Gratuitous Kitty

Ok...this is a blog entry to feature my kitty Keegan since I happened to take a pretty good picture of him for once.

He is a pretty lovable kitty although he bites and gets into things way too much. He loves going in kitchen cabinets and getting my attention by hanging on my clothes and waking me up at 6am in the morning.

Sounds like a bad kitty, well he is, but I love him for it.

Finished Object: Lady Eleanor Stole

Drum Roll Please.....may I present, Lady Eleanor!!!



(Click on image for larger view)


Yarn: Noro Silk Garden - Color way 205 and 213
Inspiration: Scarfstyle Book
Needles: Size 10.5
Yardage: 9 balls = 1098 yards + a little more, probably 1150 yards
Enjoyment Factor (1 to 10): 9.9 - The Good: Entrelac was a wonderful experience that made me feel like a seasoned knitter and knitting with Silk Garden was wonderful. The Bad: The yarn was expensive, this sucker is LLLLOOOONNNGGG
Time: June 30 - July 22 (approx. 3 weeks)



Ok, finally it is under 100 degrees outside (approximately 82F) so I figured it was time to post for Lady E. This was a really well written, easy pattern. I thought it would be mind boggling looking at how detailed everything looks but once you get going it goes by in no time. The pattern was also easy to memorize. I was a little disappointed after I blocked it as I blocked it too tight so it lost some of its rustic appeal, but I love it none the less. I think Lady E. was also an inspiration for me cleaning my patio because you have to have something elegant while knitting outside...right? Now if it only dropped below 95+ this weekend....

Feng Shui Weekend

Wow, this weekend has been highly productive and very good for my Feng Shui. I have gotten so much done and enjoyed the silence of the weekend with no where to be except where I want.

I did have a personal project this weekend and that was to redo my patio area. I was so eager to get started I forgot to take before pictures. Suffice it to say that it did not look as good as it does now. The mission was to redo the patio and stay within a $40.00 budget. Well that proved harder than I thought.





How I was Good - I found so many things at HomeGoods that I normally would have bought without hesitation but had to put back. All in all, I bought 5 houseplants - that I adopted from the unwanted bin for $.49 each, a table, and 5 plants for outside, 2 of which are flowering so they may be the first to die.





I also lucked out when the OSH guy gave me an extra bag of potting soil. Today I will take back the bag I actually bought and get my $7.99 back. I also got a break since the Dollar Store had nice $1.00 pots!


How I was Bad - I did the math and discovered that I had overspent by $10.00 despite all my good intentions. And with Murphy's Law in effect I got a notice from our apartment building that they are restuccoing the outside of our buildings so everything on the walls and balcony will have to be moved off for 3 weeks. Can you believe it? I finally am inspired to make my patio look nice and wammo they are redoing the STUCCO!!! Well, I might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Damn Internet!!

OK...if this doesn't work then I give up.


This is the third time I am writing this post. The first time it was gone because I was checking pictures, second time was because I tried to use spell check, so here is the bulleted version of what I was going to say


1. Lady E. complete. Will post pictures when it is not 100+ degrees outside. It is steadily 80+ in the house with the air conditioning on, so you can see my hesitation in modeling Lady E.



2. Casted on for Lelah Top, Odessa Hat, and Perdita Wristlets. Yes, I have become a polygaknitter. See links to the right if you want pictures


3. Knitting with beads is not that hard but understanding the instructions so that you don't have to frog it 3 time is.




4.Here are some pictures of me out with some friends drinking tea in 100+ degree weather a few weekends ago.
Damn English tea is expensive!! Didn't know a lunchable size meal could cost 27 dollars and I didn't even get a Juicy Juice!!!

Did you also notice the Red Hat Lady Tea cozy? Either someone is telling me I am headed to a life of excentric spinsterhood or that I am destine to be a weird cat lady who gets eaten by cats (single female, with two cats, knits, and goes to tea...you do the math).


Ok...if you see this post that means this has actually worked out for me. Third time is a charm!

Who knew I was so powerful?

You scored as Jean Grey. Jean Grey is likely the most powerful X-Man. She loves Cyclops very much but she has a soft spot for Wolverine. She's psychic so she can sense how others are feeling and tries to help them. She also has to control her amazing powers or the malevolent Phoenix entity could take control of her and wreak havok. Powers: Telekinetic, Telepathic Jean Grey 80% Cyclops 75% Rogue 75% Iceman 60% Colossus 55% Storm 45% Emma Frost 45% Gambit 45% Wolverine 45% Beast 30% Nightcrawler 20% Most Comprehensive X-Men Personality Quiz 2.0 created with QuizFarm.com

I am in LOVE...

