frog it

flower of the week

2010-04-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

My new favorite: parrot tulips! like an early peony. can't wait for the purple ones to come up.

Look what I scored!

2010-01-07T12:48:00.001-08:00

3 kings monkey!, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

Adriana made me this insanely adorable crocheted monkey for our holiday knitter swap. Wow. I love it. I wish there was more than 2 minutes of daylight in these parts so I could photograph the immense detail.

finished object Wednesday!

2010-01-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

pattern: Bumble up scarf
yarn spud and chloe outer in carbon(1) and soapstone(2)

The pic is dark and I'm holding back my mad hair, but you get the idea.

new years resolution WIP

2010-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to try to take better care of my eyes and not sleep in my contacts. Okay, that's not realistic for me. I'm not going to sleep in my contacts every night. I cannot see much without them and I'm a stumbly mess until contacts are in my peepers. I can hardly find my glasses in the morning or see the alarm clock. So here I am getting ready for bed in my ugly glasses and new egyptian cotton jammies from James holding my new contact case. I hope to God I can find it in the morning.

3/50 Local Business Project

2009-06-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

In an effort to keep money in the community I've decided to do the 3/50 project in June. There's more info on the project here As much as I enjoy the bargains of online shopping and chains, zero dollars returns to the place I call home when I shop online and only 43% when I make a target run.

If I counted wegmans The challenge wouldn't be a challenge because I basically hand them gobs of money every month. So I decided to make it small local businesses.

This was harder than I thought. I thought I would cheat and include the down payments for the reception site and the band our upcoming wedding. Well I thought that was probably cheating too.
So here are my 3 local business I supported this month.

1.) Waterlily Spa.
I"m hesitant to recommend this place cause if it gets busy and loses it's small place charm I'll cry. But considering 7 people read this blog it's cool. This is an amazing itty bitty spa owned by the sweetest prettiest lady Beth. It's calmer, and quieter than the big name places in town. Dawn is the most amazing waxer and Jenny give a phenomenal pedicure and we chat about our coonhounds. If you are a germa-phobe it is the cleanest place to get a pedicure. No jets for dirty water to back up in. personally, I'm not afraid of foot fungus.

2.) Then I treated my animals to Park Ave Pets . A very adorable pet store on Monroe Ave. I picked up some litter, and dog food, a stuffed mouse that Beau had no interest in and a dog toy for Bertie. My total came to $50.07. I was impressed with myself.

3.) Then I needed some knitting needles. How have I not purchased every needle under the sun at this point? I got the nice addi turbos at Yarn Boutique. Love them. I didn't spend $ 50.00 dollars there. 1 cause I'ma cheater and 2 cause the owner discounted them. I've never in my life seen any yarn store discount needles. Amelia is amazing.

and then some.)Then my house and car fell apart. I had a repair done by a big name plumber. Hey if you know a good plumber in the Rochester area that doesn't have a 3 month waiting list, let me know. Then I was impatient and forgot that I could learn to patch the holes in the wall from the plumber and that I have a fairly handy fiance. So like an idiot I hired a guy to do that. Then during a routine oil change and my pesky check engine light was on. This is typical with my old stupid european car that I for some reason love. Turns out I need not one but two cadalydic converters. It is just my calling to support local business this month. Blargh. But I have to say the guys at Sutherland are amazing. So nice, prompt, honest and fair.

So long story short, this month I'm broke, but I did my part for the Rochester I love.

hooray for rosey girl

2009-05-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

I chose a commenter at random and rosey girl won 2 skeins of cashmerino.

the art of giving (or not giving) hand knit gifts

2009-04-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

When I first started knitting I knit every one I could think of something at Christmas. Then I slowly came to believe I would knit only for those that appreciated it. That left my sisters and babies. Babies don't usually show their disdain for hand knits. Well, the list is getting shorter and shorter. I may have to stick to knitting only for other knitters and of course, babies.

A few weeks ago, my sister a sewer got on the threadbanger site and wanted to show me some cowls and scarflettes. She was hinting that I could maybe knit her one. I noticed one in the my so called scarf pattern. I said," hey that's like the scarf I knit you Christmas 2007." Her response was less than thrilling. "It is?" sh had no recollection of it. Even when I looked up the colorway. Then I realized it was on ravelry clearly stated that it was made for Missy. Still nothing. Oh boy! We were both embarassed. I think I need to rethink my knit gift giving policy.

I have more yarn to give away. This is some debbie bliss cashmerino aran in a nice spring color. There are 2 skeins in moss. A total of 180 meters or 196.8 yards. Leave me a comment about your handknit giving gift policy or a favorite gift you received and I'll select someone at random to send this too.

and the winner is...

2009-02-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Erin is the winner of the pink manos and although it isn't much, I donated $10.00 to food not bombs in her honor. Happy Weekend all.

Giveaway! deadline: Saturday 2/7

2009-02-02T17:05:00.000-08:00

So I'm back to blogging again...for now. My poor defunct little blog. I think I like the idea of knitting more than actual knitting. After cleaning out my stash I know I definitely like buying yarn more than I like knitting it. That's not completely true. I just really like colors and texture even if I have no idea what I will do with them. My big downfall has been the close of several LYSs. Which brought some serious sales that I definitely partook in. I partook without any idea what I would knit this yarn into.

Last weekend, I dumped my entire stash on the floor. Serious mountain of yarn carnage. I thought about taking a picture and sharing it but it was too disturbing. I destashed about 35% of the stash. I'll never take the time to photograph and sell it all. So I decided to send a substantial box to Interim House . A residential and outpatient rehab facility where their knitting program has really taken off. If my impulsiveness can help someone find the therapeutic gifts knitting has to offer than it hasn't all been a waste.

There were several skeins that I kept to giveaway. Why you may I ask. Because I liked them too much to give to a someone that wouldn't love it. Or maybe it will keep me more accountable to my blog. I dunno. So in the spirit of pending valentines day I am giving away 4 very pink skeins(138 yds x's 4) of Manos del Uruguay wool in color #47, Cerise. Just leave a comment saying what your favorite charity is and I will pick someone at random. Considering no one reads this definct blog your odds of winning are real high.

2008-11-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this and haven't voted yet, Go out and vote! Especially if you vote like I do. ;-)

my first fair isle

2008-10-24T05:59:00.001-07:00

Lillehamer is finished. I was very nervous about it being I messed my first colorwork project up big time. This was knit on size 5 needles using Knitpicks telemark in black, charcoal heather and bayberry.

This is also the project that I discovered the true magic of blocking. It was pretty lumpy and bumpy not to mention looking like it would fit a toddler at best and not a grown man with a full head of hair.

I made this for Chip. A long time business associate, for lack of a better term, of my family. He's like a version of my Dad, but more grown up with a full time job. I got word that he was retiring from my Uncle and cried and then made a hat. He is an avid skier and I thought that in his retirement he could use a new hat to do more skiing in. Turns out my Uncle is crazy and he is not retiring. With a fibbing family like mine, I need a Chip in my life. At least for another year or so.

final summer of yarn love package.

2008-09-10T12:56:00.001-07:00

My secret pal was Joanne, who was oh so good to me.

woops I messed up the Uh Ohs.

