Panic Attack

I found myself wanting to breathe into a felted tote bag today to try to calm down a bit. I get this way before we leave for vacations. There's always so much to do and I lull myself into believing that I have plenty of time to do everything and then suddenly *WHAP* - the end of the week arrives and my milelong check list has received very little attention (now how's that for a run on sentence?). Now the house/pet sitter is really sick and I'm worried about leaving Mavi and the guinea girls.

Most importantly, I've been agonizing over what to take with me to knit on (cause we KNOW how important that is on a vacation). Ideally, I'd have an entire bag full of knitting but I need to be more rational. I may take the DH vest just to be done with it and MAYBE Rogue.

I'm 2/3 finished with Kyoto (this is a quick knit) but really am pushing to finish it before I leave so I have something fun to wear on the trip. I based my modifications on this pattern from the Queensland Collection.



Here's a sneek peek of her before I finished the sash last night.


Whadda ya think? Is it a keeper or should it head off to the frog pond? I'm still debating.

I'm also leaning toward knitting Tempting on the plane but wonder if I'll get bored (its just ribbing in the round). I found some great yarn in my stash (I've been stash busting like a MoFo) and would like to give it a try. But I'm drawing a blank on whatelse to bring. I got tons of knitting done last Spring Break. I need more projects! I need suggestions. ARGHHHHHHHHHHH! Please help me. Please...

I received a lovely RAOK (a Chocolat notepad) from Susan yesterday. She was so sweet to congratulate us on our anniversary :) Thanks for the RAOK and reading my blog, Susan. I'm going to enjoy using this notepad since chocolate is one of my favorite things :) Susan's working on a Klaralund in the most beautiful colorway. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

For those of you wondering what happened to Zira's Knitterviews, I've kinda put them on the back burner. It seems like blogland is awash with people responding to the interview questions that Domestigirl started. There are so many interviews flying around these days that I don't need to pile on. I'll still do it but just not right now. I do have a related super secret monkey project that will start in April that everyone can get involved with. More details in a couple of weeks. I think its going to be lots of fun.

I'll miss ya'll next week and will post if I can access the internet. I'm praying for lots of sunshine, good food and fun. Curli-for-nia, here we come!

Sprung

I'm so glad that spring has sprung around here. I finally saw some flowers peeking their little heads above the ground, the grass is getting green, buds are on the trees, little birdies are chirping everywhere there's lots o' sunshine. Just what the doctor ordered to chase my winter blues away.

I had a great weekend of knitting and spinning and not too much of anything else. I spun up and plied several skeins of roving for DH's cabled vest. I even figured out how to use a wine bottle and a lampshade to make center pull balls of yarn (I'm holding out on buying a ball and skein winder. I'd rather use the money to buy fiber).



The vest is moving along slowly but surely. I have a few more inches before I have to start decreases for the arm holes. I really don't want to take this monster with me on the plane because I think I'll get bored with it so if I haven't finished the front before I leave, its headed for a trip to UFO island.

As you may (or may not) recall, my first Nikon met its untimely demise after I'd had it for only 6 months. A friend of mine accidentally dropped it, jamming the lens inside the body of the camera. In an effort to keep my new baby safe and injury-free, I decided to whipped up a little felted camera cozy. Check it out.

Before:


After:


It's pretty much a tube that I made into a double knit pouch. Half of it was Noro Kujaku and the other half is pink Cascade 220. The Kujaku didn't felt nearly as much as I expected it to (yes, I even made a test swatch) and the Cascade 220 felted beautifully so it didn't turn out like I wanted it to. However, after I stopped pouting, I worked with it and am thrilled with the resulting product. I made a little buttonhole on the side for the strap to pop through (so I don't lose the cozy while I'm taking pictures) and finished it with one of the Celtic buttons that I bought this fall from Knit Happens. I also added a super thick hairband on the inside to elasticize the top to keep the camera from accidentally falling out. My new baby is now as snug as a bug in a rug.

Since I was itching to knit something with the Ironstone yarn that Heaz got me, I decided to play with modifying the Kyoto pattern from Knitty.com based on a couple of others that I've had in mind. I cast on and hope to finish the front soon. I'll post pictures if its worthy. However, I keep telling myself that its okay to frog it if I'm not happy with the results. Can you tell that I'm avoiding Rogue?

In non-knitting news, Suppa Club met last night. Our hostess, Sandy hired a chef who cooked the most incredible meal. Fresh tapenade with crostini, goat cheese breaded with panko, wild salmon (that Sandy had flown in from Alaska) with a balsamic reduction, portabella mushroom risotto and asparagus and for dessert, yummy bananas foster. Here's everyone munching happily...

Life IS good!

Luck O' the Muse

I've felt the luck of the Irish all week. There's been much to celebrate. Spring arrives in just two days, the days are getting longer, leaving for Cali and Las Vegas in less than a week and DH and I had our 20th dating anniversary yesterday. Here we are at prom (which was actually two years after we started dating).

(Sorry about the quality of the picture. Its a picture of a picture because I don't have a scanner). Damn we were skinny. I can't believe that we've been together for that long. We've actually known each other for 25 years (since we were ten) but we didn't start dating until high school. Our first date was at Chi Chis (it wasn't actually a date because he didn't ask me out until we finished dinner but we count it as that moment in time that changed our lives) so to commemorate the occasion, I made fried ice cream for dessert. Yum! I also cast on a cabled sweater vest for DH as his present. I'm using my own handspun Romney - my first major project made with my handspun wool.



