Sunday, June 01, 2008

Cruelty Free?



In on of my recent modules at school, I participated in a group project about animal testing. Since then I have tried to purchase cruelty free products when possible. So, when it was time to buy hair coloring, I went to the health food store to see what was available. There were two or three brands and, with advice from the saleslady, I chose the one that was priced in the middle. The box didn't have very much information on it, so I didn't know what I was getting into.

When I started reading the instructions, I felt my brain being squeezed. I had to use distilled water, which had been boiled in a glass container, to mix with the green powder which smelled like something. L and H said it smelled like kelp or poop. I thought it smelled like collard greens. I don't even know for sure if I know what collard greens smell like, but that's what came to mind.

L had to use gloves to put it in my hair, which is normal. But the solution was very grainy and thick and it was hard to tell if it was getting through to the gray. We had to be very careful not to get it on any skin because it will stain. While it was being put on, some dripped and before we could stop it, Cooper had licked it up. I hope she's going to be okay. She should because it's all natural, so it says.

We didn't know how long to leave it on my hair because we hadn't done a test sample. I don't know how anybody could have the time to do this hair coloring the way the instructions say to do it. When you do a test strand sample, in order to see how it's doing, you have to rinse it off and let it dry. I would not have the patience to boil the water, mix it up, and do this several times for different lengths of time just to see which is right.

Then, there are all sorts of things you can add to the solution for special effects: an egg or yogurt for extra conditioning, chamomile tea for lightening, ceylon or black tea brewed with three bags for golden highlights, three tablespoons vinegar or fresh lemon for rich golden or copper highlights, one teaspoon ginger, allspice, nutmeg or paprika to enrich browns or reds and leave hair smelling fresh and distinctive, day-old, black, hot coffee (not instant) (and not brewed in a metal pot) to enhance brown tones.

GOOD GRIEF!!!

Several times during the process, I thought of how I was saving poor little rabbits from the horrible testings that I had read about. I just don't think it should be so difficult to try to save the poor little creatures.


At this point, my hair is still drying. I'm not supposed to shampoo it for 24 hours. That's not going to happen because I will not go to work with unshampooed hair. So some time tomorrow, probably after I arrive at work, I will see what my hair looks like after this escapade. I hope I don't have to shave my head.

Friday, May 23, 2008

School, Knitting, Beading

Last night was the first meeting of my Business Law class. I have been very worried about it based on what I read in the syllabus. It didn't take me long after class started to realize that I don't need to worry quite as much. The teacher indicated some things in the syllabus that he's not going to enforce. There will not be a presentation, like there has been in my previous classes. Even though, I was doing fairly well with these, I'm relieved. And, he's funny! There is a paper due, which can be turned in early. I really need to try to do that because on June 10 I start an extra class that will last 7 weeks in addition to my regular class. Basically, that means double the schoolwork for me.

I have had a tendency to worry about each class before it starts. Then, at some point, either during the class or when I get my grade, I realize I didn't have much to worry about really. So, I guess I could probably stop worrying. But then I thought maybe I shouldn't stop. Because it seems to be working. I worry about my classes - and I get good grades. :)

Things can't be going too bad because I've been able to get some knitting done and even a small amount of beading. I have managed to get the pink shell to about 4 1/2 inches. At 14 inches, I will get to split for the top part. Maybe I'll get it done in time for Fall. :)

A friend and I decided to do a little bit of beading recently. I made a pink necklace and matching bracelet with the spiral rope stitch. I will try to take a picture of them soon. I still plan to make earrings . . .

I'm glad I could take some time to update this blog this morning, but I really need to be getting ready to go to work. To ALL of my knitting and beading friends, I Miss You!!!!!!

Friday, May 02, 2008

School

Homework, homework, homework. I'm beginning to wonder if this school thing was a good idea. I certainly hope this is all going to be worth it. I can't get a break. I steal my knitting time, and that's just not enough. Fortunately, I like school. But I feel like I HAVE to do schoolwork EVERY day and that's getting old.

I have four chapters in my text to read in the next week. So, this morning, instead of checking my email while I ate breakfast, I started my reading. Cooper was confused. We have a certain breakfast ritual and I changed it. I have to write a five-year-plan for my life, which is due next time and work on a presentation and paper for the last night. Then, I get to study Business Law. oh goody

After having started and restarted the sleeveless pink pullover several times, I think I'm on track with it now. If I can just keep those open pens away from it! I took time off from it this week to work on a gift item. Now that it is done, I can get back to the pink thing. While I'm not reading and writing. I'm SO looking forward to Panera in the morning. I just hope someone shows up this week.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Another Goof

Rubbing alcohol was suggested for my ink blotch, but I didn't read the suggestion until after I took the knitting off the needle. I will have to remember that for the next time it happens. As I discovered while looking through some old pics, this isn't the first time I've inked my knitting. I've been closing my pens, but who knows how long I will remember to do that.

