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December 31, 2005
Showcase #5 - GRAND FINALE!!!
Are you ready?! I can't hear you...ARE YOU READY?! This is going to be so spectacular! I hope you LOVE it as much as I do. But first, head on over and CONGRATULATE
She won SHOWCASE #4. Happy New Year Cheryl!
Okay Johnny! I think the people are ready! Show them SHOWCASE #5!
First up, we've got THREE NEW COLORWAYS of SOCKS THAT ROCK in the NEW BIG HONKING SKEINS (360 yds)!
Now, these new colorways are really something special. Let me start with the one that REALLY, REALLY ROCKS!
PROVE IT ALL NIGHT
Sniff. Sniff. This is MY VERY OWN COLORWAY. FOR ME. DYED FOR ME WITH ME IN MIND. Named after one of my FAVORITE BRUCE SONGS of ALL TIME! DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!!!!???!!!!!! Thank you Tina. Thank you. Thank you! I'm all verklempt. Isn't is so beautiful? Mine. Me. Sniff.
Next up two AMAZING colorways:
ROLLING STONE
PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
Gorgeous! All of them! BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! Turns out, Blue Moon, the fabu team behind STR, has like a bazillion other yarns in their arsenal. When I was ordering the yarn for the contest, I ordered a kit they had which I hope you like:
KID MO in LAPIS
Kid Mo is 90% Kid Mohair and 10% Nylon. The kit is a shibori type scarf called the Urban Bubble Scarf and comes with the requisite wooden balls!
BUT THERE'S MORE! (I swear - there are no ginzu steak knives in this prize package!)
FRATERNAL TWIN SNOW MAN STITCH MARKERS! YAY! There's one of each with a big ring and a little ring. Perfect for all your winter projects.
Here it is all together:
You'll notice I'm also throwing in a glow in the dark sheep and the phenomenal clear orange chibi. Now, I'm not one for chibis - I like my Altoid box just fine, but I do LOVE the needles in here. They are the same hooked end tapestry needles we've come to love, but they're silver, and they are TINY! Perfect for kitchenering toes. I was skeptical that the size would make a difference, but I'm here to tell you SIZE DOES MATTER when it comes to chibi needles.
Now. How do you win? Each week the questions have gotten harder and harder and I've made you search longer to find out all of these inane facts about me. This week will be no different. In fact, this week will be the hardest question of all. In order to win the fabulous prize package shown above you need to:
This is the gift Margene sent me, which I've been waiting PATIENTLY to open. I will be opening it tomorrow. But you can guess now.
LEAVE ME A COMMENT WITH YOUR GUESS. Right or wrong, they all get entered! COMMENTS WILL CLOSE AT 11:59PM EST JANUARY TWO 2006. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED TUESDAY JANUARY THREE 2006. ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED AT RANDOM.
I'll give you a couple of clues. The box is pretty dang heavy. When you shake it, something is kind of loose, but not loose enough, say, to be a case of Junior Caramels. AND BE VERY WARY OF MARGENE. Her evilness is documented. She WILL try to throw you off. I can guarantee it.
Thank you everyone for helping me end the year on such a high note. I've really enjoyed these contests, and I hope you have too. There's nothing like getting everyone in on the act of celebrating your birthday! And thank you all for reading my blog - it's nice to know you all enjoy it - and not just when I'm giving stuff away! ;-)
Now go out there and have a GREAT NEW YEAR'S EVE! Be CAREFUL! Be SAFE! Have FUN! See you on the flip side!
L, C
Posted by Cara at 11:58 AM | Comments (199)
December 30, 2005
Jaywalker Seven!
First things first.
Yesterday I finished my fifth pair of Jaywalkers - my third since the knit along started. These are Azurite STR. You know what that means? Let's do the math! I first blogged about Jaywalkers on October 20, which means I started knitting on October 19th. Yesterday was December 29. That means that in 70 days, I knit FIVE pairs of Jaywalkers. That's a sock a week people! That's got to be some kind of record, no? This morning I laid them all out in their glory.
Since this week it's all about me (I mean c'mon - it's my blog - I can brag a little - and my birthday IS two days away!) I'm taking the easy way out on the updates. They will return, in the extended fabulousness, next week. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Amanda's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Anne's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Bethe's finished hybrid socks! And the ones she just started!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Carole's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Say a prayer for Corrina's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Ellie's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Gail's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Helen's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Holly's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Jeanne's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Jen's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Jenny's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Jess's finished socks! (December 26th entry.)
~ Happy New Year! Check out Kate's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Katherine's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Kelly's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Kris's doomed socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Kris's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Laura's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Lauren's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Lisa's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Liz's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Liz's finished socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Liz's socks! (She needs your vote as well!)
~ Happy New Year! Check out Manda's socks! (Manda, darling, you're the PSYCHO, not me! No one dies during updates!)
~ Happy New Year! Check out Marie's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Margene's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Naomi's two-color socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Renata's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Robyn's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Rosemary's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Sandra's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Shannon's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Tracy's socks!
~ Happy New Year! Check out Vicki's socks!
I leave you with this:
Yeah. That's right. I'm rubbing it in! ;-)
Posted by Cara at 03:43 PM | Comments (39)
Crossed In Translation 3 - Blog Information
The blog is up!
Head on over for official sign up information! Thank you!
Posted by Cara at 12:12 PM
December 29, 2005
Petulant
Me. Not the baby below. At least that's what Ann said. It was a frustrating afternoon, spinning-wise and surprise surprise: I don't like NOT being good at things. Ann will tell you there was stomping. I say pouting, but whatever. I'm not in such a great mood. But the company was FANTASTIC. Jen was kind of enough to let Xavier model with the birthday package.
Super cute picture, right? But I forgot the newspaper. So we took another one. I dare say X is laughing at me!
Jaywalker updates will be late tomorrow. Get them in now if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Cara at 08:30 PM | Comments (25)
December 28, 2005
The Mother of All
Posted by Cara at 02:58 PM | Comments (40)
One of these boxes is not like the other
Because one of these boxes will be opened today! (Or is it already?) Happy Birthday To ME!!!!!!
Posted by Cara at 12:20 PM | Comments (8)
December 27, 2005
I'm thinking I know what you're thinking
So yesterday we went down to Philly for some Chanukah festivities. Our first stop was at my Aunt's where basically my mother's family and some extras got together for a deli tray. (Do me a favor - don't ask about the deli tray - if you don't know, you don't want to know.) In the olden days, we'd all get together at my grandmother's for Chanukah and a deli tray, but Grandmom's not into entertaining anymore and my aunt seems to be all into the family thing these days. One of the things she requested when she sent out the printed invitations was that all the adults bring a $5-10 gift for a pollyanna type exchange. Normally, I DO not like to participate in these things. First off, I can't stay within a budget (as any of my secret pals might attest to) and also, what the hell can you buy for $5-10? Apparently a lot.
After eating and the kids opening their presents (I mean, c'mon, how much happier could my grandmother have been when my nephew jumped up and said "How did you know? It's JUST what I wanted!!! My sister was pretty stoked too since she bought the gift for my grandmother. Good deeds all around. Warms my heart!) it was time for the adult gift exchange. Have you ever done this? Everyone gets a number and you go in backwards order - person #10, for instance, picks a gift. Then person #9 can either pick a new gift, or any other gift. So if you're #1 you basically can choose from anything. These things can get kind of raucous. Especially when a NON-relative takes away your 85 yr old grandmother's jet propulsion foot massager and said grandmother winds up with a flask. Fun, fun, fun! Anyway, to make a long story even longer, G's gift ended up being one of those 20Q toys. Have you seen these?
You think of something, and then the artificial intelligence machine asks you 20+ questions until it guesses what you're thinking of - the thing is freaking freaky! It pretty much always gets it right from Aardvark to Tampon. I shit you not. My sister was the one who contributed the gift and we had many hours of fun before the exchange. Anyway, so G is in line at Dalessandro's Steaks (because one of our agreements when he comes to Philly is that he gets to try yet ANOTHER cheesesteak place. He fancies himself a connoisseur. If I've told him once I've told him a million times: no matter if he married a Philly girl, no born in Boston raised in Chicago and Jersey City boy is EVER going to be a cheesesteak connoisseur!) and he's completely engrossed in his 20Q game when some guy, with his kid standing next to him, starts tapping G on the shoulder. He looks up and the guy pulls his own 20Q game out of his pocket and proceeds to say: "Last night I thought of the most vile disgusting things and it got them all right!"
If that's not an endorsement for a toy, I don't know what is.
Okey dokey. Because it NEVER gets old, The Hard Rock Jaywalker:
Socks That Rock - Hard Rock Colorway. 'Nuff said.
And in the it's getting REALLY old it's multiplying category:
Yup! That's right folks! We've ADDED gifts to the pile that can't be opened until my birthday. I've blogged about this before, but my Dad gives us all a birthday book - a special book from him - since we were born. So when I saw him yesterday he gave me my book(s). With explicit instructions NOT to open them until Jan 1. He does this every year actually, so it's a no brainer. And usually it's the only present I open in the morning (G gives me his presents at midnight) so I don't mind waiting. Now I'll have a BONANZA! Yippee!
Off for a much needed haircut and lunch with my honey today! Have a great one!
Posted by Cara at 09:38 AM | Comments (28)
December 26, 2005
Putting the Chan back in Chanukah!
Happy Chanukah everybody! Did you know that this is the first time since 1959 that Chanukah (yes, I prefer the CHAN spelling) has started so late - specifically on Christmas? Do you know what this means? This means that for the first time in my life, Chanukah and my birthday actually bisect. January 1st is actually the 8th night of Chanukah! WOOHOO! Double presents for me!
Yesterday was a nice day. We went to my in-laws and everyone was happy and nice and I even got to knit a little. The fact that I knit with fun fur and some other monstrosity type yarns is neither here nor there - I was helping out my sister in law. She's making a fun fur scarf for her granddaughter and a fuzzy frilly scarf for herself and she has trouble casting on - I told her of course you have trouble casting on - look at the yarn you're using! But I helped anyway. So nice to have someone to knit with on the holidays! I turned the heel on my TENTH sock and am ready to pick up the gusset. If we weren't going down to Philly for Chanukah today, I'd probably have it finished - but maybe Wednesday. I'm thinking I'll take a Jaywalker break after that. I'll still keep a sock on the needles, but let me see if I can finish a plain old stockinette sock first. I don't know. I'll probably just cast on for another one anyway. Who says I can't have one on the needles? Doesn't mean I have to race through it.
In other knitting news, I'm trying to knit my second Warm Wendy mitten. The problem is I didn't write down all the ways I changed the Ann Budd pattern so copying it is hard. I think I have it, but I knit a few rows and then go back to the sock. I'd like the mitten finished before the new year too. I WILL get it done.
Look what I got from my Better Pal!
Gotta love a Pal that pays attention! On the questionnaire we're supposed to say what kind of yarn we'd like to try that we've never tried - I put down Fleece Artist sock yarn and guess what I got???? In the Storm colorway. (Another instance of great minds thinking alike.) It's very muted and it's very dark here today so I can't photograph it so well - but it's got grays and teals and caramel browns and reds running through it. Very beautiful. It will be interesting to compare it to my beloved STR. Speaking of caramels, my pal sent me the most luscious, thick, buttery caramel ever! G and I have really enjoyed it BP! But what is it? Where's it from? Can we get more? It's a real treat. Like so rich I can only eat one at a sitting - and that's even letting G have a little bite. Thank you BP! Thank you!
Hey - don't forget the SHOWCASE! I'm leaving it open until Friday for all of you holiday travelers to get a chance to win! Remember - you've got to be in it to win it!
Okay. Off to pick up a gusset and wrap a couple presents. Hag Sameach!
Posted by Cara at 09:45 AM | Comments (12)
December 25, 2005
Posted by Cara at 10:18 AM | Comments (5)
December 24, 2005
8...4...2....
