Just a Pinch of Sage

I know it's been awhile since I've posted any spinning projects, but the answer is Yes! I have been spinning. Certainly not as often as I would prefer, but not letting dust settle on the wheel either;)

Couple weeks back I posted about my latest Merino blend in a lovely Sage color. What I was most delighted about was the other color streaks that run throughout the green. A little canary yellow, a punch of cranberry red and was totally surprised to see a bright cyan in the mix.

I finally filled two bobbins and then on a spur of the moment thing, plied them up. I'm still pretty new at this whole spinning thing, but learning as I go. I never really understood how you can fill two bobbins with the same amount...and then of course the light bulb went off while spinning with Lady A. It's really as simple as dividing them up equally in the beginning before you even start spinning. Well Duh!

Gosh, She's Got A Big Head

Just wanted to say thank you for all your suggestions on creepy Big Guy. We had quite a laundry list of ideas at last nights SnB of how to handle this man in the future. For now, I will sit in another part of the train...I'm not big on confrontation. I do want to say, if by some chance I forget about this man and find myself in this predicament again, I can surly say that he'll have a very bad experience on his way home;)

Do you want some knitting news? Of course you do. The Fulmar is not in time-out nor in jail, but just on vacation for a spell. I don't want to burn myself out on this tremendous project, so little things in between are super nice.

I did want to bring up the damn Sahara...lovely silky Sahara. I'm not pleased with my increases for the waist shaping and will rip back some 20 rows to redo them. No big deal, but I just don't want to. Ya know? The only projects I really want to knit are things I don't have to fix. I'm sure once I rib back all will be okay, but I can't muster the will.

I do have a couple of pictures of my little stinker making a fuss. The hat was actually finished and done...we're talking ends woven in done. Placed hat on Mac and it shot off her top like a rocket. My husband walks away and states "she's got the Carlson head" ... I then yell after him, Hey! It's all hair...besides, it just means a big brain.

All I wanted was a clear, smiley progress shot of the Koolhass Hat and this is what I got:



Don't mention sticky toes while doing a photo shoot...you get toes coming at you.



She then refused to take another picture unless she could stick her tongue out. Oh the joys to be three.

Change in Plans

I think it’s time to change a habit. Why do you ask? It has to do with another person who has fallen into my routine and I don’t care for it. This person was once just some random commuter who is apart of my train ventures. Until about a month ago. I will now forever call him Big Guy. I know I really should have gotten creative with the name, but it’s really not worth my time at this point.

I was even tempted to take a photo of him to warn all those who commute, but I figured with his big stature and all I don’t think I would get away with it. The best I can do is a sketch.



All right...it goes back several weeks. Now I’m sure you can imagine a very busy rush hour train, right? Well, since I board the train at the first stop I can usually grab a window seat, but once we get to the next stop the remaining seats get occupied very quickly. The first time Big Guy sat with me, I just was completely discussed. There are very distinct lines that divide the double seats and he is clearly not noticing these. Obviously by his name you can pretty much guess he is Big. Now, when I mean BIG I don’t mean FAT. Although he might have some pounds to shed...that’s not the visual I’m looking for...No....this guy is just very large. He must stand close to 6 ft 7 something...and weighs perhaps 230. He sits down with his overstuffed winter coat and furry fox hat, then proceeds to open his briefcase and pull out reading material.

I am always curious as to what people find for entertainment on these 45 minutes stretches between work and home. I would say it's mostly split between sleeping and reading. If someone sits next to me I usually check out what they're reading. Is if for pleasure or purpose? This guy? I can't seem to decipher his taste. I've seen everything from Economic Review to Market Analysis charts.

Well, the really nitty-gritty of it all is he is smothering me. I'm certainly not a small woman, but good God! I keep my elbows firmly to my body, not slid back all way where I could poke him with an elbow or needle. Although I've thought about doing that. Imagine if you will your sitting there knitting away and all of a sudden you have this pressure. You become very stiff and feel lodged between Big Guy and Train Window. This certainly does not make for good knitting time. I adjust my self in the seat which involves me moving as far to the window as possible. Yet, his man is not done. He proceeds to undo his coat, so now I not only have Big Guy smashing me, I have his hot down feather coat laying on me to make things worse. I couldn't take it and after a while of him twitching in his seat, I excused myself and move to a different part of the train.

Since that day, he has made a point of sitting with me every time I sit in my favorite part of the train. I'm done. I think it's time to start a new routine. Unless perhaps anyone has any suggestions as to getting rid of this bloke.

