two late.)
• The "extras" will be minimal and boring.
• The presentation will be sloppy and slapdash. And forget about color coordinated...ain't happenin'.
  

So here I sit, wondering if I should or shouldn't go looking for a swap.*

* I have joined the 12 Dancing Dishcloths on Ravelry and I'm already beginning to panic. Knitting the dishcloths is not the problem, but what "extras" to include?

Boom Boom OW

Graphic Photo Below! Be Warned!

They really shouldn't let me out. Walking is not one of my strengths. Behold the damage that occurs when I step off a sidewalk:



And the worst part? I tore my pants, about twenty students saw it and my boss was right there. Seriously, just call me grace.

To Clarify...

Any comment will get you on the list. It doesn't matter to me if it's a comment on a new post or one previous to the contest announcement. A comment is a comment, I say. Also, your name goes on the list every time you comment. Comment twice, your name goes on twice. :-)

I Won Something!

This never ever happens!

Apparently I won some yarn over at pjbknit. Should I feel guilty about it? Since I didn't buy it, I can still say I've stayed on my diet, right?

I promise I did not support her cause just for the yarn. (In fact, I didn't even realize it was a contest. I should read more carefully.)

Contest Announcement!

It's going to be a simple one, folks. Every time you comment on the blog between now and midnight CDT on September 30 your name will be placed on a list. On October 1st, I will let Random.org choose a winner.

The prize?

5 skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Spray. A $70 value...for free!

State of The Blog Address

My fellow Blogericans and Blogadians (We're all inclusive at Casa de Lazy, you know.)

The page visit numbers are dropping.

Subscribers are down.

A contest is in order.

Stay tuned for details, but the prize will be YARN. (Good stuff, too....)

Ketchup

Lots of things to report, just a mish-mash really (you know you love them.) Needless to say, I am loving the long weekend. It started at the football game. I just got silly with one of my colleagues. I don't know how it happened, but I agreed to a dance off with this guy during the Homecoming pep-rally (complete with dance crews.) This should be interesting: An almost 40 year old woman who can't dance vs. a 25 year old hip young man who's got some moves. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks to the Minnesota/Syracuse game (go Golden Gophers!) I finally finished the prairie blanket.



I've got about a skein and a half of the yarn left so I think I'll make some baby bibs with it. I really don't wan't to deal with decimals again, so I'm going to wait until I finish up the half skein before I add it to the total.

I did, however, finish a dishcloth and a mini-grandma's favorite which I can add to the total. (Which is now 7 skeins)


The results of the poll are in. Yards was the winner (which I notice is a bigger number so I like that. Yay progress inflation!)

As mentioned above, football has begun. The Crimson Tide just about killed me last night, but they did pull off the victory so things are good.

So is that it? I think so. At least, that's all I can think of right now. Knit Nite is looming and I have to figure out which project I'm going to work on.

A Breakthrough

I was beginning to think I would never see it in my lifetime, but I am nearing the end of the prairie blanket. I only have 50 some odd stitches left to decrease. I've developed a love/hate relationship with the thing. I love the product, but at this point I am so flipping tired of the thing I can't wait to be done with it.

The same thing happened when I knit that blanket for the Stray. I really should avoid knitting blankets. I just can't help myself. At least I can say I used another skein of yarn. My total for skeins knitted is 6. (I've got to figure out where to put my skein totals for easy reference. Right now I'm having to go back to old posts.)

In other news, I am so glad it is Friday and that there is a long week-end. If you are anywhere near my school this afternoon, watch out! I will be burning rubber as I peel out of the parking lot.

Dear Passive Aggresive Starbuck's Manager,

I do not know why you do not like our knitting group. You were part of it once. I am sorry you can no longer attend because you are working. (As an aside, you should be glad you have a job. Some people don't.) We spend money in your store every week. We clean up after ourselves and we really aren't very loud. Why do you turn up the music during the course of the evening?

When we arrive things are nice. The volume is perfect. We can talk. We can hear each other. Within and hour, though, you've changed the channel from classical music to reggae (and you choose reggae every week.) Approximately every 10 minutes the volume is increased until it is almost deafening. We have kindly requested that it be turned down on numerous occasions to no avail.

Needless to say, some of us have begun to leave early (which may have been your goal.) Others of us are considering not even coming anymore.

You may be assured that your company has been notified about our negative experience and we are currently looking for other locations.

Thank you,
Disgruntled, Deaf and Darn Mad

Dear Self,

I am writing to tell you to stop getting on the computer past 9 PM. It's just not good for you. One thing leads to another and the next thing you know it's 10 PM. Most importantly, don't even open Facebook....especially if it's 10. Someone is bound to chat you and then you are up until 11. Even when you do get off at 11, your mind is filled with ideas from the chat and ravelry and you can't sleep.

I love you, self, I am not trying to control you (well, maybe.) I just want the best for you.

Since we are on the subject of computers. Do not click any links that say "etsy." You know you are trying to control your knit shopping habit. No, stitch markers aren't part of your verboten list. Yes, yes I know everything here is darling, but you don't need any stitch markers. Ok, at least wait 12 hours. See if you still want the lobsters then.

Love,
Self.

I Was Going to Post

But then I decided I'd rather knit. I'm trying to finish the prairie blanket. I am beginning to hate it. I'm really wondering if I should give it to anyone for the purpose of swaddling a baby. I've knitted so much stress/anger/negative vibe into it that I'm afraid a baby wrapped in it would become very cranky indeed.

Despite how long it's taking me and the annoyance at finishing I'm learning a lot* from this blanket.

• There is a special place in hell for the inventor of p2togtbl and the designers who use it.
• Cotton, even a cotton blend is heavy.
• I really didn't need to use a size 6 needle. 7 or 8 would have been better. This is one dense blankie.
• Baby Hats are faster than blankets and from now on I'll keep those in stock instead.
• YO sucks. You are guaranteed to forget at least one and then you'll have to rip back to fix it.
• I reiterate: YO sucks. I hate them.
• I need to remember that PMS and knitting do not mix.
• I need to remember that my PMS lasts approximately 28 days.
  

Well look at that. I guess I did post.

*add "a lot" to the list of annoying words. An English teacher I work with hates it when the students use it.