Also we're starting a petition in this household to change the name of the "Emergency Room" to "The Place To Go When Medical Attention Is Required Sooner Rather Than Later Room." It's a little longer but would likely alleviate much anxiety.
Friday, October 12, 2007
CPH Seamed and Steamed
Also we're starting a petition in this household to change the name of the "Emergency Room" to "The Place To Go When Medical Attention Is Required Sooner Rather Than Later Room." It's a little longer but would likely alleviate much anxiety.
Really NFT
So I'm hanging out at an elementary school, getting ready to teach 1st grade, relatively pleased with the fact that I haven't had one of my more recent "outpatient nervous breakdowns" not caused but definitely triggered by small children when...
"SuperTerry, you have a telephone call"
"Hello? This is SuperTery."
"SuperTery, this is The Emergency Room in The 'Burg. Your husband's here, can you hold on while I get a phone to him?"
"o.k."
"Hi honey, I had chest pains, they're taking me to the Bigger Burg for a catharazation."
insert your own controlled mania here but be sure to include some nice nurses
All is well. More medicine to improve things and prevent scares. He needs 24 hours of adult supervision so I'm staying home today until we find someone. (A.D.D., this one was totally NOT worth the day off yesterday- but today? Now that I know all is well... maybe.)
What were the Important Educational Moments I missed today? Well it's Field Day at The School and I was to spend all but 30 minutes of the day running a station that involved a bucket full of marbles, water, and at least 3300 toes. Praise Be to all Young Subs Eager for Employment.
"SuperTerry, you have a telephone call"
"Hello? This is SuperTery."
"SuperTery, this is The Emergency Room in The 'Burg. Your husband's here, can you hold on while I get a phone to him?"
"o.k."
"Hi honey, I had chest pains, they're taking me to the Bigger Burg for a catharazation."
insert your own controlled mania here but be sure to include some nice nurses
All is well. More medicine to improve things and prevent scares. He needs 24 hours of adult supervision so I'm staying home today until we find someone. (A.D.D., this one was totally NOT worth the day off yesterday- but today? Now that I know all is well... maybe.)
What were the Important Educational Moments I missed today? Well it's Field Day at The School and I was to spend all but 30 minutes of the day running a station that involved a bucket full of marbles, water, and at least 3300 toes. Praise Be to all Young Subs Eager for Employment.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Not Funny Thursday (NFT)
Welcome to the newest feature here on beckyknitstoo Not Funny Thursday (NFT) It's a little bit the opposite of Crack Me Up Saturday (CMUS) What you see pictured here is the front ribbing of the left side where it attaches at the hood of the CPH. You may notice that the ribbing does not quite make it to the end. Welcome to Not Funny Thursday (NFT).
Also not funny (NF) is that it's really Wednesday.
When Hamsters attack
Knit Night- fabulous but little to report except that three of us are seriously considering showing up tonight just before they close and convincing them that today is really Tuesday and not Wednesday.
CPH status. first button band picked up and partially knit. All pieces are blocked. One more button band and assembly begins.
Page 3 of a comic book custom-designed for me. (I'm Super Tery)
The evil hamsters... tried to take over the world... UNTIL... super tery came. Why are you so angry? Because they are destroying our homes. (picture w/no text and super tery flying with hamsters) So Tery took them to a Hamster Resort where they lived happily ever after note hamster beach umbrella and beach ball.
Katie, the author is clearly the next Matt Groening.
CPH status. first button band picked up and partially knit. All pieces are blocked. One more button band and assembly begins.
Page 3 of a comic book custom-designed for me. (I'm Super Tery)
The evil hamsters... tried to take over the world... UNTIL... super tery came. Why are you so angry? Because they are destroying our homes. (picture w/no text and super tery flying with hamsters) So Tery took them to a Hamster Resort where they lived happily ever after note hamster beach umbrella and beach ball.
