Well, I just checked my Ravelry wait and here is the latest:
7729 people are ahead of you in line.
6919 people are behind you in line
So I am getting CLOSER!
On a Sad note, the bridge collapse in Minneapolis is horrible!
I know that is a major route for everyone in the Twin Cities area and I am concerned about those that I know there. Some of them are part of a Yahoo group I belong to and we heard that they are all okay. But some are personal friends that I have lost touch with over the years. I sent an email to another friend who is still closely in contact with them and I am waiting for the reply.
I hope that alot of people were able to get out safely. I have been hearing conflicting stories on the numbers. We can only hope that people are okay.
All these stories on the news have gotten my Mom worried. So she had a nightmare last night. Which explains her being up at 6:30am this morning.
She is still worried. We are in NYC but our bridges are alot older. So it is understandable that everyone is concerned. But what can you do? You have to get there from here. *sigh*
I just hope she calms down about it all since she can work herself up so much that it affects everything. Her health aide is going to have her watch some Columbo episodes on DVD to distract her. It should help.
Meanwhile it is hot and humid here and is expected to be even hotter today.
Makes it hard to get around to do any errands and the subway stations are stifling!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Waiting For My Ravelry Invite
You may or may not have heard of Ravelry www.ravelry.com which is probably something akin to Myspace for the knitting and crochet community. It hasn't officially launched and is still in Beta Testing. They just recently got permanent Production hosting so the two founders are busy with the migration. Many of the Beta Testers have jumped in and used the functions of Ravelry and the screenshots make the rest of the waiting list itch to get in. Unfortunately no one who has not gotten an id on the site can even view pages within it so the hard work shown by the members are only seen by other members. It is not clear if once it goes live if it will be viewable only by members or not.
They added a function to check your standing on the waiting list to make it easier for everyone.
Here is my current standing on the waiting list:
8384 people are ahead of you in line.
5468 people are behind you in line.
*sigh* Can't wait until I can see everyone's cool stuff!
They added a function to check your standing on the waiting list to make it easier for everyone.
Here is my current standing on the waiting list:
8384 people are ahead of you in line.
5468 people are behind you in line.
*sigh* Can't wait until I can see everyone's cool stuff!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Bleary Eyed But I Finished Reading!- No Spoilers
Well, I didn't get a chance to really start reading the latest Harry Potter book until the afternoon.
When I was able to read without interruptions I found times when my eyes were not focusing correctly on the words. Then I realized how long I was reading at one stretch so that seemed to be the problem. Took breaks from then on.
I was late making dinner for me and Mom although I did feed the cat.
After that I kept reading until about midnight when I was really fading. I got ready for bed but that gave me a second wind and I started reading again.
I finished the book at 4am.
The cat tried to wake me at her usual time. (I ignored her)
I didn't get out of bed until after 9am when I heard Mom walk past to the bathroom.
The book was pretty good. Not sure if all of it made complete sense but I didn't hate it and I wasn't disappointed. But it is over!
Hope she writes a prequel - we got a taste of one during this book. I would love to get to know Harry's parents and everyone when they were younger.
I have no idea exactly how many hours it took me to read it since I was interrupted and took other breaks.
How long did it take you?
When I was able to read without interruptions I found times when my eyes were not focusing correctly on the words. Then I realized how long I was reading at one stretch so that seemed to be the problem. Took breaks from then on.
I was late making dinner for me and Mom although I did feed the cat.
After that I kept reading until about midnight when I was really fading. I got ready for bed but that gave me a second wind and I started reading again.
I finished the book at 4am.
The cat tried to wake me at her usual time. (I ignored her)
I didn't get out of bed until after 9am when I heard Mom walk past to the bathroom.
The book was pretty good. Not sure if all of it made complete sense but I didn't hate it and I wasn't disappointed. But it is over!
Hope she writes a prequel - we got a taste of one during this book. I would love to get to know Harry's parents and everyone when they were younger.
I have no idea exactly how many hours it took me to read it since I was interrupted and took other breaks.
How long did it take you?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
July 21, 2007 - THE LAST BOOK
At about 7:15am the lobby buzzer sounded waking me out of a doze. I jumped up to answer it. The postman! This is what he handed me:
And of course what was inside?
It is almost 9am and I haven't cracked it open yet. Had to clear out my email and do the morning chores like feeding the cat. I will now wake up my Mom and get her settled for the day and then I can relax and READ!!!
I walked by all the Potter Mania at the Barnes and Nobles at Union Square last evening for the start of the Midnight Party. The ages varied widely for those attending at least at that moment.
No one tell any spoilers!
And of course what was inside?
It is almost 9am and I haven't cracked it open yet. Had to clear out my email and do the morning chores like feeding the cat. I will now wake up my Mom and get her settled for the day and then I can relax and READ!!!
I walked by all the Potter Mania at the Barnes and Nobles at Union Square last evening for the start of the Midnight Party. The ages varied widely for those attending at least at that moment.
No one tell any spoilers!
Friday, July 13, 2007
Knitting and Needle Crafts More Mainstream?
