All Twisted In Stitches

More Secret Pal Goodies!!!

2007-01-31T12:16:00.000-08:00

Wow! My secret pal is awesome! I received a very generous package in the mail recently from Denmark. It's contents: 4 skeins of Fortissima Colori sock yarn: 2 each of 2 different colors (pretty blues and purples); 2 skeins of a sock yarn I am not familiar with. This is what it says on the label: 80 AR strompegarn Jacquard print Hjertegarn. It's a beautiful mix of blues and greens and turquoise; 2 skeins of yarn which I think was handspun - a nice orange and a mustardy-yellow. It's not labeled. And finally, my package contained a beautiful button which I can use on a cardigan or something. It's really neat looking- especially the back of the button which has star-shaped flower designs. Thanks so much Secret Pal!

a trip to the frog pond :(

2007-01-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

I had to frog my dad's hat. Yesterday. I didn't want to do it. I tried rescuing the stitches halfway through, but my efforts failed me. It's completely frogged. I messed up (terribly) on the decreases. I tried to knit when I was too sleepy and ended up with a big mess that I couldn't even figure out. So last night I cast on once again and knit my set up row. But this time it was a wonderful experience. See, I have this really ugly light that came free with a vaccuum cleaner my parents gave me when I moved into my apartment. But the lamp is so ugly, so I just let it sit in the box. But the lighting in my apartment, particularly my living room which is, of course, where I like to do my knitting, is terrible. The yarn I am using for this hat is olive green and brown, so it is hard to tell the colors apart at times. So my BF dug out the lamp and put it together, and it's one of these Verilux lamps with more natural light, and the difference in clarity is amazing. I love it. Now I'm trying to figure out a way to make it suit my apartment better. I think everyone who knits should have a nice light to work under. It makes a difference.

I have rejoined the knitting world

2007-01-19T12:52:00.000-08:00

Know how life gets kind of crazy sometimes and you get really, really behind in everything and then you finally have a window of opportunity to catch up a little bit? That's where I'm at right now. I went to NY for the holidays to visit my parents and began the trip by throwing up at the airport. Fun stuff. So, I was sick for week 1 of vacation (Christmas). Week 2 I had free the whole week. Yay! Reunited with boyfriend, sleeping in.....nope, wrong. Day 2 I get a phone call to see if I could drive down to Miami to play in the New World Symphony since one of their flutists sliced their finger cutting an advocado. Okay....so I drove to Miami Beach for the week and- the best part- BF came with me! Great excuse for a vacation, well, sort of a vacation since I was still working. We had a great time, though. So we came back to Orlando Sunday night, after 5 days in Miami, and I had the next 2 days off before driving back and forth to Tampa for 6 days to play with The Florida Orchesrea, which was a lot of fun. So, I ended up spending my entire vacation working. That's good, though, for the money and also the connections with more people down here who are hearing me play and hiring me for work.

In fact, I just got called yesterday to take a temporary job teaching flute at a local college. The flute teacher had a baby and they need to replace her for the semester, and a violinist I work with recommended me, and that was it. I start teaching next week, and they help with gas money, too. I'm really excited about it.

In the meantime, I have actually managed to get some knitting done. Dad wants a hat to go with the scarf I knit him last year. He decided he wants a brioche stitch hat....knit in the round..... okay, never done it before, but I love learning new techiques and stitch patterns. I'm not afraid to try anything (at least when it comes to knitting.) Let me tell you - this hat was nuts. I just could not figure it out, and I couldn't figure out where it was I was going wrong. I must have frogged 20 times. I could get it to look great on one side, but brioche stitch is supposed to be reversible, and my hat was definitely not reversible. Finally I figured it was the way I make my knit stitches - which was always through the back loop, since that's how my mom taught me. I didn't realize that most people knit through the front loop until last summer. Anyway, so I tried making my knit stitches through the front loop instead, and - what do you know - I now have 9 inches of a reversible brioche stitch hat knit in the round. Of course I ran out of the green yarn and I'm only about to start the decreases. I was hoping to only need the leftover yarn from his scarf and not have to buy more. Oh well. Until I can get to the store to buy more yarn I will have to pick up another UFO to work on. I'll keep you posted.

Thank you SP!