2008-09-08T08:35:00.001-07:00

uh oh 2, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

I finally felted something publicly. he way felted items feels gives me the creeps. J thinks I have Synesthesia but I just have texture issues. I don't hear colors I just don't like the way chenille and felted goods feel. I don't really like how broccoli tickles the roof of my mouth and I definitely don't like o be surprised by tapioca balls in bubble tea. Are you supposed to chew them or just swallow?
Anyways, I made this piece for baby K. When finishing up these guys, I really saw the top nubs as ears and not arms. Then I looked at some others on ravelry and they are definitely arms. And then I looked at the pattern. Yeah, they are arms. I was abut to rip out the stitches and then I remember that baby K doesn't know the difference between and ear and an arm.

dog thursdays & announcement

2008-08-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am going out of town for a bit for some fun and then to give my support to my Dad & Uncle. Not exactly sure when I'll be back but will post something knitting related in the near future.

2008-08-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

I realize I"m way overdue for a blog post. Truth be told I"m in a knitting funk. I started a coffee cozy from a blog pattern that was too small. So that will take some tweeking that I'm just not in the mood for. Not that I need a reason to be a grump, but my Aunt Charlotte recently passed away and my Grandpa probably has a few more days of life. I've been downloading patterns like nobodies business. Mostly knitted toys which I've never had any interest in. The number of babies in my life has grown exponentially with the birth of Jameson, Kyla and the recent Jack Dangerfield in the last 6 months. Mostly the pattern downloading is I just like a fresh start when I'm sad, or bored. So next post I hope to have something more interesting and knitting related to post.

check out the loot I scored

2008-07-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

I found this on my doorstep Sunday. It's a beautifully wrapped from my pal from the summer of yarn love swap. In the box I found a cute little skein of o-wool in a tweedy pink. Not sure what I'll make with it yet. Any suggestions?

I also scored some cow corn holders, chocolate, incense, candles, a kooky food book, a Mamas and papas CD and the scariest jelly bellies evah! Thanks secret pal for a very summer themed gift.

the boys love laundry day

2008-07-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

destashing .

2008-07-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

***WARNING***The following photos may break some yarn addicts hearts***

My friend Bill rescued Beau after his former owners threw him in a dumpster. Beau doesn't know he is dumpster kitty. He only deserves the best in life...or else. Or else, he will find a basket of squishy yarn to pee in.

One of the things I was looking forward to when I moved into the house was putting the dreaded litter box in the basement. Whenever I had company coming over, nature called for Beau. So annoying! My cat is also a fancy-pants. I have always changed his litter once a week. Not even the scoop thing...a complete change. Now that the box is in the basement, I let it slip and hadn't changed it in 2 weeks.

So I had some necessary destashing to do. Fortunately, nothing too valuable was ruined. Beau didn't get get returned to a dumpster but he was put in the basement for 2 hours until I cleaned up the mess and soothed myself with a couple episodes of the Office.

In the meantime, honeymoon cami is going smoothly. Just waiting for more yarn to come in. The last ball needed was pissed on by you know who.

scary things everywhere

2008-07-15T17:39:00.001-07:00

scary cat, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

Last time I went home, I saw a little something that was just part of the scenery when I lived at home. With some time and space I can see how creepy it is. I'm sure everything from my childhood home that seemed normal is indeed creepy and wrong. So now I give you creepy handmade ceramic kitty in a dress. Siting next to a bunny in a dress. Goo!

I made food!

2008-07-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made a pizza with a banana pepper FROM MY GARDEN! Yipee! I have actually veggies growing in my garden. By the way isn't that pic very american gothic. Not meant to be that way but still funny. The beans I started them from seed in my basement. I'm tickled by my teeny tiny tomatoes too! I had no idea how satisfying a veggie garden could be. I want to make sauce from my roma tomato plant. If anyone knows how to do that, let me know.

I do have a gardening flop though. I neglected my basil plant and it flowered like crazy and I have some bitter basil on my hands. Fortunately, I have another plant.

Supposedly, food taste better from your own garden. I'll be honest. That pepper tasted fair and my strawberries are very tart. But I'm still so excited that I actually grew food.

indecesive

2008-07-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

I can't ever seem to decide on a paint color until I slap a trillion samples full of paint on a wall. I"m still not sure. It is either the first one on the bottom or the third one on the bottom. I'm trying to get the guest room right for when 2 friends a baby and a dog come to stay. I think I need a guest cabin.

It's finished!

2008-07-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

It is finished and good ol' fed ex has it on the way to Burdett, NY. where the men are men and they sheep run scared.

Thanks SP!

2008-06-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty late in posting this but I couldn't find my camera cable to upload the photos. So, at this point, the chamomile and cat greens seeds SP gave me have already been planted and are sprouting. My summer of yarn love swap pal has been super good to me and super sneaky! The president of our neighborhood association hand delivered a beautifully wrapped package. My pal contacted her about being the go-between. I'm surprised she was cool being the delivery person, but as it turns out she is also a knitter. My package had tons of goodies. She or he went above and beyond. I was spoiled with funky keys, some dark chocolate, rowan summer tweed in a pretty blue, A matching one skein wonders pattern book, some scone mix and lemon curd which was enjoyed this weekend at a gals brunch. I had some smores ingredients. The marshmallows in there are to die for! They melt perfectly in hot cocoa. There are the most gorgeous cloth bird hanging. Both Beau and Albert are intrigued by it. Secret Pal also remembered the critters with some cat greens and dogie doughnuts. Bertie loved the treats! There are too may goodies in this package to list. Thanks again SP!

Gotcha day

2008-06-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

It's official. Okay I'm officially late but Albert and I have been friends for one year (and some days). Albert is close to memorial day and the cat's gotcha day was labor day.

inheritance

2008-06-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

When I bought this house a few months ago I signed a sheet of paper that for a dollar I acquired the following household goods.
-All kitchen appliances
-Pool equipment

Never in my life has a dollar bought so much.
In the garage I've inherited...
-What A believe is the oldest ice axe in the western world.
- a patio set
-one utility glove
-a ladder circa 1957
-an empty bucket.
--spare aluminum pieces
-All the original light fixtures,
-Several light fixtures from the seventies.
- a bag of mulch.
-something that smells like fertilizer.
-some pool equipment
-At least a hundred bricks

In the basement...
-A washer and dryer (score!)
-several miscellanous tiles
-paint
-2 turntables
-some speakers
- a broom
-a bucket of rags
- several sponges

I've also inherited some bad plumbing, creepily nice neighbors, lots of space, lots of future projects, some home equity or at least the opportunity for it, and freedom to do what I want to this dwelling.

PS the color of my walls and my gross pipes match.

reunited

2008-05-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last week my cat ran away. Six days, 3 shelter visits, countless phone calls, 300 hundred flyers and fourty dollars in postage later he decided to saunter back on the deck. He is real skinny and dirty but happy to be home. The dog was so excited he kept running in circles and licking the cat. I'm super grateful to my neighbors who took to searching for Beau without making me feel like a cat lady. I'm also grateful to Jenny who helped me make and address flyers and al my friends who were uber supportive.

Moderne Baby Blanket WIP

2008-05-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

Lion brand cotton ease
70% complete

summer of love yarn swap

2008-05-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?Knitter all the way! 3.5 years.

Do you spin? What type of spinning? nope.

What are your favorite yarns/fibers? What are your least favorite yarns/fibers?cashmere, merino, wool, cotton. No love for acryllic but I have been known to make a mean cat toy with it.

What are your favorite colors? What are your least favorite colors? Favorite colors: Almost any blue except baby blue. Indigo-purple, blue-red, all pink grey, turquoise and most greens.I love jewel tones! Earth tones are nice but don't look good on me.

