Knitting Listmaker

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2009-06-13T09:09:00.003-04:00

Άλλαξε η στάση! Άλλαξε η στάση!

I have moved to a new location. You can find me at
http://listmakerkat.wordpress.com/

see you there!

It's quiz time again!

2009-06-12T20:43:00.002-04:00

You are The Lovers

Motive, power, and action, arising from Inspiration and Impulse.

The Lovers represents intuition and inspiration. Very often a choice needs to be made.

Originally, this card was called just LOVE. And that's actually more apt than "Lovers." Love follows in this sequence of growth and maturity. And, coming after the Emperor, who is about control, it is a radical change in perspective. LOVE is a force that makes you choose and decide for reasons you often can't understand; it makes you surrender control to a higher power. And that is what this card is all about. Finding something or someone who is so much a part of yourself, so perfectly attuned to you and you to them, that you cannot, dare not resist. This card indicates that the you have or will come across a person, career, challenge or thing that you will fall in love with. You will know instinctively that you must have this, even if it means diverging from your chosen path. No matter the difficulties, without it you will never be complete.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Am I always so predictable in the eyes of others as I am in my own eyes? Or does that just mean that I just know myself well? Either way, no big surprises here on the results. What can I say, I like snuggling, as the kitties will confirm :-)

There IS crafty progress to report, but it will have to wait for the next post. I promise it will come sooner than it took me to get back after my recent unexpected brake. See you soon!

Things that brake

2009-05-14T21:29:00.003-04:00

It has been raining on and off lately, spring marking its presence with rain and cold.

Having been too busy to finish any fabric project, I decided to break my silence by showing photos of breakable things around my house.

I bought this glass drop at the little shop in Historic Deerfield last fall. It's been looking out my window ever since.

Colored glass bottles and jars are also something I enjoy looking at. I particularly like to see the light reflecting on or through them.

These three have a Middle Eastern feel in my mind. The tall bottle reminds me of a minaret, making me nostalgic of old-style skylines.

No post is complete without a kitty presence. The girls have two sets of bowls for their dinner. These, complete with kitty smiles are everyone's favourite. I like them for the design, they like them because they are the perfect shape, keeping the softie in but not cramping their whiskers while they eat. Win-win!

Stamps etc.

2009-04-26T20:45:00.007-04:00

In the last couple of weeks I have really been wanting to make a stamp. It was almost an urge that wouldn't leave me alone - odd eh? So today I went to the local craft store and foraged for materials. After coming across a 4-stamp cube made of a thin foam sheet, I decided to give the materials a try.

One of the shapes in the one I bought was this cute little bird:

I wanted to make a flower, so I drew one on the foam sheet and cut it up with an x-acto knife. The foam sheet is soft and very easy to cut, but I still managed the edges to look kind of angly, rather than round. Somehow, though, it looks fine when it's on the fabric.

I glued the cut shape onto a piece of deli container lid, and attached a bottle cork at the back, as a handle. The idea didn't work so well, as there is uneven pressure at different parts of the shape, and I have to press the rest with my fingers. You can see the 'stamp' in blue at the right, next to the 3 printed flowers.

I applied the color using a foam brush, using some cheap fabric paints I found at the craft store. I wasn't sure I wanted to invest in high quality paints in case I wasn't impressed with the process. I have discovered I really like it, though, so I think it will be worth looking for some different colors than the 3 basic ones.

I printed a few testing shapes on a piece of scrap fabric, which may be cut and attached to other works. First, though, I need to test the fastness of the color, during the next laundry day.

In other crafty news, I was out of town last weekend, with flights that involved long layovers. During the trip I managed to whip up a quick cowl, made with a little under 1 skein of Knitpicks black Suri Dream Alpaca. Just in time for the weather to turn really, really warm. The cowl is very warm and soft and pleasant to wear, so I am (almost) looking forward to using it in the next winter (but not really).

Last but not least, here is some crazy kitty artwork I spotted in a store at the airport. Their expressions are priceless!

'Home' is where the kitties are.

2009-04-05T09:36:00.008-04:00

The prospect of moving from the apartment in which I have spend more years than in any of my other residences since I went to college has made me prematurely nostalgic of what may soon not be.

This apartment has lots of 'issues', mainly its irritating layout. But (as long as you block out the mess), I believe we 've done the best we can with it on a budget tighter than today's jeans.

As always, the kitties jumped at the opportunity to pose for me. After all, home is where the kitties are, and you can't have pictures of home without them.

Crafty update

2009-04-04T09:11:00.008-04:00

My heavily modified version of the Lettuce coat (ravelry link), from this book. It is done!

Knitting time was around 2 months, with an hour here and there after dinner. All in all, a fast project. I changed a lot in it. After following the pattern to make the shoulders and sleeves, I skipped the Brioche rib entirely. Instead, I did a simple 2x2 ribbing, which did not start at waist level, as the pattern suggests. I added several rows of ribbing on the colar. Finally, I added a 15-row buttonhole band on each side, as the cardigan seemed to me somewhat small without it. It would have been okay without it if I wanted a tight-fitting piece like in the pattern, but I decided I wanted this one to be a bit more roomy.

I am very pleased with the result, the yarn, Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted in kettle-dyed Forest is very soft and pleasant to work with, although it quickly made a soft halo on the surface, that may possibly turn into pilling. It is very warm, feels wonderful on the skin, and has the tendency to stretch a bit, so it doesn't matter if the knitted piece seemed somewhat tight at first.

Buttonholes were made with 3 stitches bound off on one row, and cast on on the next row. I think it would have worked with 2 stithces also, as they already begin to stretch too much, and I may need to reinforce them so as to keep their shape. Not sure how to do this yet.

I also made a few quick gifts for friends whose birthday is around this time:

coasters for very hot summers

coasters for a New York apartment

draw-string bag to keep your knitting in

Florida trip

2009-03-28T08:32:00.006-04:00

Last weekend we took a short trip to Florida. I was craving for the sea as much as for some warm weather, and we were lucky to get both.

Taking a walk along the shore

the sea gulls were quite arrogant and let me come so close!

we found sand dollars at the bottom of the sea
this one was alive, so after its photo shoot it went back to the water

we took a walk to a path along the beach

my favorite local tree (I don't know its name)
it looks particularly dramatic against the sky

back to the beach

photos of roads make me long for more traveling

Easy cloth bookmarks tutorial

2009-03-14T14:46:00.005-04:00

There is an infinite number of ways to make cloth bookmarks. Here is how I make mine.

1. Measure and cut a piece of fabric, 2 inches longer and twice+1 inch the width you want to end up with. Or, just cut what looks right. The piece here is 9 x 5 in.

2. Fold (wrong sides facing) 1/8th of an inch in one of the narrow sides and press.

3. Fold (right sides facing) the whole piece in half lengthwise and press.

4. Cut a piece of ribbon a bit longer than your fabric.

5. Open up the folded fabric, pin and sew the ribbon on one of the two right sides of the fabric. Use a color that matches the ribbon, and sew very close to the edges.

6. Fold the fabric again (right sides facing). The ribbon is sandwiched between the two halves. Pin closed and sew along one narrow and one long side, leaving the folded narrow side open. Trim the corners to avoid bulky parts.

7. Turn inside out, straighten the corners with a sharp edge (I use the tip of a letter opener), fold in the narrow edges from step 2, and press.