A friend just sent me a link to an article in tne NY Times. I didn't see the print article since I only get the Sunday Times - Mom has to have the Book Review section.
Here is a permalink to the article. It is supposed to work even when the article is archived. It is good to see it mentioned favorably.
Knitting in New York TIMES July 12, 2007
Here is a permalink to the article. It is supposed to work even when the article is archived. It is good to see it mentioned favorably.
Knitting in New York TIMES July 12, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Concert Venue Cat Second Encounter
After that first encounter I saw this cat again outside the concert place. This time it was an unusually hot day and the sun was very strong. She/He was sitting with tail curved around in the only shady spot near the front entrance.
As I approached and spoke, the tail unfurled and he/she responded in the typical "give me some attention" manner. As I was complying it occurred to me that it was too hot out for him/her and asked if she wanted to get back in. About then she was on the steps near the door so I buzzed the intercom. The door unlocked and she scooted right in when I opened the door.
Probably vastly relieved that someone had the good sense to come by to let her in (not that it would stop her from going out again of course). I could see the reception desk from the door and just yelled up that I was "just letting the cat back in". Which they took very matter of factly and went on with what they were doing as I closed the door.
Queen or King of the venue!
As I approached and spoke, the tail unfurled and he/she responded in the typical "give me some attention" manner. As I was complying it occurred to me that it was too hot out for him/her and asked if she wanted to get back in. About then she was on the steps near the door so I buzzed the intercom. The door unlocked and she scooted right in when I opened the door.
Probably vastly relieved that someone had the good sense to come by to let her in (not that it would stop her from going out again of course). I could see the reception desk from the door and just yelled up that I was "just letting the cat back in". Which they took very matter of factly and went on with what they were doing as I closed the door.
Queen or King of the venue!
Dulaan Project Mailed!
Well, a coworker crocheted two scarves for the Dulaan Project and I managed to get some hats done. I packaged the two Mother Bear dolls that I never sent to that Project (because I was planning on making more), the two scarves, 5 children sized hats and one adult hat. Here is a pic of the group:
That went out this past week. The new postal rates and rules made the under 3 pounds package cost almost $11 to send to Arizona.
I also made a contribution on the fireproject web site to help with shipping costs and used the envelope containing the packing slip the mailto address label. I also used the automated center at my local post office.
Since I didn't join the project until relatively recently there aren't alot of items completed for it but at least it is something. Hopefully this project will continue and throughout the year I can be making items. I only used very basic patterns which I hope will fit some children. Since I don't have any children available to try out the items it is hard for me to be sure they will be okay. The adult hat pattern turned out to be alot bigger than I expected. I hope someone can use it!
It should be delivered this week with plenty of time before the deadline and will hopefully make it to Mongolia!
That went out this past week. The new postal rates and rules made the under 3 pounds package cost almost $11 to send to Arizona.
I also made a contribution on the fireproject web site to help with shipping costs and used the envelope containing the packing slip the mailto address label. I also used the automated center at my local post office.
Since I didn't join the project until relatively recently there aren't alot of items completed for it but at least it is something. Hopefully this project will continue and throughout the year I can be making items. I only used very basic patterns which I hope will fit some children. Since I don't have any children available to try out the items it is hard for me to be sure they will be okay. The adult hat pattern turned out to be alot bigger than I expected. I hope someone can use it!
It should be delivered this week with plenty of time before the deadline and will hopefully make it to Mongolia!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Dulaan Project - Mongolia
I have joined the Dulaan Project for this year. Well, not that I have officially joined the 2007 drive but I did join the informal Yahoo group. The deadline is July 1st in the offices to get it out for this year.
A friend at my office is also trying to get some things made. I gave her some wool and some acrylic from my stash. Whatever we have closer to the end of the month I will send in.
I never sent the Mother Bear pattern toys I made to the Mother Bear project and I think I will send them to the Dulaan Project instead. Even if I can't get alot of warm items made, a couple of hats or scarves and the two bears is something that will be useful.
Now back to the normal weekend errands like laundry!
A friend at my office is also trying to get some things made. I gave her some wool and some acrylic from my stash. Whatever we have closer to the end of the month I will send in.
I never sent the Mother Bear pattern toys I made to the Mother Bear project and I think I will send them to the Dulaan Project instead. Even if I can't get alot of warm items made, a couple of hats or scarves and the two bears is something that will be useful.
Now back to the normal weekend errands like laundry!
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Concert Venue Cat
It occurred to me that I haven't mentioned the ongoing encounters with the adventurous cat who resides in the concert venue near my office. Now this place hosts all sorts of events. It has hosted video game contests, parties sponsored by radio stations, pretty much any type of music concert, Ladies nights, female and male strip nights, etc. It shares the block with a multiplex movie theatre and a fairly large U.S. Post Office so you can imagine some of the headaches when a band's setup gear arrives.
