Willow has to wear a school uniform when she starts Kindergarten in August. I was checking her school website last night hoping to find a school supply list when I found a notice saying that the school's clothing policy had changed. This kid is going to need a whole new wardrobe - she is only allowed
- black, dark blue, or beige pants/skirts/jumpers
- all shirts must have a collar (plus a precious few additional colours)
- absolutely no writing or pictures (i.e., logos) on clothes
Now, the logo thing isn't so much of a problem - she doesn't have much in the way of that because I don't like it. However, both of her grandmothers have made her dresser-fulls of clothes... and in a riot of little girl colours and patterns - flowers, pinks, purples, turquoises, butterflies, hearts... all which are pretty much verboten under the dress code. Honestly, in her current wardrobe I can only think of a handful of things that fit the wardrobe (a yellow polo shirt, a red sweater, and a white turtleneck).
So, I guess this means I need to crank out at least a sweater for her to wear to school. It's really too bad - I am working on a beautiful shawl-collared sweater (and that in itself is not a problem) for her right now in a beautiful turquoise and sage green colourway (and that is the problem). I have some dark green Wool-Ease in my stash I can use... off to find a pattern.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Eight Things... about Willow!
I received this meme from Jen and since I have received something like this in the recent past, I am going to change it up a little. Instead of me, I'm going to tell you eight things about Willow.
And I'm not going to tag anyone... if you feel so inclined to write up one of these, go for it!
Eight Things About Willow
1. She hates fresh tomatoes, but loves tomato soup, spaghetti sauce, ketchup... practically anything else you can think of that is made from cooked tomatoes.
2. Her grandfather has been teaching her long words that describe her: obstinate, procrastination, cantankerous, etc. She is good at this - she can even give you synonyms for these words now!
3. She can read easy readers and hasn't even started kindergarten yet.
4. She and her friend Soren are always playing duos - Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, Harry and Hermione, Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann... and despite the fact she tells me she is going to marry Soren someday, they never seem to pick marriageable pairs! I had to inform her that Luke and Leia were brother and sister, which confounded her to no end. Andrew said I was spoiling the story and we would let her find out the rest of the family tree on her own.
5. The kid swims like a fish. Three cheers for the Y!
6. She has a penchant for expensive foods: prime rib, steak, lobster, shrimp, etc. We had barbequed steak last weekend and she ate more steak than anyone else (mind you, over three days, but still!)
7. She loves her baby dolls, and after watching Toy Story 2 she is worried about outgrowing them. With tears in her eyes, she made me promise that I wouldn't ever let her throw her baby dolls away.
8. She routinely tells her teachers that I am pregnant (I'm not!), to the point that every couple of months one of the teachers pulls me aside and surreptitiously asks, "Are you having a baby...?" She wants to be a big sister in the worst way.
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The trip to Victoria was a mixed bag - the rain wouldn't let up and Willow complained about walking outside (despite the fact that she was the only one with an umbrella!) We did get to Beehive Wool Shop where I bought some stuff for my SP9, some Patons Deco in rose garden to make a baby sweater for my sister (she isn't finding out if she is having a boy or a girl so I am making random outfits in different colours), some Aero needles, a set of Pony Pearl dpns in size 2, and Patons Astra to make a baby helmet from an old (perhaps 1960s) Patons pamphlet. They had Fleece Artist stuff there, too and it felt soooooooo nice. A little expensive for my means (damn exchange rate!), but is sure was soft and in pretty colours.
And I'm not going to tag anyone... if you feel so inclined to write up one of these, go for it!
Eight Things About Willow
1. She hates fresh tomatoes, but loves tomato soup, spaghetti sauce, ketchup... practically anything else you can think of that is made from cooked tomatoes.
2. Her grandfather has been teaching her long words that describe her: obstinate, procrastination, cantankerous, etc. She is good at this - she can even give you synonyms for these words now!
3. She can read easy readers and hasn't even started kindergarten yet.
4. She and her friend Soren are always playing duos - Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, Harry and Hermione, Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann... and despite the fact she tells me she is going to marry Soren someday, they never seem to pick marriageable pairs! I had to inform her that Luke and Leia were brother and sister, which confounded her to no end. Andrew said I was spoiling the story and we would let her find out the rest of the family tree on her own.