Katie, the author is clearly the next Matt Groening.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
CMUS-Happy Thanksgiving Canada Friends
As much as I hate to post after my lolcatz post- for some reason I believe every knitter should see this brilliant photo montage- must be my delusions of grandeur- I did find a Crack Me Up Saturday post. Knitting Knot's post about Orange Fanta from Poland (who knew you couldn't get it in North America?) made me think of one of the funniest souvenirs from my South Africa adventure.
This Crack Me up Saturday is dedicated to the Marketing Geniuses working for Roseland Farms and Garlic-O-Butt
Just so you don't think there were alterations for the sake of humor, here's a closer look at the lablel.
The Lily Sugar and Cream is for the Ballband Dishcloth Bandwagon that I've decided to jump on for Christmas gifts. Me and dishcloths? That cracks me up. I have visions of adding little Bath and Body Shop treats that match the colors. Me and planning ahead? That cracks me up.
This Crack Me up Saturday is dedicated to the Marketing Geniuses working for Roseland Farms and Garlic-O-Butt
Just so you don't think there were alterations for the sake of humor, here's a closer look at the lablel.
The Lily Sugar and Cream is for the Ballband Dishcloth Bandwagon that I've decided to jump on for Christmas gifts. Me and dishcloths? That cracks me up. I have visions of adding little Bath and Body Shop treats that match the colors. Me and planning ahead? That cracks me up.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Knitte Knighte-The M.D. edition
Things l learned at Knit Night-
There's a thing that can go wrong with some muscle around your heel that will give you a stress fracture if you don't get it fixed. Something Plantar.
There's some kind of weird-ass French named disease, often confused by the untrained as spinal meningitis that will leave you paralyzed. One knitter married her husband while he was mostly paralyzed with it but he could kind of nod his head yes and no. They had the ceremony in intensive care. If this happens to you, you can call The National Enquirer and they'll do a story about you. This is only after one quack told her that what he had was completely psychosomatic because the guy didn't want to marry her and if she just left, everything would be fine.
This same knitter said that if they could bottle the feeling that you get when you give birth to a baby, there would be no other drugs on the planet and that she would have had 25 kids if she didn't have to raise them all. That's good to know but I'm not sure why. But if you're pregnant and scared and reading this, well then now you know it too. She also said that while she was squeezing her husband's 2 fingers during the pre-hard labor (she knew the name for it-apparently I forgot all medical terms this evening) that he asked her to squeeze the other hand because those two were starting to hurt. HA! I hope she comes to knit night forever because she makes me smile and laugh.
The Knit Shoppe is hosting an afternoon tea on October 21 and there are drawings and prizes. The chance of an even bigger prize is to be had if you model something you've made from yarn from their store. The CPH has a new deadline.
The ride to and from Knit Night sometimes makes me laugh as much as knit night because my husband is so funny. This evening I told him the cat must have known it was Tuesday and that she wouldn't get to go outside this evening because she decided to rough it outside for the day and not come home this morning. He said it was good to know the cat had a weekly calendar and that she probably realized that it would be my birthday in a month and was planning on good treats. I said maybe she was planning my presents. He said cats don't give presents on birthdays.
That's all I've got. Tomorrow's a mental health day so once I'm done being mental there should be some serious knitting progress to share.
p.s. remember that whole parent/Columbus day thing? She was really a teacher.
There's a thing that can go wrong with some muscle around your heel that will give you a stress fracture if you don't get it fixed. Something Plantar.
There's some kind of weird-ass French named disease, often confused by the untrained as spinal meningitis that will leave you paralyzed. One knitter married her husband while he was mostly paralyzed with it but he could kind of nod his head yes and no. They had the ceremony in intensive care. If this happens to you, you can call The National Enquirer and they'll do a story about you. This is only after one quack told her that what he had was completely psychosomatic because the guy didn't want to marry her and if she just left, everything would be fine.
This same knitter said that if they could bottle the feeling that you get when you give birth to a baby, there would be no other drugs on the planet and that she would have had 25 kids if she didn't have to raise them all. That's good to know but I'm not sure why. But if you're pregnant and scared and reading this, well then now you know it too. She also said that while she was squeezing her husband's 2 fingers during the pre-hard labor (she knew the name for it-apparently I forgot all medical terms this evening) that he asked her to squeeze the other hand because those two were starting to hurt. HA! I hope she comes to knit night forever because she makes me smile and laugh.