Posted by Cara at 04:26 PM | Comments (8)
Showcase #4
Here we are again! I especially like this week's give-a-way. I hope you do too. A little background first:
A few years ago I put on a solo photography show at my local library (where I am currently persona non grata - long story....) I called it Summer In Winter and it featured my botanical photography. You can see the set up here. It was a HUGE accomplishment - I put it all together my self - frames, postcards, picture hanging (well - G helped with that) - everything! It ran for a month through January and February. One of the pictures featured in the exhibit was this one:
Sunny Side Left
This photograph also appeared in the "Secret Garden" exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden last Summer. The question for this week is:
WAS THIS PHOTOGRAPH FEATURED
AND WHAT DID IT WIN?
Did I forget to tell you what you'll win? I did, didn't I. Here goes:
It's SUMMER IN WINTER all over again! Flowers galore. In this prize package, you have enough Wool of the Andes yarn and the patterns to make the following flowers: Daffodil, Iris, Tulip and Calla Lily all from Pick-Up Sticks! The yarn included is as follows: Cherry Blossom (2), Violet (1), Tulip (1), Blue Bonnet (1), Daffodil (2), Cloud (1), and Grass (3). I'm also including a Lantern Moon project bag, and these super cute summery stitch markers:
Now I know a lot of you are out having fun with (or maybe just tolerating) friends and family - so I'm extending the deadline for this entry to next Friday! The winner will be announced on Dec. 31 - the same day I will be revealing the GRAND PRIZE in the BIRTHDAY CONTESTS. I am promising you - the finale contest will put the others to shame!
Here's how to enter this week:
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE EMAILED TO s4 AT januaryone DOT com. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. ANY ANSWERS LEFT IN THE COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED AND DISQUALIFIED. CONTEST ENDS AT 8PM EST FRIDAY 12/30/05. ANY ANSWER RECEIVED AFTER THAT WILL BE DELETED. THE WINNER WILL BE PICKED AT RANDOM FROM CORRECT ENTRIES. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON SATURDAY, 12/31/05. GOOD LUCK!
Have a wonderful weekend whether you're celebrating something or not!
L, C
Posted by Cara at 10:30 AM | Comments (3)
December 23, 2005
Jaywalker Six!
I call this "Day 9: A Still Life with Jaywalker Sock Number Nine, Today's Paper, and The Gift That I Will NEVER Freaking Open." Enjoy!
~ What better way to calm the Xmas knitting panic than a little Knit and Tonic Vesper sock yarn with a Jaywalker twist? Anmiryam's got it all figured out!
~ BigLug's got Candy Cane Jaywalkers! And scrumptious looking Xmas cookies! And Peppermint Ice Cream! (Not so sure about that one.)
~ Carol's got a picture of her finished jaywalkers! Thanks Carol! But guess what? It's TOO FREAKING HOT to wear socks. Sing with me: Carol comes from the land down under, where socks are warm and jaywalkers!
~ Ellie was making progress, before she broke a needle. But she managed to fill her sock down time pretty easily! Have a great time at home, Ellie, and I'll expect a finished sock(s) when you get back!
~ Helen's had a rough time of it lately. I'm so sorry Helen. Go wish her some holiday cheer and tell her how great her jaywalkers are looking. Hope the New Year brings your family much peace, Helen.
~ Jasmin's cruising along with her Jaywalkers - one down one to go! They're beautiful Jasmin - I love the Serengeti Cherry Tree Hill colorway. And check out those floral embellishments made from recycled sweaters! Very crafty grrl! (Oh and sorry I missed you last week!)
~ Jess's about to start the toe on her second sock - I'm a-waiting on a finished pair soon! YAY Jess!
~ Go check out Julia's sad, sad jaywalker. Apparently, I jinxed her. I said she was rolling along in last week's update and she immediately snapped a needle. But Julia, look at it this way, if you hadn't snapped the needle and had to wait for a new one, maybe you wouldn't have finished that GORGEOUS sweater! It's just beautiful!
~ Julie's DONE! And the socks are already off to their new home - check out her super cute label!
~ I suck. I missed Julie's updates two weeks in a row. Check them out, PLEASE! Oh and Julie - you're a real knitter by the fact that you're knitting! That alone can do it! ;-)
~ Gratuitous Jaywalker Photos! (Thanks KathyB!)
~ Now see Kim? Didn't I tell you not to be nervous? That's one magnificent jaywalker. The pair will be to die for!
~ Another sock knitter is born! Laura has turned her first heel and a beauty it is! Congratulations! It's all smooth sailing from now on.
~ Lcord's hit a bump in the road - but one step back in Jaywalkers is like ten steps back in any other sock - you'll be done in no time!
~ Oh Lisa! I am SO SORRY! Folks, go over and give Lisa lots of love. Some prick (doesn't do the asshole justice) broke into her home and robbed her family. Thank god no one was hurt, but her camera and computer was stolen. I'm sure your Jaywalker is beautiful, Lisa - and I hope knitting it gives you some comfort.
~ Let's get the business out of the way first - go on over to Liz's and vote on which yarn she should use for her jaywalkers. And once you're done with that - PLEASE check out her AMAZING fair isle stockings. Oh my!
~ May's finished! She's got a picture to prove it - all Rowan like in the snow with her stunning STR Pebbles pair! Thanks for sharing May! They're beautiful!
~ Mimsie's going the two at once route, but unfortunately, one sock ended up with more stitches than the other. Rip it! Rip it GOOD! They look really nice though. You'll have a pair lickety split!
~ Feel better Renata! Jaywalking can be dizzying - they go so fast - so proceed with caution!
~ Robyn asks the age old question: "Can you eat cookies while you jaywalk?" I probably couldn't. When I eat cookies - it's sort of an extreme sport. But Robyn seems to be doing nicely.
~ Rock Chick's got jaywalkers on the needles. She hates the yarn, and I'm willing to bet she's not too fond of the person she's knitting the socks for, but really, all you need to know is that my blog is linked in the same post as this image: "Knitting with this crap makes knitting with Kroy seem like cashmere from a goat whose golden balls gently clink out Handel's Messiah as he gambols about the meadow." Genius. Absolutely genius. Thank you RC.
~ Rosemary's not sure what to blog about, but honestly, those jaywalkers speak for themselves! They look great! Have a good trip!
~ Sandra's got one pair down, Fire on The Mountain STR (Hey! They look familiar!) and one pair just started. Hey Sandra! Did you hear? The strikes off! ;-)
~ We've got ourselves a regular Dorothy Hamill in our midst! Very impressive Sara! Back camels and sit spins and figure eights - I love the ice! (Now if only you could make jaywalking look so graceful! Sorry for the rocky start!)
~ Here are some hugs for you Sarah! Sarah's under the weather - and on top of that she got fed up with an imperfect Jaywalker (is there such a thing?) and ripped it out. Get back on that horse! You were so happy with your first attempt! Get back to the love!
~ Stacey's got one finished! Wonderful! And I love how the sock kind of matches her blog, don't you think?
~ Susan's got questions: 1) Anybody knitting the larger sized Jaywalkers? She'd like some input. 2) Anybody got stories of funny yet disasterous family holidays? Yeah. I thought so. Go on over and don't hold back. ;-)
~ You know why they're called Petrified Vicki? Because they're so FREAKING GORGEOUS that you like freeze in your tracks when you see them. I need to call Tina today - don't have that STR in the stash and I MUST have it!
~ Wannietta's booking along on her lovely Jaywalker! Glad it's working out this time! YAY!
This will be the last update before Chrismukkahkwanzaa. I leave the uninitiated with this: Jonathan Safran Foer's "A Beginner's Guide to Hanukkah." Have a lovely day, whatever you celebrate!
Posted by Cara at 10:33 AM | Comments (13)
December 22, 2005
Ten
Margene, my love, I'm sending you the bill for couples therapy.
We took the first one, but then I felt like you
couldn't tell I was balancing the package on my head.
So we took eighty-seven million more in various locations.
He thinks he's a photographer now.
Georgie's home for the rest of the week. Besides photog, he's added blogger to his resume, even though I had to give him the old "If you're home during blogging hours, you've got to get with the program" lecture. He's been on three conference calls and thrown me out of MY office twice, but hey, togetherness is bliss. Right?
I'm at the point in the work now that there's only a couple more things to do and if I'm not careful I'll forget about them. I also set a knitting goal for myself: one and a half jaywalkers down from FIVE COMPLETED PAIRS SINCE OCTOBER 19th. I'm challenging myself to finish off the last sock BEFORE Jan 1. I should have the ninth sock completed by the weekend - by Saturday - so then I have a week to go for the tenth. Piece of cake.
PS - Bloglines? Nice work. Thank you.
Posted by Cara at 11:39 AM | Comments (17)
December 21, 2005
Give Me Five Good Reasons
why I SHOULDN'T call Toni right now and order this.
I'm not sure what my problem is - I've got the go ahead from G. My birthday is eleven days away. I saw some gorgeous barberpole yesterday and about plotzed. So why don't you tell me the real reason I'm hesitating. Is it because I've never actually tried a Lendrum? But everyone I've talked to that has one absolutely LOVES it. No matter how many other wheels they have. I don't care about aesthetics. Honestly I don't. It's affordable. Versatile. A workhorse. From all accounts it will grow with me in all directions.
Is it because I don't know how to spin? I'm sure I can find someone to teach me, right? RIGHT? I've looked up guilds in my area and while there are lots it seems in New Jersey, they're all just a bit out of reach. I'd totally be into hiring someone to give me private lessons. That's always an option, right? Tina says Toni could teach me over the phone. I think she was serious.
Is it because I'm not sure I WANT to know how to spin? I know you can't help me here - but whenever I see those gorgeous explosions of color in some of the best barberpole yarns I've seen - I can't help myself. But other times, not so much.
[ETA because of Val's comment] - If I want a wheel anytime soon, I'm going to have to buy it site unseen. I tried a couple at Rhinebeck, but I'm impatient and I don't want to spend A LOT of money (read more than $500) and there really isn't anywhere close by for me to try a wheel. And all the places that do have wheels? Well, they don't sell Lendrums. So all of the test drive answers aside - give me OTHER reasons than I haven't sat in front of one. I KNOW that's the best way to do it, but it ain't happening any time soon.
Thanks for the help. Let me know what you think.
Grumperina asked a question the other day regarding who knows about your knitting and your blog and why you've chosen to tell about it. First off, I'm an open book. Spend ten minutes with me and you'll know my life history. There are plenty of people who can attest to this. I think a lot of this has to do with my anxiety. Sort of like, if I'm anxious, I almost feel the need to tell you I'm anxious, because somehow that takes away the anxiety. So you've got that aspect of my personality. Also, if I'm excited about something, I find it really hard to keep it to myself. I know you're all thinking, NO, Really? But it's true. So pretty much any stranger I meet knows about the knitting ten seconds into the conversation (of course, if I happen to be knitting when I meet them, well, then, it's faster.) The blog? The blog I might not blurt out in ordinary conversation - but I don't hide it either. My family and friends all know about it - but I don't think they really pay attention. No one reads it on a regular basis that I know of - except for my brother-in-law's friend Bill - hi Bill! And I'm not quite sure what he's getting out of it, I don't think he knits, but thanks for reading, Bill!
The blog is quite personal, I guess, but personal to ME. I don't really give away anything personal about anyone else. I'm sure there's some stuff G would rather I didn't say, but then again, he thinks the same thing when we're riding in an elevator. He's gotten used to it. He even posed for the blog! (See picture below.)
T Minus 11 Days and Counting
Happy Solstice!
Posted by Cara at 10:04 AM | Comments (37)
December 20, 2005
Tis Better To Give Than Receive
That big box of STR stash in the background - sorry - that's MINE!