2006-11-29T14:32:00.000-08:00

This is a very belated thank you to my secret pal along with a sincere apology for not thanking you publicly on my blog until now. I have not had regular internet access for the past month and it's been difficult finding the time to get to a computer.

Thank you, SP, for the beautiful blue sock yarn and the sheep toy - very cute! I love the yarn and will make a beautiful pair of socks with it. I hope to have my computer up and running by next week and will then be able to post pictures.

Hope you are having a wonderful fall!

Knitting again

2006-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have finally rejoined the knitting world this evening - hallelujia! Tuned the TV to soapnet and caught up on Days of Our Lives for the week and picked up my second Jaywalker sock (I was still on the ribbing for the cuff) and knit away. I didn't get too much done, but I did finish the ribbing and have started in a few rows on the zigzag pattern. I know I probably won't be knitting as regularly as I had been before, so it will most likely be a while before it is completed, but at least I am making some kind of progress now as opposed to absolutely none. Hopefully I can get it done by the end of the month.

It is really hard to knit with a little kitty around, though! I had to keep putting Samson in the bedroom and I felt bad about that. He is now having the time of his life playing with my tape measure. And in the morning he gets to go the the vet to get his second round of shots - poor thing!

Okay - a few more rounds on the sock and it's time for bed.

I am indeed alive

2006-10-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I must apologize for being so lazy about this blog. I've just been really busy.....okay, so I totally met an amazing guy and, well, you all know how life is at the beginning of a new romance....everything else gets completely dropped for a while. So, there, that is why I have disappeared. So, life in Orlando has been very good so far. New apartment, new job, new friends, new kitty, new guy....life really couldn't be any better right now. There has been absolutely no knitting going on at all. In fact, that stuff is all still in boxes, mainly because I do not have anywhere to put my yarn...lack of furniture, storage, etc. - but I am working on it little by little. Finally got my first paycheck the other day, so things are looking up. Sacha and I (he's my new guy) painted my bedroom last night - Apple Crisp - looks kinda like that. It's very soothing and goes very nicely with my brown quilt and sheets. It looks like autumn in my room and it's awesome. Soooo much better than white walls, especially since I do not have much in the way of furniture or things that hang on walls. The color makes a huge difference. We were up painting until 5:00 this morning. I've been so lazy today, but don't have to work again until Friday night's rehearsal, so it's all good. So, that's where I've been and what I've been up to. I'll try to swing by this blog more frequently. Now I've really gotta hit the shower.

Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

2006-10-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love sock yarn - the only type of yarn I absolutely cannot stand is acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a lovely handmade case made from fabric that rolls up.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have been knitting for a year and a half and consider myself to knit at an intermediate level. I am not afraid to try something which may seem a little over my head. If I want to make something badly enough I will figure out how to do it.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Not at the moment.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Anything fruity or smelling like baked goods, like cookies or chocolate or something like that.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Chocolate and cheesecake are favorites - don't really have a favorite candy, though I like it.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I have enjoyed making soap and gel candles, but I mostly stick to knitting. I do not spin, though I would love to learn how someday.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) This is a hard question....I am a professional classical musician, so I obviouly love classical music. But I also like a lot of other types....I just don't listen to the radio much. I like some hip-hop/R&B, and am not particularly fond of country.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love most colors as long as they are saturated. Definitely love blues, greens, purples, pinks, but also love fall colors. I'm not fond of colors that look as if someone or something got sick.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm 28 and live alone with my kitten.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Well, I just moved to Orlando, so not really, though I need them when I visit my family in NY. I definitely do not wear ponchos. I try to be pretty fashionable and ponchos are definitely not in so much anymore.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Socks and items for the home since I am trying to decorate a new apartment.

13. What are you knitting right now? Socks and a stuffed dinosaur for my cousin's new baby.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I use all types of needles depending on the project. Prefer bamboo most of the time.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Not yet, but would love to.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? A little over a year.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Yarn (obviously). Flute-related things, like figurines or something, and I like cows, but tend to limit the cows to the kitchen.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I currently subscribe to the Vogue stuff. I basically am always trying to acquire Socks that Rock and Vesper self-striping yarns.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Making two socks at once and spinning.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, and I wear a size 5 and a half.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) September 5th.

Samson

2006-09-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show off some photos of my new kitty - he is super adorable - he gets into absolutely EVERYTHING - definitely a handful already. Check out those spots on his tummy!

