Tuesday, October 7, 2008

in a departure from regularly scheduled programming...


A bulletin from your friendly microbiologist
There is a big outbreak going on right now of Salmonellosis linked to breaded partially-cooked frozen chicken products. Though it's not a recommended cooking method, people have been using microwaves to heat these up till they are warm enough to eat... then getting (very) sick. Here's one of several related news articles I've seen.

If you have to use a microwave, use your thermometer.

really fun project!

Have a look at this great link from Berroco: Minutia 2008 - 12 tiny sweater patterns, some knit, some crochet instructions - perfect for favours or coworkers and a great way to use of left over bits-n-pieces of yarn. Yay!

Friday, October 3, 2008

sock knitting season again

That wee nip in the air makes me want to sock-knit again. I am still wearing sandals, even in October, because I have a nice pedicure. But this weekend I want to get a cute pair of clogs to show off my knitting prowess (ahem) while still having dry feet, and, of course, comfort. I gained eight pounds last month (new readers: not quite as bad as it sounds - am in 6th month of pregnancy) and hefting this girth around in my usual high heel boots isn't going to happen this winter.

So right now I'm working on some knee socks for my work friend P, a workaholic who has about 2% bodyfat and always looks like she is about to freeze solid in winter. She's only a couple of inches taller than me (who isn't) but I will probably double her body weight by xmas (and yes, am only carrying one baby. I get all-over-body pregnancy, where my legs arms and ass gain weight in sympathy with my belly) and I think a pair of woolly socks might just keep her around through another winter. Last year she got these:
and this year, hopefully, a completed pair of these:very plain vanilla pattern - toe up with short row heel...the heels are a little untidy and the toes don't match, because I cast on the first sock in June and decided at the time (I guess) that I could commit the method to memory. Hah! These are knit from the flat feet pre-dyed sock blank, round and round and round in stockinette...Colour is great though. They don't look too great in that picture but they haven't been blocked yet...


Already looking forward to the next thing, here's a lovely pattern I bought off Ravelry today: Grandiflora socks, which should hopefully work with ultra-patterned sock yarn. Yay!


Look at what I found online today, tucked amongst regular boots on sale:


Knitted boots, but with outdoor soles...

And also: it's breast cancer awareness month. My dear friend Flibbertygibbet has made quite a commitment, and I am very proud of her.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Quickie

Finished Talia! Here it is before the edging to armholes and neckline:

Great pattern to make - and fast. Didn't much care for the yarn though - the wee bit of mohair in it sheds everywhere. I think I would make this again, maybe in a cotton mix, something less sheddy.


Next, need to block this, and then put away till xmas! Aren't I organized..okay, doesn't fit me so not like I'll be tempted to wear it...sigh. 24 weeks and counting!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

On and off the needles

Cast on for Talia, a Knitty pattern, with yarn from the Colorado trip - this is a fun pattern, on big needles, going pretty fast.

Finally finished the red scarf, yay!

And am back into the flat feet socks - I am over the novelty of knitting from an unravelling piece of pre-knit sock blank, but I suppose it's a cute idea. I decided not to do anything more than a basic toe-up sock pattern, because using such variegated yarn will overwhelm a pattern. But just makes it a zzz to knit. Good commuting project though.

And... here's a picture of me and a guy I met in Wyoming

Cracks me up!

Read any good books lately?

Time of day in my part of the world

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