5. The kid swims like a fish. Three cheers for the Y!
6. She has a penchant for expensive foods: prime rib, steak, lobster, shrimp, etc. We had barbequed steak last weekend and she ate more steak than anyone else (mind you, over three days, but still!)
7. She loves her baby dolls, and after watching Toy Story 2 she is worried about outgrowing them. With tears in her eyes, she made me promise that I wouldn't ever let her throw her baby dolls away.
8. She routinely tells her teachers that I am pregnant (I'm not!), to the point that every couple of months one of the teachers pulls me aside and surreptitiously asks, "Are you having a baby...?" She wants to be a big sister in the worst way.
***************************************
The trip to Victoria was a mixed bag - the rain wouldn't let up and Willow complained about walking outside (despite the fact that she was the only one with an umbrella!) We did get to Beehive Wool Shop where I bought some stuff for my SP9, some Patons Deco in rose garden to make a baby sweater for my sister (she isn't finding out if she is having a boy or a girl so I am making random outfits in different colours), some Aero needles, a set of Pony Pearl dpns in size 2, and Patons Astra to make a baby helmet from an old (perhaps 1960s) Patons pamphlet. They had Fleece Artist stuff there, too and it felt soooooooo nice. A little expensive for my means (damn exchange rate!), but is sure was soft and in pretty colours.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
WiP It Wednesday
What? You thought I would forget simply because I am on vacation? Silly mortals...
I can forget for much simpler reasons than that!
Unfortunately, this WiP in destined to be frogged. It is the ribbed baby's cardigan from the new issue of Knit Simple, and I really don't like how it is working out. The ribs are doing what they are supposed to do - bunching up - but that is going to cause it to be quite cropped. It's too bad - I thought this would be a nice, simple, one piece baby pattern I could work up while away. Not so. I will have to go back to my old baby pattern standby - Daisy from Knitty.
Whenever I come up to my parents' house, there are a few foodie stock things I *have* to do, and so far I have accomplished:
1. Had Heinz Tomato Soup for lunch. This stuff makes Campbell's taste like salty crap and despite not living far from the Heinz factory in the US, I have never seen it in our grocery stores there.
2. Eaten a Coffee Crisp bar. Yes, I know there are a few select places in the US where you can buy these now (My local Dollar General, oddly enough) but it isn't the same.
3. Had Stinky Noodles for lunch. Yes, I know that isn't the real name, but that is always what we called them. And for some reasons, my local grocery stores don't carry this variety, either.
We are heading off to Victoria today, and there are a few things on my list for there... Purdy's chocolates, Rogers' Chocolates, honey buns (this I couldn't find a link for - but you buy them at an Asian bakery - it's like a steamed cake), Murchie's Tea... Yes, there is a reason why I am only having yogurt (albeit Island Farms Vanilla Plus Yogurt) for breakfast...
I've been tagged by Jen for a meme, and that will be up tomorrow!
I can forget for much simpler reasons than that!
Unfortunately, this WiP in destined to be frogged. It is the ribbed baby's cardigan from the new issue of Knit Simple, and I really don't like how it is working out. The ribs are doing what they are supposed to do - bunching up - but that is going to cause it to be quite cropped. It's too bad - I thought this would be a nice, simple, one piece baby pattern I could work up while away. Not so. I will have to go back to my old baby pattern standby - Daisy from Knitty.
Whenever I come up to my parents' house, there are a few foodie stock things I *have* to do, and so far I have accomplished:
1. Had Heinz Tomato Soup for lunch. This stuff makes Campbell's taste like salty crap and despite not living far from the Heinz factory in the US, I have never seen it in our grocery stores there.
2. Eaten a Coffee Crisp bar. Yes, I know there are a few select places in the US where you can buy these now (My local Dollar General, oddly enough) but it isn't the same.
3. Had Stinky Noodles for lunch. Yes, I know that isn't the real name, but that is always what we called them. And for some reasons, my local grocery stores don't carry this variety, either.
We are heading off to Victoria today, and there are a few things on my list for there... Purdy's chocolates, Rogers' Chocolates, honey buns (this I couldn't find a link for - but you buy them at an Asian bakery - it's like a steamed cake), Murchie's Tea... Yes, there is a reason why I am only having yogurt (albeit Island Farms Vanilla Plus Yogurt) for breakfast...
