time to get down to buisness

Okay solstice is saturday, Christmas is a week from tomorrow. I think I will try market bags again for Allia in lou of socks, they stand a better chance of being for solstice. Lace edging has be done by Monday so I can block the shawl on the bed before Scott get's home.

Everyone else I probably won't see untilt he New Year however Scott comes home on Thrusday, my birth day is Friday, and mom get's into town the following Sunday so I will lose all knitting time after the 25 anyway.

hmmmm

9 days and a wall

So Christmas is 9 days away, you would think I would be franticaly knitting, but I seem to have hit a wall tonight. I finished a lace shawl (kinda) and hat this weekend! I cast on and ripped out a bag several times, the yarn isn't going to work for the pattern I don't think. So what did I accomplish today?

About 6 rows on a sock. Didn't cast on the felted bag and didn't finish the sock.

I did spend about an hour on the phone with my cousin whom I haven't talked into in ages!

Poked around on etsy and bought a bat of fiber from the HistoricStitcher (above mentioned cousin) Her little boy is selling some batts he's made for some extra pocket cash and he has quite the eye for color I must say! I was on the phone when he saw the sale (his first) and hearing how excited he was made it worth every penny!

I did get a bunch of party work done today though, which is good. Starting to book up January yay!

10 days to go..

Okay so the last time I posted I had strep and this time it's Christmas Crafting mayham! Sometime I should post on a normal day huh?

So Christmas Crafting is going okay this year, better then last year at any rate:

The list goes as such:

mom-lace shawl-done accept for the rows of lace edging
ryan-knitted hat-done
jenni-thrummed mittens-done
allia-vegan friendly socks- almost done with sock 1
casie-felted letter bag from stich n'bitch nation-not started
sarah va.-hat and scarf set-not started

So all in all not going to bad!

Plus I have got the house all decorated! I had $50 in gift cards to Pier 1 so I went and bought decorations and jingle bell placemats. I also got my hunny a ship to hang on the tree this year! He's not much into the season but that little suprise brought one of those truly heart felt smiles on. I even go the lights in the window this year!!

Work is work and I have decided that I need to go back to grad school. I'm going to hunt for a really good poltical science or public policy program. Heck law school may even be in the cards if that's what it is going to take to get to D.C. and make a damn difference! Working as a grunt at place the supports a cause I belive in is just not for me I am finding, I am to much of a leader type!

I want to be done with Christmas knitting so I can spin my heart out! I wheel is just sitting in the corner looking neglected because I have been so focused on gifts for ppl!

Tomorrow's plan is to finish sock 1 and start the felted bag, plus do a party in the city plus deliver products from last week's party to the hostess. hmmmm

I feel like a kid

there is something about eating firecracker Popsicle that makes me feel like I am 5 again. Still with the way my throat has been feeling I think I deserve it. I've been so sick this week, first the flu and now what I suspect is strep, I just can't win.

Since I switched to eating all organic, I hadn't gotten a single bug, until now. Now I am getting them all at once (first time in 1.5 years!) I think part of it is the fact that I work in a health center where they just recirculate the same air over and over and over. ugh!

So tomorrow I am off to the doctor, and the home with my knitting and daytime t.v. (it's my day off!). I'm going to try and rescue the shawl the cats have been eating, they seem to like cotton fine. In the meantime I have been working on a pair of purple socks. I am in a purple phase.

she's here!!

Blog meet Elizabeth
My new to me spinning wheel. That's Rupert in the back checking it out. Both the cats are very amused by it so far. I've gotten cleaned up a bit and am now just trying to figure where to put the fiber in! (Heather, Cassie, Beth, I may be calling you!)

In other news I lost a lot of my garden to the flooding a week ago. The green peppers and zucchini are all that survived. And of course the zucchini is what I have so much I am giving away (my freezer already has several loves of bread!)

I finished the thrummed mittens for Jenni's x-mas present, and started mom's x-mas present.

Okay I'm off to play with my toy. :)

where does the time go?

Okay would someone please tell me how it is Sept 1? Really it was just Aug 4 and I was starting a new job, I swear!!