8. Topstitch along the edge to close it.

9. Throw away the paper napkin, ticket, receipt etc. from your current book, and replace. Done!

Μάρτης!

2009-03-07T09:02:00.006-05:00

It is March, and that means only one thing: it's time to wear my sunscreen amulet!

Wearing the red-and-white bracelet is one of the few Greek traditions that I actually revived since I began living abroad. It was particularly funny to do so in Edinburgh, where there is little sun during March - or any other month, really. Here in New York, it is mostly an interesting conversation starter, as there are many cultures that attach significance to a bracelet like that, but it means very different things. As I am very interested in such cross-cultural examples, it is always fun to hear the stories.

It is definitely March: the month when spring begins, and the month of contrasts. Needing protection from the sun while all around you there is snow. I took the above photograph on purpose, not to show off my neighbors' messy terrace, but to show off the snow we had. The last storm we had was a windy one, and even in the ugly city there were some interesting snow sculptures. This is what was hanging above my bedroom window:

For the snow or nature deprived, here are some more photos from my last trip to MA.

A walk in the woods

Ghost trees

Frozen puddle

Treading water

In crafty news, knitting slowly gives way to more sewing. I resumed my efforts to making fabric collages, and made this:

I am not really impressed by the result, but it was consciously an exercise. I have plans for all these little exercises I will produce in the process, so it doesn't bother me too much that it isn't something that can stand alone.

However, my fabric collection doesn't really help. Most fabrics I have are either solid colors, or have too large and defined prints, which aren't suitable for what I have in mind. I believe a trip to a fabric store is due. heh...

Quick update

2009-03-01T09:40:00.009-05:00

Large projects, like the cardigan I have been making for about a month now, made me long for the instant gratification of a few smaller projects. So last week, on my long rides to and from Massachusetts, I started a new pair of luxurious fingerless gloves, which I finished yesterday.

They are luxurious, not just because of the lovely alpaca yarn, but because they are white. Who wears white gloves for practicality? It's a whim, because I couldn't imagine using this yarn for anything else other than something special. So, here's my birthday present to myself.

I also felt inspired and made an ironing board cover out of some IKEA fabric I bought a couple of years ago.

I wasn't planning to, because I had asked and received for Christmas a cheerful cover that I 'd have been very happy with. If only it wasn't for a much smaller board size... sigh!

The eyeballing game

2009-02-14T18:55:00.005-05:00

Fun quiz for those who never measure. Go play!
http://woodgears.ca/eyeball/

I scored 4, which wasn't very bad, but wasn't excellent either. It is typical of me, though - I could do better if I tried longer, but what I did was good enough, so I submitted the answers.

Crafty update coming up soon.

F is for...

2009-02-07T09:40:00.005-05:00

February.
My favorite month. Yipee!

Food From Flushing.
Who said winter food isn't colorful? A quick trip to Flushing produced this:

and this: (although highly unseasonal, and thus certainly with a huge eco-footprint, cherries in the winter was something I couldn't resist.)

I also bought ingredients for my next long-term South Indian Food project: idli. Where you are supposed to put together this:

let it Ferment and cook it in this:

and come up with Fluffy, white, delicious disks of rice cakes (no photo yet. Still in progress!) I made a batch, which looked right, but due to unforeseen linguistic and technical obstacles (ehm..), it didn't quite taste right. I am determined to make it work, though, so stay tuned.

Finally, here 's a progress shot of my Lettuce coat:

In the pattern, the order in which this cardigan is made is very liberating: top back, top fronts, join together, knit all the way down, add sleeves, add collar, add borders.

Liberated, I decided to switch things around even more (I guess I knit just like I cook: rebelliously), so I am doing things in an even more twisted order: top back, top fronts, join together till waist, sleeves, collar, knit down to hem, add borders.

This way I 'll know exactly how much yarn I have left, so I can make the cardigan as long as I want without the stress of yarn shortages. And as everything is top-down anyway, I can even make the sleeves longer if I decide so - this Freedom is my favorite thing about making a garment this way. And no seams, of course.

OFO (= old finished objects)

2009-01-31T09:44:00.004-05:00

Catching up with stuff I finished in December and January - just before the month is over. First of all, the sweater I was making during most of the holidays.

Considering it was knit during chatting and hanging out with my family, i.e. mindless knitting, it turned out good. A bit tight, but not too much. By the time I decided I 'd prefer it a bit looser it was perhaps the 20th time I 'd unraveled it (mindless knitting does have its drawbacks).

The yarn can be a bit itchy, but is also soft to the touch and very warm. I have already worn this sweater to work a lot, and I like it very much. The pattern, or rather guidelines, came from here, and it has been very helpful. Although I didn't quite know what I was doing, following the instructions produced great results.

The process of doing (and undoing) it also taught me a lot about the development of a sweater, knowledge that I put into my next project, the Lettuce Coat (ravelry link) from this book, also an excellent guide to sweater construction. Here's a progress shot, mostly to show off the wonderful yarn I got for Christmas as one of my presents: Malabrigo Merino worsted, kettle dyed.

I also finished a Felicity hat, found here. Great pattern, great yarn: our local Tahki Bunny, which I bought at Northampton - rescued from the bargain bin! It's a great yarn - no itchy forehead! and the hat is warm. I have enough left over to make a pair of matching wristwarmers, I believe.

Last, but not least, here is another one of my Christmas presents I forgot to take photos of. (Model and photos courtesy of the recipient - thanks M!) The yarn is Noro Big Kureyon, and the pattern Evangeline.

They were mostly made in transit - the fate of all portable projects - much of it in the bus to and from MA. It was fall, and the color variations of the yarn matched my view outside the window.

Repurposing

2009-01-24T09:34:00.007-05:00

I am behind in project posting, but I 'll try to catch up faster than the finished objects accumulate. The first thing I have been wanting to mention is my failed attempts to knit a scratching post for the kitties.

In 2002, when the girls were just kittens, I had made them a scratching post out of a pole, a heavy base and all wrapped in some cheap carpeting.

It was a big success - note how young Sunny is here! Still hadn't grown into her ears!

After a couple of years, the post was totally torn, and therefore ineffective for its purpose.

It stayed in storage for a while, until I thought I 'd try to knit a tube and felt it, using some bright orange and hot pink yarn from stash. When it was ready, I rubbed catnip all over it, so as to jumpstart its reintroduction into their lives.

As soon as it was presented to them, L woke up Skid and brought her over for a test run.

Things seemed to work well.

But, alas! it was the catnip... After the first day, no kitty claw was laid on my felted post. My feelings were kind of hurt. All this work, and for what...

Luckily, I had a plan B:

Filled with unused clothes from my closet, it keeps the air out of the HUGE crack on our entrance.

As for the kitties, they will have to continue to use the floors for their pedicure, until I buy some carpeting again and give them just what they want, how they want it. Spoiled...

Some gifts, revealed

2009-01-11T08:50:00.005-05:00

December 2008 was so hectic, I just realised I forgot to take photos of half the projects I made for presents. Nevertheless, here 's what made it into my camera:

1. Fabric collage notepad decoration. They are Moleskin notebooks with blank pages, and were given to a very talented person. Here's to them being filled with lots of creative ideas and future projects.

2. I don't actually have a photo of the finished project, but this is a progress shot for an idea my brother had: it is a bag filled with beans, attached on a solid top. It is meant to be an adjustable-shape coaster for use on the sofa or other uneven surface.