I've been tagged by Jen for a meme, and that will be up tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Singing In the Rain
Okay, I am not known for my melodious voice, so let's skip the singing part... I caught the weather report this morning and it looks like it my rain on and off for the remainder of my vacation. Truly, I don't mind. Willow might go a little stir crazy and demand to play down at the lake in the rain anyway, but that's okay, too.
I didn't take my Mom's camera with me when we went out walking yesterday, but here is a pic of what the area looks like. We are quite isolated here and I am so enjoying the slow pace. Life and work were rather hectic before we left for vacation and I have a sneaky feeling that my head may have exploded if I had continued much longer.
Knitting has been happening - I will have a picture up for WiP It Wednesday tomorrow. I am working on a baby sweater right now - and I hope to finish it while I am here. There are a couple of good knitting stores are on the Island that I will be frequenting in the next few days. I am excited about seeing Beehive Wool Shop because I hear it is just huge. I want to stock up on Aero needles - I love using them and have never seen them at my LYS in Delaware or Pennsylvania.
Hmmm... it is nearly 10am. Maybe I should get dressed. Oh, I love vacations!
I didn't take my Mom's camera with me when we went out walking yesterday, but here is a pic of what the area looks like. We are quite isolated here and I am so enjoying the slow pace. Life and work were rather hectic before we left for vacation and I have a sneaky feeling that my head may have exploded if I had continued much longer.
Knitting has been happening - I will have a picture up for WiP It Wednesday tomorrow. I am working on a baby sweater right now - and I hope to finish it while I am here. There are a couple of good knitting stores are on the Island that I will be frequenting in the next few days. I am excited about seeing Beehive Wool Shop because I hear it is just huge. I want to stock up on Aero needles - I love using them and have never seen them at my LYS in Delaware or Pennsylvania.
Hmmm... it is nearly 10am. Maybe I should get dressed. Oh, I love vacations!
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Best Laid Plans
I had this plan for a really cool contest - I am on vacation right now, and yesterday I took a picture of a world famous hotel that was outside the Customs building as I waited to be let into the country... I was going to post the picture, have people guess from the photo where I was, and then send the winner a postcard from said location.
However, I cannot seem to download pictures from my camera onto my host's computer. Bah humbug!
Anyhow, I am taking lots of cool pictures, and you will all just have to wait until I get home to see them.
And the photo? The Empress Hotel - downtown Victoria, British Columbia.
However, I cannot seem to download pictures from my camera onto my host's computer. Bah humbug!
Anyhow, I am taking lots of cool pictures, and you will all just have to wait until I get home to see them.
And the photo? The Empress Hotel - downtown Victoria, British Columbia.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Disturbing
I hope all of you find this as disturbing as I do - I saw them while buying Willow new sneakers today. Check the sizes out... some of those are *baby* sizes. As in one year old to maybe three years old. What on earth are people thinking? The picture doesn't give you a clear view of the heel - but there is about an inch of clear plastic heel there - not platform, but an actual heel.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Off to Dulaan Today
These babies will be in the mail to the Dulaan people:
It looks like I will be a little late for this year's container - I misread the flyer and though the stuff had to be there by July 15th, not July 1st - but I know they will get there eventually. There are 11 hats, 2 pairs of mittens, and 1 sweater. Yes, that is the sweater I had knit for Willow, but she wore it once and by the time the cool weather rolls around again, it will be two small on her... so better someone else gets some use out of it.
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People, it is going to be ungodly hot here today. 95'F and high humidity... Yes, I know that us nothing on the scale that some of the western states are going through, but beastly nonetheless. Do you know how hard it is to find indoor things to do in the summer for kids? I mean, if it were just me and Andrew, we would just walk through the mall, maybe catch a movie or two... but you can't do that with a kid and keep your sanity. A few of my co-workers had mentioned The Crayola Factory, but I found out that it would be a nearly two hour drive. It sure looks like a lot of fun, but I think I will keep that idea until the fall when the weather will be nicer.
You know what the ironic thing is? On days like this, I *like* going to work. I will be in happy air conditioning all day (at someone else's expense), get to talk to my friends, not have to wear sunscreen (I am very fair-skinned and wear it religiously but hate the feel/smell of it), and not have to worry about Willow being overheated or bored. Why does this heat have to happen on a weekend!?!!?
