Stitch 'n Sue

Vacation Time

2008-07-02T15:19:00.000-07:00

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Photos from vacations past, just to get everyone in the mood. The top ones are from my parents' vacation with my sister and the nephews in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They were so good I couldn't resist posting them.

The unprofessional ones are from our previous vacations to Sea Grove Beach, Florida.

And for those who are wondering, no, that chest does not belong to anyone I know. It's a deckhand from the Beer Boat.

Socking it to Me

2008-06-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

I am a great admirer of Cookie A's sock patterns. In theory, at least. I have made several pairs of Monkeys, and that's an undeniably great sock pattern. But when it comes to her more complicated sock patterns...well, let's just say after my previous two disastrous experiences with Pomatomus, I wasn't hopeful about my chances with the advanced stuff.

I got the Twisted Flower sock pattern last year during the Monkey Pal Sock Swap. It's such a gorgeous pattern, but I put it away, figuring I'd tackle it some day, maybe in about twenty years' time.

However, having decided I wanted to knit a pair of socks to enter in the Tulsa State Fair this year, and in thinking of something that would be impressive, I took a second look at Twisted Flower and found, to my amazement, that after successfully completing Tangled Yoke--at least the cable section was a success--this pattern is a bit of a cakewalk.

Even with all the teeny-tiny cables.

Only problem is I am not even to the heel-flap of the first sock and I already have Second Sock Syndrome.

In other news, we leave next weekend for vacation, so I hope to post an entry or two from the beach.

Dog Sitting

2008-06-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

My parents have gone on vacation, so we have a canine guest this week.

I know pugs are popular, but I don't know why. They are fairly disgusting, what with the snorting and the snoring and such. Still, there's something undeniably charming about them. The cats are unhappy about the visitor--there's been lots of disgruntled meowing and accusations and "Why wasn't I consulted about this?"

In knitting news, the handtowels are done. I noticed while uploading this picture that the towel on the left is twisted so the wrong side is showing, but I couldn't be bothered to re-photograph.

It seems like all I am knitting these days are ballbands. I have the yarn and patterns for more interesting projects like Rusted Root (Rav link) and Honeycomb but the disastrous results of my first two attempts at sweater knitting have kind of put me off starting them. I just don't want to be disappointed again!

Hope everyone has a great week.

Bathroom Update

2008-05-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

We finally put some finishing touches on the bathroom this weekend. This has been the never-ending home improvement project from hell. Seriously--never-ending. Now some spots on the walls need touchups because when the so-called painter's tape came down, it took wall color with it. It's a vicious cycle.

But it looks pretty good, despite those pesky spots. This is my favorite view:

In case you're wondering, the towel rack is a custom job from etsy seller thedarkcottage. My current knitting project is ballband handtowels that will hang from the hooks. Strangely enough, this project did not occur to me until the day before yesterday, but I think it's a perfect solution.

Oh, and Monkey Pal Jody--I lost your email address, but I wanted to say thanks so much for the package. The socks are a perfect fit and the yarn is gorgeous--definitely well worth the wait and just to my liking. Thanks for everything!

How Absent Have I Been?

2008-05-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, that's arhetorical question. I have been very absent. The thing about not blogging is that it kind of turns into a habit. But sitting here watching this horrible trainwreck of an American Idol finale--well, it just seemed like the right time.

More this weekend, and hopefully some knitting to show too!

And the Winner is......

2008-04-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

I kind of screwed up my blog contest because of my own fickle nature. We went with the color Honeydew, which the astute among you will know was not one of the choices! Oooops.

See, what happened is we decided on Pastel Jade. Went to the store, got the supplies, came home and got to work. Just for fun, I opened the can and put a little paint on the wall. And I didn't like it. So I let it dry, put a second coat on the spot, but that didn't help matters any.

It's a lovely color, but it wasn't what I had in mind. It was too pale, too washed out--not juicy enough. So back to the store we went to make another selection. And we ended up with Honeydew.

In related news, I have a full gallon of Pastel Jade if anyone local is interested!

So I used a random number generator to select from all the guesses. I'll get to the winner in a minute, but first--pictures.

It's a hard color to photograph, but it's a bright, springy green with a pale yellow ceiling and white trim (which is not finished yet). We love it.

Ok, on to the winner.........

Congratulations, Kristie! I'll send you an email.

Thanks to everyone for participating. Hopefully I'll have some knitting to show one of these days.

