September 2006 Archives

I came across a very interesting recipe - Rustic Onion Tart. This combines two of my favorite ingredients - carmelized onion and cheese. Yumm . . . going to have to try this out soon. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.

Well, I've given up on the Ridgeway Lite sweater. I tried 3.75mm, 4.5mm, and 5.0mm. The sleeve still looks substantially different than the body itself. Here's the moral of the story: never leave a project finished too long, and keep careful records. Especially of which needle size and manufacturer of the needle. So, it's off to the frog pond and yarn reclamation. Sniff. I was looking forward to have something completed in time for the cold weather.

In happier news, I can now go back to the Trekking XXL 100 socks, thanks to Deb! She has graciously modified the stitch pattern for Diamante socks to take into account the 60 stitches that I've established for my socks. I need to remember to send her a picture for her gallery.

Today I went to a Women for Hire job fair. I'm not sure if it was helpful or not, although I did get one or two leads on which to follow up. It's more of a networking opportunity than an actual job fair. To see if the company you've thought about working for really is for you or not, and to meet other women who may have tips for you to follow up on. Personally it was rather difficult because it was so noisy that I had to lean close enough that I could hear what the person was saying, and I had to try to raise my voice; my voice isn't very strong and people have a hard time hearing what I have to say in noisy environments and as I have a distinctive accent, it can be hard for them at times to her what I have to say.

In any case, this organization has job fairs all over the country in main cities; if you're looking for another job, or already employed but need a change, you may want to give this a try. All you need is a resume for admission. I should caution you that if you want to have the resume included on the CD for searching by employers at the job fair, it costs $3 - this wasn't presented upfront on the website as far as I can recall.

There's another job fair on Friday that will be taking place at the Bay Sox Stadium not too far from my home. I'm glad for this one I don't have to drive all the way to the metro, travel for almost 45 minutes and walk 2 1/2 blocks to the location . . .

I'm about ready to go back to the Ridgeway sweater since all that is left are the sleeves. I worked on the body a good long while ago; unfortunately, I didn't keep record of what the needle size I used for the body. I do remember that I had to go up or down one size as opposed to the pattern. So, I started with a size 7 needle . . . not quite the right size. Take a look at the picture and you'll see that curve upwards. Not the direction the sleeve is supposed to go. So, do I go up to #8 needle? Or down to #6?

As for the Diamante socks . . . well, I just realized why it calls for 72 stitch. You see - the pattern repeat is 12 stitches, and 72 divided into 12 is 6. A nice, even number. 60 divided into 12 is 5. Which means the pattern repeat is not going to completely cover the top portion of the foot part. I may either have to do major surgery to the sock pattern design, or go down to 2.0mm needle. Do I really want to do that? I'll have to think about it.

On the last day of summer, I finally completed Mother's socks. The pattern is a real pleasure to work with. Wish I'd chosen another yarn for this, though. Working with Baby Ull on bamboo needles makes me feel like I'm knitting with cotton yarn - slow.

It was a lot of fun to participate in Summer of Socks - this was a good incentive to get started on new socks, and learn new techniques such as short-rowing toes and heels. Now that I've got this down pat, I'm going to find it easier to get started with socks when I know I can start from the toes easily. And just as I'm finished with this adventure, I'm about to start on another adventure - Socktober, hosted by Lolly. It's so amazing that the list of participants has grown to 800 people! Wow . . . there's absolutely no way I'll be able to get around to checking every single blog on the list. But I'll try to check out at least a few. And I may even contribute a tutorial, if I can figure out where to get a camcorder, get the stuff off it and into the 'puter. I'll have to check in with my sister about this . . .

Now it's back to my UFOs - I do need to clear off some of the items on the WIP list.

Soon it'll be time to go back to my socks and clogs. For the past two years I've been wearing Birkenstock clogs. Very comfy, especially Boston. One has to admit that these can be butt-ugly, though. and Boston does get really tiresome to look at after a while.

While shopping at Annapolis Mall, I stopped in to check out the shoes at Clarks Shoes. I've passed this store in the past, not paying heed to shoes being sold there. But this time I decided to take a look. Wow, these clogs are very pretty! And there are some that I could easily wear for work (when I do re-enter the working world - it better be this year!!!). Here's one that I like. And I also like this one. Best of all, there are reader's comments, positive and negative, for most of these shoes so you can see how people like the model. I think it's great for a retailer to allow this on their own site and that inspires more confidence in me.

