• Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 78 other subscribers

  • “Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers” — Isaac Asimov

  • Recent Posts

  • Pages

  • Categories

  • Archives

  • Blog Stats

    • 195,075 hits

AuburnChick is Officially a College Graduate

Posted on June 21, 2008 by auburnchick

Today was Graduation Day!!! Even though I finished the end of February, the commencement ceremony wasn’t until today.

As any girl would do, I had to prepare. The biggest question? How was I going to wear my hair?

I have thick, naturally curly hair. Wearing hats is very difficult cause I have such big hair. So, I decided to get my hair straightened. Not permanently but with a hot iron at the hairdresser.

Here’s the before picture…

I had my hair fixed yesterday (Friday) after work. Here’s the after picture.

And here’s what I looked today like with the cap and gown…

I have to stay true to my promise to my family not to put my face on the internet…hence the shots from behind. Sorry…it’s actually my best side, so think of it as me doing you a huge favor. 😀

I’m sure that many of you have already graduated from college…probably a few years ago. For me, this was the conclusion of a long-aspired dream. After attending college for two years immediately after high school and then putting it on hold to have my children, I desperately wanted to finish what I had started. Plus, I want to teach middle school, and you can’t do that without a degree.

I had always told my kids that I wanted to go back and finish. That’s just what I did. Many of you read of my adventures…at least during the last term since I only started blogging in November.

I wasn’t sure I was going to do the Commencement Walk. There was a possibility that Soccer Chick would have a soccer tournament. I went ahead and ordered the cap and gown…taking the advice of one of the female attorneys at the law firm where I work. She insisted that it would provide closure to this long process.

She was right.

We got up bright and early this morning, heading out around 7:15.  Along the way, I periodically checked my hair in the mirror.  A wee bit vain.  I’m allowed.  Today was my day, after all.

Once there, I got my family pointed in the direction they were to go, I nervously made my way to where the other students were gathered. I did not know a soul. Because I attended online classes, I had never met any of my classmates. We were a conglomeration of IRL attendees (in real life) and virtual students. We were lined up several times according to the whim of our fearless leaders. Actually, that’s probably not fair. I think it took a bit of time for everyone to get on the same page. Once we were lined up correctly, we waited…and waited…and waited.

I became buddies with the next person in line…a lovely lady who, like me, had returned to college when her children were teenagers. We had much in common. We were both nervous wrecks and emotional.

Finally it was time to enter the auditorium, walking in, of course, to Pomp and Circumstance. I felt tears in my eyes. To see all of those people there supporting their loved ones and cheering when we came in. Wow. I saw my advisor who smiled and gave me a wave and an encouraging word.

I was fortunate to have the best seat in the house…front row.

I was able to observe the Color Guard’s ceremony of presenting the flags. That was so amazing and a reminder of all of those serving so that I can have the freedom to pursue my education and eventually teach in this wonderful country. The members’ precision and dedication to their task touched my heart.

After the guest speaker, we were officially “cleared” for graduation. Changing my tassel from the right to the left side — while a simple act — was very special to me. A single tear rolled down my eye, prompting a “Don’t start that” from my new friend. She was on the verge of losing it. The gal on the right cried almost the entire time. She was a real sweetie

It soon became time for us to walk across the stage. This is where I wanted to upchuck. Redneck girls in pumps are not accustomed to walking across stage with several hundred people watching. I prayed the entire time that I wouldn’t trip.

“Don’t trip, Nathalie, don’t trip.”

Little did I know that Soccer Chick was praying the same thing. In her words to her father, “Mama would do something like that.”

Thanks for the vote of confidence, dear.

I got through it and actually smiled. I have video that proves it. Wow! I actually looked normal!

After sitting down, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. It was finished.

After the undergraduates were presented, it was time for the graduate students to get hooded. Have you ever seen this done? I had not. How totally cool! The look of pride on their faces…wow! I have almost decided that I want one of those. 12 more classes and I, too, could be hooded. We’ll see if graduate school is in my future…maybe in a couple of years. I simply love the pursuit of knowledge…too bad you have to write long papers on the process!