I made two on an experimental basis, and he kindly left them in the living room for a few days, so we could use them and get some feedback. There are a few ideas for the pattern's improvement, but all in all I think they quickly became popular around the house!

3. Another series of criss-cross coasters, this time made with a bunch of Japanese squares I bought on e-bay.

They are one of my favourite projects to make - I 'd say I 'm addicted to them. Luckily, they seem to be quite popular, which makes me very happy, because even though it seems like I 've given a set to pretty much everyone I know, I hope that nobody will mind if I give them some more in the future (for a different table, perhaps?!)

I also did a lot of knitting (and unravelling) over the holidays, while sitting around with my family. More on that when I get some photos.

Cheese and dough

2008-12-06T07:04:00.006-05:00

Last weekend we made bread. It was a "beer and cheese" bread from my bread-recipe bible (sorry, no link this time).

You 'd think that beer and cheese would produce something heavy and yeasty, but the recipe also called for a cup of sugar, which made the end result a bit too sweet for my taste. I have resolved that I like most fermented breads, such as sponge breads or sourdough. We are working our way through the book, however, trying different recipes and sort of rating them, so this try was one more page checked.

I also made courgette and cheese pies. The filling came out great (I added 1/2 pack of tofu that was looking at me from the fridge shelves, and it made the filling very soft and fluffy). I was feeling experimental, so I made a few different shapes to see if I prefer any of them to the usual half-moon / seam on the side type.

Although any of them with the seam on top were good, preventing spillage while cooking, we both agreed that the open baskets were the best idea, both visually and in taste.

Winner!

Here is the sampler. I also liked the two in the center column, bottom two rows. I liked that the tucked-in edges didn't become too dry after cooking.

Warm paws

2008-11-18T19:22:00.004-05:00

Blogging on a Tuesday? I must have something else to do... (like something with a deadline tomorrow. umm...)

I know I said that I will not post (much) on items I am making for gifts. This one is for me, though. My first felted slippers, in a wonderful cranberry color, unfortunately didn't last past the 2nd year. Even though we have carpeting floors, there were holes on the toes and heels. I was very sad to retire them (not sure what I will do with the parts that are still in good shape, but I am not throwing them away.)

So I made a new pair. I am definitely going through a grey phase, so of course the choice of colour was easy. Here they are, drying after their warm bath.

This time I will try to delay their wearing out, so I made matching soles for them.

Seven likes them. She says we now match.

Miscellaneous, snacks

2008-11-16T10:08:00.006-05:00

I usually blog on weekends, but weekends have been busy lately. Some episodes were lost, but I 'll do my best to catch up, at least with the most memorable things.

On top of the list is the last glimpse of fall, in its full glory. Last week's view from hotel during the conference that ate up my time.

I have been very lucky this year, and got to see the foliage over several weekends in four different states, throughout a period of two months. I never think of having a 'favourite season', because I love all seasons with the same passion for different reasons.

I like how fall pleases the senses with vibrant colours, mild temperatures and diffused light. As it is the season I find the hardest to catch some years, I have been obsessed with it this year.

I bought some tea light holders the other day, which ended up on my coffee table.

They like to be lined up in a row and be lit in unison.

Crafting has been happening, but this year I am trying to keep some surprises for the recipients, so no gift posting until after Christmas. (yes, I have already started making things!) So, I 'll stick to posting about snacks for a while -- now that the last storm yesterday seems to have dropped the leaves even in New York. From now on, it's only dramatic silhouettes and bare branches on cloudy skies for the trees.

Pepper bread with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and buttermilk

Pizza with homemade, whole wheat dough

Hot chocolate, laced with whisky

This one makes me dizzy to look at!

Bad kitty chronicles

2008-10-26T15:05:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, while Seven helped me pick fabrics for some sewing...

... and Sunny minded her own business, sleeping in my closet...

... Skid took matters into her own paws. She likes to burrow under things, and likes to sleep on the loft bed.

Put two and two together, and you have a ripped sheet and a happy cat.

Me, not so happy.

Luckily, there was brownie mix.

And knitting.

Lizard ridge blanket is out again. What's on the sofa is the second to-be-felted slipper on the needles.

Autumn in New England

2008-10-13T17:07:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to go to New England as often as possible in the last couple of weeks, anticipating nature's firework display. Finally, this weekend I was rewarded with images like those.

The weather has been perfect, warm and sunny during the days and chilly in the evenings. Pumpkins have been around, adding to the proliferation of orange.

Roadside sighting. She seemed pretty vain, just sitting there waiting for me to take her picture with no fear.

We took walks in the woods, which were less red and more yellow where there was little sun.

All these were very vibrant reds and oranges in my screen, but are coming out pretty yellow and faded once uploaded. I hope they seem better in your screens.

Sometimes even common mortals like us get to walk on the red carpet.

I picked up an acorn for the kitties, who got very excited by it and are still playing with it. They must have trained me well, because I had to look through lots of separated ones before I could find a whole one. It was well worth it!

Everywhere you looked, it was a different sight of greens, reds, yellows, purples, and everything in between.

Musing

2008-09-27T18:05:00.004-04:00

Still no finished objects to report. There are many possible reasons for that. It is probably time for a list...

Hectic life, with self-imposed stressful workdays and long commutes.
Busy weekends, especially since every other weekend I seem to be travelling.
I must be the slowest knitter on earth.
Knitting is a slow craft, and I am impatient so things feel as if they take longer.
My snuggle-deprived kitties demand the use of my hands to their service, rather than to knitting.
In the mornings I seem to prefer reading or making lists to knitting.
Although there has been a lot of travelling in buses (see 1-2), I haven't been taking advantage of all possible opportunities to add a few stitches (see 6).
I also seem to prefer sleeping to knitting, but this is a good thing, right?

Culprit no. 1 (see list item #5)

But I missed writing here, and so here I am, with nothing to show and a whole list of reasons that could be interpreted as excuses by some ill-mannered people! I don't need to make excuses to myself or anyone, but writing down the list usually helps me understand how things lead to places and what can be done to change a situation.

Culprit no. 2 (see list item #5)

On the other hand, I have spent more time than usual thinking about knitting and visualising patterns, yarns, sweaters etc., which I found a useful learning experience. As a result, I have a nice list of plans (another list. Coming up soon.) for future projects, and I am planning to be very disciplined about it. At least I will update the list if I decide not to follow what is in there ;-)

Culprit no. 3 (see list item #5)

Still thinking of food

2008-08-27T18:51:00.004-04:00

It must be the late summer / early fall weather we are getting lately. So after I read this post and the hilarious link to which it refers, I have been thinking even more of the visual side of food. That is, not that I am not constantly hungry also, because I am, and that too I blame on the weather change :-)

Summer tree

Armed with my trusty camera, I took some photos of our salad last week, as it just looked too pretty to just eat

Winter tree

As for healthy snacks, today I had L's signature, gourmet healthy snack (as he so humbly refers to it)

Peanut butter on potato bread, with alfalfa sprouts, banana and honey

Yum!

Thinking of food

2008-08-24T12:46:00.007-04:00

There has been much knitting and quilting, but no finished objects to show. Sewing is much more active and focused, and allows me little time to think about other things, but knitting is perfect for scheming and planning your next move.