I finally scored a ball of Trekking XXL, #100. And yes, I started another project, this time using the Diamante pattern from Knitty. I've already had to make modifications . . . 72 stitches is just to much for me, even with 2.5mm needles. I would have had to go down to size 2.0mm but I don't really like knitting at that size as the Addi Turbos at that size are just too sharp for me. So, I cut out one pattern repeat, ending up with 60 stitches. And I used the Priscilla G-R's toe-up method. I can't get too attached to this, though - still need to finish Mother's sock. Better get going on it . . .

Why have I put up a countdown clock for Kofi Annan, counting down the days till he leaves his position? Here's why. Claudia Rossett has been following the Oil-for-Food scandal, and there's a lot of stuff she's dung up about him, not only his involvement in the scandal, but also in other matters.

Okay, I have several problems right now. But my immediate problem is with the Mendocino cardigan. While looking at the right front, I discovered this. Yes, one half of the stitch in that row sticking out. And yes, it's something like 30 or 40 rows from the bind-off edge. Fortunately, this stitch is only one stitch in from the edge, so I'll just rip out the cast-off edge, then tink down that row down to the loose stitch, and crochet it back up.

The total length comes to 71cm for the size that I'm making. I've chopped off 5cm so it won't be too long for me. Not a problem - that is on the bottom and the other pieces, except for the sleeves, will be of the same length. While reflecting on the pattern, I thought I had a serious problem because the curve seemed too small for the armhole, then I realized, that this is actually a saddle-shoulder drop sleeve cardigan. Doh! Slapping forehead. Anyway, onwards and upwards.

I'm off to visit the yarn store in Baltimore and see if I can find that elusive Trekking XXL #100 skein . . .

And oh, I need to practice my spindle-spinning . . . I've been asked by Laura N. to come in and give a demonstration to her Sunday School class. They're studying the life of Jesus, and this coming Sunday the topic is the Annunciation. Tradition has it that the Theokos was spinning some yarn when Archangel Gabriel came to her. So, it of course seems only logical for the children to see what people had to do back then - they couldn't just go to Wal-Mart to buy yarn.

Thought of the Day: When you have the one of the anchors on the morning local news announcing that a tropical depression has intensified into a hurricane and Gordon is moving out, and stating that the resident weather reporter says it poses no threat, it's truly a slow news day.

Still plugging away at mother's socks - I've started the siamese twin. I notice that the weather is starting to turn cool now and today I've had to actually put something on my feet. One of the things I don't like about change of season is the transition between summer and fall clothes. I've become so used to wearing a light amount of clothes and having nothing on my feet that it's quite jarring to feel heavy clothes on next to your skin. Eventually, though, I will adjust.

So . . . it's the beginning of sweater season now. My most immediate need is a warm cardigan, and I still haven't finished the Mendocino cardigan, so I better get to cranking it out. I need to finish off one o the front pieces, then move on to the back part. It's going to be quite a slog, but it's gotta be done.

I've come across a great tool for picking out colors in designing knitting patterns - Color Generator. This was created for web design, but I suppose it could also come in handy when it comes to creating your own pattern. Also, ColorToy may be worth checking out.

Not much movement on the Job Front. I'm getting frustrated. I think I'm going to have to call up temp agencies just so that I can get out there and be productive. By the way, if you're an employer and have people come in for an interview, please have the courtesy of contacting them afterwards to let them know if they will not be considered further. That way, they can immediately get on with other possible positions. At the end of the month, I'm going to the Women for Hire Expo . . . hopefully I can generate some job leads and get a review of my resume, even though the one-page format has been getting noticed by recruiters and HR. I just need that one-page resume to generate a job offer for me!

I'm slowly easing back to working on my KnitInventory app after a brief hiatus. I think I've got possible solutions to some issues that I'm facing, and need to see how these shake out.

The Knit-Geek Questionnaire

1. What's your worst habit relating to your knitting?

Startitis. letting projects languish before eventually finishing.