Are there any yarns/brands that you are dying to work with but never have? hmm,not sure on this one.

What is/are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? I love to knit hats. I also love to hate knitting baby blankets.

What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to work on this summer? I am currently working on the moderne baby blanket, the honeymoon cami.

What is your favorite FO? (Post a pic if you would like.) Probably the chevron scarf.

What is your oldest UFO? A giant blanket. Every winter I work on it a little bit and it is not so much a portable project. It's been on the sticks for 2 winters now.

Are there any techniques that you want to learn? intarsia, entrelac

Are you on Ravlery? What's your ID? frogit

Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I'm not a sock knitter. I don't even know how to measure my foot. Does this mean length? in that case, 9 inches from heel to toe.

Do you collect anything? yarn

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift? yes

Do you love sweets? What are your favorites?Indeedy! chocolate and refined sugar.

What are your favorite scents? vanilla, coffee, jasmine

Where do you keep your needles/hooks? Considering that I just moved in all sorts of boxes.

Do you have a wishlist (Amazon, Etsy, etc?) Nope but I"m a big supporter of etsy.

Having a birthday this summer? No, just had one.

Are you allergic to anything??? Please let your pal know! Softice cream, please don't send any.;-)
Posted by Amy at 9:06 AM

I heart hype.

2008-05-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts of the knitting hobby is aquistion of yarn. Especiallythe ungettable gets. I don't know of a more ungettable yarn than yarntini. I check ebay for yarntini everyday. I found my favorite colorway (sigh...vintage) in a (double sigh) cashmere. I stayed up way past my bedtime bidding only to lose the auction. The selling price went way past my budget. In the sanity of morning light, I almost pitied the a-hole that paid 50 big ones for a skein of yarn. Fourty bucks was my limit. It retails for$33. A fifty-one percent mark up is ridic no matter how ungettable.
I did eventually score some yarntini in cherry cordial. Beautiful, but certainly no vintage. Here's the thing. I'm not a sock knitter. Now that I had m fix what would I knit. i tried a chevron scarf and it looked like poo. So I tried alternating it with some brown merino wool and it also looked like poopie. So the truth be told I wanted yarntini case I couldn't have it. So with my disappointing yet coveted skein I think I will make this.

Happy Belated Mothers Day

2008-05-13T18:21:00.001-07:00

In honor of Mothers Day, I'm going to share one of my favorite things my Mom has done for me. When I was a a little girl I went through a ridiculously clumsy stage. I was always stubbing my toe. I must have gotten it good one day and was crying. To quell my fit, Mom told me that my big toe must keep running into things cause it needed glasses. Without hesitating, she got out a sharpie and drew some glasses on my big toe. Every time I stub my toe, I fight the urge to draw some specs on my toe.

Speaking of mothers, I received the mother of all invitations yesterday. The 10 year reunion. Good God! I don't want to go, but I do. I didn't know I was this shallow but I want to lose 10 poundss and get a more fabulous life before July 11th. I almost thought about joining a real gym. Considering that watching Under The Tuscan Sun 5 times made me feel better about buying a big house by myself, I put Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion at the top of my Netflix queue.

motion sickness and empathy in Tennessee

2008-05-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

* * * WARNING: Contains descriptions of public vomiting at high altitudes.

I haven't blogged in a while. I haven't worked on the house, seen friends or even knit in a couple weeks. I haven't done much of anything except gain a dependency on ibuprofen and massive amounts of sleep. I had a crown made with new fancy pants (not yet perfected) technology. I'm sure some people have great experiences with CERECbut I"m not one of them. The camera got the borders all wrong resulting in a headache for 3 weeks and more dental work and finally, a destruction of said expensive crown. Now That I'm still in pain and my face has swollen I'm looking at a root canal. I'm this close to getting the pliers out and pulling it myself.

When I was little my Dad would pull my loose teeth with pliers. I grew up thinking this was 'normal.'

I've been some killer Augmentin antibiotics that require me to eat at every dose which is something a person with tooth pain doesn't want to do. I was on my way to the airport at 5 AM to see my sister graduate from college. I ate a granola bar and swallowed my antibiotic, and tylenol, ibuprofen cocktail without much thought.

A few hours later, I was nauseous and made a run to the airport restroom and vomited. No biggie. I found my seat with my dignity still intact. Just as were about to land I really have to make another rest room stop. Completely prepared to break the rules of leaving my seat during landing, I realize the flight attendant is happily sitting in the jump seat blocking the lavatory door. " no problem, I'll mind over matter it. " I said to myself. I reassured myself that I haven't vomited anywhere but in a toilet since I was seven. Well, That's not counting the tequila shot Jack Daniels night in college. Mind over matter didn't work at all. and I was scrambling for one of those stupid bags. Can't find it anywhere.Turns ut it was stuck between some magazine pages. I end up vomiting on my jacket like a an incompetent jack 'A'. I have probably never been more embarassed. Fortunately the flight was over at this time and everyone acted as if nothing had happened.

I thnk I have a new most embarassing moment. I have funnier ones like losing my wrap skirt while working at a JC Penney and walking around the store in pumps, undies and a twin set. But this is more embarassing for some reason. I'm always surprised when patients are embarassed of bodily functions. I forget that I'm a decent nurse but I'm a terrible patient. I'm a grump when I'm in pain and it has been a good lesson in empathy. But I'm all done being in pain. Scheduling my root canal tomorrow.

THe trip was quite interesting. I forgot my camera so I have no picks to share but it was great to see Missy Graduate; difficult to coordinate anything with my family and hilarious to hang out in the grossest hotel I've ever stayed in. I will say this, Tennessee is s o green and beautiful this time of year. The weather was perfect and it was great to hang out with my brother. He is so good at helping us take ourselves a little less seriously.

in love

2008-04-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

I just wanted you all to see who all the knitted baby goods have been going to. Kyla Rebekah Katz. She is 7 lbs. of squawking love. I'm in love with her and I think she's pretty fond of me too. Although she is amazing, I am going to think long and hard before having one of my own.

finished product

2008-03-19T13:58:00.001-07:00

faster than labor booties.

2008-03-18T06:29:00.001-07:00

If a person were to get a text message that her pal went into labor at 3:38AM and then you got up and went to the yarn store after it opened and bought some angora. Then knit them up while watching a few episodes of the office. And finally, blocked them, odds are there would still be no baby. Hmm, I wondering if I could pop them in the mail and they'd be in Albany before the baby arrives. I"ll post finished pics after it dries. I meant the booties but that could totally go for the baby too. I"m so excited cause we don't know if it's a boy and a girl. I think I will love the baby even though baby owes me money. ( I lost the pool that the baby would be born on Friday.) It's never too early to start a resentment...Kidding.

The official name of the pattern is' angel booties' but I prefer 'faster than labor booties'. Knit up on size 5 dpn's and plymouth angora in a teal. I have no idea what consists of a gender neutral colors. I think colors are for everyone yet laugh to myself when men wear super fruity colors. I'm a total hypocrite.

And now some quotes from Juno.

Vanessa: I wanted to pick something gender-neutral for now. Once we get the baby, god willing, we can create a more decisive palette.