It looks like I will be a little late for this year's container - I misread the flyer and though the stuff had to be there by July 15th, not July 1st - but I know they will get there eventually. There are 11 hats, 2 pairs of mittens, and 1 sweater. Yes, that is the sweater I had knit for Willow, but she wore it once and by the time the cool weather rolls around again, it will be two small on her... so better someone else gets some use out of it.
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People, it is going to be ungodly hot here today. 95'F and high humidity... Yes, I know that us nothing on the scale that some of the western states are going through, but beastly nonetheless. Do you know how hard it is to find indoor things to do in the summer for kids? I mean, if it were just me and Andrew, we would just walk through the mall, maybe catch a movie or two... but you can't do that with a kid and keep your sanity. A few of my co-workers had mentioned The Crayola Factory, but I found out that it would be a nearly two hour drive. It sure looks like a lot of fun, but I think I will keep that idea until the fall when the weather will be nicer.
You know what the ironic thing is? On days like this, I *like* going to work. I will be in happy air conditioning all day (at someone else's expense), get to talk to my friends, not have to wear sunscreen (I am very fair-skinned and wear it religiously but hate the feel/smell of it), and not have to worry about Willow being overheated or bored. Why does this heat have to happen on a weekend!?!!?
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
WiP It Wednesday
You didn't think I had forgotten, did you? Okay, I did forget last week. Or rather, by the time I remembered I was so tired and hadn't taken a picture of any of things I was working on and so let it slide.
Anywho... Here is Willow's 'Oh My' vest:
I'm making really fast progress on this and I like that! The pattern is a child's hooded vest from Knitting Pure and Simple (scroll down and see pattern #271). I'm knitting it out of Plymouth's 'Oh My' in an olive/forest colour and it is terribly soft. I went to JoAnn's today to pick up a separating zipper and found that there is not much colour choice in short zippers (10 - 14 inch). Basically, I had a choice of white, cream, or black. I went with a 12" cream one. I brought it home and measured it against the vest and found I could have done with a 14" one after all. I was worried about the zipper being too long for the vest - apparently that was an unfounded worry.
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Happy Independence Day to the Americans out there! We had a barbecue at my in-laws for lunch and we counted the American flags we saw between our house and theirs. It is about a 2 mile drive and we counted over 60 flags!
Anywho... Here is Willow's 'Oh My' vest:
I'm making really fast progress on this and I like that! The pattern is a child's hooded vest from Knitting Pure and Simple (scroll down and see pattern #271). I'm knitting it out of Plymouth's 'Oh My' in an olive/forest colour and it is terribly soft. I went to JoAnn's today to pick up a separating zipper and found that there is not much colour choice in short zippers (10 - 14 inch). Basically, I had a choice of white, cream, or black. I went with a 12" cream one. I brought it home and measured it against the vest and found I could have done with a 14" one after all. I was worried about the zipper being too long for the vest - apparently that was an unfounded worry.
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Happy Independence Day to the Americans out there! We had a barbecue at my in-laws for lunch and we counted the American flags we saw between our house and theirs. It is about a 2 mile drive and we counted over 60 flags!
Sunday, July 01, 2007
When Cheap Chapstick Happens to Good Kids
Guess who found her way into my 79-cent Avon Candy Cane flavoured chaptick tonight?
See how she artfully filled in her eyebrows as well? Bezzie, be thankful you have a boy!
See how she artfully filled in her eyebrows as well? Bezzie, be thankful you have a boy!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Hot Sticky Days...
I hate 'em.
It's probably a combination of things - having grown up on the West Coast... the west coast of *Canada*, no less, I'm just not accustomed to this humidity. I hate the fact that right now it is warmer inside my house with the windows open and ceiling fans going than it outside. And yes, I have air conditioning - but I feel silly using it when it is only 75'F outside. Right now I am hoping that when the sun goes down the house will finally cool down to a comfortable temperature.
Growing up we never had air conditioning - simply because it was not needed. Don't get me wrong, it got plenty hot during the summer, but ceiling fans did the trick. The first home I had with air conditioning was in Japan (and yes, it was needed there!), but even that wasn't until our last year in Japan and our landlord finally capitulated into installing a wall unit. People in Japan approach the heat of summer in a completely different way - for example, in Japan summer is the time for ghost stories - because the chill you get up your spine while hearing the story is supposed to cool you off.
