Pause....

I got sick Wednesday morning and languished in bed until Friday morning- spewing a lot, more than I ever have. Doc Thompson predicted it was a virus and gave me some promethazine that I actually threw up at least three times. Then the intestinal misery traveled downward, and now I've got a headcold. YAY! I was afraid 2011 was going to be too good a year.
So at least I think I can deal with an upper respiratory thing. Not smoking, I may get over it a lot faster.
My dear animals have been so good.They've been the only company I can stand.
I didn't pick up my knitting until late last night (the scarf I'm making for my brother) and today I've done a bit. I have to be at work at 10 so I was planning on getting something done, but I haven't felt much like it.
Next year's going to be better.

Balls of Yarn Everywhere

As often happens when I am at loose ends with no definite goal, I've started too many projects. I did finish a pair of purple booties- and of course found immediately why I stopped in the first place. There was a mistake in the knit-purl ribbing. Boo! Found a pattern for knitted Mary Janes and bravely wading through the pattern on that one (With stitch counter in place. Every time I use one of my counters I think, Thank God I've got that thing, I'd be lost without it) and of course I deviated from the pattern right off, using smaller needles, so who knows. I paused, stricken by the idea of knitting my brother a hat and maybe a scarf- and I'm almost done with the hat. Navy, white and sky blue. There's a reversible scarf in white started and now abandoned with the pattern in the Sewing Room (Jeez when I feel better I need to get in there and at least unwrap all the yarn the cat's strung around chair legs and stuff.)I think that's it.
Cindy has challenged me to devise a new pattern that combines sewing and knitting. We're keeping it secret and revealing our ideas in February. I had an instantaneous brainstorm to invent some kind of shoe. I told her, I think I have an idea and it's something every dolly needs. So I thought about it and I'm still thinking about it. We'll see how the MJs do.
I'm off today, but Doc Apps. Yucko!
Another thing every dolly needs is a catalog. I think it would be cool to take pics of the outfits so people could look at what we have and get what they want. I wonder if I can do that at Walgreen's or something? Kinkos? Are there still Kinkos?

Little Yellow Hat

I started the hat out on my new circulars I sanded down to size 10 or so. I then switched them to dpn because the diameter is so small it's hard to shift the stitches around and I figured double points might be easier to work and to decrease. We'll see. The sweater is so cute!
Got home from my first day back at work yesterday and was in bed before 7! Wore out! I missed Christmas Eve completely. Now at work I'll be faking it til I make it with Christmas. Boo!
Glad it's almost over, and I love hearing my friends' tales of disaster and success. I do like this time of year- brotherly love and all. Ha!
I found a pattern for reversible cables and started it last night (Right before the big crash. This morning I found a giant ball of white yarn and my new big bamboo needles on the headboard. The pattern calls for size 8 needles and I wanted something bigger.
Look at me, checking out patterns and making informed decisions like a grown up!
Anyhow, it's Christmas Day and I feel my morning pill kicking in- one of the last ones from the hospital, so I'll be switching back to normal pills now!
This morning I missed cigarettes a little. I am very proud of myself that through all this drama and stuff that I haven't started smoking again. But it really is a habit I hate. Disgusting, dirty and expensive, all bad, no good can come of it.
So I'll be knitting a lot!

Not Much Changed

I'm considering just giving up where I am on the throw, utterly sick of it. I am not motivated to do a lot the last couple days but I hope I can develop the ability later on. We'll see. I'm tired of acting like I'm at a race. This is a hobby to enjoy, not get stressed over deadlines. And it can't go anywhere until after the new year anyhow. I am just shaking my head.
It's cold today, I feel...kind of weird. It's probably a hormone-arama because I woke up sweating and too hot last couple nights. All the fun of the hormones without knowing when it's done. Great.

Cabled Torture

I'm pretty sick of this project. I've taken some time out to sew a bit- which is so fun and promises to yield profit someday! But the throw! The throw! I am so disgusted that I picked white, of all colors to drag around hospitals and doctor's offices. And the picture included illustrates, I bought three big skeins of yarn for this project, figured I'd use two. I'm almost through one, and the idea of doing two whole skeins is repugnant. I's probably three feet long. I wanted at least five. Two whole balls or yarn must go into it!
Chloe is even bored with it.

Cabled Throw

I have made progress on the white cabled throw, almost using one whole giant ball of yarn. Thanks to my short attention span I am already sick of it and looking at other projects. I have sewn a couple adorable little onesies for the baby dolls, and plan on making a yellow sweater to go with the celestial overalls I am planning. But I've got to get this stupid throw done. I'd say it's close to a yard long, and very pretty. Sick of it!
Bug has a doc appointment today and though I don't feel much like it I better go. Great.
This whole year has been a bad continuation of the crappiness of last year. It's gotta get better.

Heirlooms

In reading about knitters' various philosophies about our craft I am continually reminded that I am ever and always a poor person creating things for other poor people! I buy inexpensive yarn you can wash, that wont fade and that comes in great colors. I wish I could afford alpaca and luxury yarns, but then who can afford to pay for a hat? Or a doll sweater? And then, if it's to really wear, you can't wash it. Well, you can, but you can't wash it and throw it in the dryer.
I like creating practical things people can use. I don't want to be a high class knitter who wont touch anything but natural fibers, or sell a hat for 60 bucks and break even on what I paid for the yarn. I want people to use their knits, get them dirty, wash it and do it all over again.
But even I can admit how nice it is to feel soft, fluffy yarn in your fingers.

Throw

I am working on my largest project since the Who scarf so long ago- this is a pure white cabled throw for my mother, hopefully for Christmas, and looking at it, I have got the cables perfect.
I wanted something easy, just one color of yarn (and this ball of yarn was the size of a bowling ball when I started so there was not room for any more color)and not a lot of fancy stitching. I am working on a #6 circular needle (to keep from dropping one or losing it) and the cabling done with my long golf tee- I can't imagine why they make cable needles with golf tees around. It's ideal, the big end keeps the tee from falling out. It's a little bigger than my #6.
I'm all prepared for the hospital tomorrow. I doubt I'll feel like knitting much but if I do I have it all set.

New Project

I started a throw for mom- cast on 160 st on a #6 circular needle, all rib stitch and cables...I couldn't find a pattern I liked the looks of so I made up my own. I hope it's not going to shrink up all over when the ribstitch starts forming itself.
Knitted a pair of yellow booties to go with Brandy's yellow sweater, and Bug went shopping for yarn for me and bought the PRECISE color I needed. God he's good.
I made a hat for my friend LT who I do so adore.
Working all the time. I have surgery Friday, so I'm not sure how I'll come out. If I'll come out. Oh, of course I will. I have so much more to do.

Damn!

One of my best work friends has earned a promotion and will be leaving my department....I am so sad about it! Who will do the cryptoquote with me? Or crosswords? Which one of us lazy assholes even gets a daily paper. *SIGH* I will miss him. Terribly! My Sarah taken away and now Jeff to the same department. Good for them, and only what I want for my dear children! But I miss them. Keep up on Facebook I guess.
Speaking of Facebook, I put up some pics of the sweaters. I am proud of them. Sort of! Then again, it's just weird.
My dogs are trying to comfort me. They do. That's why I hate getting attached to people, they go away! Then of course, not being attached sucks too. Well, it's good they are talented and smart enough to get better jobs. I am just selfish.

Dollies

Dolls are pretty cute! My obsession with knitting has been augmented lately by my current feeling like shit. It's about all I feel like doing. But after this surgery I hope I'm better. I haven't felt like fishing, doing work...it's all I can do to make it through a shift. Days off I need to do laundry and maybe cook some fish.
Ugh. I don't know.
At least the smoking is going well! I'm not doing it! I'm afraid I'm going to have a 7 year depression. I just can't do that.
For productivity today there's a completed purple doll set. I'd like to get sewing. I have plans for a Ren Baby....grommets, headpieces and strings of pearls.

Noon

Already half my day off over and I'm no further ahead than I was! Rigmarole with PMT and pharmacy. I am planning on making meatballs with pasta tonight. Bug went to Wal Mart for us, since I haven't had the urge to go shopping since I had last surgery, and I will probably not like the results. I gave him a specific amount...a small list...and he saw tulips first thing. I love tulips- they fascinate me with their beauty, variety and history. I never look at them without thinking of the Dutch and their prized tulips. And eating them.
Christmas is coming, and it'll be nice to have it over with. Though I don't do a lot of holiday stuff, I see what it does to the people around me. Some of them really love this shit, others are more like me.
Working on gorgeous purple doll set. Almost done with the sweater, then on to the hat.

