Knit Picky: April 2007
 


"properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit...
 and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either."
~elizabeth zimmerman

Wednesday, April 11, 2007
2 comments
Overcommitted? Not me!

So I've joined the Hogwart's Sock Swap. I need another swap like I need (another) hole in the head (see dental dramas below), but it's for Hogwarts! A Harry Potter theme!

There was no way that I was going to miss it if I could make it in. And I did! Barely. I was #99 to sign up. Gulp!

Below is the questionnaire for my witch or wizard pal, so that he/she can get to know a little more about me and my sock quirks. And if you're reading this secret magical pal--thanks in advance for what is sure to be a wonderful experience!

Hogwarts Sock Swap Questionnaire

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
The greatest, most fabulous one there is--Gryffindor! Along with HP himself and my husband The Boy (what? we love the books and have taken the quiz before!)

2. Shoe size?
US women's 9

3. Foot Length?
From the tip of my big toe, to the back of my heel is precisely 10"

4. Foot Circumference?
A comfortable 9"

5. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.

a. 6" Crystal Palace bamboo--I don't really use anything else on a regular basis

b. I like the flexibility of the 5" Bryspun plastics, but only used them once, last year when traveling to the UK (airline restrictions being what they are, and without access to floo powder, a reliable broomstick or a usable portkey--sadly I don't even possess the ability to apparate yet!).

c. ...hmmm. I've never tried anything else. The only one I don't particularly like is Clover brand because they are so bendy that I feel as though they will snap at any moment.

6. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
I would love to! I prefer the warmth of wood dpns. I have always wanted to try the ebony or rosewood needles. Longer than 6" seems to be too fiddly for me. I've never knit with anything smaller than a 1 (of which I have one set of CP dpns), so maybe it's time to try that? My favorites are size US2.

7. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?
This doesn't apply to me, but I would love to see what both options look like knit up!

8. Are you willing to have an international Hogwarts Sock Pal?
For sure!

That does it for the questionnaire, but I hope that my secret magical pal will email me with any questions that I haven't answered. Can't wait to get started!


posted by Stephanie at 4:12 PM

Tuesday, April 10, 2007
2 comments
I Knew It!

Want to Get Sorted?

I'm a Gryffindor!

posted by Stephanie at 5:24 PM

Monday, April 09, 2007
2 comments
Dear Toe Up Socks,

As of yesterday afternoon, I hated you. I loathed you with the white hot passion reserved for moths and the current presidential administration.

When I stuffed you in your yarntainer and threw you across the room after two weeks and several thousand attempts to make you work, it was with the intention of never, ever setting my poor blighted eyes upon you again.

I despised you for your complicated process, the twitch in my eye, the hot, seething rage, and my complete and utter inability to wrap my head (har har) around your stupid short rows of which we will speak no more.

However. As of last night, you are my friend. I love your Easy Toe. Your Easy Toe that made sense to me, even at midnight. I love your simplicity and straightforwardness and how I can now totally see myself using you over and over.

I don't know why, after casting on and ripping and ripping and casting on ad nauseaum that it didn't occur to me to consider your possible majesty. Instead I let myself be led astray by the words of others that those dratted toes that shall not be named were better. I was so very wrong. Their vileness even tainted the needles with which I worked, and thus you got fresh, happy new needles with which to work.

Easy Toe -- You Complete Me.

Short Row Toe -- You Are Dead To Me.


posted by Stephanie at 3:53 PM

Friday, April 06, 2007
5 comments
Sometimes It Really Does Feel Like a Dilbert World

My co-worker just left for vacation. I overheard him leaving his out-of-office message on his phone, "I will be out of the country..."

He's going to Hawaii.

It's on his email out-of-office, too.

OHMYGOD.


posted by Stephanie at 5:14 PM

Tuesday, April 03, 2007
1 comments
Just Passing Thru

Sorry to disappear after that last post. I caught the dreaded crud going around campus and was out of work Thursday, and Friday was a holiday for the University. And now I'm playing catch up for being off for two exciting and snot-filled days.

1) Stay tuned for more info on some kind of Knitting Ref memorial. I've sent a message to The Hubster (her husband) and will let you know next steps when I know them.

2) In other, more selfish news, I've finished The Boy's ginormous Koigu Bigfoot socks--and they are gorgeous. He demanded them when he returned from work the day after he knew I finished them, and then wouldn't take them off till the next day. I think that's a good sign! He'll be getting some more. His next ones will be his USC/Gryffindor stripey socks in Regia's Nation Colors (5393).

3) But first, some toe-ups for me using Silk Garden Lite. I'm totally copying Amy at Good To Be Girl but I NEEDED them after seeing hers awhile back. Of course, in order to do these socks I have to tackle the toe-up portion, and right now I appear to be far too stupid to figure it out. Seriously. I've tried no less than a dozen times. I am having problems.

4) I got an awesome package from my YFC07 pal but I haven't been able to find the camera cord to upload the pics. As soon as I do, I will show you the gorgeous goodies I got. You will be sooooo jealous. ;)

5) I have developed a bit of a girl crush on Rachel Maddow on Air America--she's so smart! The local progressive radio station used to air her radio program during drive time here, but now they've changed their format and some stupid blowhard is on during her time slot. Now I'm going to have to join the 21st century and learn how to podcast Rachel's show. Grrrr.

Coming soon--a letter from our girl cat! And oodles of pictures including Stitches (what? wasn't that, like, a million years ago?), my swap goodies, and lots (LOTS) of cats.

posted by Stephanie at 3:58 PM