Finished Kites

Socks, that is. It's a little difficult to see the pattern but you can at least tell there is one. It's diagonal diamond shapes. I just LOVE wearing hand knit socks!

I have pictures of the damage; I just haven't gotten around to posting them. I fell down a driveway and konked my head in the street four days after Christmas. The wounds on my forehead looked the worst but the one on my wrist took the longest to heal. I'm still not right, though. My knee and the muscle on the back of my left thigh still bother me occasionally. I think I need Yoga.

32 weeks until graduation!

Yarn Dilemma

After some deliberation, I resolved my color problem on the black hat to be felted. I decided it would be easier to knit the whole hat in black and then duplicate stitch the colors on. It would be rather time-consuming to duplicate stitch all of the diamonds around the hat, so I decided to just put an emblem on the front of the hat. The emblem will be better than the diamonds, anyway.

So, now that I have that figured out, I have been working more on the black sock. Until I ran out of yarn. Well, I didn't really run completely out of yarn.

This yarn comes in 50g skeins and 'they' say that 50g will make one sock, so I bought two skeins. I have decided that I like my socks a little bit longer than most patterns call for, so when I came to the end of the first skein, I didn't have quite a whole sock. Fortunately, a local knitter friend has an extra skein of the yarn I need. So, when I can get that, I will be able to finish the black socks.

Need Some Knitting Advice

I'm making this hat that's going to be felted. It's knit in-the-round with color changes. (See my blog post for September 28 for picture) I very carefully measured how long I would need each piece of color so there wouldn't be long strands on the inside. So, now I'm on the second row of color and, because of knitting in the round, the piece of the yarn I need to work with is on the wrong end of the area.

Because of the size of the color blocks in this pattern, it should be done as intarsia, not fair isle. I really don't want to have to measure out a piece of yarn for just a few stitches in each color block on each row!

This is supposed to be a Christmas gift, but that means finishing it some time this month. I don't now if that's going to be able to happen now. I'd rather be working on my black sock.

I'm hoping some knitter out there who has intarsia, in-the-round, to-be-felted experience will read this and help me know what to do.

Kites Sock

The pink sock in the previous post has been set aside. It's hibernating. I apparently need some more sock-knitting experience before I continuing working on that one.

So, the above picture shows my current sock project. It's called Kites because that's what the stitch pattern will look like when it's done. Because of the yarn being black, it's difficult to see the pattern emerging yet. I'm at about 2".

Well, that's all for now because I came to the computer to create a spreadsheet for homework. I better get back to it.

Socks

Here is the pair of socks I finished yesterday. The name of the pattern is Sugar Maple from the book 2-at-a-time socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. I did not knit them two at a time, though, as I have discovered that I do not suffer from SSS (second sock syndrome). I'm sorta weird that way. Instead of being for me, they ended up being for L's birthday, which is today, because she admired them more than once while I was knitting them. That's my story.

Now, that I've got those socks finished, and after I do some homework which has been neglected, I will continue on the Pink Ribbon socks, pictured below. I'm anxious to have new pair of hand-knit socks for myself.

Batty

I'm knitting this batty dishcloth for a friend who likes Halloween and bats. This is the picture from the pattern. I will post a picture of my finished one, hopefully by Saturday. I should be studying. I'm reading about Inventory for Thursday and it's really boring. I'm only half finished with my homework and I haven't started studying for Thursday's test. Oh, well!

I also recently started a pair of black socks that I will be able to wear to work. Some day (or year) I will have enough knitted socks to wear all the time. My cardigan won't be done for this Fall. Maybe next year.

I probably won't be getting any social knitting this weekend because I'm having company. I will have to do housework instead.

In Trouble

I got chewed out today for not updating my blog recently. So, here I am, struggling with the stupid scanner so I can post a pic of the pattern I'm currently working on. I should be taking a nap. Oops! Did I say that? I meant to say I should be doing my schoolwork. Oh, who cares about when revenue is recognized anyway.

So, I'm making this hat which will be felted. The diamonds will be in three colors: yellow, red, and blue: three each. I'm not sure how I'm going to do the color-changing part yet.

