My pimp name is Dopetastic M. Smooth.
Questions? You can get a pimp name here.
That is if you are pimpin'.
Obviously, I am bored on a Friday night. Bored or successfully procrastinating my final review of material for my final exam tomorrow at 8am. On the positive side, it will be my last Saturday competing with the four latte ordering woman who takes a taxi and beats me by a minute to the barista to place orders. Last day. Word!
Quick update. I have dropped five stitches on the clap. I am on the straight row section and let me tell you this is not a quick knit, but I make it a goal to complete one drop stitch during each sitting. Athena had mentioned that she would like to do a clap except she doesn't get how it works and let me tell you I was totally there, I never understood it. In fact, it was only after I got to the straight sections that it all made sense. I feel like I am part of a cult, but it is true. We can sit down one day and go over the design. The Clapotis Support Group I had mentioned earlier is a great yahoo group as they have a database of all the different yarns people have used and people have posted the instructions in detailed charts. I am using a worsted weight yarn, but as I think I mentioned (maybe), next clap I want a little more sheen and definitely I will make it wider (more like a wrap or stole).
Izzy is the only kitten we had adopted (yes, from PAWS). We consciously wanted to adopt older cats and when we came across him one day we couldn't resist this trouble maker (Ninna is in the background of this shot). Izzy, originally named Sunny, was found alone at three months of age in the streets of Montclair. He was very confident and a purr-er from the start.
He used to curl up on top of our heads at night and purr to sleep (he would sleep, I couldn't sleep while my head vibrated). He is one of those cats who fetches. Kristina, a non-knitter friend and cat sitter when we travel, thought it would be cute to crumple up paper and have him fetch. Of course, he now goes into the garbage, grabs crumpled paper, and brings it to us on the sofa (he has extended his fetching abilities to cough drops recently).
Izzy, came after Ella and Churchill, and so when we introduced Ninna in the home he was the only cat who did not hiss. He loved her from the very start. Now, we call them the Tabby Troublemakers. His nickname Stinky actually is not a huge secret, we just knew when he used the litterbox. Oh yeah, and he opens all of our closet doors, he figured it out.
So, Ben's cousin had a baby girl, Gracie, and I have been working on a knitted baby blanket (the Big Bad Baby Blanket from SNB) for a gift since January. I was told the baby was due in May, and well, the baby had other plans and arrived early this week. Thinking I would have sufficient time during my vacation to complete the blanket (this was BBB-before baby born), I quickly had to knit fast. Thursday night, I weaved in the ends and today, took a stroll to Semplice and picked up an adorable congrats baby card, wrapping paper, and the cutest sweetest thing, a "Nobody puts baby in the corner" jumper. Jim, the owner and overall cool guy, mentioned to me that it was a quote from a movie. I am sure most of us can remember which movie that quote comes from?
Ninna, the killer cat, has a very long story, of epic proportion. Ninna, named after Nina Simone (with an extra N), was introduced to us by Kristina, a friend and volunteer at PAWS. At that time she was known as Doby and was extremely shy but thanks to Kristina's energy and time-she was liking being pet and was coming out of her shell. As I petted her in the loose cat room, Ninna take a nap in my arms and that was it-we loved her!
After Ninna came home, we came to find out she had carried ringworm and because another one of our cats had caught it, all of the cats were being dipped in the bathtub with a special bathmix. Oh yes, you can see where this is completely insane ... well it seems if you have more than one cat, the bacteria can easily be transmitted- thus the bath. Ugh, we prepared the bath, and Churchill went in -no problem. We thought ok, next let's dip Ninna, and DH put her in the water and she flipped. She bite him in the hand and wouldn't let go, and he wouldn't let go until I covered her body (except face and ears) with the mix. She dug into his hand. Blood came out. She continued. the blood continued. Ok, so DH let go, and Ninna was petrified. Well, I calmed her down while DH medicated his hand. She was fine, trust me, she was okay. She was dried in a towel and purring a little later. DH on the other hand (excuse the pun) was not. The next day he complained of a fever, aches and pains, and I take him to the emergency room where they immediately diagnose him with cellulitis. You know, a la Ted Nugent, Cat Scratch Fever. He was hospitalized for four days with an IV.
