Journal of a Red Headed Goddess

2009-11-12T19:51:00.003-07:00

While I was at work today the shirt I was wearing came unbuttoned twice. Yeah, I'm that busty. I can't go to Japan because people will start panicking, running and worrying that my breasts have come to challenge Godzilla. While it's embarrassing I have some redeeming qualities. One is that I am a HOT baby sweater knitter.

Don't you wish your knitter was hot like me?

And GWB and I will be having our 1 year anniversary. I've got a surprise for him. I know he reads the blog now and then so I can't be more specific, but I feel this is a long time coming.

Late, and I know it

2009-11-10T19:36:00.003-07:00

Completely meant to blog yesterday. Normally I'm a Monday and Thursday kind of gal. Last night I had something that couldn't be ignored. Laundry. It was going to overwhelm me or eat me alive. But I did manage to get a few other things done.

behold, Mom's Xmas present

Yes, those beads from last week did make it. I've only redone 3 of the strands twice. Don't do the math, just be glad you aren't perfectionist me.

I've also made strides on the Danish Cable Sweater Not From Hell. Informal title. Still working on it. But I'm ready to start the sleeves.

Looks a bit like armor in this shot

And I have an Enabling Coworker who knits, crochets, quits and raised angora bunnies. Well one bunny. But since she's not a spinner (yet, even now I'm working on a neferious plot involving a spindle) I get the goods. She's got a mostly white bun with a bit of fawn tipping.

Go with me, creamy white in those bags

And last BUT NOT LEAST, GWB and I hit one year on Monday. That's right, Monday it will have been a year since any dating. While some of you see that as a relief I'm just glad I've found someone to make me happy. And drink wine with me. Lots of wine. And the whole kicking dating thing is nice. Really, there were some doozies. I had a friend remind me of some, including the guy who didn't like Eddie Izzard and we were convinced that couldn't last without Cake Or Death!. Or other things. Yeah, and there were others. He's very good to me and it's nice to have someone who while he doesn't get the knitting at least is willing to go with it.

Things do get done... sometimes

2009-11-02T19:53:00.002-07:00

Ah the rush of completed projects. Big or small there's nothing like something being done. There's my first pair of gloves done with no particular pattern in mind but with Noro Sock Yarn in color 264 which doesn't seem to be around anymore.

Otherwise known as the Acid Trip Gloves

And then there's the necklace kit that SSDG bought me like a year ago. That's right, it's only taken a year for me to do it. I'm special.

And there's matching earrings

And since the necklace is really nice looking and it seems to be in many stores at the mall (shut up, I do go occasionally. I just get lost) I thought Mom would be interested. Because really she loves when she gets something from me handmade that sells for $100 at Banana Republic or Nordstroms.

I'm hoping Mom would like white and silver. If not I can make her red. But she's a monochromatic kind of gal. The Realtor thought no one lived in her house because the closets were black, grey, navy, khaki or white.

Red's Everchanging Hair

2009-10-28T20:31:00.003-06:00

Yes my hair has changed again. I'm actually working toward a hairstyle but can't get there yet. I hope you are all amused.

front view, sort of

Side view

In other news GWB and I went to a little Halloween Hurrah. I love dressing up.

And there's always Sister Who, short for Sister Who-does-she-think-she-is?

There's nothing like a 6 foot Kabuki nun

This blog brought to you curtesy of the snow. Snow, making Denver interesting since this morning.

Phoenix reborn!

2009-10-13T21:49:00.002-06:00

Not just me coming back from the dead. Although the wedding was interesting. Tell me if you want some pictures. Sis looked lovely. I'm glad it's all over though.

The Elaine's blouse is reborn as this:

It's the Danish Cable Sweater pattern from Hell raglan style

And I'm working my way down Mom's socks. She's in PA now so you know she needs warmth. In GA she just didn't have the same knitting needs. She might be placing orders now.

Cable pattern up close

Sock and a half

And it fits like a glove!

And speaking of gloves

Yes, it's Noro Sock Yarn

More about the wedding later. There's tons of stories. And everyone knows how I love stories.

Progress behind the scenes

2009-09-01T02:42:00.003-06:00

While the moving is not done and ready to show yet, the painting of my new rooms is done. Native Henna is a SEXY shade of green. Here's midway through with The Sister's old shade of green, Plum Passion.

Seriously, the color is called Plum Passion

I don't get it either. It's a super pale shade of yellowish green. She was into shabby chic. White furniture and all that. Now it's much more like :

You won't believe how Ethan Allen my furniture looks now

So I"m moving into it. Not quite done yet and I'm off for Labor Day weekend, so we will see if I get enough done to post. My dark wood furniture looks ridiculously good against this color.