Do I owe you something? Chances are it's going out today. And a few other goodies to some of you out there that you might not know about. I don't send gifts to anyone in my family, but to KNITTERS? Gifts galore. This is THE FASTEST I will be getting out contest winnings! YAY! In fact today's winner might just get a package before [insert whatever freaking winter holiday you want right here thank you very much] starts. Unless, of course, we're celebrating Solstice, and well, then, I'm late. But Happy or Merry or [insert whatever jolly freaking word you want right here thank you very much] Solstice! And the winner is....
Sadly, Manise is blogless (maybe that should be in the package too?), but she wins nonetheless! Here are the possible winning answers, in case you're curious:
"Dancing with Jesus in Grove City, Pennsylvania," High Plains Literary Review, Fall/Winter 2001
"The BBC," Fourteen Hills, Spring/Summer 2002 (also published in New Standards: The First Decade of Fiction at Fourteen Hills)
"The Summer My Mother Grew Up," Other Voices, Fall/Winter 2002
"What You Wish For," Green Hills Literary Lantern, 2003
There you have it. Oh and I published an interview with Charles Baxter about William Maxwell in Washington Square. You can read it here, if you'd like. That didn't count though, because even though it's about fiction, it's not fiction.
A little bit harder, wasn't it? I guess so because I got half the entries I received for the other two. Next week will be hard(er) as well, but I might make it easy again for the grand finale package on Dec 31. Let me tell you - as good as the others have been (and next week is really fine!), the last one is SPECTACULAR! And very special to me. Gotta admit though, this question was kind of depressing. Three years practically since my last story came out? Fuck. Not a good feeling. Resolution anyone?
T Minus 12 Days and Counting
I'll have you know, that you can't open this package from the bottom because it will destroy the box. It's one of those open from the top tuck the sides in kind of boxes. I know this because it's actually a box I sent to Margene! She turned it around right back to me. Good thinking M! But here's proof anyway:
See the headline? The MTA is on strike in NYC. I'm very torn on this issue. All of my dealings with unions have been very bad. I worked in a union shop in college and the union rep for my department was borderline abusive to those of us who really didn't want to get involved. I was eighteen and in college and honestly, because of that union, I was overpaid by A LOT. Which I guess was good, but I would've rather been paid a smaller wage and not been harassed. I really feel for all the workers out there - MTA workers and anyone else trying to get to work today. I cancelled a haircut appointment, but that's inconsequential to the fact that my husband had to walk a good distance to work from the NJ train (which, yes, he's lucky he could take) but it's very cold and his hip is bad. He doesn't need the aggravation. And I have to believe this isn't what the MTA workers want. They're losing money and they're losing the good will of the people. I'm suprised the strike happened, but after seeing the mayor this morning on TV, I don't think this will end quickly. Pissed doesn't even begin to describe the anger I read on his face.
So if you're in NYC, I hope you had an easy time of it today. The idea that the subways and buses are quiet is just too weird to comprehend.
I'm off to finish the packages. And there's still more work stuff too. Have a great day!
Posted by Cara at 11:09 AM | Comments (20)
December 19, 2005
T Minus 13 And Counting
My wonderful friend Margene emailed me yesterday to tell me that she sent me a package. But could I please not open it until my birthday. In fact, she wrote, "why don't you take a picture with the newspaper everyday so I know you haven't opened it." What?! Don't you trust me? I feel like one of Mary's dogs. Zen gift getting.
There you go, M. THIRTEEN FREAKING DAYS! And damn that box is heavy. ;-) Thank you SO MUCH for thinking of me! I just love presents to open on my birthday!
Posted by Cara at 01:34 PM | Comments (12)
After all, this is still a knitting blog.
We don't just bitch about work and give shit away, we actually knit!
Sock one, Jaywalker KAL Pair #3 (Jaywalker Pair #5 total - for those keeping score.) STR Azurite. For Grumpy. As soon as I finished, I immediately (and when I say immediately I actually mean right after I finished) cast on for the second Hard Rock sock. I'm ten repeats in. I think this will be my plan going forward with the jaywalkers and STR. Make one sock, cast on in a new yarn. Make second sock from first yarn, cast on in a new yarn, go back to old color, etc. Works for me. And I seem to actually like the second sock A LOT better when I've knit some other color in between. It's kind of weird that way.
I had a good weekend. I slept A LOT. A LOT. I guess I really needed it. G and I are coming back together - reconnecting after working crazy hours and work dinners and funerals and they'll be lots of togetherness for the rest of the year. He's taking off some days at the end of the week and may even do a holiday family thing with me next week and well there's that Xmas stuff and then BIRTHDAY WEEK! We usually do birthday stuff leading UP to the birthday, instead of the week after. G always takes me out for a special dinner, usually lambchops (read about last year here) and we'll probably go out, but I said I want lambchops for New Year's Eve. And instead of champagne I want Moscato d'Asti. So delicious! But still my cherry pie. And a Carvel Ice Cream cake on the actual Birth Day.
So I slept a lot and didn't get a lot done workwise, of which there is still A LOT to do, but I instead I did something really special for G (and for me.) As soon as he left yesterday for his last work dinner, I went down to storage to bring up these:
I just LOVE my holiday lights. I usually put them up and surprise G - he never helps. It's my thing. We don't have a tree - my Jewish guilt won't let me go that far (but it will let me marry a Greek Orthodox, LOL) but I just love the lights. I mean, c'mon, Chanukah IS the Festival of Lights, right?
Not the best pictures, but in the dining room we have blue lights with twinkling white lights and in the living room we have colored lights with twinkling white lights. And then the clump of lights that hang down in front of the TV. And no, that's not OPRAH. It was some movie I was watching - The Company. About ballet dancers in Chicago. It was eh. Although I think James Franco is hot.
Looks like Typepad is back up, so I'll try to update the Jaywalker KAL today or tomorrow. Have a great day!
Posted by Cara at 11:09 AM | Comments (19)
December 18, 2005
Bloglines
Have you seen this? To quote:
"We Feel Your Pain
We're not going to beat around the bush about this. Bloglines performance has sucked eggs lately. [emphasis mine] Why? In short, Bloglines has been busting at the seams like the Incredible Hulk.
All of us here at Bloglines have been foregoing sleep and social lives over the past several months to keep Bloglines running and preparing for our move to a new access center (with bigger britches and a very elastic waistline).
So hang tight because there's a light at the end of the tunnel. The move will happen soon; we'll keep you posted.
- The Bloglines Team Wed, 15 Dec 2005 7:00:00 PST"
There's a scheduled outage for tomorrow. The timeline is in the link above. What do you think? I'm all for companies stepping up when things go bad - I mean, nothing is perfect and shit happens. For pete's sakes - it's FREE, so how much can we really expect? I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt and crossing my fingers things will improve. I'll also be blogging way early tomorrow, even though I doubt an update will come. ;-)
Posted by Cara at 07:26 PM | Comments (8)
December 17, 2005
Showcase #3
It's that time again, folks! TIME TO WIN! This week will definitely be tough, but I think it's worth it. Here's what we're playing for:
We're taking a trip to the Far East! We've got three skeins of beautiful recycled silk made from sari yarns.
I bought the yarn from the Wool Peddler, and had a wonderful conversation with Stephanie. She and her husband just moved to East Newfane, Vermont. G and I eloped in Newfane! She's got some beautiful, beautiful yarns and the service was friendly and fast and I would definitely shop with her again. Find out what she has to say about this gorgeous yarn as well. Not seen in the picture, but included in the prize, is a pattern from Just One More Row for the very cool Sunburst Sling Bag. A perfect match for the recycled silk.
Also in the package are these amazing Japanese figures - PERFECT for stitch markers! I picked them up while I was out and about with the girls.
There's also a lantern moon project bag and maybe some other stuff. I'm always looking for little stuff to stick in the bag. Maybe some surprises?
Okay. The moment you've all be waiting for - this week's question.
I have published FOUR SHORT STORIES (one has been published twice - so FIVE publications.)
AND THE JOURNAL IN WHICH
IT WAS PUBLISHED.
Here's how to enter:
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE EMAILED TO s3 AT januaryone DOT com. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. ANY ANSWERS LEFT IN THE COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED AND DISQUALIFIED. CONTEST ENDS AT 8PM EST MONDAY 12/19/05. ANY ANSWER RECEIVED AFTER THAT WILL BE DELETED. THE WINNER WILL BE PICKED AT RANDOM FROM CORRECT ENTRIES. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, 12/20/05. GOOD LUCK!
Things are going well here in Philly. My dad seems to be doing okay (thanks for all your good wishes) and it's been nice to spend time with the kids and my sisters, as always. I'm coming back home later on today - I'm in package mode now. All the processing has been done and it's time to send everything out. Fedex is my friend. That's my mantra from now until 12/26.
I've been knitting a little bit - I'm hoping for a finished sock by the end of the weekend. And maybe a finished mitten if I'm a good girl and make lots of progress with my work. Soon. I'll be able to relax soon.
Thanks for all the book ideas! WOW! What a great thread! I have to say, I was really suprised to see that I have read most of the books listed - well - okay - A LOT of the books listed. I'm not doing as bad as I thought. I used to be known among my writing friends (and most everyone else I know) as being extremely well read. I've been feeling not so well read, although I'm feeling a bit better. I'm thinking that The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and East of Eden are at the top of my list. Also, it's almost time for my birthday book, so that might be the top option. Thanks again!
Don't forget! You've got to be IN IT to WIN IT! Have fun!
Posted by Cara at 12:01 AM | Comments (8)
December 16, 2005
Jaywalker Five!
AS OF MY FINISHING THIS ON FRIDAY MORNING, SOMETHING SEEMS REALLY, REALLY WRONG WITH TYPEPAD. I can't get any entries past December 10th - and I know they WERE there. So I'm sorry. I hope it gets worked out real soon - whatever the problem. I will try to update the update later on this weekend.
Okay - not a lot of time to chitchat - there are babies to cuddle!
~ Ada's got a gorgeous tree up in the house and a SPECTACULAR pair of Jaywalkers! She doesn't know what yarn she used, but I'm betting if she got some that didn't hurt her hands, she WOULD make another pair. C'mon Ada. Admit it. You love 'em!
~ Another finished pair! Love the pooling on Alison's BRAND NEW SOCKS! And she luuuuurves them too, in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in 'Bittersweet.'
~ Try to ignore the pizza and beer and rather concentrate on the start of Amanda's jaywalker. Better yet, check out the phenomenally gorgeous handspun in this entry. Damn that wheel can't come fast enough!
~ It's a finishing frenzy over at Anna's! An unbelievably gorgeous Ene's Scarf - I mean really, the colors are beyond breathtaking! - a Shedir (love that pattern!) and of course, a fantastic Jaywalker. Koigu. Tiger stripes. Nuff said.
~ Mismatched? You be the judge. I don't know, they look freakin' great to me. And Anne, honey, I think Mom will understand. (But seriously, I really want to know what happened on the date. You know. With the knee. Not sure I'm buying the whole slipped on the ice thing. ;-) )
~ A serious case of malaise has settled in over at Biglug's and she's trying to blame it on the jaywalkers. DUDE! What the? Weather. Always go with the weather. Leave the poor socks alone. ;-)
~ Bridget's come through with pictures! Way to go Bridget! Love your progress, and lovin' the new yarn. Either one will be great for your next pair. Glad you figured out a way to make them fit.
~ Carol claims a finished pair. And even though we've got some progress pictures here, I'm not believing ANYTHING until I see those suckers on her feet. Oh Carol! Time to get out the camera! ;-)
~ After talking and talking and talking about them, Carole's finally showing off a finished pair! And they get the seal of approval from the kid set. I'll bet. They're fab! So much so Carole cast on another pair immediately after. In Vesper. I won't say I told you so, but I might have suggested this could happen.
~ Bling! Bling! Bling! Bling! Her schmooness, Carrieoke's jaywalkers ROCK! Her pal is going to be so totally stoked! DUDE!