2. In what specific ways does your knitting make you a better person?

Well. Being patient and not afraid to make mistakes because one learns from these.

3. How might you or your life be different if you were suddenly unable to knit?

Going stir crazy?

4. If money were no object, what one yarn, and what one tool or gadget would you run out and buy first?

A clock winder with a counter. I really hate counting all those strands after I've wound my handspun yarn on a niddy noddy because you have to work so hard not to lose concentration. Try doing this at night while your loved one is watching tv and making comments to you about this or that. (Being deaf, I have to look over to Hubby to see what he is saying, thus taking my eye of the skein.)

5. What knitting technique or project type are you most afraid of (if any)? What, specifically, do you fear will happen when you try it?

Intarsia. It looks too fiddly to me and I don't relish the thought of sewing in all those loose ends. Kaffe Fassett designs are truly beautiful, but I very much enjoy admiring at other folk's work and applauding their patience at sewing in the ends.

6. Who is/are your knitting hero(es), and why?

Elizabeth Zimmermann, for her rallying call to the knitters. Meg Swansen, for continuing her mother's work and being innovative. They both gave you the freedom to deviate from the path.

7. Do you consider knitting, for you personally, a mostly social activity, or a mostly solitary activity?

Currently, it's a solitary activity, for the most part. I don't really have a favorite LYS anymore. Yarns International closed their store front during this past summer, and even before then I'd gone their irregularly because I was busy with work and life. Still haven't found one that I can feel comfortable with (there's one that is just under half hour drive from here but I just don't at home there). I used to belong to a knitting group that met once a month. Life happens, though, and the regulars no longer meet. I tried to start a group to meet at Barnes & Nobles which is just about a minute or two from here but it didn't work out. That's one of the things that I miss - being with other knitters and getting to admire their works.

8. Is there a particular regional tradition in knitting that you feel strongly drawn toward (e.g., Fair Isle, Scandinavian, Celtic, Orenburg lace)? Any theories as to why it calls to you?

Fair Isle. It's the color play that draws me. I love color and pattern and Fair Isle blends these beautifully. Note that I'm talking about Fair Isle as in Shetland Islands.

9. If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?

I guess it would have to be Shetland Spindthrift (and Jamieson & Smith yarn too). So many colors to chose from.

10. Some statistics:

(a) How many years have passed since you FIRST learned to knit?

I believe officially it is 12 years. Unofficially, it must have been over 30 years - I learned to cast on, knit a row, but couldn't move beyond that because I didn't have any knitting mentor to encourage me to move beyond.

(b) How many total years have you been actively, regularly knitting (i.e., they don't have to have been in a row)?

Lets see . . . 12 years. Ever since I took that class at that long-departed store in College Park, MD.

(c) how many people have you taught to knit?

I know I've taught a few to knit, but I'm not sure of the total.

(d) Roughly what percentage of your FOs do you give away (to anyone besides yourself, i.e., including your immediate family)

About 10 percent. Mostly to my mother (because I know she'll appreciate it).

11. How often do you KIP (knit in public)? i.e., once a week, once a month, etc. Where do you do it?

I do it all the time. Usually I will have at least one project with me when I'm out with Hubby and driving somewhere. I like to keep it handy for those conversations when there will be dead silence and when I will not be able to understand what people are saying. Of course, I don't knit in settings where it's not appropriate to do so.

12. If a genie granted you one hour to stitch-n-bitch with any one knitter, living or dead, who would you choose and why?

Hmm . . . Elizabeth Zimmermann. She had such a way with words and I would have loved to learn more about her background. I'd have to have an sign language interpreter with me, though.

13. What aspect or task in knitting makes you most impatient?

Sewing up the pieces. Measuring the gauge, because I always have a hard time counting the stitches - when I focus on the swatch, the stitches just blend into each other.

14. What is it about knitting that never lets you get bored with it?

Watching the pattern take shape in reality.

15. Describe how and where you most often do your knitting - where do you sit, what is going on around you, what tools do you use and how are they (dis)organized?