Needless, to say, I did warn you this was a long story. Ninna survived. DH survived. DH once in a while can pet her (a year later) and she actually lets him. Ninna is the companion of Izzy, the household terror, and performs what we describe as a yodel in the morning. She is the fastest cat in the home and the most lethal claws, so you can guess, who clips them? that's right, me. And her nickname, the killer cat, comes from DH's uncle in the UK.
The last thing I think you should definitely know about Ninna is that she loves to watch movies. She doesn't like romance or comedy, she likes action, and is a huge fan of the sci-fi channel.
Ninna in the Kitty Pi Bed made out of Lorna's Laces and she prefers it over the store bought kitty bed.
La Ninna. A la Nina Simone. Click on the picture and blogger will give you a larger pic where you can actually see her smile. She's a grinner.
The clapper after the second ladder, oh yeah, I got it! I decided to go with the width as the pattern describes, but as soon as I started on the straight rows and I dropped the first stitch I understood the whole pattern, it clicked, it makes sense. I understand. I am one of the chosen. One of the few (actually I think I am way too late, I think at least a thousand people have embraced this pattern but it sounds better than saying one of the thousandth). Anyways, I thought to myself I do like the Classic Silk, but really, I would love this wider in Shaefer yarns a la Billie Holiday or Margaret Mead? Hmmm....am I crazy enough to do another clap, I think I am.
I came across The Crafty Weasel through the NJ Knitters webring and I love the site. She has several beautiful ferrets and for those not familiar with these critters, they are unique, fun, and a blast to have in the home. DH says I can get some when we get a house (I know, I know, five cats, some ferrets, two dogs = one insane asylum).
Anyways, on the blog she introduced each of her ferrets individually. So, drawing inspiration, I thought I would introduce my kiddies. Today is Billie. Billie is named after Billie Holiday not for vocal range but because it follows our tradition of naming after someone with double consonants in their name. However, we have tendency to call her Puffy, well, because, she is Puffy.
Puffy was a resident of PAWS Animal Shelter and was there for several months. Her caretaker could no longer care for her and the nine other cats in her home. She was the cat I would visit during the night when volunteers go to the shelter to socialize the cats so they are accustomed to the human touch and voice. Considering she came in covered in fleas, she was treated for bartonella and tapeworms when we fostered and then later adopted her.
This cat is a character. She has taken to DH and he adores her. She has a fetish for the tassels at the end of our carpet which has caused us to re-evaluate having tassels (really what purpose do they serve on the floor?). Lastly, she is a lap cat. Purrs within seconds of being pet. We are happy to have as part of our clan.
The clapotis is coming along quite well. I have done a few more rows and hopefully will be done with the increases shortly. I just wanted to take a picture so I can have before and after photos. A rarity. I am actually on the last repeat of the second section which is an increase section. I am debating if I should do one more repeat to make it longer.... yeah, I haven't decided. I believe when I get to section three we might actually see some dropped stitches creating ladders. Oh, the joy!
Well, despite my difficulty pronouncing Clapotis, I have begun the project with enthusiasm. I was methodical and precise with my yarn selection and although the pattern calls for Lorna's Laces, I went with something different and solid color in an apple green. I grabbed my coffee, sat down with pattern printed from the Clapotis Support Group, stitch markers, pencil, yarn, needles, and the patience of a well,..... uhm,..... whatever creature is patient. I was at the LYS so various locals came and went, Annie, Jamie, a few others, and I patiently counted my stitches, double checked my new stitches, and knitted on. I am in the fifth repeat of the second section, so I am increasing. This pattern scared me to death, but considering I have the week off, I am determined to challenge my knitting skills and accomplish something this week.
With that said I came across this on another's blog (I forgot the origin site, my apologies), but for all those who thought the Knitted Uterus was well, weird, check out how you can crochet another part of the woman. Which brings me to this intriguing question, why? Really, why?