A quick plug…I attended classes at Troy University. I had compared programs and fees very carefully. My experience with the college was 100% wonderful! My adviser was a dream to work with, and the professors were diligent in their jobs. The University is determined that everyone have the opportunity to be educated — hence they are very popular with the military. Many of my classmates were stationed overseas. It was a neat opportunity to get their perspective during my political science and history classes.

With the ceremony under my belt, it was time to have more fun. Knowing that I was only a couple of miles away from a nice yarn store, I headed out to the car, springing my plans on my family. Boy were they mad! Their idea of fun is not petting yarn.

Too bad for you. Today was MY day, and I was selfish. While I shopped, the kids and Mr. AuburnChick waited in the car, air conditioning keeping them comfortable.

Here’s where I shopped…

And here are photos of the inside…just in case you don’t believe me…

What an array of yarn! There was lots of Lamb’s Pride, Noro, Tilli Tomas, Tofutsies (a very good selection), and even Malabrigo. It was so hard to decide what to get.

Here’s what I bought…

The last photo is Tilli Tomas…100% silk with glass beads spun in. It was ridiculously expensive. I’ve had my eye on it for a couple of weeks and decided to splurge. I don’t know what I’ll make with it, but I’m sure Ravelry will provide some ideas.

So, although my family didn’t exactly make this day the special day I hoped for, I made my own special memories.

If you have ever considered going back to school or doing something that seems, at first, overwhelming and unattainable, GO FOR IT. The 23 classes in 21 months with a 3.8 cumulative GPA was worth every bit of effort. I reached my goal. I got good yarn afterwards.

What more could a person ask for?

Filed under: Knitting, This-n-That | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

Yarn Porn from Jacksonville

Posted on May 24, 2008 by auburnchick

Hooray, hooray! AuburnChick went shopping!!! It’s pretty sad when I scout out yarn stores when we go out of town, but that’s exactly what I do. I got up bright and early this morning, GPS in hand,and made my way to KnitWitz, a “real” yarn store in Jacksonville. What a delightful store!!! Here’s what it looked like when I walked in…

To be fair, I justified my visit with the need to buy yarn for the chemo caps I am getting ready to make for a couple of people.

Here’s the Rowan Calmer that I plan on stranding with the Trendsetter eyelash yarn to make this pattern.

I bought this color (same brands as above) to make a cap for my daughter’s friend’s mom…the same gal I made the comfort throw for. She starts chemo the first week of June.

Now, here’s where I went off track a bit. Being in a real yarn store, and never having access to one, made me feel totally okay with buying the rest of what you’ll see.

I bought solid sock yarn because I’ve only made socks with striping or variegated yarn. There are many patterns that I’ve stayed away from because I just knew that the colors would hide all of the hard work.

This is Lorna’s Laces, and the colorway is Periwinkle. It is so pretty! I’ve finally, finally learned that you have to buy two skeins of this brand of yarn to make calf-length socks. Each skein is only 50g!

The next yarn is Berroco Comfort Sock. It’s either white or creme. Yeah, it seems like a “blah” color, but I think that everybody needs a pair of white socks, and I can already envision some lovely lace pattern.

Now, the neat thing about this store is that just when you think you’ve seen everything, you haven’t. As I got to the back, and I touched everything, I found myself fondling some very soft yarn. I picked it up to check the label, and lo and behold – Malabrigo! This is the first time I’ve actually seen it at a store! Remember that one of my KH buddies sent me some not too long ago, so it’s not the first time I’ve touched the stuff. But, I’ve never actually visited a yarn store that had it stocked! I fell in love with this color – Water Green. It is the same color as my first prom dress.

I left the store a bit poorer but richer in spirit.

Off I went to watch Soccer Chick play a game. Now, I never thought I would find it too hot to knit. I am cold-natured. But I have to say that today was the hottest day of soccer that I’ve sat through this season. I pulled out the Tidal Wave socks that I’ve been feverishly trying to finish but found myself unable to knit more than a couple of rounds before setting it aside.

However, I did elect to stay at the hotel while everyone went to dinner. I really wanted to finish these socks…and I DID!!! Lookie…

Please allow me to apologize for the absolutely horrible picture! Since I’m out of town, I don’t have my wonderful Ott Light, which allows for natural lighting and true colors to pop out.

