tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73978410360261853752024-03-05T01:16:55.877-05:00knit one, purl two, drop five[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-35398984458141449712009-06-12T18:49:00.003-05:002009-06-12T19:02:18.515-05:00It'll be alright, right?Pulled another disappearing act, but with good reason! I was returning from my vacation in SC, ooooh how I miss home, then getting ready for my husband to return from deployment. He returned June 3 and we have been catching up and talking about everything that has happened over the last 6 months.<br /><br />Such as my wanting to go back to school. Scary, I know. I have been out of school for 12 years, so this is a bit of shock. Me? The person who doesn't believe in the institution of school wants to go back to it? Yup. There are compromises that have to be made and the biggest one comes to the children. Husband feels I won't be able to dedicate enough time to my own school if I am trying to home school the kids as well. I can see his point since the kids are usually all over me all day (and one of them all night) long. So we are going to work with the kids over the next 2 months to get them caught up to reading level and math level so they will be prepared for public school. I'm nervous about them going back to PS but I also know if I want to get my degree and work towards my goal I have to give somewhere.<br /><br />In other knitting related news I am slowly catching up on my knitting. I still can't seem to find my mojo but I have designed a pretty sock and can't wait to release it June 21. July is WIP wrestlin month, that will be interesting with 3 sweaters, 1 top, 1 pair of gloves and 5 socks to catch up on. I wonder what I will actually manage to finish.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-14847692674087471592009-05-24T16:58:00.002-05:002009-05-24T17:00:46.922-05:0052 pair plunge!!The 2nd annual 52 pair plunge is coming to a close. I haven't reached the goal but there is still time, and of course there is always the next round!<br /><br />The 3rd annual 52 pair plunge begins June 1, 2009. This year I am one of the moderators along with 2 other new gals. We are looking forward not only to the challenge of hosting the plunge but in participating as well. I am hoping to get a design done that will be exclusive to the plungers and perhaps a prize package for the end of the plunge to the person who reaches the goal.<br /><br />Til then, back to finishing up this years plunge ;)[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-20393545486480517022009-05-20T04:48:00.003-05:002009-05-20T05:22:19.805-05:00SometimesSometimes, such a great word to start off with. Sometimes I am happy and full of life and energy. Sometimes I am sad and low. Sometimes I am easily irritable and sometimes I can fly between the 3 in one day. It's the rollercoaster called being an unmedicated bipolar. I've been on this ride for 15 yrs and to me, it's normal. I FEEL. Sometimes I think people forget that I feel. Sometimes I think they forget just because I have a hard exterior and try not to show outward emotion that I am not sensitive to what they say or do, or even the things they may not say/do.<br /><br />Sometimes I just need to pour out what is on my heart and on my mind knowing I am safe here because only one friend reads and I love her dearly and I know she would never judge. We have the kind of friendship that despite doing something together maybe once a year we are always there for each other and support each other, no matter what. She is only one of two friends here that I can say that about.<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder if my friendship with this one friend is even really a friendship. She was the first friend I made her in WA and it was just, natural and easy. We went to HS together, had many of the same friends back home and just generally seemed to click. While I was living up in that part of town we did a lot of stuff together, we were always off doing things. Then I moved down here and it made it harder to get together as much, plus I have all of these kids which make doing anything that much harder. So sh made more friends that were close by and I thought that's awesome, everyone needs friends nearby. I was happy for her. I knew her first deployment in the Navy was coming up and I know how hard that can be being away from home, being in a strange new place and needing people. Then she became pregnant and it suddenly changed. I don't know if it had anything to do with being pregnant or if it was coming on but I didn't notice it until then. One group of these friends she had made, it felt to me were pulling her away from everything, they always got together and did things, hell they even had a stupid fucking mascot. The only time she called to talk to me was when she needed to gossip about something she couldn't say to anyone else. Why me, because she knew I wouldn't tell anyone else since I had no