It doesn't look much yet but I think it will look really nice. It's hard for me to get a consistent gauge with the handspun though I'm learning to like the slubs that give it character.

I also received a wonderful and unexpected RAOK on St. Patty's day from Heaz.



Some yummy tea and a tea bag rest that looks like Monet's Garden, a totally 80's mix CD, a gorgeous notecard by Mustard and *gasp* Black Ironstone Herb Garden yarn. The two purplish Ironstone skeins that have languished in my stash are dying to be knit with my latest additions. Heaz's gift was the high note of an already spectacular day. Thanks chickie!

BTW, all of these pictures are courtesy of my new camera. I got another Nikon (sometimes I'm a horrible creature of habit) but this one is the 4600. Its even smaller than the last, has internal memory which will come in handy while we're on vacation and wonderful clarity. I don't even have it set on the highest setting and the detail is incredible. I'm working on a felted cozy for her. I *heart* my new techno toy.

On the spinning front, I'm working on more Romney for DH's sweater.



I couldn't find regular roving in the same color so I was stuck with buying pencil roving. Repeat after me - spinning pencil roving is not as much fun as spinning roving. However, it goes fast and I need to finish more yarn before I run out (which will be soon).

Not much else happening, I rescued Rogue from the UFO pile and am mustering up the energy to frog the sleeves and start over on smaller needles. I'm ready for a spring knit to take with me on the plane ride to CA. Anyone have any suggestions? A good spring tote or top would be nice. Or something out of all of my new mohair. I'm drawing a blank.

To start your weekend off right, I leave you with Zira in the snow earlier this week (I hope that it was the last snow of the season) and a shot of the Guinea girls. See you next week.

Muse - lost and found (edited)

* edited to include...In usual fashion, Blogspot and/or Blogger SUCK today and many of you have emailed me to note that you can't leave comments. I'm looking into another host but that won't be for a while. Please email me at indigomuse (at) verizon.net if you want to say "hi". Sorry for the problems and thanks to Jen and La for bringing it to my attention in their blog post.


I started a blog post on Wed. I was actually in the middle of it while DH was recounting the hairy meat incident (see Wednesday's post for more info). I've added it below for those who wondered what I was futzing about...
******************
I'm admitting here and now that I'm stuck in an inspirationless desert. I'm surrounded by oceans of yarn, fiber, unfinished projects and project ideas and yet I thirst for something that I can't put my finger on. I haven't knit or spun for two days (unheard of in these parts)! What's wrong with me? Here are a few of my theories on why my muse is MIA:

1.) I think I was severely depressed this Winter (my own diagnosis because I wouldn't admit that I had a problem and seek help) with SAD and am finally coming out of the fog thanks to the longer days and sunshine. How do I know that I WAS and no longer am depressed. Because I was crying for no reason almost every day and I haven't cried in over a week. In my effort to "find myself again", I'm trying to schedule ALL of the details of my day so that I can remain focused. This is not fun nor easy for such a free spirit as I tend to be. But I'm hell bent on reclaiming my spirit so I'll make myself do it. Needless to say, all things fiber related have barely found its way onto my schedule :(

2.) I read so many knitting blogs on a regular basis and was starting to feel like I was less of a knitter if I didn't knit garments. I've seen so many beautiful Rogues, ballet sweaters - you name it - cranked out and posted over the last couple of weeks. And my poor Rogue languishes in a bag waiting for her sleeves. I'm capable and don't mind knitting sweaters, etc. But I had an epiphany this week - I don't get real pleasure knitting them (at least not at this point in my life). I believe that everyone should find their niche in the world and with knitting, I've learned about myself that I love to make accessories. It doesn't mean that I'll abandon garments all together. Coming to grips with this reality, will hopefully free my spirit in a different way.

3.) I'm wayyyyyyyyyyy behind on house stuff because of work stuff. Even though I work from home, I try really hard not to do house stuff during the day. Sure I might pop a load of laundry in or clean off the counter but I save most of the heavy duty work for the evening. Well, being out of town for the weekend didn't help and now we're half way through this week and the house is going from bad to worse. I feel guilty sitting down to knit when there are dishes to do, laundry to fold and stuff that needs to be put away.

4.) I'm not even motivated to spin because I found two major cracks on the base of poor Arwen :( Boo hoo. The crack on the right runs almost the length of the base. Just look at it...

I'm crushed. I treat her like a princess. No one touches her. How could this have happened? The wonderful Majacraft people are going to have to make one from scratch because they don't have any in stock to fix it. They say they've never seen this before. I'm going to have to use a c-clamp to hold her together so that it doesn't snap completely in half before the part arrives. Poor baby :(

OMG, I'm even boring myself with this blah, blah, blah. Enough said. I hope my muse just needed a little vacation and finds her way back to me SOON!
*************

Pretty whiny, huh? I can lay blame on PMS but for the most part, I can say that I was guilty of taking life for granted. Well, be careful what you wish for because you just might get bitch slapped with reality - which is exactly what happened.

I was in the school office checking on Strawberry Festival related messages when one of the teachers walked by crying. Everyone is the office was really sad and after inquiring, I found out that one of our students had surgery the day before for a brain tumor. Talk about feeling like someone punched me the gut. This little girl is only 5 years old! How do you as a parent deal with something like this? How do you help your child deal with it? To top it off, the mom is expecting her fourth child any day. The good news is that her surgery went well and now they're waiting on the pathology report. I'm praying that she doesn't have cancer. The whole thing is so unfair. Why do kids have to suffer? Trust me, stuff like this makes me struggle with how to reconcile it within my faith.