Mark: Why do people think yellow is gender-neutral? I don't know one man with a yellow bedroom.

hand dyed by knit or die

2008-03-12T17:38:00.001-07:00

erin 2, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

I didn't think Erin could surprise me as my secret Santa but she certainly did. Because I organized the Chicks with sticks holiday swap I knew she was my pal. A long distance love pal at that. She surprised me with some hand dyed cascade 220. The fash ruined the gloriousness of colors but there just isn't any sun in WNY until at least May. Thanks Erin. I don't know what I'll knit just yet... French market bag? felted clogs? hmmmm.

this place is a zoo

2008-03-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

I was trying to take a photo of the trinity stitch hat and as usual, the hound wouldn't leave me alone. He loves to be in front of the camera but he is also really uncooperative. I decided to go with it. Got a few blurry photos taken before kitty needed to feel included. So here is a photo montage of me and my boys and the trinity stitch beret. Which by the way is killer on the hands. That purl three together was massacre.

to the makers of super glue/crazy glue etc.

2008-02-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Super glue saves my "A." yet again. So darling Kitty has had a thing out for washing machines and dryers from day one. At my old apartment I had to lodge a six y six piece of wood so the devil in fur wouldn't dis-attach the dryer vent. A former favorite past time. KArma is a "B." even for cats.I lodged a giant 6x6 piece of wood there to keep him out. One day I moved the plank to paint the dining room and during one of his freak outs, he knocked over the giant piece of wood on his toes. he ended breaking his little pinky toe. Now in my new place, I found my laundry hose was more of a sprinkler than a drainage hose. I found a cat sized tooth mark in the hose. He is the devil in fur. I was going to buy a new hose but frst I tried to electrical tape it. Water oozed out. Then I tried a little super glue. Good as new.

red carpet un-ready.

2008-02-20T16:32:00.001-08:00

red carept 2, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

Every now and again I reuse a bridesmaid dress and wear it to a charity event. The photo above was from a habitat for humanity 'cement mixer.' Clever name huh? Well this year I'm not exactly attending a charity event and I bought a brand new dress around Christmas time which I'm kind of regretting since the whole house buying adventure. But I can maybe wear it to a wedding or two this summer. I am going to an academy awards party at the George Eastman house. I'm pretty sure it will be a bunch of old folks and Jenny and I but I'm way excited to watch the Academy Awards at the Dryden theatre after they take our pics on the red carpet and we have our 1 free cocktail. The proceeds go to the museum so that is nice. I bought the tickets as a christmas gift for Jenny after we decided we had too much stuff. Therefore, we should do something together for our gifts to each other instead of hoarding more crap. I enjoyed a cooking class from her in December. Anywho, The purse in the above picture is hideous, especially with the dress. So I was thinking of knitting/sewing a small evening bag. Except, the event is Sunday and it is now Wednesday evening. I wonder what I have in my stash. It probably won't happen but ideas are pretty much my favorite part of knitting.

The day 'keepin' it real Kim' died.

2008-01-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

WARNING: Almost no knitting content, but what's new.

I have had many stages in my knitting life. The knit the same scarf over and over stage, the I enjoy buying yarn more than actually knitting stage, the always knit for others stage and currently, the I'm trying to stick with continental knitting phase.
Perhaps living in this neighborhood is just a phase. Don't get me wrong I deeply love the southwedge and I am a proud member of the NUTS. For the most part I have wonderful neighbors that maintain their properties and care about making the hod a nice place to live. Yet, after reflecting on some of the events since I moved here I may be all done with this hood. First there was the cockroach incident where neighbors had been evicted and their home had been condemned on account of the cockroaches. Cockroaches in the fall in the Northeast???!!! As they were exteiminated they migrated from house to house until frost came.
In May I got a beautiful dog during my I'm sad and want something to love phase. In August my dog was attacked by a neighbors loose unlicensed pit bull that by the grace of God I was able to break up. Wednesday morning it happened for a second time. My negligent neighbors still haven't licensed the dog, yet pleaded that I not call animal control because they "love" their dog so much. With some help from BinetI most certainly did call and file a deposition. I still have to testify in court and I'm not sure what I want the results to be besides that it never happens again. And I suppose it is not my business. It's just my business to testify and turn it over to the legal system.

I"m prepared to get responses that pit bulls get a bad wrap with all the breed specific legislation going on, but in my experience none of the german sheperds or labs or border collies have ever acted aggressively toward me or Bert. I have met a very darling pit bull that had a very responsible owner. I'm not against the breed pit bulls. I am against this dogs negligent owners. After his owner pulled him off my dog she cursed at it and kicked it. I actually feel quite badly for it.

To summarize my blathering I may be ready to move on now. I'm just about all done keeping it real. There are places you can live that don't attract low lives or so wealthy that they don't live in reality. But I'm attracted to extremes, even socioeconomically. My father grew up in an incredibly wealthy environment and my Mom didn't have running water in her house until she was 14 year old. I've heard of middle class and a middle ground i just don't have a lot of experience with it. So my new goal is to pursue some middle class neighborhood to live in with space for my dog to roam and my dangerous cat to lounge in. I'd love to find a place with a strong neighborhood association just like the Hickory Street nuts. So in the spirit of middle ground I"m going to knt with some Lornas laces Lion and lamb. 50% wool 50% silk.

jet set

2008-01-14T18:56:00.001-08:00

bootie, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

Knit these puppies up in a hurry for Shannon's baby shower this weekend. I used some angora blend I had stashed. They knit up quickly on size 5 double points with a free pattern called Angel Booties I found on ravelry.

On account of things not going as planned and cheap airfare, I ended up flying to the shower in Boston for a just a day. On the way there I thought a how much I don't travel as much as I used to. If I were having a bad week I'd call up my friend Aaron and just take off for the weekend. I had so few responsibilities and endless time. I was a lil envious of my old self until i remembered how miserable I was. Drinking at night to unwind and ingesting massive amount of caffeine in the morning to gear up. Running from nothing and everything. I love my boring life. I can't just take off on a whim especially with the dog. I'm not sure if impulsive travel is even an option anymore. Well not impulsive flights. With all this no liquids nonsense. After I got a TSA pat down in a separate room I conclude air travel is anything but glam these days.

It was nice to see Shannon. Holy crap she certainly blossomed at 40 lbs heavier than the last time I saw her. I knew this was probably the last time I'll see her for awhile. I almost never get to see her and with a baby I know it won't happen any time soon.

I sat on the plane looking forward t getting home and spending time with my animals. Although I certainly haven't settled down to the extent of pregnant Shannon or most of my college friends I couldn't wait to get home to my boring little life.

knitting decisions

2008-01-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

Resolution can be defined as:

a song included in Nick Lachey's sophomore solo album What's Left of Me, which was released in 2006.

or this: a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner.

I personally hate new years resolutions. I kinda hate new years too. I just reflect on the past year and if I happen to be in a foul mood( which I am) I get all bummed about what hasn't been accomplished and "resolve" to do a bajillion and one things better in which I fail during week one and feel crummier than I did before.