It's Coming!

2008-04-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't forgotten about my contest. I'm just waiting until I can get a good picture.

And can I just say--wow! 83 comments? That's a record for me.

Oh, and for anyone out there contemplating stripping wallpaper and painting? Don't.

Hahaha, just kidding. Stripping the paper was a major chore though, compounded by the fact that we did the MS walk Saturday morning (3 miles!), then went to Home Depot, then got started on the bathroom and worked for about 10 hours. Yeah, exhausting.

And then a repeat on Sunday, except substitute the walk with breakfast with friends at The Crusty Croissant. And then last night--another coat on the ceiling and the first coat on the walls.

Tonight, a second coat on the walls.

Tomorrow, trim and touch-ups.

Then, photos and a winner!

I did pick up some helpful painting tips though.

1. Put lotion on your hands before painting. It makes clean-up way easier.
2. After finishing for the night, put your wet, drippy brushes in plastic bags and put them in the freezer. The next day when you are ready to start painting, take them out about an hour beforehand. Perfect!

Thanks for your patience.

New Project! Now With A Contest

2008-04-13T13:54:00.001-07:00

When we bought our house five years ago, the bathroom was a big selling point. We loved the elegant, understated wallpaper.

These days the wallpaper is looking a little shabby, peeling off in some areas, and scratched off by Oliver in other areas. Also, we're just tired of it and ready for a change. We've decided that a makeover is in order.

Now we're looking to make it a little more fun--a juicy, refreshing color is going to go on the walls as soon as we decide on one. It's funny though. With these samples taped up on the wall, I am starting to like some of them I had initially not even noticed. It's going to be hard to make a decision, that's for sure.

But nevertheless, a decision must be made. We're kind of committed to it now.

As for knitting, I started a Baby Surprise Jacket yesterday. No, I'm not having a baby--it's not that big a surprise.

Sarah and I decided to do a little craft swap. She's sewing me a tote bag, and I'm doing the BSJ for the baby she's got cooking. So unfortunately that means no progress shots because I want her to be surprised when she gets the package. But I'll show it off after she receives it.

****ETA: I totally missed my Blogoversary! It was April 10. I thought it was sometime in May. Poo, I was looking forward to doing a blog contest. It is too late, or should I go ahead and celebrate?

Ok, for my Blogoversary contest, please make a guess as to what color we will end up painting the bathroom. It will be one of the colors pictured below. Leave your guesses in the comments. In the event of a tie, I will write the names on strips of paper, wrap peanut butter in them, and let Elly decide.

She's totally excited already. Also a little bit confused about why she is being made to pose in the bathroom. It's a theme, Elly--go with it.

Did someone mention a prize? There will indeed be a prize for the eventual winner--a skein of the oft-coveted Wollmeise sock yarn. This is an intriguing blend of blue and brown, colorway (if that is indeed what Farbe means): Dani.

Leave your comments by 12 midnight Central Standard Time Friday, April 18th. The winner will be announced as soon as a color is chosen.

Hints and Tips:

1. This is a small bathroom, which means we are not likely to choose one of the darker shades.
2. Paul and I both have blue eyes. This may or may not mean anything.
3. We are still completely undecided, so once you post your guess, feel free to send me emails lobbying for your choice.
4. It's not likely to be purple. Our laundry room is already purple.

Good luck to all! Here are your choices:

Knit Kniece!

2008-04-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

My nieces Brittany and Caleigh are in town from Kalamazoo for Spring Break, and tonight, Caleigh went with me to Knit Nite.

She actually ended up doing more spinning than knitting, and, I am not joking here, this kid's a natural.

I need to take lessons from her!

All while the boys of eatsts and Sue looked on.

The amazing and talented Ann provided the wheel and the fiber (thanks, Ann. I promise I'll pay you back), and Caleigh will be heading back to Kalamazoo with her very own skein of handspun.

In other news, this came in the mail today:

God, I feel old!

A Well Dressed Bear

2008-03-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

My nephew Ethan requested a sweater for his teddy bear, so I spent yesterday afternoon and evening watching Season 1 of Dexter (a very good show--although I must admit I woke up this morning feeling slightly...murderous) and whipping up this little sweater.

Made from leftover Malabrigo scraps, I think it suits the little guy quite well.

A very well dressed bear indeed!