~ It's drama drama drama all the time over at Christy's. First, some real (unwanted) drama! In the ER! So glad Michelle's going to be okay. And then there's the sock drama. But don't let her stories fool you. Socks that beautiful will make you forget all the pain. Trust me. I know from where I speak.
~ Ellie, one of our newbies this week, is taking a decidedly different approach to jaywalking. She's making anklets, and they're solid! Definitely check them out! Welcome Ellie!
~ Brag all you want BABY! In the "don't hate her cause the sock is perfect" category Eunny has hit a grandslam her first time out. THIS is KOOL-AID people!
~ Felicia's procrastinating. But with procrastination like that - DAMN GRRL! - all is forgiven.
~ Helen, Helen, Helen. Helen. The Jaywalker is not a "mere" sock. It's GENIUS! And genius is never easy. Hope the new one is working out better.
~ Reward yourself! You deserve it Holly! Look at those wonderful FOs! Jaywalkers are the perfect prize.
~ Another one who gets it. Feels like st st, but the results - oh so fantastic! Check out Janine's sock in Opal Elemente.
~ Go admire Jessica's fantastic finished Lucy In the Sky Jaywalkers in socks that rock. And then go make your own South Park character. Do it. Now.
~ Julia's rolling now - all the kinks are worked out, we hope. Vive la Jaywalker!
~ I'm LOVING the zigzags in Julie's sock - but WATCH OUT FOR THE BLOG! Some SERIOUSLY good food being displayed over there. I checked it out and gained ten pounds just looking. Don't say I didn't warn you.
~ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Christmas Jaywalkers that is! Kandy's got one pair done in STR Xmas Rocks, and another pair already started. YAY!
~ I'm going to forgive Kate for ripping out her STR jaywalkers because "the color just wasn't for me." Huh? Which color? I'll take it! But oh how lovely the Schaeffer Anne sock!
~ The proof is in the pudding my friends, and KathyB's found the mythical chocolate tapioca. GORGEOUS! Stayed tuned for modeled socks. Coming soon!
~ Really liking the colors in Kim's newly started jaywalker. Don't be nervous Kim! It will all work out!
~ It's all chibis all the time over at Kris's. She's a little concerned about Hard Rock pooling, but I told her not to fret. They will ROCK!
~ The BEST Better Pal EVER (that is, of course, unless my current better pal decides to one-up her. Hint. Hint.) Kris could not withstand the lethal combination of jaywalkers and Vesper. Vakker! (Hope that's right....)
~ Laura's using Jedi mind tricks, but I don't know what she's talking about. I don't see any ladders. Do you?
~ Laura's got some kind of crazy idea about jaywalking armwarmers. GO TO IT! But, of course, not until you show us the socks. The operative word there being show. Or socks. Take your pick. ;-)
~ Yeah Baby! Almost there is right! Lcord DEFINITELY made the right choice going with the Regia! Excellent!
~ No! No! You heard it wrong! Leah's NOT a heel - she HAS a heel. And some awesome stripes. Knitpicks sock garden seems to be working out just fine, thank you very much.
~ Lisa linked to me in a post with the word BLING in the title. I heart her. She called me gracious. Oh yeah and she picked the yarn for her jaywalkers. Go see.
~ Liz loves her sock! Mostly. I love it, if that means anything to you. ;-)
~ I'm going to let Manda slide on the whole no picture thing, because it seems like the jaywalkers are a gift, but I'll be watching. I WANT A PICTURE!
~ Try not to be distracted by all the gorgeous handspun. We're to look at a sock people. A SOCK! Marie, honey, you're killing me!
~ Now that's talent! Melissa's only made two socks (I'm assuming they aren't even a pair) but when the women at school saw her Jaywalker they wanted IN! She's been wrangled into teaching a sock class in January! Go give her tips. (I think she's a bit nervous. Don't be!)
~ There's a new target in town! Melissa's graciously offered to take the heat off of me. You know how you're all ripping on me because of my STR stash, and my Jaywalker collection, well Melissa is my Lorna's Laces rival. Go pick on her for a change!
~ We're not pointing and we're not laughing Natalia. When they're done, they're going to be spectacular!
~ January Jaywalkers. That's the goal over at Patty's. You're on your way! Excellent!
~ PumpkinMama's thinking out of the box! Check out her lime green zebra stripey sock! Please can I get a Woo and a Hoo!
~ Purlpower's got one purple sock done! They're a gift for her mom and will have to be finished in SPAIN. Poor, poor socks. Oh how it sucks to be you. ;-) Have a great trip Purlpower! We want pictures when you get back.
~ Rosemary's starting over. It's all right grrl! Whatever gets the job done!
~ Stacey's got more progress on her sock! Sure, a snow day would help, but what're you going to do.... KNIT!
~ Vera's playing catch-up. To me, of course. She's got one pair done, one pair started - this time in Wildfoote. Okay Vera. It's not a contest. (Note to self - get knitting! You're only one complete pair ahead of her! EEK!)
Typepad problems nonewithstanding, if I missed you, I apologize - there are a freaking lot of you! Have a great weekend. See you next week! JAYWALK ON SOLDIER!
Posted by Cara at 10:36 AM | Comments (16)
December 15, 2005
1:30 AM
That's the time right now - give or take a couple of minutes. I'm off to bed very soon, but I'm leaving early tomorrow morning and I won't have time to blog.
I finished my class tonight. Overall, it was a good class. Left me with the feeling that I will teach again. I'm so tired though I'm numb and I didn't get that nice feeling of accomplishment now that it's over. Probably because I came home and went right back to work. It will be nice to be at my sister's for a couple of days - besides the obvious - the kids - I can use the break. And G's busy all week with meetings, so I'd just be home alone all weekend anyway.
I think I knit three rounds while I was waiting for my students to come in tonight. If I don't knit tomorrow on the train it's because my hands have fallen off my body or some other such travesty.
One of the bright spots these last weeks has been something sweet and simple and reminiscent of my old pre-knitting, pre-blog life when all I did was read: Alice Munro had a new story in the New Yorker a few weeks ago and I assigned it to my class. She is one of my all time favorites and what she does with words and story is true magic. Here's a link to the story: "Wenlock Edge." While I was searching for the link I found another one of hers online: "Passion." I miss reading. I was talking to my class tonight and I need a book. Something big and juicy that will take me a little while to read and I won't be able to put down and when I'm done I'll be sad and want to immediately pick up something else. It has to be fiction. "Literary" fiction - yes, the snobby elitist kind. And NO HARRY POTTER. Can you help me? Leave me some suggestions in the comments. It doesn't have to be new, or old or classic. Just good. Have to read way into the middle of the night and then again at breakfast the next morning good. Make me want to read again good. Go at it.
Tomorrow is something of a milestone in my life. I will be taking care of my dad - something I never really thought would be my responsibility. My mother's gone off with her new life and my siblings and I are really the only family my father has. I'm so glad we'll be able to help him tomorrow.
Whereever you are, whatever you're doing - hug someone today. Tell them you love them. Then tell them a joke. I've always said I know I've had a good day if I've laughed, been kissed and hugged, and said I love you or had someone tell me they love me. See how easy it is to have a good day? Now go out and grab yours.
Posted by Cara at 01:36 AM | Comments (61)
December 14, 2005
I didn't knit at all yesterday. AGAIN!
I guess that's not entirely true. I knit like one round on a sock in the morning while G was in my office. That didn't last long and I could barely get my fingers to move.
I will have time to knit tomorrow. Because all my work will be done? Because it's finally time for some holiday cheer? Why no. Thanks for thinking it though. I have to go down to Philly for a funeral. One of my father's oldest and closest friends died and my sisters and I are going to the funeral to support him. He's worked very closely with the man for forty some odd years and while it feels good to support my father (he's not an easy one to take care of) I'm sad about the circumstances. So there will be train knitting.
But that's two days I'm out of commission. Two days. I don't sleep anymore. When I do crawl into bed I dream about all the things I need to be doing. Not very restful.
That said, Jaywalker updates might be late. And Showcase #3 might be late. I don't know what I'll be able to get done at my sister's. If the goods arrive today, the Showcase will go on as planned. If not, we might have to wait until Sunday. And the updates, well, they'll come soon. Maybe Friday. Maybe not.
I have to publicly flog myself now. It's all about Sockapal2za. If you remember, I made these great socks for Leslie. (I say they were great not because they were actually great, but because I had such a great time knitting them. Great pattern, great yarn, great recipient - what's not to love?!) Anyway, I sent my socks out and Leslie was wonderfully grateful and I sat back and waited for my own pair. Which never came. Yeah. I got shafted. But not one to complain about an all around good experience, I let Alison know that I never heard from my pal or received any socks. And I volunteered to be a sock angel. I was given my sock angel's information and I started thinking about what socks to make her. Honestly, I wasn't in a rush. Alison didn't give a deadline (that's NOT an excuse) and I was doing other things.
And then I received a package. This package was addressed to me and inside was another package, completely sealed, addressed to someone else. Well, the address was kind of ripped off but it was clear the package was going to someone else. Inside this second, sealed package was a pair of socks, and some sock yarn. And a note. The note, addressed to someone other than me, basically said this was the first and last socks that the gifter would be knitting (you could gather it wasn't a good experience) and that here they were. Sorry they were late.
These were my angel socks.
I was pissed. I never blogged about it. It was what it was and that's how things can go in these exchanges. If it had been me, I would've at least unwrapped the original package and somehow personalized it for the new recipient. How hard would that have been? I have to admit, it soured me. I like to think I'm immune to these things - I mean the whole secret pal thing is akin to lending money - you can't expect ANYTHING back. But this felt sort of like a slap in the face. I got something, but how crappy is that? I let it affect me. I let the bad feelings seep into my own feelings about knitting a pair of socks for someone else. Because I was disappointed, I ended up disappointing my angel.
When I finally got my act together, I couldn't figure out a pattern. I cast on a bunch of times. Poured over sock patterns. Nothing felt right. And by then I was starting the whole Jaywalker kick and my knitting time had become very precious and I couldn't bear to knit for someone else. I suck. I know.
Long story short, I've been dismissed as a sock angel. How awful is that? I feel really, really bad about it. Really bad. I don't like to disappoint. EVER. And when I say I'm going to do something, I DO IT. I guess there's a first for everything. Here's a public apology to Alison: I'm sorry for dropping the ball. To Lisa: I'm sorry for disappointing you YET again. And a huge thank you to the Sock Angel that picked up my slack. I owe you one. Thank you.
Please don't leave comments telling me how great I am or how I'm really a nice person or I didn't mean it - think about it. If you were in Lisa's shoes, you'd be sad and disappointed and maybe have some not so nice thoughts about knitters and people who don't live up to their promises. I certainly did when I was disappointed. It is what it is. We all make mistakes. I know this doesn't make me a bad person. Or even a good person for owning up to it. I just feel bad I flaked. Done. Besides I want to be in Sockapal3za and I don't want any bad karma hanging over me.
Back to work. People keep counting down to this wretched holiday, but it doesn't seem to be getting any closer. There's still so much to do. Bah humbug!
Posted by Cara at 09:49 AM | Comments (22)
December 13, 2005
Give A Sheep!
The Rage for Gauge.
Remember the Got Gauge t-shirts? With all of the proceeds going to Heifer International? To buy a Knitting Basket? Well, Eyeleen's done it again! She's given me my Swatch N' Bitch t-shirt! The Rage for Gauge!!!! YAY!
She's also got a new Got Gauge? shirt - in stunning black cotton!
DUDE! Chanukah is eight days! There's still time for Xmas! GET the tee for your favorite knitter NOW! And help out some kids. And their families. With the sheep. And the llamas. DO IT!
Posted by Cara at 10:54 AM | Comments (5)
Hi. Nice to meet you!