As I am not a big one for cards it is nice to receive salutations from across the pond. The day of my birthday brought pretty cards.
It is not the only thing it brought. DH finally got it right, and I received a generous gift certificate to sns. Sheila was so kind to let me enjoy my birthday discount over the weekend where I would considerable time to ponder and debate my purchase.
Birthday goodies. Extra skein of Karaoke for scarf. Mason Dixon book (I am so drooling over the Log Cabin Blanket). 5 skeins of Classic Silk for a Clapotis. One bumblebee tape measure. One package of ring markers for Clapotis. One package of point protecto
The Calling on Kahlo bag. Yup, my friend bought me this lovely bag, which I think is more Dia de los Muertos than anything. I do not leave home without it. Inside I have room for my tool bag, needles, cell phone, and all sorts of wonderful things.
Below the bag is the completed Mistake Rib Scarf. As winter is a few months away and snow appears to be far far away, I have decided to put the hat on hold in favor of more necessary knitting.
FIL scarf WIP. I started working on this scarf, well, because I did. It has a slight variation in the shades of green which I like. I work on it every so often. Today, I have learned Ben's cousin had a baby girl, so the baby blanket I have been working on has now been pushed to the front of the line. Two skeins left on the blanket, I am hoping to finish by this weekend so I can mail to the UK.
On another note, I met up with Janis and Claudia from the Yarn Pirates for a yarn crawl in Montclair. We hit Elly's Knit and Rest which has been a staple in Montclair for over 38 years. We then walked a little further down to Modern Yarn where Claudia picked up some Malabrigo in a soft pink and Janis picked up a variegated peach yarn. We then strolled to sns where I enjoyed my gift certificate. Janis and Claudia had a good time, and Janis even knows Sunday, which prove it is always a small world.
So, with the week off what will I be doing? Well, I will be at the shelter working on the computer (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). I will also be knitting, BBBB and hopefully Clapotis will be finished (too ambitious). Lastly, I plan on studying for my final exam. Mary had emailed me asking what is Reality Therapy Theory. This theory revolves around clients focusing on changing behavior relying on the here and now (while a lot of other theories focus on the past as catalysts for behavior). To be honest, that's as much as I can get into as it was the last class on new material and at the end you are always exhausted.
I have class on Saturdays at 8am in which case I treat myself to the one latte I have all week at Starbuck's. Essentially, at 7:30am on a Saturday I am at Starbucks sipping my coffee. This schedule has been working very well as no one is on line this early in the morning. A month ago, this all changed. I ended up behind a woman who took a limousine and ordered a half dozen lattes. As my school is so close this becomes a minor inconvenience but it was close to me being late. I thought nothing of this, until the next week, when the same woman yet again bet me to the Starbucks and orders a few lattes. Yup. Every week I am struggling to wake up and beat the woman to the line. Today, I rushed up the street to be stuck behind a taxi that wouldn't let me pass them when they were turning, and yes, it was the same taxi that pulled up in front of the Starbucks as I parked the car with the woman who orders too many lattes first thing in the morning. I consider this the fates working against me. And not because the woman keeps arriving right before me, but for the past few times the latte has been horrible. Awful. And I am in such a rush to leave that I forget to try the coffee until I am speeding down Upper Mountain Ave. heading towards class. Well, next week is the last class and I am even forego this trip.
We ended with Reality Therapy Theory which was okay. For a class on Saturday we have 14 people in class and the conversations have been fabulous. I have learned to participate every class but only every so often. Our class has a student who insists on speaking all the time whether or not what she contributes is relevant. Her overly excited ramblings have become ignored by the professor and with one last class to go, with eye rolling and exaggerated sighs from class members. I have decided that I don't want to be that type of student. Ah, four classes this summer. I think that qualifies as insane.