The important thing is that the socks are done! So, a rundown on the sock stats. I used size 1 (2.50mm) circular needles (one 24″ and one 16″). The yarn is Tofutsies, color #799. Here is the link for the free pattern. It’s fabulously easy. I didn’t even use the chart for the second sock. I modified the pattern by continuing the pattern repeats down the top of the foot. I knit six pattern repeats down the leg and then six more from the instep to the beginning of the toes.

Tomorrow, I’ll cast on for the first of the two chemo caps. These will be a first for me…and I’m nervous about the eyelash yarn getting in the way of the knitting. But I trust that God will honor my desire to serve Him, even in this small endeavor, and will allow me to knit the caps without too much difficulty.

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

One Down, One To Go

Posted on May 20, 2008 by auburnchick

Wow! Life’s been hectic the last few days!

I stayed up late Friday night and finished the first Tidal Wave sock.

I had to try it on, even though it’s a little too big since Chicklet’s friend has 9 1/2 size feet!

When I turned the heel, the yarn either changed colors or appeared to because of the slip-stitch heel called for in the pattern. I don’t know if you can tell, but the yarn, at this point, is absolutely vibrant — totally different from the leg.

I fully intended to spend Saturday and Sunday knitting up the mate, but regular house work got in the way.

Whatever would AuburnChick be doing that would take her away from knitting, you might ask. Well..enter in Mr. AuburnChick

Why, oh why, do men think they can go for years without caring one iota about the yard and then, Presto, Change-O, in one fell swoop, stick their noses in and wreak havoc?

These…

used to be here…

and here…

I didn’t get a picture of the mini-tree-like-things that were also in these flower beds. Mr. Chick went out, bought a saw, and cut them down to nubs and attempted to shovel them out. In the process, he managed to pull something in his back, leaving one huge hole and a mess that, guess who, had to clean up.

Grrr…

Yes, folks, I had to use my pristine knitting hands to finish what that over-ambitious man-thing had started. I even told him that I had better not mess up my knitting hands…I had a sock to finish on a very short deadline.

No such luck.

My hands were a wreck afterwards. I had to dig moats around each plant, breaking as many of the roots as possible before partially disabled He-Man could pick up the shovel and finish the job, with me lifting each plant, allowing him to strike at the remaining roots, freeing them one-by-one.

I was done knitting for the next two days. My right palm was very bruised.

Sigh…

I did pick up the sock today and managed to finish almost two full pattern repeats during Littlest Chick’s athletic awards ceremony. The pattern is so easy that I have it memorized. I’ve decided that I won’t have time to block them. I’ll simply be thrilled to hand them over when I’m done. I have lots more projects in the works!

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , | 4 Comments »

Progress

Posted on May 16, 2008 by auburnchick

Well, despite the rough start to the week and the fact that I worked many extra hours, I did manage to get more of the Tidal Wave sock completed. Here’s how it stands at six repeats:

My daughter’s soccer friend has long legs, so I had to knit one more repeat than the pattern suggested. My goal is to get this sock done this weekend and finish the second one by Wednesday or Thursday. We leave next Friday for a tournament, and I want to gift them then. Actually, I should probably finish by Wednesday so I can block them. Grrr. I do not block socks, but I will do the right thing…think about presentation. Forget the fact that they are Tofutsies…lovely color by the way…it’s all in the presentation.

I was also a bad girl last week. I ordered more yarn <gulp>. Don’t tell Mr. AuburnChick, okay?

Lookie what came in yesterday. Thank goodness Little Mr. Chickadee’s swim meet was canceled. I was able to head off the UPS guy and hide my prize.

Yes…it’s more of the Alchemy Sanctuary that I am totally in love with. The one on the left is called Ruby, and the one on the right is called Platinum. I bought the pink one for a friend who liked the color when she saw it online (she also liked the Greenaway Fingerless Gloves that I made for our co-worker). So, not wanting to waste all of that shipping cost, I ordered another skein. Getting more for my money, you see.

Despite the fact that I was having a bad week, Pele (Soccer Chick’s dog) did not have a care in the world.

Must be great to be a dog…in my house anyway.

Doggie training camp is going well…for Molly anyway. She’s turning out to be a smart dog, despite Mr. AuburnChick’s declaration that she was stupid. He said this when I first brought her home, over his objections. I think the word stupid meant stupid-cute.