My first encounter with this cat was on a day when I was trying to drop a bill payment in the mail at the post office on my way into work. It was an odd day since we were getting some snow flakes. On my way from the post office I was passing some apartments and saw the cat rubbing itself on the concrete area by the apartment entrances. I could see it had a collar and some kind of tag and I thought it might have wandered out of one of the apartments. It was well fed with a glossy coat, black with a little white. It was friendly and not at all concerned about being outside. Actually intent on wandering around the area. Another woman passing by was also interested in the cat and we both thought that it seemed comfortable and probably would be fine. As we left each other and I started down the block I looked at the windows of the apartments and checked the doors of the concert place to see where the cat might have come from. The apartment windows were all sealed but the concert place was getting a delivery and one of their doors was open with no employees in sight. As I was trying to decide what to do, some people exited from the concert place and I was able to ask them about the cat. Bingo! It seemed that the cat was famous for going out adventuring and they were going to notify the security person. I told them where I had last seen the cat descending the stairs by the apartments and felt better that the cat would be fine.
More on the cat encounters to come.
My first encounter with this cat was on a day when I was trying to drop a bill payment in the mail at the post office on my way into work. It was an odd day since we were getting some snow flakes. On my way from the post office I was passing some apartments and saw the cat rubbing itself on the concrete area by the apartment entrances. I could see it had a collar and some kind of tag and I thought it might have wandered out of one of the apartments. It was well fed with a glossy coat, black with a little white. It was friendly and not at all concerned about being outside. Actually intent on wandering around the area. Another woman passing by was also interested in the cat and we both thought that it seemed comfortable and probably would be fine. As we left each other and I started down the block I looked at the windows of the apartments and checked the doors of the concert place to see where the cat might have come from. The apartment windows were all sealed but the concert place was getting a delivery and one of their doors was open with no employees in sight. As I was trying to decide what to do, some people exited from the concert place and I was able to ask them about the cat. Bingo! It seemed that the cat was famous for going out adventuring and they were going to notify the security person. I told them where I had last seen the cat descending the stairs by the apartments and felt better that the cat would be fine.
More on the cat encounters to come.
Memorial Day
I did manage to deal with some of my errands yesterday but of course not all of them.
One of the last was doing quite alot of laundry. On my way out of the apartment to start the laundry and pick up the newspapers I discovered that the USPS fairy left me a present. What was the present? Remember that notice I got on Saturday? For the package that would be available at the post office about 20 blocks away at 9am on Tuesday 5/29? Yep! There it was! I rescued the box and placed it in the living room so I could open it when I got back.
Laundry successfully in the washing machines and newspapers in hand, I returned and gave Mom the newspapers and tackled the box. My yarn and Black Sheep felted bag patterns were safely inside. Hooray!
So I logged into Ebay and left feedback for that seller and sent her a message that the package arrived safely with a slight adventure. Of course something else caught my eye and I bid on a couple of other lots of yarn. *sigh*
For penance I thought I should finish the second crochet baby blanket before I got totally wrapped up in felted bag planning. With a few breaks to give Mom a snack and lunch I did finally finish the second blanket. This one is closer to the 2 feet by 3 feet requested size. Still a little over in one direction but better.
The first blanket:
A close up:
As you see, the first one is made using a variegated pastel yarn. The second one I used two colors, a yellow and a white yarn. The sections are almost the same size and I think I did better on the crochet stitches for the most part than on the first blanket.
Here it is completed:
And a closeup:
I am still amazed at how much more yarn crochet uses! It is extremely hard to determine how much yarn will be needed. So I guess I will need to make sure to take extra yarn from the charity supply when I work on something in crochet. At least I have two blankets to turn in at the next group meeting.
Now to get planning on the personal projects!
One of the last was doing quite alot of laundry. On my way out of the apartment to start the laundry and pick up the newspapers I discovered that the USPS fairy left me a present. What was the present? Remember that notice I got on Saturday? For the package that would be available at the post office about 20 blocks away at 9am on Tuesday 5/29? Yep! There it was! I rescued the box and placed it in the living room so I could open it when I got back.
Laundry successfully in the washing machines and newspapers in hand, I returned and gave Mom the newspapers and tackled the box. My yarn and Black Sheep felted bag patterns were safely inside. Hooray!
So I logged into Ebay and left feedback for that seller and sent her a message that the package arrived safely with a slight adventure. Of course something else caught my eye and I bid on a couple of other lots of yarn. *sigh*
For penance I thought I should finish the second crochet baby blanket before I got totally wrapped up in felted bag planning. With a few breaks to give Mom a snack and lunch I did finally finish the second blanket. This one is closer to the 2 feet by 3 feet requested size. Still a little over in one direction but better.
The first blanket:
A close up:
As you see, the first one is made using a variegated pastel yarn. The second one I used two colors, a yellow and a white yarn. The sections are almost the same size and I think I did better on the crochet stitches for the most part than on the first blanket.
Here it is completed:
And a closeup:
I am still amazed at how much more yarn crochet uses! It is extremely hard to determine how much yarn will be needed. So I guess I will need to make sure to take extra yarn from the charity supply when I work on something in crochet. At least I have two blankets to turn in at the next group meeting.
Now to get planning on the personal projects!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
No Packages This Weekend!
