I have never...
Pam got me!
Ok, this should be interesting.
1. I have never traveled overseas or to Canada. I've only been to Mexico in the last year for charity work and was afraid.
2. I have never jumped out of an airplane, off a cliff or building. And I never will.
3. I have never been to a Steelers game in Pittsburgh. Considering I've been a fan for 20+ years, this is sad. It's also on my life's to-do list.
4. I have never learned to quilt, but want to.
5. I have never been to California.
6. I have never had a tattoo, but want one.
7. I have never known what it is like to NOT have a completely disfunctional, Jerry Springer-esque family. Strange to put on the list, but a huge issue for me today.
8. I have never baited my own hook, but love to fish. Boy, does that annoy my husband :)
9. I have never lived all alone. I've either had family, a boyfriend, my kids or a husband living with me.
10. I have never been happier than I have in the last 3 years.
Not as funny as some, but today is totally sucking. Let's see, who hasn't done this yet? I'll tag
Nancy and
Ashley, who I am going to miss very much.
Posted by Heather at 8:41 AM
Vogue Knitting rocks!!
You know, just when I thought that Customer Service was a thing of the past, I've been pleasantly surprised. I've been on the hunt for Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2002 for a long time to make a really cute tank. Every eBay auction I bid on I lost at the last minute. My LYS, who usually has back copies, didn't have that one. No one in my awesome SnB group had one. The brilliant
Brooke let me know that you can buy copies of Vogue patterns in magazines directly from them. After checking out their site, I found that I needed the pattern number. Bah! Didn't have that. So, I called the number I found on their site for help. Not only did Jane look in the magazine until she found it, but she is sending it to me today. At no charge. In these days when it is a freaking ordeal to get a package of ketchup at McDonald's without attitude, I'm more than impressed.
Last night I ventured out to Cupz, a local coffee shop, for some knitting with my friends. Rather interesting night when some, shall we say, controversy came up and things were said that were a long time coming. I'd been rather upset about a particular issue that kept coming up and frankly, I'm glad it is finally out in the open. Insulting people, no matter if you think it is a joke, isn't very funny and gets old, fast.
I know some of you are going to be horrified, but I'm on a bit of a knitting/crocheting break. I'm back in wrist braces due to my marathon knitting over the weekend. So, I can still knit, but it is slow and I need to take breaks. I'm hoping all is well by this weekend. We are driving up to Pinetop for a long weekend with some friends. Everyone that spends any time with me in the summer in this
hell hole city knows that I hate summer with an undying passion. My in-law's own a place up in Pinetop we can use anytime. It is my break from
hell the heat and we go up every chance we get. Temps here have been over 100 with Sunday's record at 113. Of course, this weekend we are supposed to be only in the upper 90's (believe me, this is downright chilly compared to 113) as we head out of town. Whatever. Just get me out of here. I'm going to dance naked outside when it is 45 for a low. That should scare the neighbors.
Posted by Heather at 10:32 AM
Secret Pal 5
I'm so excited! I've joined Secret Pal 5. I've been waiting forever for this to start after missing the boat for number 4. Who couldn't love surprises? This is going to be so much fun! Assignments were handed out today, so here is my questionnaire:
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I believe every yarn has it's purpose. My stash has lots of different types of yarn. Honestly, though, I have enough Red Heart to last the rest of my life.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? My first love was crochet, haven't tried spinning...yet.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) Not allergic, but I cannot stand the smell of smoke and strong perfume. Makes me sick to my stomach.
4. How long have you been knitting? I've been crocheting since I was 8 (almost 30 years...eeek!) and knitting for the last 3. Ok, the 30 year thing is depressing me now.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, just a little one
here.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I like light scents - vanilla, very light floral and spicy scents - cinnamon, gingerbread. I never wear perfume.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Oh yea...chocolate is my friend.
Just thought of something, probably not a good idea to send any candy to me :( It would melt in my mailbox!8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I love beads!