This time of year is a time for some anniversaries for moi. I have lived in Rochester for 3 years this month. I have also been knitting for 3 years. Because of knitting, I have met wonderful and interesting people. For that I'm very grateful. I also took a looksy at a list I made a few years back titles 100 things to do before I die. I was pleased I actually have a few to check off including: quit caffeine, stay in Alanon for at least 1 year, announce my resignation as bridesmaid, get buried in the sand, get a dog and learn continental knitting. There are quite a few I will probably never complete such as kiss Luke Wilson. And some I should really get on, like make that dentist appointment. After all this, I feel, well, more hopeful and I'm pleased I have a clean slate in 2008. Most of my problems with things in life are in the semantics. Like I just don't like what I associate with the word resolution. So after looking up the word resolution I'm pleased to find that it is a decision. I'm comfortable with the word decision. I make decisions all the time. Some good, some bad, but at the end of the day no one is dead and I've learned something. So here are my new years decisions:
1) I decide to figure out how to turn off that alarm on my watch that goes off every night at 8:56 PM.
2) Considering it has taken me years to find a church that gels with my values, I decide to attend more regularly.
3) I decide to Knit continentally. I just ever stick with it long enough to not feel completely uncomfortable doing it.
4) I decide to be less of a knitting wussy. Just yesterday I decided against a patern because I was intimidated by the term 'double knitting'.
5) I decide to knit 2 projects at a time. I'll never be a one project at time gal. I'm a knitting floozy. I'm kay with that. But I would like to see something actually finished too.

I am a giant work in progress and could go one forever with decisions but for now this will do.

Recovering

2007-12-27T09:05:00.001-08:00

Christmas is a crazy time for most people but I just don't know how to make it less hectic. I'd like to think there is something I can do to change it next year. But every year I end up taking three days to recover cause I've gone to 5 different homes, made 3 dozen cookies and schleped pets and presents all over God's green earth in a 48 hour span. Yet, there are some people I only see on this one day every year and I feel it is important. Like Trina, Travis and some of my cousins. And I wouldn't be able to play Nintendo wii with my spoiled little cousin's kid who goes to school with Madonna's daughter and has hair highlights at the ripe age of eleven. Every year I promise to make some changes and and I just don't know how to and go back to my belief that you have to take the bad with the good and just focus on the positive and take long naps when it's through.

Christmas Eve 10:30AM: Having my hair blown out as this will be my last few minutes of solace and I'd rather have this done than a massage any day. Also I'm pretty shallow & my Mom's family dresses up so much, so hopefully my hair will look presentable by 6PM tomorrow with no effort on my part.

Noon: wrapping gifts. Why do I save this all for the last minute? I bought 3 rolls of wrapping paper but I have run out of paper because I decided not to read that they each have 5 square feet on them. Damn! Let bake some cookies cause the sisters requested them last night. Note to self: give them the recipe.

2PMish: Loading car with gifts, load cat and cats supplies, and food.

4PM: Arrive Batavia stop for more wrapping paper and a gift card for an aunt.

6:30: EAt Pizza with Mom, Step dad, Missy and Kelly. My stepbrother shows up and surprises me. He claimed he had to work and couldn't make the tip from Florida.

9PM: MAke it to mass in which I manage to get away with sitting between both sisters in church. MAybe it's becasue WE made it through mass last year wthout a laughing fit. Maybe it's because I am 28 years old. Don't get me wrong and I attend church regularly. Okay in all honesty probably at least monthly. I don't laugh in church but there is something about being in church with my sisters that transforms into the 12 year old that is shooting her braces rubberbands across the cathedral. And this Christmas was no exception. My sister pointed out a man in long wavy hair and tight stone wash jeans and says, " hey it's Slash!" It was all over then. Especially when Slash sat right in front of us and then I realized that Slash's brother used to play in a band with my Dad. And then it continued from there as we tried to figure out if al the long haired people in the church were male or female. It's surprising had to tell from behind. It was like '89 all over again. There was more silliness about which one of us girls looked more like Ronald McCdonald in our red lipstick.

10:30: drinking cider and opening presents. I loved my ipod speakers from Kelly and retro mugs from Missy. My family member s all seemed to appreciate their hand knit scarves. Especially Kelly who got the Chevron scarf of death.

11:30: head home for some sleep

Christmas
9:30 AM Back on the road again this time bearing my dog.

11AM: opening a few gifts and stockings with my Mom and step dad, and breakfast,

12:30- head to my dad's house house for more gift exchange and a a quick call to my grandparents.

2:30ish: Driving back to my Moms house as I see Crazy John from NJ calls. Send to voicemail.

3Pm: walk dog, making salad for Christmas dinner, My Mom is on the phone with razy John form NJ and surprise he has no where to go for Christmas. GAve her some sob story about how at 32 years old with a good job, cooking skills and an apartment he has made a can of spinach for his Christmas dinner. My Mom asks me if it would be okay if this ex boyfriend that I had when I was 16 can come over for dinner. I put my foot down....sorta and said I'd prefer not to and if he did I'm keeping my keys on me and moving my car to the street to make a quick get away. She invited him to a later gathering at my Aunts house but he declined.

4PM. Christmas dinner. Delish!

5PM A quick game of balderdash

630PM. Dessert at my Aunt's house. Screaming kids, lots of Polish food and tons of desserts. I can't find part of my gift for my aunts so I've decided to make them new years gifts and hope I get my shit together someday. My aunt with Bipolar disorder is very depressed and looks about 20 years older than ever. I played with my cousins 2 year old who is the cutest little guy I've ever seen. Seriously, I'm not even being prejudice cause I've got some not attractive cousins. He's naughty and a adorable which is my favorite combo for kids that aren't mine. My uncle Hank is mumbling and handing me drinks. Over the years that I've known my uncle there are only 2 words I can understand coming out of his mouth. One is beer. The other is jacuzzi. It's like going to a foreign country and you only need to know the important words.

10PM- Drive to my friend cassie's house for board games and some sing star competitions.

Midnight- Go home, and sleep until new year.

priorities?

2007-12-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

My upstairs is comprised of three rooms. The ceilings are sloped because the upstairs is basically attic space. Although there is plenty of space, there is not much standing up straight space. It's very cozy like. That is until you clunk your head on the stucco. One room is the bedroom. The second room is way small and kind of cold. There are no closets in the house so I've deemed it the closet room with a rack of clothes a dresser and shoes. I also put the dogs crate and dog bed in there. Finally there is the front room with school projects, my desk and the yarn.
Recently, dog has been spending lots of time in the front room. I asked myself why I dint' put his kennel and or bed in this room. It is somewhat bigger and warmer. Then I quickly replied to myself, " because that is where the yarn is!"

with a little help from my friends.

2007-12-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

I was in a crap mood over the weekend cause I didn't get the intern placement I wanted. I was supposed go out to see my step dad for his birthday but My Mom was worried about me driving in the weather so that was all the excuse I needed to stay home. I did end up leaving the barracks to meet Jenny for some Christmas shopping. She said she had a feeling I needed a pick me up and gave me the most adorable hand knit in Peru finger puppet from One World goods. Jenny is hilarious. She just can't wait until Christmas to give gifts. She is so excited about them she has to give them as soon as she can. One year she broke into my apartment (AKA used her key) and put my presents under the tree. Do you think it's a llama or an alpaca?

meme

2007-12-01T18:22:00.001-08:00

Erin has tagged me so here they are. Eight things about me...

(1) I refused to eat artichokes for years because they had the word choke in them. Then my friends fiances brother told me that the choke was the inedible part of the delicious lil plant. Why don't we just call them arties?

(2) I cannot wink unless I am intoxicated. This has been a real difficult pill to swallow. I sometimes cheat and turn my head to the side so you can't actually see that I am just blinking. Shhhh. I bet there are zero men in this world without the innate ability to wink.

(3) I believe very strongly in a firm handshake. I judge people with a wussy handshake.

(4) I can write forwards with my right hand and backwards with my left hand.

(5) As a child I had three pet raccoons.