Yup, this was the big ole bitch slap I needed to wrest me from my self pity. I have two wonderful, healthy boys, a loving husband and family, great friends and all of my needs are more than met. I'm going to work on a little Kittyville hat for BJ since they had to shave all of her hair off for the surgery. There's nothing else I can do besides pray for her health and well being. Inspiration can certainly come in the most unexpected and sometimes small forms.

I'm saving the Zira Knitterview for next week. It seemed so frivolous for me to do it today. I WILL share some inspiring good news from other knitters since I don't have butt squat didly to show you. Have a super weekend!

* Boogie just found out that she's expecting! I'm so excited for her.
* Teresa just finished an 8 year old UFO - now I have no excuse for not finishing some of my languishing projects
* Bonne Marie finished a modified version of the IK Spencer that is just breathtaking.
* Stacey has inspired me to do some Spring felting with all of her cute button bags.
* Amy is almost finished with Audrey - yippie!
* And for those who are in need of a regular fiber fix, check out Hello Yarn. I drool everytime I check in.

Excerpt from an actual conversation this evening...

(DH and I are at the kitchen island. He grabs a beer immediately after walking into the house - not usually a good indicator of how the day was. I'm working on my blog post for the day which I will now save until tomorrow am because this was too good to save.)
IM - (nodding toward the beer) Was your day that bad?
DH - Not really. I don't really remember. I still have my job...I think.
IM - I had a board meeting today. The board chair forgot about the meeting and was 45 minutes late. Other than that, nothing exciting happened.
DH - Oh yeah. Had an interesting lunch today (editorial note - DH comes home for lunch every day since his office is now less than 5 minutes away).
IM - (typing away on the laptop) Really? Why?
DH - My turkey had hair growing on it.
IM - (I stop and look up) What?
DH - Yeah, when I opened the package of lunch meat, I found hair growing on the edges of the turkey.
IM - Ewwww, you didn't eat it did you? You know that was some kind of mold.
DH - (matter of factly) It smelled fine.
IM - Tell me you didn't eat it.
DH - I tried to pull the edges off.
IM - Tell me you didn't eat it.
DH - (sips his beer) The hair kinda creeped me out while I was eating it.
IM - You have got to be joking. Why would you eat moldy meat?
DH - (Meh) It tasted fine. I figured I'd take my chances.
IM - I don't want to hear it if you get really sick.
DH - (shrugs) Meh, what's the worst that could happen?
IM - I can't believe you ate the meat anyway.

I want to go on record as stating that there were several unopened, brand new packs of turkey and other lunch meats in the fridge that he could have eaten. I do not encourage my family to eat moldy food. I'm appauled. I love the man but I truly wonder about his judgement sometimes. I'm convinced that he's lying and wanted to see if I would post about it on my blog. DH, if you're reading this, you're going to be the death of me. Maybe this is what you want. And you guys wonder why I'm teetering on the brink of insanity...

I'm goin' back to Cali, Cali, Cali

Now before I get to the subject of my blog title, I need to vent for just a second. For those who would rather skip the vent (because its really only for my benefit and to get it off my chest), jump on down to the next *. Begin rant...

Mom goes over the edge

* How can every peni (plural because there are three) in the house walk past the stinky trash and NOT take it out? And why is it that no one remembers that Thursday is ALWAYS trash day?
* Thing 1, why is it my responsibility to remember to pack your phone charger and the portable dvd player for our trip to visit family this weekend?
* Why is it that no one has checked the mail for the last three days (you told me that you had)? How do I know this? Because I checked it by chance and the box was filled with tons o'mail?
* Thing 2, why can't you remember the "if its yellow let it mellow but if its brown flush it down..." mantra?
* Why doesn't anyone else, besides me, feed Mavis, the fish and the guinea pigs?
* Why is that as I'm about to click the "purchase" button for our plane tickets to CA, DH decides that I should check on flights from every other airport in VA, DC, MD and NC?
* Why is it when I'm knitting, everyone suddenly wants to talk to me? I knit to relax but it becomes stressful when I keep losing count while you ask for the umteenth time where the remote is (you're sitting on it), where's the step stool (in the garage) or would you please open this jar of ____ even though your dad is sitting 6 inches from me and is doing NOTHING?
* Why am I supposed to keep up with all of these details?

I'm convinced that I need a wife to keep me from going insane. I've even developed a twitch over my left eyebrow. I think when we get back from visiting family this weekend (which will surely push me over the edge), that we need to have what my Gma would call a "come to Jesus" family meeting. Or mom is going to end up with a window seat at the loony bin (sounds great at this point).

End of rant. Thanks for your indulgence. I feel much better now.*

California, here we come

Yes, we're going to Cali (LA) and Las Vegas (we're staying at the Venetian) for Spring Break. I can't wait. The V nightclub at the Venetian looks like fun but to be honest, I know nothing about "clubbin". I'm such a geek. Maybe I can get some pointers from some of you more socially savvy people. I hope that the rain is gone by the time we make it out because I need some SUN. We're staying with our good friends who came out to visit us over the summer. All eight of us have an absolute blast together. We'll cook and eat a lot, drink a lot, laugh till we're sick and just have a good time. Sounds like a (almost) perfect remedy for my testosterone trio blues. Hopefully, Adri and I will get to escape them a couple of times. We both need a break.

Introducing Knitterviews

So, Zira came to me over the weekend with a thought. She's still new to the world of knitting and would really like to get to know the MO of knitters from around the world. So she started asking knitters if they would be interested in being interviewed by a felted monkey. And you know what? Everyone that she's asked has said "YES"! Who could resist this face?