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like most music - except whiney country music, some rap and heavy metal.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I'm not big on greens. I love purples, blues and pinks.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my husband of 3 months, 2 teenagers, 4 cats and assorted fish.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) To be happy and raise happy, responsible and loving children. And own my own yarn store!
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I LOVE Manos del Uruguay and any yarn I can felt. I also like soft cotton yarn. Handpainted yarns are my favorite.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I'm allergic to wool, but can knit with it. Just can't wear it on my body. Go figure. I don't like scratchy yarn and am not big on the novelty yarns.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Felted items.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? My clapotis was my favorite. I'd love to knit another one in a soft, handpainted yarn.
17. What are you knitting right now? A felted purse and a felted sheep.
18. What do you think about ponchos? I have 2 funky ones, that is more than enough.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circulars. Straights hurt my wrists.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Depends on the project, but prefer aluminum if I have a choice.
21. Are you a sock knitter? Sure am.
22. How did you learn to knit? Taught myself out of a kid's book.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 2 years old. A ripple crochet afghan for charity.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? My favorite animated character is Winnie the Pooh. My favorite animals are cats and sheep.
25. What is your favorite holiday? My birthday, Halloween, 4th of July ( I LOVE fireworks!) and Thanksgiving.
26. Is there anything that you collect? Thimbles and sheep things.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? None. I would like Creative Knitting.
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? The Knitter's Companion by Vicki Square
Posted by Heather at 3:00 PM
Reflections
It's official. I'm old. As of last night, I'm the parent of 2 kids in high school. And I'm terrified. Last night was The Princess' "Celebration of Learning" ceremony (WTFO? Why can't we call this a freaking graduation?) in which she "promoted" to high school. Wow. As I sat in the bleachers looking down on her, I could hardly believe time has gone by so fast. In 3 years I will be sitting there watching my first-born graduate high school and enter the world as an adult. It has been a time of looking back at their lives and wishing I had done some things different, wishing I could have that time back of when they were little, they still thought I was brilliant and could fix everything with a kiss. Oh, for life to be that simple again.
Enough crying (for now). On the needles is still the purse from SWATS. I adore their new yarn, Karachi. It is 50% soy silk and 50% wool and SO soft. Better than that freaking sandpaper Korean. Great color, but rope burns and picking out twigs doesn't cut it when it comes to yarn.
And, in some horrible news, my wrists are killing me. Enough (try not to faint my friends) to take a knitting break. The withdrawals are driving my husband nuts. I'm way to fidget not to have something to do at all times. Hopefully, it won't be too long. I think I can manage for a little while tonight at cups. If you aren't busy tonight, join us there at 7!
Posted by Heather at 10:13 AM
The Princess
My baby is growing up way too fast. She is the one on the left in the black dress. The girls had a wonderful time!
Yea...I cried...
Posted by Heather at 10:06 AM
Random blabbering
Someone out there remind me why I love living in Arizona. It sure as hell isn't for the summer weather. This weekend we are supposed to hit 113. In May. This does not bode well for the summer, since it is actually freaking spring right now (do you hear that Mother Nature?). But, a break is in sight as we are headed to Pinetop for an extended Memorial Day weekend. My mother-in-law says it is a "little chilly" in the evening there right now. Chilly?? Yea, tell that to someone who will be having fantasies of running around naked in Alaska this weekend.
On the needles (this IS knitting/crochet blog, right?) is a gorgeous purse out of the Noro I told you about on Monday. I'm really liking how the striping is turning out. There are some colors in there I didn't expect. Very interesting, if not scratchy, yarn. People make sweaters out of this stuff? Pretty, but I'd be breaking out the benadryl. I also picked up another test knit from
SWTC (yes, I realize I haven't finished Sapphire yet. I'm emailing the designer this weekend to ask for help). A felted purse out of some of their new yarn. How could I resist (obviously the 12-step program idea is out the window at this point)?