Windy

The wind is raging outside and I'm thinking I'll have to take myself to work today as the Bug is unwell. I hate wind! Don't know why, my hair's already messy.
The last couple days at work have reminded me why I like my job so much. I do love my co-workers and appreciate the job that pays my bills and finances my knitting habit. I would hate not having this place to go to nearly every day. Close to home, relatively easy, very fun...it's my dream job. If I'd ever had one besides being bass guitarist for a heavy metal band. Ah, dear! How times change! I bet if I was playing bass in a band in a dingy little dive I'd be thinking, I wish I was strolling around a casino paying out jackpots and bullshitting with people all day....I get paid for doing this!

Finished!

Ruby was delighted to get the scarves and hats for the girls yesterday, and I was delighted to be finished with them. I started a doll sweater in white to cleanse my brain. Cables and very cute.
Pain level variable, which makes work a trial. It's all good though! I've got two more weeks of suffering, then maybe I'll feel better. I am incredibly anxious worrying if I'll be well enough to work after a week...I mean, the laparoscopy was tough enough- they're gonna be taking shit out this time.
I'm just going to have to keep going. I haven't got a choice.

Endless Scarves

Looking back at my knitting career, I started out making scarves....really, what else can you do? I must have made a hundred of them, and instead of getting easier it just got more wearisome. They are tedious, and yet I agreed to make three for a friend that I love very much. The hats that go with them will be no trouble, but the scarves...the scarves....yuck!
The bad part is, as easy at they are, you can still fall into making a mistake. Then it's just depressing.
It's raining here today and I am off because we're taking the Bug to get his spinal injection. I know he hates it and so do I.
Now back to work.

Hands!

God my hands. I abuse the hell out of them. I was sanding down a pair of circular needles, because they are a size 15 but the rarest 11" length, and now I can barely flex my fingers. Of course I also finished the baby sweater, knit a pair of booties and started Ruby Scarf #2. Oh dear, I need these hands. I should take better care of them.
On the upside I love the Janome Sew Mini and more importantly got the 15 circulars down to about 11...booo! More sanding. And I already had to fix my nails from yesterday.

Plenty

Thanksgiving Day is never much of a holiday for me- I have always had to work, at least for the last ten years, and dad died last year, though it was almost midnight- was it a 7 day? Can't remember. Good. I don't need to remember.
So I'm delighted to report I got a Janome Sew Mini to work on the doll's clothes and it seems to be a solid little machine. I needed something little enough to do the small armholes and stuff.
Knitting Ruby's grand daughters hats and scarves out of Bonbon Print, which is a color combo that reminds me of puked up bubble gum and birthday cake ice cream. I've got one hat and scarf finished, two more to go. Also finished Bug's open face cold weather helmet liner hat thing that he likes. Made a red and green stocking hat and now on the sweater for the bigger doll.
So I'm busy, as usual. And the good thing about working on a holiday is, everyone feels sorry for you and yet you don't have to cook!

Cowl

I made Avalon a cowl in navy, which is so gorgeous. Every time I make one I think, I'm taking mine apart and creating it in a longer, thinner tube. I still may do.
Yesterday at work my friend Sandra, for whom I made a couple pair of slippers...in fact, she was the reason I decided to learn to make slippers...presented me with a Hobby Lobby bag of yarn, like, a BUNCH of yarn, and it's gorgeous I Love This Yarn yarn, the sparkly yarn, too, and I nearly cried. It's so beautiful, I balled it up already and I look so lovingly at my spheres of adventure stacked in the sewing room! I have only knit with very good yarn a few times, and I can't wait to get started. But I need to choose the perfect pattern and finish the Balaclava I am knitting for the Bug.
At least good things happen once in a while. I can't even describe how happy that made me.

Violet Baby Doll

The sweaters are so easy to knit, and the hats go fast, too, so I'm trying to get busy doing stuff. The surgery...well, it was a lot different from last time. I was a lot younger. I need to contact Doc's office to see if they can fix me...ever...ugh! I don't know if I can physically do two surgeries so close together.

Success

So I've lived through my surgery, none the worse for wear not counting the huge ass bruise around my bellybutton.
Got my bonus today and must extend my deepest gratitude to the corporation that has allowed me to put food on the table the last 81/2 years. Good bonus, all caught up, everything good. I am so relieved, and probably a bit weird thanks to the drugs Doc sent me home with.
It was funny, as I lay on the table waiting for the anesthesiologist I was looking up at all the masked faces around me, and when the drug girl came in she said, "Is this a typo? How old are you, Mrs. B? You can't be 45!" I answered I was actually 46. She said, "I figured you were around 32." "I love you." I announced.
So here I present a pic from the web cam of the hat mostly- I made a band and bow for it since I highly doubt I'll be doing anything adventurous, like fixing my hair or putting makeup on.
At the drug store I picked up some Revlon Lip Stain in Crave- it's been on since around noon, still pretty fresh.
I'm off until Thursday...maybe not the wisest course as far as benefit time but I don't think I can walk a lot right now, and then of course Doc is talking yanking out the old uterus....I'll do what I have to, I guess. *sigh*. This Oxy stuff they have me on makes it impossible to sleep. More than a few hours at a time, anyway. But it helps the pain. So does not coughing! So glad I quit smoking again. For now. Maybe forever!

Caught Up

I mailed the hats to Connie ($7.90 and just saw a news piece on the Post Office where shit just turns up missing, so, yeah, great.) Finished Janece's hat- I think of them as 'nap hats' because they are so light and good for when you're cold in the house. Although of course they are gorgeous anywhere.
Started a purple nap for me, though I have a blue one I added a band and bow to yesterday. On the downside I drank Grey Goose and ate chocolate and smoked, since it may well be my last days on earth. Ha ha. Surgery tomorrow. I can't wait to get this over with.

Done With Hats

I made four hats for Connie, they are all complete- re-did the yellow and green one and it's pretty. I hope they are what she needs. I put a bow on the band of the pink one and it'll be better for not poking during hat-wearing naps.
Ah! Surgery day after tomorrow. Hope it goes fast.

Three and a HALF Hats

This non-smoking isn't as bad as I feared. I mean, it's bad and all, fer real, but hopefully it's worth it. I can start up some other time, after my lungs heal up and I don't feel so crappy. I hope I can avoid them for the rest of my life. How long or short that may be.
I have pre-op today in a couple hours, it's my day off and I have a lot to do, among them finishing the hats for Connie. I have three complete and the 4th I'm wondering if I should re-do that green and yellow one, which is gorgeous and deserves a better life than as a mistake. So, maybe that's what I'll be up to.
It astounds me that some people can say, "I'm just not a hat person, I never wear hats."
I am shaking my head, thinking, that's just fucking crazy! Who can not wear hats? What about the cold, or sun, or-or- ARE YOU CRAZY? Any kind of foreign object that comes into my hands, first thing I do is see if it can be used as a hat. Things that can be used as hats that are not hats....flower pots, buckets, any length of fabric, bath towels, those plastic collar things your dog gets from the vet.
I guess that's probably weird.
Oh well!
It's a good day, maybe I'm looking optimistically at this surgery, praying it will help.

Projects

I have been very busy, working on the hats for Connie- I have three done, mulling over a 4th. I did a quick and rather sloppy set of curtains for Gail and though they are cute I cautioned her not to look at the backs. It was a mess. I should have washed and ironed the fabric but there was a deadline and things needed to get done fast.
I hate the time change. Up at 4 this morning and now it's 6:00 and I need to get ready for work.
Thankfully, I have today and Thursday to get through, then my surgery will hopefully alleviate some of the hell my body is giving me. I have spent more time doubled over trying to get the pressure off whatever is killing my back. I am tired, it's showing in my face and I want to be healthy again. Soon!