other friends (on the boat that is). <br /><br />I tried to ignore this feeling I had. It really came to a head one day, on the way to a tea party. I couldn't get on base as my stickers had expired so I had asked to ride in with her. At first she said no b/c she had this to do and someone else to pick up, so I said, alright see you another time then. When she calls she said alright I'll leave work early so you can ride with me, but man did that feel like I was the worst inconvenience ever. Brushing off the feelings thinking maybe I am just being sensitive it gets worse. When we get to the gate I pull out my military ID only to find out it's expired and they have to call the MP's down to issue me a ticket which takes forever, and friend is very highly aggravated. Now I am feeling really low, apologizing profusely and just wishing I had stayed home. The feeling doesn't go away the entire party. FF to me leaving her house after the party and realizing I need gas, so I pull up to the station and realize aw shit husband has the debit card and I have no money. Now I am scum on the bottom of dog shit on the bottom of a shoe b/c I have to call and ask friend to borrow a few bucks to get home.<br /><br />After this I notice there is a huge shift and I become only a ear for the gossip. When things head south with this one clique I am sympathetic and supportive and so my best to be there for her. I even tell her some of how I felt that one day (this is many months later and about 2 mths after baby is born) as I feel perhaps this is a turning point for us getting back on track with our friendship. Only it's not. She makes more friends. <br /><br />Now I am constantly seeing comments on FB about things they are doing or things they did, every day it seems they are getting together for coffee or going somewhere, doing something. I don't begrudge the friendships and I know I must sound like a sour puss but it hurts. It hurts to not even be asked hey wanna come up for coffee? Hey we are going to a baseball game I bet your kids would have a blast why not come along. Or even just a hey we haven't hung out in awhile, let's get together. But I am still that friend that hears her gossip, I am still the one she turns to when that one chick is being a bitch and in general making friend miserable. I am just not that friend that is invited to anything. I am not that friend that when she is in need and asks for help, is offered it. Or hell even a hey I'd love to help out but I can't, how about I keep you company and keep he kid sout of your way while you work. All I hear is silence.<br /><br />Sometimes. Back to that word. Sometimes I just want to tell her to take her fair weather friendship and shove it. Sometimes I want to say it's not worth being your friend just so I can hear you complain and gossip while you have fun and do things with your real friends. I hate being that person you do gossip to simply because you know I have no other friends so I won't be able to tell anyone, as if I would anyways. I hate feeling like you are only my friend out of pity? some weird sense of obligation? or is it something else entirely because I certainly don't feel you are my friend because you want to be my friend, because you like me. And then sometimes I think if I were to ever say those thing I would hurt her feelings and that would make me feel even more guilty than I do now for being such a burden of a friend. But here in my safe place I can say those things without repercussions, without guilt, without ever showing that outward emotion that makes me weak.<br /><br />Now I am out of words. 3:20 am, woken up by something and unable to sleep because words were clouding my head. Now they are out and maybe I can rest again. At least maybe I can feel better having gotten that all out and maybe fresh eyes tomorrow will show I am just being silly and over exaggerating the situation. Maybe.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-38421922366948879812009-05-06T21:13:00.002-05:002009-05-06T21:41:26.200-05:00Vacation continuesBut is quickly coming to an end. We have tossed in as much fun and adventure in to our trip as we can and now we are just chilling and relaxing. Since it's late and I'm tired I'll just bombard with pictures from Middleton Place, Folly Beach and my dad's backyard ;-)<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3501173215_e84cc0866d.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3501358629_2d4af51ed0.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3501368239_ed625ee9e6.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3501369597_836353e912.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3508883576_c1b6b5eb03.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3508073853_35f6491d1d.