I have arrived

2006-09-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
I'm in my new apartment down in Florida now - yay! My internet access is very limited for the next few days, so I doubt very much will be going on here on this blog for now. I have sooooo much unpacking to do! On the road I managed to finish a third dishcloth and also cast on and began ribbing on Jaywalker #2. I don't think I'll be knitting much this week. Besides unpacking I also need to get back in shape on my flute - job starts Wednesday.....I'm so excited. I think I have the best job in the world - I get to play music in an orchestra to earn a living. How cool is that? I think it's very cool. Oh - exciting news....I'm picking up my kitty tomorrow afternoon after his you-know-what procedure. Keep your fingers crossed that he pulls through it okay! That's it for now, too much to do.

Audrey Hepburn and Jaywalking

2006-08-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

My day didn't exactly go as planned (read: I didn't pack a damn thing.) Instead, I sat down with Maggie, my lunch and Jaywalker sock #1 and watched the Audrey Hepburn movie on TV with Jennifer Love Hewitt. I had no idea it was 3 hours long, but I really enjoyed it - and, I did actually finish Jaywalker #1! So, something went as planned. Actually, I did get a lot accomplished today, just not when it comes to packing. I'm a bit of a procrastinator when it comes to packing, even if it's just for a long weekend. I did practice a bunch today - flute and piccolo. According to my practice journal I have neglected the piccolo for just about 2 weeks...13 days - shame on me! That really is bad of me. But I am still in pretty good shape and I still have a few weeks until the job starts, so I think I'll be okay.

I've figured out how to add links to my blog (go me!), so I'll add these gradually, but there's at least a few up there to get started. Now I'm going to sit down in front of Law and Order: Criminal Intent and knit some Mason-Dixon dishcloths to match the new Fiestaware I got for my apartment. My Fiestaware colors are plum, turquoise and cobalt blue. It was really tricky finding a color combination I was happy with - two colors isn't special enough, but any more than three and there's not really a color scheme anymore - too much can kill a good thing. I'm definitely reverting to life as a 4 year old when everything HAD to be purple. I hear purple is in for Fall '06...

Anyway, time to knit some dishcloths.

Rainy Day

2006-08-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

I like the rain, actually. I find it very calming. I particularly enjoy thunder storms (as long as I am indoors) - although the dog doesn't. So, it's mid-morning on Sunday and it's cold and rainy - wonderful knitting weather, although I still have soooo much packing to do - I leave for Florida in 5 days. So, I'm going to split my time between knitting and packing today - and I MUST practice piccolo also. It's been about a week since I last touched the piccolo (I have been practicing flute here and there) and I really need to keep in shape since my job starts soon and everything. It's hard to find a balance when you also have to pack up everything you own - the priority list shifts a bit.

Oh, goodness... it's almost 11:30 and I'm still in my pj's. The plan for today is that I'm going to finish the toe on Jaywalker sock #1 (see - I didn't even come close to the Aug. 25th deadline for BOTH socks!) After hearing from the one person who left me a comment and also discussing with my mom, I decided to just continue making the socks for myself rather than ripping anything out. I'll make Stephanie a pair for Christmas. Though now I feel guilty because she and my brother returned from Germany last night and gave me a beautiful pearl necklace. It's very unique, and perfect to wear for my orchestra concerts. It has 3 layers of pearls stranded through semi-sheer black ribbon - it's GORGEOUS! I must say that I was particularly impressed that my brother helped to pick out suh an amazing souvenir for me/birthday present. I can't wait to wear it. Anyway, time to get in the shower and start my day...

Houston, we have a problem.....

2006-08-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

Crap. I can barely sqeeze this sock onto my own foot...and my legs are super skinny. There is no way this sock will fit Stephanie. Guess everyone who says the Jaywalkers fit snug are right - but I did go up one leg width already anticipating this problem. So....do I frog and start over, or do I just continue and keep these for myself? I mean, there is no way I can get these done by her birthday now - Aug 25th or 26th, can't remember which it is, and it's not like she knows I'm making them or anything. And everything I knit is always for someone other than myself, and, damnit, MY birthday is September 5th, so they can be a birthday present for me from me. I'll have to think about it. Maybe see what mom thinks. What do you think??