Hats In Motion

Ok so they're not exactly in motion, but I am knitting really fast and...did I mention that I quit smoking? Again? Well I have quit, again, as of Wednesday. I'm shaking my head as I type this, thinking, I've quit a couple dozen times, but I am using the internet for some help- oh, GOD it's so hard! I hate not smoking. But...my lungs sound like a kitten purring. My dad died a year ago this month due to the delicious and deadly habit. I wish I could change things but I can't so I'll have to keep trying to not join him. Plus...the smell of stale smoke, the disgusting ashtrays, the foul taste in your mouth when you put one out...ugh. And it's a five dollar a day habit here in Oklahoma. I want to funnel all my smoking energy back into knitting. And not get fat. And not go nuts. I am chewing the nicotine gum, which is almost better than smoking- all the burning but not in your lungs. We'll see. All I can do is try yet again.
I finished two hats of the four Connie asked for- and they are so cute I wish I could keep them. I have big plans for hats. Because hats are awesome.
Here's the sad part....I am running out of yarn, refuse to buy more and have unraveled a few experimental items to keep the current projects going. Maybe that's not sad, then, but brilliant. And desperate!

Payin' Gig

I got a hat request this morning, and of course I'm knitting like mad, between lazing around and doing errands- the only errands I have run in weeks are the ones that take me to Walgreen's for drugs. I hate that I shop there more than anywhere else in the world.
I am knitting because my customer is in need of a few hats for her sister, who is undergoing chemo and has nothing cute to put on her head. Can I help! Yes!
I started work before I hung up the phone. Making a little baby yarn hat for inside wear and something like my own orange and yellow winter hat for outdoors.
Don't know how I'll get them to her, except Fed Ex.

Back to Work

Ah, the rigors of Halloween are now a thing of the past! Yay!
Now on to some serious sewing with one of my three working machines. I've got baby doll clothes planned.

Snake Scarf

I'm knitting a scarf in the round on huge needles, all green stripes with cabling, and I'm calling it the Anaconda Scarf. Or the Python, maybe. There's a red snake tongue dangling from the head. I hope I have enough yarn for a hat. It's going to be very long, if the yarn holds out, and I plan on wearing it myself. Come on cold weather!

Doll Hat

Knitted a little red doll hat and it is very cute. Having Female troubles, thanks to being female. I hate it and hope I can get into the doc before parts start falling off.

Yellow and Green

Well, I'm a little puzzled by the latest hat. I'm not sure what happened, except I didn't change to big circulars. It's cute- sorta slouchy and might be great with some fingerless gloves.
Needing a new bedspread, and having an old one that's been chewed by dogs and a new quilt top which is big enough for a queen size at least, I am going to leap in and make a new one. I think, it'll only take a few hours, just seam it up, there's already batting. It can't be a hassle.
We'll see.
And it is beautiful outside, so I should not even be starting a project in unknown territory. Oh why not?

Gross!

I was sick today- all last night and all of today, and it was the ultimate grodi-ness. I had to do some laundry to deal with the scrubbing and cleaning up I did while I was spewing foul fluids from every orifice. Yuck!
Hardly knit today but the last two days I was really flying. I'm sure I'll find the mistake when I have about two feet on the project. Of course!
I am rather enjoying having a blanket to huddle under. Even if it's a baby size one.
Just sitting up to post this, I already feel sickly again. I'm going to sleep all night and then hope I feel up to going to work tomorrow.

Early to Bed

Started a baby blanket yesterday and I'm already on the second attempt. Using three big skeins in yellow green and pink, it's a basket weave on 5mm needles.
I don't know, it might be a mess.

Sunday-Thursday

It's been a booger getting used to my new days off. Maybe I'm still not. I am happy that I have worked an entire quarter without missing a day. It's nice to be healthy, I guess.
Not sure how! Yesterday Otis ran between my feet and I fell over, twisting my ankle in the process. Sssss. I guess I'm alright.
I've made three pair of adult size slippers, and yesterday made a red mountain man hat. It's mine. I love it.
I am such a freak and cheapskate, I found glass necklaces on ribbon at the drug store and bought three of them, because metal jewelry makes me itch and these don't hang up on my moles either. Double yay.

Slipper

One's done. But it's as though, even though I know it's not bad, I'll have to wait and get the second one done to really be able to tell. The opening is kind of big and they're wider than I'd like but they're still pretty cute.
Day off, whoo hoo. Both sewing machines are messed up- Brother with the light out and Old Singer with the plate issue, and they have different bulbs so I can't even do that.
Planning on getting springs today, sometime. I pray they help as much as they did the first time. Mine are worn and uneven. This may be just what I needed.
Thinking a lot of my friend Marci, who has been gone from work 3 years now. I miss her a lot. I want to take my basket o' knits and show her what I've learned. I have a hat she made me. I love it. I wore it extensively in the ice storm of 07.
This time we'll have a generator! Enough to run the fridge maybe.
Maybe things will get better?

Friday

It's been three days off from work and I didn't do much more than knit, sew, laundry, a big fish fry with fish tacos (all from the delicious fish caught locally) and naps. Lots and lots of naps! I'm ready for structure again, I guess.
Made a pair of gray baby doll pants and the elastic was too big. Gotta fix that but it looks great with pink and purple sweater.
Looked online at babydoll patterns and it might make more sense to me now. I need to get narrower elastic. I hope I can do something amazing.

What a Doll

Will soon post pics of my latest...I sewed a little pair of pants, since I'm making baby doll clothes with Cindy. I knitted my first doll sweater and it's...well, flawed, naturally but I had fun.
I'm searching for a slipper pattern. I ran off half a dozen patterns and have some Homespun variegated yarn from my friend Sandy. It's gorgeous yarn. Too scared to touch it!
Went to Hancock's to shop for size 6 dpns and was shocked at how far things have moved down for knitting supplies. 30% off, YAY but they relocated their sad and dwindling stock to the back of the store, one lonely little spot. People just aren't knitting. It's a shame, really.
Dr. Ap today and in fact, TWO of them. Follow up. *sigh*
The bikini was hilarious, and I'm thinking of trying another one before tackling slippers. Learning something new is just pitiful.

Pistachio

In the research and development department, I am working on the bikini bottoms. Since the yarn is 100% wool, it's not like it's a practical garment. It's one of those things. Can it be done? Well of course it can, I've seen others but can it be done by me? Of course it can! Maybe someday I'll be skinny enough with a tan and I can wear it. Once. Before it shrinks or turns into felt or something. I'm considering a few minor adjustments to the top because I know better now, having made Sarah's. If all goes well, which it may or may not, I may think about a tankini. Maybe for me. With a skirt. And a hat. With a veil and maybe a cape. Maybe I'll just knit a burkha.

Fishing

I have been knitting, but I've also been fishing. I didn't catch any yesterday but Bug did and today we had ourselves a fish fry, which was the most amazing food in the entire world. I actually prayed as I was cooking the gorgeous filets, dear God, don't let me fuck this up and waste the food Your creatures provided. And it was delicious. I'm very proud of ourselves, especially since catfish is five bucks
a pound, and crap like tilapia is about the same. This was clean, tasty and free.
Sadly, I am not pursuing the booth at the shop. I just don't have the energy or inclination for it. On the upside, I can take a bunch of junk to Linda's for her late September yard sale..get rid of that hideous owl.
But what to do with the pile of knits? I don't know. I really haven't got a clue. Tote my basket around and sell it out of the car?

Knitting Fool

I've been on a stocking hat kick lately, and used the gorgeous yarn Tabby gave me to make wristers and a long cap- red, blue and yellow with the speckled black. I don't know that I can get rid of it. I do love it!
Working on cream and orchid, a beautiful combination. DPNs are a challenge to me still, but I keep at it. Thinking about coming up with pistachio bikini bottoms to see if it can be done, and undoing a rather common hat to accomplish it. I have been having a hard time with my left leg, hip and lower back. I can't tell if my lurching walk is cool or just creepy!
Work is awesome. I love 8-4 more than I ever thought possible. I get to watch TV, do things, go fishing if I want...you name it. I'm finally in the land of the normal, for the first time since 1999. Mostly.
I think, out of sheer will-power, I can make things work out with finances. I plan on getting out of this hole and going forward better than ever.
Maybe that's the pain pill I had to take talking.

Blue Stocking

I made such a cute stocking cap I'd like to keep it. Making some blue fingerless gloves, leaving off the thumb because that's a pain in the ass. I am taking the easy way out.
More easy way out, I've been LOVING days. This is my Friday, which is pretty cool. Today was hell, dealing with government offices and frustration like you wouldn't believe!
So, things are going to get better. Probably in a half hour or so!