In knitting news I am making a Fibonacci number laptop case I hope to have done by this weekend with some Lopi Bulky I hand dyed for something or other.

I really enjoy the mathematically based pattern on the laptop. Too bad I have to break the yarn so much. Ends. YUCK!

My Mom wants some socks but thinks that handknit socks are too square. Now that they have moved to the NE Seaboard my parents might be requiring more hand knit goods. So that I have a rounder toe I've added a few short rows to the first 4 rows and cast on more than I would usually. Check it out:

OK, not the best pic but taken at like 11 last night

And last but not least a sweater. It's Elane's Blouse from Cecily Glowik MacDonald through Interweave Knits, Winter 2008. I'm not doing it as a cardigan. I'm knitting it as a pullover. I might add a false button band but right now I'm thinking not. We'll see.

Come on people, when do I ever follow a pattern 100%? Besides, then I have to buy buttons and increase my chances of never finishing. What might not be clear from the photo is that the lace has a movement in between the yarn overs. It's nice but hard to catch on the natural color tweed. I might try another picture when it's light.

So off this weekend for The Sister's Bachelorette that is not in town. Little bummed I have to leave GWB but he's assured me he's got the new pack for World of Warcraft. Which means periodically I will txt him and remind him to eat and sleep.

On hiatus until October

2009-08-08T20:48:00.001-06:00

Sorry guys, with family crazyness and wedding approaching I'm not getting much blogging done. I'll try to pop in and then I'll re-organize once I get past this little hurricane of life.

Cherry Blossom Festival Denver style

2009-07-06T19:58:00.002-06:00

This wasn't DC. I mean, that's a HUGE festival. This one is more basic. But there were fun moments.

The Scene

Awesome place I have to go again

People always use festivals as an excuse to parade their freak outfits

Selection of the dolls on Pink Techno Asian's bed

Wannabe alert

2009-06-29T19:48:00.002-06:00

People, there was a guy wearing sunglasses and a gold chain in my gym today. Seriosly. It's and internal work gym with no window. I couldn't believe it.

On a good note GWB says he can feel some muscles. I'm doing pretty well so far. Twice a week at least 30 minutes. More like 45 ususally. I do two 15 minutes stint on cardio and then split the weight machines. I am weird (no surprise there) by having a strong ab set but a weaker back. I can sit on a balance ball no problem but can hardly do 8 full reverse sit ups on the contraption. Yeah, bugger.

Oh, I never put up pics of the spoils from Estes. Side effect, I now need a new wheel. I did some spinning on the Schacht Ladybug and fell in love. Now I need to sell Helga and scrape together some more money.

No theme today

2009-06-21T15:02:00.002-06:00

Sometimes it's just a hodge podge from things that are going on. For example Genius and I are getting bags made. We want some lovely messenger bags capable of toting things to work. Because quite frankly I hate having stuff in my hands for my 10 minute parking to office walk.

GWB has been talking to me about how much teal I am collecting. But it's SOOOO pretty! The tan one is paisley and will be the inside.

Genius chose these

And then GWB and I had a brief encounter with the Highlands festival. We felt like salmon swimming up stream. These pictures were taken with Lyda in mind.

Ha, booty. Yes I'm 12 inside.

What is Denver's obsession with Possessed Horses?

Irreverent from the weekend

2009-06-15T20:34:00.002-06:00

Here's a random selection of pictures from the weekend

GWB bought me a necklace. My first jewelry from him! It's one of those butterfly wing necklaces. It' has two sides.

So we went to this restaurant and these are the lollipops.

So we were in the shop and there was this big shaggy black rug. I was walking down the case and suddenly the rug "Harumphed" at me. I went "OH MY GOD IT'S A DOG!" I thought it was a rug.

Tell me that didn't look like a rug. The gal at the counter was like (east euro accent)"Oh ya, goofy newfie. He's so laid back. Newfoundland." Seriously scared a year off of me!

The dangers of working out

2009-06-11T21:21:00.002-06:00

Yeah me, I joined the work gym. It's a steal and you get 3 free personal training sessions. The bad part, the evaluation. They used the fat pincher, kinda like this:

I'm glad it was in a private room. I felt REALLY chubby after that. Then there was as many pushups and then crunches as I can do in a minute. And then the bike.

20 minutes with the tension going up every 3 minutes. My tuccus is so sore. I think I might have little bruises. I've been sitting funny since yesterday morning. Seriously.