Boo Hoo! The lovely postal person left me a notice in my mailbox that claimed they attempted delivery at 9 Am yesterday. I was home except for a quick run to the corner for the newspapers. I don't really think they attempted to buzz, if they knocked then it was not very loud so there is no way I would hear in the living room or my bedroom. Grrrr. That was my Ebay order of Yarn and patterns. Which I will have to go to the post office a subway stop away to get on Tuesday! Messing up another day off! I also got a notice from the internet store that one of the colors I ordered (that showed as in stock when I placed the order) was back ordered and they are holding the rest until they can send the complete order. Estimate is a week or so before it comes in.
Double GRRRRR!!!!
So this weekend is a bust. I took off Friday and Tuesday to use up vacation days and hopeflly enjoy myself. Friday was too hot to go voyaging on public transportation to the zoo or anywhere so I stayed home and worked on a baby blanket for a charity. Then Saturday I had to stay home awaiting the VNS nurse for Mom's monthly visit. She called at 8:30AM estimating she would arrive between 10 and 11am. She did but I still didn't get anything else done outside of the apartment since It was a bit too warm for me again.
Today I have to do errands or DIE!
Monday I hope to enjoy myself even if I stay home again or close to home since Mom's health aide is off.
Now Tuesday is messed up since I have to trek to the post office and back again before I can really go anywhere. At least Mom's health aide will be here so I can go out without any real concerns.
So after my errands I might wind some more yarn and figure out what project I can work on to use that yarn on.
And how many simultaneous projects are you working on?
Double GRRRRR!!!!
So this weekend is a bust. I took off Friday and Tuesday to use up vacation days and hopeflly enjoy myself. Friday was too hot to go voyaging on public transportation to the zoo or anywhere so I stayed home and worked on a baby blanket for a charity. Then Saturday I had to stay home awaiting the VNS nurse for Mom's monthly visit. She called at 8:30AM estimating she would arrive between 10 and 11am. She did but I still didn't get anything else done outside of the apartment since It was a bit too warm for me again.
Today I have to do errands or DIE!
Monday I hope to enjoy myself even if I stay home again or close to home since Mom's health aide is off.
Now Tuesday is messed up since I have to trek to the post office and back again before I can really go anywhere. At least Mom's health aide will be here so I can go out without any real concerns.
So after my errands I might wind some more yarn and figure out what project I can work on to use that yarn on.
And how many simultaneous projects are you working on?
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend Already?
Hard to believe it is the end of May. Time went so fast!
I have been checking out Ebay for more yarn and bought more from the store that is closing. I also checked out a sale on an Internet store and bought some more Cascade 220 from them in other colors. The richness of some of the shades is wonderful!
I am currently expecting two packages, one from the Ebay seller and one from the Internet store. Perhaps by early next week.
On the caregiving front, Mom's VNS nurse called and told me that she has been ill and will be out of the office until June 7th but that since she had not seen Mom this month another nurse has to come to see her for the mandatory visit. When can that nurse come? Saturday! She is supposed to call before but I don't know if she will call today or not. *sigh* I would like to be able to go to the movies or do something else that might be hard to get a cell phone call at.
It is supposed to be 90F today in NYC so I guess wandering around the Bronx Zoo or the gardens is not a good idea.
On the yarn project front I am crocheting a baby blanket for my knitting group at work. I feel so guilty that I haven't turned anything in for awhile. Our organizer wants us to concentrate on baby blankets for now since those will probably be the most needed at the Aids charity.
Gotta go the Cat is demanding attention!
I have been checking out Ebay for more yarn and bought more from the store that is closing. I also checked out a sale on an Internet store and bought some more Cascade 220 from them in other colors. The richness of some of the shades is wonderful!
I am currently expecting two packages, one from the Ebay seller and one from the Internet store. Perhaps by early next week.
On the caregiving front, Mom's VNS nurse called and told me that she has been ill and will be out of the office until June 7th but that since she had not seen Mom this month another nurse has to come to see her for the mandatory visit. When can that nurse come? Saturday! She is supposed to call before but I don't know if she will call today or not. *sigh* I would like to be able to go to the movies or do something else that might be hard to get a cell phone call at.
It is supposed to be 90F today in NYC so I guess wandering around the Bronx Zoo or the gardens is not a good idea.
On the yarn project front I am crocheting a baby blanket for my knitting group at work. I feel so guilty that I haven't turned anything in for awhile. Our organizer wants us to concentrate on baby blankets for now since those will probably be the most needed at the Aids charity.
Gotta go the Cat is demanding attention!
Friday, May 18, 2007
More About Those Recent Purchases
I didn't post a picture of my Cascade 220 purchase so here it is:
Some may be curious as to how the yarn swift looks disassembled for storage, so here is a pic of that minus the little bag of dowels:
I also recently bought a bag to use for projects, etc. Someone had posted on one of the Yahoo groups about the Smith and Hawken tool bag awhile ago. I have a hard time visualizing the dimensions given for anything. I have to actually see one in person to figure out if it meets my needs. Luckily there is a Smith and Hawken store in Soho here in NYC but it is quite a hike from my current office. I did manage to get there after a long appointment at my dentist which was a shorter hike from the store.