So I have been thinking a lot about bringing my diet (as in 'eating habits' rather than the 'loose weight' definition) to a better place. I have long accepted the fact that good eating habits require serious organisation and discipline, which in turn translate to better energy levels and mood. And this is never more important than when time is tight.

Quick and healthy snacks are always an area that I like to expand. Here is one of my favourite quick snacks: a whole cube of silken tofu cut in cubes, and sprinkled with soy sauce and green onions. I can eat the whole thing in a sitting.

Looking at the beauty of food during its preparation is another way to bring back focus to nutrition at rushed times. So often we just throw together meals with our mind to the next task, that we may loose what's right under our nose.

Moong dal has been another quick dish that is not only pretty but especially comforting. The trickiest part is finding the yellow lentils, but once they are in stock, it is fun to make and tastes great. It's also orange-yellow, and I am particularly attracted to orange-yellow foods

... and mugs. I love looking at orange and yellow when I have my morning coffee.

Looking for the right kind of breakfast is my next goal. I am trying to get away from my usual sandwich, no matter how brown the bread and how red the tomatoes in it. As autumn approaches I find myself thinking more and more of something warm and more liquid, like oatmeal with an open end to added treats. We just came back from Trader Joe's with bags full of dried fruit and healthy-snack ingredients, so that should help.

Knitting is back

2008-08-17T18:07:00.005-04:00

As the weather is cooling down slowly, my mood for knitting returns. I started a pair of socks on my way to Greece, but got stuck as I decided I have to have the heel in a different, solid color. I know it sounds quite obsessive, but when the yarn is self-striping I don't like how it doesn't even out perfectly on the heel and therefore the need for a different yarn.

I also enjoy the new order in which to knit a pair of socks. The idea came from a friend: do each step twice before moving on to the next step. So the socks progress together and the danger of second-sock syndrome is avoided. This time I stopped after the I joined back to knitting in the round and decreased all the 3+3 added stitches, which I always add when a heel is done. I found the extra stitches make the sock fit better with my high instep, and it also helps a bit with the irritating holes on the sides.

I think I will call these socks Glarokavos socks, because the colours remind me of the beaches in Chalkidiki, where part of the first sock was knit. Some of the best swimming days this year were in Glarokavo.

See what I mean?

I also began, at long last, the Back To School u-neck vest, from this book. I am using the knitpicks Andean Silk yarn, that has been so ill-fated so far. I think it is the 3rd or 4th time I try to use it for something, but always something went wrong and I had to go through the entire process of unravel, wash, re-wind. Luckily, it is a lovely yarn to knit with, and I am pleased to say that it has kept pretty well despite its adventures.

It has been going very fast, as I don't really mind ribbing once I get into the rhythm. I just finished the ribbing section, however, and the following section should go even faster, if I keep up with it at the same pace.

All right, I got nothin'

2008-08-15T19:43:00.002-04:00

Not all true! I 've got knitting, but no pictures of it. I finally began a sweater, even if it is a sleeveless one. And when end of the week comes along and nothing to blog about, I know I can always be saved by one of those silly quizzes. This time, it is a confirmation of a dream come true: a boring death. Hurrah!

Your Deadly Sins

Envy: 40%

Gluttony: 40%

Sloth: 20%

Greed: 0%

Lust: 0%

Pride: 0%

Wrath: 0%

Chance You'll Go to Hell: 14%

You will die a boring death. While dying, you will be jealous of those who die dramatic deaths.

How Sinful Are You?

I seem to be such an angel! In my defense, I can only say one thing: being a teacher has made me learn how to take tests so as to please the grader. Even if it means I 'll die a boring death...

Unfinished business

2008-08-07T16:57:00.005-04:00

Before I left for my holiday I started another quilt top, but didn't have enough time to finish it. This is more light and summery, and a quick project. It is based on this design, again by Denyse Schmidt. I really like the light feel of her designs.

I am thinking of giving this away to a friend. Fortunately I cut way too many pieces of all 4 fabrics that are used for the color stripes, that there are still plenty left to make another one for us.

Now I have two quilt tops to put together. Although I have all the necessary materials at hand it is a matter of finding the time. I feel that the quilting will need to be done in pretty much one session, or at least over a couple of days in quick succession, so I need a weekend that I will be around. I am not sure why I feel it needs to be done so, I haven't really done this before to actually have an opinion, so perhaps I am wrong and I am wasting valuable free time from weekday evenings.

Skid also liked it a lot. She spent hours rolling on it, showing off her fluffy tummy. If no one else appreciates my creations, at least I know I have three loyal fans!

Before leaving I also made a few more quick coasters for my parents' summer house. They are so addictive!

Contradictions

2008-08-06T20:49:00.006-04:00

Last two weeks were very busy not crafting, but mostly spending quality time with family.

No need to repeat how great it all was, words - even pictures - are nothing to the real thing.

There has been some, minimal knitting. Mostly sock knitting, the mindless thing that you can do without thinking while making jokes with your brothers.

Jet lag hit hard after I came back, and this in fact was the strongest motivation to pick up the sock again. Suddenly I craved the stability of knitting, the promise of fall and a time when handmade socks are actually in use.

Meanwhile, it is still really hot and sticky, so anything that bears the promise of fall is good. Photos of a finished sock soon, hopefully.

Green & Blue

2008-07-05T12:12:00.005-04:00

With a three-day weekend ahead, I decided to tackle putting together the top of the green & blue quilt. I am very pleased with both the process, and the progress I made.

The pattern is a 2/3 variation of What a bunch of squares from this book. I enjoyed every step of it, and I found the book's instructions very well written and clear. I learned a lot from working on it. Now remains the back and quilting, which I am hoping to have finished within the next two weeks.

Of course, the kitties were very excited with all the activity. Seven spent a lot of time smoothing the pieces for me.

Sunny helped with arranging the squares. She put a lot of thought in it.

I also finished another little project. I wasn't sure if I wanted to finish it due to the irritating puckering in the sky, but since it was meant to be a learning project in the first place, I decided to give it a try.

The end result is better than what I anticipated. Enough for me to allow it to hang on the wall for a while.

It looks quite happy there. A happy village indeed!

Yoga mat bag etc.

2008-06-29T08:29:00.003-04:00

I have been thinking of making a bag for my yoga mat for a while now. Research in what is available to buy gave no interesting results, although I admit I didn't look in the right stores. What I saw was plasticey, rough materials in not so nice colours, with plasticey straps that would swish annoyingly on my clothing. I can get very picky with the sound of clothing and objects.

Come to think of it, the way things sound is one of the least noticed features people seem to consider when buying things. That would explain the swishy overcoats, flappy flip-flops, squeaky bags... Perhaps the most noticed (and popular) is the clicking high heels, on which many people actually have strong opinions, negative and positive. Where am I going with all that?... Anyway, the good news is that my bag is not only soft and to my liking, but it is also very quiet. A stealth bag! hurrah!

I used this lovely tutorial to make it - thanks Myam!

I also made something I 've been wanting to put together for a while. Our bathroom has little (read: none) shelf space, and there are all these things that one uses every day. The cabinet behind the mirror is already full, so lots of things had been hanging on travel pouches, which are very useful but had become an eyesore.