The Knit Shoppe is hosting an afternoon tea on October 21 and there are drawings and prizes. The chance of an even bigger prize is to be had if you model something you've made from yarn from their store. The CPH has a new deadline.
The ride to and from Knit Night sometimes makes me laugh as much as knit night because my husband is so funny. This evening I told him the cat must have known it was Tuesday and that she wouldn't get to go outside this evening because she decided to rough it outside for the day and not come home this morning. He said it was good to know the cat had a weekly calendar and that she probably realized that it would be my birthday in a month and was planning on good treats. I said maybe she was planning my presents. He said cats don't give presents on birthdays.
That's all I've got. Tomorrow's a mental health day so once I'm done being mental there should be some serious knitting progress to share.
p.s. remember that whole parent/Columbus day thing? She was really a teacher.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Just to tide you over...
I have so many thank-you's to offer up.
First and foremost thank you for the wonderful juvenile humor that everyone shared in the comments two posts ago. I can't begin to tell you how effective it's been. Today was "I eight the sandbox day" and hi-knee day. If there's anyone out there (lurking or otherwise) with more- bring em on.
Second-to Elizabeth- who has a finished tangled cardigan and offered up some wisdom on using stitch holders to hold what my brain can't. Move the stitch holders. But I thought there was a rule in knitting that said "no moving stitch holders." Oh wait, there aren't any rules. I am so close to thinking about picking that tangled mess back up.
Third-the Goddess of Blocking- CPH back and front is blocked. Sleeves are around the bend. Just between you and me, it sort of looks like it might fit. I'm ignoring the fact that there is a hood involved and hoping for the best when the time comes. Also a cheer to the wise person who suggested knitting the back and front at the same time on straight needles. If I make another one, I'm SO going to do that.
And now today's story of the day... a parent in my school came into my room (full of students and class in session) and asked me if I knew "that Columbus Day song... you know, the one with the 4 ships and they sing which one they're on... (singing) who's on the Nina?...." I said I didn't know any Columbus Day songs. Later in the day she said, "yes you do.. it's the one.." and began singing again. I suggested she google it because I was opposed to Columbus Day and definitely don't have any songs for it. Eventually she found what she was looking for except it was missing some of the words she was sure she remembered
Never mind that she said there were 4 ships.
Sharing this with GHB at our "how was your day" session, we thought about what that 4th ship could be and he said maybe it was the U.S.S. Minnow and that's the chorus that she was looking for... (insert singing now) Who's on the Minnow? Where is the Minnow? That might be one of those "you had to be there"moments but I hope not.
The second thought was that maybe she thought the Santa Maria was actually 2 ships, the Santa bearing gifts and able to traverse any cold weather.
Finally I said if she's going to leave out the whole killing all the natives in the new land part, she might as well make it as many ships as she wants.
First and foremost thank you for the wonderful juvenile humor that everyone shared in the comments two posts ago. I can't begin to tell you how effective it's been. Today was "I eight the sandbox day" and hi-knee day. If there's anyone out there (lurking or otherwise) with more- bring em on.
Second-to Elizabeth- who has a finished tangled cardigan and offered up some wisdom on using stitch holders to hold what my brain can't. Move the stitch holders. But I thought there was a rule in knitting that said "no moving stitch holders." Oh wait, there aren't any rules. I am so close to thinking about picking that tangled mess back up.
Third-the Goddess of Blocking- CPH back and front is blocked. Sleeves are around the bend. Just between you and me, it sort of looks like it might fit. I'm ignoring the fact that there is a hood involved and hoping for the best when the time comes. Also a cheer to the wise person who suggested knitting the back and front at the same time on straight needles. If I make another one, I'm SO going to do that.