I'm stuck on the pink ribbon socks and haven't had the willingness to try to figure it out while I should be studying. I'm also working on a yellow-ombre sock, which is an easy pattern.

That's about all for knitting for now. I'm going to go study now . . .

M&Ms

I got to play with M&Ms for my homework assignment last night. I had so much fun with it that I didn't think about taking a picture of my M&Ms until it was too late. I had to search online for a picture to include.

The class is Statistics and we are studying about probabilities. According to the Mars company, who makes M&Ms, there are certain percentages of each of the six colors in any bag of M&Ms. Blue: 24%, Orange: 20%, Green: 16%, Yellow: 14%, Brown: 13%, Red: 13%.

100 samples of two M&Ms were to be drawn. This is 'with replacement' which means putting the two M&Ms back in the bowl before drawing two again. Based on these percentages provided, the assignment asks to calculate the probability of two browns and two blues, and two greens out of the 100 drawings.

I found this very interesting. I made a chart on Excel to record my findings. After I pulled the 100 samples, I didn't want to stop. So, I counted the whole bag. I discovered that the percentages given in the book were not what was happening in this bag of 465 M&Ms. Here is what I found:

Blue: 31%, Orange: 34%, Green: 10%, Yellow: 8%, Brown: 8%, Red: 9%. My blue and orange counts were higher and the others were lower.

Fortunately, I'm not a chocoholic, which allowed me to have fun with this experiment. I did have to fight the other household chocoholics off, though! (Cooper still doesn't understand that her coloring does not come from chocolate!)

Speaking of Cooper, I appreciate the comments from yesterday's post. (Now I know how to get people to respond to my blog!) :) Yes, we think she's beautiful. She's not really that helpful, though. Her head on my leg is what she usually does if I'm eating something and she's hopeful about licking the plate or bowl. Frequently, while I'm knitting she will rest her paw on my arm because she would rather I pet her than play with yarn. And I usually do. That's probably why it takes me so long to get anything knitted, that and homework and the tv and people talking to me.

Advice

After receiving some helpful advice, I decided to frog the PRS. Cooper is helping. The fabric just wasn't turning out quite like I would like. I'm now using the size zero needle and the largest amount of stitches that the pattern calls for. I'm at two inches on the first sock and I'm liking the results better. Some day (month or year) I will finish the first sock and be able to start the second.

Sunday Chillin'

It's been a fairly relaxing day. It started off with breakfast with my son and his mate. It all went fine except for my little choking incident. I will not be giving any details about that. Then some leisurely shopping and home for studying and napping.

Yesterday started off with a great new Saturday morning KIP venture at a new location. We may not return there for KIP, but the five of us had a good time. It was chilly and I thought maybe it was September instead of August.

I was working on my restart of the Pink Ribbon Sock yesterday and discovered a dropped stitch a few rows back. This was while we were sitting outside. I chose not to mention it and quietly put it away. After some thought, I decided to start over again. I know, you're not surprised. I had been trying it on and I just didn't like how stretched the ribbing looked when I put it on. So, I'm going with a bigger needle just for the top part of the sock.

Meanwhile, I should be studying. OH, and doing my homework problems and reading two chapters in Statistics. Harumph! I'd rather be Knitting.

Calm Now

Things have calmed down quite a bit, thank goddess. Here is a picture of the Pink Ribbon Sock designed by SugarBunnyBlvd http://www.sugarbunnyblvd.com/. I've already started over on it once (as seems to be my habit lately), but restarting a sock is Much better than restarting a sweater!

I'm making some decent progress on my green cardigan. I will try to post a picture of that soon.

School is going well right now. I began the statistics class this past Thursday. So far, I'm not too concerned about it. There will be a lot of reading and thinking.

My biggest news right now is that I got a new car last week. I haven't taken a picture of it yet and won't be able to until the next few days because it's in the shop having some detail work done.

There was a great group of KIPers at Panera yesterday. We filled up the middle table area. It was nice to see everyone: some regulars, some that I haven't seen in awhile, and a new one. Next week will be a different location, which I'm looking forward to.