Fingerless Gloves

I made an extra-long pair for Rita at work. I made her a cat hat awhile back. Made another Mountain Man Wedding hat, in black, almost finished with only seaming in up and a tassel. What else have I made? A lot of things. I don't know what's next, either!

The Newsboy

What's odd is, the part that took the most time was the body of the hat. I took it apart and re-did it, totally unhappy with the project. Second time around liked it better, and absolutely winged the brim. I just knit a shape. Days later I found the 99 cent hat I could use for the brim itself and it came together perfectly. Black photographs so bad, but I had to get a shot before I take it to work.
Yesterday I gave Krystal her white and green baby set, and it was cute as hell. I will miss that girl. But! People get married and move off. Damn them.

Mountain Man Hat

I think this is one of the best hats I ever made. I plan on making a grown up size one asap. I would wear it every day.
I think I will make one, in brown or green (since I'm running out of everything else!) But right now I'm making a baby hat in palest yellow and white for my friend Mary.

Baby Booties

It had been so long since I made a pair of booties that I had to look up the pattern. Of course my computer had crashed since I downloaded it last time so it wasn't in my files, but luckily enough it was the first pattern I looked at. I made a pair of green and white ones to go with the baby hat for Krystal, who has been a dear friend at work these many years and who now chooses to get married, have a baby, and move away. Bless her, I've always loved her.
Planning on white and yellow for little Mary, and currently working on a combination of sky blue and a weird mocha that I like. Next, who knows. I need to drag this pile of stuff to Linda.

Damn Newsboy Hat

I am about to admit defeat, which I don't know that I ever have done with a hat. Scarves yes, I get sick of fussy lace patterns and all the fumbling and stuff. No, I am not going to happy about it but I'm not beating my head against a wall either.
I made a rib stitch band about an inch wide, then increased every stitch, so there were probably 160 stitches or close to it. Knit about 8 inches and then decreased with a swirl pattern, and the minute I had it off the needles I hated it. unraveled it at once, back to the rib stitch. I increased on the purl stitches so there are probably 120 stitches and I'm not sure what I think yet. I'm decreasing, stitch markers every 20, and I'll probably finish it tonight. Some projects are just more of a challenge than others.
I'm not sure if I can do a brim. I don't know, it might be a big ball of yarn in the morning.

Spice Cake and White Frosting

I think that's what the color combination of my latest little hat and scarf look like. I don't plan on baking anything in the heat, though. It was 105 yesterday and looks to be the same or worse today. We went to Lake Oologah and found a great place to swim. I haven't been swimming in years and it was a lot of fun. Plus there were only a few people around to see my pasty white skin. My bathing suit has a skirt. I bought it in Wyoming in 96 or 97. A few years ago I altered it from a tank top to a halter top and it's fine to wear. I don't care about style, of course, but even I know I look like a real dork in it! Oh well! It's too hot to care.
Next up is a small rainbow hat with braids, which is fun and uses up some of my small bits of yarn.

Rick's Second Hat

Rick is one of my favorite people at work. He is one of those guys that you think, if I was ever single, I'd snap him up like that! He is smart, sweet and funny. His last girlfriend turned psycho and they broke up (another plus for him, he doesn't like drama) and he is pretty sure she made off with the crimson and cream hat I made him last winter. I'm making him another one, this time one which will hopefully fit better than a yarmulke.
Like me, Rick lost his dad, but in a much worse way than I lost mine. He was one person I needed to talk with after dad died, because I knew he would know how I felt. I will make him any kind of hat he'll ever need!

Yarn Shortage

I'm running out of yarn. *sigh*
I have plenty to do something with, of course, but all the colors are browns, greens and some weird off whites that don't match each other. I can't yarn shop for now, certainly, so maybe I'll come up with something amazing to make in the colors I have.
Working on a green and white stocking cap. It's soft wool, I think the kind Tabby gave me, even though when I was picking through the basket I thought it was brown. I am really going blind. Last night I had to put my glasses on to read Gutenberg online. Ugh! What next? I keep asking that and it keeps getting answered with more and more awful things.
If I can get through July. I swear, someday I will take the whole month of July off, hide in the house and never come outside again.

Raspberry Sorbet and Pink Lemonade

Sounds yummy but it's a color combination, not anything good to eat.
I love this hat on. I'd keep it if I didn't already have a bunch of hats.
I don't know what to choose next, color-wise. I'm thinking trying the newsboy hat. It looks like a challenge.

Pinks

I am about to run the course of knitting pink stuff, for now. I finished the baby jester hat and now am working on an adult size pink...stocking hat, maybe. We'll see what happens. I might switch to blue next.
My pile of hats grows, I need to get the stuff to Linda's but really, I don't think she's up to it and the shop is closed for vacation so I will just keep knitting.

Chloe

I love my animals, but Chloe is special. She is so funny, and curious, and a companion the likes of which I've never dreamed. She makes me laugh. And she loves me as much as I love her. With Ember I always felt a little like a groveling peasant seeking favor, which is normal with a cat. But Chloe...she is as happy with me as I am with her. She is amazing.

Lace Hat and Scarf

This was a mess.

Hats

Finished the double puff, which is just funny. I'm posting a few other hats because I finally took pictures of them.

Lace Scarf

I've almost completed the lace scarf. Might make a baby hat to go with it. I think the exercise has been to train my eye to see when I've made a mistake. I don't think that's happened, but it's been a lesson.
Linda, my business partner, hadn't answered the last couple times I called her. I was getting worried and saw her last night, learning that she's been in the hospital where she was given 4 units of blood, and she was looking white as a sheet when I saw her last night.
I need to get my pile of things over to her, but I don't want to give her more to do than she's up to. Might wait a few days. She was so pale. She's tough, though. She'll be alright.

Epic Fail

I gave up the ripple stitch, for now, and found an easy lace pattern that nonetheless is still hard for me. During this stretch I have felt like the biggest knitting failure and the most awful idiot on earth for NOT BEING ABLE TO GET IT. Or, yeah, I got it, it just looks like shit. And moreover, there are insidious mistakes I can't repair. And I'm too stupid to figure it out. Damn damn damn...unravel, unravel, unravel.
Maybe I just tried to learn something when I was too old. You can't teach an old dog new tricks...and then I think of dad's articles for his work newspaper, You can teach an old dog new tricks, it just takes longer.
Oh, dear. Don't give up. Do give up. Keep at it, change to something less challenging....I don't know. I really don't know.
I'll probably just keep doing it. Badly.

Quest for Perfection

Perfect stitches evade me. I unraveled the ripple stitch scarf a dozen times then finally gave up entirely and went back to the hat knitter, disgusted beyond belief by the uneven edge and fuck-up-ability of the straight needle nightmare. I may try to put some decorative yo's in the hat, but I'm not promising myself anything. The last time I regarded the 5 or 6 inches of ripple stitch, I thought, that's kind of cool. I just need to keep my stitches loose....then, oh, look at that mess. FUCK IT! I wound it back into a ball and got out the size 6 hat knitter and started 1x1 rib stitch. Something I can at least do competently.
I've been off the Chantix over a week and I feel...different, anyhow. I am sort of afraid of that shit. I plan on not smoking two packs a day. I wish I didn't plan on smoking at all.
I need to get a small errand to the CU done today, since it's Monday and all. And then...I need to call my mother. But that's angst for another blog. Haven't talked to her in a couple weeks. If anyone had predicted this a year ago I wouldn't have believed it.

I Met a Girl

I was sitting outside work last night waiting for the old man to pick me up and a very nice woman came up and said, it's cheaper to knit than it is to gamble, isn't it. That's very true, even factoring in the yarn and needles. She has been knitting for 30 years and works through Etsy. She is also on Ravelry. I was charmed and delighted and now can't find her on either one. She was so nice, as knitters usually are.

Ripple Stitch

I'm like a dog with a bone.I'm trying to learn this stitch and I'm at the point where I've unraveled it so many times the yarn is turning to string. I've even gotten a few inches done, then a mistake occurs (how I do not know) and I end up trying to correct it, then undoing it, and swearing a lot. I WILL learn this stitch. No matter what. I hope.