Ugh. Heat. Having to wear my hair up all the time. Not wanting to cuddle. Not being able to knit large items. Bah humbug.
Yes, the irony is not lost on me that I am complaining about this in June... I read in the news this morning that 2007 in on its way to be the second hottest summer on record after 1998. I don't remember 1998 being particularly hot. The year 2002, now that was a doozy. Nothing like being nine months pregnant after 30 consecutive days of 90'F+ temps and being forcibly barefoot because your feet are too swollen to wear shoes...
It's probably a combination of things - having grown up on the West Coast... the west coast of *Canada*, no less, I'm just not accustomed to this humidity. I hate the fact that right now it is warmer inside my house with the windows open and ceiling fans going than it outside. And yes, I have air conditioning - but I feel silly using it when it is only 75'F outside. Right now I am hoping that when the sun goes down the house will finally cool down to a comfortable temperature.
Growing up we never had air conditioning - simply because it was not needed. Don't get me wrong, it got plenty hot during the summer, but ceiling fans did the trick. The first home I had with air conditioning was in Japan (and yes, it was needed there!), but even that wasn't until our last year in Japan and our landlord finally capitulated into installing a wall unit. People in Japan approach the heat of summer in a completely different way - for example, in Japan summer is the time for ghost stories - because the chill you get up your spine while hearing the story is supposed to cool you off.
Ugh. Heat. Having to wear my hair up all the time. Not wanting to cuddle. Not being able to knit large items. Bah humbug.
Yes, the irony is not lost on me that I am complaining about this in June... I read in the news this morning that 2007 in on its way to be the second hottest summer on record after 1998. I don't remember 1998 being particularly hot. The year 2002, now that was a doozy. Nothing like being nine months pregnant after 30 consecutive days of 90'F+ temps and being forcibly barefoot because your feet are too swollen to wear shoes...
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
On Turning Corners and Turning Heels
First, the big news...
I received the pathology results of my breast biopsy this morning, and my surgeon assures me there is no cancer and they biopsy showed only normal breast tissue! There is a mass (it was only small - maybe 1cm in diameter) and the surgeon is confident she extracted most of it - but I have to go back in three months to have another ultrasound to measure it and see if it has changed shape or grown. Yay! Of course, my breast currently looks like someone beat the bejezuz out of it, and she said it would be changing colours for about a month, so no topless swimming for me. Hey - don't laugh - there are nude beaches where I am going on vacation!
Now, I am not saying this whole experience hasn't been an 'a-ha' moment, but I do know I need to change things in my life. I am fairly healthy - I don't smoke or do drugs... the odd mojito or margarita makes it into my system, but they are few and far between. My nemesis is food. I love it - love cooking, love shopping in grocery stores, love eating. I really need to learn to step back and know that food is for sustenance, not pleasure. I also need to exercise more - I have a membership at the Y, I have a bicycle, and I need to get off my sizable duff and use these things!
Stay tuned for news on this front...
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Knitty SP9 matches were sent out yesterday, and am really excited about this! For the second round in a row I have been matched with someone whose blog I read regularly and feel I know. One thing about my new downstream SP is that she is a sock fanatic and this inspired me to work on my Dancing socks. While watching a couple of documentaries last night I finished the heel flap, turned the heel, and started working on the gusset stitches - I'm on a roll!
I received the pathology results of my breast biopsy this morning, and my surgeon assures me there is no cancer and they biopsy showed only normal breast tissue! There is a mass (it was only small - maybe 1cm in diameter) and the surgeon is confident she extracted most of it - but I have to go back in three months to have another ultrasound to measure it and see if it has changed shape or grown. Yay! Of course, my breast currently looks like someone beat the bejezuz out of it, and she said it would be changing colours for about a month, so no topless swimming for me. Hey - don't laugh - there are nude beaches where I am going on vacation!
Now, I am not saying this whole experience hasn't been an 'a-ha' moment, but I do know I need to change things in my life. I am fairly healthy - I don't smoke or do drugs... the odd mojito or margarita makes it into my system, but they are few and far between. My nemesis is food. I love it - love cooking, love shopping in grocery stores, love eating. I really need to learn to step back and know that food is for sustenance, not pleasure. I also need to exercise more - I have a membership at the Y, I have a bicycle, and I need to get off my sizable duff and use these things!