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br />and tomorrow (maybe) i'll have some knitting pr0n for ya ;)[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-10983346635431924762009-04-23T19:29:00.002-05:002009-04-23T19:39:01.473-05:00East Bay Garden GalleryThis morning my dad called me and asked me to come down to his gallery, a flower was in bloom and he wanted a couple of pictures of it so he could paint it. So since I was there I took several shots of his gallery to try and convince him to put up a website just to show his gallery, no online sales or anything, but he seems uninterested. So since he won't let me do that I'll just share the pics here ;-)<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3469020773_96f9c7fe4c.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />my dad, the artist & owner of East Bay Garden Gallery<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3469831074_ffa0bb845f.jpg?v=0 height=400><br />the red flower in the courtyard he wanted a pic of<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3469831816_3e8026feef.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />back of the gallery, in the garden<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3469833258_0aed3286a4.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />back & side of the garden<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3469021883_8f7aa51ab2.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />gate that leads to garden behind the gallery<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3469024407_58a0bd5c7b.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />inside of the gallery<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3483/3469024947_2af80011c5.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />another inside view<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3469838732_fcca82543f.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />and yet another inside view ;)<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3469837002_4ff9cb2d9d.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />last one![fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-41877099130938755822009-04-21T19:44:00.006-05:002009-04-21T21:32:25.777-05:00Magnolia Gardens, Charleston SCWe have been on vacation for 1 week now and enjoying every minute of bright sunshine down here in good ol South Carolina. There really is nothing like the fresh air and constant sun like it is here in Charleston. It never ceases to amaze me just how much brighter and clearer everything is here.<br /><br />We've done a few things here and there this past week but today was a big day for us. One of the owners of Magnolia Gardens, Drayton Hastie, visited my dad's art gallery (East Bay Garden Gallery, just north of the Battery) a few weeks back. He fell in love with my dad's style and invited him to photograph the plantation and paint it in pictures for their gift shop. Today we did just that, so here are a few highlights from our trip, sorry I can't reveal all as they may very well be painted and hanging in the gallery soon ;-)<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3463524445_bb0542b992.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />Mr Egret standing guard near the famous bridge<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3464338666_4229cc2e3d.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />random bench surrounded by azelia's which grow abundantly in these parts<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3463522899_a39092b6dc.jpg?v=0 height=400><br />this mysterious lady was hidden off the beaten path, such a shame as she is stunning!<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3463522029_b1071a1bc0.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />The man on the left with the young girl is my father, the artist Hampton Brand and my daughter Rory, they are watching an alligator float along the water.<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3464336274_6f8ffc07af.jpg?v=0 height=400><br />my curious Pixie transfixed on yet another alligator<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3464335436_fd27b762c6.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />one of the many ponds on the Plantation<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3463519551_b852ef4c7f.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />all of the kids taking a break from all of the walking<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3464321376_f5fb0124a9.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />the petting zoo was one of the kids favorite spots<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/3464317644_9d24e22e6a.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />this guy really loved my gal!<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3464302716_50edd07d69.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />this is the back of the plantation home, the front faces the Ashley River and is near impossible to get a picture of<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3463486365_8b0a1b3a3b.