It is just a long base with pouches, using some of the fabrics I find most cheerful. It should help with cheering me up during those difficult moments of pre-coffee mornings ;-)

It hangs by a loop, which also acts as fastening with a button at the back. I also left some space at the top for sliding a hair pin to keep it flat, and it works great.

I also bought some nice fabric squares, and planning to play with them after this, so stay tuned!

Procrastination

2008-06-22T06:48:00.006-04:00

I am not sure what I am putting off, but my little projects (read: tiny, fast) of late seem to me like procrastination. Nevertheless, I 'm quite pleased with the way I passed my time.

More coasters:

These come in pairs. There was a third pair, but L snatched it off while it was fresh from the sewing machine, before I had time to take pictures. You get the idea, though..

Another new-curtain action shot. Now all windows in the house have fresh curtains for the summer.

Playing around with fabric collages. This was still a learning project, mostly to work on machine-sewing around little details. Sory for the blurred photo...

Sunny wasn't all that impressed with what I made, but nevertheless she sat next to me all day long. My hard-working kitty...

Intuition

2008-06-20T20:55:00.003-04:00

Test-o-rama!
If you 're like me and like taking tests (that usually confirm what you thought already and / or dispute the validity of a test when results don't), you 'd be glad I used my intuition to lead you to this fun site. Quiz away!

You Are 64% Intuitive

You are a very intuitive person. And luckily, your intuition is normally right.

You're wise enough to know that relying on intuition alone can be dangerous.

When your intuition seems really off, you tend to ignore it - and look at the facts instead.

How Intuitive Are You?

Your Ice Cream Personality:

You like to think of yourself as a fairly modest person. And it's true that you don't talk yourself up... but you're also pretty happy with who you are.

You are incredibly cautious. You rather miss out on something than make a mistake. No one would ever call you wild... but they would call you responsible.

You are a fairly open minded person with a wide range of tastes. You are quite accepting of unusual ideas and people.

You tend to have a one track mind. You prefer not to multitask.

You are a serious and contemplative person. You definitely do your own thing in life.

The Ice Cream Personality Test

Curtains and villages

2008-06-19T16:47:00.005-04:00

I 'm back. I have no excuse for my absence, it just happened. There has been lots of crafting, but without the blog in mind I tended to not take photos as consistently, and perhaps this was the reason I decided to come back and entertain you with what I 've managed to get.

I made a little village - my first one, I would say. I liked the process, but got stuck on the final bits, so no finished picture yet. Here are some progress shots.

I added black tulle, as suggested in the instructions, but the end result wasn't very successful. The tulle puffed up quite a lot, and it was too late to take it off. I took it as a learning process so I didn't mind much, but I think next time I won't use any.

See? the sky turned out very puffy. How annoying!

Anyway, I also whipped up some quick curtains made with scarves I bought from my favourite store of late: a little store on my way from work, which has made a fortune out of me. Perhaps I should find another way to go to the train, if I want to avoid drooling after (and indulging in) their ever-changing merchandise.

My favourite action shot!

Finally, here's a glam shot of Skid. Fabrics hanging down the ironing board seemed appropriate for her to pose, and I obeyed.

Anticipation

2008-05-15T19:27:00.004-04:00

Hurrah! I just discovered this book (click on image for link). It seems like an answer to my searches and plans for the summer.

I am by no means an impulsive buyer, but this time I knew I had to have it, so I took a detour to amazon before you could say "Κύμινο". I threw in a couple of other cheap books in the order, got my free shipping fix, and now all I have to do is wait for its arrival. Plenty of time to say κύμινο (=cumin), then.

Travel guide: part 2

2008-05-14T17:47:00.005-04:00

Last weekend my brother was visiting, and we had a nice time walking around town, browsing at stores and random art. It is indeed a sign of civilisation when a city offers its inhabitants the pleasure of art for no apparent reason and expecting no direct return.

Hello Kitty statue. It does count as art, right?

These two are on the east side, on the way to the MOMA, kind of putting you in the mood for modern art. We didn't need much persuasion, but we were happy to see them just as well.

Five panels from the Berlin Wall

Once inside the museum, I tried to enjoy the experience for myself rather than spend the entire visit behind the camera. So very few pictures were taken, and even less came out good.

Picasso

Not surprisingly, the museum was great fun, with lots of interesting installations, exhibitions as well as its permanent collection.

Andy Warhol

Our only regret was that we only allowed for 4 hours, which was tiring. A ticket, however, is good for multiple entries during the entire day, so we wished we 'd gone earlier, break for lunch and continue without rushing. Now we know.

Travel guide: part 1

2008-05-10T08:07:00.004-04:00

If you are planning to visit New York any time soon (and if you are who I think you are, you 'd better hurry up with those documents), I thought I 'd give you a little idea of what may, can, and will be seen.

Chelsea

I do not have an artistic vision for this little tour I am planning. It is all for the self-serving reason of whetting the appetite of potential guests. Unlike advertising companies, I just come out with it.

Ridgewood

Also unlike advertising companies, I just snap whatever catches my eye, sometimes in a hurry. So, for this first installment, I apologise for the bad quality of the photos. They are all taken on the way to work, when I didn't have the time, or perhaps the mindset to be very careful with angles, lighting etc.

West side

They are all things I see on a regular basis myself, though, and the fast pace of this series of photos will serve me as a personal reminder of daily life in the years to come (I won't be in New York forever, please remember this dear potential guests!).

Not many of those left any more

The first store to the left has the most yummy baked goods ever. The last store to the left, at the end of the arcade, always smells of freshly baked pies. Yum!

Lunch spot

This little 'park' has a lovely community of its own. My favourite is the old Belgian man who keeps dog biscuits in his pockets, and every dog and their human in the neighbourhood comes over for a treat and a chat.

Source of lunch

Please note: no kitty picture this time. I am showing remarkable restraint.

Silvery grey

2008-05-03T10:58:00.002-04:00

It is a very grey Saturday. Which is fine, because 'Saturday' in my mind has always been a lead-grey coloured day (am I the only one who thinks of days in colours? Always done it, since I was a kid.) As a result, all silver, grey, charcoal colours stick out in my mind today, from the foggy overcast sky to the grey projects in my finishing line.

One of them was indeed grey: this skirt, that I started making about a month ago, with some linen-looking cotton and following step by step the instructions in this book. Only the facing and the hem were left undone, but I had been kind of afraid to finish it on the day I started it. Not today - in fact, I did all the remaining steps without reading any more directions. It didn't come out perfectly, but certainly good enough.

I feel I will get to wear this skirt quite a lot, it is just the neutral kind of clothing I feel comfortable with, and I hope it doesn't look all that 'homemade'. I think it's the darts ;-)

Seven, of course, being the quintessential silvery-grey household member, insisted on being there all the time. She is right here next to me as I type. She was there for the photo-shoot.

She was there as I measured and pinned the hem. Skid joined in the fun.

Meanwhile, Sunny was watching from nearby, lying on the Lizard Ridge blanket, because she knows its colours make her look particularly radiant.

Okay, okay, you caught me. Sunny's picture was taken on a different day. The discerning eye will notice Seven's ear behind Sunny (top right). They all like this colourful, expensive, time-consuming blanket, as if it was made for them. Not in their dreams - it's mine, MINE!!

Καλό Πάσχα!

2008-04-27T13:33:00.003-04:00

Easter for one is still Easter, despite the lack of egg contestants. So this year I skipped the red eggs, and went straight for the lamb roast (very yummy!)

