At the beginning of this month, I set out to finish and send the baby blanket, finish the birth band sampler, make a small wedding sampler for 10/25, work on my sister's poncho, start the Wee Ones round robin, and start my Freebie round robin. I did manage to finish and send the baby blanket, the wedding sampler and work on my sister's poncho. Instead of starting either of the round robins, I started the Sisters and Best Friends round robin (pictured below), which mails Monday. The Wee Ones rr is on hold, so this weekend I should be able to get to the Freebie rr which mails 11/23. I should be able to finish that before the witching hour.
Since Christmas is bearing down on us, my to do list for November is very focused. Of course, now I also have to stay on top of my round robins. Yikes!
For November:
birth band sampler, 10 hours
Freebie rr
sissy's poncho
auntie's afghan, 10 hours
auntie's booga bag, complete
auntie 2's shawl
granny's scarf
You can see there is lots of knitting. I'm going to have to go to the L.A. Stitch n' Bitch come hell or highwater! KL and JL--I am committed!
Friday, October 29, 2004
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Stitching Bloggers QOTW: Whatcha Doing?
What are you working on right now? I needed something quick and easy to throw into my bag, so I am stitching a Bent Creek kit, Flower Arch Angel. She doesn't look like much yet or I'd take a picture. I'm also working on my sister's poncho--couldn't do too much on it: I was with my sister most of the time, and when I wasn't I was dressed in black and that alpaca shed all over me. I'm also working on an afghan for my aunt. I think that's the limit of my active projects.
I'm still hive-y. Attending my grandfather's funeral meant that I couldn't go to the dermatologist last week, which kind of sucks because I'm in pain. It wasn't like my grandfather and I were close. But he was very good to my cousins and they were pretty torn up about it, and in the end, I really like them. I guess I was there to mourn the relationship I always wanted with him. Two of my cousins eulogized him. My cousin A gave a really good speech, using one story to exemplify how good he was to his family, which was true if he happened to consider you family. He didn't like my mother, and once told me that I wasn't part of his family since my mother wasn't his daughter. (Like that one? I've got hundreds.) To everyone else, he wasn't so good. The second eulogizer was my even dippier cousin C who started out so promisingly, comparing my grandfather Hector to Hector in the Iliad, which worked since my grandfather was a family man and a military man. (Of course, it would be more difficult for him to see that my grandfather actually was more like Achilles, in it for the glory.) From there, the eugoogoly degenerated rapidly. C is the cousin who had "spent all day thinking about a toast" for my grandparent's 60th anniversary and then said he hoped they had 60 more wonderful years together. He also thinks my grandfather--whose demise we learned of in the middle of game 7 (that's Sox v Yankees)--had something to do with their winning. Um, okay, if you think so, you should keep it to yourself. I didn't really buy it since they led the whole game, but people probably didn't remember the details; they did, however, laugh nervously. Anyway, my dad was kind of sad; I think he too mourned the relationship that might have been. Ironically, my dreaded mother--who my grandfather once fired from her job--was instrumental in putting the funeral together and even did a reading during the mass. Proving we should all rise to our occasions. Back to stitching tomorrow.
I'm still hive-y. Attending my grandfather's funeral meant that I couldn't go to the dermatologist last week, which kind of sucks because I'm in pain. It wasn't like my grandfather and I were close. But he was very good to my cousins and they were pretty torn up about it, and in the end, I really like them. I guess I was there to mourn the relationship I always wanted with him. Two of my cousins eulogized him. My cousin A gave a really good speech, using one story to exemplify how good he was to his family, which was true if he happened to consider you family. He didn't like my mother, and once told me that I wasn't part of his family since my mother wasn't his daughter. (Like that one? I've got hundreds.) To everyone else, he wasn't so good. The second eulogizer was my even dippier cousin C who started out so promisingly, comparing my grandfather Hector to Hector in the Iliad, which worked since my grandfather was a family man and a military man. (Of course, it would be more difficult for him to see that my grandfather actually was more like Achilles, in it for the glory.) From there, the eugoogoly degenerated rapidly. C is the cousin who had "spent all day thinking about a toast" for my grandparent's 60th anniversary and then said he hoped they had 60 more wonderful years together. He also thinks my grandfather--whose demise we learned of in the middle of game 7 (that's Sox v Yankees)--had something to do with their winning. Um, okay, if you think so, you should keep it to yourself. I didn't really buy it since they led the whole game, but people probably didn't remember the details; they did, however, laugh nervously. Anyway, my dad was kind of sad; I think he too mourned the relationship that might have been. Ironically, my dreaded mother--who my grandfather once fired from her job--was instrumental in putting the funeral together and even did a reading during the mass. Proving we should all rise to our occasions. Back to stitching tomorrow.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Back in Black
I spent last night shopping for funereal clothes. I think I have achieved an appropriately funebrial look, although this death has not funeralized me. And clearly, I haven't lost my sense of humor.