She's ready for her close up :) Over the next few weeks, Zira has lined up several Knitterviews (dontcha love the name?) with knit bloggers (seasoned knitting pros and newbies alike), knit designers, publishers and if we're lucky, a celebrity or two who knits. If there's someone that you'd like for Zira to consider for an interview, shoot me an email or leave me a comment. I'm going to give her some practice and let her Knitterview me next week. I'll also Knitterview Zira so send me any burning questions that you may have.

March Spinning/Knitting meetup

Our local spinning and knitting group met for the second time last night. There were some new faces and LOTS of show and tell. I love seeing how creative other people are. Thing 1 and 2 were in tow (DH is out of town) and they even did some knitting. I took Arwen with me and worked on some rainbow colored merino that I was warned by Jen (or was it La?) that it might lose some of its vibrancy once spun. The colors kinda muddle together :( Here's a shot of the roving and what it looks like once spun.



I've tried spinning it from the fold and just the regular way (whatever that means) and I get the same result. But I think it might be pretty once plied. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and thinking Koigu-like thoughts.

I'm fine tuning the felted monkey pattern. I'm knitting the second monkey that I call FM2 using a darker brown and the light brown that I used on Zira. Both boys have dibs on it and want it to be a boy so that Zira can have a boyfriend. I'm thinking that I have enough boys in the house. If I keep felting girl monkeys, we can over power them one day. Bwah ha ha ha hah. A gurl can dream :)

Have a super weekend everyone!

She's baaaaaccckkk!

I feel like I've slipped back into a pair of comfy sweat pants after wearing business clothes all day. It's good to be back in the functioning computer world after nearly a one month absence. This is the first Monday where I got back into my routine - wake up early and with coffee in hand, catch up on my favorite blog reads and then begin my real job.

Today was somewhat different considering Thing 2 (Thing 1 plotted with his best friend to stay at his house because they knew that they'd be out of school today) is home from school with me due to almost 10 inches of snow. Holy Shitake Mushrooms were we surprised to wake up to so much snow. And I thought that spring was almost here. I guess this is the last blast before the warm weather creeps in. I'm surrounded by snow fanatics who are loving this stuff. I, on the other hand, have been dreaming about palm trees and white sandy beaches and buff cabana boys.

Yes, there's been some knitting and spinning over the last couple of weeks. Yesterday, Zira was in a shot with the bobbin of merino/alpaca that I finished recently. Other than that, I haven't spun much. Here's a shot of the sheepy tote that I donated to the Fat Tuesday auction (the one that brought in $75)...


And here are some before and after shots of the felted strawberries...



A felted flower pin that's a RAOK for a special friend and the Corgigora flower...



And my favorite so far was this beauty - drumroll please...



Yes, my friends, that's a Latvian mitten from the Folk Knitting in Estonia book. I worked on it over the long holiday weekend and must say that I'm in love with stranded knitting. My tension needs help but I don't think that I did too bad considering I don't have anyone to watch (I'm a visual learner). I'm sure that I'll finish these right as Winter is over. I'll at least have something to look forward to wearing next season.

I had a busy Strawberry Festival planning weekend so I didn't get much knitting in. I was able to whip out a sweater for Zira using the top down pattern from Feb. 25th of the Knitting-A-Day calendar. The math was great and in a little over an hour I had a mini-sweater that fit perfect. The little critter in the picture with Zira is Maieka the new guinea pig.



I used some leftover bits of Noro Kureyon (keep in mind I don't like this yarn) to do some stash bustin'. It's not the most feminine looking sweater but it kept her warm while she was playing in the snow on the deck today.




Just so you know, Zira's legs are 8 inches long and the snow was up to her waist by 10 am. Yikes!

And for the Corgi fans, I have a couple of pictures of Mavis playing in the snow (she LOVES snow and will roll in it for hours).



Anyone on photo overload yet? I'm so glad that I could finally add some color to my blog. Enjoy the snow day for those of you on the East Coast in this storm and more from Zira tomorrow.

No pictures = no Blog Love

Well, I get the hint. I get it loud and clear. You aren't interested in reading my blog unless I post pictures. I understand, I'm the same way as I'm a very visual person. Well you wanted pictures and pictures you shall have. I borrowed a camera - because I aim to please (and to be honest, I'm a comment Ho and miss hearing from you guys). Some of the pictures aren't the clearest because I don't know how to use all of the setting on this camera.

I'm pleased to present to you, the beautiful Zira...


Zira loves the camera and aspires to be a model some day. She also loves bananas...


Especially eating them!


I catch her climbing on Arwen quite frequently...


She assures me that she's not playing but just trying to sneek a peek of what I'm spinning. Today, its merino and alpaca.


Zira wanted to show off the hat that I made her even though it doesn't fit very well(she's so sweet to wear it anyway). I'm working on a custom fit sweater this weekend.

Zira tells me that she has a secret that she'll share with you all very, very soon. I wonder what that monkey is up to.

Zira began as this bunch of unfelted parts.


After felting her, I had to snip and restitch her hands and feet. It was a big mistake knitting that mohair at the tops of both. I wanted fluffy cuffs and ended up with Popeye arms and calves. I used my mitten and sock skills to make her hands and feet. I was so glad to use my newfound skills. I stitched her muzzle on and needle felted her face and ears. In my haste to finish her, I forgot to make a tail. I'll have to work on that over the weekend. Overall, I'm pleased with the results and only need to make minor changes to the pattern. I did some stash busting to make her so her colors aren't very monkey-like. I hope to work on a buddy for her soon. I "heart" Zira!