In regards to knitting, the crochet part of the Beachcomber Tunic is still in progress - why is it taking me so long!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I 'd have nothing craftworthy to mention, but thankfully I made a super-quick project to fit the bill.

When I want to use a recipe more than once, I tend to write down the basics and keep it in the kitchen for quick reference. So far, my habit of using post-it notes and sticking them on the wall has been handy, but an eyesore.

After several hours of searching in vain in various stores for something more catching, I decided to make something with whatever I could find in the house. Using a round cork mat (from IKEA), I stapled tightly some bright and cheerful fabric (again from IKEA). I transfered the recipes to some Chinese paper I had bought years ago in Chinatown, stapled a loop of seam binding tape at the back for a hanger, and got my mini bulletin-board in under 10 min.

Although not very interested in Easter, the kitties were nonetheless happy with their present: fresh catnip!

Spring cleaning

2008-04-26T07:16:00.011-04:00

Spring cleaning can be so unrewarding. Even after spending an entire day cleaning in the kitchen, things still appear with little difference. At least they are clean, easier to find, and some stuff was thrown away. I took pictures to see the difference, and the comparison kind of disappointed me. sigh!

BEFORE

AFTER

Thankfully, I had help

Eyes bigger than stomach

2008-04-23T17:03:00.004-04:00

I am swamped! And it is all my own fault. I have the tendency to want to do everything and not miss out on anything, especially if it involves learning. So, in the last 10 days I have managed to add about 6-7 hours of work in my weekly schedule, spread over 3 projects. All work related, but fun and interesting. Unfortunately, over the weekend I also went to the Strand and came back with a new pile of books, that I added to my old pile of books waiting to be read. Fearing that I would get even more swamped and never get to them, I decided to put them in some kind of order, and make sure to read them in that order.

My New Year's resolution for 2007 was to finish at least the fiction books that I started, and that indeed did the trick and it cured me from leaving things unfinished. So I don't actually have to read the non-fiction books in the pile cover to cover, but I hope to give them at least an honest chance.

I gave these two enormous pillow cases to L., as the handmade part of his birthday present. They are 25"x25" with a zipper and a very soft, plain blue fabric for backing. The pillows and about half of the fabric were purchased at Jo-Ann Fabrics. The rest is from my stash. They make watching t.v. in bed just a little bit more fun, and that's enough for me.

A couple of weeks ago I was walking down Broadway and 10th (I think), when I noticed these really impressive crocheted corals. I am not sure if there was any more information about them, I was kind of in a hurry, so I snapped a couple of pictures and run off. I think they are a wonderful example of true fiber arts, elevated from the humble but not a bit less enjoyable fiber crafts.

Green things

2008-04-19T19:54:00.005-04:00

Today was the first really warm day that I could take advantage of. Inspired by a conversation with a friend, I decided to start my indoors garden early this year - or should I say on time. I tend to put it off, and when I eventually buy the herbs I want it seems to be too warm, and they don't last very long. I went to the Farmer's Market at Union Square, and came back with lettuce, dill, mint, basil and coriander.

Another change for this year is that I decided to keep them on top of the refrigerator, where they get the setting sun, which is milder. I hope this will do the trick. Of course, it is also close to the area where I cook, and I enjoy fluffing the leaves of mint or basil every time I feel like, and take in the scents.

The little pink elephant is very happy to be back in action!

I seem to be in a green mood today. I finished the avocado-coloured wrist warmers. Just in time for the evil air conditioning, which I anticipate will be turned on any day now. Ugh!

These wrist warmers are based on the pattern of the notorious Monkey socks, which I modified slightly to make it a 14-st. repeat instead of the original 16. My favourite number is 56, which works fine with sock yarn! The yarn is Lorna's Laces in envy, and I used my usual 2.75 circular Inox needles. I used about 4/5 of a skein.

Monkey fore paws

For taking this photo, I wanted to play with my tripod and the camera timer. Of course anywhere my attention is focused for more than a few seconds, Seven has to check it out. This is the third attempt. The previous two were all a grey blur.

Spring blues turned productive

2008-04-06T12:18:00.004-04:00

March was a month of preparation and stashing. I feel well-equipped for several projects coming ahead. The books, fabrics and yarns are all in place, waiting patiently to be reach the opt of the queue. O.k., my queue is a list of ideas, but not in order of priority, so it's always a surprise which project I will start next.

Often little ideas, especially quick ones, take precedence to fulfill a need. Such as this little booklet I collaged out of a publisher's catalog that came in the mail.

Other items, however, remain in the list for months, perhaps years, before inspiration strikes. In principle they are good ideas, but I am not sure about the final shape. Until the right fabric comes along, begging to be turned into this or that.

I also had a few birthday and (long) overdue Christmas gifts to make, but some of them I still can't post about as they have not been delivered yet, and I don't want to ruin the surprise.

In addition, when everyone else has winter blues, I skipped that and went straight to spring blues. In the end of the days all I feel like doing is comfort knitting. But with only an irritating crochet project that I am stubbornly trying to finish before I start anything new, comfort knitting actually meant swatching. So I am in the process of making swatches for all my sweater-quantity yarns. Ravelry really helps here, making the rest of the steps automatically, such as calculating yardage etc.

Meanwhile, the kitties have been up to something secret. I could not hear what they were plotting about, but I managed to take a photo...

They seem to be serious about it...

Guide to the Knitting Listmaker Papers

2008-03-29T16:37:00.004-04:00

Today I got the urge to put all the bills in order. Last time I had done it was sometime in Sept. 2006 - all neatly organised before then, messy piles after that. I continued the process to bring it up to date, and at the same time I pretended that I was wondering about the people (me) who paid those bills as if they were some collection at work, and I was trying to guess. It certainly helped the time pass quicker!

The difference is that at home I had help. It is a well-known fact that anything occupying my attention fully, especially if spread on the floor, is a target for rolling and sitting stubbornly on. Although of course I was very grateful for the help, I do understand why archives don't have 'house cats'! Unfortunately, I was on a roll and didn't even stop to take pictures.

Meanwhile, here's a nostalgic, parting shot of Assistant Archivist Skid during a study break in her early youth. She speaks many languages: kitty (first language), human Greek, human English. This was during the time she was taking human French lessons.

Crafting news coming soon.

Thinking ahead (and back)

2008-03-23T11:59:00.007-04:00

Catching up with a bunch of little things that didn't get mentioned or photographed recently. I really can't figure out why I am so very, very lazy with locating these camera wires.

A couple of weeks ago I was wandering in SOHO and indulged on some green yarn. I can't resist green yarn. I am thinking of making a hat with it, but it will have to wait for next year. As mentioned, I 'm done with hats for this winter.

The irresistible rise of Green Yarn

This is one of the two last hats of the year that I mentioned earlier. It is for L, who likes them to sit small on top of his head, and it is also his own design.

L's hat. Designer: L.S.

I have been thinking of making a yoga platform for myself, something to spread on the carpet underneath my yoga mat. The best place in the house is right in front of one of the entrance doors, the one we have got to use most of the time lately. It is quite dirty as a result, as even if you take your shoes off inside the house, this part is inevitably stepped on with shoes. At the moment I am using a nice woven rug, but I decided to make a thin quilt for the purpose. I know it will take quite a while, especially as this will be my first quilt, but it doesn't really matter. In fact, I am looking forward to the time and effort I will need to put in for it.