I absolutely love my Lady E. Stole. Not done yet, but the closer I get the more I love her. I had a lot of reservations...the colors were too bright, the stole was too large, but I am already ready to cuddle up with her. The only problem is that she is now consuming every wakin moment of my life. I have to schedule my working out and eating around my quest to get back to the knitting. Must knit faster so that I can go back to my regular no obsessive knitting (as though that exists). The only problem is that it will be WAY too hot to actually wear her for at least 5-6 months. Must go somewhere cold so I get good use out of here sooner.

Since I have been inspired though, I think I will move on to the Lelah pattern with some modifications to add sleeves since I just got a great deal on some Queensland Llama Seta (80% Alpaca 20% Silk)for $4.00 a ball at Tall Mouse (which is like a Michael but with really good yarn like Noro with the occasional 40% off coupon). I was very excited since I have not bought any red yarn before. Should be fun.

Saved By The Lady Herself....

(Click on Image for Larger View)





So it has been a loooooonnnng time since my last post. This is mainly because I have not been knitting. I know! A knit blogger who has not been knitting? Yes! I am a seasonal knitter. I admit it. When the weather is 95+ nearly everyday the urge to knit mysteriously escapes me. But, I have come back in the middle of the blazing heat to knit Lady Eleanor. I have been wanting to knit this stole for some time but couldn't justify the expense of the Noro Silk Garden or thought the Entrelac pattern would be too much of a challenge. However, anticipating the 10+ hours car ride to Eureka last weekend and having got my first two balls of Silk Garden for $6.89. I figured I would start. And she has been addicting ever since. Lady Eleanor has possibly saved me from the knitting abyss that is summer. She has also helped me to knit in public at my local coffee shop so that I can commune with people and knit too.

Thanks Lady E!

Knitting in China

So I apologize for not updating my blog since the Olympics. After the Olympic push, which I did not finish of course or else I would be posting like a Champion as opposed to sulking and putting my interest into another project and activity completely.


Since the Olympics, I turned 29 , had my first surprise birthday party ever, had my second birthday party ever, and decided to visit Beijing, China for my 29th Birthday. I figure I will celebrate out my Twenties and into my Thirties, when supposedly I have to start making those grown up, lifelong decisions!!!


You can read about my adventures at my travel Blog Black Travels - A Travel Blog

I always new I had superhero tendencies

You Are Catwoman

"Life's a bitch. Now so am I."

What Superheroine Are You?

...but never new I was catwoman. Now that it has been revealed to me I kinda like it. Given I like the Michelle Pfeiffer version better than the Haley Berry version but I could definitely live with Haley's body.


Hey...Catwoman...just thought about it. My side kicks Kira and Keegan who are my cats. Hmmm...their powers. Kira had superkittie laziness but is quite intelligent, choosing to act only when absolutely necessary in her best interest.


Keegan has superkittie litter poo and can drop a bomb that would make you clear the room. He also tends to bite a little and disappear into the weirdest places.



This is my superhero team! Now if I just had superspeed I could turn back time and have more of it to finish by Olympics knit. No news on that front because it is sooooooooo pitiful.

KO Day 4: Must Remember the Pledge

Total Hours Knitting: 0 hours
Total Rows Completed: 0


Sorry there has been no knitting content as of late, since there has been no knitting at all. I have been too exhausted to pick up needles every night. I just have way too much to do. But I have resolved that today I will get right back into the swing and get by knitting booty in gear...I still have 9 days plus some hours. However, I shall also remember the pledge that I committed too before the start of the games. Below was directly from the Yarn Harlot:


The Knitting Olympics Athletes Pledge

I, a knitter of able hands and quick wits, to hereby swear that over the course of these Olympics I will uphold the highest standard of knitterly excellence.

I will be deft of hand and sure of pattern, I will overcome troubles of yarn overs and misplaced decreases. I will use the gifts of intelligence and persistence (as well as caffeine and chocolate) and I will execute my art to the highest form, carrying with me the hope for excellence known to every knitter.

I strive to win. To do my best, and to approach the needles with my own best effort in mind, without comparing myself to my fellow knitters, for they have challenges unique to them.

While I engage in this pursuit of excellence and my own personal, individual best, I also swear that I will continue to engage with my family in conversation, care for my pets, speak kindly with those who would ask me to do something other than knit, and above all, above every stitch thrown or picked, above every cable, every heel stitch, every change of colour, I swear this:

That I will remember that this is not the real Olympics, that I'm supposed to be having fun and that my happiness and self-worth ride not on my success....

but on my trying.

KO DayThree and Four: Knitting Hokie Pokie

Total Hours Knitting: 6 hours
Rows Completed: -6 (I knit 6 and ripped them out)


So the past two days I have been playing the knitting hokie pokie with my Olympics project.


You knit four rows in...
You frog four rows out...
You knit two rows in...
Then you purl it all around...
You drop a stitch a few row
and you cry and then you shout
That's what it's all about!