And now today's story of the day... a parent in my school came into my room (full of students and class in session) and asked me if I knew "that Columbus Day song... you know, the one with the 4 ships and they sing which one they're on... (singing) who's on the Nina?...." I said I didn't know any Columbus Day songs. Later in the day she said, "yes you do.. it's the one.." and began singing again. I suggested she google it because I was opposed to Columbus Day and definitely don't have any songs for it. Eventually she found what she was looking for except it was missing some of the words she was sure she remembered
Never mind that she said there were 4 ships.
Sharing this with GHB at our "how was your day" session, we thought about what that 4th ship could be and he said maybe it was the U.S.S. Minnow and that's the chorus that she was looking for... (insert singing now) Who's on the Minnow? Where is the Minnow? That might be one of those "you had to be there"moments but I hope not.
The second thought was that maybe she thought the Santa Maria was actually 2 ships, the Santa bearing gifts and able to traverse any cold weather.
Finally I said if she's going to leave out the whole killing all the natives in the new land part, she might as well make it as many ships as she wants.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
psst...
I've been knitting. 9.5 inches of both CPH sleeves. As is inevitable, the closer I get to completion, the more obsessive I become.
The goal? Wear the CPH in (or near) Central Park on November 10 when I drag my mama to NYC on an 8 hr. train ride to see Spam-A-Lot and back again the next day.
So, yes I've also been making travel plans to turn her 4-day weekend to visit her kid into the Sophanne and GHB version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
must go knit.
The goal? Wear the CPH in (or near) Central Park on November 10 when I drag my mama to NYC on an 8 hr. train ride to see Spam-A-Lot and back again the next day.
So, yes I've also been making travel plans to turn her 4-day weekend to visit her kid into the Sophanne and GHB version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
must go knit.
Friday, September 28, 2007
When you can't say anything nice...
Full moon, change in the seasons? Every time I start to think of a post all the weird, petty, and annoying crap of the week floats just above the keyboard and I quickly stop typing. I say to myself, "hey self, blogland is where your life is perfect-it's a no-bitch zone." So- there's not so many clever anecdotes to report.
Except we had a little time for jokes in third grade today.
Joke Teller: What's your name?
Unsuspecting teacher: Mrs. Sophanne
JT: What color is the sky?
UT: Blue
JT: (pointing up with index finger) Which way am I pointing?
UT: Up
JT: You just said "Mrs. Sophanne blew up."
Insert hysterical 3rd grade laughing.
I need to knit. Personal goal- let's start the sleeve on that CPH.... Must finish Left front first....oh wait one more joke.
Sophanne: Knock Knock
Unsuspecting Blog Reader: Who's There?
S: sick husband
UBR: Sick husband who?
S: There's nothing funny about a husband with a head cold.
Except we had a little time for jokes in third grade today.
Joke Teller: What's your name?
Unsuspecting teacher: Mrs. Sophanne
JT: What color is the sky?
UT: Blue
JT: (pointing up with index finger) Which way am I pointing?
UT: Up
JT: You just said "Mrs. Sophanne blew up."
Insert hysterical 3rd grade laughing.
I need to knit. Personal goal- let's start the sleeve on that CPH.... Must finish Left front first....oh wait one more joke.
Sophanne: Knock Knock
Unsuspecting Blog Reader: Who's There?
S: sick husband
UBR: Sick husband who?
S: There's nothing funny about a husband with a head cold.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I've already won
Knotty Kitty is having The Belated Blogiversary and Birthday Big Basket of Balls Contest It ends at the end of her birthday midnight PST-October 3.
But... even if I don't win, I feel like a winner already. I'm in the "cool kids club." Check out the sidebar. Anyone already there, tell me it will be less overwhelming in a week or so. If you're waiting, I went from 4000+ to "in" in one week. It's happening fast.
But... even if I don't win, I feel like a winner already. I'm in the "cool kids club." Check out the sidebar. Anyone already there, tell me it will be less overwhelming in a week or so. If you're waiting, I went from 4000+ to "in" in one week. It's happening fast.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
KnitNight
These are the Days of Our Lives... randomness from NitKnight...
You could dress them up as Raggedy Ann and Andy.... Or Tinkerbell and Batman...Simplicity has patterns for costumes for dogs you know...
I hate the color of this sock yarn.