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />this bridge has been painted and photographed by many artists<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3515/3463485723_0c5c053725.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />I just love this photo<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3463484995_5d671f5874.jpg?v=0 width=350><br />another of the kids, just having fun<br /><br /><br />After a long day I am ready to go sit down, watch Dancing with the Stars and knit with my Wollmeise :D[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-21844576189545557392009-04-12T01:53:00.002-05:002009-04-12T01:58:32.896-05:00Global WarmingWell, more like Global Cooling if you are in the PNW. But as promised I finished my Global Warming top, knit in Yarn Chef sock yarn, one of my favorite not yet hit the big time Indie Dyers<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3431033724_ccb4163de9.jpg><br /><br />This was a really fast and easy knit, very few modifications made to it. And yeah I know the pic is crappy, just like our weather. And based on weather reports it doesn't look like there will be another half decent day until the day we fly out to go to SC, but that means I'll have ample opp for much better pics once we are there! And hopefully pics were I don't have to chop my head off ;)<br /><br />On the home front note, I got to talk to the husband as the boat is on a port call. It's nice to hear from him but makes me miss him so much more. Thankfully this deployment will soon be over and should be the last one for at least 2 years, maybe more. Also did some more cleaning and packing for the trip. Oh how fun all of the clothes from the garage smell! Oops and I forgot to put them in the dryer, better go do that now so they don't sit overnight and get more smelly![fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-1695295907595623282009-04-09T13:17:00.003-05:002009-04-09T13:27:24.879-05:00Dreary DaysThey are so common here in WA and after two years one might think I'd have gotten used to them. I still get all gloomy and unmotivated and just want to sit in my PJ's rather than actually doing the responsible things I have to do. Days like this make me miss my husband. Ok I miss him every day regardless but at least on days like this I could just call him and say Hey honey can you grab some sugar, bread & cat litter on your way home.<br /><br />Speaking of husband, our anniversary was two days ago and guess who forgot? ME! I was in bed settling down for the evening when an email came in. It was the most heartfelt, sincere, sweetest, heart wrenching emails ever. My husband is a man of few words and rarely are they sappy love letter type words. My heart lifted, I cried, and then I felt like a big asshat for forgetting our 9yr anniversary. I have forgiven myself, I do have a lot on my plate these days.<br /><br />On that plate? I leave WA in 4 days to go home to SC for a month weeeeeeeee! I am so excited to be going home. I can't wait to walk downtown Charleston, go sit on the battery and drink frozen lemonade (it doesn't stay frozen more than a second!), and go play at the beach. I know it won't be a cure all but being home is a soul renewal and I will feel so much better after I get in to the warm sunshine and sand that is home.<br /><br />In knitting news I am cranking out a bunch of items. I recently finished These Bintje socks for a friend<br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3424032257_626803c0a7_m.jpg><br /><br />and knee highs for myself<br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3391326266_e93f8e6db4_m.jpg><br /><br />I am also working on this pair of knee highs (and one other not pictured)<br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3415640419_4ec10253f2_m.jpg><br /><br />these are made from my most favorite striping sock yarn Goth Socks, which can be found on Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6157442">Right Here</a>.<br /><br />I am also almost done with a short sleeved sweater top for myself. I should hopefully have photos tomorrow as all I need to do today are the sleeves and yoke.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-44181415025831269572009-04-01T12:15:00.002-05:002009-04-01T12:18:14.430-05:00Say it!Pixie (my 4yo) likes to randomly talk about whatever. Today we are discussing the weather and if it's cold or not. It's snowing, of course it's cold. Pixie says to me "it's not cold to me" I just mumble mmmhmmm. To which she responds with "say why". . . ignoring her she presses harder "SAY IT!" I humor here and say why? Her answer "because" so I say "because why?" and she says "BECAUSE I SAY SO NOW DON'T ASK ME AGAIN!"<br /><br />Cracked my shit right up, man I love that girl.