So, I started again and was doing well until I realized that I hadn't switched my Denise needle points back to the smaller size for the ribbing. I was beginning to wonder if I'm supposed to make this. But I've been planning it for so long. And everyone that sees the pattern exclaims how cute it is. So, my perseverance (stubbornness) kicked in and I cast on again 248 stitches. I'm getting quite good at it.

Thank you to all of my knitting supporters.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Textured Tee and Mistake


I'm finally happy to have a sweater finished that fits. This isn't the best picture, though. I'm hoping to have Shelly at Twist take a better picture of it today.
I was excited to begin my next sweater. I had gotten a couple of inches done in the round. I found out this week that I will be switching my major at school. So now I have two classes to prepare for tonight instead of just one. Yesterday evening I was editing a paper that I wrote and set my pen down to do some reading. This morning I picked the paper up to finish editing and found something awful.



I always edit with pink or red ink so it can be seen easily. Why in the world didn't I think about putting the lid back on that stupid pen when I set it down. Of course it doesn't help that I have gobs of stuff piled on one little table.
Now, what am I going to do!? WAIL!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, April 10, 2008

A Finished Project

The Textured Tee is finished. I wore it to work on Tuesday. I have a picture, but I haven't had time to upload it because of homework.

I cast on for Lacey Vee shell. It took awhile - 248 stitches! I'm on the second row. I wonder how long this is going to take? Size 5 and 7 needles with DK weight yarn.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Good Weekend


We got a new couch. It's a sectional. Cooper has found her aspot that she doesn't have to share. She likes to have a pillow, too. She'll be One this Tuesday.



I'm doing an in-the-round swatch for Lacey Vee Tee. This is the first time I've done a swatch in the round. It's part of my effort to make sure the finished product fits. That's the private side of the Borscht Tee front that is in the background. I'm almost finished with the Front. The yarn I'm using for the Vee Tee is called Svale. It's from Dale of Norway. It's a DK weight and I bought it from someone on Ravelry.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Friday



Yesterday evening, I arrived at the split for the neck on the front of the Borscht Tee. It won't be long now and I'll be able to start the sleeves.


Yesterday, at lunch, a co-worker (who is also in my knitting group) and I met with three other co-workers for what ended up being a short knitting class. Two of them already know how to crochet, but all three of them wanted to learn to knit. I wasn't quite prepared for teaching three ladies to knit. A was quite a bit of help. We're going to try it again next week.


I'm also working on a black sock. I don't know if I've mentioned that here yet. I'm thinking about looking for some sock yarn to match the Borscht Tee -- because I like to match my shirts and socks.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Tee Back



Here it is: the finished back of the Borscht Tee. On the front, I only have a few more rows and then I can do the garter band which transitions to the pattern for the top part. I'm pleased with the fabric that the Love It yarn is making.

I typically have more than one knitting project that I'm working on. At KIP this morning, I was asked what else I'm working on and I had to say that this Tee is it right now. SO, I decided to cast on for something else. I got out the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in blue that was given to me and this pattern .

Most of the time on Saturday I go to Panera in the morning and then head over to Twist for a couple of hours. Today I thought I would do something different. Instead of going to Twist this morning, I'm going this evening for SNB. I'm hoping to see some knitters I don't usually get to see.

Friday, March 07, 2008

Borscht Tee Back

Haven't had time to take a picture, but the back of the Borscht Tee is finished and the fit looks promising. I'm about 3.5 inches into the front. School is cutting into my knitting time, which I expected, but it's still frustrating. Maybe I'll have time to post a picture this weekend.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Rasta Hat


I managed to finish this hat a few days ago, even though I've been sick this week. It's the Rasta Hat from DIY Network: http://www.diyhelp.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_5312018,00.html

I used James C. Brett 100% acryclic Marble yarn purchased from Twist Yarn Shop. It's better than the white hat I made, but the fit is still a little dubious.

I've had the flu this week, and I'm still not well. I haven't been able to go to work and I'm missing school this evening. It's not good to miss class when you're in a concentrated program. I found out from the teacher that I need to answer the discussion questions for three chapters in order to make up for only half of the points I would have gotten for being in class. This is going to take me longer than the time I would have spent in class. Grumble!

I'm into the sleeve shaping for the back of the Borscht Tee and it's still looking good.

I hear it's cold outside. I've been in bed . . .

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Wish I Could Knit


It's Saturday morning and I'm at home rather than with my knitting buddies at Panera. I used to be able to do a lot of knitting on weekends. Now, I'm spending my time with the textbook in the above picture. If I can get 76 pages read today, maybe I can let myself do a little bit of knitting before I fall over into bed tonight. Then, tomorrow I need to write a 2-4 page paper. Then I have three evenings to do the rest of my homework before going back to class Thursday evening. This will all be worth it in a couple of years.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Cherry Tee


I was never able to get this pattern photo scanned, so I just took a picture of it. This pattern is called "Quick Cherry Tee" from the Quick Knits to Wear book edited by Jeanne Stauffer.
This is the pattern that I'm using the Borscht Love It yarn for. The Wright is no more!




