Category Archives: Alongs

A little bit of everything

Hope everyone had a good weekend! I knitted (another bib almost done…), visited my dad and his wife for Father’s Day, got caught up on bloglines, and read quite a bit. Here’s my SRP update:

Widdershins by Charles de Lint, 560 pages. Some resolution to the events started in motion in The Onion Girl. De Lint always leaves me believing there is hope for the world.
Death Masks by Jim Butcher, 373 pages. Book 5 of the Dresden Files. Chicago PI and wizard-for-hire Harry Dresden searches for the Shroud of Turin and runs into an old flame. Enjoyable as always.

I have a question for you WordPress experts out there. A few people have reported that they’re seeing my sidebar stuff on top of the posts. I moved most of the sidebar stuff to a separate page until I get that sorted out. Does anyone have any ideas about what the problem could be?!

Don’t forget – to leave a comment, click on the number to the right of the post title!

For my Knit Sock Kit Swap buddy, my questionnaire responses are here.

Friday night we had some major storms moving through the Twin Cities. I tried to take pictures out the window, but I don’t think I managed to capture the intensity of the storm. These pictures were taken around 5:30 pm, when the wind was gusting to 65 mph or so.

I’m making slow progress on the moderne log cabin crib blank from MDK. I’m about 1/3 done with square #7, although it’s not easy to tell that from my progress picture below…

“Zzzzzzzzzzz… mmmmm… butt blanket… zzzzzzzzzz…”

X-treme Lace in Peril

Yes, another challenge in the Amazing Lace! The first challenge was to introduce my lace knitting team. The second challenge is to illustrate some X-treme Lace Knitting. I think technically, it’s supposed to be one picture. And I’m supposed to be in the picture. But, since I am a singleton and Chaos’ picture taking is not so good due to his lacking of opposable thumbs, I decided to take pictures of teammate Chaos and my lace project.

I present to you – extreme procrastination! Nope, haven’t even started. Actually do not plan to start until I finish the log cabin baby blanket. Hey, we have until Labor Day for the Amazing Lace! And I picked yarn with purple, figuring I wouldn’t get to it until July. Anyway, teammate Chaos seems a bit shy…

But wait, what’s this?!

“Peek-a-boo.”

*sniff sniff*

*SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF SNIFF!*

*munch*

Chaos?! Chaos?!! Where are you going with our teammate, Cabernet?!

*mwmph*

Oh no!!!

*rip bite rip*

Teammate Cabernet was quickly rescued, but alas, was somewhat gnawed…

Oh dear – those aren’t the ends of the skein: poor Cabernet now has six ends instead of two…


Hope everyone has a great weekend – I’m going to take the weekend off from blogging. Maybe I’ll catch up on blog reading. Maybe I’ll learn more about WordPress! Or maybe – I’ll actually knit so I have something to blog about. *gasp*

Urban Trekking with feckless yarn

On Saturday, I trekked over to Nicollet Avenue, also known as “Eat Street,” to knit with Renee at Bad Waitress.

We had some tasty coffee and breakfast foods and caught up on things.

I was chastised by a staff member for trying to take pictures of some of the kitschy decor for y’all, so you’ll just have to image the stuffed hammerhead shark and other such gems!

I worked on my Trekking #78 sock. I didn’t pull my Trekking sock out during the walk because it was windy and the last thing this Trekking sock needs is to be exposed to wind… Can you guess why?!

Yes, there were some severe yarn vomit issues when I started the sock. About 1/5 of the skein came out while I was searching for the end! (I was even getting a pedicure at the time, so I could start my Trekking season out right. Ungrateful yarn.)


“Oooooooh, I shouldn’t have eaten that TRT… Look how bloated it made me!”