Enough monkey business. For those who've inquired (thanks for asking), my laptop is about 80% back to normal. It has crashed a couple of times since I got it back so I hesitate saying that its "fixed." However, its a huge improvement over the other computer so I'm not going to complain (plus, I get the feeling that everyone is tired of hearing me whine). I'll have a regular knitting/spinning post on Monday. I've been a busy little bee. Take care...

(((((Heavy Sigh)))))

That sigh is me giving in to the negative energy that has surrounded my tech toys. I have some bad computer karma right now. I took my poor sick laptop into the office and it was "fixed". Needless to say, after I got back home (which is almost 200 miles away from the office), I found that it was missing software, all of my files and I didn't have administrator rights so I can't edit any of the settings. I'm going to have to ship it to the office and pray that it comes back to me in one piece. I haven't had a real computer since Jan. 24th. I'm dying here. I barely have contact with the outside world. I miss you guys and visiting your blogs. Its lonely without my high speed internet connection. Wahhhhhhhhhh!

Thanks for letting me whine, I feel better already. I still don't have a camera but I've decided to just go buy one rather than try to get the Nikon fixed. However, the kid's computer has a hard time with photo uploads so even if I did have one, I wouldn't be able to show you pictures. I feel like my blog is so naked without some show and tell. Please bear with me. I hope to be back to normal soon.

On the home front, I buckled and got another guinea pig for Thing 2. Her name is Maika (a name that he made up and I really like) but we call her Mai for short. She's so tiny compared to Booger who's three. She's so quiet and docile. She has yet to bite (something that Newt would rarely do but most certainly would if she was done playing) and is wonderfully sweet and snuggly. I think getting another was a good move and has helped us all cope with Newt's passing. Thanks for all of the suggestions and thoughts so many of you shared with me. I'll post photos of her soon (I hope).

On the knitting front, nothing since this time last week which was when I finished the Corgigora flower. I was out of town the latter part of the week and found that I lacked all energy this weekend. I guess I'm in a slump :( I am pleased to announce that my felted tote fetched $75 at the Fat Tuesday auction last week! I was so flattered! Several people are interested in placing orders so we'll see how busy I am this spring.

On the spinning front, I attended my first group spin in Thursday night! I'm still jumping up and down. There were four of us (one was a mom from the boys' school and neither of us knew that the other of us spun) and we spun together for over two hours. I'm still working on a couple of ounces of merino/alpaca. We already have another date planned for March. The ladies deemed me an alien because my spinning is so good for a beginner. I honestly just do what feels right especially since I've had no one to watch until now. I have so much to learn and can't wait to meet more of this group. We're going to have Jen (The Spirit Trail) come out in the Spring for a trunk show and invite people to come in and demo techniques such as needle felting. I can't wait! I finally feel a sense of belonging.

Well, I need to make an attempt to work. Without my files, I'm somewhat lost. I just want to hibernate for a couple of weeks. By then, I'll have my computer back and spring will be right around the corner...

Tomorrow is another day...

Well, my computer isn't dead but its certainly on life support. I'm going to have to get IS to reload windows which means I'll have to reinstall of the programs that are currently installed on my computer. Am I bitter or grumpy? No, of course not, I'm 100% certifiable super bitch, that's all. *Sigh* I'm reminded that tomorrow is another day. I'll pray that I live to see it and that it doesn't start like last Saturday (with a dead guinea pig placed only inches from my face at 7 am).

So those of you mumbling to me right now "it could be worse", yes, it could and is. I awoke at 1 am with a wonderful case of Montezuma's revenge courtesy of a local Mexican restaurant chimichanga. Yup, today is a craptacular end to the week. Goodbye first week of February. I will NOT miss you.

I'm blogging today from the worlds oldest computer since my laptop will barely come on now. I'm starting to wonder if this is an evil plot staged by the boys in hopes that we'll buy them a new computer. DH has given me carte blanc to buy whatever I want. Lots of HD space, huge monitor, a new digital camera, snazzy printer - a techie gurl's dream! I'm so tempted. Anyhoo, I hope to get my baby back soon since I sprout gray hairs everytime I try to visit any of my buddy'd blogs. Plus, I can't even think of uploading photos with out crashing the computer.

Okay, enough of the pity party, right? Thanks for the sweet sentiments regarding Newt. We're doing better now and she'll always have a special place in our hearts. Thing 2 is begging for another GP and I'm so tempted to comply. The other GP affectionately named "Booger" is very lonesome and we don't want her to die of a broken heart. DH thinks I'm crazy and maybe he's right.

While the spinning front stalled this week, I'm looking forward to my spinning activities next week. The librarian finally set a date for the beginnings of our spinning group - Thursday, Feb. 10th! Yippie! I can't wait. I won't have to be lonesome in my addiction anymore.

The knitting front has been wonderfully busy with small instant gratification projects. I finished the felted bag that's destined for the Fat Tuesday auction next week. It started as a comissioned french market tote (the woman never returned my call) and then morphed into a handbag. It's knit from my favorite yarn - Cascade 220 - with a black base, tan body and brown/black/tan Manos top and handles. I added a pocket and needle felted a sheepie on it. For fun, I made a matching key fob. It's one of my favorite bags so far. This auction is sort of my community debut. I'm so excited! Over 300 people attended last year so I should get some good exposure. I also knit the Corgigora yarn into a pretty flower pin as my display piece for a second auction entry. I'm auctioning off the opportunity to spin someone's pet's fur into yarn. I'm very interested to see if people like the idea. Finally, I finished the gift exchange felted strawberries sachets by filling them with lavendar flowers. They are MIGHTY fragrant but too damn cute for words. I'm going to put them in an actual produce container to give the full effect. I hope the gift recipient likes them.