Scary

Well, that last post sure was scary, but I'm over it now. The doomed lacey v is in the past. I have found another pattern to use the yarn for. I can't seem to figure out right now how to upload the picture, so here is the link: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cotton-bam-boo-girl-tank

And, I've gotten back out the wool green cardigan that I barely had started. It could be nice to have finished for Fall. hahaha

This Tuesday is the last night of my 'extra' class. Yeah!!!!

Anyway, I just wanted to post to reassure you that I really didn't give up knitting.

That's It!

I've had it. I can't take it anymore. I'm going to give up knitting.

And I just recently allowed myself to do it again. I don't know what's wrong with me. I used to be able to sew, too. Maybe I should have taken the clues for those two years when I just couldn't knit a sweater that fit. Maybe I should have taken the clues when I first started this silly lacey vee sleeveless pullover. You know, the ink spot and using the wrong needle size . . . I was just discussing that this morning at Panera, which I was so excited to be able to do since it had been a few months.

SSK, I see you posted about how soothing knitting is. I wish I felt that way right now. Actually, I've just thrown that pretty little pink thing across my living room. And left it there.

What happened? You ask. My needle broke. I'm using Denise needles and have had mostly good luck with them. Maybe I'm just too hard on them; I don't know. There had been a little rough spot at the join on the right side and I had been having a little bit of trouble with my yarn splitting at the rough spot. And I've noticed a few bunged up places because of it. I was going to deal with it.

I'm knitting in the round, which means I'm KNITTING. Knit, knit, knit. No purls or cables or anything to break up the monotony. So, when I saw the few bungs it was actually a relief (because of the boredom) even though I tend to be a perfectionist.

So, we had a friend over and were watching a movie. Now, I really should be studying accounting, but I can't very well do that with company and movie-watching. I can, however, knit. Suddenly - SNAP. The needle broke at the connection and several, maybe about 20, stitches came off. Well, I had to wait until the movie ended and the friend left and then I got my Denise needle case and started to try to transfer the stitches onto a different cable. I got the originally-dropped stitches onto a new cable and was knitting along. BTW, the puppy decided that it was a good time to ask me to play fetch, so I was trying to be accommodating at the same time. I was trying to pay attention to the broken end of the original cable to make sure stitches didn't fall off. I thought it was going okay and then I noticed that six or seven stitches had not only fallen off, but came unraveled a bit, also.

I threw the dog off me and told L to shut up, Neither of which I'm proud of. I shall have to apologize later. I sat there, steaming, and trying to bite my finger tip off. That's when I made the decision. I threw the whole thing clear across the living room and announced that I was giving up knitting. Why not?! I give up on almost everything else - eventually. How long can I stay in school . . . hmmmm???

Update

I've got a few minutes and it's about time for me to finally update this blog. My hair coloring experience turned out fine. It didn't look much different from normal except for a little bit more pronounced red highlights. I think I was supposed to add something to the green gunk based on what color I was going for, but I thought that was optional.

I'm just past the midway point with my extra class (financial accounting). The second week was rough as the homework took almost every spare minute I had. It's eased up a little bit and I'm feeling more confident about my study habits. Two more sessions and then the final.

June just flew by, didn't it? We had a yard sale and my younger son called and told me I'm going to be a grandma.

Last week I found out that two aunts and two uncles were in a car wreck at 47th and K-15. I visited them in the hospital and have realized I need to reconnect with my mother's side of the family. They really are great people.

As I may have mentioned a time or two, I've been overwhelmed with homework. One day over the weekend I had done a little bit on both classes and wasn't quite sure what I should be doing. I was in the other room, just leaning on a filing cabinet, staring off into space. L came in and asked me what in the world I was doing. I said I was trying to decide what to do next. She kindly suggested that I take a break from homework and do some knitting. So, I did! It was enjoyable. What I'm working on doesn't seem to be growing very quickly.

Well, that's my few minutes. Now I need to get ready to go to work. Have a wonderful day!

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.

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!!!!!!

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.

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.

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!!!!!!!!!!

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.