Tonight is the
event of the century Promotion Dance. The Princess and her court are very excited! There is much discussion over who is dancing with who, what our hair will look like, bra difficulties and 2-hour nail salon appointments. My phone is ringing off the hook. I don't even answer it anymore. I cannot even imagine what chaos Prom will bring. I'll need a week off work to prep.
Ok, I wasn't going to do this...but what the hell. A note to a couple anonymous (love that, huh?) emailers. You are seeing my occasional, random lunacy regarding my children. No, I do not "despise my kids". Please do not assume you know anything about my parenting skills or know everything about my life based on my few blog posts about them. I adore, love and spoil my children more than you could ever imagine. They are awesome kids. I have friends whose 15-year-olds are having sex and smoking pot, friends whose kids have come home drunk already and read the news of children doing things that make me cry. I thank God everyday for my kids and think that in this crazy world we live in, they are doing great. Good (ok, for the most part) grades, haven't gotten into trouble and they are kind to others. Most importantly, they are happy and very loved. Yea, there are times when I want to run away from home and sell them off to the nearest band of gypsies (that would be a joke, get it?) but I wouldn't trade them for the world. They are, and always will be, my babies.
Posted by Heather at 9:20 AM
Le Clapotis est fini!
She is finished and I love her!
The beautiful Princess isn't finished, but I love her too! Here is a close-up of the color and stitches, folded (the Clapotis, not the Princess) so you can see just how lovable she is.
Pattern: ClapotisYarn used: TLC baby in the Fizzy Print colorway
Amount used: Around 600 yards
Needle size: Size 7, Susan Bates circulars
What I learned/would have done different: I would have made it a few repeats wider. I learned how to purl much faster and how to work with 20+ stitch markers. Needless to say, my stitch marker making skills have improved. I picked this yarn because I didn't want to spend $120 on the yarn the pattern called for when I knew I wouldn't wear it very much since I live in the desert (True to my luck, the day I finished it we had our first 100 degree day. I jinxed the entire Valley). I spent $8. The yarn is soft and light and got even softer after I washed it.
What is on the needles now? I'm so glad you asked! I finished the body of a sheep and am now working on the head. The directions are really complicated, so it is a project I can't take to the baseball field or when I'm so brain-dead I can't pay attention. For those times I have cast on for another bag. Another Sheepy Tote (minus the sheep) but this time, the bottom and pocket will be in Cascade 220 in a dark gray and the body will be in the Noro I got from
Knit Happens. I just didn't think I had enough of the Noro. Better to be safe than
pissed off sorry if I run out of yarn.
And just in case you were wondering if I didn't post because life was so blissfully wonderful with the kids, I'm here to let you know that I successfully ruined both their lives last week. The Princess by just having my knitting in the car when I went to her band concert (no, I didn't take it inside and further the humiliation) and by making her get up on Saturday to attend the Baseball Star's game. Not to be left out, I ruined the Stars life by not allowing him to download the new Halo 2 maps until he finished his 50%-of-his-grade science project. Thank God I'm not losing my touch.
Posted by Heather at 4:29 PM
See, I'm not so bad
I caved. The Princess has talked me out of marching band. In a very grown-up conversation (meaning she didn't whine, yell or pout), the bottom line was that she really was hating the mere idea of being in marching band. So, I caved. She does want to be in regular band (ha! I knew she still liked it!), so she will stick with that. She likes me again. Well, until I ruin her life some other way. I'm sure it won't take long. I'm not discussing anything about the Baseball Star right now. Things are good and I'll be dammed if I'm going to jinx it. This could be a good mom week if I sleep for the rest of it.