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-60511665418489706582009-04-01T00:46:00.002-05:002009-04-01T00:55:20.094-05:00Nothing Witty HereI feel like my brain was sucked out today between the whining, the fighting and the snarking. I got to sit down and do this pay period's budget woohoo! Don't we all just loooove that! I also had a freak out this morning when not only could I not find my flight ticket confirmation email, I also could not find my car rental confirmation email. And then to make it worse I couldn't remember which discount place I reserved the car rental and purchased the plane tickets, and of course neither were from the same company. Lucky for me my brain turned back on for 5 minutes and told me to look in my bank statement for the airline charge. <br /><br />As for the car, well since I hadn't yet paid for it I had no trail to follow so I began random internet searches for low cost car rentals, bada bing bada boom I found it! Whew! Then I gathered up my POA, all the kids BC's, printed out the itinerary, car rental confirmation, and a coupon for extended parking at the airport.<br /><br />With all of that is it any wonder I hardly got any knitting done today? I had planned to be done with this pair of socks so I could start April fresh with new projects. However I have failed and I am ok with that! Tomorrow will be lacking in the kniting as well as it is grocery shopping day!<br /><br />Thursday I head up to Seattle to meet an online bud, A who is flying up from CA as well as meetng 2 other local girls L, whom I only know online, and S who I know online and have met in person. Looks to be a fun day of playing at Weaving Works yarn shop and then heading off to the coffee shops. I don't know which part of the day is better, meeting my friends or having the very first shipment of the GothSocks Dead Poets hand delivered![fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-38383119458768952662009-03-31T01:45:00.002-05:002009-03-31T01:54:29.223-05:00MonogamyNot in marriage but in knitting. I have always been a polygamous type of knitter, flitting from one project on day A to a different project on day B and then back to project 1 on day C. Its always worked for me and kept me from becoming bored. My needle stash is nearly as large as my yarn stash for this very reason. Then one night, about 2 or 3 weeks ago I had my first panic attack over the amount of WIP's I had going as well as my list of must cast on now's. Why, I wondered? Could it be a sign I need to simplify my passion so that it really is more of a hobby rather than a taking over my life obsession? Possibly. I have knitted my way down my WIP pile. I now currently have 1 sock WIP and 1 crochet WIP, and a few hibernating UFO's I won't mention.<br /><br />I haven't gotten bored, just more determined to finish one project before I begin another. It's a it weird and yet relaxing! To only think about the one project I have going rather than the 6 or 10 or however many crazy projects I get myself in to!<br /><br />It also meant that this morning when my youngest was tossing cookies I was more able to focus on her and take care of her than if my brain was frazzled and flying a million miles a minute about how much time I was losing. Don't worry, the little Pixie is fine, just had a bit of the dry heaves this morning, it passed quickly and before I knew it she was back to her usual rambunctious boisterous singing and dancing self.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-61074088960336375092009-03-30T00:00:00.004-05:002009-03-30T00:51:16.421-05:00Heart's Afire SocksThe inspiration behind these socks was to support heart health awareness in women. During the first month I had it for sale all of the proceeds were donated to the American Heart Association. Over $150 was raised, thank you everyone who contributed!<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3296476400_5664d15413.jpg width=300><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/meplz-designs/14719"><img src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" border="0"/></a>[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-47250402981490125922009-03-29T23:57:00.005-05:002009-03-30T00:51:45.743-05:00Bejeweled Diamond SocksThis pattern is my first self published design. I created it in honor of a dear friend of mine who truly is as bright and tough as a diamond. It's a fast and easy knit with a bit of beaded bling to really make it stand out!<br /><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3241891129_0df7a5d828.jpg width=300><br><br><br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3361955458_17de843a00.jpg width=300><br><br><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/meplz-designs/14708"><img src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/shopping/buy-now.gif" border="0"/></a>[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-12118994268429130402009-03-29T23:53:00.005-05:002009-03-30T00:53:01.209-05:00Nautilus SocksThis is my first published pattern from <a href="http://www.gardineryarnworks.com">Gardiner Yarn Works</a> and can be purchased from various online and local yarn retailers. My personal favorite is <a href="http://www.woolgirl.com">Wool Girl</a>.