I guess that is what happens when I let myself get wrapped up knitting and watching the DNC. I am such a political junkie! Thinking of going back to grad school for it actually. Don't worry, I don't plan on running for office or anything!!! You can all breathe!

Anyway on to some projects!

I finished my rainbow brite socks, and Scott's white socks. I haven't gotten pictures of Scott's yet, but here's what mine look like!!














They are a little to big because the yarn is so slippery with no structure to it. I think I will sew some elastic in and see if the helps. For now they are just slouchy!

I am getting there with my sweater. It has reached the point where I am bored with it and want to start a new project. *sigh* new patterns just keep calling to me, as does the yarn I bought for them.

And as if I don't have enough distractions!! Next week an Ashford traditional wheel will be making it's way into my home. It's my friends mother-in-laws wheel, but since she has passed on I am getting it for a good price. Plus they don't have to try and get int a garage sale!

My garden is also going well, and I am doing a lot of cooking out of it. Lots of zuccini and tomatoes, and peppers, mmmm.

I'm Back!!!

Well I'm back, after a rather eventful flight and several broken planes (none of which was my fault). Suffice to say I was supposed to be home at 4:30, and at 3:30 was boarding a plane in Maine. :)

Anyway the trip was wonderful, Scott and I had a great time together and I got to see All Shook Up, and go to the opening night party. I got a lot of "hey your a red head, you must be Mary (hmm, what gave it away??)" I also got sets of instructions to do what I could to make him smile. Also apparently everyone thought I was pretty, so okay I guess. I also found out that I am down to a size 4 when I had to by new capris after ripping the one pair I brought with me (insert joke here). When the 6's were to big my response was "I've become one of those girls I hate, somebody feed me a cookie" We made do with ice cream. :)

I also god some knitting done, though not as much as I hopped, and most of it was done in the airport today. Why did none of you say I was taking on way to much?!?!? Also I found 2 of 3 yarn stores, the other was closed when I got there. And yes my visa took a slight hit.

So here we go!!

The Maine Statsh-
In the back 5.3oz of local top-wool roving, mmmm. Purples and greens all local sheep, combed, carded, and dyed. The green in front of that is tofutsies sock yarn, part soy-silk part super wash wool,supper yummy!! The purple next to that is Maizy sock yarn, by crystal palace, is %82 corn fiber how cool is that!! Next that, in case you haven't guessed, is NORO SOCK YARN (sense a theme). I couldn't resisit it, the colors were gorgeous, and the price cheaper then anywhere in Chicago I have found! Finally down in front is 2 skeins of Mirasol %100 baby llama in turquise. I have no idea what it will become, but it so soft and so gorgeous, and %50 goes to building schools in the Peru village the yarn comes from!















Lady Moss Mittens!! I started this right before I left. I bought the MC last summer for 3bucks a skein, and wasn't terribly fond of it. But with the roving in it I think it looks really pretty, and they are going to be so warm!! Kristen's pattern is super easy to follow, even on a turbulent plane!














And what I am calling my rainbow brite socks, first one done. My foot is resting on my suitcase in the airport, and you can see my big bag containing yarn, ipod, magazine, and purse on top of it. I think these are gonna be comfy socks once they are done

Vacation!!

So I leave tomorrow for Maine for a week, which
means I should be doing things other than blogging, like cleaning the litter boxes and packing. :) Instead I am uploading pictures and though I would share with you some things I am working on and taking with me.


First the little leaf lace scarf, made with malabrigo merlot lace weight yarn, yummmmmmmmm. I'm loving this yarn so very much, an doesn't the scarf look pretty? This is going into the random Christmas pile. I didn't have luck doing it on the train, so it will probably stay in the suitcase until I land in Maine.
















Second yummy top down bamboo yarn socks. These are for me, and will have one color cuff, heal and toe, and different main body parts, as I don't have enough of either color way to do a complete pair.
















Thirdly Lady Moss Mittens, from craft leftovers. I went stash diving for these materials, and they will be Jenni's Christmas present. She takes the CTA all winter long, so these will keep her fingers toasty!

