I have a confession to make. Le Clapotis is getting a tad boring. I'm thinking I'll have to do 16 repeats of the straight section to get the width I want and I'm at 13 now. Of course, these last 4 sections are taking FOR-EV-ER (bonus points if you can tell me what movie it is said like that in). I'm thinking I'll have to cast on something new here soon. I wanted to start my
Nantasket Basket, but one of my size 10 1/2 dpns has run away from home. So tell me, what shall I choose? The adorable sheep? The bolero jacket (there are only 7 months until Christmas, you know)? Another
purse bag? Or suck it up and finish the Clap?
I'll leave you with the funniest thing I have see in a long time. Mega thanks to
Pam for starting my day with a laugh. I bring you,
Store Wars. Anything that has Obi-Wan Cannoli in it is destined to be hysterical.
Posted by Heather at 11:21 AM
Life goes on...
Who decided that the work week should be Monday - Friday and we should work 40 hours a week? I'm thinking that we should work 30 hours a week, make the same amount of money and only work Tuesday - Friday. When The Princess is elected president, that's the first family favor I'm calling in. But then again, Baseball Star will be a Yankee and I won't have to work. Right, kiddo?
Life has been a blur of catching up on sleep, cleaning (did I mention how neurotic I am about cleaning), working my 3rd job as chauffeur for the Teenagers and hanging out with friends. Saturday saw us at our first Kentucky Derby party. Awesome food, great friends and the shortest sporting event ever. Seems as though it is quite the event in Kentucky. The hats we saw on tv were a freaking riot. I mean, do these people LIKE each other? Because I would never let one of my friends walk out of the house in the freak show get-up some of these women were wearing. And if you are looking for examples of plastic surgery gone wrong, you should watch next year. Dear God. Remind me to never have my lips blown up with fat from my ass. Freaking scary, I tell you.
Yesterday was so nice. Breakfast with the in-laws at the crack of dawn at our favorite place - The Good Egg. Of course, everyone in Gilbert went, too. The Princess
needed to exchange her beautiful
event of the century Promotion Dance dress for another, more beautiful dress. So, off to the mall we went. I only survived knowing I'd be meeting
Pam and
Melanie for knitting at Coffee Rush. My Mother's Day present to myself - peace and quiet.
In closing, I'll take this opportunity to admit that I have been a bad, bad girl.
And I will admit that NOT shown in this picture are the 2 additional skeins of Nature Spun for a purse for my sister for Christmas and the yarn that came in from Knit Happens. In the upper left corner you will see the adorable bolero jacket for my niece, Rylee, for her birthday. I chose Wildflower DK for the yarn. The Tiny Tots colors didn't do anything for me and I knew my sister would ruin it in the wash. Have I started any other projects? Nope. I'm being faithful to the Clapotis. I still love her.
Posted by Heather at 9:15 AM
Could it please be Friday?
I am just exhausted. It has been a killer week here at Casa de la Cranky Teenagers. Currently, both children hate us. Gee, and here I thought I would make it the week without any drama. Work has been really busy and toss in a few late games for the Star, and I'm one pooped chica.
Work continues on the Clapotis. Yep, I am still in love with her. I'm starting the 9th set of straight repeats. I'll probably go with 13. I want it nice and wide to wrap around my wideness. The Kuryeon and the Lorna's Laces came in on Tuesday. I will definitely be ordering from
Knit Happens again. My order came fast and in this very cute bag to protect the yarn. I cast on for another
purse bag with the Noro and I love it.
I have to tell you about the nicest thing that has happened to me in a long time. I found this pattern online last night and really fell in love with it, so I contacted the seller so I could buy it from her. Instead, she ROAK'd me and gave me the pattern! I don't know if she would want me to give out her info, so I'm not posting more details. My day was so rough yesterday and I have to admit that her act of total kindness brought tears to my eyes. She made my day.
Oh, and in case you were doubting my klutziness, more proof for you. After writing about my unfortunate DPN incident, I knocked over a full quart of Pepsi all over my desk. I should be kept in a padded room, I swear.