A Post For The Senses

Okay, can I just say I'm totally in love right now. This hat is fun, fast and fabulous. I'll totally make one for me and when I get the chance. Because I'm using a different yarn I had to do a little knitting math to make sure this would fit on Miss Mac.



So, now that I've given you something for your eyes, how about for your mouth?

Have you ever been in a situation where you were pressed for time but wanted to spend any spare moment you did have with loved ones? Or, have you ever been to up late and completely frustrated as to ideas for breakfast or just to tired? Well, here I bring you the perfect solution. I make this for Christmas morning, Fathers Day or even perhaps for a Bridal Shower.

Baked French Toast

1 loaf French bread
8 large eggs
2 cups Half-n-Half
1 cup milk
2 tbs sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Topping:
2 sticks butter (room temp)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tbs light corn syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Slice bread into 1 inch thick slices. Overlap slices into a 9x13 baking dish. Combine eggs, half-n-half, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and beat well. Pour over bread evenly coating slices. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning pre-heat oven to 350. Combine all topping ingredients into a bowl and blend well. Evenly spread over bread and bake for 40 minutes. yummmm!

How Many?

Thanksgiving is always a good time in my house. I love to cook and I love to feed people. Thus the reason for my Getting Skinny for Stash, but I digress. For years I've always invited the whole family out to sit at my table and feast. I only really cook this way once a year, but I truly enjoy it. My husband and son get dibs on what dishes they want, and that hasn't changed. What has changed is that this year I didn't invite ANYONE. Guess what happened? It back fired on me. Yep, I prepared a meal to feed 6 with plenty of leftovers to last a week and ended up with 12 guests.



Lucky I hid that extra pumpkin pie, other wise that would have been crumbs too. I think I have enough turkey to make some yummy chicken soup.. yep, a carcass is all I have. I do want to say that I'm ever so thankful to have family to sit and eat with. I'm thankful that I they have brought a very memorable dinner for all invited. I'm thankful for all my knit, blog, and Ravelry buddies out there. I hope you all had a full-tummy kind of day.

On the knitting front I did get to finish the second skein and pulled out another one for Fulmar.



We did have a small yarn crawl scheduled for today, but as holiday turkey has a way of turning even the most loved knitter comatose, we settled for a meet up at Nana's Black Friday meet up. This is my newest project...and it's not for me.



A fellow Ravelry member posted the most adorable toddler version of this cute pattern from Interweave Holiday Knits. I'm hoping to modify the pattern for Mac. Pink and Purple Debbie Bliss...super soft and yummy.

36 Days

How is that possible? Only 36 days till until this whole holiday crap ends.... oops! did I say that. I think I'm turning into Scrooge? maybe...just maybe if the toy companies would stop showing The Best Toy Ever commercials on TV I might not be going insane. It is insanely cute that Miss Mac's favorite song is Santa is Coming to Town. I've got to remember to video tape her singing the song, you'll be off your rocker in tears.

No knitting progress shots for you. Spent the week doing everything but knitting. Luckily I've got only two work days and then it's all about the Turkey. Wednesday will be all about pies and prepping for Thursday. I'm totally psyched about Black Friday. The gals and I are doing a yarn crawl! I'm hoping to get in some photos of our exciting day as this is also Outlaw Knitters Day.

Some other awesome knitting news is that I'm the lucky winner of Claudia's
random book giveaway and have a copy coming my way of the Clara Parkes' book "The Knitter's Book of Yarn". How completely cool is that? If you haven't visited Claudia's blog, do so. Her photos are stunning and on more then one occasion received much needed knitting tips and tricks.

Only other news I have to post is on the Twins. They are just over a month old and doing well. Mom has reported that the introduction of the bottle is going smooth and they've both gained some weight. When they were first born, baby boy Tyrin weighed in at 2 lbs 8 oz and baby girl Nanaidia was 2 lbs 6 oz. The little girl is now passed her brother and is showing the best signs of improvement at 3 lbs 8 oz and the boy is weighing in at 3 lbs.

Since I hate to post without pictures, I give you silly faces to brighten your Monday:

Any Guesses?

At last nights Stitch 'n Bitch, we were all noticing the increasing size of a certain soon-to-be mommy belly.

Mrs Froebe is due December 12. Yes, only four more weeks to go. All the mommies out there are putting out the huge sigh. We all understand. It's the longest part of the pregnancy. Each day. Each hour. Each minute seems longer then the next.

After much discussing over when she'll pop...we all started to yell out dates. Here is a list of those who wish to poll there opinions. There listed in the order of the guessed dates.