Oh yeah, I am a child of Jersey culture. We can all debate what is Jersey culture, but I think somethings hold true. We can be sarcastic, yet funny. We can be caustic, yet sincere. We can be loud, yet loud. Not all of us navigate off of an exit off the Parkway, and sadly we just learned we are the most taxed state of the states.
So, I have joined the Jersey ring (of knitters).
I have never been one for shameless self-promotion or self-advocacy, however I was extremely happy to receive voicemails and emails from friends and family extending a birthday greeting. I think what tickled me the most was an email from my friend with a picture of her cat and the felted kitty pi bed. I do think that my cat beds have to be made larger (much larger). Yet still, I am happy happy happy!
Other birthday celebrations will occur later. DH gave me a lovely gift certificate to my LYS which I plan on destroying tomorrow during the SNB and enjoying my birthday discount. I also am receiving a special bag from my close friend which should arrive in a few days. Lastly, the folks are taking DH and I to Don Pepe's for some Spanish cuisine. You may be thinking paella, but you haven't tried their stuffed lobster or spicy shrimp. And can we say Sangria?
On another topic, have I professed my love for Malabrigo? If I haven't (or even if I have) it is wonderful. I am flying through the scarf. Forgetful Stitcher asked and I am halfway done with the extra long scarf. The remaining skein should make a nice hat or mittens (must confirm yardage). Anyways, I think I will be making a few more scarves out of this yarn. I don't think I can felt this yarn, I love it too much to agitate it and remove the delicateness of its touch.
Ok, so I forgot a few things to post. Michelle mentioned that the idea of coffee and yarn couldn't be much better, I would have to agree. I am a self-admitted caffeine addict, so granted coffee and most things sounds good to me, but combined with fiber makes a wonderful location for knitting.
When our little clan was there we came across Bakerina. Sitting at the front of Knit NY, we noticed some turquoise yarn quickly converting into lace pattern a la Bakerina. She was extremely nice and I was completely impressed. She only learned to knit in November and her first project was socks (which I haven't even touched). Her second project is lace.
Also, I mentioned that Anna brought me yarn from Paris? Well, here are the pics. It is luscious and divine, and after some research with Sunday I am moving towards a poncho or wrap with a linen stitch. We do not know the material but it is thin, soft to the touch, with a little fuzziness like mohair, and feels like alpaca. Everyone at sns summarized with, "Don't felt it".
Also, after a small inspiration for spring cleaning and well a better understanding of my yarn stash, I organized a few of the containers. I thought I reduced the mess, but actually, I just re-organized it. DH guessed correctly that there are five projects on the needles.
- HP scarf, weave in ends
- BBBB, finish second half
- Malabrigo hot pink scarf in rib stitch pattern, first half done
- Large seed stitch scarf for fundraiser in leftover Adrienne Vittadini baby blue
- FIL's karaoke patchwork pattern scarf in sage green
I need to finish #2 before anything else, and the rest need to be finished shortly to liberate my needles for other projects. Ahhh.... maybe for the clapotis. The famed clapotis.
Well, I caught up with a close friend this Friday at Knit NY. It was my first visit and I did enjoy having lattes so close in proximity to yarn and I did indulge in a bagel. Anna splurged on a banana bread and coffee. The front of the store does have the coffee bar and each yarn and color the store carries is displayed throughout the store. Do not fear they have more yarn stored behind closed doors just ask for someone to grab you how much you need. Part of you still wants to see all the yarn, but it is an interesting design. We spent a good few hours sitting and knitting, and although I feel we encroached on some of the locals space, we had a few good laughs (I made major progress on patchwork pattern scarf).
What was great was the Malabrigo yarn. I like Manos, but Malabrigo is soft to the touch. It is butter. I came home with three skeins in Geranio, which once in the sunlight I realized was a fuschia pink, will convert into two scarves. Each skein is 215 yards which is almost in my estimation enough to make a scarf, almost. I have started the mistake rib scarf for myself and the second will go to someone else hmmm.... But, I was excited to see a lot of colorways. I brought home the yarn and did the wool test. As DH doesn't appreciate wool, I made him touch it to see if he knew it was wool. He guessed alpaca. Mission accomplished it is super soft to the touch.