I love this yarn store.
Have some biscotti-it's homemade.
Maybe just buy the pattern and one skein of the 20 needed and see if you can do/like the stitch pattern first.
Randomness from the drive to knit night... The question? how do we get that kid with the little bitty legs who can't move as fast as the others outside in time when there is a fire drill? Talk amongst yourselves.
The answers: (generated by GHB and myself-not a part of nitnite)
grocery cart from the local store
teach him to skate
let the whole class come out on physed scooters (so he doesn't feel different)
faculty senate could buy a golf cart
get a rickshaw
Go Cart (small)
Barbie Jeep
Hot air balloon (not reasonable)
Red Wagon
Purchase a fire retardant suit- just in case.
These are so inappropriate and not funny in the real world but quite the stress relievers after yetserday's long day. The final answer? Use the freakin' wheel chair that's in the building already... doh.
You could dress them up as Raggedy Ann and Andy.... Or Tinkerbell and Batman...Simplicity has patterns for costumes for dogs you know...
I hate the color of this sock yarn.
I love this yarn store.
Have some biscotti-it's homemade.
Maybe just buy the pattern and one skein of the 20 needed and see if you can do/like the stitch pattern first.
Randomness from the drive to knit night... The question? how do we get that kid with the little bitty legs who can't move as fast as the others outside in time when there is a fire drill? Talk amongst yourselves.
The answers: (generated by GHB and myself-not a part of nitnite)
grocery cart from the local store
teach him to skate
let the whole class come out on physed scooters (so he doesn't feel different)
faculty senate could buy a golf cart
get a rickshaw
Go Cart (small)
Barbie Jeep
Hot air balloon (not reasonable)
Red Wagon
Purchase a fire retardant suit- just in case.
These are so inappropriate and not funny in the real world but quite the stress relievers after yetserday's long day. The final answer? Use the freakin' wheel chair that's in the building already... doh.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Dear Diary... the principal was absent today and there were more subs in the building than actual teachers and...
To: Parents/Guardians of Students
From: Sophanne, Head Teacher, Safe Schools Committee Chair
Re: Fire Department called
Date: September 25, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This afternoon around 12:15, there was a burning smell coming from the furnace room of the school. The fire alarm went off. All students, faculty, and staff were evacuated from the building. The fire department and central office were notified.
The fire department arrived promptly and determined the cause of the smell. Work being done on the air-conditioning system caused an electrical box to smolder. At no point, fortunately, was there an actual fire. The fire department cleared the building for re-entry and the school day resumed.
Everyone is safe and secure, as is the building. Please contact the school if you have any further questions.
From: Sophanne, Head Teacher, Safe Schools Committee Chair
Re: Fire Department called
Date: September 25, 2007
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This afternoon around 12:15, there was a burning smell coming from the furnace room of the school. The fire alarm went off. All students, faculty, and staff were evacuated from the building. The fire department and central office were notified.
The fire department arrived promptly and determined the cause of the smell. Work being done on the air-conditioning system caused an electrical box to smolder. At no point, fortunately, was there an actual fire. The fire department cleared the building for re-entry and the school day resumed.
Everyone is safe and secure, as is the building. Please contact the school if you have any further questions.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Inspiration
Three Cheers for Red Silvia for a finished Tangled Yoke.
I have frogged my own Yoke and what follows are the events that led to this momentous occasion-
1. Silvia frogged her collar 3 times before finally finishing it. Judith in NYC also frogged her Yoke and left a comment about it on Silvia's blog. Seems like there should just be a button out there that says "Frogging Tangled Yokers Unite."
2. Knit Night Debbie's secret help for picking up frogged stitches- use a smaller needle so you don't lose as many-I think there were only 4-5 that I have to go back and pick up
3. My need for constant approval from all perceived teachers- won't Debbie be proud on Tuesday?
4. Moderate success on the CPH that allows for the fact that maybe I'm not a complete knitting failure.
5. The spinning wheel requiring so much patience that frogging and picking up 300+ stitches seemed like something relaxing to do
Don't get me wrong- that yoke is still in Time Out. I just won't have to growl and grimace at it every time it catches my eye.