I think I'll just wear dark glasses--hello, I live in L.A.--and dab at my cheeks at appropriate times. I still need to get a coat and shoes. Of course I have one winter jacket that is 13 years old, and white, and--did I mention?--out of date. I also have a trenchcoat with a wool lining that would be appropriate if it weren't bright red. Man, I've really had to shell out for this thing. I almost bought a fake persian lamb coat (it's chenille) but the price tag and the fact that it won't keep me warm at Christmas time really put a damper on it. My memere had a coat just like it, only real persian lamb. It was so retro. If I had more time, I'd scour the thrift stores. As it is, I'll head to Loehmann's tonight to see what they have. And if I can't get proper shoes--all I wear are clogs and slides--I'll have to head to Nordies. I hate this last minute, full-priced shopping. Clearly, I need more black in my wardrobe.
Anyway, we're going dark here until October 28th. Should have some things to show off when I return from this unplanned trip.
I think I'll just wear dark glasses--hello, I live in L.A.--and dab at my cheeks at appropriate times. I still need to get a coat and shoes. Of course I have one winter jacket that is 13 years old, and white, and--did I mention?--out of date. I also have a trenchcoat with a wool lining that would be appropriate if it weren't bright red. Man, I've really had to shell out for this thing. I almost bought a fake persian lamb coat (it's chenille) but the price tag and the fact that it won't keep me warm at Christmas time really put a damper on it. My memere had a coat just like it, only real persian lamb. It was so retro. If I had more time, I'd scour the thrift stores. As it is, I'll head to Loehmann's tonight to see what they have. And if I can't get proper shoes--all I wear are clogs and slides--I'll have to head to Nordies. I hate this last minute, full-priced shopping. Clearly, I need more black in my wardrobe.
Anyway, we're going dark here until October 28th. Should have some things to show off when I return from this unplanned trip.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Ivy McHive
The dr took my blood and wrote me a referral to the dermatologist. She gave me prescription zantac and refilled the zirtec too. When I got back to campus to fill them, the fire alarm was going off in the student union, which is the convenient location of the pharmacy. I didn't feel like waiting. Well I should have. This morning I woke up with angiodema on my lip and one eye. (I don't look as bad as that photo, but it gives you the idea). One time, in the last episode, I looked like this. It was a little difficult to use my mouth. The good thing about angiodema is that they go away pretty quickly.
The rotten part of it all is that I'm worse. More hives, new angiodema and itchier. I slept less. I'm also a little cranky because I have hives on the soles of my feet and it feels like I'm walking on marbles. Okay, time to walk over to the pharmacy and see if they'll give me a zirtec right now.
The worrisome part of the dermatology visit is the second reason doc is sending me: the black mole on my back. It's never happy to see the word "melanoma" on your referral.
You'll forgive the lack of stitching content today...
The rotten part of it all is that I'm worse. More hives, new angiodema and itchier. I slept less. I'm also a little cranky because I have hives on the soles of my feet and it feels like I'm walking on marbles. Okay, time to walk over to the pharmacy and see if they'll give me a zirtec right now.
The worrisome part of the dermatology visit is the second reason doc is sending me: the black mole on my back. It's never happy to see the word "melanoma" on your referral.
You'll forgive the lack of stitching content today...
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Itchy Girl
Things are getting worse instead of better with the hives. I'm going to the dr in 1.5 hours. There's a small chance this is related to a digestive tract disease that I have, but the chances are they're going to tell me that it's related to stress. So whaddya think that is: the upcoming election? the Sox/Yankees series? this job? the fact that I just turned...nevermind. (Okay, that doesn't date me.)