<br /><br /><img src=http://images4cf.ravelry.com/uploads/MePlz/6738616/nautilus1_medium.jpg width=300><br />copyright GardinerYarnWorks 2009[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-48361258524388876722009-03-29T23:41:00.003-05:002009-03-30T00:55:08.536-05:00Exhausted!It was a beautiful day in Washington! It's true the sun does shine here, sometimes ;-) I have a lot of pictures I could share of our day today but I will try to narrow it done to my few favorites. We live out in the sticks, in a quiet neighborhood that is very large and has tons of places to explore. In our explorations we have found some gorgeous out of the way places for picture taking. Our first visit was to the "bike pit" which pretty much is what it sounds, but just beyond it is a beautiful tree right on the edge of the water. . . see here<br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3396029809_63d9221d22.jpg?v=0><br /><br />I took about 80 various shots of the kids in this tree, group and single shots. From there we moved on to the "Little Lake" only we veered a bit off the path and went down to a stream from the lake that flows in to the pond behind that tree<br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/3396237955_e7f2310b86.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br />After that (were I also took about 80 more pictures) we headed off to the old school style playground that seems to be lacking in useage so we take full advantage!<br /><img src=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3397066966_db72e3260f.jpg?v=0 width=350><br /><br />After a hard day of play we came home renewed, refreshed and enjoyed some orange jello and breakfast for dinner! Now I am trying to figure out how to use this here fancy schmancy Blogger Ap. I have added links to my 2 patterns available on Ravelry, which you can purchase directly from here if you do not have a Rav account, and BTW why don't you have a ravelry account?! As soon as can figure this all out I'll have images and what not going too but for now I'll just make seperate blog entries to show off each pattern :)[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-11701875907115609092009-03-29T12:58:00.002-05:002009-03-29T13:04:30.620-05:00Sock Summit!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.socksummit.com/images/logo_button_118x125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 118px; height: 125px;" src="http://www.socksummit.com/images/logo_button_118x125.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.socksummit.com/"></a><br /><br />Being the sock obsessed person that I am, an event like this is right up my alley! There are going to be some fabulous designers and teachers that I am looking forward to meeting and learning from. Hopefully the 2 or 3 classes I most want to take will not be scheduled at the time, it'd be a bummer to have to choose between 2 needed classes.<br /><br />The sun is shining for the first time in almost 2 weeks here in WA, beautiful blue sky! I think i will take the children for a walk around the neighborhood and to the playground instead of dying yarn today.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-1474172899667680402009-03-29T04:33:00.002-05:002009-03-29T04:38:00.734-05:00I'm back!I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I last posted to this blog, shame on me! I am planning to start blogging more regularly, let's see how I do ;) <br /><br />So much going on in the past year but I'll start with this current year of 09. I am officially a published designer! I have one pattern for sale through www.gardineryarnworks.com (nautilus socks) and 2 that sre self published. I have them currently listed on Ravelry (you can find them either through my designer name, knittinpixie or rav ID MePlz). I'll attempt to have them linked to the blog soon, I am still a bit )ok a lot) blogger illiterate.<br /><br />Other than that I have just been knitting, creating, and every now and then dabbling in the yarn dying. Tonight I am just trying to wear myself out so that i can go to sleep. It's 2:20 am and no dreamland in sight!<br /><br />Hmmm I need one of those witty endings to finish off my blog posts. But witty I am not, especially this late/early![fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-84468545317904749052008-05-20T22:20:00.000-05:002008-05-20T22:21:24.375-05:00Death becomes herDeath Becomes Her<br />Here Lies Jenn, the fastest knitter of the NW.<br />Cause of death: Socks<br />Time of Death: 2:32 pm May 19, 2008<br /><br />The death socks arrived here yesterday. It was a sweet death, and one I knew was coming so there were no surprises and plenty of time to say my farewells. In my box o' death I received one pair of nicely knit socks, alas too big for my narrow feet but promptly claimed by my neighbor so the socks shall live on, a bag of divine ghirardelli caramel chocolates, a magnet with a sheep knitting, a yummy scented candle, and a project bag for carrying around my socks in progress in.