Monkey Sock Swap

2008-03-22T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Measurements
Shoe size: 9.5
Foot length in inches: 9.5
Circumference: 9.5

Yarn Preferences
What are your favorite colors? Pinks, reds, blues, greens. Paler colors, for sure. I am not really into earth tones, although browns blended with the above colors is always nice. I think my color preferences are pretty apparent from a scan of my blog, and if you need clarification, feel free to ask!

What color clashes with your wardrobe? Colors I tend to dislike are earth tones, jewel tones.

Do you prefer solids or variegated yarns? I love variegated yarns, especially for Monkeys! For lacy patterns or anything else, I like solids. I have been trying the last month or so to focus on amassing more solid colored sock yarns because I have a tendency to buy the lovely variegateds, and then have nothing to use on all those lovely patterns from Favorite Socks!

What are your favorite brand sock yarns? Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, Fleece Artist, Koigu, Lisa Souza, Socks That Rock, Lorna's Laces, various independant Etsy sellers

Is there a new sock yarn you really would like to try? I'm always up for new and interesting sock yarn. Basically, as long as it's pretty, I love it!

Cookie A. Patterns
List the patterns you do not have but would like to receive: I love the German Stocking--it looks like a real challenge. I also like Red Thread, but have never done a toe-up sock before.

Allergies
Do you have any allergies that your pal needs to know about? (animals, fiber, sensitivity to smoke etc.) None
Will you knitting be exposed to animals? Cats
Will you knitting be exposed to cigarette smoke? No

Shipping
What country do you live in? U.S.
Are you willing to ship outside your country? I prefer a U.S. pal.

Is This Normal?

2008-03-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

2008-03-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

...my newest purchase.

Here's how it happened. I have been thinking about a wheel for a while, but was hesitant to get one because I wasn't sure how much I would like it, whether it would be something I would keep up with, whether I wanted to devote the time and money to yet another hobby, etc.

Yesterday my mom, Eric, and I went to visit Ann, who just got a wheel in January. We tried it out, played around with it a bit, then went home.

When I got home, I checked craigslist and found a local woman who was selling her three-year old Ashford Kiwi for $200.00. I emailed her, then called her and Eric and I went this morning to check it out. Two hours later, I was back home with my new spinning wheel!

Dody, the seller, sent me home with lots of different kinds of fibers to try too: some silk, some mohair, some angora, and several varieties of wool. And a book and a niddy-noddy, and a bottle of homemade wine, which Eric and I promptly polished off.

So all in all, a productive Sunday!

Etsy Monday!

2008-03-10T17:27:00.001-07:00

I'm sick of sweater angst, so let's turn our focus elsewhere for the day, eh?

Etsy goodies!

First up, and the only thing I have actually received so far, a bag for my mother-in-law, who is a big tea-drinker:

It's really cute, and a great size for toting knitting and, er, other stuff, probably. From etsy seller communitea (cute!)

Speaking of tea, I also ordered some Dream Journey Herbal Blend from etsy seller Lilithsapothecary.

Check out the product description:

A dreamy tea for drifting off into a land of lucid dreams..Mugwort is traditionally held as the visionary dream tea, and should also help you recall your dream journeys after awakening. The other herbs will help settle your nerves, your stomach, and ease you into a dreamy state of relaxation.

Ok - you don't *have* to go to sleep. It is a perfect tea for taking the edge off a frustrating day or for just chilling out in the evening.

Sounds fun, no?

And now for something completely gorgeous, from etsy seller DreamsandJewelry:

Ahhhhh! I love it. It shipped out today, and I can't wait for it to get here. Thanks to fabulous fabulous! for pointing me in the direction of this awesome find.

Yay for etsy. God, I love that place. Be sure and share some of your favorite finds with me in the comments.

Stupid Sweater

2008-03-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's too big. Like, waaay too big. Not sure what went wrong. It has several of the same design features as the sweater I made for Paul--extra-long arms, wide, gaping neckline, etc.

So I am considering my options. As I see it, I have basically two. Well three, really, but one involves re-knitting the cables, and that ain't gonna happen.

Option one is to re-knit everything except the cables. This option might be a little difficult, but I think it could be done.

Option two is to rip the entire thing out and use the yarn for something else.

I'm not too crazy about either of these options, to be honest. So for the time being, it's sitting.

Mom's pug, Sadie.

Finishing Touches

2008-02-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Whoa.