The Ultimate tool bag comes in several sizes but of course the Large was my preference. They have it in black currently priced at $29 which is not a bad price.
I liked it enough to buy one and have been pleased with it. Have been using it instead of my usual backpack for going to work.
Dimensions:12 1/2" W x 9" D x 12 1/2" H. The exterior pockets have an elastic across which keeps longer items secure. There are a total of 10 pockets. 6 on the outside with 4 secured with the elastic. Internally there are 4 pockets and a sizable inside area. Each pocket on the inside front and back are across the bag and suitable in width for magazines but can hold alot. The inside end pockets are pretty sizable in diameter and I use one to hold my current knitting scarf project.
I am able to knit on the subway standing with the scarf pulled partway out of the bag so the rest is supported and not heavy.
Here is a photo of the outside:
And here is the inside:
If you want to check it out the Smith and Hawken site is:http://www.smithandhawken.com/
Just do a search for "bag" and you will find it.
Have Fun!
Some may be curious as to how the yarn swift looks disassembled for storage, so here is a pic of that minus the little bag of dowels:
I also recently bought a bag to use for projects, etc. Someone had posted on one of the Yahoo groups about the Smith and Hawken tool bag awhile ago. I have a hard time visualizing the dimensions given for anything. I have to actually see one in person to figure out if it meets my needs. Luckily there is a Smith and Hawken store in Soho here in NYC but it is quite a hike from my current office. I did manage to get there after a long appointment at my dentist which was a shorter hike from the store.
The Ultimate tool bag comes in several sizes but of course the Large was my preference. They have it in black currently priced at $29 which is not a bad price.
I liked it enough to buy one and have been pleased with it. Have been using it instead of my usual backpack for going to work.
Dimensions:12 1/2" W x 9" D x 12 1/2" H. The exterior pockets have an elastic across which keeps longer items secure. There are a total of 10 pockets. 6 on the outside with 4 secured with the elastic. Internally there are 4 pockets and a sizable inside area. Each pocket on the inside front and back are across the bag and suitable in width for magazines but can hold alot. The inside end pockets are pretty sizable in diameter and I use one to hold my current knitting scarf project.
I am able to knit on the subway standing with the scarf pulled partway out of the bag so the rest is supported and not heavy.
Here is a photo of the outside:
And here is the inside:
If you want to check it out the Smith and Hawken site is:http://www.smithandhawken.com/
Just do a search for "bag" and you will find it.
Have Fun!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Hanks to Balls - Hooray!
Normally I have been using yarn for projects that came in skeins that were already center pulls. But listening to alot of of the yarn or knitting podcasts does make you want to try out yarns not as easily found, the kind that comes only in hanks. There is one small local yarn shop that is near my office that would carry these but I decided to check out Ebay for some of the brands mentioned as standards, like Cascade 220 wool yarn.
Well I found a wonderful Ebay vendor who is unfortunately closing shop who was selling their remaining supply of Cascade 220 even cheaper than a sale price I found on a regular internet store. It is always hard to tell colors from pictures even when they are from direct scans of the hank. Some I was sure I would like and got a few more hanks and some I wasn't and only ordered one. In the end I ordered 16 skeins this past Saturday. Paid via PayPal and even got direct email from the vendor over the weekend.
Now I had hanks coming but then was the problem of winding them into balls for actual use. No one I know has a ball winder or swift so I couldn't borrow. I knew I would be dying to try out the yarn so I looked again on Ebay for any cheaper alternatives to the prices I had been finding on internet stores/manufacturers.
I lucked out and found a handmade oak swift that disassembles easily into something that I could find a storage spot for and the price was great. At the price if it didn't work out for me I wouldn't be too upset. The Ebay seller was Cindyswifts.
Their swifts sit on the floor or table which was a better arrangement for me, not enough surfaces to clamp onto.
I also found a ball winder at a slightly cheaper price for a model that looked better made and more likely to last. So I "Bought them Now", paid with PayPal and was set.
That was Saturday and oddly all three packages arrived via USPS on Wednesday morning! When I got home last night I opened everything and had to try out the swift and winder. In the pic below you can see the empty boxes on the top left.
Here is closeup of the winder with the completed ball still on it:
I will have to take a pic of all the hanks and post it later. Right now the question of what project I can start to use some of this is still up in the air!
Well I found a wonderful Ebay vendor who is unfortunately closing shop who was selling their remaining supply of Cascade 220 even cheaper than a sale price I found on a regular internet store. It is always hard to tell colors from pictures even when they are from direct scans of the hank. Some I was sure I would like and got a few more hanks and some I wasn't and only ordered one. In the end I ordered 16 skeins this past Saturday. Paid via PayPal and even got direct email from the vendor over the weekend.
Now I had hanks coming but then was the problem of winding them into balls for actual use. No one I know has a ball winder or swift so I couldn't borrow. I knew I would be dying to try out the yarn so I looked again on Ebay for any cheaper alternatives to the prices I had been finding on internet stores/manufacturers.
I lucked out and found a handmade oak swift that disassembles easily into something that I could find a storage spot for and the price was great. At the price if it didn't work out for me I wouldn't be too upset. The Ebay seller was Cindyswifts.