Anna will be traveling to the land of Germany. Are you thinking what I am thinking? Oh yes, Holz and Stein. We googled some yarns available in Germany, however pleease make suggestions as we need some. We have found Loft, Naturwool, and one other one.
We caught up with another friend who wrote my letter of recommendation for school. As a thank you, I knit her the kitty pi bed which was tested by all the kitties in the home. So, it was re-washed and re-shaped and presented last night. I hope to be able to post a photo of her kitties sleeping in the bed. You can see the post here of my cats enjoying it.
Lastly, it was so beautiful I ended up on s-n-s on Saturday for a leisurely knit. I was able to start my mistake rib scarf. I will post Sunday or Monday photos of the lovely, delicate, yarn I received from France and details on what that might become...for now, here's photos of yesterday.
Monica knitting up a patchwork pattern with a seed stitch border in Karaoke.
Anna hiding from the camera. Knitting a rib pattern in Berroco for a baby sweater.
Pookie : 6 yo sm looking for a 3-4 yo sf who loves walks on the beach, long snuggles by firelight, and passion for biscuits.
Knitting up some Malabrigo in Geranio at s-n-s. Notice the new Lantern Moons in ebony. Yummy! BTW, this is a mistake rib pattern.
First, I am extremely excited because the Yarn Harlot left me a comment. I get excited whenever anyone leaves a message, but this made me even more excited.
Then, I knew blogs across Jersey clicked up updates on the Harlot's visit, so it was a blast to read on Jersey Knitter who detailed everyone who was in attendance and then mentioned myself and Forgetful Knitter. This is when it gets interesting, as I have now been introduced to new knit blogs and Jersey based ones which is sweet! So, now I will be checking out Enchaning Juno, and Peony Knits. Speaking of, I grabbed this meme from Peony Knits just for something different.
Place an X by all the things you've done. This is for your entire life:
(X) Smoked a cigarette
(X) Drank so much you threw up
( ) Crashed a friend's car
( ) Stolen a car
(X) Been in love
(X) Been dumped
(X) Shoplifted
(X) Been laid off/fired
(X) Quit your job
(X)Been in a fist fight
(X) Snuck out of your parent's house
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
( ) Been arrested
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Lied to a friend
(X) Skipped school
( ) Seen someone die
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Been to Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
(X) Been on the opposite side of the country
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Recently colored your hair
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
(X) Made prank phone calls
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
(X) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
( ) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Made a bonfire on the beach
(X) Crashed a party
(X) Gone roller-skating
(X) Ice-skating
Well, Margaret and I made it to Rutherford Library to see the Yarn Harlot do a book reading and signing which was a hoot! The event contained a who's who of knitters in blogosphere and in general. In attendance was Annie Modesitt, Lynn the owner of an LYS in Montclair, the Jersey Knitter, and more. It was a decent crowd and there was even people who saw the Yarn Harlot in Lord & Taylor last year which is cool and surreal because that was a great event as well.
Well, now that I picked up my Knitting Rules book from s-n-s, got it signed, I am sitting down tonight and reading the book. A nice quiet night at home with no school work, no errands, no jobs to do, nothing but a book and some knitting.
Ok, while I mention, stix-n-stitches, let me just say I love my LYS. When I lost my job, I was totally welcome to visit the store and sit and knit. Sheila, Sunday, and Deborah always were incredibly nice to me and treated me like family. Sometimes when we are down we just need a warm and positive place to visit. Yesterday before I went to see the Harlot, I stopped by to pick up her new book, and a customer came in talking about her rough day and said, "I just wanted to stop by and pick up some positive energy." I think if there is a place like that where one can go, especially a LYS for a knitter, then we are blessed.