Festival Weekend

2009-06-08T21:28:00.002-06:00

In the great city of Denver there was the People's Fair (not communist, but the Capital Hill People's Neighborhood Association, or something) and the Italian Chalk art festival. So here's some shots.

Do you think I'd look good in the pink one?

Fun with the Sun

Remember my party? Here's the chalk art festival entry from the party coordinator

Maxfund, reminds me of the simpsons

Andrew Hudson Joblist, yeah I don't get it either

Back from the dead

2009-06-01T17:59:00.002-06:00

Yes, I know I have been bad. But I have been hired now and feel MUCH less guilty about blogging when I could be job searching.

SO first here's the baby hats for a woman having twins. Don't you find the baby pink and blue so boring?

And this is the yarn dyed with marigolds.

This is the Baudelaire Socks pattern

And GWB is getting some socks. I'm pretty far into pair one. Knitting right up the leg. I went from size 1 on the foot, 1.5 on the ankle and now to 2. I think it will give him more room.

Here's a sample of Basketweave rib.

The lace scarf feels like it will never end. I can't imagine the rediculous shawl I want to do.

although I was thinking of getting a book on CD to do while I was knitting. THat way I have something to keep my mind busy without distracting my eyes. Otherwise known as the Heroes phenominon. I learned I can't knit and watch engrossing shows at the same time. Unless it's a drunk knitting pattern. Even then it's a 50-50 chance.

And last but not least, what do you guys think of this pattern with this yarn? It's my handspun.

The next home stretch...

2009-05-12T13:24:00.002-06:00

People, it might be here. I had a good interview and now I'm waiting to hear if it's me or someone else. THE SUSPENSE!

In the meantime I'm going to knit like a fiend, change banks to a credit union (can I tell you about some FEES) and help the sister get ready for her MOVE OUT!

Yes people, you heard that right. The Sister will be buying her own place moving out as soon as July! Imagine, the whole condo to myself. The baths whenever I want without a scuzzy tub. The closet space!

The glorious finish line!

2009-05-11T13:30:00.002-06:00

And you thought this day might never come. (truthfully I wasn't either) The Almost Jess Rowan Cardigan is done. DONE! Come and see!

Damn I look good!

Okay, bad pose but look at those shaping side ribs!

So now I can actually wear the sweater. Remember I did re-calculate for raglan (because I love Kim Hargraves but a RAGLAN in PIECES?) and found some really sexy buttons.

And on another (finished!) note, here are the argyle socks.

And on a completely unrelated note, I got a new wallet. One of those fancy clutch ones. It's blue snakeskin. Granted I loved my bi-fold wallet but I wanted something fun and pop-y for the spring.

I'm and animal!

I'm a bad blogger

2009-04-29T13:32:00.002-06:00

Sorry folks, went to go visit the parents. I gotta say, I'm voting Atlanta for the site of the next Armegeddon. Scorpions, massive bugs, carpenter bees, air you can wear, scary driving (and I lived in DC for 4 years!), and speaking in tounges. People, this is it.

And we have a knitting project down. I think for the second time Dad's going to get the blame for misplacing the knitting. Remember the rainbow lace scarf? No? Here:

Daddy's in big trouble...again!

And the most disappointing thing is that I didn't get anything at Stitches South! Well, I got earrings for Genius made out of knitting needles, but that doesn't count. It was all Cherry Tree Hill Sock Yarn. Which is nice and all but it was the same stuff I can buy online or something. Not as many deals as I'd like. Or maybe I'm still in Yarn Diet mode.

This is done and mom promised to send me a pick with it on.

Other than that things are well. Just playing the waiting game with applications. It's a tough market out there. I have had an interview. Cross your fingers for me.

Ethical Dilemma

2009-04-17T12:19:00.002-06:00

When it comes to busines I feel the need to be transparent and honest. Everyone else (sadly) does not have this point of view. Which is why I think I have ended up in so many job searches. So this time I'm trying to "play the game" more. Sadly this seems to be reminicent of some of my dating experiences. Remember those? Exactly! Frightening! Alarming! Still here I am trying to be a straight arrow in a crooked world.

On a good note Mom's sweater fits the Sister, so chances are it will fit the mom as well. Thank goodness. Because ripping that whole thing out wouldn't just kill me.

The rain of frogs has passed

2009-04-14T20:12:00.003-06:00

Pretty right? At least there's some beauty in my house. We are still having floor issues. I've passed on some responcibilities. Because I can.

And I've finally got some finished things to show. So Yes, I do too finish things!

Mom's sweater

Baby sweater for baby born last week

I know it's only one finshed sock... for now.