2008-02-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a long time since my last post, but it's because I have been busy turning this

into this:
Yes, the sweater is done, nothing left but the buttonbands. Which I have never done before. Of course, this sweater has led me to do lots of things I have never done before: knit a cardigan, attach sleeves in a very complicated manner, short rows, and, of course, this:

I think this is the project that has promoted me to the ranks of the intermediate knitters.

And can I just say one more thing about the cables? There were literally hundreds of them. At one point for several rows in the middle of the chart, there were well over 500 stitches on my needles, and constant cabling all the way across. (Tip: Color-coding is a must. And use stitch markers.)

I still need buttons. And I have some concerns about the wonky neckline right now, but I hope it will work itself out in the blocking.

Stay tuned!

Oh, and a Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all.

Taking Shape

2008-02-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for all the kind words on my last post. I read all the comments through tears! It's been a strange week with Annie gone, but I think all of us are starting to adjust. If you are reading this, please take a moment and send out some good vibes for Annie.

ETA: Paul told me this had been updated, and I wasn't sure if I wanted to look at it, but I did. It made me sad, but I am posting it here in hopes that someone local is interested--Annie's Adoption Page.

Ok, now onto long-absent knitting content.

Tangled Yoke is finally looking like an actual sweater! I attached the sleeves last night, after finally figuring out what the pattern was trying to tell me. It was none too clear, and took some time to get it together. And then, with 388 stitches, my KnitPicks cable broke.

The end join came right off the cable, leaving many stitches just dangling. I got those picked up, switched cables (because when I ordered the 40" cable, I forgot they came two to a package, and ordered two packages. Which turns out to be a good thing), and then the second cable did the same thing!

I then put the whole thing on waste yarn, switched cables again, testing them by making Paul pull on both ends as hard as he could, transferred the stitches back on to the new cable, then went on my merry way.

Next up: the cables. Is it crazy that I am attempting this with Fetching my only other previous cable experience?

Most Horrible Weekend Ever

2008-02-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

We have had our dog Annie for five and a half years. Last Monday, she viciously attacked little Elly, and the attacks went on all week until Wednesday when we finally decided to board her so that we could all get a little rest.

Elly is ok; there were no injuries.

The biggest problem for us was that two years ago there was a vicious attack and Elly ended up with a gash on the top of her head that went all the way down to her skull and required an overnight stay in the animal hospital and five stitches.

Annie is a sweet, good-natured, beautiful, highly intelligent dog who is loyal, active, aboundingly healthy, great with people, cats, and kids. But it has become increasingly obvious that she and Elly cannot continue to live together. I hear this is a common issue when female dogs of the same age are housemates--but that hasn't made it any easier.

When we adopted Annie in 2002 at the age of two, we went through the Pet Adoption League, which specializes in the adoption of adult animals. They also have a policy that if, for whatever reason, things don't work out, they will take an animal back.

This morning, after owning Annie since October, 2002, we took her back. It has been a weekend of tears, keeping the dogs completely separated, changed plans, and more tears.

Paul requested a photo of him with the camera-shy Annie, and I wanted to post it here, with the request that is any of my local readers are in the market for an amazing dog to join their family, they check out Annie.

after math

2008-01-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

i am home from my ltttle surgery thing and i cannot type ery well, so forgive thr typos.. the doctor says this thing was actully in two of my tendons and so required quite a bit of digging around to eradicate. the doctor said he thinkns he loosedn the "shelf" (whatever that is) that runs across the wrist that my tendons were rubbing gainst to cause my cyst, so he is confident it will not return.

i finished my mittne s but now cannot wear them for 12 days due to hti s ginourmous bandae and brace thihgn on m my right hand. it hurts already but i have visodin.

i wish i could start my secon tangled yoke sleeve but it may be a few days before knitting can resumme. i thikn i can kjit with the bandage but i will have to wait for the pain to sbside.

and i have two stitches in my hand! i have neer ever had stitches before so that is kind of cool.

thanks for all the well-wishes. it's not really that bad except i shudder to thik ow dirty my hand will be after being wrapped and not able to get wet fori twleve days!

no posts wihtuht pictures:

my friend dustn, me, my friend kirsten, and my dad finding something hilarious in front of the cathedrap on my wedding day.

Knit Nite

2008-01-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

My knitting group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Brookside Library. I missed several weeks and so it had been a while since I attended, but I did drag myself out last night in freezing cold temperatures to join the ladies for some knitting and project-sharing.