• I'm putting my bet on November 25th
• MB has December 1st
• Karen has December 5th (3:30 am, 7lbs 14oz 19in)
  
• Bethany has December 6th
• Linda has December 7th
• Nancy has December 8th
• Wren has December 9th
• A:) has December 12th
  
• Mo has December 15th
  

Anyone else want to throw there date into the poll? (I'll update if you comment) I should have taken a belly picture, but this will have to do:



She was calculated at 12.5 TP sheets back in October, so I'm sure she's gone up at least a half sheet;)

FO: Merino-Noro Mits

I really can't get over how quickly these knit up. They were so quick that I haven't even blogged about them yet. I might have mentioned some time ago that I had spun up some gorgeous merino cross wool couple months back, but never really showcased it. Anywho... last week we hit a cold snap and I was really regretting not having something on my hands. With the Noro Wrap finished I had a good part of a skein left over and decided to use it for this project.



Pattern: My own (made it up, really)

Yarn: Merino handspun doubled with Noro Silk Garden

Needles: US 5

Start Date: November 10, 2007

End Date: November 12, 2007

Comments: Started by getting my gauge numbers and then measuring the widest part of my hand. Did some small knitting math and came up with 36 stitches (which divides nicely on 3 dpn's). The whole mit is worked k1, p1 which allows for a nice give and tight hug when needed. The cuffs and fingers sections are done with single merino but the main palm is doubled with the Noro. These will do nicely to keep my hands warm and toasty.

A Beautiful Blend

On Saturday, Miss A from Knit and Run invited me over for a little afternoon of spinning. I was very happy to discover another spinner and so close to home...gosh, just minutes from my front steps.

I was amazed to discover that she is also a very new spinner like me. I bought my wheel at The Fold back in May and she followed suite about month later. Miss A has also experienced several spinning classes, which I'm hoping to do in the future. So, while I was there I learned some great tips and tricks but most of all she got the spin bug back in me. Thank you Miss A...I really did enjoy the afternoon...and it just wasn't the plate of cookies that did it;)



This is the Sage Merino Blend I worked on that afternoon. It's turning out quite lovely and can't wait to get another bobbin going.

What Have I Been Up Too?

I've started a new project if you've been paying close attention to my side progress bars. This is a hint for the little project for Miss Mac:



I love toes;)

Plus, I'm cheep...so cheep that when I first started to knit socks on two circ's I bought the longest length that the Addi Turbo's came in. I figured if I was purchasing two needles at $15 bucks each, they better be able to do more then knit socks. Well, I've never used them for anything else but socks and I can't stand the length. The cords get in the way and I was to the point that I never want to knit another pair of socks with them again.

Well that didn't last to long, but I still hate them. I will eventually purchase some Knit Picks 24 inch circ's, but seeing that I'm saving verse spending...I took the pair off two circ's and Magic Looped them on one needle. Fabulous! Now I can knit four socks with these two needles. Oh my, just think... two different socks on the needles at the same time....watch out.

Here is the baby twins of my Half Blood Prince socks. Pretty close to the heals on these.

See Me Blush

Mrs. H of I Like Yarn has given me the Yarn Ball Of Bloggy Excellence. I'm speechless. I've enjoyed reading her blog for sometime now and just recently she has dived into the Podcast arena. What an amazing and huge undertaking to put yourself out there. If you get a chance, go listen in and you wont be disappointed. She reviews books, gives updates on her current projects and talks about interesting blogs.

Thanks Mrs. H. Keep up the great work.

She Started It!

I swear it wasn't me. It's all Her Fault. But I certainly wont say I'm not loving the Fulmar Knit-Along. Knitterary and I got to compare our Fulmar's at the last SnB and it truly is something amazing.



I think the Fulmar has some secrete thing happening...just look at those grins. Half the time when I pause to look over the cables, I think to my self ...Wow, I did that.

My camera stinks and when I tried to take pictures of a side-by-side the colors were just screaming and combined with bad lighting...oy.



While out during lunch I took a daylight picture to really show off the cables...ah, much better.

FO: Noro Wrap

Pattern: Ponchette by Bonnie Knits from the Knitting Pattern A Day Calendar 2007

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden

Needles: US 10

Start Date: October 12, 2007

End Date: November 6, 2007

Comments: The pattern called for Noro Iro, which is a bulky weight yarn. I feel in love with the Silk Garden and figured I'd go with that instead. The pattern had first caught my interest because it recommended only 2 balls. I ended up dipping into a 4th ball and in general would recommend 4 balls for this project. The results of picking a different yarn and needle size also adjusted the cast-on...trickle effect. I recommend doing a quick gauge swatch just to get a ball park figure. The rib allows for plenty of give, but you don't want this sucker to be to tight or too loose. I then measured the area around my shoulders and came up with my cast-on from there.