So I knit 6 rows of the Chart 1A and came up with 54 stitches on one side and 58 stitches on the other. This was bad since they are supposed to be the same, but even worse because I was supposed to have 59 stiches on both sides. ARRRRRRRRRGH!!! But if you want to check where I am in the pattern see KO DAY TWO


So basically I have lost a day of knitting AND I have quite a bit to do in my non-knitting life so I am falling behind more and more. Must remember....this is just for fun....

KO Day Two: Still not enough knitting

Total hours knitting: 5
Rows completed: 23 rows (Finished chart One)

So I was exhausted this morning as I stayed up until 3am on Friday and work up at 8am this morning for a haircut appointment. It was good though because it got me started with my errands and chores. Cleaning house, grocery shopping....but sadly no knitting. It kept looking at me, taunting me, but I had to have clean clothes and a clean house to feel good about the knitting that was to come.


I also did some volunteer work at a transitional home for homeless people and their kids. My friend started a volunteer group where we do crafts with them, mainly knitting. I arrived a little late but it was fun once we got the hang of it. It was only an hour, but it was great. Everyone was excited and wondering when we will return. I did other knitting but still no peacock knitting.


I finally started back on the shawl around 7pm. I got the bright idea to color code my pattern which has helped immensely with following the various slash sections of the pattern. It was another late night though so I have to sleep in tomorrow.

KO Day One: The Olympic Beginnings, Peacock is calling

Total hours knitting: 4
Rows completed: 28 (if you count the frogging 45)


I symbolically casted on 2 stitches exactly at 2pm. I then, with pattern in hand took a lap around my workplace first floor showing my knitting coworkers my finally KO project. During the processional, I was told my my fellow knitter that they too were joining for the good of the country. One is doing a baby sweather top down. She is an excellent knitter but has limited time to participate. The other is conquering her own challenge with a drop stitch scarf.


Then life got in the way. Normally, I am an unengaged homebody with oodles and oodles of time to knit. Then life snuck up on me.


I didn't leave early as I thought I would, I then went to Salsa class which was very fun and didn't get home until 10pm. 8 hours of knitting lost to a wonderful night out.


I then began knitting, making excellent progress when (1) my kitty tripped on my yarn, snapping it it two pieces, which meant mending it back and (2)I wasn't using lifelines at the time and on row 17 I had to frog back due to a mistake. Needless to say, leason learned and lifeline inserted.

The countdown is here...1 Day, 6hrs and counting

I don't think I could be as nervous or in as much anticipation if I was a real US Olympian. I feel as though I am on the starter blocks of the 400yrd race - Not quite as fast as the 100yrd but still goes by pretty quick.


My pattern is staring at me daring me to start...just daring me. I keep debating on whether to take half the day off tomorrow. I just got my pattern and yarn a few days ago as I decided to change my mind again and go back to my original idea of the Peacock Feathers Shawl. I was all ready to do the sweater when I saw that I had actually signed up with Yarn Harlot to do the Shawl. Once I saw that I was committed, no turning back.


The pattern is a little daunting as I have never had to read a chart before, let alone backwards. I will be using lots of lifelines and calling on the goodness of (1) my local knitting shop - Alamitos Bay Yarn Co. and (2) my local SNB Long Beach for both advice and moral support.


I also found some kindred spirits as we are not only on the same team (Team Lace USA) but running the same race (Peacock Feathers Shawl)
Allison - Peacock Feathers Shawl
Felicia at sweetgeorgia - Peacock feathers shawl
Jeanne - Peacock feathers shawl
Lisa A. - Peacock feathers shawl

In order to finish this, I will have to knit 17 rows a day. This might not sound hard but in the end the shawl is 88" in with and has 240+ rows which means those last few days are going to be a bitch to knit my quota. I can do this....I can do this....just breathe!!

Yarn Brings a Family Together

So a lot has happened over the week that I have not had time to blog about.


First great thing, I met the Long Beach Stitch and Bitch Group on Wednesday. I found out about them from a fellow blogger and had to meet some local knitsters. It was absolutely wonderful. It was nice just getting together with some other people in the area to discuss everything knit and much much more. Can't wait for next Wednesday or the Wednesday after that or....


Second,I finished my Clapotis scarf/shawl. I will post pictures soon.


Third, Tall Mouse is having a Super Bowl sale. Today was 20% off your purchase and tomorrow is 40% off one item. This is where my family comes in. I have enlisted everyone, including my 10 year old niece to buy me yarn tomorrow as the 40% off coupon is for one person, one visit, one receipt. I may be late to the game, but I just discovered the Tall Mouse, which is in between a yarn shop and a Michaels. They have Noro and Louisa Harding Angora yarn so I must break my stashbusting and increase the stash. I already did by buying more yarn at $1.99.