Blogger has suggested that I ask my loyal readers to think of three photos they'd like to see posted to this blog. (Things around the house or whatever.) Clearly they’re advertising the photo uploading program. I’ll bite. What photos would you like to see here? I’ll post anything within reason.
Blogger has suggested that I ask my loyal readers to think of three photos they'd like to see posted to this blog. (Things around the house or whatever.) Clearly they’re advertising the photo uploading program. I’ll bite. What photos would you like to see here? I’ll post anything within reason.
Monday, October 18, 2004
No QOTW??
I was wondering why all the blogs that I read didn't have a Stitching Bloggers QOTW answer. Jen's taking a holiday from it. Holiday! My brain needs a holiday on Mondays--which is why I rely on the SBQOTW. I've come to realize that a two day weekend is just not enough for me. Now to find the career that matches my desired hours...
On Friday, the RR Reproductions Beach Plum linen arrived from Elegant Stitch. It's for the Sisters and Best Friends Round Robin I am doing (Chilly Willy and His Best Friend Nick). First mail date is Nov. 1. So I hopped right to it on Friday night (it had been a long, hard day at work). So I started stitching and even put in a grid, which I never, ever do. Well, on Saturday, I was almost done the 30 x 127 section. I went to stitch the tops of the stick arms, and realized that the grid was off and that I hadn't started stitching in the middle of the pattern. How much do you hate when the designer can't put a frickin' arrow to mark the middle of the chart? Oh right, you probably know how to count. I know I've reported below that I was first diagnosed as "careless" in Sister Karen's calculus class. Well, I haven't gotten any better. So I spent the first two football games of Sunday taking out every damn stitch I had done, which was the topmost 30 stitches all the way across the pattern (draw a line at the bottom of Santa's face). Fortunately, the Sox and Yankees provided me an excuse to stay up late and stitch. I've nearly finished. Then, I'll try to grid it again. Third time's a charm.
On Friday, the RR Reproductions Beach Plum linen arrived from Elegant Stitch. It's for the Sisters and Best Friends Round Robin I am doing (Chilly Willy and His Best Friend Nick). First mail date is Nov. 1. So I hopped right to it on Friday night (it had been a long, hard day at work). So I started stitching and even put in a grid, which I never, ever do. Well, on Saturday, I was almost done the 30 x 127 section. I went to stitch the tops of the stick arms, and realized that the grid was off and that I hadn't started stitching in the middle of the pattern. How much do you hate when the designer can't put a frickin' arrow to mark the middle of the chart? Oh right, you probably know how to count. I know I've reported below that I was first diagnosed as "careless" in Sister Karen's calculus class. Well, I haven't gotten any better. So I spent the first two football games of Sunday taking out every damn stitch I had done, which was the topmost 30 stitches all the way across the pattern (draw a line at the bottom of Santa's face). Fortunately, the Sox and Yankees provided me an excuse to stay up late and stitch. I've nearly finished. Then, I'll try to grid it again. Third time's a charm.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Online Needlework Show
Check out the online needlework show. Start with the first vendor, you can flip through each page. It's a little uneven, but there's some interesting stuff. My mom's been begging for a stitched piece for her new summer home. Reportedly--I haven't been to visit yet--one of her rooms is decorated with "flip flops." Wouldn't this be perfect?
Some of the new (to me?) designers are really different: African Folklore Embroidery, Artists' Alley (for your favorite witch), The French Needle. You may notice that I'm not one of the stitchers who has a cat. Even I think this is cool.
Most designers have a website from which you can order. If not, Down Sunshine Lane will take orders for you.
Some of the new (to me?) designers are really different: African Folklore Embroidery, Artists' Alley (for your favorite witch), The French Needle. You may notice that I'm not one of the stitchers who has a cat. Even I think this is cool.
Most designers have a website from which you can order. If not, Down Sunshine Lane will take orders for you.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Making Presents
I finished the present for the wedding I attended last October. I have ordered the box that I'm putting it in from Sudberry House. I hope it will be here with enough time for me to fix it up and hand it off before October 25 when the time for proper gift giving expires. (I say proper because Emily Post says you have to give gifts before the first anniversary. I, for one, would accept presents well after the actual wedding date. So long as the present is given before the divorce, I figure that counts. After all, I might want to wait more than a year just to be sure that it takes.)