Off I go to work on the heel flap of these socks. More later…

Filed under: Knitting, This-n-That | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

A Tuesday Worthy of Chocolate

Posted on May 14, 2008 by auburnchick


Pictures speak louder than words.

Tuesday was not the best day. I was greeted at work by a friend bearing a bag of M&M’s. Out of the blue. Very much like my friend. She loves dark chocolate. I’m a milk chocolate kind of gal. Common denominator? Chocolate. The perfect base for friendship. We have a way of bringing chocolate goodies to each other at just the right time. I can see God’s hand in what might seem trivial matters to some people. Chocolate is not trivial to me.

Especially on days like Tuesday.

Without going into details, it was just one of those days. I was glad to get home. However, upon finding out that a new employee was starting the next day (yep…very short notice), I spent the entire evening prepping their computer…remotely from home. Thank goodness for technology. Thank goodness for chocolate.

We had a new gal start in our office this week (a different person from who’s starting on Wednesday), so we took her out to lunch. What a treat for me! I never take lunch since I work part-time. The lure of Mexican food was too much to resist. I quickly jumped in my car and followed my boss.

She started going the back way to the restaurant. I followed blindly. However, when we started pulling up to a seafood restaurant, I got concerned. Surely they wouldn’t have changed the restaurant without calling me to make sure I knew? She had no way of knowing that I was following her.

However, the car I was following passed the restaurant. Now I knew that something was not right.

“Ring, Ring…”

“Hello, boss. Where are you?”

“At the Mexican restaurant, of course!”

Great. I followed the wrong car. Good thing this city is so small. I was there in no time, embarrassed. What kind of impression was I making on the new gal? “Oh, it’s just AuburnChick…you know…”

My bad day extended into my home life.

I’m working very hard to get my dogs trained properly. This has been on my mind since my first attempt to take all three to the dog kennel. See this post if you haven’t heard this story. Let’s just say that I could do the Iditorod with my dogs.

I’ve read that dogs need to be walked…a couple of times a day. Simply running around the backyard is not ample exercise. So, I’m trying to be a good mommy and walk the dogs properly. Easier said than done.

Yesterday, I went to the bookstore and bought this:

In case you don’t know who this man is, he is the Dog Whisperer. I’ve seen some of his shows, and I’m amazed at how quickly the dogs respond to him. The biggest thing about his training, however, is that the owners are actually the ones being trained. Boy, do I need training!

Ever since Pele joined our family, we’ve allowed ourselves to be controlled by our most adorable furry family members. Aubie, in true first-born fashion, was never allowed on the furniture. We were strict with her, and she is the best behaved dog in the world. Not so with Pele and Molly.

So, we’re doing doggie boot camp. We’re starting with walking. You would think that walking a dog is easy. Wrong-O! Molly and I only made it around the cul-de-sac. Walk, stop (when she pulls), make her sit, treat. Walk, stop, make her sit, treat. Over and over and over. I can’t even begin to imagine what the neighbors must have been thinking. Hopefully something like, “Boy, that lady sure loves her dog a lot.” Good mommies make their children behave, whether they are the two legged or four legged kind.

Regardless, my hands are sore from the leash, so knitting has been slow the last couple of days.

After coming in from our training session, I checked dinner, which was in the crockpot. BBQ beef sandwiches were on the menu. Mouth watering, I looked at the meat. Hmmm…it looks…a little pink…

My hands carefully touch the side of the crockpot. Cold. A look at the front assures me that the thing is turned on low. But what’s this? The cord…it’s not plugged into the outlet.

Sigh…

What a dork. I forgot to plug it in.

Sigh…

A whole roast ruined. I had even doubled the sauce mix too because it is so delicious. All that $$ gone down the drain.

So, the kids were reminded of how great it is to have me cooking again and to not take it for granted. They actually took it in stride, which pleased me.

The fact that this happened today just did not surprise me.

Thank goodness for the goodies pictured at the top of this post.

Oh, and here’s a knitting update. I have managed to complete almost three repeats of the Tidal Wave socks for my daughter’s teammate. Here’s how they look so far.

I am using Tofutsies, color #799. It’s a fabulous pattern…very easy.

So, on to Wednesday. Hopefully I won’t have to eat the whole bag of M&M’s. I can’t make any promises though.