No snow forecast for the weekend so we should be able to get out and about for the first time in a while. I'm going to work on my attitude before I blog again. Oh, by the way, I am still tracking my weight loss. I'm down 5 pounds total since the beginning of the year and I've spent $20 on yarn and fiber (so there's $30 in the till for those weak moments I may have in the future). AND, I've done some stash bustin' so I'm behaving myself. Catch ya later...

Drive by blog post

Yes, things are still on the fly here at the house that IM built. I'm hanging in there though only by the tips of my nails. Here's quickie on how last week went:

*** Trip to NC was good. It was nice to have some me time. I was in workshops all day and businesses dinners and lunches but the evenings were all mine. I spun and knit my life away. Right before I left. The library got Knitting in Estonia in for me. Yes, that meant LATVIAN MITTENS - oh happy day! I did a test knit mini mitten with the tiny bit of borderline sportweight yarn I had in my stash and hated the results. Alas, it was too thick. So I have two choices: buy some sportweight yarn or spin some. Decisions, decisions. I can say that I love making those braids. I knit and reknit one several times just to have the satisfaction of seeing it develop. Thanks for helping me catch the bug, Sandy :)

*** Internet access in NC was not to be had in my hotel room as planned. Thus, no blogging and no blog reading :( So I spun up some merino and shetland and plied it into a barbershop pole colored skein. It looks too cool. I bought some cashgora locks and soysilk from the spinning place in Greensboro. The shop - which will remain nameless to protect the innocent - was "eh". The cashgora is a dream to spin with and was a steal at only $6 for 4 oz. The soysilk - lets just say that I have to practice more before I try this one again.

*** Dear sweet Thing 1 and a couple of his testosterone blind buddies singlehandedly toasted my computer on Friday in just 30 minutes. It has tons o' spyware and at least one trojan on it. I couldn't get it to work very well until today. A friend of mine is going to clean the drive up for me tonight. Pray that my computer comes back to me in one piece. If it doesn't my name is mud.

*** Tragedy struck on Saturday when we awoke to find one of our sweet guinea pigs - Newt - didn't make it through the night. She was out of her cage (a big no-no) with Thing 2 and crawled into his pillow to sleep. We think she smothered. We're better now but Sat. and Sun. were rough. Lots of talk about the great beyond, theology and a higher power. And of course, lots of tears. Thing 2 asked me to spin some of her fur into a keepsake for him. I started last night and hope to have something to show for it soon.

I have lots of photos to share but can't do anything complicated like upload them with this testy computer until it gets cleaned up. I've completed a couple of charity knits and other misc. objects. I've missed catching up with my buds and look forward to some blogging this weekend if not before then.

TTFN...

Where's the beef...er...IndigoMuse?

Remember the commercial a bazillion years ago with this famous line? I feel like just like that tiny little piece of beef that was featured on that huge bun. I've allowed myself to be swallowed whole by life again. Work and life are sucking me dry which leaves little time for blog reads, blogging and *gasp* knitting and spinning :( Fear not dear friends. I'm alive and well (though very, very cold - only 56 days until Spring) just don't have much spare time lately.

A couple of quick updates. I'm working on designing a couple of patterns (I'll show you pictures real soon). One is a felted knit monkey. I must say that she came out cuter than I expected. I used several knitting techniques and love the results. I decided that I didn't want to wait to buy the knit toy book and since I love to felt the hell out of everything, I went solo. Not only did I do some stash busting but I expanded my horizons. Hurray for me.

I also made the cutest felted strawberry sachets that I'll stuff with lavendar. They are too cute. I'm also working on a pattern idea that I pitched to Knitty for their upcoming Man issue. They liked the idea so I have to get cracking on writing it up. I'll keep you posted on my progress as I might need a couple of test knitters in the near future.

On the spinning front, I haven't had much time to play with Arwen - boo hoo. We're working on some Merino/Alpaca and then I have to spin the corgi hair for a charity project. I also signed up for a Valentines Day "Love Ewe" exchange through the Yahoo Spindler's group and already receive my gift from my wonderful pal. It was a box stuffed full of red merino and white Shetland, a cute spinning buddy beaded ant made by her 10 yr. old son and a cute heart box that will be great for holding my random knitting supplies. It was quite a surprise to receive it on Friday considering V-day isnt for another couple of weeks. This is the first giftie I've received since JessKR secret pals from the summer. Thanks Megen!

Sorry this is on the fly. I'll be in North Carolina for a conference the rest of the week so I hope to catch up on lots of things while away ALL BY MYSELF! I've missed reading up on everyone's fiber adventures for the past week. Knit a row and spin some fiber for me. (((((((Kisses))))))

Hot Now

This...


Plus this...



Equals

BLISS!!!