I am so bad...


Lastly, I got my Peacock Shawl yarn today in the mail and am just waiting for the pattern to land in my mailbox. The color was not really what I expected, a little more plain blue than I thought, but it will do.


So that is the weekly update of all things knit..

Boys and Knitting

So I was knitting during lunch today...preparing for the Olympics by testing my lunchtime knitting strategy. Bring Lunch, bring laptop to conference room, save a Netflix movie only to be watched at work, and knit for an hour. I figure this will give the edge when the time comes. While enjoying my knitting, the boys (my team at work) decided to visit.


It started with the word "Knitty" which you can only imagine what that rhymes with. Then the amazement with how I was knitting with just two sticks, and then what was that thing in the middle (the wire from the circulars), and why did I need that. It was absolutely hilarious listening to talk about yarn. Here you can see what happens when the average boy tries to knit....

May I present the Knitty Committee...

So these are the knitty committee members. They were wonderful enough to pose for our group picture.





We meet once a month at work to knit during lunch. But knit talk happens every other day of the week, especially if we are sporting our new knitted attire. All the guys at my job stop by to ask (1) What the hell we are doing (2) Pretend as though they aren't interested (3) Try and convince us that they would also knit if it included beer consumption and (4) Ask us to either knit them a sweater or a vest out of Kevlar (bullet proof material). Just like a group of boys


This month we are doing a scarf swap and some will be donating to the Knit for the Cure so we are keeping busy. These are truly my knitting sisters. Knit on ladies!

My Olympic Event has Changed...but my Teams Allegiances Stay the Same

So I was going to knit the Peacock Feathers Shawl, but who was I kidding. My first time knitting in lace and finishing a shawl that measures about 80" in straight lace. Not even I am that delusional...well...


So I decided to look a little further and found this round neck lace pullover from one of my knitting magazines, Filatura di Crosa Fall/Winter 2004 Collection.





This is the magazine where I got my shrug idea from too. This will still provide quite a bit of challenges as (1) I have never done lace (2) I have never done this level of finishing (2) I have not yet finished a sweater. This will also allow me to bust some stash by using my Rowan Felted Tweed yarn for the top portion. The bottom may require new yarn though.


I was also happy to bring the Knitting Olympics out of the cyberworld to the LYS knitting world in Orange County. It is funny how close knit (hee hee check the pun) the online world is...so much so that I forgot that some people don't even know about the Knitting Olympics. I told the shop owner at my local LYS and she said she was going to check it out.

I also have a special thanks for JenLa for granting my request for a Stashbusting Team Button.




This is my goal for this Olympics as well. I am glad I have all my online buddies to keep me company.

Creativity Validated!!

Oh happy day. I have to admit the day started out pretty crappy. Just a lot of unfortunate events culimating into a slightly bad attitude. I don't think anyone else noticed but I was not feeling very perky today.


One main reason was that I thought I lost my keys since I had not seen my main set since Sunday. I was kinda okay with it until I realized this morning that it would cost over $100 to replace my apartment and mail keys. I said because this is going to cost me an arm and a leg. So I resolved to find them by doing a full cleaning of my house. I ended up finding them under a pot holder in a drawer...very random. However, this did allow me to open my mailbox which had two VERY good things:


1) The two balls of yarn I need to finish my clapotis. This was a stashbusting project that I had to buy more yarn to bust. Kinda contradictory but what are ya gonna do.


2) I just found out the my photograph was selected as a finalist for the Photographers Forum Best of College Photography Annual 2006. Here it is if you want to see it. Out of 28000 photographs mine was in the top 5%. Who would have guessed? I will get published, for the first time, and could even win the 1st through 4th prize. Wish me luck because if I win, I am using my winnings to go to Stitches West 2006 in Santa Clara!

Ohhh The Shame....I am Knitting Fugly

So I was searching around on knit blogs...which I have been doing way too much lately when I stubble upon You Knit What?, which is a blog that points out the uglier side of knitting. I don't mean knitting needle injuries or LYS hiests...no I mean the ugly patterns that show up in Knitting magazines and yarn websites. Well, while going from post to post laughing every click of the way, I found that I TOO was committing Fugly knitting in my excitement about the Criss Cross Shrug (see this post). You can see their posting here.


Now, knowing that I was committing this atrocity you would like I would be intimidated by the laughter of 15 commenters agreeing with the blogger's assessment of my beloved criss cross shrug, but NO. I have pulled up my sleeves and will knit faster to finish and wear my shrug.


However, despite my dedication to finishing my fugly knit. I highly recommend this site as a daily read. It is amazing what they ladies come up with. I laughed for over 30 minutes. I mean speechless laughing! Just next time I will check to make sure my beloved knit project has not already been deemed fugly.