Filed under: Knitting, Pets, This-n-That | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Simple Lace Headband

Posted on May 11, 2008 by auburnchick

Well, folks, I’ve had a frustrating couple of knitting days.

I did finish my Monkey Socks. That was pretty cool. Here’s a picture. Forgive the posing…it’s not great, but it’s proof that I did finish. And no, the left sock is not bigger than the right one. Again, bad positioning by your’s truly.

With the Monkey Socks done, I figured that I would start on the pair for my daughter’s teammate. I had dug around my stash and came up with this skein of Lorna’s Laces Lorikeet.

I then had the task of selecting a pattern. I finally settled on the Broadripple Socks. So, I eagerly began.

First, I had to untangle this mess:

Here’s my progress so far…

Well, I got almost half of the cuff completed when I decided that I better check the yardage on the wrapping.

Uh oh…

215 yards. Not good. So then I weighed the yarn. It weighed in at about 60g. Not good. I know that to make calf-length socks, you need almost 100g of yarn.

Great. AuburnChick’s luck. No surprise, eh?

The pattern recommends two skeins — no wonder.

Back to square one. The only other 100g skein of sock yarn that I currently possess is the Tofutsies #799 that I bought in Las Vegas (the one on the right). I was kind of heart-broken. I like this yarn a lot. The colors are fabulous. But I don’t have time to order some and wait for it to come in. My goal is to get this pair finished in time for our next tournament…two weeks from now.

With that decided, I spent about two hours on Ravelry this morning, in search of the perfect pattern. I finally decided to use the Tidal Wave sock pattern. I plan on continuing the pattern along the top of the foot.

Meanwhile, I was discouraged and needed a quick fix. Instant gratification.

So, I picked up some yarn that a friend sent me…spun by her…and made this Simple Lace Headband. I used a size G crochet hook and made a chain instead of the i-cord recommended by the pattern. Then, I used size 10 1/2 needles for the pattern itself, since the yarn is kind of bulky in places. Here is the result of my efforts the color is represented best in the third picture)…

With that accomplished, I’ll cast on tonight for the socks for chicklet’s friend. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

AuburnChick is a Sock Model

Posted on April 14, 2008 by auburnchick

First of all, I must ask…WHAT HAPPENED TO MY WARM WEATHER???

You probably saw the sunburn I got on Saturday when I spent the afternoon outside in the 86-degree weather. Well, here’s what it looked like when we arrived at the soccer field on Sunday morning:

And it was cold!

Now, I have to brag a bit. Being the cold-natured person that I am, I was prepared. When loading up the car for the trip, Mr. AuburnChick expressed his annoyance at my insistence that we pack a few blankets. The AuburnChick family, with the exception of your’s truly, likes to keep things real cool in the car, and I usually freeze. So, snuggling up with a blanket keeps the peace. I also packed my sweater and sweatshirt.

So, while everyone was scrambling for something warm, this girl happily sat her hiney down in her soccer chair, pressed her blanket firmly around her body, and began knitting…warm and content.

Neener, neener, boo-boo. Who’s the dumb one now?

LOL

Unfortunately, the mist in the air dampened my yarn, making it impossible to knit during warm-ups. All was okay, though, because I still had a seven-hour drive home.

That time, along with a couple of hours last night as well as about thirty minutes this afternoon during my son’s swim practice allowed me the time I needed to finish my first Monkey Sock.

Here’s where the modeling thing comes in (bet you were wondering, eh?). I’m so proud of the sock, in addition to being proud of the pictures that actually came out okay, that I’m posting several.

Oh, and here is the info for the socks. The pattern is Monkey Socks, and the yarn is Tofutsies, color #798. I used size 2 needles on two circs…sizes 16″ and 24″.

I like the following shot because it shows off the pattern real well (at least I think it does)…

This view makes my foot look real big (according to my daughter, who’s always full of compliments).

This is a close-up of the stitch and yarn. The colors are so bright and cheery. Everyone who sees the yarn just loves it.

The following picture should be an advertisement for why you block socks (although I have never done so but probably should have before posting this). I don’t know if you can tell, but I did a slip stitch heel instead of the simple stockinette in the pattern. I made several tweaks to this pattern, going back and forth between this pattern and Cat Bordhi’s book Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles.