No Pic

I knitted a thong for my dear friend David- I knitted it on size 13 needles with heavy chenille yarn and it was hilarious. I am a sucker for visual jokes anyway. I took the thong and draped it over his radio antenna, ba ha ha! Only problem, there's no way to follow that up.
Melissa gave me a baby blanket book and I'm thinking of making something with that. Everything's on size 11 needles and I don't know if I have any. I think I might...I don't know.
Well, I have 10.5 needles but they are circular. And casting on 139 stitches....whew! And then screwing up before I've gone 15 stitches...boo! I just don't think I have the attention span for a blanket. I wish I did, but it's not looking so good right now.

Sarah's Bikini

I love Sarah's top. It's the height of greatness. And more importantly, it looks wonderful on her. Now I'm off to the bottoms.....yes, I'm going to try and make a bikini bottom. Not out of wool, either. We don't want to go down that road again.

Nothing

That's what Louis XVI wrote on the day the Bastille fell- or the day the French peasants stormed Versailles. Or maybe both days. Maybe it wasn't good hunting that summer, but there it is. Nothing. And that's what I'm working on right now. I can't recall when I haven't had something on my needles. NOTHING!
I may, indeed start a pink and white hat today. Maybe.
Called my dear business partner and left a message about the things I'd like to take to her for the booth. Really, I am sick of thinking about the booth, but I have a lot of junk to get rid of. Next knitting project will be hat for Julie.
Dropped off the bikini top off last night and saw that work was a riot- call-outs and connection problems. Glad I wasn't there.

What! Another BLOG???

I am considering a blog to deal with my personal issues- you know, things that don't have to do with mom, knitting or costuming. Like my struggle with cigarettes, weight loss and everything in between. A lot of that stuff sounds like pissing, moaning and bitching, and I don't want to pollute the pure creativity of my hobbies with it. So. I am converting my Live Journal blog to what it should have been all along- something besides knitting, sewing and mom's crazy reality that affects me every minute of the day. Plus, in facing and dealing with these issues, I may be able to make some progress.
As for knitting, I have a pic of the pistachio top, which is so funny and whimsical. And I'm about 1/4 of the way done with my Sarah's other cup!
God I'm going to miss that girl. I still have Tabby, thank God. For now, until she decides to transfer to a job more fitting to her magnificence. And Jeff. And so many other dear, dear friends who make work worth showing up to. Honestly, these people have NO IDEA what they have meant to me when times have been tough. And they have been worse than tough, brutal, and awful. My friends see me as I would like to see myself. I have been overly blessed with great people at work, as well as a job that I really love.

Sarah's Boobs

I am knitting a bikini top for my dear Sarah, who is one of my favorite people of all time. I've worked with her for years and always found her to be damn near genius. She is also naturally blessed with a giant rack, a full bouncy, beauteous pair of ta-tas which I have cast on 63 stitches on #8 needles to accommodate. The problem here is, I really can't recall what number needle I knitted the pistachio top on.....we'll see! This might be a debacle.
I picked a red which will go with her beautiful tan. She's like me in that she is, in winter, exotically pale, with her dark hair and eyes- the kind of pale an olive skinned person who never gets outside, until she gets outside and becomes bronze in about five seconds. I, unfortunately, freckle and blotch, instead of toast. It's sick, because I really do think tans look prettier and healthier, but personally, with skin cancer in the family and my own scare...well, let's just say you'll see me outside in long sleeves, a hat and a big umbrella. I am looking at my hands right now, which are the only thing ever exposed, and they are kind of brown...and not even a good brown, just, sharecropper, farmer tan brown.
Oh how I would love to be sleek and tan and toned...but I'd have to be sleek and toned first, and that's a lot of work, and probably, at my advanced age, not even possible..I'm cottage cheese-ish, and sort of lumpy, and my skin tone is disturbingly similar to a defrosted turkey, complete with big blue veins just under the surface. YUCK-O! Ain't no tan gonna help that.
So I want to create the perfect showcase for my dear friend's boobs, and since she's going to the lake on Wednesday, I got a time limit. So I should be knitting. Right now!

Things To Do

I am watching the women's finals of Wimbledon and getting ready to finish the purple hat for Arlene. Then...drumroll please...I am starting Sarah's bikini top. I am so excited about that!

Hm.

I started this blog as 'nervous knits' because of the quitting smoking thing. I was delighted to focus on something other than cigarettes. I had lost about 94 pounds, and I was ready for a change. Then I found out my knitting sucked, and changed the title to "Bad Bad Knitter" because I was one.
Since then I have battled the weight, and since quitting smoking in May I have put on a few pounds which I am trying desperately to lose, and my knitting isn't that bad. So I feel, to inspire me and make a change, that I am going to edit the title of my blog. I'm gonna be "One Bad Knitter". Since I am one.

To-Do List

I am making a gorgeous purple hat for Arlene and a red bikini top for Sarah G. Who I love above all other people, of course. She is so smart and wonderful I am sure I will miss her something dreadful.
The bikini top is something fun, the first one I made was black and looked like two eye patches on a shoe string. The second, made out of a gorgeous 100% wool (useless!) in pistachio green with an adorable daisy between the cups. I think it's just funny.
Knitting is such a comfort to me. Thank God for yarn!

The Knit Bikini

Ha! I made a bikini top, completely underestimating how much string it takes to cover boobs. Hilarious, though. I might try one that you can actually use. Or someone can. I mean, it's summer. That would be freakin' awesome!

Gifts

A gentleman at work gave me a needlepoint ornament today, one that's green and yellow, with "Jesus" in nearly unrecognizable block letters you have to look at to find. It's very cool and going up in the sewing room.
Working on the gorgeous hat. Nearly done. Then on to mittens. I have a pattern for them knit on straight needles. I don't know....

The Booth

Ugh. I don't know what's going on, except I am knitting. Finished a beaut of a boy set, so pretty and soft. Started a blue and white striped stocking hat for a little boy. And then, who knows.

Rainbow Hat

I started on the Rasta hat and what surprises me is that I don't have a lot of little bits in my yarn basket. Oh WELL!
I am going to collect things to take to Linda for the booth- including knits, which I may or may not reduce in price. I need to take Debbi M a boy set, and I happen to have a cute one in green....we'll see. I love her, she's been at work longer than I and was one of those people that was immediately friendly, no warming up period (which most people in a high turnover place require....why bother to learn names if they aren't going to stay?)
I have a knitting book in my basket which cost 35 cents. there are some cool patterns in there, a gorgeous tasseled stocking hat for one. I love novelty hats...and Revelry as the coolest assortment. Anyone can make a knit a cap. But the weird ones...they are special. Like me! Short bus special.

New Things

I tried a new way to decrease on Randy's hat and I am very happy with it. I did knit 2 purl2 after the white detail and then decreased the purls, then the knits, then tied it off and it looks very nice. I can't wait to see if it fits him. It ought to, damn thing went down to my chin.
I am going to start a rainbow rasta had now, which will be completed with black braided yard dreads. I think it's funny, and I always like to try new things. Then maybe another ear type hat, though I saw, on the web, a hat with a crochet beard attached that was awesome. I need to get that on here. AWESOME I say!
I need to sew, but somehow I don't feel the required intensity. Might be easier to just make the rasta hat.

Busy

Working on a black and white hat for Randy, and those two colors look so good together. I hope it fits. It's big, but then I'm knitting it on size 6!
Shaped up to be muggy and gray today. I am feeling restless and incomplete, like I should be getting busy and there's nothing I want to get busy with. And there's plenty I could be doing! Believe me! This place is a mess. Bug hasn't helped a bit, rearranging things.

Wig Heads

I have 4 of them in here, all wearing something. I washed the pink wig to dispell antique store cooties and should do the black one. But I've been busy, knitting, working, paying bills. I like it very much! Ha.

Stocking Hat

I am delighted with the stocking hat for Tabby's niece. I would have loved it when I was 5- I had a long, long hat my cousin stole, or rather, switched with one of her dirty old ones. Mom wouldn't even let me wear the switched hat, tossing it on the train. Ha!
My wig heads are all sitting around with wigs and hats on, Marie, the one I drew the face on, has the Marie wig. Ugh. Work is what I need to be doing, and thankfully I am able to do so without too much stress. I am glad of it, as my mood was suffering the last few days. Sadness and misery. I hate that.
But it's not my fault.

Hats and Such

Linda has offered to split rent on my booth and take care of it while I just make hats. I think that's a fair deal. I love Linda and she's much better at decorating and frankly. I just want to knit. I brought my heads home and they are all around me, wearing wigs- which barely made it out of there alive- and hats.
Bitter, bitter days. Maybe things will get better.