The Dye-O-Rama yarn I sent, and Socks for Sheep

I can’t believe I forgot to post pictures after my dye buddy received her yarn! I sent yarn to Ghostknitter in Singapore, who likes “fruity colors.” The skein on the left was dyed during the class I took at Shepherd’s Harvest last month, using mysterious acid dyes. The skein on the right was dyed from Wilton’s at Jeanne’s last month – I used leaf green, violet (which is a pain to use), and sky blue. Dyeing these skeins was quite a departure for me, colorwise!

Jennifer is collecting money and knitted items to sell for her Socks for Sheep project. Her goal is to purchase a Knitting Basket (through Heifer International), which is two llamas and two sheep that will go to people in need. She’s offering the chance to win prizes to those who donate, so help her out if you can!

Apparently my feet are still not out of danger…

“Mwaorf.”

L is also for…

Library! (I’m sure that sense of deja vu you’re experiencing will pass.) As part of my excursion downtown, I checked out the new Minneapolis Central Library. Unfortunately, it looks like the sign has already taken a few hits…

But wow – isn’t it spectacular? This is the Nicollet Mall side:

And here’s the Hennepin Avenue side:

In the lobby, nifty technology…

…was balanced with ancient wisdom…

…in this statue of Minerva, Roman goddess of crafts and wisdom. What’s not to like about a library with the goddess of smart knitters in the lobby?! Especially when the banners on Nicollet Mall were so much fun?! This one reads “Meet Batgirl, Librarian!”

Back on the home front, we return to my foot, obviously in great danger…

“You thought I maybe was kidding about snagging the socks?!”

Some things to check out: Susan’s having a contest for her birthday. Sallee’s coordinating knitting for C4C (Clothes for Crisis – showing people in trouble that we care) and KnitRed (knitting to raise awareness of women’s heart disease) – stop by and see how you can help.Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Blogger plays nice today and let’s us post and comment, eh?!!

Oh, and I found this odd little note tucked into my bag this morning:

Dear Bella,

I am writing to you out of my deep respect and concern for your well-being (and since I am convinced that you are a cat trapped in a dog’s body). I am not sure if you are aware of what is going on, but it appears that your mom is plotting against you. It sounds like she is bringing another furbaby into your household, by name of “Louie” – are you aware of this?! I suggest that you take immediate measures to thwart this diabolical plot. Such treachery cannot be allowed.

Yours truly, with purrs and licks,

Chaos

L is for…

Library. I love the public library. I only live about six blocks away and I’m at the library two to three times every week. (And no, it’s not just because of the cute guy who works there. Sheesh.)

The old Walker Library. It’s been a thrift store and a spa and is currently sitting empty and for lease.

Across Hennepin Avenue, the new(er), mostly underground Walker Library.

The library is underneath this lawn!

While Chaos has never been to the library (I’m thinking he would be a bit disruptive), he is very fond of library books

Trek that lace, baby

For Trek Along with Me, I’ll be knitting with Trekking 78, a lovely combination of purples and a hint of blue for Project Spectrum June.

“This is a particularly tasty shade of Trekking. I recommend it to all discerning kitties out there.”


I’m sort of hindered in the first Amazing Lace challenge, because unlike some, I’ve never seen the Amazing Race. Hey, I don’t get any tv stations. Cut me a break, will ya?So, last night the team met for the first time. On the left, we have Mim’s Adamas Shawl pattern, handily mounted on a magnetic board and stand (gadget geek alert!). In the front, we have a skein of Christine’s Fingerpaints laceweight yarn in Cabernet (with some blue, for Project Spectrum June!). On the right… we have, well, chaos.

“Cabernet? Are you sure? I’m thinking it’s actually a really good pinot noir.”

Greetings are exchanged among the team members.

*sniff sniff sniff*

Oh, dear, I’m afraid that not all team members have the same goal…

“Bwah-ha-ha!”