More socks!! These are sadly staying here, as I have run out of yarn and must wait for Yarn Tree house to deliver more. To be truthful I've needed to order yarn for about 3 weeks and kept forgetting, otherwise they would have been done long ago. I don't think Scott will wear wool socks in the summer anyway!!
















Finally the slouchy sweater Knit1 magazine. I love this pattern, and I am making it with Prairie Silk Jadded Moss colorway, soo pretty. FYI Lambs Pride is disconcontinuing the line, so get it while you can. I actually got it at the discounted price when I saw the flier come into the store, probably the cheapes silk sweater ever!! This too is staying home, as it is just to big to pack!!

















Well off to iron and watch the all star game. I have to pack everything for a week into a carry on, as I REFUSE to pay USAir 15 bucks to check my FIRST bag. I'm stubborn like that.


Exciting news on the job front. After losing all those jobs to men in theater (cuz ya know I'm missing some equipment) I've been offered a full time postion at a womens health clinic in Aurora!! This means full benni's for me and my partner, as they do domestic partner benefits, and a shorter commute, and regular pay. WOO HOO. However I will be floating, so I should still be on some late night trains home Pat. ;)

non-knitting party

I am having a fabulous karaoke party at the Spot in Chicago Weds. July 23!! Doors open at 8:00, mention my name and get discounted drinks all night (yes I am that special!). Also if you bring a canned good there is no cover charge. That's right folks, no cover, discounted drinks, 2 floors of karaoke, and me!! What more do you need for an evenings entertainment???

Feel free to bring friends and partners, the more the merrier. There is no cap on the number of people, though if you could give me a rough head count to pass along that would be great.

If you are talking mass transit the bar is right of the red line wilson stop, if you are driving the adress is 4437 N Broadway and there is lots of metered parking, as well as valet for $10 (validated if you party past 1).

I look forward to seeing all of you then!

frog pond

sadly I had to frog the sock. thans for all the advice, and especially Pat who was on the train with me when I finally got the sock on my foot. she convinced the lace looked streched (which it did) so I frogged the sock. now I just need to find the perfect pattern for this yarn that I love!

in happy news scott's socks are almost done, just working my way to the toe decrease! hopefully I don't run out of yarn.

I am also forcing myself to start weaving in ends for the yellow sweater.

non knitting news I had a great second interview with a local theater to be there production manager. it would be great if I got it so keep fingers crossed!

finish it or frog it?

So the Friday Harbor socks look great and I only have one lace repeat left, so I decided to try them on....

THEY WON'T GO OVER MY FOOT!!
So the question I pose to you is do I finish and hope that blocking will fix it(they are wool) or do I frog and make something else?

You decide do I frog or finish?

mary

my commute just got a whole lot better

I thought I was in trouble today when the train conductor came up to me and told me I need to move to the back of the train. He laughed at my face and made me move..

Turns out there was a group of ladies with pointy sticks back there!! That's right, there is a whole group of us riding the same train, all knitting away our commutes!! We have decided we are the late night knitters club, hehe. The conductor saw me working on my Friday Harbor socks and thought I would enjoy the company, he was right. :) I love this small small world!!

I have been so busy I haven't posted, between 2 jobs and my garden, plus keeping up the house, ahhh!!

still the cabled sweater I was working on is done except for the ends being woven in. I also have one of Scott's 2 socks done, and am turning the heal on my Friday harbor sock, woo hoo! I am not, repeat NOT allowed to start another project until at least one pair of socks is done!! I am trusting you guys to keep me to it!!

More later with pictures

PIctures as Promised

As promised pictures of the sweater with the new sleeves. Mom still hasn't tried it on yet, but they look a whole bunch better. I took out a good two inches.

















And after working so hard to re-do the sweater sleeves, I needed a little instant gratification, sooo.....Kitty Dishcloth!! Knit up in one afternoon, woo hoo.















And from the Sunday DeKalb Stitch and Bitch, what happens when you combine beer with the challenge to make the worlds smallest sombrero???
















hmm, hat or pastie?? you decide

FINISHED!!

I would just like to say that my mom's sweater is finished!! Pictures coming soon!