WOW! Even with the hard(er) question and the email, you people really come out for a contest! Nice to meet all the newbies, hope you stick around! The answer, which almost all of you got, was PURLS OF WISDOM. Silly and pretentions and I changed it after a month or two. The funniest answer I received was from Mrs. Pilkington. She told me she thought it was Purls of Wisdom, but she wasn't sure. WASN'T SURE?! As of yesterday, she still HAD A LINK TO IT ON HER BLOG!! ;-) I think she's since taken it down. Love you Missus P!
Anyway, I know you're not all hanging around to hear me blab. You want to know if you won. I'd want to know too, and since I'm too tired and overworked and anxious today to make you wait, I'll just give you the winner. Right now. No. Now. Okay. NOW!
Yay Anne! Congratulations!
Showcase #3 is shaping up to be pretty darn good, if I don't say so myself. The questions WILL be getting harder though, so maybe it's time to brush up on your January One knowledge. I'm just saying.
Work continues apace. I fear if I slow down I'll never get back up to speed. There's still A LOT to get done. So much I haven't knit for TWO WHOLE DAYS! I know. I'm really feeling it too. I'm anxious. Disjointed. Out of sorts. All because I haven't been knitting. It's hell I tell you. Tonight. Tonight I knit if it kills me.
Since I've got nothing else to report, I'll be going now. I miss you all. I feel very unconnected to so many things these days: my blog. My husband. MY LIFE! Better days ahead! I can see the light!
Posted by Cara at 10:31 AM | Comments (12)
December 12, 2005
If it's Monday, why does it feel like Thursday?
It's a good thing my body just automatically remembers to breathe, otherwise I would've been dead two days ago. I KICKED ASS this weekend. KICKED IT REAL GOOD. I actually went to sleep last night semi-caught up on the work - that doesn't mean I still don't have shit loads to do, but now I'm not a week behind the way I was last week.
This also means I've barely been knitting. Friday I didn't knit at all. Saturday I did some good work - cast on for the second mitten, made some good progress on a sock. (A new Jaywalker with some STR - blah blah blah. Yeah. I didn't think you cared.) Sunday I had some time late in the evening to knit - G's out all this week for his quarterly meetings - but I was so shell-shocked from all the work I did that day I just lay in bed paralyzed. I watched the West Wing wedding (where I really, REALLY appreciated the whole hoagie vs cheesesteak with Whiz moment.) I feel so sorry for Josh. I love Josh. It's like the more pathetic he gets the more I like him. And why aren't he and Donna doing it yet? What's the deal? Then I watched Grey's Anatomy. Gotta love the DVR - no watiting for the shows. I really like this show. It's just soap opery enough for me and the characters are funny and stupid and it's over the top but not too over the top. I gotta say, I'm not so into Dr. McDreamy. He's such a pathetic wuss ass I'd rather smack him than anything else. But I love Alex. So not my type physically, but he's got spunk and the whole vulnerability thing. You know what I'm talking about. Anyway. It was a nice diversion for my tired, tired body. Who knew sitting at a computer for ten hours straight was such physical work?
I actually have a shoot tonight. For holiday cards. I'm not kidding. That's why the push this weekend. God help me if I had to process this new job, in like two days, with other jobs still in the queue. This will be IT until next year. NO MORE. I'm done. I think I doubled my work from last year, which is damn good considering this is really only my second season. The first one doesn't count since everyone I took pictures of I knew. Last season was my first - the one where I was really out in the world, with strangers calling to hire me. I'm proud of myself, just damn tired.
Don't forget! Tonight. 8PM. The cutoff for Showcase #2. (See post below.)
NOTE TO SELF: Don't blog about work. YOU WILL JINX YOURSELF. If you say you are sort of caught up, Fate hears you and DUMPS A WHOLE NEW PILE IN YOUR LAP. STUPID. STUPID. STUPID.
Posted by Cara at 09:09 AM | Comments (14)
December 10, 2005
Showcase #2
Hello everybody! Welcome to today's show. Hope you're having a good day. Staying warm, or cool, depending where you are. Smile on your face. Spring in your step.
Johnny, why don't you tell the people what they're playing for!
Sounds good Bob. Heeeeeeereeeee's SHOWCASE #2:
WOW Johnny! That's a lot of swag - why don't you break it down for the people.
Sure thing, Bob.
First up, you've got
THREE SKEINS OF MANOS DEL URUGUAY
#114 - BRAMBLE
That's more than 400yds of luscious wool goodness. You've got enough there to make a pair of mittens and the lovely My So-Called Scarf. (At least that's what I'm doing with my own three skeins.)
Next we have some wonderful Snowflake Bath Confetti in a vanilla bean and some Pine Tree Bath Confetti in a refreshing berry pine scent. Bob, throw some flakes in a warm bath, lay back with a nice hot toddy and Calgon! Take me away!
But wait! There's more!
These cutie pie sheepys are free to a good home, Bob. They can either hang from your ears, or turn them into stitch markers to adorn your knits.
And finally, we've got a Lantern Moon project bag and of course, sheepy or flower cards. Winner's Choice!
Thanks Johnny! Now here's how you play. Answer the following question:
NAME OF THIS BLOG?
That's right folks. This here blog had a DIFFERENT NAME when I first started it up. What was that name?
Now, here are the directions on how to answer:
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE EMAILED TO showcase2 AT januaryone DOT com. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. ANY ANSWERS LEFT IN THE COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED AND DISQUALIFIED. CONTEST ENDS AT 8PM EST MONDAY 12/12/05. ANY ANSWER RECEIVED AFTER THAT WILL BE DELETED. THE WINNER WILL BE PICKED AT RANDOM FROM CORRECT ENTRIES. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, 12/13/05. GOOD LUCK!
Ready. Set. GO!
Posted by Cara at 12:22 AM | Comments (22)
December 09, 2005
Right Now
outside my window:
I just love seeing the pool filled with snow. It's so ironic. When I woke up this morning the first thing I did was put on my glasses and bound over to the window to check out how much snow we got! And are still getting! Of course then I was deeply disappointed by the fact that I'm no longer ten. And I won't be having a snow day. The grind calls and, alas, I must answer. I may bundle up and go for a walk though. I'll take the camera with me, if I dare. Time to get out the plastic wrap! ;-)
Have a great day! I hope there's something fun, like snow, where you are!
L, C
Posted by Cara at 09:16 AM | Comments (14)
Jaywalker Four!
I'm starting the updates Thursday night and I've got the TV on my computer on - guess what's a Jeopardy category tonight? That's right! "J" Walking through History! So funny. I tried to get a screen shot but no luck. Did you know that one of our own knitbloggers is actually going to BE on Jeopardy? How cool is that? Go on over and wish J Strizzy some luck!
Okay! Let the updates begin!
~ Sounds like Ada's pair will be her only pair (hope your hand feels better), but look how gorgeous they are! One sock down, one to go.
~ I'm LOVING Alison's sock! Check out all that PINK! I love how the yarn is pooling. What are you using Alison? I couldn't find it on the blog. Can't wait to see the pair!
~ Angela's DONE! YAY! Look how great those socks look! The most important part: Angela LOVES them! That makes me happy.
~ Okay! Anne's a girl after my own heart! She finished one Jaywalker, and instead of moving onto the second one, she started a whole new pair! This time around she's using Trekking - got to admit - it's a different look for Jaywalker but I'm liking it!
~ Duh duh duh duh Another Bites the Dust! DUDE! I totally agree with you! This is THE rollerskating song! Sadly, though, this has a double meaning for Bethe. She finished her first sock, but it looks like she might have to rip it. And now she's got to worry about the yarn-adge. Damn that STR! ;-) (What is that Bethe - Hard Rock? Your stripes look a lot different than mine - hope it all works out!)
~ YAY! Bethieee's got pictures this week!
~ BigLug's got us knitbloggers all mixed-up, but not her Jaywalkers! No siree bob - they are looking fantastico!
~ Bridget says she's got one sock finished, but we'll need photographic proof to believe her! ;-) Oh all right - I guess a finished pair will be good enough. Soon, right?
~ Hey! I'm next on the list! Look at that. Go check out the saga. It's a good one.
~ Carol's got lots of socks, but only ONE jaywalker. Check it out!
~ No Pooling BAYBEE! Christy altered the pattern a bit, but they still rock! Loving the stripes!
~ Corrina! YOU WILL PREVAIL! Show that sock who's boss! Go give Corrina some support. Jaywalker and Sock Garden seem to be conspiring against her.
~ Gail chimes in from Portland: "I finished one sock with 60 stitches cast on. A little snug over the heel, but quite comfy once on all the way. I'm about half-way down the cuff of the second sock, so far so good!" Whoa nelly! Everyone's complaining about how tight the socks are and you're casting on FEWER stitches? Can't wait to see these! Have fun in SanFran!
~ Thanks to all your votes, Helen's chosen a yarn! Now get knitting Helen!
~ Yo! Jane! Who you calling a Jaywalker Fanatic! Just you wait! Once you put that pretty pair of Koigu socks on your feet - I'll bet you're a goner too! ;-)
~ Jess has a finished sock! SWEET!
~ I'm just loving Jessica's STR colorway! It's gorgeous! Things seem to be going well now - the sock looks great.
~ Kandy's new to the KAL! Go say hi! Oh and Kandy Darling, 11 skeins of STR does not an obsession make. Take it from me. I know. It's a noble start though. ;-) Can't wait to see a sock!
~ Karen's started on her second sock - but screw the socks. ONLY SEVEN DAYS UNTIL DISNEYLAND! WHOOHOO! Have a great trip Karen!
~ THIS is too incredible NOT TO MISS! (Which of course I did on the first run through.) Check out Kathy's new progress, and the story she has to tell.
~ Laura's jaywalker is looking grand, befitting a celebrity. ;-) She's using Moda Dea Sassy Stripes sock yarn, in colors Crush and Lucky. Oh and Laura? Give a big thank you to that brother-in-law of yours!
~ Lauren's DONE! And while we don't have any photographic proof, I did run into her on Saturday, quite by accident (how's this for funny - she recognized me because I was knitting on my jaywalker. BEHOLD THE POWER!) and she showed me her sock. Lorna's Laces. Very lovely. C'mon Lauren! Send a picture!
~ Lcord's sock in Trekking 107 are wonderful! The colors are great and I have to tell you Lcord, I think you made the right decision. While the Fleece Artist is pretty, I prefer the bolder stripes.
~ OCD strikes again! Leah had a nice start to her Knitpicks Sock Garden Jaywalkers in Geranium, only to find that she did a 1x1 rib instead of the 2x2 the pattern calls for. Rib Rip for her! Sorry Leah - but I totally understand!
~ Check out that arch! Lisa's got one finished!
~ Ah Margene. Margene. Margene. Margene. My wonderful friend Margene. Looks like we got a winner know, no? I hope so. I so want this to work for you. And for me. But mostly for you. Can a sock really be as wonderful as I think it is if the Zen Master doesn't like it? Something to ponder. Amen.
~ Get down, boogie oogie oogie oogie! Get down! Maritza's Electric Boogaloo socks are DONE! Stick a fork in em'! And while the name may be disco, the socks definitely ROCK!
~ Now that Mel worked out her needle issues, things are humming along!
~ Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what's on the other side? Sock yarn, Kermie. Sock yarn! Lorna's Laces to be specific. They're looking good Melissa! I kinda like the pooling going on. Can't wait to see them finished.
~ Oh Melissa! Pictures please! That LL Ravenswood sounds so nice.
~ Go tell Mimsie that we're all a really nice bunch and that KAL are just letters, not a lifestyle! Knit, don't knit - you're still allowed in the club. I mean c'mon - you're knitting with STR! That alone guarantees you membership. ;-)
~ Another one blaming me! Hey Nancy! Think how much fun it will be when you go back to those "normal" size needles! Size 6s are like knitting with tree trunks!
~ Uh Oh. Is it time to get out the scale again? Tell Naomi what you think. Will she make it? THIS JUST IN: Looks like Naomi's going a different route - The ribbing, heel and toe in one color, the body in something colorful. Things are just starting to get interesting....