Stay tuned for news on this front...
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Knitty SP9 matches were sent out yesterday, and am really excited about this! For the second round in a row I have been matched with someone whose blog I read regularly and feel I know. One thing about my new downstream SP is that she is a sock fanatic and this inspired me to work on my Dancing socks. While watching a couple of documentaries last night I finished the heel flap, turned the heel, and started working on the gusset stitches - I'm on a roll!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
WiP it Wednesday
May I present a maybe quarter way finished cable sweater for my husband?
This one has been in the basket since about October 2006 when I picked up my Dad's hemp-wool socks. I put down the sweater because there was no way on earth I would finish this before Christmas and Andrew saw me knitting it nearly every week anyway so it wouldn't even be a surprise. I am just about at the place where I need to start shaping for the underarms. There is about 17" here so far - Andrew is a very long-bodied individual so I even added a bit onto what the pattern called for.
The particulars:
Yarn: Plymouth Encore in Charcoal
Needles: 24" size 7 Addi Turbos
Pattern: from a Family Circle Knitting magazine from the early 90s - but I think the pattern is pretty classic.
One of the reasons I haven't picked the project up again is that I am a bit worried that I may not have enough of this colourway to finish the sweater. I bought 10 skeins (I believe that is 2200 yards altogether) before I had even chosen a pattern. I know I have complained about this before - but really, if worse comes to worse, I might just have to get a bit creative with the sleeves.
This one has been in the basket since about October 2006 when I picked up my Dad's hemp-wool socks. I put down the sweater because there was no way on earth I would finish this before Christmas and Andrew saw me knitting it nearly every week anyway so it wouldn't even be a surprise. I am just about at the place where I need to start shaping for the underarms. There is about 17" here so far - Andrew is a very long-bodied individual so I even added a bit onto what the pattern called for.
The particulars:
Yarn: Plymouth Encore in Charcoal
Needles: 24" size 7 Addi Turbos
Pattern: from a Family Circle Knitting magazine from the early 90s - but I think the pattern is pretty classic.
One of the reasons I haven't picked the project up again is that I am a bit worried that I may not have enough of this colourway to finish the sweater. I bought 10 skeins (I believe that is 2200 yards altogether) before I had even chosen a pattern. I know I have complained about this before - but really, if worse comes to worse, I might just have to get a bit creative with the sleeves.
Monday, June 18, 2007
No, Still There
Yesterday a few people, whilst admiring Willow's new superhero cape, expressed dismay that she was starting to grow out of her curls. Let me assure you that it is simply not so:
Forgive the expression - it was the best shot out of about seven. I really do so much better when she doesn't look at the camera! The reason her hair looked straighter in the previous post's photos is because we have been braiding her hair before she goes to bed to help with the screaming the next morning when I try to brush the snarls out.
My new camera has a nifty video with voice feature and I have taken a few cut pictures of Willow telling me stories. I looked into the Google Video tonight to see if that was an option for posting it into my blog and the T&C were much too complicated. Does anyone use any of these video sites to upload their own videos? If so, please tell me which one you like best.
Forgive the expression - it was the best shot out of about seven. I really do so much better when she doesn't look at the camera! The reason her hair looked straighter in the previous post's photos is because we have been braiding her hair before she goes to bed to help with the screaming the next morning when I try to brush the snarls out.
My new camera has a nifty video with voice feature and I have taken a few cut pictures of Willow telling me stories. I looked into the Google Video tonight to see if that was an option for posting it into my blog and the T&C were much too complicated. Does anyone use any of these video sites to upload their own videos? If so, please tell me which one you like best.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Done With the Dreaded Capelet
It's finished!
And she loves it - of course, she thinks it is a superhero cape - but I won't disabuse her of that notion.