Getting Ready

I'm closing my booth in June, which is just as well. I hope to lower my operating expenses rather than raise my pay. Woohoo! I didn't have time for all that anyway, and God knows I don't want to be a knick knack dealer. Not right now.
So, still knitting, surrounded by yarn and cats.
I have been taking Chantix for three weeks and haven't smoked in two. It's ok! I mean, sort of ok. Yay!

Getting Ready

I am sitting here with damp hair when I need to be moving. Doctor appointment before 9 and then work...and it's Friday.
Talked to Wes about going dayside, a move I believe I need, and yet....I've been on every shift there, it's all about the same.
I would love getting off at 4 because I could get a part time job. Also, I could prevent craziness from happening. I think my presence at home in the afternoons and evenings is good.
I could watch the Simpsons every day.
I could but I don't know if I'll really get it. Hope hope hope~

Store is Closing

I turned in my resignation at the antique shop, shutting down on the 13th of June. I'm going in tomorrow to put a 1/2 price sign up so I wont have to move a bunch of shit, which is one way to clean out the closet.
Anyhow, I've been knitting a lot, made a stocking hat which sold at work...oddly enough, the only knit I sold at the shop was a pink and black stocking hat. Ha.
I suck. No other way around it.

I Divorced the Internet

I had my service disconnected and I am living well without it, mostly. I do miss surfing the web but I have more time now. I love it but oh well.
I am trying to knit a baby blanket. Very hard!

Raining

It's a good spring rain outside, the soft sound makes it a sleeping day. But I'm not sleeping. My sister in law Tina is coming to stay and I am getting ready for her. I love her. She is a true pure soul. I hope Bug is super nice. The chances of that are slim to none. He is miserable, getting ready for his surgery. I am anxious and unsettled.

Real Estate

I am combing the online info I can amass to see if there's a house to fit mom's specifications. I don't think there is but I am still looking. I hope I can get her out of there soon. She is unhappier by the day with her 'friends' and neighbors.I don't blame her.I am not particularly pleased with them myself.

Stocking Hat

The pink and black long stocking hat is hilarious, a hat for a teen girl, perhaps, and I bet the matching fingerless gloves are still there. I am getting around early to drop off the house payment and my new hat to the booth. I think it's going to be a good day.

Hoo Hat

I can't describe it any better than that. It's wild! I love hats but I don't know if this one will be attractive to humans in the least.
I am nervous and antsy. So many things looming ahead. I fear them all!

The Joys Of Knitting

I am working on a pink and black hat that has decided it's going to be a stocking cap. I love this hobby! Perusing patterns is better than shopping. I'll consider what materials it takes...do I have a #5 needle...can I do all those stitches? The best way to learn, like yo and ssk is to find a pattern with that stitch in it and just wade in. I love it! That's how the FF scarf came to be. And that's not a great example because I haven't picked it up in weeks. Just too much other stuff to do!

Basket Weave

I am working on Ben's dark red basket weave scarf. God knows I am sick of scarves but this one is pretty fun. I really like the border around it and I know he'll like it.
Going to the booth to add a few things. Wanted the pink and black hat done but I'm just at the brim. Bummer!

Black Nails

I do my own acrylic nails and this time I was so busy it was nearly three weeks until I could fill them. When I did the fill and struggled with the tiny brush I had on hand, I painted them Orly Liquid Vinyl, my all-time favorite shade. Shiny black, just perfect. Looks good on short nails and more importantly lasts. Painted my toes to match.
Gonna be warm and windy looks like. I have a class at 1pm, and started a mauve and white tiny baby hat- just 40 stitches on #6 needles, then going on with the beret pattern. Hope it's cute. Might look for fancy bootie pattern.

Struggle

It's been a drain to set up the booth but now I'm getting back into the swing of things. Soon I will try to make some small fingerless gloves. Three scarves on needles. Ugh!

No Time to Knit!

I don't have time for anything, really. I need to be in the shower RIGHT NOW and there are a few new things Bug brought me from the neighbor lady. He mowed her yard for a box of goodies, she is not able to do it herself.
I am getting my camera charged up to take pics and I am filled with plans. I made a list (handwritten, since I don't have a printer and never needed one until now) of all my items and in it all only have one fingerless glove done (besides the display ones) and wont be using the cream blue and white cap and scarf of Fiona's. I'm taking it to work today to avoid temptation.
I must get busy!

Styrofoam Heads

I bought three new wig heads, and I have earmarked several objects to take tomorrow. I stopped by Office Depot and picked up a couple folders, some yellow pads, some tags and nice Sharpies to work with.
I'll take the4th of July hat, which depresses me now that it nearly killed Otis, and the glass lamp which is a danger to our household, and all kinds of odds and ends. I have three baby sets made up, the display hands, and the Marie Antoinette wig which will just be an eyecatcher. Boy will it be! I hope I remember my camera!

Working Very Hard

I am not only knitting but also trying to make a mental note of what I want to display to catch people's eye and make them long madly for my knits. I am in dire need of wig heads, those little price tags and time. Time! Tomorrow is April Fool's Day. Great.What a day to start a business. Maybe not a 'business' but certainly my favorite thing, 'busy-ness'.
I am going to the bank at 8am, for depositing purposes. I have to be at work at noon. Had a weird dream about work, too, which is not normal. I hope I feel better than I did last week. Stomach all asunder!
Part of it is, the more I eat the worse I feel. If I can stay with fruits, veggies and lean meats I will be much happier.
Painted my nails OPI Vampire State Building, which is a grand color. I need to fill them but, it's the time factor again. I drove home from MO yesterday and by the time I got back I was tired and not wanting to do a lot.
Bug is having back surgery in four to five weeks....ugh. He's a mess. I can't even go into what a mess!
I need to throw on sweats and a hat- the green and purple one- to run to the bank. Money money money.

Working

I'm trying as hard as I can to get some knitting done. It's fun, but I feel the pressure.

Countdown

More things to do- call in scripts, pay bills, write stuff down, knit knit knit....Rob's getting the boy set, since he'll be getting a boy! Yay! I'll make a pink and maybe another blue, and of course the booties are so easy and quick.
Really, I have no idea if people need hand knit things. I know people like hats when it's cold.
It's raining. Windy. Warm. Spring!

Plans Afoot

I am knitting and looking around to see how I can make my display awesome. I think I'll take out a shelf, maybe, depending on how much room there is once I start working on it. I am thinking of the hanging my sister made for the background, and doilies. Lots of doilies.
I love the idea of finding my niche. I don't know for sure if this is it. I hope so.

Five Shelves

I am happy to report that I paid for my five shelves at Yesterday and Today Antiques, where my fine knits will soon be showcased. I have plans for things to decorate my shelves, and I hope this is going to be so much damn fun! And profitable. I saw some hats- simple ones for 9.95. Mine are so much more practical and cute. I hope to get some pics, and I'm planning on putting things out starting April 1st. I can hardly wait. I see tons of stuff that will go. Cute stuff!

Busy-ness

I am working on a scarf in a checkerboard pattern for Ben. I hope it's as cool as I think it will be.
I am half through Pam's Tam. I love pink and green. I am slugging through the cowl- which I hope I wont need for six months or more. The bamboo needles are new and not smooth. It's kind of not my best looking knitting, and I really think it's the new needles. My old hat knitters are shiny and worn. My big hat circulars are metal and they are smooth. I might look into getting more. Who knows? I have plenty of knitting stuff. I need to secure a source of income from my knitting and keep at it. I love these hats though, they are so cute.
Tried some crocheted flowers, and they are so cute. I think I can get really wild with them. Going to put them on a thin green scarf, to wear with a sweater or even a tee. So cute, I can't wait to get started, and here I am trying to clean house. I thinned the closet of 20's and 18's. Found some pants that fit again! Yay! Black pants are most my wardrobe.
I like my little house.

Big Plans

I am hoping to find my niche in this big scary world. I talked to a friend of mine about the possibility of renting a booth in Broken Arrow to sell my knits! I am so filled with the sense of possibility. I hope against hope that I can do something amazing!
I feel on some levels I have definitely reached an ability to make sale-worthy items. My hats are splendid! I think funky, off-the-wall stuff will appeal to some people. Girls! Young ones. Fingerless gloves are so cute. No one can resist them.

