Jan 7, 2009

I Quit This Life

No really, I'm sick of my job. And I've only been working there for a a little more than a month. We're not even going to discuss it. Anymore.

My New Year's Resolutions...the ones I made anyways, are


  • Of course, not to start any new projects until I finish (or otherwise take care of) all my UFOs
  • When I start new projects I will maintain only three WIPs at a time, one pair of plain socks to carry around, a gift for someone else (starting my Christmas knitting early this year), and something selfish.
  • Blog more. Like once a week...or even a month.
  • Check my bloglines more, also once a week.
  • Try not to overreact when my husband upsets me.
  • Actually, try not to overreact when anything upsets me.


We'll see how long any of these last. I've got a gift certificate to the LYS, brand new yarn from my birthday that's itching to be cast-on, and loads of stress that needs to be soothed by the feel of new and yummy yarns between my fingers. Oh...and I really want to make those Bijouterie from Knitty, it couldn't take that long. Generally I find that maintaining resolutions is to make short term goals, and plans on how I am going to achieve these things. So far all I've got are: Inventory my UFOs (thank you Ravelry!) and frog anything I won't finish, then make a priority list. How long has that been sitting? Really, a year? Ugh...guess I should do that first. Prioritize/reorganize my Rav queue. That may not be so easy. I'm thinking I'll write them all down on a sheet of paper (or two), cut it into strips and reorganize it there first. May actually be easier.

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Jan 8, 2008

No Resolution

This is Why 019I decided I'm not doing resolutions this year. Why make a list of all of the things I hate about myself, only to still be just me? Maybe I improve one little thing, like taking over the finances, or doing laundry more often. In the long run...it's really not helpful to me. When something becomes a problem, I fix it. I like things that way and don't need to point out all of my faults, then stress about how I'm not keeping my resolutions. The closest thing I have, is that I refuse to cast on any new projects till all of my UFOs are either frogged or FO'ed. Which is actually more of a goal than a resolution. I just want to enjoy this year, last year really seemed to be tough, there were definite good things that happened. Ups and downs like every other year.

This is Why 009This year was definitely a good year knitting-wise. Though, I haven't been knitting for very long. Participated in some swaps, met up with awesome knitters, finished a lot of projects. Tried a few new things. Look at those finished objects! It makes me feel rather productive. But was I a fearless knitter? I'm sure some of you read the Knitting Daily.

How about you? Did you Knit Fearlessly?
I like to think I did, the knitters at my LYS say I'm a challenge oriented knitter, and are always impressed by the way I jump into projects.

What would you knit in 2008 if you were really the knitter you've always dreamed of being?
A shawl. Actually, several shawls, some lightweight lacy ones, maybe a simple worsted one. Functional knits. Things that I would wear more than look at. More gifts.

Here's some things to think about:

• Is there something you haven't tried because it seems Too Scary?
Hm. Not really. No shawls, not because they are "too scary", but because of my fear of becoming bored and abandoning them. So, a fear of commitment?

• Is there a technique you want to learn, or learn to do more skillfully?
Color-work. I'm not 100% pleased with the way my stranding looks.Beading? I guess. Seaming.

• Is there something that stumps you?
Um...nope. I've always been able to figure things out, even if I need help to do it.

Will and Crazies 01• Is there something that you are dying to try, in your secret knitter's heart, but haven't dared because you think you're not a good enough knitter?
I guess I am a fearless knitter, I've never shied away from a pattern or project because I didn't think I could do it. However, spinning on the other hand...I want to spin enough balanced/consistent yarn to knit a sweater.

• Are you always knitting The Same Old Things, and you'd like to try something new?
For awhile it was socks, socks, socks. However, I think I've really expanded my repertoire, as it were. Even learned to crochet a bit!

• Do you always knit for others, and never for yourself? Or perhaps you only knit yourself accessories, but never a lovely cardigan or pullover to wear?
Actually, I'm a selfish knitter. Occasionally I knit for others.... I'm not sure that makes me a fearless knitter. It might be indicative of the opposite. I'm afraid that the beloved knitting will end up at the bottom of someone else's closet and go unappreciated.

Joel Hat


So, I think I might be a fearless knitter...but my confidence in other areas is lacking. Note to self: work on being a fearless crocheter and spinner. :) I've posted random pictures of my weekend and all throughout.

more hair 003

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Jan 16, 2007

No Sleep Til Breakfast!

What? No, that's lying. I am totally going to sleep. We're not going to talk about how tired I am, or how Justin is already back from work and in bed, or how he had to kick me off the couch this morning.

We will talk about socks. I stopped working on the swap sock for now, at least until I can get a new set of DPNs. Don't wanna push my luck. Besides that, I'm awfully excited to finish both of my Harley Quinn socks. The first one has been blocked and I'm on the gusset of the second one. I got an entire set of the 16 row pattern repeat finished while waiting for my stupid old computer to load pages. Is that ridiculous or what? Good thing Justin got home kinda early.