I worked a bit on my sister's poncho. Now that amy! explained the pattern to me, I'm tooling away on it. It's made from a fine alpaca yarn. It's very pretty and feels like something you want to wear on your bare skin. I may not be able to give it to her. She's just lucky that it's likely to look better on her than it will on me.
That's where I'm at. (Don't you hate that cell phone ad, "Where you at?" Does that only grate on those of us who learned you don't use a preposition at the end of a sentence or what?) I may need a search through the electronic resources to get some new things to talk about. I had a pretty good patch there for a while in September. Now I'm even boring myself.
I worked a bit on my sister's poncho. Now that amy! explained the pattern to me, I'm tooling away on it. It's made from a fine alpaca yarn. It's very pretty and feels like something you want to wear on your bare skin. I may not be able to give it to her. She's just lucky that it's likely to look better on her than it will on me.
That's where I'm at. (Don't you hate that cell phone ad, "Where you at?" Does that only grate on those of us who learned you don't use a preposition at the end of a sentence or what?) I may need a search through the electronic resources to get some new things to talk about. I had a pretty good patch there for a while in September. Now I'm even boring myself.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Not Much Stitching
I didn't get much stitching done, between getting groceries after work and prepping the house for the cleaning woman. While watching MNF, I had an epiphany of sorts and decided to use one of my UFOs ("Enchanted Alphabet") for my alphabet round robin. I think of it as killing two birds with one stone, but there's really only one bird there, innit? I had done about 3 letters and a lot on the little girl, but I'm going to frog the letters and use the Needle Necessity substitutes that I got from rctn in 1998. I just have to grid the fabric and it's ready to go. I've also chosen "Chilly Willy and His Best Friend Nick" for the Sisters and Best Friends rr. That one's on the things-I-want-to-do-once-I've-finished-the-UFOs list, so again, I'm making the rr a useful exercise.
When I thought I wasn't going to have anything to say, I took this test. You thought I was going to be an academic girl, and while it's true that I've never left the university (between undergrad and grad school, I worked at academic publishers),
It's so true about the Simpsons (Indie Girl). Everything in life is a Simpsons episode. But I'm a little less moderate and much more well, progressive.
When I thought I wasn't going to have anything to say, I took this test. You thought I was going to be an academic girl, and while it's true that I've never left the university (between undergrad and grad school, I worked at academic publishers),
I am a hybrid of:
Progressive Girl Indie Girl Click on the pictures below to read more:
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It's so true about the Simpsons (Indie Girl). Everything in life is a Simpsons episode. But I'm a little less moderate and much more well, progressive.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Stash Enhancement: Stitching Bloggers QOTW
You've just been given a $100 gift certificate to buy anything cross stitch or needlework related - what would you spend it on right now?
I need fabric! I'm starting lots of round robins; every other thing I buy lately is fabric. I also want to replace my project bag, Clover cutter, and do-lolly from the unfortunate airplane incident of April 2, 2004. I've also got these items on my Wishlist:
Bent Creek, Snowman Stocking
Canterbury Designs, Plantation Sampler
HNG, Bunny in the Garden
Lilybet Designs, Lady Gray
Little By Little, Star Light Star Bright
Nostalgic Needle, Whimsy Bag
Heart's Content, 2001-2004 Annual Ornaments
Le Chene Dore, Anne, Petite Bergere Sampler
But I've probably gone way over $100. $100--sheesh--that's nothin'.
I need fabric! I'm starting lots of round robins; every other thing I buy lately is fabric. I also want to replace my project bag, Clover cutter, and do-lolly from the unfortunate airplane incident of April 2, 2004. I've also got these items on my Wishlist:
Bent Creek, Snowman Stocking
Canterbury Designs, Plantation Sampler
HNG, Bunny in the Garden
Lilybet Designs, Lady Gray
Little By Little, Star Light Star Bright
Nostalgic Needle, Whimsy Bag
Heart's Content, 2001-2004 Annual Ornaments
Le Chene Dore, Anne, Petite Bergere Sampler
But I've probably gone way over $100. $100--sheesh--that's nothin'.