<br /><br />The sad thing was I was *thisclose* to completing my second kill but was thwarted by death. So those socks are now working their way over to the east coast to be completed by a third person (my assassin) to kill my target, now her target.<br /><br />Sock Wars was fun, despite some drama and major bumps in the road. I signed up for the next event: Death By Socks to start in June. I may join in in Sock Wars IV not sure yet. It was a joy working with a new yarn, getting to know the co-owner of a major online yarn shop and even getting hired by them to do some test knitting. So all in all it was a good time and great opportunity for me.<br /><br />And no I will not tell you what I am doing in my afterlife or I may be committed for truly falling off the deep end ;)[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-29505235829835499552008-05-13T16:54:00.002-05:002008-05-13T16:58:18.650-05:00Sock WarsIII--The Detonator!SockWarsIII officially begin Friday May 9. Got off to a rocky start but within time it seemed everyone settled down and got to knitting. I finished my socks on Sunday and posted them overnight on Monday to my target in Portland Oregon. She will be dead by socks when she gets home from work. <br /><br />The pattern, might have been ok had it not been for the errors. The yarn SWTC TOFUtsies was a dream to work it but sucked at the gauge used for it. Who knows I may try the pattern again someday with a tighter gauge.<br /><br />Here is the photo of the finished socks, detonating in oregon today. Or not as the pic loader seems to not be working at the moment.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-14117867839097044712008-05-06T11:36:00.002-05:002008-05-06T11:40:17.083-05:00Sock Wars!! A pre-war unofficial contest :o)I've been going crazy with the socks lately joining 2 sock clubs, a yarn club, summer of socks, 52 pairs II, sockdown, sock kal and of course the bloodiest knitting contest ever--SOCK WARS!<br /><br />A participant is holding an unofficial contest which you can read about on her <a href="http://starknits.blogspot.com/2008/05/contest.html">BLOG</a>. Be sure to visit her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=15556">Etsy Shop</a> as well for some cool non sock wars sock knitting bags later this week.<br /><br />Good luck and beware the postman![fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-55539617687464089722008-04-30T13:56:00.004-05:002008-04-30T19:02:41.959-05:00Husband Socks -- Free PatternThis is my first written pattern so please email me if you see any mistakes!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Husband Socks</span><br />yarn: duets sock yarn (sport weight)<br />needles: US sz 2<br /><br />Fits a mans foot circ 8.5-9.5" shoe size 8<br /><br />methods:<a href="http://knitty.com/issuespring06/FEATmagiccaston.html"> Judy's magic cast-on</a>, wrapped short row garter stitch heel & toe, 2 circ or magic loop, knit & purl, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYOYMJBGxrw">LLINC & LRINC increases</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2454871607_ccbbef9d77.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Using Judy's Magic Cast-On, cast on 46 stitches (23 on each needle)<br /><br />working on just needle 1 you will begin the shot rows. <br />Knit to 1 stitch before end, w&t<br />Knit to 1 stitch before end w&t<br />Knit to 2 stitches before end w&t<br />Knit to 2 stitches before end w&t<br /><br />Continue in this method until 5 stitches remain unwrapped.<br /><br />Knit to first wrapped stitch and knit it, w&t next stitch so it now has 2 wraps<br />Knit to next first wrapped stitch and knit it, w&t next stitch so it now has 2 wraps<br /><br />Continue in this method until all stitches have been picked back up.<br /><br />On needle 2 you will need to knit through the backloops as these stitches are twisted on the needles. <br /><br />Rnd 1<br />Knit 1, m1 (I used LaLINC) knit to 2 stitches before end of needle m1 (LaRinc), repeat on needle 2<br />You now have 50 stitches.<br /><br />Knit the foot in Stockinette until it measures approximately 2 inches from the heel. Following the short row toe method work the heel the same way.<br /><br />Before joining back in the round we are going to make a very small gusset to add some length to the heel as I find short row heels to be a bit well, short.<br /><br />sl1, knit to end, turn<br />sl1, purl to end turn<br />two more times adding in 4 stockinette row.<br /><br />Pick up 3 stitches from each side of the heels stitches and join work in the round. Knit across needle 1.<br /><br />Needle 2, knit 2, ssk, knit to 4 stitches before end k2tog, k2.<br /><br />knit 1 full round and back across needle 1. <br /><br />needle 2, knit 1 ssk, knit to last 3 stitches k2tog, k1<br /><br />work full round and back across needle 1<br /><br />needle 2, ssk, knit to last 2 stitches, k2tog.