So, DH went to Staples to do some copying of study material for an exam he had and comes home with a rather big box to hold his copies. He spent the day sitting at the table staring at his study guides and the Staples box given to him was thus empty. Empty for cats to repurpose the box. Yes, it seems one innovative cat found the box to be relaxing and comfortable. What is amazing is not that one cat found the box to be great as a bed, or that a second also used the box for bedding later that night, or that the next morning we found a third cat lounging in the box. No, this is not fascinating. Animals find pleasure in the small things that we humans overlook. What is amazing is that we continue to buy toys for our cats. They have a very nice and oversized scratching post that is shaped like a tree. They have a box with holes to ferret out little toys and mice. They have catnip bubbles. They have a laser light. They have over 36 mice in our home (I know because if you missed the post - we found and counted the mice underneath the sofa). They have toys attached to string. And Yet, the free Staples box from the copy center has become the most sought after item in the home. Well, we have put a kabash on the cat toys (there was a kabash after the thousand mice under the sofa).
Well, the marsupial tote is done. I have felted one round of the bag, and well it looks pretty bad. I am going to run through a few more cycles and hopefully shrink it. The problem is not the yarn, rather the person who read the pattern seemed to skip a paragraph. So, if I can even walk away with a tote or bag of some kind, I will be happy. Otherwise, the cats have a new toy.
It does appear Puffy Tail endorses Staples as a reliable location to make copies, but more importantly a great place to obtain new seating.
Puffy Tail continued to enjoy the box. In fact, she spent majority of the day there.
Later that night, we heard some noise and found Ella nestled in the box enjoying a little nap.
Updates: I am adding a second Magallanes skein to the Marsupial tote and knitting 12 inches in Magallanes. I will add the Cascade 220 for the top portion for four or so inches, and then felting will take place. I hope to felt tomorrow while doing laundry.
So, fellow companion Forgetful Stitcher and I, will be seeing the Yarn Harlot at the Rutherford Public Library next Tuesday, April 11, 2006. I am so incredibly excited because she is a wonderful speaker and brings great humor to knitting. Sheila, at s-n-s, handed us the flyers on Sunday. Speaking of, I spent Sunday afternoon oblivious to the time change and happily knitting at the lys. I had a nice cappucino, made decent progress on my Marsupial Tote, chatted with the women, and simply basked in the splendor of the lazy afternoon.
Needless to say, I woke up with ten minutes to get ready this morning as I was not aware of the time change still, but DH finally realized it.
I did realize that UFOs have been growing and populating the bookcase surrounding the tv. There is an HP scarf that needs a little finishing touch. A BBBB that needs some additional yarn ordered and a new needle (yes, my 2nd Bryspun Needles which I love so much broke yet again). There is a patchwork scarf for FIL that just sits. And now, I have started the Marsupial Tote with the Magallenes. Not to mention the projects I hid in baskets or bags. Dilemmas, dilemmas, dilemmas,....oh yeah, I have holidays coming up. Hmmm, days to sit and knit.
Well, it is official. I have been accepted into MSU for Master's Program in Counseling. I am ecstatic, overjoyed, thrilled, excited, and any other word that sounds enthusiastic! Ironically, the letter was sitting on the entrance table and I didn't even notice it. Yeah! So, how does one celebrate? Well, I would usually buy a couple of these bottles and spend the rest of the night smiling (note: not knitting, drinking and knitting is a bad combination).
I have already read the materials of everything I need to prepare. Primarily, I have to get my medical records stating I have immunizations and such, but I have already marked courses I want to pursue this Summer. I am shooting for four classes but I will probably settle on three.
I may even celebrate at s-n-s tomorrow and pick up a knitting treat. Oh, but what? Maybe, some pretty cotton yarn. Egyptian? Or. Maybe some Noro. Why not? Or. Maybe a new pair of needles that are needed. Just maybe.
Another good news, the Yankee Candle fundraiser went well for the shelter. We (four people) raised close to $400 in two weeks. I sorted the orders today and individually organized the orders with thank you cards. Hopefully, the orders will be picked up by the sales folks tomorrow. Another item off of my checklist. Of course, PFB is quickly approaching and so is Art for PAWS. Where is my summer? Oh yeah, my summer will be me taking classes.