My Next goal is to get the Dahlia sweater finished by my friend Kristen's finishing/going away party on Friday. hmmm 2 days to finish a cabled skirt and sleeves, can I do it?

Just a quick one to say...

I only have three inches left to finish the sleeve on my mothers sweater!! It's been very discouraging having to re-do them, but thanks to my new addi-turbos I am almost there!!!

my views on liberal hippies, and myself

Well, it's official, my collegae hippie wardrobe is gone to the consignment shop. *sigh* It was time, I hadn't worn those shirts in years, and I really don't adheare to the "hippie" lifestyle anymore. Still no more long flowy sleeves (save one black one I kept for haloween). It's signifcant really, a material symbol of the emotial one I have been undergoing. And it got me thinking about hippies today, and how most of them are full of utter crap.

See I stil consdier myself a hippie, at least in my belifs of this country and our current president. However I'm the hippie I was, like I told my mom the other day, my hippie style has evolved, I no longer where loose flowy "earthy" clothes, sit around smoking pot and talk about what is wrong with the world, instead I wear chic stylish clothes, bought at a mall, don't smoke pot, and actually DO something to change the world.

Most hippies today sit around bitching about the economy, and who is in office. The complain about "the man", and "comercialism". They refuse to shopw in a real store, and consider me "cooproate" because I shop at New York and Company and Macy's. They of course only shop at thrift stores, and not upscale one's like mine either. See we carry designer lables, like Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor, Coach, and Prada!! They take all the money they save by not buying nice clothes and spend it on weed. Then they get to high and sit around talking, but because they are high all the time they never actually do anything!!

Now I may be "coorprate". I may wear shoes with heels, high one's at that. I may wear dresses, and slacks that cost more then 10 dollars, and actually have a name on them. I may carry a kate spade purse because it looks cute and can carry all I lug with me everywhere. I do weare product in my hair by Fekai, perfumes and make-up, and yes I work for "the man" as opposed to indie theater. However I also fight for the causes I belive in. I get done with a ten hour day, and then I go and canvas my neighborhood and ask people to vote for my canaditie. I get one day off and I spend it at the clinic, helping women who are exercising their right to not have a baby get past the zealots who would stop them. I am able to give funds sometimes to charities and causes I belive in, because I work and don't get high all the time!!

So who is the really hippie here, who is the one who most embodies what the original hippies started? The one who does nothing, or the one who works for change? The one who sits home, or the one who marches on the city concil meeting with 300 other people? The one who says nothing to her congressman ever, or the one who walked door to door to make the difference of 5 points to get her canadite elected? Yes the orginal hippies were about being close to the earth, free love, and yes drugs, but they didn't sacrifce change at the alter of sex and drugs. So to all you modern day hippies who do nothing, drop the name, you are nothing but a bunch of dirty stoners who can't hold a job. When you are ready to play with the big kids and make change come talk to me.

-ciao
Maria

all about the pictures!!

You know it's been a bad week when these come out of my oven. Sarah and Abbey I have eaten some for you guys too!!



This is the sweater I am working on for the store. It doesn't look like much yet, but I am enjoying making it.

The socks with Kristin's yummy yarn. you can order your own here. I highly recommend it, colors are gorgeous and it knits like a dream. Also she's a friend of mine, and I want her to do well. :)

Ahh spinning!! Here is the churo on my drop spindle, after I have plyed it. I measured it out to be 20.5 yards of double ply, and I haven't finished the first 4 ounces yet. The best part is, it looks like yarn!!
And your middle of the week happy. How to keep your cat fluffy!!

and 1 month later

I do believe it has been about a month since I blogged. In my defense I do have 3 to keep up with. You my knitting friends, one for my close high school/college friends, and one for professional networking. Add in working 3 jobs, keeping with the house, cats, newspapers, and magazines, well it just doesn't happen. So the highlights of the of last month. (sorry no pictures today)

Let's start with knitting:
Mom's Sweater-she tried it on and the underarms are huge!! So I painfully brought it home where I am now re-doing the first sleeve ( I could only bring myself to rip one out at a time). Because I didn't want to do it right away, I did what any sane person would do:

I cast on a pair of socks! My friend Kristin dyes this really yummy sock yarn, and I am doing it in the Friday Harbor Pattern from Knitting on the Road. It is going quite fast and is keeping me interested.