<br /><br />You should now have 6 rows of stockinette for the leg. <br /><br />Rnd 7 begin ribbing K3, P2 until leg is desired length (I usually go about 6-9 inches)<br /><br />BO <br />K1, yo, K1 pass 1st two stitches over second knit stitch, yo , K1 passing these 2 stitches over last knit stitch. Repeat until all stitches have been bound off and weave in ends.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-72903191033126688702008-03-05T15:25:00.002-05:002008-03-05T15:33:11.272-05:00Updates and suchWho has time to blog these days with knitting, home schooling, and of course the wonder that is Ravelry! I have been working tirelessly on several pairs of socks. I really need to learn how to be a monogamous knitter, might save my sanity. Nah I doubt it. I currently have OTN 4 airs of socks--1 monkey by cookie a, 1 jaywalker by grumperina, the mate to gothic spire by cookie a and then the mate for jacobean for the SKP2008 (sock knitters pentatholon in honor of the summer olympics). I need to finish the mates to my anne diamond knee socks, my twisted oval socks and rhiannons mingus sock. And I have been working on some more felting projects so I have a mini bowl otn and a square bowl otn. Yay Im a bit cuh-raz-zzzy!! To top it off I just got the yarn in for a starsky sweater I have been wanting to knit forever.<br /><br />To aid my addictions I have joined 2 clubs. One is the seven deadly s(p)ins club based obviously on the seven deadly sins. Every other month we'll get a yarn pattern and goodies to match a sin FUN!!! And I am also in the woolgirl sock club so on the months I don' get a spin shipment I'll get a new sock yarn and pattern.<br /><br />Oh but it doesn't end there oh no! I am in sock knitter anon on Rav that enourages me to flex my knitting skills and make lots of socks every month and I'm a mod in a sock kal board also on rav and of course the skp2008. <br /><br />And somehow I still manage to school the kids, keep the house clean, cook dinner, care for a new puppy and even get 8 hours of sleep a night. I must be supermom ;)[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-32411149803634752822008-01-26T20:20:00.000-05:002008-01-26T20:23:19.430-05:00Hey blog land!Wow how long it's been since I blogged. Christmas knitting hit me full force in November and December. I wasn't able to complete everything on my *must knit* list but got enough accomplished to feel satisfied. And since becoming a member of Ravelry I have had more knitting to do lists, and less time for actual blogging. So I guess you want to see some recent FO's? I'll get to that tomorrow. For tonight I just wanted to say hi and that I haven't forgotten about this little spot on the 'net.[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-7600020040799844992007-10-05T18:36:00.000-05:002007-10-16T12:27:51.057-05:00Hooded sweater & cable hatThis set was originally knit for someone else, but unfortunately they (nor I) took into acct that cotton shrinks when washed and the sweater ended up about 1.5 inch too short despite me adding 2.5 inches to what the pattern called for. I assumed hand washing on cold the yarn wouldn't shrink but lo and behold it did. I also did not believe my customer when she told me her 2 yo son had a 21.5 inch head and while the hat did fit the circumference, it was too short :( So I am ordering 1 more skein of yarn (as I already have 3) and remaking the entire set. meanwhile they fit Rhiannon perfectly so now she has them and it's one less item I must knit for the Pixie Pie.<br /><br />front and back done<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0402.jpg" width="450"border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />all pieces complete, seaming still to do<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0394.jpg" width="450"border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />On the adorable recipient :)<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0397-1.jpg" width="450"border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0396-1.jpg" width="450" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7397841036026185375.post-85780928981742167062007-10-01T11:35:00.000-05:002007-10-01T12:13:35.855-05:00I crochet!! And Dye too!!Yesterday was a fun day in experiments. I needed a mental break from the ton of knitting I have to do so sat down and crocheted Rhiannon's doll a hat, and then proceeded to crochet a hat for Rhiannon as well. And then last night I crocheted Rory's hat. Xander & Ethan have both also asked for one, but without the "ponytails" lol<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0401.jpg" width="500" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0411.jpg" width="500" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And then I also dyed 6 skeins of yarn for socks I am knitting for 2 stores.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g316/jenniewitch/DSC_0410.jpg" width="500" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket" border="0" /></a>[fiz-eek] geekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12455487597345777424noreply@blogger.com0