I have frogged my own Yoke and what follows are the events that led to this momentous occasion-
1. Silvia frogged her collar 3 times before finally finishing it. Judith in NYC also frogged her Yoke and left a comment about it on Silvia's blog. Seems like there should just be a button out there that says "Frogging Tangled Yokers Unite."
2. Knit Night Debbie's secret help for picking up frogged stitches- use a smaller needle so you don't lose as many-I think there were only 4-5 that I have to go back and pick up
3. My need for constant approval from all perceived teachers- won't Debbie be proud on Tuesday?
4. Moderate success on the CPH that allows for the fact that maybe I'm not a complete knitting failure.
5. The spinning wheel requiring so much patience that frogging and picking up 300+ stitches seemed like something relaxing to do
Don't get me wrong- that yoke is still in Time Out. I just won't have to growl and grimace at it every time it catches my eye.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
In the News
Central Park Hoodie: Deborah has been dutifully posting inch by inch progress (as per her fans requests) on her CPH knit on circulars so I thought it might be time to post a picture of mine as well. Back and Left Front are finished. Right Front is hiding behind the glass head. The cable hat on the glass head was the first post on my blog.
Glass Head: Arrived on Thursday. What fun it was carrying it through the halls of an elementary school talking about "wanting to get ahead in life" and saying that it's "where I store my extra brains." I've been looking around for the "perfect" felted hat pattern- I want an Annie Hall type number with a cute little brim. Anyone with links to obscure felted hat patterns, please leave a comment!
Spinning: I was able to get my own roving attached and spun (a little bit.) I'm still not able to get it to wind around the bobbin but I have some theories as to why that is. Slow progress is being made.
It's hindered only by GHB who doesn't have the patience for failed attempts that I do. Last night as I approached the wheel again, after several minutes the flyer flew off (a fact that I was proud of since it was doing it every few seconds the night before) and he said "YOU NEED TO GET SOMEONE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THAT." We have since had several conversations on the virtues of patience, practice and persistence but I'm not going to try it while he's in the room anymore. I think it makes him nervous.
And finally, the news we don't get here in the states:
This was what greeted the president on his trip to Australia on September 8. You've got to love the Aussie style. It's worth clicking for a larger image but if you don't feel like it, the point is "Bums Not Bombs." Caption reads "Bums for Bush." Had I known the spinning wheel was going to be packed in this, I would have certainly paid much more!
Glass Head: Arrived on Thursday. What fun it was carrying it through the halls of an elementary school talking about "wanting to get ahead in life" and saying that it's "where I store my extra brains." I've been looking around for the "perfect" felted hat pattern- I want an Annie Hall type number with a cute little brim. Anyone with links to obscure felted hat patterns, please leave a comment!
Spinning: I was able to get my own roving attached and spun (a little bit.) I'm still not able to get it to wind around the bobbin but I have some theories as to why that is. Slow progress is being made.
It's hindered only by GHB who doesn't have the patience for failed attempts that I do. Last night as I approached the wheel again, after several minutes the flyer flew off (a fact that I was proud of since it was doing it every few seconds the night before) and he said "YOU NEED TO GET SOMEONE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO DO THAT." We have since had several conversations on the virtues of patience, practice and persistence but I'm not going to try it while he's in the room anymore. I think it makes him nervous.
And finally, the news we don't get here in the states:
This was what greeted the president on his trip to Australia on September 8. You've got to love the Aussie style. It's worth clicking for a larger image but if you don't feel like it, the point is "Bums Not Bombs." Caption reads "Bums for Bush." Had I known the spinning wheel was going to be packed in this, I would have certainly paid much more!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Things I've learned in the last 24 hours
This is a learning to spin post. If you are looking for CMUS (Crack Me Up Saturday), please refer to Friday because I couldn't wait. In an effort to branch out to any of you who are mostly clueless like me, I'll refrain from using the "official" spinning part names and include them in parentheses for those more comfortable with the vocabulary.