Friday, October 08, 2004
This Weekend
Some of the bloggers that I read are sharing their weekend plans. I actually have plans this weekend. Unbelievable, but true. I'm going to the sold out USC/Cal game. This morning two tickets were going for $300 on e-bay. The Dude thinks we shouldn't go. I've told my sister's chronically late friends that we're selling their tickets at 11:45. Of course, our seats suck so I won't get any $300.
I will finish the baby blanket and will send it off even before we know the baby's full name (we were promised a phone call this weekend). I only have four more rows to go. I had to make it longer than the pattern calls for because it ended up so much wider than it was supposed to be. In the end, I had to make it at least look square. I will probably be able to finish up the wedding sampler also. Then I can get back on track with the Christmas gifts.
I will finish the baby blanket and will send it off even before we know the baby's full name (we were promised a phone call this weekend). I only have four more rows to go. I had to make it longer than the pattern calls for because it ended up so much wider than it was supposed to be. In the end, I had to make it at least look square. I will probably be able to finish up the wedding sampler also. Then I can get back on track with the Christmas gifts.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Out Sick
I was feeling pretty wonky on Tuesday so I went home early. Fever, bad tum, etc. On Wednesday morning the Dude told me that I didn't have to go to work if I didn't want to, so I stayed in bed. I'm feeling much better, but I seem to have developed hives. Normally, I'd scoff at people who complain about hives, but in 1999 I developed "chronic idiopathic urticaria" (Doctor speak for "really bad hives for a long time and we don't know why"). I had unbelievable welts all over my body. I ended up on two antihistamines for a year and a half. I no longer scoff at hives. The current bout seems to be controlled when I take my normal dose of zirtec with two benadryl, so fingers crossed. Otherwise, it's back on the zantac. Yes, I know you thought that was for heartburn, but it's a histamine II blocker, and hives are a reaction to histamines. And boy howdy, I got histamines.
Anyway, I got much done on the wedding sampler. While I had the camera out, I took a crappy photo of the baby blanket.
Be well.
Anyway, I got much done on the wedding sampler. While I had the camera out, I took a crappy photo of the baby blanket.
Be well.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Stitching Bloggers QOTW: Thread storage.
Thread organization: plastic bobbins, yes or no? How do you organize your threads? Haven't we discussed thread storage before? It's another one of those completely fascinating aspects of needlework, so we should review. I do store my DMC threads on bobbins. (I know how to get the kinks out.) They've been on bobbins since 1989, and I'm not redoing this for the latest passing fad. Most of my bobbins are paper, though, and they were difficult enough to find back then. Now, as they get used up I replace the more worn paper bobbins with plastic. All my specialty flosses are stored in boxes as is. I'm such a horrible stitcher. They're going to kick me out of the club.
I'm quite close to finishing the baby blanket. I just got so bored with it last night. Hey, how awesome was Desperate Housewives? I loved it. Especially Felicity Huffman's character. I foresee some really good violence coming out of that situation. Loved how she socked her husband in the jaw after he suggested they "just risk it." And you wonder why I don't have kids...
I'm quite close to finishing the baby blanket. I just got so bored with it last night. Hey, how awesome was Desperate Housewives? I loved it. Especially Felicity Huffman's character. I foresee some really good violence coming out of that situation. Loved how she socked her husband in the jaw after he suggested they "just risk it." And you wonder why I don't have kids...
Friday, October 01, 2004
A Finish!
I finished my cousin's hot pink Salsa scarf last night. Oh, and what was up with NCIS being on instead of CSI? I almost couldn't knit. While I was at the yarn store--having cut out of work early--I picked up some lovely alpaca for my sister's poncho. It's "neutral" which is what she kept telling me she wanted. I kept sending her links to various yarns and she kept not responding. So I called her from the yarn store and begged for an answer. I hope she likes what I picked. I went with a lightish brown. I think the lighter colors will look better for this one. Which is most decidedly not the poncho in last month's Woman's Day. Someday, I'll get around to doing that for myself, you know, because I need more projects.
I bought a couple of skeins for the baby blanket too. I'm going to make a concerted effort to finish that this weekend. Oooh. Then I can get back to stitching with a needle with an eye. I like the sound of that!
I bought a couple of skeins for the baby blanket too. I'm going to make a concerted effort to finish that this weekend. Oooh. Then I can get back to stitching with a needle with an eye. I like the sound of that!
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