~ Natalia has the toe-up version all written out. I find the heel flap and gusset on a toe-up SO interesting. I might just have to try it - especially since I'm not a fan of the short row heel. Thanks for your efforts Natalia!
~ Sigh. Patty's asking that age old question. To rip or not to rip. Patty, I can assure you, if we ever should meet I will tell you that your Jaywalkers are gorgeous - flaws or no flaws. You made them - therefore they're perfect! :-)
~ Renata's gone all kinds of crazy with her NEW PAIR OF JAYWALKERS. Alas, these are for her sister (keep them keep them keep them.) But have no fear, she's already cast on for another pair! Do I smell another convert? Both of her pairs are in STR. Hmmm. She's got some other STR to trade - anyone interested? Go on over and let her know.
~I'm an ass. Rosemary and I emailed a bunch of times about her jaywalkers and I still forgot to add her to the original updates. DUH. Please forgive me. Now go on over and tell her how great the sock looks. Go! Now! Don't make me feel bad!
~ Sarah Gilmored and Jaywalked in the same evening - now that's what I call a good night!
~ Oh! Oh! Oh! It's MAGIC! Stacey learned the magic loop technique to make her Jaywalkers. Looking good!
~ BEST.SAVE.EVER! Teresa's done and they are SPECTACULAR! Go play her contest. I'll give you a clue. It's not pink.
~ Well tgz - at least you had fun learning, right? Didn't fit. But she's starting over! Way to go! You'll have that first sock done in no time!
That's all I've got! Forgive me if I've missed you - let me know in the comments. Have a great Friday!
Posted by Cara at 01:14 AM | Comments (22)
December 08, 2005
Letting It All Hang Out
Scout tagged me (and I think everyone else) for her new meme - show your knitting space. Not so easy at Chez Une d'Janvier. I know that some people will have cleaned/straightened up their house, but well, frankly, I don't have time for that these days. And really - why not let it all hang out! (And yes. G knows I'm posting pictures of our squalor on the Internet.)
We'll start with the living room - where I do a lot of my knitting.
Numbers are counterclockwise from the far left:
1. This is where I usually sit when I knit. I put my feet up on the ottoman (currently covered with work contracts and invoices.) Note the lone size #1 DPN - I find it very helpful in moving stitches around on my two circulars and picking up stitches and stuff. I think there's a sweat jacket there too. I get cold sometimes.
2. This is where G sits. His legs are on the ottoman too. He constantly yells at me to stop "sewing" and come snuggle. I usually tell him just let me finish the row.
3. This bag contains the yarn I just bought from Purl on Saturday with the girls.
4. Here we have the infamous scale. The broken swift. The ball winder. Some wound up yarn. If you look on the floor right below the table you can see the yarn scraps used to tie up skeins.
6. Assorted yarns. The Koigu is here, but you can't really see it. Some package wrappings from the mail. All the Rhinebeck yarn is here and on the floor in front of couch. Most of it's in bags. Oh and the Curious Georges all live here.
7. My Flower Basket Shawl and behind that is my first project - a 5'x6' four color slip stitch afghan. Yeah. I'm ambitious.
8. All of my Rhinebeck receipts.
9. Socks That Rock. 'Nuff said.
10. Here we find a bunch of notions: tapestry needle, Obsidian to fix the Carbon sock, Nancie Wiseman's The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques. A million different cuticle scissors that I can never find when I need them.
11. This is the great leather basket I have that holds all the abandoned projects. Right on top - Short Rows. I've been thinking about it a lot lately.
My house is a mess, obviously. But I do clean! Or I used to sort of. The last time I cleaned was when Vicki was here and that was half assed at best. Once I'm done with my work, I'm going to get the house in order enough so I can hire someone to clean. We used to have someone, but we had to fire her like two years ago. It's been a mess ever since.
Okay. Here's another picture. This is the yarn/knitting photography staging area. It's in the dining room on the other side of the living room (it's an open floor plan.)
I get good light by the silding glass door out to the balcony and I usually use that big (heavy too) slab of wood to take the pictures on. When it's nice I take the slab out onto the deck and shoot. See the big green thing - that's our beloved Patio Bistro. This thing rocks - and it's electric! We can't have gas on our balconies. Also, the wind here is very bad - our chairs literally blow around. That's why the grill is in the house - G wants to protect it. Once, a bird built a nest under the grill. The cover was longer and it gave her shelter I guess. Her name was Fotula. She laid two eggs and in a tragic accident, the whole freaking nest blew around the balcony and the little eggs were left abandoned. The whole thing was very, very sad for us.
Last knitting space: the bedroom:
This is my side of the bed. Notice my blanket on my pillow? On the floor we have a ton of knitting books, yarn, needles, patterns, the last K1R2 book I was reading, head phones for watching TV late at night while G's asleep, the abandoned Sunshine Sock. There's my January One bag I made for Maryland. Sometimes I get really paranoid about all the crap on the side of my bed because it's right in front of the heating/cooling unit (see the door?) which at any given time has a couple tons of water running through it. These things break apparently. You're always seeing/hearing about floods around the building because people don't check their hoses. We do. These units are old, but sometimes I have daydreams about the pipes bursting and ruining everything I have on the floor next to the bed. Guess it doesn't scare me enough to do anything about it though.
So there you have it! That's where I knit! Kind of scary, I know, but somehow we manage to live here. It's all getting on my nerves a lot lately, but I'm stuck in the office all day and barely come up for air. But I'm starting to not be able to find things and that's such a time waster running around the house cursing and screaming because I can't find what I need at that particular moment.
Consider yourself tagged.
Posted by Cara at 08:16 AM | Comments (25)
December 07, 2005
I am not immune.
Call it hubris. Call it naivete. Call it what ever you want, but I was crazy to think it wouldn't happen to us. No relationship is perfect and the sooner I learn that the better. Sure, we work hard at what we've got. Sure, I'm all singing at the top of my lungs about fate and love and love and more love. But sometimes that's not enough. Sometimes going the extra yard or two can really make a difference. I'd like to think I'm learning my lesson. But that doesn't make it hurt any less.
At 1:39AM, with Georgie sleeping blissfully unaware beside me, I ran out of Socks That Rock yarn.
It was bound to happen. Who was I to think I could get away with such perfection? Other people have had problems, why would I think I was different? Look, I know schaudenfreude is alive and well on the Internets (and two fold in real life) and there will be people out there sitting back in their seats smiling smugly at the fact that I RAN OUT OF YARN. Go ahead. Have your laugh. I forgive you. I'm laughing myself. It was dumb luck that I bought this great yarn and found this great pattern and cast on and never looked back. EVERY DAY I get emails asking about gauge and fit and yarn and I really don't have any answers. I never checked my gauge on this pattern. I just knit the socks and it worked. FOR ME. Everybody knits differently. Every skein of yarn is a skank unto itself. We're all like delicate knitted snowflakes. No two socks are a like.
Enough. This is how much yarn was left:
I had literally THREE ROUNDS LEFT! Two knit rounds and one decrease. At the taking of the picture there were 32 stitches total on the needles. Lucky for me, I've got a great big STR stash so I just went in and picked up some Obsidian and pulled a couple of yards and finished the sock. There's no way you can tell. NO WAY. Go ahead - see if you know which foot it is....
There they are. My third pair of Jaywalker socks in Socks That Rock yarn, Carbon colorway, size #1 Addi Turbos - small size of the Jaywalker pattern. (Links in the sidebar.)
ETA: Okey dokey - it totally must have been something in the cosmos last night - Rosemary ran out at ALMOST THE EXACT SAME SPOT I DID! I think I got one extra round on her. VERY WEIRD. Also I have it ON EXCELLENT AUTHORITY that starting in the New Year (or thereabouts) the NEW PUT UP of SOCKS THAT ROCK will be 360 yds! WhooHOO! Great news! Thanks Tina and Kaci!
You can bet your sweet ass I'll be casting on for another pair today. I think instead of going back to Hard Rock, I'm going with Azurite instead. Switch it up a little. (Oh let's be honest. I'm a little bit too stressed to have to worry about running out of yarn again! ;-) )
Posted by Cara at 09:21 AM | Comments (33)
December 06, 2005
You're ALL Winners in My Book!
Have you been sitting on the edge of your seat? I'm posting a bit later today - am I driving you crazy? First off, thanks everyone for coming out to play. This one was a gift (well they're all technically gifts, but I'm going to make you work a little harder next time.) First, Bob, let's review Showcase #1:
We've got two skeins (450yds total) of SOCKS THAT ROCK in the Pebbles colorway, a Lantern Moon project bag, a glow in the dark sheepy (ask Margene - she'll tell you - it REALLY glows in the dark) and some super cute sheepy earrings/stitch markers. (They will be real easy to make into stitch markers - just add a jump ring instead of a hook.) Oh and some sheep cards or flower cards, depending on what the winner wants. I had to order new stock, so no pictures right now.
And there you go Bob. Showcase #1. Thanks Johnny. We'll be back to annouce the winner after this short commercial break.
La la la la la. Hey - want to see something funny? While I was out with my peeps on Saturday, G tried to do some home repair. Thanks honey! When I came home he pulled me into the den/guest room/work out room and showed me this:
I said, "Oh. Max will love that." And he said, "Well. They only had one." My goofy Georgie! He loves his Spidey night light. When I asked him if I could blog it he said, "You better." Awww.
HA ha ha Johnny. And I said to the cat - don't worry, I've been spayed! Ha ha ha - oh we're back on the air? Let's review. That's two skeins STR. One Lantern Moon bag. Glow in the dark Sheep. And Sheepy earrings/stitch markers.
Look how cute!
Johnny - tell us who won!
Congratulations Nathania! Send me your address and the prize will go out in a bit. Tune in next Saturday, for more fabulous games and prizes!
Thanks for all the kind comments about my appointment yesterday. It went okay - my doctor is a sympathetic person - she just can't wrap her head around why someone - who's gone through all that we've had - would stop things at the final stage. And I can't help her understand because I'm not sure I understand myself. It is what it is. I needed the pap and that's done. Everything else is good. Although I'm a little bit pissed that she now considers me high risk - meaning I pumped myself full of all those drugs and hormones and to quote her "we don't know what that stuff does to you" so she puts me in the high risk category. For cancer I guess or anything else that's out of the ordinary. I understand being proactive, but I think that's a little bit too much. Put together with my family history, I'm probably no more at risk than someone who took birth control pills for ten years or something - and I know plenty of people like that. Whatever. I may not go back to her. We'll see. I do need a baseline mammogram. Guess I'm really getting old, huh. Edited to clarify: I've been going to my doctor for years, and for years I LOVED her. She was very proactive with my infertility testing when other doctors would have poopooed me and pointed me back to the bedroom. I understand that she can't understand - and I feel for her. She wants to help me and she doesn't know how besides to say go and get pregnant. And to a certain extent she's right. A lot of my issues are MY issues. I may search out another doctor, but this is a complex situation and even the most compassionate of people can get very confused. I appreciate your good thoughts. Thank you.
I was up really late last night - no knitting involved. But I got A LOT of picture work done and I can barely see the light at the end of the tunnel - it's there - however dim. Back to the grind. Thanks everyone for playing!!!!
Posted by Cara at 11:00 AM | Comments (14)
December 05, 2005
Warm Hand, Warm Heart
This is going to be one of those long, rambling, picture heavy posts. Consider yourself warned.
Huh. Who'd a thunk? Telling people they might have a chance at free yarn on the Internets is the same as yelling fire in a crowded movie theater. They don't walk, they RUN! I'm sorry if anyone got trampled. Oh and don't say I didn't give you anything. Trust me. The answers won't be so easy next time. For one thing, I'm going to make you email me the answer. NO CHEATING. You know who you are. That's all I'm saying. ;-)
So far I'm having a really great weekend. It's not over yet (it's Sunday night around 9:43.) Georgie's making tacos and I just diced the tomatoes which was UBER FUN with G's better-than-an-ipod type thing. It's great to hear the music he's got going - not all of them are my favorites, but they're all SO G. Work wise, I'm fucked this weekend. I did manage to do a first read of stories for class this week and I folded a buttload of clothes, but I didn't do ANY picture work which is really, really bad.