Posted by Heather at 1:20 PM
Note to self
You are a klutz. If you would just admit this and move on, your life would be ever so much easier. But no, you won't. Mind you, this makes you a moron as well. And apparently, you must learn things the hard way. Take for example, last night. Remember when you left your very pointy DPNs on the chair during last nights game and then proceeded to sit on said needles? This makes you BOTH a klutz and a moron. Enough said.
While we are discussing my stupidity, I'll take this time to admit that I left my Clapotis at work. People, I had 3 blissful knitting hours to look forward to during Baseball Star's game. I had to settle for bringing a sock to knit on. With
very pointy needles. I'm amazed I didn't impale myself with one while cheering for the Star who had a great up-at-bat.
There is another game tonight, think I can manage to bring the Clap home (ha!! That sounds pretty funny.) so I can knit tonight. One can only hope. Maybe I should staple the bag to my forehead.
Posted by Heather at 4:14 PM
I-must-have-this
Isn't that the cutest thing? It is by
Fiber Trends and I must make it. I adore sheepie things and well, they are FELTED people. 2 of my favorite things! I think that is the big allure of my
purse bag fetish. It is so cool to knit this big thing, toss it in hot water and it becomes something so different.
Of course, AZ Knitting and Needlepoint is closed today (walking distance from my office, just need to avoid a certain person in there) and I can't make it out to Fiber Factory because the
ditcher Baseball Star has a game tonight. At 8.
Let's talk about that. Why do we have a game beginning at 8 pm?!? We are going to be lucky to be home at 11 and then since it takes the Star an hour to shower and FINALLY get in bed, he will be lucky to get 6 hours of sleep. Joy. I can't wait to get him out of bed in the morning. Who makes these schedules? Single men with no kids? Ha! Invite them over at 6 am tomorrow morning to wake the Star up.
And a big public THANK YOU to the byotch to almost killed me this morning as I was
suffering walking this morning to train for the 3-Day (not kidding - I had to jump out of the way and her mirror almost got me.). You know, it helps to actually LOOK around when you are backing out of your driveway. Also, flooring it to get out the driveway is not exactly going to save you mega amounts of time on your commute. The look of horror (probably more due to the murderous look on MY face) on your face when you turned to wave to your hubby is NOT an apology. Oh, and side note to said hubby standing in the drive way. Telling me you will "uhhh...talk to your wife" isn't an apology either. I need a freaking treadmill or I'm going to be in a body cast by summer. Remind me to tell you all about the dog that almost ate me last week.
Posted by Heather at 11:38 AM
Sunday, Sunday...
Well, since I didn't win the lottery over the weekend, I guess tomorrow being Monday means I'm going to work. Don't get me wrong, I have the best job in the world, but I would love to do nothing my sit home and knit on Clapotis all day.
Excuse the picture. Not the greatest shot of her, but you can see how far I've come. I worked on her quite a bit yesterday during my son's baseball game and today while knitting with my friends at Coffee Rush (who has the best Chai on the planet). Am I still in love? Most definitely. I don't think I have ever been so enamored with a project. I thought by now I would be bored.
I want to thank everyone for all their comments, encouragement and wonderful emails. I have yet to figure out how
much Blogger sucks to respond to comments. One day I'll get it.
My poor kitty.
She had surgery on Friday to remove a lump. Nothing serious, but scary nonetheless. She is my baby and the sweetest cat I have ever known. She is doing so much better today. See what she is laying on? That right there made me fall even more in love with my hubby. He slept in a sleeping bag so that she could sleep next to him and not get hurt jumping on the bed and so he could check on her throughout the night. I know...awwww....
The teenagers survived the weekend. No major meltdowns, no screaming, no door slamming or other tragedies and drama. Obviously I'm doing something wrong because I didn't ruin anyone's life and I think my daughter might have said I was right on Saturday. Yes, I did mark it on the calendar. These things don't happen often.
Posted by Heather at 5:59 PM