More logs on the frogpile

2009-03-30T13:44:00.003-06:00

Quiet. I'm taking my frustrations out on my knitting. The Almost Jesse Rowan Sweater is acutally pretty far along. Oh, I forgot to take a picture of the buttons. I'm working right now. How about just a picture of the sweater?

One button band down, the tough one to go

The green pins mark where the buttons should go so that I can knit the other side to match. Nothing is more frustrating that bad placed holes. Luckily I found a row number that seems to work. The buttons are classy. I'll get pics of them eventually. Probably when they are actually on the sweater because we have run into another small problem.

It's a bit roomy in here

There is too much room once I get past the ribs in the elbow. So I'm picking back the sleeves 4 inches (Is that Genius I can hear all the way from here? I'm not picking up my phone for the next 24 hours in case she decides to scream-o-gram) and knitting it 2 needle sizes smaller. Then I'll do the other button band. I swear I will finish this sweater sometime soon. But with how much it's snowing here I'll have plenty of opportunity still.

We all fall down

2009-03-24T13:36:00.002-06:00

Ah yes, sometimes it all just comes apart. This would be the part where Syl and Genius avoid looking at the page. Because this used to be my hand knit, hand spun sweater:

That was until I decided that it never quite fit me right since the waistline of pants has gotten lower and it was a LOT of spinning to do, ON A HAND SPINDLE, to never wear it. So it's in piles. It's about to go into the tub again. Think like this:

I hope this doesn't give Syl an ulcer.

but brown heather.

On another note, I have discovered an uprising in my building. The HOA is going through a bit of civil unrest. I won't bore you with details, you don't live here so it's not as interesting. Still, it's the only reality programming I am amused by. And believe me, I'm amused. There were dueling notes by the elevators this morning.

Frozen Dead Guy Days!

2009-03-13T13:20:00.003-06:00

Yes it's a real festival from the Salmon Toss to the closing popscicles. If you don't beleive me just go here.

There's the rice krispies the size of bricks.

Yeah, that's a treat!

And there was a pumpkin patch

Little knittah love!

And the moment you all have been waiting for, the film of the Salmon Toss. There's sound so turn your volume down or watch it later if you are at work. The first toss goes into a rock.

The second goes a bit better.

And the result

You gotta get out and do it one year.

Timing, it's all about timing

2009-03-02T19:26:00.002-07:00

I got two large bills today. It sucks to get those in the mail when you aren't really working. I'm sure I'll have a job soon but still, it's a bummer.

On the good side two of the floor guys I've brought in are amazed at the work the guy did on the floor. They used the term shoddy. Somehow I feel a bit better. Even justified.

Valentines Day wine review

2009-02-17T17:42:00.003-07:00

Ah yes, the wine and cheese get together. We did have some lovely wines and cheeses.

The Cast

Icario Rubi Delle Pietrose Toscana was not a hit. Matter of fact a few of us feel this wine was too heavy and gave us a hangover. Not a fan. Bit disappointed with the place that recommended it.

insatiable champagne brut not to bad for a $10 champagne.

Monkey Bay Savingnon Blanc is one of the whites I like best. It's crisp and not as syrupy sweet as some whites.

Greg Norman Reserve Shiraz is a great drinking wine. If you and some people are getting together to just chat and sip some wine I recommend this. With some Gouda. Trust me.

Attack of the parents

2009-02-09T10:08:00.004-07:00

The parents are now back home and I am in a parent free zone again. The only problem is that while they were here my mom did some cleaning and I'm having to re-discover where things are. I do love that she cleans. I hate that things end up where I'd never put them.

I got a new phone and switched carriers so that Genius and I can talk more. Since we both are seriously dating it's meant a little less time with each other. Now she can call me and ask me all those questions she has. Originally I picked up HTC VX6900 which was a horrible phone. Now they make the phones so they don't sync unless you get a data plan. COMMUNISTS! This phone was a total lemon unable to mix numberals and punctuation in to predictive text was big. Also a massive problem was the phones inability to pick the correct Sarah to send txts. It was realy annoyting. It took 5 minutes to txt Genius and GWB. Then it started to not make calls. I tried to send 5 more texts. ONE got out. ONE!

I took that sucker back with in 26 hours. I was fuming. So then I picked up the EnV2 in maroon.

I do love this phone. And it turns out if I get a USB cable (that's not the regular one, communists made it special plug ins) I might have the ability to sync. I'm thinking about ordering one and giving it a go.

On the sweater front Mom's is still here. Had some issues and wasn't able to finish it. So I'm hoping to get it done soon and send it to her. Dad did take his with him. Mom does need some socks. I'm going to have her trace her foot and send it too me. I can send her socks all the time if she wanted.