The particulars:
Pattern: Tuneful 'Rap by Scarlet Taylor (Creative Knitting Magazine July 2005)
Yarn: 4.25 skeins Paton Astra
Needles: Size 7 and 8s in Knitpicks Options
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Thank you for all your well-wishes on the biopsy. It was a quick procedure - maybe 15 minutes total. I had to write 'yes' on the breast to be cut in Sharpie pen - who knows when that will wash away, so for now it looks like I have a very ill-inked in tattoo. I didn't get to see the needle the surgeon used because they had towels rolled up under my left shoulder and side to prop me up sideways on a 45 degree angle. The surgeon numbed my breast with a local and said I shouldn't feel a thing. Well, I didn't feel the needle go in, but I SURE AS HELL felt it rooting around inside me! I gasped out loud and the surgeon said, "Can you feel that?" Me (gasping): "Yes!" Her: "Is it tolerable?" Me: "Um, it's okay..." So, she had to go in 4 more times to get more vials of tissue for the biopsy. Then they put surgical tape over the incision, put an icepack in my bra, and off I went. It was sore at the hospital, but didn't start to hurt until the drive home when the local wore off. A few extra-strength Tylenol and some judicially self-prescribed chocolate later, I was okay. Sleeping has been a bit tetchy - I tend to sleep on my front or my left side, both of which are awkward at the moment.
And she loves it - of course, she thinks it is a superhero cape - but I won't disabuse her of that notion.
The particulars:
Pattern: Tuneful 'Rap by Scarlet Taylor (Creative Knitting Magazine July 2005)
Yarn: 4.25 skeins Paton Astra
Needles: Size 7 and 8s in Knitpicks Options
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Thank you for all your well-wishes on the biopsy. It was a quick procedure - maybe 15 minutes total. I had to write 'yes' on the breast to be cut in Sharpie pen - who knows when that will wash away, so for now it looks like I have a very ill-inked in tattoo. I didn't get to see the needle the surgeon used because they had towels rolled up under my left shoulder and side to prop me up sideways on a 45 degree angle. The surgeon numbed my breast with a local and said I shouldn't feel a thing. Well, I didn't feel the needle go in, but I SURE AS HELL felt it rooting around inside me! I gasped out loud and the surgeon said, "Can you feel that?" Me (gasping): "Yes!" Her: "Is it tolerable?" Me: "Um, it's okay..." So, she had to go in 4 more times to get more vials of tissue for the biopsy. Then they put surgical tape over the incision, put an icepack in my bra, and off I went. It was sore at the hospital, but didn't start to hurt until the drive home when the local wore off. A few extra-strength Tylenol and some judicially self-prescribed chocolate later, I was okay. Sleeping has been a bit tetchy - I tend to sleep on my front or my left side, both of which are awkward at the moment.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Egads it hurts...
I'm typing one-handed right now, the other hand propping a bag of ice against my left breast. The biopsy is finished and I will know the results on 6/26. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to pop some Tylenol and chocolate.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
WiP It Wednesday
Well, suffice to say that these socks have been a WiP for so long they can practically be considered vintage socks...
I'm not entirely sure, but I may have started these socks in late 2005/early 2006. I did finish the first one in Fall 2006 and started the second one right away... but then got caught up in the insanity that is Christmas knitting and these babies fell along the wayside. The particulars?
Yarn: Knitpicks Dancing
Needles: Size 1 metal 6 inch DPNs
Pattern: Ann Budd's basic sock pattern but with only a 4" leg (I don't like long socks).
I have picked these up recently and am about 1/3 finished the heel flap. I love how featherweight and stretchy these socks are, but hate how Dancing curls up on you (because of the elastic) while knitting. And I won't be knitting socks again in these needles again anytime soon! I much prefer the 4" bamboo dpns for socks - I have small hands and find these 6" beasties a bit unwieldy.
I'm not entirely sure, but I may have started these socks in late 2005/early 2006. I did finish the first one in Fall 2006 and started the second one right away... but then got caught up in the insanity that is Christmas knitting and these babies fell along the wayside. The particulars?
Yarn: Knitpicks Dancing
Needles: Size 1 metal 6 inch DPNs
Pattern: Ann Budd's basic sock pattern but with only a 4" leg (I don't like long socks).