Their swifts sit on the floor or table which was a better arrangement for me, not enough surfaces to clamp onto.
I also found a ball winder at a slightly cheaper price for a model that looked better made and more likely to last. So I "Bought them Now", paid with PayPal and was set.
That was Saturday and oddly all three packages arrived via USPS on Wednesday morning! When I got home last night I opened everything and had to try out the swift and winder. In the pic below you can see the empty boxes on the top left.
Here is closeup of the winder with the completed ball still on it:
I will have to take a pic of all the hanks and post it later. Right now the question of what project I can start to use some of this is still up in the air!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Cold, Allergies or Something Else?
Friday at work my energy level bottomed out in the late afternoon. I was just dragging and unable to concentrate on the project I am extremely late on. It did not help that I finally got a chance to get my lab results from my doctor's office for blood tests done a few weeks ago. My cholesterol is fine but my liver enzymes are elevated and my triglycerides are way high. We shall see if I have to change medications to lower cholesterol again. I had to change from Lipitor when my liver enzymes stayed at a slightly elevated level and then my cholesterol shot up. I am on Vytorin now. But I am not very good at keeping my diet correct. I have to confess that I was addicted to having ice cream at night for a couple of weeks before the blood test which must have contributed to my high triglycerides. I now do not have any ice cream in the freezer.
But something else was going on. I wasn't really sneezing but I was having pressure problems in my ears and Friday evening my throat started aching. Over the weekend my energy was low so I took it easy on Saturday and stayed mostly in bed trying to rest. I was sneezing a bit and blowing my nose alot but my throat was better. It seems like this might be a cold instead of allergies kicking up. I was achy on Friday all over but that went away. I don't think I had a fever either. Of course I may also have a sinus infection but I will see how I am today. If necessary I will go to my doctor's office to try and get antibiotics for the sinus infection if it doesn't get better by then.
So knitting wise I only forced myself to do some work on a pink scarf I have been knitting as part of a charity donation for a knitting group at work. I have been neglecting those projects for personal ones and I feel very guilty.
I have another market squares bag in progress with purple, turquoise and a variegated yarn in that family. My problem is finding different colors that would look nice in a wool yarn. Although I used KnitPicks yarn for the first one the colors available really don't grab me for a second round. So I am actually using yarn from a couple of different companies. Hope they all felt about the same!
I will take an in progress pic when I can.
Here's hoping that whatever bug has gotten into my system leaves soon!
But something else was going on. I wasn't really sneezing but I was having pressure problems in my ears and Friday evening my throat started aching. Over the weekend my energy was low so I took it easy on Saturday and stayed mostly in bed trying to rest. I was sneezing a bit and blowing my nose alot but my throat was better. It seems like this might be a cold instead of allergies kicking up. I was achy on Friday all over but that went away. I don't think I had a fever either. Of course I may also have a sinus infection but I will see how I am today. If necessary I will go to my doctor's office to try and get antibiotics for the sinus infection if it doesn't get better by then.
So knitting wise I only forced myself to do some work on a pink scarf I have been knitting as part of a charity donation for a knitting group at work. I have been neglecting those projects for personal ones and I feel very guilty.
I have another market squares bag in progress with purple, turquoise and a variegated yarn in that family. My problem is finding different colors that would look nice in a wool yarn. Although I used KnitPicks yarn for the first one the colors available really don't grab me for a second round. So I am actually using yarn from a couple of different companies. Hope they all felt about the same!
I will take an in progress pic when I can.
Here's hoping that whatever bug has gotten into my system leaves soon!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Market Squares Felt 2
Well, I managed to get a chance to try felting the bag in a top loader washing machine. Put a few pairs of jeans in and a towel (prob not a good idea), and the bag and straps were in a fine mesh bag. I set the machine to hot water and put some gentle soap in. I did not manage to catch it before the spin cycle but it seems to have been fine.
The bag shrank more and the fabric is thicker and stronger. Still a bit floppy but much better. I attached the straps using nylon thread and backed the attachment point with a button on the inside. I don't have a closeup of the felted fabric but here is the bag:
Cool and much closer to the picture of the finished product in the pattern book.
The bag shrank more and the fabric is thicker and stronger. Still a bit floppy but much better. I attached the straps using nylon thread and backed the attachment point with a button on the inside. I don't have a closeup of the felted fabric but here is the bag:
Cool and much closer to the picture of the finished product in the pattern book.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Caregiving Front
Good news, our new nurse had to do an evaluation and status update on Mom and used that to help justify extending the health aide hours. So as of Monday, she will be with Mom for 8 hours instead of 6! Now I just have to get myself in gear and get out of the apartment earlier so I can leave work a bit earlier reducing the time that Mom is home alone.
I also joined a couple of caregiving groups on Yahoo which has been helpful. The issues being raised, various solutions and knowing how everyone is coping with it all.
Mom's anxiety has thankfully decreased so she is not roaming the apartment at night. And has stopped thinking she needs to open the door to check on something or even trying to leave the apartment to meet me downstairs. She has been pretty much sleeping through the night except for a couple of bathroom trips. Whew!