Packing rather than blogging

2006-08-22T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry, everyone, for the lack of blogging! I'm actually getting ready to move down to Florida on September 1st, so I've been pretty busy packing up my stuff. It's going really slowly - need more boxes! I finally got my first job *in my field* (yay)! - I'll be playing 2nd flute and piccolo with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (OPO from here on). I'm SUPER excited! It's been great living at home with mom and dad (who are super supportive) these past 8 months, but it will be great to be in my own apartment with all of my own stuff and my own mess. Granted, I really don't have anything in the way of furniture, so it may just be me and a mattress for a while (NOT how it sounds! ;)

I have managed to make a bit of progress on the Rock Bottom Jaywalkers - still on sock #1, but am about halfway done with the foot, so not too much left to go. It's going to be a struggle getting them done in time for Stephanie's birthday, which I think is the 26th - so I'm just aiming to get them done before I move so I can present them to her in person and see for myself whether they fit her feet. I'll try to post some progress pictures tomorrow. Right now I need to get to bed - staying up WAY too late these days (last night it was almost 2:30)! Sleepys.......

Rock Bottom

2006-08-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

Nope, I sure haven't hit rock bottom, but if I ever do, I hope it looks like this! This Vesper yarn is awesome - colorway is named Rock Bottom. These colors are making me happy. It makes me sad to know that Iwill be gifting these socks as well (I really need to make ME a pair and SOON)! But, no, these will be for my sister-in-law, Stephanie. Her favorite color combination is orange and blue. It took me a while to find yarn in those colors, but I think what I came up with is absolutely perfect! I'm going to have to get more of this colorway for myself. And look - it made me so happy that I even made a gauge swatch. Impressed? After making this swatch, I've decided to go for the Jaywalker pattern. I think it will be a perfect fit.

Mom's Siren Song Socks - Finished At Last!

2006-08-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

It's truly a momentous occasion - I have officially completed my first pair of socks! The reason it is so momentous is because it's actually technically the second time I completed them. The first time they were too big - and of course I knit the second sock before realizing this. It was hard, but I frogged them and started all over again. These socks were for mom's birthday (which was in April, but I didn't even start them the first time until late June). As much as I like for things to be finished and done with, I also like them to be as perfect as I can possibly make them at a particular point in time. So, I frogged. And now they fit her feet, so I am happy. I actually finished them Monday night, but didn't get around to posting about them until now.

Here are the specifics:

Yarn - Socks that Rock in Siren Song
Needles - size 1 for the foot and size 2 for the leg
Method - 4 DPN's (a pain in the neck sometimes)
Pattern - Beaded Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks

You may notice the colors are a bit....not the same. That's because when I was at the shop in Oregon when I was there (can't remember the name) they had only these two skeins left in this colorway and, to be honest, it didn't even cross my mind to check if they were the same dye lot (they aren't). Mom likes them anyway, and that's all that matters.

Locked Out

2006-08-13T17:43:00.000-07:00

The craziest thing happened to me this afternoon - you probably won't believe this, but my dog locked me out of the house! I was getting ready to take her swimming in the pool out back and went outside through the back door to bring some stuff outside and I shut the door behind me (it's a sliding glass door.) So, Maggie is a black lab and gets really excited when she's about to go swimming, especially when she sees me go out near the pool. She jumps up against the door waiting for me to come back. This time she must've hit the latch with her paw, cause when I came back the door wouldn't open. Of course, my parents were gone all day not to return until midnight and my brother, who is the only other person that has a key to the house, is in Germany. And I'm puppy-sitting for his adorable Yorkies. So, I'm locked out of the house, and everyone who is in the house is a dog of some sort and can't let me in. Had to fork over $80 for a locksmith! He got me back in through the garage, and sure enough, the back door was locked! There is no lock from the outside on that door, so there is no way that I could've locked it after I went out. So Maggie really must've locked me out. Maybe she was trying to tell me something??

My first post

2006-08-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Welcome to my blog. It seems to me that the initial blog post is probably the most intimidating...what to say? What will this be? Hopefully not boring at the very least. I'm mainly starting a blog to share photos of my knitting creations, but sometimes I just like to babble about random things, so there's bound to be a lot of that happening here. For now, just want to get this thing up and running. Here goes...