I have picked these up recently and am about 1/3 finished the heel flap. I love how featherweight and stretchy these socks are, but hate how Dancing curls up on you (because of the elastic) while knitting. And I won't be knitting socks again in these needles again anytime soon! I much prefer the 4" bamboo dpns for socks - I have small hands and find these 6" beasties a bit unwieldy.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Drowning in the Stash
Wow - one of the beautiful things about loading all this stuff into Ravelry is that I am finding all this yarn I had forgotten about. Shh... don't tell Andrew.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Great Movie to Knit By
Andrew laughs at the fact that I knit while watching movies - you know that right away foreign films are out. I have a better than passing knowledge of Japanese and French, but that still wouldn't get me through a movie without having to constantly check the subtitles and potentially mess up on the knitting. Last night we watched The Departed on DVD and it was a wonderful movie to watch while knitting. Granted, we turned the subtitles on anyway - I don't know whether it was my Canadian upbringing, but the Boston accent is a little difficult for me to wrap my head around sometimes. In any case, it was a great movie - fast paced, great characters - and had me entranced whilst knitting. I think I even put the knitting down from time to time to follow what was happening... and I don't normally like cop/mob movies. So - can anyone else give me some suggestions of movies you like to knit to?
I received my Ravelry invitation this morning and set up my profile... I foresee this being a big distraction for me... but in an oh-so-good way!
I received my Ravelry invitation this morning and set up my profile... I foresee this being a big distraction for me... but in an oh-so-good way!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
'Cause Turtlegirl told me to...
WiP it Wednesday coming up!
Here is a picture of the dreaded capelet I am knitting for Willow:
Why dreaded? It is mile upon mile of stockinette stitch. I am almost finished the body and then have to pick up and stitch the collar and button bands. And it is not a poncho! I haven't told Willow this is for her - in fact, it was supposed to be her Easter present and um, that didn't happen. The pattern is from an issue of Creative Knitting from last year and calls for worsted weight cotton and that wasn't going to happen - so I used some Paton's Astra and unintentionally got a pretty close colour match to the magazine picture.
Willow hit her first educational milestone yesterday - she graduated from Pre-Kindergarten!
I did take some video with my digital camera and I wish I could put it up on the blog - it is so funny. Willow is a ham - had to stand between the two risers in front of everyone and dance while everyone else was singing...
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Squished boob update - I had my surgical consult this morning and am scheduled for the ultrasound-aided needle biopsy next Friday. The doctor told me that in my age group that it only turns out to be cancer in 10% of women and that it is her job to prove it isn't cancer. The pathology results will be available about a week after that. Thank you for all your prayers and happy thoughts.
Here is a picture of the dreaded capelet I am knitting for Willow:
Why dreaded? It is mile upon mile of stockinette stitch. I am almost finished the body and then have to pick up and stitch the collar and button bands. And it is not a poncho! I haven't told Willow this is for her - in fact, it was supposed to be her Easter present and um, that didn't happen. The pattern is from an issue of Creative Knitting from last year and calls for worsted weight cotton and that wasn't going to happen - so I used some Paton's Astra and unintentionally got a pretty close colour match to the magazine picture.
Willow hit her first educational milestone yesterday - she graduated from Pre-Kindergarten!
I did take some video with my digital camera and I wish I could put it up on the blog - it is so funny. Willow is a ham - had to stand between the two risers in front of everyone and dance while everyone else was singing...
*************************************************************
Squished boob update - I had my surgical consult this morning and am scheduled for the ultrasound-aided needle biopsy next Friday. The doctor told me that in my age group that it only turns out to be cancer in 10% of women and that it is her job to prove it isn't cancer. The pathology results will be available about a week after that. Thank you for all your prayers and happy thoughts.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Thinking Positively for the Weekend
Everyone, thank you for all your well-wishes. I have an appointment with a surgeon on Wednesday, so we will see what happens then. Between now and then, however, I need to keep myself occupied. I did knit quite a bit last night with one of Nell's mojitos - well, not with the mojito itself - that would have been messy - but it was my companion while I knit. I have been working on a capelet for Willow and it just may be the most tedious thing I have ever knit. Luckily for me, all that there is left is about 2 more inches on the body and then the button bands. I have received plenty of beautiful sock yarn in blog contests recently and I really want to dig into them.
For your viewing pleasure, may I present some more flowers from my father-in-law's garden?
And just for the hell of it, Cranky Willow:
Remember, you can click on the photos to see larger sizes and more detail. I wouldn't advise it of the last picture, though - your monitor might crack.
For your viewing pleasure, may I present some more flowers from my father-in-law's garden?
And just for the hell of it, Cranky Willow:
Remember, you can click on the photos to see larger sizes and more detail. I wouldn't advise it of the last picture, though - your monitor might crack.
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