During my impromptu trip down South last week (more on this later), I did my usual pilgrimage to JoAnn's fabrics and bought the fabric I will need. I will aim for the What A Bunch of Squares pattern from this book. I say 'aim for' because I seem to find it impossible to follow directions faithfully, despite the fact that I know it would be for my own good. The colors in my browser look much more grey than they are in the reality, and there is a dark blue piece of fabric that isn't included here, but you can tell the general idea.

On the long drive down South, the flight back and during a sick day yesterday I worked and finished the first of the Lorna's Laces wristwarmers. Unfortunately, Skid liked it so much that she wouldn't let me try it on to photograph. That's the best I could do - messy, I know. It is a modified version of the Monkey socks lace pattern, shrunk to a 14-stitch repeat to fit my preferred number of stitches (56).

The decision to drive was very impulsive and unexpected, and I had about 20 min. to get everything together. When I grabbed my camera I didn't think to check the battery level, which was very low. Not too many photos, therefore, of the beautiful ride. I seem to have been fascinated with roads and paths, though, because this is pretty much all I took.

I love road trips as much as I hate road movies!

There may, or may not be a subconscious symbolism in my theme choices, but I 'll spare you the vineyard philosophy (I literally translated αμπελοφιλοσοφία!) .

We had a lovely time taking a walk down the rail tracks,
covered in dead leaves that squeaked under our feet.

Home stretch. The back window of our apartment looks
straight onto the white, blooming tree.

Behind the scenes

2008-03-16T06:45:00.005-04:00

It has been all hard, diligent work and no glamour the last two weeks. I had a severe case of 'finishitis' and decided to focus on making some progress on all kinds of basic tasks that are essential for a finished project to happen. In the meantime, I finished the last two hats of the year, but since I 've by now made so many hats I almost don't count them as projects. It feels very frivolous to say so, but it is the case. Hats are more like eating snacks - not a real, nutricious meal that will fill you up for a while.

One hard decision that had been made a while ago was the demise of the second Hourglass sweater. The yarn, Knitpicks Andean Silk, just didn't fit the final project in my mind. Lucky for me I had forgotten how far I had got into the sweater before I pulled it out of its hiding place for unraveling: only half a sleeve and the yoke was left to be done. Eeeek! But unravel I did, followed by a soak, dry, and with the help of my faithful swift I rewound it into 6-7 shiny yarn-bombs. In fact, I made a few more yarn-bombs with different yarns, while I was at it. Once you get started, it's kind of fun!

Yarn previously known as The Red Barn Sweater

Other projects that have been progressing with finishing determination include the Beachcomber Tunic, that is approaching its first birthday, and the Granny Square blanket, that I am guessing should be approaching adolescence by now... Will March be the month when I post one of them as a finished object?

All that basic work, however, does not yield fancy photographs. But a post without photographs is boring, even for me, so here are some more pictures from my last (and sadly not-so-recent-anymore) trip down South.

My shadow gained at least 50 lbs!

The fireplace was hardly effective to keep the room warm,
but it sure looked pretty!

A weekend of sewing

2008-03-02T11:26:00.006-05:00

It has been a while since I spent any serious time sewing. Knitting felt more wintry and relaxing. Meanwhile, however, projects have been pilling up in my list and inspiration. So I decided to focus on fabric rather than yarn this weekend.

customised pins

It must certainly have to do with spring approaching - the cooler, brighter colours and texture of fabric are suddenly very appealing.

quick bookmark

My levels of decisiveness are also given a boost. Especially in domestic matters. Among other things, I am getting in the mood to fix all the little things around the house that I have been thinking of fixing for ages and never did anything about it.

table napkins

Oddly enough, this creativity boost was encouraged by one of my character flaws. My ability to procrastinate is monumental. There are things on my list from 6-7 years ago.

coaster sets

Hard to top the instant gratification of small sewing projects. Especially when one has tons of already cut fabric pieces to the right dimensions, purchased ages ago on e-bay for the exact purpose of playing around with them.

more coasters

Today this worked well together with yet another character flaw of mine (obviously, I have more than one). I can get obsessed with some thing and want to keep making it. Like these super-quick coasters.

even more coasters

All this burst of colour and activity, however, has left me drained. Craft-wise at least. I am now ready to return to my knitting projects. Loyal, slow, steady, grounding knitting projects.

this one is for me

I also kind of feel like watching some t.v. and I can't really do that while sewing.

here it is, in action

For those who may be skeptical about the arrival of spring as yet, here is proof that (at least in the South) spring was already there last weekend.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

More finished stuff

2008-02-17T20:18:00.003-05:00

After the ugliness of yesterday's adventures, here is something really pretty to reward you, my faithful reader(s?). The clapotis is done. Dare I say 'my first' one? It was fun to knit, and I can see another one in my future. But not yet.

At the moment, I am officially out of a large knitting project. I do have several projects in progress still, but they are either sewing or crochet projects. And I don't even count the 'little' knitting projects: hats, gloves, socks. They are portable, and serve another purpose in my life - that of keeping me sane outside the house.

On the contrary, large knitting projects are made at my sofa corner, with Skid curled up on my lap, with Sunny on the back of the sofa next to my head, with Seven demanding my attention while she kneads on said large project. Luckily, tomorrow is not only a bonus day off, during which I will have the mental space to plan and begin a new project, but I am also anticipating some yarn arrival to be put to work immediately.

Skid, naturally, wanted to be featured in the very first picture of finished clapotis taken. I indulged.

I also made a bookmark made from origami paper and a not-so-balanced tassel, but no pictures of that. It was whipped up and slid into my bedside book so fast that I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it.

I will post, however, a picture of the superfluous potato solution, i.e. baked chips, that took less than the bookmark to make, and even less to eat

Playing around

2008-02-16T11:38:00.004-05:00

Today I decided to play with freeform knitting/crocheting. I pulled out one of the 'yucky yarn' bags, which is full of acrylic yarns with harsh colors that make my eyes and fingers hurt, and started toying around.

The whole experience was quite liberating. Starting to knit without a plan tapped straight into an untouched pool of creativity and technique, which was exhilarating by itself.

It was also a great learning experience. Every piece made here is an answer to 'what will happen if I do this or that?'

Putting the shapes together reminded me of being a tourist in a new place, preferably an old medieval town with meandering narrow streets and something exciting to see every corner you turn. In places like that, I just walk around with no plan, letting whim and inspiration determine my path and enjoying the surprises of exploration.

Putting the colors together was challenging, due to the limited yarn supply. This, of course has nothing to do with inspiration, and everything with the bag that I pulled out. Not worried at all that when I work with better yarns it will be just as fun as all other aspects of the process.

For the time being, I wasn't even concerned with trying to control the direction to which I was going, or the shape to create. I was just enjoying myself. Like learning anything, taking time to play around without expectations in the beginning has benefits that are hard to grasp but are invaluable for the overall understanding of how things work.

With time, control will come naturally and I am looking forward to it, whenever and however it manifests.

For now, I 'll just put this rather horrid result aside and bask only on the pleasures of learning, even if the actual product is just as ugly as the yarn that created it!

Weekend highlights

2008-02-10T20:38:00.001-05:00

The biggest news is that Lizard Ridge is done!