Why? I'll tell you.
Saturday I met up with those amazing girls from Boston - Wendy, Elisa and Kellee! YAY! I met them at Macy's and we immediately headed up to M&J Trimmings. Great buttons. Maybe better than Tenderbuttons. I WILL be going there next time I need some. I called Kay while we were there to tell her where we were so she could meet up and the first thing she asked was did you see the tape dispensers. It was the first thing I noticed. All of the tape dispensers were covered with ribbon and buttons and sequins and were the best darn tape dispensers I've ever seen. So pretty. Of course I don't have a picture for you because the I didn't bring my camera. Wendy was the only one taking pictures and I don't know if she did or not. You'll have to ask her.
It's not about 9AM, in case you're keeping score.
From there we made our way in the direction of Rockefeller Center. Because that's exactly where I want to be on December 3rd - three days after they lit the damn tree - but SOMEONE insisted. And dudes, ask her how close she got to that freaking tree! RIGHT UNDERNEATH IT BABY! But I digress. On our walk we came upon Bryant Park - right behind the main NY Public Library (the one in Ghostbusters ;-) ). They had their annual holiday bazzar thing going on and I bought a few fun things for blog gifts. Look for them in future Showcases! Then we went Chipotle, apparently a delicacy unavailable in Boston, for a very nice lunch. While we were eating, we mapped our plan of attack. Literally. Did anyone get a picture of the map? Wait! I might have it!
I know it's small, but can you make out Purl and Dinner?
Okay, so the plan was to head up to Rock Center - to see the tree blahblahblah - and head to Kinokuniya Bookstore. While they didn't have the book (they were heavy on crochet), I did manage to pick up some more cute stuff for Showcase gifts.
We met up with a couple of friends of Wendy's there and headed out to Habu. Where I had one of my first blogger in public moments. I wasn't really interested in buying anything at Habu (my third time there - the first time I spent my fortune) and I was sitting on the floor knitting my Jaywalker when someone said, "Cara?" I looked up and immediately felt awful - because I had no idea who the woman was. I feel like if someone knows me - I should know them, right? Anyway - all was good when Lauren introduced herself. Lauren doesn't have a blog, but she reads this one and I sent her some yarn she needed a few weeks ago and she's in the Jaywalker KAL too! What a coincidence. Can I just say, Lauren was wearing THE MOST GORGEOUS wrap - from Scarf Style I think - the entrelec one? Gorgeous. We compared Jaywalkers and Lauren had to go - I think she was a little more freaked than I was running into us. Thanks for stopping Lauren! Hopefully we'll run into each other again.
Sadly Lauren pointed out my one and only real fuck up of the day as tour guide - I didn't know that School Products closed early on Saturday, so we missed it. Next time girls.
After they oohed and ahhed and bought, we headed down to Purl. On the subway. YAY! Purl was packed. I grabbed a seat and worked on my sock while the girls shopped as best they could. I ended up with some purchases, but they're mainly gifts so no pictures. I was pretty good this shopping trip. I only bought one skein of yarn for myself - and that was to supliment what I already had - more on that later.
With Purl out of the way, we headed down to Seaport - I planned that stop last because it was pretty close to where we were going to eat dinner. I was PARTICULARLY proud of myself here - we got on the subway - and I managed to get us to the stop that was AROUND THE CORNER from the store. Lucky us because I always get lost down there and we were running short on time. Seaport's where I spent the most money - but only because I bought enough Addi Turbos to have a Jaywalker on the needles for every day of the week. I'm only half kidding. The girls had fun - Elisa at one point buried herself in a pile of Cherry Tree Hill. There's picture evidence of this so check around.
Then it was off to dinner! I've blogged about this restaurant before - Gigino's. For anyone in the NYC area - it's a must hit. Kay was there before us and we had a great table in the back corner - perfect for five hungry giggly girls. Kay had a bottle of wine waiting as well - what was it Kay? I couldn't remember and wanted to tell G. We ate and talked and laughed and we were warm and cozy and it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.
Or it would've been if we hadn't tried to leave without paying. I'll let someone else tell that story. ;-) Suffice it say, everything's good and I assured G that we can still show our faces there.
Girls - I hope you got home okay?! You did't let me know like you promised! It was so, so good to see you all and hang out and I wasn't anxious at all and I love you. Come back soon! And Kay - lunch when I'm calmer. Two weeks maybe? Love you too!
Because I don't want this to get out of hand - I'm going to an extended entry. It's picture heavy, so click if you want. Thanks for visiting - I totally understand - if you don't. Have a great day!
In the I would've liked a tiara but now it looks like I need something else for my birthday category - check this out:
Can you tell what this is? Maybe another picture will help:
Yes. I broke my swift. Super human strength you ask, or super human stupidity? I'm winding, winding, winding and my winder is making this awful sound and the swift is slowing down and I can't figure out what's wrong with it, so instead of stopping, I keep winding. Sure. Why not? The other side of the skein had wound it's way around the base like 4,279 times and I wasn't paying attention and the damn swift snapped in half like a twig. I cut myself too. Bastards. So yeah. I need a new one. Fucking A.
But I did manage to wind the yarn for this before I broke it!
For the Warm Hands KAL. I'm using Manos, number 114. I bought an extra skein at Purl - incidentally the three others I have in my stash were from my yarn crawl with Wendy last February, so really these should be called Warm Wendys because all the yarn was purchased with her! I used Ann Budd's pattern - cast on 40 stitches on size 7 Addis. Two circulars method. I was going to use size 8s, but I realized that while it looks like I only have one size 8 circular, I have literally SEVEN size 7s. How that happened I have no idea. I fudged some parts of the pattern - like I did kitchener to close off the top - but otherwise it's all good. I like it! I'll cast on for the mate in a couple of days - it shouldn't take me long now that I know how to do an M1R. That was a bitch. Don't ask.
Now for the best part! IT SNOWED! I woke up Sunday morning to a blanket of snow - I never got to see totals for my area, but we had to have had about three inches. It was a good heavy wet snow, so it probably looked like more than it really was, but I was outside before 9AM. I love snow - especially walking around before it's really been lived in - everything's so quiet and I love the cold when you're warm in your coat and it was just lovely. It really rejuvanated me - especially since I haven't takent pictures for myself in a long while. I've been kind of panicked lately because I don't have a holiday card lined up yet. I always send out a photo card to friends and clients and I've used the archive already. I was going to knit some ornaments and take a picture (in my nonexistant spare time) but now I don't have to! I got a GORGEOUS picture. Simply wonderful and G likes it because it's not really Xmasy but very dramatic and very different and I'm not going to show you until the cards are sent out, but then I'll post it. So, instead, I'll leave you with these:
I'm off to the OBGYN today. I've been putting this off for awhile because I'm embarrassed to tell her that we backed out of the IVF last year. I think I can do it - but I'll probably cry. That might help with the sympathy factor. To top it off I had all kinds of weird breastfeeding dreams last night. As in I had a baby that I was trying to breast feed. Good shrink fodder, don't you think? Have a great day - send some good vibes my way. Showcase winner tomorrow!
Posted by Cara at 09:59 AM | Comments (28)
December 03, 2005
Showcase #1
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES...C'MON!
It's time for our first SHOWCASE! As you know, every Saturday between now and my birthday I will be giving away some wonderful prizes, all in celebration of BIRTHDAY MONTH! Each week you will have to answer a question that relates to MEMEMEMEMEMEMEME (c'mon - it's all about ME!) and each correct answer in the comments will be eligible for the random drawing on Monday night. Contest winners will be announced on Tuesday morning.
Alright JOHNNY! Tell the people what they'll win!
That's right folks! It's some coveted SOCKS THAT ROCK, but wait - what's that I see? TWO SKEINS? Over here at January One we don't discriminate. We know there are some unfortunate people out there with BIG ASS FEET! (or as Ann likes to say - she has a big ass AND big feet. didum dum.) Here we have
But, BOB, that's not all!
Today I will be out galavanting with some mighty cool chicks. Rumor has it there will be shopping involved. I will be adding to the prize package - maybe I will update, maybe I will SURPRISE your ass. But however it goes, you got to be in it TO WIN IT! Here's this week's question:
All correct answers in the comments please will be eligible to win! The answer is buried deep in the blog. Look hard, little grasshopper! ;-)
And the retail value on this particular showcase is....PRICELESS! (It's YARN people - isn't all yarn priceless?)
Ready, set, go!
PS - When you're done guessing here - go on over to Larissa's and help a girl out. She wants you to take a survey and be eligible to WIN MORE PRIZES!
Posted by Cara at 08:47 AM | Comments (158)
December 02, 2005
Mememememememememe!
Stolen from Vicki:
TEN random things you might not know about me
1. I bite my nails, but only for grooming purposes, not for nervousness purposes.
2. I don't like prime numbers and I often add up numbers to make sure they're ok, i.e. even.
3. I sleep with my blanket, which I've had since I was born.
4. I have a collection of erotic fiction. I like the Herotica series best.
5. I was once a PhD student specializing in Theological Existentialism and Kierkegaard, although I really liked Martin Buber too.
6. My parents split up two years ago right after my 34th birthday. Divorce sucks balls for the kids, no matter how old they are when it happens.
7. I once blew out a tire going 95mph on the New Jersey Turnpike. I was probably listening to Bruce.
8. In order to conceive a child, my husband and I must use ART. Please don't tell me miracles can happen - like if we just relax. I think science IS a miracle.
9. I am a self-taught photographer.
10. I have two nephews, two nieces and two great nieces. Being an Aunt is one of the greatest joys of my life.
NINE places I’ve visited
1. Mackinac Island (once)
2. Yellowstone National Park
3. Ibiza
4. Israel
5. Venice
6. Toledo (the one in Spain)
7. Newfane, Vermont
8. LaQuinta, California
9. The Big Island, Kona Coast.
EIGHT ways to win my heart
1. Indulge my crazinesses.
2. Do the dishes.
3. Laugh at my jokes.
4. Touch my back before I fall asleep at night.
5. Giggle uncontrollably.
6. Sing to me.
7. Look at me that way.
8. (Because I'm NOT easy...) Bring me gummy bears and/or Junior Caramels.
SEVEN things I want to do before I die
1. Have a baby and be a mother.
2. Publish at least one other story.
3. Maybe, if I'm lucky, publish a whole collection of stories. Like, you know, in a book.
4. See The Garden of Earthly Delights by El Bosco, in person, at The Prado. The first time we went it was out being cleaned.
5. Come to a true peace with myself and my anxiety.
6. Hire a chef and have them cook for me and my husband. Fuck our friends! ;-)
7. Knit a fair isle short row sweater.
SIX things I’m afraid of
1. Having a baby and being a mother.
2. Flying.
3. Driving by myself out of my comfort zone - which can change at any time.
4. Heights.
5. Small spaces.
6. Bascially anything my sick, twisted mind can dream up to torture me with. So really, myself.
FIVE things I don’t like
1. Fundamentalism in any shape or form. Right, Left, Black, White, any EXTREME.
2. Dishonesty.
3. SUVs.
4. Housework.
5. The horrifically disproportionate sense of entitlement in American Culture.
FOUR ways to turn me off
1. Be unbending.
2. Lie to me.
3. Fake it. Anywhere.
4. Talk to me disrepectfully.
THREE things I do every day
1. Laugh.
2. Tell someone I love them.
3. Hug and be hugged.
TWO things that make me happy
1. Knitting.
2. Being goofy. Goofiness is terribly underated.
ONE thing on my mind right now
1. Georgie. He's calling me to come to sleep.
Posted by Cara at 12:14 AM | Comments (20)
Jaywalker Three!