One last little bit…

Yesterday, on the way home, I downloaded several different knitting podcasts. I’m trying to find a few I like in the hopes that I can learn something new.

Well, I have to tell you that I found a gem! My favorite, by far, is Knitting Rose. You MUST listen to Episode 10 – “What is it like to live with a knitter?” I had to chuckle. It was light, cute, and humorous. And, I must say, you will fall in love with the person she interviewed. I will definitely be keeping up with her blog and podcast!

Well, I’m off to cast on for the second sock. Wouldn’t want the one to be lonely for too long.

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , , | 6 Comments »

TGIF!!

Posted on April 11, 2008 by auburnchick

Yay! Friday finally arrived!! I am so happy, given the rough week at work. Whew! At least my paycheck will be nice with all of those extra hours!

The rest of my week proceeded with a bit less drama than the first few days. I even managed to get a bit of knitting done.

I received another blanket in the mail this week. Take a look at how Pink Princess is turning out.

Does the blanket look familiar? If you’re one of my faithful readers (and I know you’re out there!), you might remember seeing this blanket before. This is the second time I’ve worked on it, and I just sent it to the knitter who mailed it to me the first time! What fun! I used the same yarn as before and used the Diagonal Seed Stitch.

I sure was happy to see Friday, though! I left work early today so that my family could get an early start on our trip to dear daughter’s soccer games. Another seven hours in the car…each way. Hmmm…good, uninterrupted knitting time! I brought along the Monkey Socks that I started this week. I had my handy-dandy MacBook Pro with my broadband card. Thank goodness for this gadget. It sure makes long trips much more bearable.

I desperately wanted to listen to Way of the Master. This ministry has a daily broadcast that you can listen to on Sirius (FamilyNet) or even right on their website. I was really curious what they would say about the song that the American Idol contestants sang last night. Did you happen to catch it? I was floored. Their rendition of Shout to the Lord gave me chills, but at the same time I was a bit confused. I wonder how many of the singers really knew what they were singing about. Yes, they sounded amazing, but I wonder how many of them have a personal relationship with the Lord.

Sigh…

I worry about people’s salvation…

Sigh…

Ok…getting back to my trip.

After Way of the Master, I decided to listen to the Diva Knitting Podcast. Cheryl Kemp is very easy to listen to. Yesterday, I listened to her interview with Amy and Sheldon, the wonderful couple that started KnittingHelp.com. It was fascinating to learn about what goes into maintaining this amazing site. Today, I listened to the 4/9 podcast, in which she started a sock knitalong. She has some good links on her site to accompany the podcast. I highly recommend listening to this if you’ve never knitted socks before.

After listening to Cheryl’s podcast, I decided to try to figure out how to subscribe to podcasts in iTunes…to make my life a little easier (I like to stay as organized as possible). Have you ever searched for knitting podcasts in iTunes?? Oh my goodness! There are a ton! If you have a favorite, will you please let me know?

While I listened to the podcasts, I knitted and knitted and knitted. I’ve managed to finish almost five repeats of the sock pattern. Here’s my progress so far…

I am still loving this pattern. It is very easy. I am also totally loving knitting on two circular needles. I did change back from the 40″ to the 16″ after being assured that 16″ is fine and I’m not pulling my stitches too hard. Thanks for that! I appreciate it!

I plan on getting a lot of knitting done tomorrow. We’ll be watching a college soccer game and then my daughter plays a game later that afternoon. Lots of time to knit!

Oh, and I also just started reading a series of books. Have you ever read the Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers? I read it several years ago but decided to check them out again when I took my daughter to the library this week. The setting is Rome during the early days of the church, shortly after Jesus died. You learn a lot about the gladiator games and persecution of Christians. Right after I read the books the first time, the movie Gladiator came out. I was fascinated by the movie. I love history, and as a Christian, I stand in awe of what the early Christians had to face. I feel very fortunate to live in a country where I can openly read a Bible and share my faith without fear of reprisal.

Have a good weekend, all! I’ll keep you posted on the progress of my socks.

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Is It Really Only Wednesday??

Posted on April 9, 2008 by auburnchick

Whew! I’ve had a week! I can’t believe that’s it’s only Wednesday too!