Yup, I couldn't resist last night. I HAD to have one. It didn't help that my sweet little Thing 2 was in the car egging me on. "They're even better when they're hot, Mom. Puleeeeeezeeee, can we stop by on the way home? Puleeeeeezzeee?" *Sigh* The car squeeled into Krispy Kreme and Thing 2 busted into the store. The aroma nearly knocked me off my feet. Before I could open my mouth, Thing 2 placed his order - "one dozen hot glazed please and two hot ones to go." That's my boy. Before I knew it, that hot doughnut lept into my mouth and melted into sweet carbolicious oblivion. I've been good. I lost my holiday weight. The most I've treated myself to is a WW watchers carrot cake within the past week. I won't eat the entire box, that's what I have kids for. And the reality is that unless I magically lose 20 lbs before I go to the OBGYN next week for my lovely annual tuneup, I'm still going to get a lecture. A couple of doughnuts and a moment of bliss - yeah, I'm easy to please.

Not much happening here as of late. Corgi girl Mavis is shrinking in size as everything in our house becomes enveloped in her hair. The joy of having carpet is that you can't really see how badly covered everything is. Our old house had hard wood floors. When she would shed, tumbleweeds of fur would roll across the room like a scene out of the wild, wild west. Needless to say, it was a constant source of embarassment.

I have a "spin in" date this evening with a local lady. We were told NOT to come to the library with our wheels (the nerve of them, I'm not done with the city on this one) so we're going to visit the local coffee shop. I'm excited since this is my first fiber hook up :) I'll hopefully finish spinning and plying the bag of romney tonight and move on up to the corgi hair or some rainbow colored merino.

I started a pair of Koigu socks that come with me to basketball practices and games. I can't tell you how much I DON'T like b'ball. However, I love Thing 1 and want to show my support so the knitting helps me endure it. I'm making up these socks as I go along so it will be interesting to see how they turn out. I'm knitting them on the Clover minis and they are flying off the needles.

My friends came over for their second knitting lesson yesterday. They both did such a great job learning the knit stitch that I taught them how to purl. They were fascinated by the way stockinette unfolds by alternating the two stitches. I think I may have started something - mwah ha ha ha ha!

I've decided to chill on my yarn and fiber purchases for a while. I went way over budget this month when I purchased Arwen and don't really NEED anything, I just WANT everything. I WANT Latvian mitten patterns, I WANT more yummy fibers to spin, I WANT, I WANT, I WANT! With so much real need in the world, I need to find ways to be content with the abundance of what I already have. Anyhoo, I'm going to take some advice that I saw on KR and tie my fiber purchases to my weight loss plan. I'm thinking $10 toward fiber for every pound I lose and a RAOK to someone for every pound I gain. I'll post my results on Fridays starting tomorrow. I call it the Fiber Addict's Incentive to Lose (FAIL) plan except I end up winning in the end! Wanna FAIL with me?

I'm a loser baby...

That song was in my head all morning, at least until I saw this over at JenLa first thing - Cows with guns. It was a wonderful diversion and fun way to start the day. Thanks, La.

Anyhoo, yes I'm a big loser of the weight loss variety. I climbed back on program Jan. 1st, after a small set back, succeeded in losing all five pounds that I gained over the holidays and working on developing a healthier nutrition path as part of my mindful living plan. This WW article has some simple tips for those of us who are having a hard time getting back on track. I combine measuring with using the scales to gauge weight loss success. What I've learned is that I'm losing more from my upper body (except my forearms) than my lower body. I've gotta shake these hips and thighs so I'm changing the plan this week.

I also spent a great deal of time last week meditating on the things that I'm grateful for. The tragedy in Asia not only helped me appreciate life but also reminded me to pray for the well being of my fellow man daily. The process of focusing positive healing energy on the world truly does help me focus on life.

I've also found that spinning is wonderfully meditative. As I concentrate on the rhythmn of tredling, I'm also the facilitator of each tiny fiber's effort to bind into one twisted strand. What strength we have when we work together for a common cause, common goal. What could we accomplish if we applied these same values more often in our lives? Sorry for so much Zen this today but I'm feeling contemplative as of late.

There's been much more spinning than knitting in my life as I really get to know my new wheel. I decided to name her Arwen after watching Lord of the Rings Return of the King for the umteenth time on Friday. BTW, I have yet to tire of this trilogy and still cry each time the movie ends. The various interwoven stories of friendship, kinship and love get me every time. Sorry, I trailed off again.

Here's a side by side shot of my first two skeins of plied yarn.

The first born skeins 

The orangy pink is the Bartlett pencil roving spun on Arwen and the maroon is the merino silk spun on Brighid. I love my baby girls. Can't wait to figure out what to knit them into.

I've also finally finished knitting, plying, washing and drying my first skein of Romney. Here it is still on the bobbins...

Fresh spun Romney 

It's over 100 yds of worsted weight yarn. I still have about 5 oz. to finish spinning which I hope to conquer by week's end. I hope to order more so that I have enough for DH's sweater vest. Meanwhile, I came in contact with a lady who spins through our LYS. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we successfully hold our own little "spin in" at the library on Thursday.

The corgi hair stash is staggering. This was how much came off the last time I brushed Mavis...


Mountain o'Corgi fur 

How this dog still has any hair left is amazing. I think that I'll use the yarn that I spin from her fur in a feather and fan throw that I already have the yarn for (gotta bust that stash).

On the knitting front, I'm almost finished with a mini version of the Kittyville Hat from SNB. I happily bequeathed the Adult sized hat to my friend, E who came to visit me over the weekend. She saw it, squealed and begged to have it. How could I say no especially when people rarely react to my knitting that way? I decided that a matching hat for her daughter would be too cute and in no time I was able to whip one up. In the process, I decided that I had to learn how to do the "continental" and forced myself to practice. I'm getting better and this style is definitely faster. But the creature of habit that I am, its hard for me to convert. I figure that once I'm more comfy, I'll be ready for stranded knitting and the Latvian Mittens that still taunt me daily. I WILL conquer them SOON - mwah ha ha ha ha ha!