I had really missed it! Just about everyone is local--like neighborhood local--and so we get a chance to talk about neighborhood issues too, like ice storm debris removal and the demolition of the Camelot (it's now completely gone).

I had my camera with me last night, so I took some shots. So here you are--the ladies of Brookside Library's Knit Nite:

Ann and Eva.

My original sock mentor, Sue.

Cindy and Kathy (whose current post just happens to be about the Camelot!)

The boys of eatsts, Eric and Tony.

The always-inspiring Marianne.

And a silly picture of Eric I just couldn't resist.

In more knitting news, I finished one Bird in Hand mitten and the second is firmly under way. Love this pattern.

And the results are amazing.

The titlular Bird in Hand.

Long Time, No Post

2008-01-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

My sister keeps nagging me to post to my blog, but to be honest, I haven't had anything exciting to post about, knitting-wise.

Although, speaking of my sister, I did finish one Endpaper Mitt before Christmas. These were originallyintended to be a gift for her, but I ran out of time and wouldn't have been able to finish the second one. So I decided to keep them for myself.

Love this pattern, but I have yet to cast on for the second. The color is more true here:

There is also sleeve-knitting, and you know just how exciting that can be. Except it's not. It's just lots of garter rib. Although I am about to transition into the plain stockinette section, so it's just bound to get more interesting...

As for future projects, I am just dying to cast on for Kate Gilbert's Bird In The Hand Mittens. They are so gorgeous. I have a little anxiety when thinking about future projects because on the 30th, I am having just minor surgery on my right hand to remove this cyst that has formed there. I really think it is a result of knitting! It's not painful or anything, but it was becoming somewhat unsightly, so the hand doctor stuck a needle in it and drained it (yeah, gross) then told me I needed surgery to make sure it doesn't come back.

In one of those a-little-knowledge-can-be-a-dangerous-thing situations, I started to browsing the internet in search or more info about this procedure and found the consensus is that it can be 10 days to 2 weeks before you can resume normal activity. Which is bound to have a big effect on my productivity. So I am trying to get as much done as I can before the 30th.

Let's see, what else? I had a birthday last week. I got some cool knitting magazines, some clothes, a digital picture frame, and a gift certificate to Stitches from Paul, who knows I prefer Loops, but Stitches is just down the street from where he works, and I just like yarn, so it all works out in the end!

On Friday night, Paul and I went to some friends' house to see another friend, Sarah who now lives in Philadelphia, but was back in Tulsa for a visit. Sarah and her friend exchanged Christmas gifts, and it was so cool because they each knitted something for the other. Here's Sarah modeling her new fingerless mitts:

Later, we went to this art gallery thing and I was walking around trying to get through the crowd when a girl stopped me and said she knew me from my blog. I guess she recognized me from the phot of Paul and me that I posted for Christmas. It was really funny and kind of strange. Hey there, KnottyLady (Ravelry link)!

In other news, Elly needs a haircut.

Have a good week!

Last Post for 2007

2007-12-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. Mine was busy, as always, with lots of Paul's family coming in for visits. My plan for today is to spend the whole day in my pajamas until it's time to go out for New Year's. Yay!

I got some yarn for Christmas. Some Tempted from my mom:

And this, which I wrapped up for Paul. It's sock yarn that I had dyed in Philadelphia Eagles colors for him from Knitting Like Crazy:

Paul was a little confused at opening it until I explained.

Ooh, I also got Photoshop, which I only just installed yesterday. I am looking forward to figuring out how to use it, it seems kind of confusing right off the bat though.

Everyone have a happy, safe New Year's Eve, and I'll see you back here next year for more yarny fun!

Happy Christmas

2007-12-23T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here's to a great holiday and a very Yarny New Year!

Back!

2007-12-17T14:36:00.000-08:00

Power came back on this morning. Thank God.

Thanks for all the sympathy on my last post. It's been a crazy stressful week, but things could always have been worse. We lost some trees and the entire contents of our refrigerator and freezer, but at least everyone is safe, and things should slowly start returning to normal.

Hopefully I'll get to some knitting content in the coming week!

**Edited to Add: Ok, I just signed onto Bloglines, and I have nearly 800 new entries. That blows my mind. I probably won't be commenting much, just trying to catch up. Just know I adore all of you and think all your projects are awesome!