(6) In high school I was a cheerleader and prom queen but I also had braces, a back brace and bifocals.

(7) I heart llamas. In college, a friends Mother was going to paint me a sign for my dorm on some slate. They asked what I wanted painted on it I said a llama just to be a kook. Somehow, it turned into a dance that I can no longer do since back surgery. It's pretty much a contact sport and those just aren't allowed. When I Asked Darcy what she wanted for her kid's sweater she hoped it would be knit with llama wool. Well, she did until she realized she couldn't machine wash llama wool.

(8) Raemen noodles are my comfort food.

fall loving & summer optimism

2007-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

Fall is finally here. To be honest, we have completely skipped my favorite part of fall this year. You know the sunny days and crisp evenings. Nonetheless, I'm loving the season. When I got my puppy on memorial day I was wondering if I'd hate walking the dog at 6:45 Am in the cold. So far so good. Nothing that a handknit hat can't cure! I've been so energized the last few weeks. It;s the time of year that I hear complaints of lethargy. Everyone else's seasonal affective disorder is starting to set in from the lack of daylight and I'm just livening up. Perhaps I'm a vampire. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday too. To me, it is just like Christmas without the expections and, well, without the gifts.

All that being said, there are some summer things I hate to let go of no matter how much I love fall. Every year I keep my herbs out well past frost. Once they are completely destroyed I toss them. It's my foolish optimism. I think, "hey, they still have some life in 'em. They are going to grow some more. " When I moved into my current apartment I swore I had central air just because the thermastat said so and cold air blew out of the registers when I turned it on in December.The then boyfriend said it was impossible because there was no where for air exchange ouside. My response was, "SHHH, I believe!" Of course he was right in the end, but whatever. As I shift more towards realism I brought my herbs in and cut a ton of lavendar and rosemary. I hoping I have enough basil for some pesto. MMMm.
Now I have to take my baked apple, cranberry clementine desert out of the oven. Yay!

focusing

2007-10-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

I made an '07 new years resolution to knit just one thng at a time. I didn't ven try to keeo it. Some of us just arent good at commitment. But seeing all those knitters in real life and in blog land are finishing things left and right. So I figured maybe I there was something to this focusing thing. So I commited to the chevron scarf and only the scarf. Turns out I finished it. I'm mostly pleased. It's kind of a pool of psychedelic color. But, I think my 22 year old sister will like it.

reflecting

2007-10-28T19:53:00.001-07:00

j socks, originally uploaded by kimmiecashie.

I've finally been able to get some but not all of my old pics off my old computer that crashed and burned months ago. It's been kinda fun looking at old pics. Here's some socks I knit for James after dating for one year. We broke up like 17 days later but I pretty sure the fact that I knit for him had nothing to do with that. I knit them with Lorna's laces bulky in gray and charcoal.

Flickr

2007-10-28T19:46:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

never ending scarf

2007-10-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

I started this puppy at the end of July and man It is just not ending. I still have 15 inches to go. Arghh. I really hope all the ripples go away during the blocking process. I'm making it for little sister Kelly for Christmas. She's 22 but she will always be little sister. I'm glad I got a head start on it. becasue at this rate I'll be finishig up Christmas eve!

unfall

2007-10-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

This fall has been very unfall. This 80 degree weather is completely short changing my autumn experience. Fall is my favorite season and watching the leaves fall in a tank top just isn't the same. I love to cook, but I tend not to cook in the summer and I've continued to slack this fall. When I want to knit more I go to the yarn shop for inspiration. Hence the massive stash! I applied the same concept and hit up the sale at Cooks World. I scored a very adorable cobalt blue casserole pan for cheap.

As for the knitting, I'm plugging along on boring garter stitch scarf and chevron scarf. Never again will I knit 2 scarves at once. I hate knit ADD. Even without my attention difficulty there would be no knitting for me today. Sadly, it hurts way too much to lift my out of shape arms after killer pilates class. This is probably the most sore I've ever been in my life. Well second to back surgery. But I defintely still feel like the tin man. As in rusty, and in need of oil. Not in the I need of a heart way. At least not today.

Christmas swap

2007-09-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Preamble: I don't like Christmas. I think it bring out the caracter defects in myself and my family during obligatory family Christmas gathering. I'm going to try to enjoy it this year. I've already got the christmas cards written and addressed. I'm hoping a Christmas swap might be fun.

Are you religious?
Well I was raised Catholic and I attend mass fairly regularly but when it comes down to it I'm one of those more spiritual than religious people.

How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced?
I've been knitting for about 3 years and I still consider myself a beginner to intermediate.

Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting?
biking..sorta, bridge diving, hiking

Favorite color(s)? blues

Do you collect anything? yarn, and makeup. I'm a makeup junkie. Much like yarn I think I enjoy buying it more than using it.

Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? nope

Do you have any pets? A naughty cat Beau and a hound Albert

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate?
Becasue I like to punish myself it's just decaf, herbal and yes please to choclate these days.

Cookies or Sweets? yes and yes

Do you knit socks? not much
If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) hats, scarves, ocassionaly sweater

Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? yupper

Favorite holiday treats? Binet's rum balls

Favorite holiday smells? tree smell. I think there is a more eloquent way to say that.

Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate Nothing comes to mind.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?
baking cookies

Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....”
arriving late, leaving early and parking on the street!

If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? A snowflake.

What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given?A cook book and a nice cutting board from my sister Missy. She rocks!

When do you start your Christmas? Christmas eve

Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? Buy em!

What is your favorite Christmas dish?
Ah, It's a toss up between my polsih uncles pierogies or my aunts jello.

Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Never happened cant' say for sure. Do you give them money???

When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? Both. I open with my siblings, my Mom's family, my Dad and my stepfamily in a span of 36 hours.

Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Both, After the 3 family gathering I roll into my friend Cassie's house at about midnight and we play board games and drink into the wee hours.

Please post your questionnaire, complete with answers, to your own blog within 2 weeks of today (by midnight September 15th). If you do not have your own blog, you must post your questionnaire answers to the Swap blog. Any questions, feel free to contact me or Kasia, and most of all: Have Fun!!

Posted by Knittymuggins at 3:36 PM 29 comments

!finalmente!

2007-08-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have finally knit a sweater that I don't hate. After a few years of knitting, I have made something I will actually wear. Well, besides the countless hats, scarves and gloves I've made. I made my first sweater (lumpy bumpy tri-color trainwreck cardigan in a sweater making class only to find (1) The pattern ugly and assymetrical on purpose b/f modifying it (2) The yarn uber expensive (3) The class did not teach any finishing techniques. Reason number three explains why it has one puffy cap sleeve and one flat. I wilnevr wear that thing. I'm ripping the hell out of it.

I later found a sweater pattern with no seaming required and although I got gauge it was tent size. To make matters worse I knit it in white. People could throw a party under this thing. I used the same pattern but went down a needle size amd knit the extra small and ta da! A wearable sweater is born! Even though nothing on me is an extra small I'm pleased this one turned out.