I also joined a couple of caregiving groups on Yahoo which has been helpful. The issues being raised, various solutions and knowing how everyone is coping with it all.
Mom's anxiety has thankfully decreased so she is not roaming the apartment at night. And has stopped thinking she needs to open the door to check on something or even trying to leave the apartment to meet me downstairs. She has been pretty much sleeping through the night except for a couple of bathroom trips. Whew!
It's Been Awhile
Well I did finally file my taxes, Sunday 4/15 the deadline was 4/17 this year.
I used Turbo Tax and efiled my Federal and State returns. Got my Federal accepted status within a day but it took the state a bit longer. Surprise!
Knitting Update
I gave up on finding something solid to use to shape the Market Squares Bag after felting. I figured I could always use a plastic bag filled with something. Then I was planning on using one of the top loading washing machines to felt it but things conspired against me and I wasn't really able to get down to the laundry room when it was unlikely to be packed. Since the top loaders are a little cheaper they are often in use. So I bit the bullet and figured I would try hand felting and I could always continue to felt in a machine if necessary.
So I took an extra large ziploc bag put the Market Squares bag in and filled it with hot water and some gentle soap. I tried zipping it shut with most of the air out and aggitating the knitting. However on occaision the bag would open in mid aggitation spewing soapy water out of the sink onto the bathroom floor. Fun!
I then tried just doing it by hand. The colors ran a bit but I did succeed in felting it. Then I felted the handles.
Here is the result:
And a close up of the felting:
And here is how the bottom turned out:
I am not sure if this felted enough the bag is pretty floppy. I don't know if I want to redo the felting. As for the handles/straps, I am not sure if they are strong enough but I will try them out for awhile and see. I need to get stronger thread and some buttons to use on the inside to reinforce the attachment point of the straps.
Hopefully I will be able to attach the straps sometime this weekend.
I brought it into my office and of course there were requests from some of my coworkers for me to make them bags. I might try to make something smaller for them but still using some entrelac. Time will tell.
I used Turbo Tax and efiled my Federal and State returns. Got my Federal accepted status within a day but it took the state a bit longer. Surprise!
Knitting Update
I gave up on finding something solid to use to shape the Market Squares Bag after felting. I figured I could always use a plastic bag filled with something. Then I was planning on using one of the top loading washing machines to felt it but things conspired against me and I wasn't really able to get down to the laundry room when it was unlikely to be packed. Since the top loaders are a little cheaper they are often in use. So I bit the bullet and figured I would try hand felting and I could always continue to felt in a machine if necessary.
So I took an extra large ziploc bag put the Market Squares bag in and filled it with hot water and some gentle soap. I tried zipping it shut with most of the air out and aggitating the knitting. However on occaision the bag would open in mid aggitation spewing soapy water out of the sink onto the bathroom floor. Fun!
I then tried just doing it by hand. The colors ran a bit but I did succeed in felting it. Then I felted the handles.
Here is the result:
And a close up of the felting:
And here is how the bottom turned out:
I am not sure if this felted enough the bag is pretty floppy. I don't know if I want to redo the felting. As for the handles/straps, I am not sure if they are strong enough but I will try them out for awhile and see. I need to get stronger thread and some buttons to use on the inside to reinforce the attachment point of the straps.
Hopefully I will be able to attach the straps sometime this weekend.
I brought it into my office and of course there were requests from some of my coworkers for me to make them bags. I might try to make something smaller for them but still using some entrelac. Time will tell.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Stress and Tax Time
Here it is Sunday 4/15 and I still have not filed my taxes. Do I owe the IRS any money? Is that why I am so late? Nope, I actually get a refund and just couldn't get my act together to finish and file. I did finally install the tax software and I have managed to get my supporting documents together. I have even managed to do a first cut on my Federal and State tax forms. I just need to reconfirm that all is correct and then I will bite the bullet and pay for e-filing and actually file. Thankfully both Federal and State returns are actually due for Tuesday 4/17 this year. Whew!
Now, what has been the hold up? Could be trying to get the supporting paperwork together as a first issue. Then both work and caregiving stress just had me too tired to actually work on them. I will check everything tonight and file as soon as possible.
On the Caregiving front - both my geriatic cat and my Mom have been having some issues lately. Sometimes at about the same time or almost. Just when you think things have settled something else comes up. Like just when you are ready for bed you find that the cat has managed to cough up hairballs and accompanying food several places on your bedroom carpet. *sigh*
Mom's hearing is a bit better after the two visits to the Ear Doctor for wax vacuuming out of her ears. At least it is easier to communicate with her and calm her down when she has gotten anxious after hearing conversations that we can't hear.
The Ear doctor has recommended two visits a year to try and keep her ears clear. They performed a hearing test and it seems about the same as last year. The audiologist in their office has recently joined the Managed Medicaid plan that we are in. Once I get a new id for the plan I can drop by the office so they can photocopy it and then the audiologist will be able to confirm whether she can provide a hearing aid for Mom. Of course it won't be one of the newer nicer models. They would only pay for the basic model but at least I can perhaps get her one so she has it and can use it when she wants to. Two visits will be necessary but at least I am comfortable with the office and the providers there. Nothing worse than travelling to a provider for a service and not being comfortable with them and what they are providing.