I leave you one of my new faves, Monkey.

You can find his adventures over at Buster N Me. Monkey was posted on KR last week and I'm still cracking up over the creative mind behind his antics. I LOVE monkeys! There's a cute free monkey pattern at Sullivans. I've also added the Knitted Toys pattern book to my Amazon wish list and can't wait to knit knit my own monkey. Have a fibery good week everyone!

I heart my new baby

Announcing the adoption of my new baby girl (who is still waiting on a name)

Weight: 10 lbs
Height: 29 inches
Eyes: uh, she doesn't have any but she has really big feet



Yes, sir that's my baby, a Majacraft Little Gem. She's so petite and cute and just perfect that I want to cuddle her. And then of course, put her little hinny to work. Which is what I did Tuesday and Wednesday night. I posted more details over at Knitters Review (in the entry dated 1-06-05) if you want to read about my trip to Stony Mountain Fibers. Barbara herself is a gem and I strongly encourage anyone who is close to her shop and in the market for a wheel to give her a call. I know that she has a loyal customer for life :)

I've already spun and plied a sample skein of Bartlett pencil roving in very bright colors and am working on my second bobbin of Romney. Plus, I amassed close to two ounces of amount of Corgi hair (Princess Mavis is blowing her coat like you would not believe)in just one sitting. I figure I have enough to spin into something so this is next on my list.

Oh I also forgot that I gave knitting lessons to two of the lovely ladies from my Suppa club. In just 45 minutes, I had them both knitting away. They have a homework assignment and will be back next week to report on their progress. I'm so proud of them! Mark down two more that I've converted to the dark side - mwah haha haha!

I promise to post more soon with hopefully some pictures but I wanted to fire this off quickly while Blogger was cooperating (I've had nothing but trouble for the last two days both posting and commenting).

Dreams about mittens

Latvian mitten dreams to be exact. Yes, I actually dreamed about Latvian Mittens last night. Okay, I admit it - I've been dreaming about them for the past several nights. Do I need mental help or what? That braid intrigues me and so do the patterns. Thanks to Sandy, I'm dying to try my hand at knitting these beauties. Can I handle two stranded knitting? Barely. After Da Hound, I was ready to scream. But then again, I hadn't read about the different techniques of throwing, dominant hand, etc. which might have helped me. Can I find a pattern to whet my appetite online? No of course not. My LYS is regularly not helpful (really nice people but seem to specialize in scarfs) and the book stores have none of the titles in stock. I'm stuck special ording a book and waiting for it to arrive. Keep in mind, I'm not patient and this prospect is a frustrating one :( Damn you Latvian Mittens. Damn youse to hell (you've gotta say it like Jay from "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back").

Prior to the Latvian Mittens, I'd been dreaming about spinning wheels. Yup, I really DO need help. No wheel in particular in my dreams, just their contours, their spinning magic - I am so in LUST with spinning. I finally finished spinning and plying my first skein of yarn (the merino silk). $4 worth of fiber net 70 yards of the most beautiful plyed yarn (about 24 wraps per inch).
Here's a peek at the yarn (still on the niddy noddy after I steamed it to set the twist).


Freshly steamed handspun merino silk 

I'm still amazed. The unfortunate news is that somehow dear sweet Brighid was damaged after one of just a few falls (I only spin over the carpet and have been careful NOT to let her fall). The brass ring popped off the Ebony and won't stay seated on the spindle anymore. Boo hoo! I've emailed Mr. Golding to see if he can fix her. Poor baby :(

The good news is that I'm going to test spinning wheels tomorrow afternoon after a business meeting in Richmond. I promise to be open and wait for that one wheel to "sing" to me. Budget be damned! I should have an announcement of a new arrival on Wednesday - keep your fingers crossed for me!

Do you hear that? Shhhhh, be very quiet and listen with me.

*Is it the blaring of the TV from the two week football/Cartoon Network marathon? Nooooo. Is it the sound of noisy video games? Nooooo.
*Is it the click clack of the air hockey table that GMIL thought that the boys HAD to have for Christmas? Noooooo.
*Is it the constant whir of the neighbors' leaf blower - BTW, how many damn leaves can one yard have? No, no, no.

That, my friends, is the sound of silence. Just the sound of the birds chirping, a slight breeze, warm sunshine and 65 degreee temperatures on this glorious first week of January. This picture embodies my gratitude for the day...


Sunrise on a new day 

Its so good to be home alone again. Don't get me wrong, I loved having my Testoterone Trio home for the holidays but I need my space and certainly haven't had any for the last two weeks. And at the end of my "vacation" DH decided to make me help him clean out the garage - yuck! However, we purged nearly 20 tubs of "stuff" to charity and could play indoor soccer in the garage if we wanted to. Still I wanted to be a happy couch dwelling slug and he wouldn't let me - harumpf.

I'll post my 2004 favorites tonight to get you through Tuesday without me. I'll be out of town but hope to have a new baby with me on Wednesday. To usher in 2005, I present my first WIP that has promptly been frogged.


Wave goodbye to Noro Wavy 

I tried to love you Noro (Kureyon) Wavy but it was not meant to be. DH - being the fiber snob that he is - even commented on your roughness. Piecing the scraps of leftovers together was not fun and you're really not that pretty. Don't worry Noro. There's a time and a place for us. Somehow, someday, somewhere... (whilst bellowing Somewhere from West Side Story).