Projects

I am making a pink and green hat for Pam. Ben's getting a scarf; I've been thinking a long time of something special for him, and something practical but really cool, he can be proud to wear. Not something you shove under the car seat until winter lowers a couple inches of ice on you. I think of anyone i made things for, the Dr. Who Scarf was the most coveted. And, though everyone was grateful I know some of my hats and scarves weren't on the list of what I want most! i enjoyed every stitch. I adored making things. There were good moments last year. And some bad ones. Knitting was in all of them.
Green hat and booties, testing to see if I could reproduce the pattern from memory...close but no cigar!
Looking for the perfect manly scarf for red black and brown.

Paid!

What a great feeling to deposit a bit of cash earned by my needles. Of course, it brought more hats to the list. I didn't know what to charge at all. I started with five bucks per hat and she said, no, how bout twenty for both of them. I was delighted. That's about three dollars in taxes. I will need to keep records. I guess. Does this mean yarn is a write-off? Hmmmmm...business expense. I don't know, that's why I never do anything, it's too much trouble.
There is a threat of snow this weekend. Blech.

Two Left

So far, anyway, two last hats on the list- this is by far not official, as I plan on bumping into people and thinking, I'm making her a hat. This has already happened, as I realized Emily M does need one. I wasn't thinking of making hats for people I don't work with, mostly because in my line of work it might look like some kind of weird conflict of interest. Plus, I plan on selling them!
Working on bootie in spring green. Made the hat yesterday. I could make 4 baby hats on my days off. Or two booties and hats. I don't know! I think it's going to be fun, pushing a little to see if I improve any.
Don't get me wrong, I have gotten better compared to the early days. Whew! I wonder I dared give a scarf away. But that's the only reason I got better. I need a goal.

Sunday

I wake up Sunday mornings and check Post Secret first thing. Gets my Friday started right.
I'm thinking of quitting smoking again.
I'm thinking of starting my own business.
I'm thinking of a lot of things. I hope I can do something more.
Finished Nancy's cowl, fitted the MoHat on Brandon and got past the rib of Amelia's hat.

MoHat Fini!

Well- I hope it works. I think it will. I love the color, which did not show up in the picture. It's a lovely violet, not washed out blue as it appears. I started Amelia's pink and green- just barely have it cast on, starting the first row. In the middle of Nancy's and unraveled my cowl to start a new one on a new set of bamboo needles which may be great. I don't know. It's all a crap shoot!
The maroon hat for Pam looks better on the dummy than in person. Hope her daughter has a small head!

Nancy's Cowl

I am working away diligently. As with the other couple cowls I made, I wonder about the diameter...I think it's about right. Just have to make it long enough to work into a hood. Really, they are great to wear. I might make mine over, it's very good yarn, just a bit wide.

Paying Gig

Finished the brown slouch hat and started the one that will be red black and tan. I hope she likes them. I'm pleased with the brown one, still need to tuck in all the ends.

MoHAT!

Oh, woe is me! The Mo Hat, for my favorite mohawk wearing tech Brandon is being...difficult. Upside, nearly finished with the gloves for Mara, (Just need to sew in thumbs) sitting here with the yarn picked out for Pam's hats- one shades of brown, the other burgundy black and maybe beige. But, though the little hat knitter circulars are sitting here on my laptop, I still look at the mohat- which looks like a weird train wreck off needles, sitting in the basket with a bunch of other stuff.
I think I need to do some revamping. I had the idea to make flame-like points which would narrow to the top of the head and come together like...I dunno. Like something that would let Brandon's magnificent 'hawk shine through.
Lost a yellow dpn and then found it. I am so pitiful!
We had performance artist David Garibaldi at the casino last night. He was amazing!

Gracie's Hat

The simple blue and white hat made Gracie's day and mine.
Started Brandon's Mo hat, trying to cast on Mara's other freakin' glove, and Pam asked me to make 2 hats for her daughter who lives up in the north country. Busy busy busy!
I have been happy knitting. I am so glad I have a craft that is practical, pretty and transportable. I can't rave on the subject enough!

Hats

Finished Jessica's hat, a hat for Brad the tech and the blue and white for Gracie. Made some little green booties because I only had green with me and had a brainstorm for some black heavy metal baby booties- might be really cute!
Still working on Mara's gloves......finished with one except for the thumb.
The FF scarf, well that's ongoing project I turn to when I don't have anything else on my needles. It's hideous~looks nothing like the pattern! But, it's a learning experience and I don't think I could do anything else with that fine baby yarn.

Gracie

Finished Gracie's blue and white hat. I love that combination, like a winter's day, pale blue and white. I thought it would look cheesey but it doesn't at all.
Next up....well, I keep thinking Jessica's hat but she is all dark colors.
By my nearest reckoning I've made 104 hats. And scarves. Still working on the FF scarf- and have taken serious liberties with the pattern- and have 5 to go that I know of. The original list being lost sucks but I am doing the best I can!
I love knitting so much. And having people to knit for! Sheer heaven,

Obsessing

I am a little compulsive, I guess. But the knitting helps and I am bummed that it has caused me a bit of trouble in my work life. But it'll pass. I try to do the best job I can. That's all I can do.
I keep thinking about bills and money and the fact that I am really on my own- I mean, REALLY. It's just me.
I think I'll have to get a lot stronger to keep going.

Baby Stuff

Made the pink set for Josi's baby girl, made a tiny hat and booties for another woman at work and gave Justin his hat.
I am thinking making baby stuff is so much fun I might create some things and try to sell them to unsuspecting people.I already have gotten good enough so it's not embarrassing.

Black and Purple

I finished Justin's hat. I think Mara's glove is all wrong. Maybe for someone who's 10, we'll see, it's a mess. The FF scarf is growing very slowly. Now I wonder if I'm ready to try the hawk hat for Brandon. I've been thinking about it a lot. It will be a challenge.

Patterns

I always think I am too stupid to follow a pattern. I didn't even know how to sew with one until I was 42 or so. I think it was a vest. Very easy beginners stuff. It stunned me how easy it was, everything matched up! Duh. Everything I learned I learned from reading the instructions. Handy!
I tend to wing it though, and when I do see patterns I am usually satisfied that my winging it is just logic.
I enjoy getting off work at 8. It's really nice to come home and the world hasn't shut down yet.
I hope I get all my projects done. It's not like there's a time limit or anything, but I can't help it.

JB JB

I just finished Joyce Blue's hat, a lovely combination of cream, pinks and beige. I am wearing it, and reminded of my husband's joke that I wanted to share my cooties with everyone. Ha! My head sneers at cooties.
I am toying with a purple and green combo, needing to do it because I never have before. I like odd pairings, as is evidenced by my personal life.
Thelma is trying to dig in the trash. Little monster. She is the nosiest cat alive. Sniffing the pink princess, poking her paw at some garbage with the most serious look on her small cat face. So cute, such a wonderful companion!
Watched the Pixar movie Cars last night and what a great movie it was. It was just my speed, sweet, warm and a happy ending. Life is good.

WOW!

I found this on Craftastrophe, but I tell you, I was so impressed at whoever knit these amazing garments. Think of the time involved. And- well, really, just look at it. I loved the 'saskwatch' air this one has. I wanna knit one of those! I will need more yarn....
Almost done with Jamie's baby set, then on to more hats. More hats? Why don't I make a jumpsuit? Or a poncho? I don't know. I love hats and all, but the magnificence of a whole outfit...wow!

Scurge Scarf

This has been a trial. As they all are, and it's just the pink and yellow scarf. Urg.
Ready to do something different, but I feel so wretched. The doc called me in some antibiotics but I don't want to get out in the snow and get them. Even though it is mercifully closer!

~

I did a hat for my friend Barb and the colors, beige, light blue and cream, looked like the beach to me, and it turned out well. The F and F scarf is...a trial. Real learning experience. I unraveled it and started over, did the cast-off a little closer to the pattern and started the bunch of yo, ssk, k2tog and other things- and a CHART!- that have me scanning the internet for help.
Working on Maggie's scarf, but Jamie asked if I would knit a blue baby scarf and hat for him. I will, natch! I can hardly wait! I love hats, hate the scarves. We'll see, I need a lot of variety. I have two projects on needles right now and am looking at a ball of blue yarn thinking, my hat knitters are free.....hmmm....