Blue sky alpaca cotton
pattern is from michaels called trendy knit tops.

ungraduation day

2007-08-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

My lil monster Albert Is supposed to graduate from obedience class today. It's more like taking boards than graduation. A graduation by definiton marks a completetion. i think in this case it is a misnomer. It should be called obedience finals, or better yet, obedience practical examination. He has to sit and stay with me 15 feet in front of him for 30 seconds and do the same for down and a bunch of other impossible tasks. There is a whole points system. I didn't even ask how manypoints it takes to pass because Honestly there is no way in hell Bert is gonna pass. Even though I gave him a pep talk this morning that stated otherwise. ( The people in the whitecoas are probably coming to take me real soon.) he can do most of the tasks at home eh say 70 % of the time. But never in a room full of dogs and exciting smells. I was going to skip out of the whole embarassing event until I decided not to take his slow learning curve personally. So Albert is being help back from basic obedience and we will keep on truckin in another class.

Why do I love this critter?

2007-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Currently this cat of mine is eating his hairbrush and hasn't slept in at least 22 hours. On Average cats sleep 16 hours a day and I'm not sure how it is possible that he is still alive except that he is being sustained with crazy by his morphine patch.

Beau has surgery yesterday to remove an absess tooth. It was an expensive lil procedure but I agreed as I promised myself I would make myself a dentist appointment first. There is something wrong with a the cats dental care taking a higher priority to my own no matter how much I hate going to the dentist.

When I picked up my lil buddy at the vet yesterday I had no idea what was in store. His little arm is bruised from the IV and he has a yellow sweater to keep his morphine patch on. He never looked so stoned in his life. HUge Huge pupils. I was handed some kitty painkillers and a bottle of antibiotics and sent on my way. I was warned he may act a lil loopy on the morphine. This critter has not slept. he keeps running into walls and rolling over.

I didn't sleept much last night because Beau kept pestering me. It made me think of my friends aaron and Jen who just had a baby girl. They also must be oretty sleepless right now. Nothing was stranger than seeing my highschool friend be pregnant...on purpose! After staying up and trying to soothe kitty last night I'm starting to think I wouldn't be able to hack motherhood. Yet, I have yet to meet a newborn that can stay awake for 22 plus hours.

I'm afraid to write this as it may jinx it all. But as I type, Beau's eyelids are getting heavy. I put a book on CD in cause he loves to hear mens voices and it seems to be doing the trick.

knitting marathon:1 marathon = 46 145 yards

2007-01-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

I've heard lots about knitting marathon in blog land. In order to knit a marathon, I'd have to knit 46,145 yards. I think i'm going to do a knitting light jog instead. I'm going to see how long ti will take me to knit 1 mile/1760 yards. so far in 2007 I have 164 yards down and 1596 to go!

madonna mania

2007-01-19T07:53:00.000-08:00

(1) I'm terrible at blogging and this new camera. 30% of my pics come out sideways and I only sort of care. Jus like my blatent disregard for capitalization.
(2)These are a few photos from madonna mania a few weeks ago. The posters advertised prizes for best costume and look alikes. therefore, i figured if I dressed slightly madonna-like i's be in good company. WRONG! Pretty much just Devon and I dressed up. Ah well I don't care. Kept the lace gloves i hot glued together myself on all night.

SP9 reveal

2007-01-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

My secret pal Jennie revealed herself in a delightful package. Everything was indidually wrapped in fun stripey paper. I recieved some blue sky alpaca sport weight in red, a felted bag of delish choclates and some Caron super soft. I also scored a mix CD that you can't see because it's playing on my ;aptop as we speak. Thanks Jennie!

2007-01-14T19:36:00.001-08:00

In the year 2007 I resolve to:
Remember how many times to rinse and repeat.

Get your resolution here.

landlordly hats

2007-01-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

I recently knit a hat for my old landlord because I wanted to and because he is such a fantastic guy. I also knit one for his wife too cause it was the right thing to do. I was a little conflicted about this for a few reasons. (1) When I moved in Jamie was a single dude and officially was the only landlord until this August, and even then if I needed anything wifey was useless. Except for blocking me in my driveway, which she did with great skill and timing. (2) His wife is a total brat. Hey, I don't have to like everyone. (3) The hat turned out so well I really wanted to keep it for myself. Yet, I let it go because it was the right thing to do (and I had another ball of debbie bliss cashmerino super chunky in cream).

resolutions

2007-01-07T13:41:00.000-08:00

I often felt very mixed about making resolutions just because it is new year. and they all seemed to be, in general, deprivation oriented. I still decided to try to make a few. A few of my new year resolutions:

1. Maintain a mostly caffeine free 2007 with the exception of choclate and the occasional green tea.

2. Try more vigilantly to be on time. For some reason I hate being early which leads me to being late, but I shouldn't make people wait for me.

3. Knit one project at a time. This one may be pretty futile but it is worth a try. Happy 2007!

way overdue shout out to my SP!

2007-01-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

In the hecticness of the holiday season and my unique ability to suck at life I photographed my secret pals last fab package and promply misplaced my camera. So, I'm left to rephotograph it and finally post. It was an amazing package that arrived just a few days before Christmas. She sent me an adorable "great yarns knit froends together" mug. And some delish Tazo teas. my pal is a mind reader because I recently quit caffeine and they had a great selection of herbal and decaf teas. I'm lovin the decaf chai. It also has some great caffinated teas taht i'll keep on hand for company. There was a great little bag stuffed with 3 skeins of handpainted merino yarns. I'm going to make socks with it once i try a few pairs with some less fabulous yarn. Can't wait!
There is also something that I cannot photograph even with the new camera. My SP is a baker. Well not by occupation i don't think but she or he (she i think)baked delsih choclate orange bread that was promptly consumed by my family this Christmas.

I also have a photo of thr handknit ornament she made for me for Christmas. So adorable. I'd love the pattern for next year.

snow: love it or hate it?

2007-01-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

I personally love snow. one word: skiing. Downhill. Not wussy cross country but I did tell james I'd give x-country a second try. Thing is we would have to actually get snow in the northeast enjoy it. I feel like if it's going to be cold there should at least be sonme snow to recreate in.
I have lots of photos to upload but the damn digital camera is missing. In thr mist of the chaos that is december my camera has gone missing. I'm going to give the car one more search and if not i'll have to take some more photos using the worlds crappiest camera phone. ah well. -K

I've been a lil bad but my secret pal soooo good.

2006-12-18T18:54:00.000-08:00

Okay so my secret pal sent me a fabulous fabulous goody package almost a month ago and I have yet to post about it. they should really kick me out. But you know somme people suck at life a little bit. i am one of those people. I can't juggle moving, christmas, quitting caffeine, and blogging. Just can't.

But, better late than never. It was an amazing package. It was housewarming and christmas. So nice.

She knit a beautiful lace scarf using kid silk haze. Can you believe she did her first lace project in kid silk haze. Amazing. I recieved a quilting book and a handknit cloth and yummy smelling soap. she also thoughtfully included double pointed needle holders. i never used them and I'm so excited to be a more organized knitter. The cutest thing of all i almost missed. it was at the bottom of the boxed and I'm sad to say almost went out with the recycyling. She knit the most adorable sweater ornament for my tree which is finally up, sigh. Secret pal you are amazing.

My first socks.

2006-11-27T06:59:00.000-08:00

I made my first pair of socks! yay! I used the magic loop technique and I think I'm in love. I'm also happy I was able to finish both socks without any single sock syndrome. They aren't perfect but they knit up quickly. I knit them in the car on my way to and from Boston. I used some nashua handknits wooly stripes in rolling thunder. The colors were different than I expected. They came out huge! I knit huge!. I swear I got gauge. Therfore, I'm giving them to the largest man I know... my grandpa. I'm glad I sent them before I called him on Thanksgiving. I'm a lil mad at him or all my petulant child relatives. He's pissed b/c I haven't talked to my dad since august and My dad is whining to them. of course I'm to blame and "family is Family" yet, my dad hasn't picked up the phone or answered any of my requests to get together. Even if he is being a hoser at least his feet will be warm.