Wow! This updating stuff is hard work. I'll start off with the promised Jaywalker FAQ. I asked Grumperina what she thought were the most important issues, and this is what she wrote me:
Please gently remind the knitters that the pattern promises, "The stitches are placed on a bias, which creates a snug, droop-less fit," and delivers! I viewed this as a big plus, but of course it's only a big plus if the person is getting the right gauge, and a sock that's the right size. Let the knitters know they should not plan to have any negative ease ease - if the foot is 9" around, the sock should also be 9" around. If it's any smaller, yes, they'll have trouble getting it over their ankle. Yarn choice makes a difference. Yarns with nylon, mohair, cotton are less stretchy than pure wool yarns or yarns with elastic. By that fact alone, socks made from wool/mohair will not be as pleasant to get on the footsie as identical 100% merino wool socks. Going up a needle size and/or knitting the larger pattern size (if possible) are great first steps to get a bigger Jaywalker. However, this won't solve problems 100% of the time because sometimes going up a needle size doesn't result in a nice sock fabric, and perhaps the knitter is already knitting the bigger size. **If the knitter is making the smaller size, leaving yarn and needles and gauge the same, BUT knitting the bigger pattern size will increase the sock diameter by about 10%. This is an easy first solution to get the right fit!** No matter the solution, I *strongly* recommend trying on the socks-in-progress frequently. Actually, all knitting! No reason to plow ahead if you can already determine the outcome won't be any good ;) . |
ETA: Kathy has graciously added UPSIZING! She's got instructions for TWO LARGER SIZES! Also, Natalia's written out instructions for doing the Jaywalkers toe-up. Thank you both!
What do I have to add? Well, the most important thing I can say is the socks WILL BE TIGHT! They are snug over the heel. They do give a little bit with wear, but my socks, which I've been wearing a lot, still have to be sort of tugged over the heel. Once on though, they fit perfectly. Also, if you think 76 stitches is a lot - because you normally cast on for a much smaller number with your other sock patterns - DO NOT WORRY! The ribbing won't be too big - it will be pulled in by the pattern and the socks will miraculously stay up on your leg. The pattern really NEEDS the extra stitches. I normally cast on for 64 stitches - I'm perfectly fine with the 76. ;-)
Also, there have been some questions about the bar increases. Here are a couple of links to help out with this:
completed bar increase - scroll down the page
bar increase video - continental knitting
bar increase video - english knitting
That should answer most of the questions we've been getting. Feel free to let us know if we've missed something.
Okay. On to the updates. If I missed you, I'm really, really sorry. I've been trying to go through all the blogs and updating as the week goes on, but sometimes I miss stuff. If I've got wrong information for you, please let me know that as well.
We've got THREE FINISHED PAIRS this week! YAY! JAYWALK ON!
~Ada's on her second start, but things are working out just peachy this time around!
~Angela's praying for stripes. C'MON STRIPES! (Oh and she's knitting with Knit Picks Sock Garden in Stargazer Lily.)
~Anita's fast walkin' in her brand new Jaywalkers! She made her pair in Lorna's Laces, Purple Iris. Beautiful!
~Anne went home for the holidays and started her wonderful Opal Handpainted Jaywalkers. People liked them so much she was taking orders! Go Anne!
~Anne's got a nice start on some hot pink Jaywalkers!
~Bethe got in a bit of trouble jaywalking - but let's hope she's back on track now. No crosswalks for you ROCK STAR!
~Bethieee has all her KAL updates in one place. So organized! But, but, where are the pictures?! I want to see pictures!
~Blueadt's back on track with her Opal Tiger Jaywalkers!
~Bridget's moving right along - she's probably got a finished sock by now!
~Cece's cursing me, but c'mon - you know you love it! She's adding yet another pair of socks to her arsenal! Yay!
~Christy's got some subtle blue zigzags going on with her jaywalker version - she's using Tess's Designer Yarn. Looking good!
~Cori hasn't been working on socks because she's been working on something a whole lot more important and a helluva lot harder. Go wish her congratulations! And I swear there's something in the water in blogland.
~Debi is making, by far, the MOST EXPENSIVE socks ever! Lucky for us they're Jaywalkers and they're gorgeous. Go tell her how gorgeous and make her feel a bit better about the generosity of knitters.
~Eunny's got a finished pair and they're GORGEOUS! She used Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun & Stripes and striped they are - perfectly striped. When do you start your next pair? You know, Jaywalkers are like potato chips. You can't have just one! (Apparently I liked them so much I commented THREE times!)
~Holly says she's unofficial, but she's on the list - so that means she's IN! Check out her jaywalker in Tess's Designer Yarn - she's doing a short row heel for anyone that's interested in that particular modification. Welcome to the club Holly!
~Hopefully Jennifer has come out of her anitbiotic induced haze to work some more on her beautiful Opal Handpainted Jaywalkers. Hope you're feeling better Jennifer - and great IKEA building!
~Jess's sock in Lorna's Laces Bittersweet is anything but bitter and oh so sweet!
~Even though Jessica's having some gauge problems - my god that Socks That Rock color is to die for! It's one of Tina's special oops blends. if only we could bottle our mistakes - especially when they come out so freaking perfect!
~Helen needs your help. She can't decide which yarn to use for her jaywalkers and the whole thing has stalled. GO VOTE!
~Kaci's sock ROCKS! She used Azure Malachite for this one, but isn't genetically engineered to make a pair using the same colorway. She threatens the second sock will be in the rarely seen Fred Flinstone.
~Karen's making great progress - she's about to finish one sock - and look what's at the top of her December goals! Jaywalker socks for the New Year!
~Kathy was busy over her Thanksgiving break. She found out she needed glasses, got a pain in the ass - literally - and jaywalked! Hope you can see to feel better!
~KathyB is running out of yarn too! But I have to say, I'm glad she's running out of Koigu. Well, I'm not glad. Not at all. I'm relieved. Relieved she isn't running out of STR. I feel so responsible when that happens! Anyway, enough about me! If anyone has some KPPM p411 lot #34 that they can spare, Kathy will be very appreciative!
~We've got a celebrity in our midst! Laura! In the Newspaper! And her jaywalkers are excellent - what yarn are you using Laura? I couldn't figure it out. And what's your mitten pattern? I want to make a pair and I'm searching for a pattern. Thanks!
~Lauren was all ready to give up. She was going to finish her jaywalker, but pass it on to her daughter. BUT I SAID NO! Just because it's a little tight over your heel - that's nothing. Finish it for yourself! And she did. And even though they are a little bit tight getting them on, they're completely comfortable to wear. She says, "You encouraged me to persevere and I did. Happily....Thanks for urging me to press on with making the socks for me (as opposed to my eight-year-old)." Now get crackin' on that second sock!
~Libbylu finished her Jaywalkers! She used Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun & Stripes and here's the proof:
~Liz is channeling Goldilocks: the third time is just right. Lorna's Laces in Ice House. How wintery!
~Maggi's got the STR wound up and ready to go! I say rip the socks on the circulars off and start the jaywalkers!
~Wow! When Manda says photos, she means photos. Sadly we might not see her jaywalkers for awhile - it looks like they might be a gift, but what's that I see? A Diamond Fantasy Shawl?! Another JanuaryOne favorite. Hmm...maybe we should do a KAL for that.... SOMEONE STOP ME!!!!
~Margene, zen sock knitter extraordinnaire, has started her pair in some wonderful Koigu. She says she likes to live dangerously, but she's definitely taking the safe route with her Koigu. C'mon Margene! Break out the STR! I'll pay your bail!
~Maritza's in the holiday spirit! She's got one down on her X-Mas ROCK colorway from STR! Electric Boogaloo indeed.
~May makes it in just under the wire with this report: "Just finished my jaywalker socks! They're fabulous - it will be hard to part with them, but they're promised to my sister for Xmas. Luckily I have a pair in STR watermelon tourmaline lined up for myself! First ever knitalong is a success! Yay! Thanks for the inspiration ; )" You are quite welcome May! Now where are the pictures? Send them to me and I'll post them next week!
~Melissa's making great progress with her jaywalker in Lorna's Laces Rainbow colorway. See, now, with Jaywalkers even Lorna's Laces pooling looks fab!
~Nancy's got the monkey's approval on the start of her jaywalkers - they look like comfy old jeans. But they're socks. Socks That Rock that is, so they feel even better than comfy old jeans.
~Naomi started her Jaywalkers on the train up to New York (Hey! Do you think we passed on the way? I was heading to Philly!) She's opting for different colored heels and toes - can't wait to see that. But really I'm just interested in the Junior's cheesecake. YUMMM!
~Have you been reading Natalia's blog? She's got some really great posts on doing the Jaywalkers toe-up. Check it out! Thank you Natalia!
~Pixie's socks are fading in the most delicious way. But the sock looks so lonely on that knee. Go say hi! But maybe it's not lonely, maybe it's like spy cam or something - what are those people eating over there?
~Purlpower's going purple with her pair. Check them out!
~Sarah is so sweet. She's says I've totally inspired her! I'm so glad! She's started a pair in some grey/green/blue Sockotta - she claims they're nothing fancy, but we'll be the judge of that! Show us your sock!
~I feel totally resposible for the fact that Teresa ran out of Socks That Rock. I'm SO SORRY! But it looks completely and utterly beautiful in Rhodonite. I'm sure you'll figure it out girl! I HAVE FAITH!
~Way to go Tgz! You're doing great! This is Tgz's first sock, so encourage her!
~Wannietta's been getting tons of compliments on her berry flavored Jaywalkers. Can't say I blame them - very nice!
Thanks everyone for playing! See you next week!
Posted by Cara at 12:01 AM | Comments (27)
December 01, 2005
Sharing the Wealth
Hehehe! Scared you there, didn't I? C'mon - I don't have that much. I've seen some of your stashes and mine is positively small comparitively. Come out all you Koigu hoarders! I know you're out there! And don't be jealous. Really. It's hard having all that beautiful yarn. Everyday I'm overcome with guilt knowing I can't knit fast enough - which yarn to choose next - AHHHHH! It's torture, really. ;-)
It may come as a surprise, but yes, I've decided that STR and Jaywalker will become (heck, it already is huh!) my signature sock knit. I can't imagine knitting anything OTHER than the two. I've tried. BELIEVE me I've tried. I go over and over that Sock Sensation book - Nancy Bush - the Internets - and nothing feels right. Nothing. Last night I wore my Fire on the Mountain Socks - my students have been watching me knit the socks on breaks for the past couple of months and they've never seen me WEAR a pair, so last night they had their class debut. Can I tell you, I caught myself not once but TWICE paying more attention to my feet than my students! I LOVE THESE SOCKS! (And based on the comments I know you all do too. It's good to enable. Especially something this good.) So until Grumperina comes up with an equally fantastic sock pattern - that's it. That's all I'm making. (In the sock department - I'd love to knit something else anytime the knit gods are willing.)
Before you try to dissuade me, I gotta tell you, I'm one of those people who finds something she likes and buys one in every color. Shoes. Shirts. And now socks. I'm happy.
So happy in fact, I'm giving stuff away! Before I begin with the big announcement - go on over to Claudia's and wish her a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Us SUPREME GENII have to stick together.
Some people have birthday week. I'm declaring this birthday MONTH! Today is exactly one month before my birthday! YAY! So, in honor of my birthday, I'm going to hold a contest on every Saturday for the next five Saturdays leading up to my birthday. LUCKY YOU! There are FIVE SATURDAYS between now and Dec 31. (Man that SUCKS for me! Five weeks until my birthday! Crap.) Every prize package will contain yarn. Some of it I will be destashing - sock yarn I will never knit up - see paragraph above - maybe some other yarn - maybe some STR. Maybe a Got Gauge t-shirt. Maybe some Sheep Cards. All good stuff! You gotta be in it to win it, so stayed tuned for announcements. LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN! YAY!
Posted by Cara at 08:41 AM | Comments (28)