1. When assembling the wheel, put the string around the wheel before final assembly involving the hub of the wheel, or else you'll have to find a way to take that bad boy apart and get it in there.
2.If the u-shaped thing with all of the hooks on it (clearly an integral part- also called the flyer) goes flying off the little sticks (also called the maidens) every time you try to turn the wheel, chances are your tension is way too tight.
3.There are TWO tension areas to be adjusted on the wheel. One involves a knob on top that moves the whole main part (mother board) the other involves some fishing wire, a hook, and a dowel-y knob at the end of the bobbin (brake tension?). Do not underestimate the importance of proper tension on the fishing line. Even though it seems like a really simple stupid little piece.
4. At first glance, that tension knob that's on that motherboard seems like it's not doing anything. Upon further examination, it really is. It makes the mother board angle up and down thus changing the tension.
5. After about 4 hours of fiddling, maybe put it away for the night, that fresh insight (and a little email help from New Zealand) may come in the morning. If you look up and see that there is a movie about a haunted submarine on t.v. and you're not really sure when the 11:00 news ended, it might be time to stop
6. When fresh insight comes in the morning, maybe be satisfied for a while that all parts are working and not falling off every few minutes. Maybe just enjoy the movement and the sound of the wheel without all the complications of fiber because once you add that fiber and your hot little untrained hands, the odds of that damn flyer coming off again increase ten fold.
Thus concludes life's little lessons for now. As in all things, patience- and it never works out exactly like you picture it in your head-at least not at first.
1. When assembling the wheel, put the string around the wheel before final assembly involving the hub of the wheel, or else you'll have to find a way to take that bad boy apart and get it in there.
2.If the u-shaped thing with all of the hooks on it (clearly an integral part- also called the flyer) goes flying off the little sticks (also called the maidens) every time you try to turn the wheel, chances are your tension is way too tight.
3.There are TWO tension areas to be adjusted on the wheel. One involves a knob on top that moves the whole main part (mother board) the other involves some fishing wire, a hook, and a dowel-y knob at the end of the bobbin (brake tension?). Do not underestimate the importance of proper tension on the fishing line. Even though it seems like a really simple stupid little piece.
4. At first glance, that tension knob that's on that motherboard seems like it's not doing anything. Upon further examination, it really is. It makes the mother board angle up and down thus changing the tension.
5. After about 4 hours of fiddling, maybe put it away for the night, that fresh insight (and a little email help from New Zealand) may come in the morning. If you look up and see that there is a movie about a haunted submarine on t.v. and you're not really sure when the 11:00 news ended, it might be time to stop
6. When fresh insight comes in the morning, maybe be satisfied for a while that all parts are working and not falling off every few minutes. Maybe just enjoy the movement and the sound of the wheel without all the complications of fiber because once you add that fiber and your hot little untrained hands, the odds of that damn flyer coming off again increase ten fold.
Thus concludes life's little lessons for now. As in all things, patience- and it never works out exactly like you picture it in your head-at least not at first.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Change to Larger Needles
I wonder how many more times I'll ignore that instruction as I move from ribbing to body in my sweater making career. I feel like that robin that used to bonk into my window every day at sunset. Tonight I'll frog 30 rows of the Lfront CPH and Change to Larger Needles.
So I was thinking about finishing and seaming. And I wonder. My aversion to it came as a result at being completely surprised by the fact that it took more than 20 seconds and that I was not going to be wearing that first sweater as soon as I knit the last stitch. I'm thinking maybe I won't hate it so much now that I know it's coming and that it takes longer than 20 seconds and possibly longer even than 20 minutes. If I plan for 20 hours, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
I'm going to call that a knitting delusion- the 20 second finishing- due to inexperience. Want to make me feel better as I face my stupidity and lack of atttention span this evening? Share your worst knitting delusion. It's o.k. you can sign in as anonymous if you feel you need to.
except if there's a post about finishing Icarus, I'll know who you are.