J is for…

June, my paternal grandmother, who died when I was 17 and too young to appreciate her. She was a seamstress, making both gorgeous quilts and much of my kindergarten wardrobe (plaid polyester bellbottom pantsuits were so in). I am sure that her being a “maker” was passed on to my dad and then to my brother and I, and if she were still here, I would give her a hug and tell her “thank you.”

Please ignore this unless you are my Dye-O-Rama buddy or are morbidly curious about esoteric aspects of my personality and life

By special request…
Specific to this swap:
Your favorite colors? black, purple, emerald green, royal blue
Preferred yarn weight (Fingering, Sport, DK, maybe even Worsted)? Fingering
Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? I like both. Heck, I even like semi-solids.
If your buddy is able to do so, would you like a variegated, self-striping, or self-patterning yarn?
Stripes rock, but I know they are a beast to do!
Would you be interested in a wool blend sock yarn (nylon, tencel, silk, acrylic, alpaca, etc.)?
Please no cotton or acrylic… I love silk and/or wool. And I’m perfectly ok with handwashing socks.
Imagine the perfect colorway. What would you name it? Funny, Scout already asked me this. Chaos, of course.
What was the biggest appeal to you for joining this dye-along? Goad me into expanding my creative endeavors – I haven’t dyed any yarn for ages! Plus the name is terribly clever.
General yarn/fiber questions:
Have you dyed yarn/fiber before? Yes
If so, what’s your favorite dye and method? One-shot acid dyes (with citric acid in them) seem to be the easiest to use. I’m still playing with methods, trying different things out. I hated Kool-Aid – way too stinky and the smell just won’t go away…
Do you spin? Nope, not even tempted.
Have you knit socks before? Oh, yes…
Do you use sock yarn for just socks or in other patterns too? I’ve knit a few baby sweaters from sock yarn, but am not pleased with any of the patterns I’ve tried so far.
What are some of your favorite yarns? Brooks Farm Four Play, Sundara superwash sock yarn, Schaefer Anne, Trekking
What yarn do you totally covet? Regia Silk and Brooks Farm Four Play
Favorite patterns? I just knit the One Skein Baby Bolero (with modifications) and would definitely do that again. The toe-up sock pattern I use (and just plug stitch patterns into) is a huge favorite. I fantasize about knitting Eris someday.
Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Some of the stunning, simple, and elegant lace shawls I see, out of silk and cashmere and whisper-soft wool.
Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Addi Turbos – I’m all about the speed, baby.
If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? I’d have some silk, because my name has some silk, so it’s perfect.

Nothing to do with knitting/yarn/fiber in any way but seemed kinda fun:
Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? Food’s a bit tricky, since I’m gluten and lactose intolerant. I’m fond of Endangered Species dark chocolate bars, like the cocoa nibs and the blueberry.
What’s your favorite animal? My cat Chaos…
Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? Heh… Chaos, domestic feline, black shorthair, 2.5 years old
If you were a color what color would you be? It depends. I like black for its elegance and simplicity (really, if you have only black shoes and purses – life is simple). I like jewel tones of purple, green, and blue for their breath-taking intensity. That said, I could see being a funky black and hot pink or fuschia colorway.
Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s). Mine’s a black Eddie Bauer 3/4 sleeve pullover that has the perfect amount of waist shaping to be flattering but isn’t clingy.
What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? I’m a waterfall junkie. Love ’em. Also, I adore snowy egrets.
Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof.” – Richard Bach, Illusions
“Look inside yourself for the answers – you’re the only one who knows what’s best for you. Everybody else is only guessing.” – Charles de Lint, Trader
Do you have a wishlist? A formal one, like Amazon.com? Nope.
Anything else you’d like to share with the group today? I don’t watch TV. I love to read and listen to music. I’m addicted to soy mochas, no whipped. I am very sensitive to perfumes and scents and don’t do well with scented products.

If you survived through all of that, here’s a gratuitous, somewhat dyeing related cat picture.


“I’m trying to get set up to wind yarn here. Why are you bothering me with such trivialities?”