Try and try again

Finished Vanna's boy's little hat and scarf. Very cute. Starting Barb's hat- and it's not just going to be blues, I'm thinking of going with cream, blue and...something else. Don't know what. Started Maggie's scarf and re-started the flit scarf, as I think I can do it better.

Scarf

I started work on a scarf called the Flit'n Float, and I have done.....meh. I did not cast off correctly but I know when to let up on myself. Next time, I'll try it, because I will do this again!
Must return to hats, as it's cold and miserable here.

Flor's Scarf

Riding in the car I got a lot done, creating a turnpike scarf! The color is amazing and I love how heavy and warm it is. I have Maggie's hats on the big needles and I'm thinking how her colors yellow and pink can go together.
I have also started Vanna's baby boy scarf, which wont be as bad because I'm garter stitching it, but on little needles.

New Specs

They are so much better. I don't find myself sliding them down my nose so I can see far away. The computer may still be easier to use without glasses but knitting and TV are much improved.
Staying up late watching tennis and monitoring the usual problems with the neighbors. I actually looked for rentals in the country where we would have no one close by and be able to have some peace.

Hats for Matthew

The green and blue caps looked both SO AWESOME on Matthew that I gave them both to him. Now he has a hat wardrobe.

Beret

I think Misty's hat turned out better than anything I have knit in a long time. It was so cute on her. Flor liked the beginning of the scarf.
Ah! Listening to Arlo Guthrie singing "Alice's Restaurant" and I do love that song. My memories of that time are unspeakable. Good and bad. My whole life has been like that I guess!
I plan on knitting a lot these next two days off. Woke up at nearly six and so I have a long day of it.

First Donation

Flor brought me a skein of yarn to knit her a scarf to go with the hat. Yay! I am rib knitting it, and have about three or four inches. Finished the blue hat and I'll let Matthew decide whether he wants it or the green one. I have the sub-sized green one for some small child in this world. I haven't seen Misty to give her the beret-like hat, and I'm getting ready to start Doris a purple one. My list is not being updated as efficiently as it should be, but oh well! I'll eventually get them all done. Someday!

Thanks A GLOCK Lyle!

My little discussed enthusiasm for firearms isn't a big part of my current life, but when I was younger I very much enjoyed target practice and blowing up things. I have a friend at work who a=has all kinds of cool Glock promotional items and he has given me and Bug a boatload of cool Glock things- keychains, patches, pins, pens, little guns keychains made out of the same genius polymer Glocks are made of! COOL! I am going to make his wife a scarf in deepest gratitude. I was looking at the Flit and Float scarf on Knitty but that looks too hard, so I'm going through my dwindling stash to find a good color to do. I hate scarves anymore, because they take so long. But this is a labor of love.

Dwindling

My list of hats continues to grow and yet my stock of on-hand yarn is dwindling. I was hoping not to have to buy yarn for awhile but turns out people all like the same colors. I have a lot of baby blue, and some random colors, but people seem to like dark blue, red, purple and pink. We know what we look good in!
The green hat is suitable for a small head. I think I'll just start keeping bad hats around for emergency hat distribution for kids! It's beautiful but barely fits my big ass head.
I am in the middle of many projects, many things going on, as well as the usual trying to keep up with laundry, the house ( and it suffers the worst because I feel like I'm not here much to worry about it!) and bills. Proud to say all my bills are paid- or scheduled to be on the next payday. I hope I can keep being organized (!) and responsible. I'm 45. I ought to be.

The Hat Insult

Made a hat for the Bug and he tried it on. I thought it looked a little big. He said it was perfect then added, "You don't have to make me one."
WTF!!! I don't have to make my husband a hat. Does that mean he doesn't want a hat made by his talented old lady? Does it mean he's being polite and doesn't want to pressure me? I don't know. I don't think it's politeness. Not knowing him as I do. Maybe he just said it.
Maybe I wont make him a hat. The first one- one of the very first- was knitted when the hat knitter was big gauge needles, this one was much better and warmer. He's getting a damn hat.

sl1 k’wise, k1, psso

Yesterday in the morning, when I seem to be at my most able, I followed the pattern for a rose, learning to slip one stitch knitwise, knit one, then psso- pass the slipped stitch over the knitted one! It all seemed to make sense at the time and I am thrilled that I learned it from such a pretty object. I might be able to really follow a pattern for something amazing someday, but for now I can see a little rose embellishing a hat of some sort. Cool! I am delighted that I have added to my repertoire of things I can do with yarn.

Sick

I've got some bug, I think- cold and shaking, nauseous and victim of the runs. I'm wearing flannel and a hat- left the orange one at work. Little red beanie. Feel awful, weak and puny. Worried about Bug. And mom. I actually haven't got the strength to hold up the knitters. Jeez Louise. Wretchedly miserable.

Miranda's Hat

I made two hats for Miranda's twin babies, two gorgeous boys who are wearing their little caps in this cold, cold winter. Miranda's is the same color but going to be a slouchy hat, the kind that will keep you warm but not destroy your hairdo.
Yesterday I had to laugh in delight when Richard tried his hat on and said, in amazement, How did you know how big my head was? It was totally worth throwing those double pointed needles on the floor in a fit of fury!
Next hat....I dunno! Maybe more blue.

Stupid Blue Hats

I'll be working on blue hats for a bit because I have so much blue yarn. Finished Richard's, which was a pill because I hat to re-do the top to make it more roomy at the crown. I threw the whole mess in the floor at one point, skinny double pointed needles jangling on the tile, my fury knowing no bounds. Stupid double pointed needles. Stupid Jane!
It's cold here- brrrr cold. I am thoughtful, going over the varying situations of my life in my mind. I don't know but I hope this year is better than last. Had the stupid doctor appointment yesterday and I've got an even stupider colonoscopy on the 20th. Yay. I hate this. It will be bad because of all the expense and stuff, I will come up fine, nothing wrong, why is everybody so worried. Waste of time, money and two days off.
Stupid!

Red and White Barely

Had just enough to finish Lois' hat. It was close. The top is a bit wonky because of the way I cabled and I don't know, but it's pretty damned cute.
Bug has problems sleeping and the neighbor woke him up revving his engine making his dog bark. I don't know how that will turn out but it's not even 8am and I don't know that we were ever meant to live in a neighborhood at all.
Next hat..not sure. I don't really have the finances for yarn shopping and I have tons of yarn that needs to be used. I have a ton of baby blue and a friend about to have a boy so maybe that's where I need to go. It's a pity more people don't like ugly green! I might be stuck on blues for a bit.

The Joy Of Hats

Ah! More hats requested. I am so happy about that! I love making them, and as I knit I weave a little prayer for the recipient. I don't think I could make a hat without knowing who it was for, because I think about the person as I make their hat, and put a lot of thought into what will look good on them, and hope it keeps their ears warm. It makes me content in a badly needed way, just now. Thank God for friends and knitting.
"What's your favorite color?" I'll ask, they'll say, blue or red or pink or purple, and I'll say, "What color is your winter coat?" I love making something useful for people. It's been one of the biggest blessings of my life.

Amanda's Hat

I finished the variegated pink and orchid hat and it's pretty cute. I used all different needles, only starting the brim with the 6 hat knitter I fashioned out of an 11 small circular.
The cool think about yarn is, you can reverse the process. It can be fixed. it's not permanently ruined as fabric is. Which is why my dummy gets so many things pinned to it. I'm making Lois's hat, which I did in the fall butt which, due to her being out of surgical leave, was given instead to Martha on a cold, hat needing day.
I had Lois pegged for red, but I really think she likes all colors. I'm thinking buff and bright red, maybe. No white and red, it just bores me.
It's New Year's Day. I'm smoking. Oh,dear,I have GOT to quit. That was the whole point of knitting in the first place. I guess the stress just got to me. Meet the New Year. Same as the Old year. I have all this to do over again. *sigh*.
Except for my crappy lungs, I'd smoke if I could.
Denial is no good. I wasn't smoking at work. I was trying to keep it to a minimum. But who am I kidding? I can chew all the nicotine gum the rest of my life, and I'll still be addicted. Something goes wrong and I reach for a pack of Marlboros. Idiot. I use the excuse that you can't live with a smoker and not smoke. I have blamed others when I'm the one searching for a lighter with my eyes half open.
I hate this damn habit. It's sickening. Literally. I saw my dad die of emphysema and look at me. Makes me think I'm either a natural moron or just wrongly wired.
Idiot!