So I was thinking about finishing and seaming. And I wonder. My aversion to it came as a result at being completely surprised by the fact that it took more than 20 seconds and that I was not going to be wearing that first sweater as soon as I knit the last stitch. I'm thinking maybe I won't hate it so much now that I know it's coming and that it takes longer than 20 seconds and possibly longer even than 20 minutes. If I plan for 20 hours, maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised.
I'm going to call that a knitting delusion- the 20 second finishing- due to inexperience. Want to make me feel better as I face my stupidity and lack of atttention span this evening? Share your worst knitting delusion. It's o.k. you can sign in as anonymous if you feel you need to.
except if there's a post about finishing Icarus, I'll know who you are.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Ghknit Ghnight (the gh is silent)
Ah... knit night how I continue to love thee.
CPH back is finished. 2 extra stitches on the neck but I'm letting that one slide. I k'd a couple of p stitches about 20 rows down and was graced by All-Wise (in the very very best knitting friend way) Debbie's tip for the night. She handed me a latch hook (only smaller than ones I've seen before-she says its from a knitting machine) to pick up the stitches with and yes indeed it was easier than a crochet hook. Very Very Painless.
Knitting friends had a variety of projects- there were several knitting socks on circulars-teasing me- but I've come to accept the fact that I can't knit witha da spaghetti and I feel really supercool with dpns.
There was a beautiful baby sweater that was an heirloom of sorts that a woman brought in and wanted help figuring out the pattern for so that she could knit it by Friday. Note to self- believe LYS owners when they tell you the impossible things that people dream they can do.
Another extremely cute felted hat told me that I too, could figure this out and might have a chance at being really clever and creative at it someday. That's in the back of my head.
I haven't been this taken with an activity since I thought I was going to be a music teacher when I grew up. I may seriously need to consider a career change down the road. Although I'm guessing that when your hobby turns into your work, it starts to feel more like work.
That's all I've got tonight. The wheel is scheduled to land by Tuesday or Wednesday- from New Zealand- how in the world can that be? No news on the glass head's mailing status but I'm here to say that the secretary at school is going to crack up when my packages start to arrive.
CPH back is finished. 2 extra stitches on the neck but I'm letting that one slide. I k'd a couple of p stitches about 20 rows down and was graced by All-Wise (in the very very best knitting friend way) Debbie's tip for the night. She handed me a latch hook (only smaller than ones I've seen before-she says its from a knitting machine) to pick up the stitches with and yes indeed it was easier than a crochet hook. Very Very Painless.
Knitting friends had a variety of projects- there were several knitting socks on circulars-teasing me- but I've come to accept the fact that I can't knit witha da spaghetti and I feel really supercool with dpns.
There was a beautiful baby sweater that was an heirloom of sorts that a woman brought in and wanted help figuring out the pattern for so that she could knit it by Friday. Note to self- believe LYS owners when they tell you the impossible things that people dream they can do.
Another extremely cute felted hat told me that I too, could figure this out and might have a chance at being really clever and creative at it someday. That's in the back of my head.
I haven't been this taken with an activity since I thought I was going to be a music teacher when I grew up. I may seriously need to consider a career change down the road. Although I'm guessing that when your hobby turns into your work, it starts to feel more like work.
That's all I've got tonight. The wheel is scheduled to land by Tuesday or Wednesday- from New Zealand- how in the world can that be? No news on the glass head's mailing status but I'm here to say that the secretary at school is going to crack up when my packages start to arrive.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Achoo!
The sneezing person's worst nightmare
what I noticed outside today... and so my favorite time of year begins.
Thanks to everyone entering the contest! While I know it's not Sunday evening where some of you are, it was time to do it here. Names were randomly listed in an excel file and GHB gave me a number from 1-72. As random as I can get and easier than all of those little pieces of paper. If none of the suggestions pan out for me, I may have more to give away. Click to here to find out who won.
what I noticed outside today... and so my favorite time of year begins.
Thanks to everyone entering the contest! While I know it's not Sunday evening where some of you are, it was time to do it here. Names were randomly listed in an excel file and GHB gave me a number from 1-72. As random as I can get and easier than all of those little pieces of paper. If none of the suggestions pan out for me, I may have more to give away. Click to here to find out who won.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)