The pattern is easy and fast, the yarn is super yummy...can't lose.

Oh My Yoga

Have you ever let your body get so far out of shape that when you start to get back into the groove...and do something as easy and non-stressful as yoga...you're whole body goes into shock? Today people...my toes hurt. How the hell does every muscle ache even down in my toes?

When I got home... I discovered the Interweave Knits had arrived, so of course I had to snuggle in bed with my new socks and the newest Winter magazine. I'm not exactly thrilled with the selection of patterns, but some big highlights are the Ivy League Vest (designed by Eunny Jang - well, duh!), the Celtic Tote (cuz' I love cables), the Bonbon Pullover is growing on me.



I knew I needed to get some pictures taken of my works in progress and without any daylight in the evenings and Miss Mac all underfoot...it' slightly difficult. She is such a big helper, gosh I love this age.



With her holding the Fulmar it looks so much bigger. I have know idea what she's doing, but she found this photo shoot hilarious. I guess sticking your tongue out in pictures is the coolest thing to a 3-year old.

One of my other on going projects is this very simple Noro Wrap. It's my mindless knitting project for TV watching...yeah, speaking of TV shows...did you watch Heroes last night...OMG!!! I love this show! moving on...here is Miss Mac showing off the wrap...I'm on the decreases now, so soon I'll have a finished object to show off.



That's all for now...go knit.

FO: Half Blood Prince Socks

Pattern: Two Socks, Toe Up, on Two Circ's
Yarn: Mackintosh Yarns in the Half Blood Prince colorway
Needles: US 1
Start Date: October 15, 2007
End Date: October 31, 2007
Comments: The yarn turned out really squishy on the size 1's. I've gotten to the point where my socks are pretty mindless. I cast-on for a 64 stitch sock and always get something wonderful...maybe it's just luck.

What Was I Thinking?

Dear Self,

I noticed you started a "lifestyle" change that you want to call Getting Skinny for Stash, but are you truly motivated to get this done? Are you committed to sticking to changes and really seeing this goal is met?

Have you been drinking your water? Watching the portions? Getting any exercise? Because I don't see you stepping on that lame scale, to see if you've lost anything. So far you've lost one pound (that I know of) and I'm kinda concerned that you're not putting your heart into it.

So, I've decided to put a fire under your big butt. I've signed up for the Blue Moon Fibers Sock Club '08. Yes, your reading this right. You no longer have a untangle date as to when you need to meet your goal. You have till the end of the year. So how do you like them apples?

Noooo, don't start to panic. Calm down. I'm not expecting you to loose 20 lbs in under two months...that's just crazy talk. The main goal was to earn enough cash to increase your stash. (hey don't look at me like that) I figured out if you get 30 minutes of activity 5 days a week, you'll earn $1.50 a week, which is $6 a month...so really you only need to loose 8 lbs to get to a $20 skein of yummy yarn. Yes, I know we had these big ideas of loosing super amounts of weight and yes we are ultimately going for more weight loss then 8 lbs...but shit happens.

Now get your butt up, yes that means get off Ravelry, stay away from the Knit Picks catalog...now go for a walk.

Hugs 'n Low Fat Cookies,
Self

Post Halloween Sugar High

I am so happy that today is the day after Halloween. I usually love this holiday, but Eric wasn't into it this year and he even announced that he wont be participating next year. Hummmm, bummer.

I do have great shots of the kids, which I'm sure that's all you want to see...I had the kids do a quick photo shoot of them with their SCARY (remember to include a growl...that's how Mac likes it) pumpkins.



Then for tricks-n-treats little Mac was Tigger.



Now, considering that last year she made it to only 3 houses, I knew she would break that record and I stopped counting after 9. By the end of the night Her Thomas candy bucket was filled and heavy. Do you want to know how I know this...well, let me show this picture first.



Oh yeah...the little princes was carried around the neighborhood on Grandpa's shoulders, while I carried her heavy bucket. sigh.


~:: Fulmar Update ::~

I'm on my second yarn cake! Here is the progress so far:



I'm seriously LOVIN' it!! I was such an Outlaw Knitter on my train ride home...I managed to do a spit splice during rush hour.