Above is the first picture of my progress on the Borscht Tee. It's about 6 1/2 inches long. I need to get to 14" and then I can do the garter ridge around the bust.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Sunday

I started school this past Thursday evening. I have 18 classmates. We will all stay together in these classes for the next 18 months. We did some group work the first night and already have a group project due this Thursday. I also have to write a three-page paper. I don't have quite two pages of it yet. This first module is just two sessions. The ones afterwards will all be five sessions long. I will get my book for the second module this week. I'm looking forward to having reading homework rather than writing homework.

I scanned a picture of my current knitting project but it saved in a format that I can't upload to my blog. I guess I'll have to scan it again and see if I can save it differently. I'm making good progress, a little over four inches. That may not sound like much, but I rarely get long blocks of knitting time.

I'm looking for a cardigan pattern for my next sweater project. Why is it I can never find a pattern I like just the way it is? I just want a simple cardigan pattern with a textured stitch pattern, button band, pockets, and collar. Is it so hard?! If you see one you think I might like, PLEASE let me know.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Too Big Already


I knitted a gauge swatch and measured it. I did the math and cast on the number of stitches that was supposed to get me the width I need. What I have knitted so far is laying on top of a sweater that fits me well. It's too big. How does this happen? I'm just glad I decided to check before continuing.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

White Beret


The White Beret is finished. I don't know if I'll post a picture of me in it or not. It makes me look like the kitchen staff in Mary Poppins.

Now, I'm ready to work with the Borscht Love It yarn again. I have decided not to re-knit Wright. After trying on the too-big one, I realized that I'm just not that crazy about the style of the sweater, afterall. Knitter friends helped me decide on a different pattern for the yarn Saturday morning at Panera.

It is the Quick Cherry Tee on page 116 of Quick Knits by Jeanne Stauffer. I'm going to do a gauge swatch this time - and I'm going to do it carefully.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Tweed Beret

I decided to try to make this tweed beret from Interweave Knits Winter 2006. Mine will not be tweed, however. I'm using white Berroco Love it. I started with dpns size 7, then went to a 16" circular. Now I'm on an 18" circular and could probably go up again; I just don't feel like it. This makes it difficult to try on the hat to see if it fits, so I'm just trusting the process.

I really like the idea of hats. I don't wear them very often, though. The Kansas wind likes to rip hats off heads. I'm uncomfortable with an under-the-chin tie. It could be a good idea, but I feel like I'm a little too old for that look. I have a black felted hat that I made last year, but I haven't worn it at all yet this year. I don't like how it makes my hair look after I take it off. So, here I am making another hat that I might not wear. What's the deal?

Could it be that hats are smaller and faster than sweaters and easier to make fit? Could I be frustrated with the sweater-making process? I wonder . . . I had just gotten started on re-knitting Wright when I decided I just HAD to knit a hat. Go figure.

Friday, January 11, 2008

What do I need a hat for, anyway?

I haven't been able to get that white tam from that Christmas movie out of my mind. I couldn't find an exact pattern, so I found one that was close. I didn't get much past the brim. I don't even remember exactly what went wrong now, but I frogged it. Oh, it might have been the RT stitch.

So, the other night I had some friends over. I was looking through my books and magazines, trying to find another hat pattern to try. I found one that looked simple enough and the friends agreed. I didn't have a circular needle that was short enough, so I was using a set of double points. The problem was that it was an old set of double points and there are only four of them. I'm used to using sets of five. And they're a little too long and unwieldy. Again, I didn't get much past the brim. It's a lace pattern, and I dropped several stitches. ARGH! I wanted to bawl. I just ripped the needles out and threw the yarn in it's bag.

I still wanted to knit, even though I'm sick. So, I picked up the Wright II sweater, which I haven't gotten very far on. It's just stockinette stitch, which is easy, but it lets my mind wander. I remember that this is my second attempt at this sweater and start feeling like I'm a bad knitter. Poor me.

I went to bed, contemplating the hat issue. Will I really even wear a hat? Why do I want to make one so much? Will a tam make me as cute as the girl in the movie? I like the look of a tam, but I want a hat that's going to cover my ears. What to do . . .

Friday, January 04, 2008

Finished Gloves

The gift gloves are finally finished and I will give them to my supervisor today.
I plan to start the new Wright this evening.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

New Wright?


After doing some investigating and calculating, I discovered that I don't have enough of the Borscht Love It yarn to make the alternate sweater pattern that I was considering.




Therefore, I began considering actually re-knitting the Wright pattern, making it smaller. So, I sat down and re-wrote the pattern last night. I haven't unknit it yet, though.

I'm still working on finishing F's gloves. I had a little glitch the other day when I picked up non-adjacent stitches to work the middle finger. It wasn't pretty.