What's a snug

2006-11-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

i compleed this iem for jenny's birthday. at knit club the girls were perplexed what a snug was. The responses were, " you mean a shrug, right? is it a capelet? ". some even thought it was a slug. basically it is a scarf/wrap sewn together. jenny is modeling it. she has an oh so jennifer beals off the shoulder style so i thought it suited her perfectly. i used debbie bliss cashmerino chunky and a size 10 needle.

finished cable hat.

2006-11-14T05:46:00.000-08:00

I finished the hot pink cabled hat. It turned out fairly well. There were no decreases in this hat just sewing and folding that gave it an elf like appearance I ran out of yarn to make a pom pom as substantial as i would have liked. I think the pom pom looks a lil wimpy. The yarn was decent.
Nashua handknits chunky in wildrose.
from one skein book.

I'm also working on my first pair of socks for my grandpa. Almost finished them on the car ride home from Boston but i ran out of light. they are turning to be quite huge. More like slipper socks. Fortunately my Pops is a big guy.

this can't be good.

2006-11-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: North Central "North Central" is what professional linguists call the Minnesota accent. If you saw "Fargo" you probably didn't think the characters sounded very out of the ordinary. Outsiders probably mistake you for a Canadian a lot.
The Midland
The West
Boston
Philadelphia
The Inland North
The Northeast
The South
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Man I thinjk it was the quiz. I took phonetics and I hope this isn't what I sound like.

my secret pal rocks!

2006-11-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

My secret pal is by far the coolest person. She is apparently also a mind reader. I don't know if it was all the kids and the Halloween candy that made me jealous coming home the other day but I was craving something sweet. Delaying the gratification wouldn't do, but there was nothing sweet in my house except maybe some baking choclate. I opened my mail and recived my first secret pal package with not one but 2 Halloween cards, fantastic burts bees lip balm. Love that stuff and last but not least all the choclate I coukd desire. Thanka SP!

contest questions-my favorite...

2006-10-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Actor- Owen Wilson

Actress jodie foster

Animal-sloth. After a trip to Costa Rica I've become found of sloths.

Band-hmm it's hard for me to pick just one of anything but the band thing almost impossible. I'll have to say Down to earth Approach cause my brother is a member and they are all amazing guys.

Beverage- toffe nut latte

Book The Alchemist

Bubble Bath- mr bubble fragrance free.

Candy-Nerds

Color-Blue

Flower- orchid

Food- again so many to choose from.

Lip Balm-kiehls tinted lip balm and burts bees

Lotion- don't use it, skinis too sensitive

Movie- ferris buellers day off

Song-no favorite

TV Show- It's pretty ridiculoud but I like reys anatomy. The Daily show and Colnert report too.

Vacation Spot- holden Beach, NC I love to grab a handful of friends and rent a small beachhouse and listen to the ocean.

Secret Pal 9 questionaire

2006-10-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Anything blue sky alpaca, rowan pretty much anything that feels nice and isn't 100% acryllic. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? 100% acryllic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Man I need to find a good way to store th double points but the straights go in a vase.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Well, I learned to knit from debbie Stollers book 2 years ago. i have since taken a few classes and just completed my 1st sweater. I'd say I'm an intermediate knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? yes I have an amazon wish list and I think it's mostly book and makeup go figure.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I love coffee, vanilla and jasmine scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? yes! choclate and nerds cause I am one.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? other crafts, hmm. I don't think I have any.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes y computer/stereo can play MP3s. I'm into lots of usic but I dont' like country or hardcore rap.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? colors colors I love colors. I love all blues. I tend to stay away from primary colors in knitting and clothing.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live alone with my fat kitty.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I love scarves. Wear hats and mittens too. Ponchos, uh not so much. I cant really pull it off.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like hats for a quick knit. I like to knit bags too. I just started obsessing over socks.

13. What are you knitting right now? where to start. Some sweater socks, a baby blanket and a wrap.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? YES!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like aluminum and bamboo. Plastic it hard for me. I've been using circulars more and more.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? yes, both. It's been life changing. I like to buy yarn just to wind it.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Since July. 3 months

18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.

19. Is there anything that you collect? yarn

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? no subscriptions yat, but I really should get knit one or interweave.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? continental. It's been hard for me to pick up/

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? yes. heel to toe 9 inches.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 05/04

wrapping up wedding season.

2006-09-07T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well 2 weddings down and and 1 to go. I brought some knitting but with all the work that goes into being a professional bridesmaid I was only able to knit a few rows while at the hairdressers. Man, there was the helping pack for the honeymoon, cleaning out the fridge. nThis girl was in no shape to leave there house for 14 days. I was thinking about leaving her to deal with her consequences and closing the bedrrom door and settling in for some reading, knitting and some shut eye. After all I have to look presentable in my incredibly shiny dress. After all, I didn't decide to go on my honey moon immediately following the wedding. And what has she been doing this last week with work off? brides, I tell ya.

anyways, my knitting is resembling that of the tent in which the event took place. It's a cowl next sleeveless sweater with a cheap pattern from Joann's. I've substitutes some Blue sky cotton for the acryllic and chose white. I'm the spill queen what was aI thinking. I eventually got gauge but this thing is looking huge. A huge white tent. I think. I'll probably end up dyeing it some deeper shade if it starts to look less tent like. Will post pics soon.

baby hat for Bambino Alquist

2006-07-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

Cousin Kristin is having a baby and learning from what drudgery it can be to knit a baby blanket I decided to do a project that I'd actually finish. I tried the baby hat from the One Skein book and after 3 failed attempts I threw in the towel and just modified an adult hat pattern for one much smaller. I'm pretty pleased with it. Surprisingly, a few males have ooooed and awwed it's cuteness. I'm happy to have a gift for the shower that is actually finished. Unlike last years episode of wrapping up something on the sticks with a note saying I'd return it as soon as it was completed.

a finished object.

2006-07-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

So I skipped out on my chicks meeting at Lux cause I had the flu. Having the flu is boring and uncomfortable. Sick in the summer....ewww. i remember having the flu when I was a kid and I think I just slept a lot. I was too zapped to knit but too uncomfortable to sleep. anyways I have a few pics of a scarf I made that is a terrible color for me but I thought the color would look great against my blue coat this coming winter.

lots to see

2006-07-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

create your own visited countries map
According to this I've seen 5% of the world which is actually an overestimation. I've seen so little of Canada tha I don't think it counts. I cheated a little with nicaragua too. I was in nicaraguan water while visiting Costa rica.

2006-07-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

create your own visited states map

cableknit purse

2006-04-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

This is my first cable knit purse. and some of it's stages. I've been lusting over making one of these for awhile now. I don't know if I'll wear it in green or not but I'm pleased withthe results. Now back to baby blanky from hell now that my cute cable knit distraction is completed.

2006-04-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Intro

2006-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

hello all. I've just started this to document my fav geeky hobby. Ive only been knitting for a year and would like a place to document all my projects. Knitting has helped me connect with people I never would have in othe facets of my life, helped me relax, meditate and i think it's helped my dexterity. Perhaps I will be a surgical nurse after all. I certainly hasn't helped with my serious typo probelm or handwriting though.