Oh, let me detail the happenings of this past weekend. Alright, Friday I was knitting waiting at Pass and ID when this gentleman comes in. He asked me if I was knitting and if that was how you had to make a tube (referring to my DPNs). Thus began a lovely conversation about knitting, spinning, and Civil War reenacting. Until, of course, more people began to show. I believe he was a bit embarrassed to talk about it in front of "muggles"*. It was nice because I like to talk to people about my knitting, especially when they can share or understand. Later Friday night I went out with Tyler and some of his friends for his birthday. Which is today (meaning Monday) actually. To prove that I was a geek, despite the way I looked, I pulled out the socks that were currently OTN. hehe

Saturday was a lazy day. The argument over the computer was silly, what happened was this:
I was using the computer.
Justin needed it for "a second".
I handed it over, he does this for me countless times when I need to check patterns and things that I have stupidly not yet printed out.
He brought up the link to play WoW.
I freaked out.

He insists that his intentions were pure. I still have my doubts. Anyways, the needle was broken while I was in the middle of the heel flap! Ugh. Not that I didn't know it would happen. Actually, I had specifically switched my working needle with the fifth and unused needle because it felt too weak already. Which means, with one broken I had to substitute a needle of questionable strength. Blah. I'm hoping to finish these before Project Spectrum starts. Though I'm sure I will. Psht. I still have what, 15 days or so of the month left? That's two weeks. Yep, I've got this on lock. lol

Right now I am still staring at the IK subscription page. I have to ask hubby if I can at least buy the Winter 06 issue. Seriously. This is bad. Not like I don't have enough on my plate. Those Old World Booties would be perfect for Renfaires. I want to make a pair for each of the boys and for Mali's daughter.

Tomorrow I will print out the patterns I will be needing for the months of Feb/March. Other things I've been thinking about are: removing my whole KFYS thing and replacing it with a Enhance your Stash! button. Gotta use the paint or something on my old comp though. Maybe find someone with PS or Paint to make one? Not only am I giving up on knitting from my stash, but have decided to flash my (miniscule) stash with pride! I will still be using my stash as much as is possible, but I am happy with who I am. I'm a packrat, a stasher, a knitter who LOVES yarn. It's wonderful being me. More so, I'm focusing on trying new things than using my yarn. That should be my resolution regarding knitting, knit my first sweater, do colorwork, some lace, a shawl, more cables, new techniques...etc. You get the idea. Joining the Sweater a Month KAL. I could do this...couldn't I? No. Maybe. UGH! I dunno. But I probably have at least twelve sweater patterns I want to knit right now. Or what if I just try for one every two months? My raglan for Feb/March, Tubey for April/May (unless you want to count that lace cropped tee, but it says tee in the name), Would Mom's top count for June/July? Probably not. Okay, well Justin's for Aug/Sep. As my crowning acheivement I'd like to do that Spinal sweater thing (look on the sidebar okay) for Nov/Dec. Yes, I know that leaves out a month or two. October can be used to knit gifts or as a break. How about that chunky Eskimo pullover for June/July? It should knit up fast. And it will be ready for autumn and winter. If we have one next year.


*I hate the use of this terminology to refer to people who are non-knitters/crafters. The people that do not understand that, just because I carry yarn and needles in my purse everywhere I go does NOT make me a dork. However, I cannot think of anything better to use. Let me know if you do?

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Dec 31, 2006

Knit in the New Year

Okay, so I've decided I don't want to necessarily bore you with my New Year's resolutions. Especially because it was four pages handwritten, two typed.

I do want to tell you I have started the second Thuja sock. Only on the toe though, because I ripped it out a couple of times. For some reason I just wasn't liking the way it looked, and once when I got all of the increases done and was about to start knitting around, I realized I'd forgotten a whole set of increases on one side. D'oh!

You know, I realized today, as I started the toe of Justin's second Thuja sock for the third time, I am somewhat of a sock knitting anomaly. I like using DPNs. I like knitting both socks one at a time (unless I'm doing endless rounds of stockinette). I love grafting sock toes. Magic-loop. Yep. I want to try extreme sock knitting, colorwork, and argyle. The only things I'm not fond of? Trying to knit flat socks (seaming? ew) and using two circs. Gimme sock yarn, tons and tons of it. All colors and brands. I whipped out the Hedera socks in (essentially) 10 days. Had it not been for all the craziness with the Thuja socks, they would have been finished in a week.

Slowly I'm working through all of my projects until the only one left is that top for my mom. *sigh* I will NOT cast on any more projects until it's complete. I suppose that should be a resolution too huh? lol

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Kitty's Story


Vintage 008

First, I must confess my name isn't Kitty, or anything even close. It just comes from an affinity for cats. Second, I love to craft, create, and imagine. I can draw a bit, knit a lot, and sew just enough to get by. My world revolves around the loves of my life; my three children. Anything more you want to know about me is on Ravelry or check me out on FB!

Crystal Shadrick

Create Your Badge

*Disclaimer!* I'm totally crazy. The patterns I offer are often variations of other patterns, things I have reverse engineered. I don't claim to be wonderful and smart and an all-knowing designer. So enjoy them!.

LINK ME!
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The Drawing of the Three - Stephen King


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Wheel:
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FOs 2006
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UFOs

Skating Sweater
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Harlequin Entrelac socks
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