Hard to say. I guess I'm frequently found knitting while seated on my bed. It's the largest space that is soft enough to get reasonably comfy (although the bed really needs a new mattress). I will usually have my laptop on my side, along with my pattern that I'm working with. I've got my tape measurement residing on my night table, and my knitting books within close reach. Needless to say, it's not quite organized. Someday in our dream house (which will be built thanks to the multi-million lottery that we will win one day) I will have a fiber studio, with a nice, comfy chaise with a generous table next to it, along with an Ott-Light lamp.

16. Which one person is the recipient of more of your knitting than any other?

Me, of course.

17. What's the oddest thing about your knitting, or yourself as a knitter?

I can knit two colors on my right hand. Usually instructions will have you use both hands, one color for each hand. Or they tell you to knit Continental, but I've never gotten that technique down pat

18. What do you see yourself knitting - if anything - twenty years from now?

More of the same.

19. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only ONE SKEIN of yarn, which yarn would it be and what would you do with it?

Boy, that's a hard question. I think I'd go with Brown Sheep Nature Spun worsted, and make myself a pair of socks.

20. If you were allowed to own only one knitting-related book, which would it be? (you'd be free to browse others, but you couldn't keep them)

Umm, do I really have to answer the question? Hubby's looking at me as if he's trying to make a point . . .

21. Is knitting the new yoga? Why or why not?

Yoga? Well, I don't do yoga. I'll have to say, however, that knitting gives me an opportunity to think about different things quitely.

22. What important thing are you trying to put off doing whenever you knit?

Finishing off something that really needs to be finished off, such as cleaning, but which I really don't want to be bothered with.

Now . . . how about you?

On this 5th anniversary, memory eternal to those who died on this tragic day.

Looking back, I wish that I had cast my vote for someone other than Clinton during his second election - this plot should, and could have been nipped in the bud very early on. Then there would be 3000 people who would have continued to live their lives as it was meant to be.

Had a chance to count the yardage of the skeins, and it all comes up to 688 yards. Perfect . . . now on to measuring the wpi and making samples .

Edited: Comes out to 16wpi.

Lately I've been spending time with Jensen Tina, feeding it the fiber that it so thirsts for. This time I selected a bag of wool rovings - I've forgotten which sheep breed this belonged to - probably Corriedale, Coopworth or a blend. I aimed to spin as fine as possible without having the yarn break (I succeeded for the most part). I selected the lowest possible whorl to spin the singles, and when I had 3 bobbins full, I then moved these onto the lazy kate and changed over to the Woolee Winder and stepped up the ratio to ply 3 singles together. Believe me - it goes a lot faster with the WW - no having to stop to move the yarn over to the next hook!

Here's a close-up, with a penny inserted for scale. Hard to believe this is 3-ply, eh? And what's more, I think I will have enough for 3, maybe 4 pairs! Right now these are soaking, with a bit of hair shampoo and conditioner added. I don't expect these to bloom up so much, and after these dries I'm going to measure the WPI. I should have taken the before-wash WPI measurement but I don't think it will matter much. Now I'm trying to decide what color to dye these. I have some Jacquard Acid dyes. I wish A.C Moore and Michaels had Jacquard Acid dyes in stock, but no luck. I guess I'll have to buy online. I don't think Springwater Fibers will have any (and it's quite a drive for me, anyway). There's a store up in Catonsville that sells spinning supplies, but I don't know if they'll have adequate dye stuff. Geez . . . wish there were more fiber stores here in DC metro area . . .

Meanwhile, still working on the Wyvern sock but getting close to the finish. I expect to bind it off today and then immediately start on its siamese twin. Pictures to come this weekend, hopefully.

Came across a good resource - Knit 1 Blog Too, and I've added it to my Blogline account. By the way, anyone know of a good count-down script, down to the second? I'd like to count down the number of the days till Kofi Annan leaves his post . . .

I've been working on Mother's sock. I actually made more progress than is shown in the picture, but I had to rip out about 1 or 2 inches because I discovered that I'd forgotten to m1 and was coming up one stitch short. It'll be a while yet before I finish, because she wants these to be almost knee-high. So that means 10 inches from bottom to top. I had her try it on and it fits her just right. So glad we're able to do toe-up socks . . .

In the meantime, I've cast on for another pair of socks for myself, using a chocolate skein of Blauband yarn that I found for sale at a LYS. Not much progress to show you as of yet, but hopefully by middle of week when I finish mother's sock and get ready to make its twin.