I also started spinning, well started again really. I had tried to learn this summer and just bombed. So last month some friends and I trecked down to Esther's Place where we all took a drop spindle class. I came home hooked, it having clicked this time. I also came home with 8oz of Churo and 4oz of brown Alpaca to spin. The Alpaca is my goal fiber, mmmmmmmmmm. It's a fun hobby all the family can enjoy, including the cats. Bombuls pulled out the drop spindle from my bag to the middle of the room, plus a next of pre-drafted fiber. I took back the spindle, she got to keep the roving.

Other news:
I started a new day job after it became clear the "hiatus" from my 7over7 was becoming permanent. I needed something flexible enough to allow me to do theater, so while it doesn't pay as much I have joined the team at my LYS and Consignment shop.

I opened Syliva, which is a great comedy about a dog. However there is adult language, so not a family show. The worst two scenes are when she see's a cat, and when she is in heat. I won't go into details, but if you are in the Chicago area let me know!!

My crown seems to have taken well. At least I can eat with out massive amounts of pain.

Easter weekend was fun. My college roommate and her boyfriend Nick were down looking at apartments in Chicago, so the 4 of us got to hang out and catch up. It was nice to catch up with an old friend, I so can't wait till she is closer!!

hmm, I should probably post more often so my posts are shorter! well hope you enjoyed the latest installment!! Pictures to come soon, promise

-peace

finished knitted item week!!

Well this has been the week for me to get some things done, that is for sure.

First I finished the Weasly sweater for Mom, very excited. It is made from the Charmed Knits book on size 9 needles with cascade 220.
I think I did good for my first sweater!!


Seondly I finished my socks, and before the 1 year mark!! I wore them today for the first time, woo hoo!! Quite comfortable I might add. Blocking really saved me on these, as the heal on the left one doesn't quite line up. They are a basic stockinette stitch, short row heal, made from the toe up.


I finished up some cat toys for the local shelter. A great way to use up scrap yarn I might add!!

I made my friend Abbey an Entwined scarf like myself, but didn't get a picture. Finished that on the train up to GR. Again Cascade 220.

I also got half way through the cats shelf blanket and cast on a hat for Scott.

I do so love when rehearsal get's canceled due to weather. :D

Whew what a week

Seems like everything that could go wrong this week did. My car had to go to the shop for mis-fire in the engine, my AD's aunt died so she went out of town while the director is in LA, I fell and slammed my skull on the ice, and today I found out I cracked a tooth and need a crown!!

tomorrow retail therapy at the LYS. %20 off sale, once a year!!

I also got lots done this week it seems. I finished some cat toys for my local shelter, and am seaming up my mom's sweater. It looks really good, I will post pictures when it is done. Or go check out my ravelry page.

I also got some really yummy loose leaf tea, which I am drinking now. My friend Kristin makes reuseable tea bags. I bought a couple and picked them up at the LYS. She gave me some yummy tea to drink with it to because they were a little late.

I am considering taking a spinng class with Kristin as well later in the month. I think it can be a lot of fun!!

Oh my friend Allia introduced me to this yummy restraunt called the Chicago Diner. It is yummy diner food that is all vegetarian and vegan! Makes me really happy!!

Kay I am done rambling now (hence the name of the blog). I will post pictures when I get around to taking them.

hat to small

Well I thought that since I am now standing outside the clinic for 4 hours week, and winter is full on here in Chicago I needed a hat I liked. So I made what I thought was a slouchy big beret (according to the pattern), and I liked the style of it. It knit up easy in just a few days, the only problem was the pattern got messed up near the end. It was an easy adjustment, mainly in row count. Well it turns out this hat would be a super slouchy hat for a child, and beanie on my adult freakishly large head. Hence it is modeled on the penguin below.

2008

I just want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Hope 2008 is a s good (or maybe better) then 2007