I am a computer tech, and one of our servers had some problems on Monday. Not good. I hoofed it to one of our field offices to give them a “back door” to our other server. I worked almost ten hours…basically pulling a double shift since I normally average five and a half hours each day. Then, on Tuesday, our email wasn’t going through. Are you kidding me? So, I spent another half a day trying to figure out why. Today, I’m playing catch-up from the last two days.

Needless to say, my brain is fried. On Monday, I didn’t even feel like knitting. But, I gave it a valiant effort, pulling out the pattern for my Lacy Bamboo Jacket. The first mistake was in reading about the gauge. Oh no. I’m not good at gauge. Then, I skimmed the rest of the instructions. It looked like blueprints for the Eiffel Tower. Nope…I cannot handle this project right now. Away goes the bamboo.

So then I pull out the lovely purple yarn that I bought in Vegas. I think I’ll start on the Lily of the Valley Shawl that I found in a book in Vegas. The yarn I want to use is a heavier weight, but the lady at the yarn store assured me that I could adjust the pattern. In the excitement of the moment (remember how much yarn I bought in Vegas?), I let her talk me into it.

Well, I already know that I can’t do math. Trying to adjust the pattern just wasn’t happening. I had all the tools too…pencil, paper, calculator…to no avail. Drats. I put away the yarn and pattern. I’ll just order the lace yarn that the pattern calls for and not worry about adjustments.

So, I finally decide to start on a pair of socks. I bought this book back in February.

You might recall that I recently knit my first pair of two-at-a-time magic loop socks. So, I’m game to try something new…despite my lack of brain cells at the moment

I’m using this yarn (the pink one on the left…another Vegas purchase).

So, I get the socks cast on. I’m going to make the famous Monkey Socks that everyone seems to be knitting these days. I easily complete the ribbing and put things up for the evening. Last night, after another trying day at work, I decide to “relax” by working on my socks. I get one pattern repeat completed and eagerly start on the next one. Uh oh…something strikes me as being odd. The socks look fine, but upon looking at the pattern (I’m using a chart), I realize that I’ve totally messed up the easiest rows.

Grrr…what’s a knitter to do. I could let it go. Nobody but me will know. However, I can’t. I remember reading a posting by ArtLady on KnittingHelp.com (she is the knitting guru, by the way). She said that she frogs until she gets something just right. Her work is simply gorgeous. If you’re on Ravelry, look her up (by the same name). No wonder her work is so stunning. She does not accept anything less than perfection.

So, I rip and rip. I took the whole thing apart and started over, determined to finish the ribbing on the cuff before retiring for the night. Two hours of work…and I’m right back where I started.

Isn’t that pathetic?

Despite all of this, I’m learning stuff. First of all, don’t try to knit socks on two circulars using a 16″ needle. I tried using one 24″ and one 16″, per some bone-head thing I read on the internet when I was researching this. The 16″ is way too short. I moved those stitches to a 40″, which is way, way too long, but it’s all I have. I think that either two 24″ or a 24″ and a 32″ would be perfect. I read that two different sizes are recommended so that you don’t get your needles confused. When I have a little more $$, I’ll order some 32″ needles.

I’ve also discovered that I really like Tofutsies yarn. It is wonderful to work with. I’m happy that I have another skein to use later.

Oh, and just so you don’t think I’m totally grr’ed out from this week, I have good stuff to say.

First of all, I gave my co-worker the Drop Stitch Scarf (see previous post) today. I left it in a gift bag on her chair. All of a sudden, my email pops up with the happiest thank you note I’ve ever seen. I went down to take a look, and she was wearing it, almost speechless. She couldn’t believe that I gave it to her. It looks so awesome on her too! That was a great feeling.

Then, when I arrived home, I had another baby blanket waiting for me. When I opened the box, I found a couple of gifts. One was a bar of soap…smells so good!!! The other thing…well, look at the picture below…

These are just adorable! They fit perfectly, despite my huge feet, and they are so soft!!! I’m a happy gal, yes indeed!

Friday cannot come soon enough!

Filed under: Knitting | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

  • December 2025
    S M T W T F S
     123456
    78910111213
    14151617181920
    21222324252627
    28293031  

  • Currently Reading

  • Books I’ve Read