At least she doesn't seem to be wandering about at night or if she is I must have been deeply asleep. I still put a sign on the door lock and one on the curtain I have at my bedroom doorway just in case she does panic and wander. It just tells her that everyone is okay and I am sleeping in my room and that she should go back to bed. Hopefully that reassures her enough to make a difference.
I found a couple of groups on Yahoo that are for caregivers or deal with dementia. Everyone seems to be very nice and it is helpful to be able to vent to people who have experienced something similar or unfortunately even worse.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/caregiving_support/
Now, besides dealing with alot of backlog of work at the office I have to find the time to take the cat to the vet for yearly exam and booster shots. I prefer to take her to senior vet in the practice so that means taking off from work for a weekday appointment.
Thankfully the pet food scare did not apply to her since she always hated any of the can food with gravy and does not eat any of the other types on the recall list. I can imagine how hard it has been for those whose pets had been sickened or even died from the tainted food. The sadest thing is that the brands we have always considered premium instead of the brands usually available at supermarkets were mostly the ones on the list. So trying to take good care of your pet could have done them in. Well my little spoiled geriatic diva cat is fine except for the hairballs. Too bad she doesn't cough up diamonds like the cat in the NY Lottery commercial!
Now, what has been the hold up? Could be trying to get the supporting paperwork together as a first issue. Then both work and caregiving stress just had me too tired to actually work on them. I will check everything tonight and file as soon as possible.
On the Caregiving front - both my geriatic cat and my Mom have been having some issues lately. Sometimes at about the same time or almost. Just when you think things have settled something else comes up. Like just when you are ready for bed you find that the cat has managed to cough up hairballs and accompanying food several places on your bedroom carpet. *sigh*
Mom's hearing is a bit better after the two visits to the Ear Doctor for wax vacuuming out of her ears. At least it is easier to communicate with her and calm her down when she has gotten anxious after hearing conversations that we can't hear.
The Ear doctor has recommended two visits a year to try and keep her ears clear. They performed a hearing test and it seems about the same as last year. The audiologist in their office has recently joined the Managed Medicaid plan that we are in. Once I get a new id for the plan I can drop by the office so they can photocopy it and then the audiologist will be able to confirm whether she can provide a hearing aid for Mom. Of course it won't be one of the newer nicer models. They would only pay for the basic model but at least I can perhaps get her one so she has it and can use it when she wants to. Two visits will be necessary but at least I am comfortable with the office and the providers there. Nothing worse than travelling to a provider for a service and not being comfortable with them and what they are providing.
At least she doesn't seem to be wandering about at night or if she is I must have been deeply asleep. I still put a sign on the door lock and one on the curtain I have at my bedroom doorway just in case she does panic and wander. It just tells her that everyone is okay and I am sleeping in my room and that she should go back to bed. Hopefully that reassures her enough to make a difference.
I found a couple of groups on Yahoo that are for caregivers or deal with dementia. Everyone seems to be very nice and it is helpful to be able to vent to people who have experienced something similar or unfortunately even worse.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/caregiving_support/
Now, besides dealing with alot of backlog of work at the office I have to find the time to take the cat to the vet for yearly exam and booster shots. I prefer to take her to senior vet in the practice so that means taking off from work for a weekday appointment.
Thankfully the pet food scare did not apply to her since she always hated any of the can food with gravy and does not eat any of the other types on the recall list. I can imagine how hard it has been for those whose pets had been sickened or even died from the tainted food. The sadest thing is that the brands we have always considered premium instead of the brands usually available at supermarkets were mostly the ones on the list. So trying to take good care of your pet could have done them in. Well my little spoiled geriatic diva cat is fine except for the hairballs. Too bad she doesn't cough up diamonds like the cat in the NY Lottery commercial!
Almost Time For Felting!
Well, I finally finished the body of the Market Squares bag and I am working on the straps.
When the second strap is finished I have to find something that I can use to shape the bag once it has been felted. Not to mention having the time to actually felt the bag. *sigh*
Here is photo of the finished knit bag:
You can see what I meant about my stitch tension varying especially on one edge of each rectangle on a tier. You can't see in that picture how the decreases look on the bottom of the bag. So here is another photo of the bottom with the bag kind of gathered.
Hopefully I will find something to use to shape it while drying after the felting. With luck all will turn out well. Here are Smaller shots in case the larger ones don't display properly.
When the second strap is finished I have to find something that I can use to shape the bag once it has been felted. Not to mention having the time to actually felt the bag. *sigh*
Here is photo of the finished knit bag:
You can see what I meant about my stitch tension varying especially on one edge of each rectangle on a tier. You can't see in that picture how the decreases look on the bottom of the bag. So here is another photo of the bottom with the bag kind of gathered.
Hopefully I will find something to use to shape it while drying after the felting. With luck all will turn out well. Here are Smaller shots in case the larger ones don't display properly.
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