I made 12 rectangles, that were created out of one extra repeat from what the pattern calls for. Each patch took almost one entire skein, and was about 11x14 in. The end result was a comfortable 'siesta blanket', but no more than that. I don't think I could afford a full queen size version, even though given the length of time it took me to finish it it amounts to less than a skein a month!
Every step was great fun, however, and of course the reason for that was Noro Kureyon, and its never-ending color changes.

Here is the view of the blanket 'in action'

not a bad view right before you doze off for a nap

I also made lasagna, which turned out very yummy

While I was waiting for it to be cooked, I got the urge to sew.
Since the blue table next to my knitting sofa was officially designated sewing table, the cover of my sewing machine has been bothering me (it is always in the background of the Skid as supervisor pictures). It came along with the machine itself, made by its previous owner, obviously more for utilitarian rather than for aesthetic purposes.

I used a piece of some IKEA fabric I bought in Christmas, and whipped up a happier cover

much happier corner

Inspiration list

2008-02-10T08:29:00.000-05:00

Ideas I 'd like to play with:

Freeform knitting and crochet, by Prudence Mapstone

Christmas card luminaries, by zakka life crafts

A fun game with Photoshop, by Happythings

Of course, the Babette blanket, from Interweave Crochet magazine (spring 2006)

Now I need to invent the time machine that creates 36-hour days. Any ideas for a tutorial online?

Ο Φλεβάρης κι αν φλεβίσει...

2008-02-07T22:07:00.001-05:00

I smelled spring last Monday, as soon as I came out of the house in the morning. I have been smelling it every morning ever since. The signs of spring are indeed everywhere. No pictures of it, yet. For now, spring remains an elusive feeling, a promise, that only my supersonic nose can catch.

However, there are pictures of the sky a few days ago. I always like it when the skies do weird things that are like inviting people to raise their eyes from the ground and stressful lives, and look up at the incredible happenings just above their heads.

Another piece of 'old news' is that I finally gave in and bought one of the incredibly cute Japanese aprons I found in Flushing. I don't really use aprons, but I realised that if I didn't buy one I would regret it in the future. And I am all about avoiding the unnecessary feeling of regret ;-)

Every apron has a different piece of fabric, and I wish I could buy them all! I had to make a choice, though. In the end, I always go for the greens...

Finally, here's another picture of Skid supervising my vigorous knitting progress. She has got into the habit of lying on my sewing table, which is next to my knitting-and-t.v-watching sofa, and she is incredibly interested in my diligence. This picture and the one from the previous post were taken on two entirely different days. Skid never lets her guard down!

Memory flash

2008-02-04T17:17:00.001-05:00

I have been dealing with sketches at work recently. Lots of sketches, incredibly beautiful and expressive sketches, that are truly a joy to play with. As someone who was never particularly good at drawing, just looking at them amazes me and inspires me. It also makes me think a lot of my high school years, when I spent endless hours drawing cartoon stories while (sometimes) listening to the teachers' lectures. Ehm..

So, where am I going with all that?
It must be because of some odd crossing of wires between sketches, cartoons, and my new shoes, that something has been needling me insistently in the last couple of days.

Admittedly, only one other person on earth will understand this, but that's what my new shoes remind me of:

Λοιδορείκια!

In crafty news, I have eventually decided upon an edging for the long-suffering blanket I am sure everyone is sick of hearing about.

So I spent two episodes of Charmed working on it, while Skid supervised

Absentmindedness

2008-02-02T21:41:00.001-05:00

It feels like life has been moving on two different planes lately. Mind here, hands there. And blogging has been caught in between the two.

Things are moving on. However, despite the fact that I am very much in a finishing mode, only one thing was finished:

Gratitude mittens

All other projects are suspended, until the three I have set my eyes on are finished:
1. Mum's second sock (45% done)
2. Lizard Ridge border (45% done)
3. Clapotis (80% done)

On the other hand, look!

new paw covers (Ζες καλά παπούτσια!)

As for Sunny, she particularly liked the box they came in

Rewards

2008-01-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

A good deed may be rewarded in long or short term. Today was one of these moments of unexpected, instant gratification.

I climbed on the loft bed, trying to make a more comfortable bed for Sunny in a box that was laying there. She likes to sit there as it is the highest spot in the entire house. As I was lovingly spreading one of L's t-shirts ;-) , I noticed the back of a paperback book. I could not see the cover, but I was intrigued. I pulled it out, and saw that I was holding that!

... which is the sequel to this, a book I read 2 summers ago.

I loved the images of Tibet through the author's descriptions, it really transported me to my trip to Leh, 5 years ago.

When I was lucky enough to spend a week in great company, and able to take photographs such as this

Tikse Gompa
(I could hear chanting from below, as I was taking this picture)

and this

waiting for flat tire to be fixed

and this...

Tso Moriri

Thank you, Sunny!

Nothing finished yet

2008-01-21T10:38:00.001-05:00

... but plenty of items are closing in. The flap gloves only need a thumb and closing the flap, after they are measured. One day's work tops. Yippee!

The Hat of the Week for this visit is going to be black with two brown stripes. I guess it's my punishment for forgetting to add the black stripe in Last Week's brown hat.

Slightly more exciting, Lizard Ridge blanket is getting her final border. I have been using it for a while without the border now, I 've even mended the first hole on it - Skid likes to knead on it a bit too much.

Finally, the Clapotis is growing steadily. The next two skeins are on their way, and I am determined to have it finished by the end of January. Or at least try.

Nothing really new here, other than the possibility to have 4 finished objects by this time next week.

Progress on all fronts

2008-01-13T16:34:00.001-05:00

I am reaching the end of yarn supplies for the clapotis, which is growing nicely. Love the colours (colourway 148)

It is so much fun to knit it! Although Noro Kureyon is kind of sticky, and the dropped stitches are kind of a pain to drop. Nevertheless, it is one of the most comforting knits I 've had in a long time, and now that it is getting longer I get to enjoy its warmth already.

This glove cuff is now a fully grown mitten, almost 2/3 done, and its little brother is growing alongside (twins!). They will end up being a pair of fingerless mittens with flap, my usual pattern, made as a 'thank you' for a friend who was kind enough to take care of the kitties while I was away. The yarn is Harrisville Design, Orchid Line, and the small amount of silk content makes it a great pleasure to knit with. I am positive that the reason they have grown so fast was a combination of gratitude and the yummy yarn (and the first season of Charmed on dvd).

Another mindless knitting project, these dishcloths are multiplying themselves almost without me noticing! Seriously, I must have been on the phone when I cast on for this one, because I can't remember deciding to start a new one!

I also made some green food. Fava comes in 2 colours, or so it seems. I went for the green version, and it came out quite a success for a first try. It looked seriously sinister when it was bubbling away, all green and steamy! Love it!

I am lucky to have such good friends, who surprise me with goodies despite my lameness in reciprocating.

As for keeping things tidy, so far so good. I noticed that if I have a designated place for something, sooner rather than later it will find its way there. It is the stuff that has been wondering homeless, so to speak, that creates the clutter that seems to solidify. So little by little I make sure to attack the target areas and clear off clutter, to make room for what is actually in use.

Next target: the bathroom cabinet! sigh...

On the Nature of Resolutions

2008-01-06T14:00:00.001-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about resolutions lately. Mostly philosophising about them, since so many people share theirs in their blogs. In fact, I really enjoy reading what other people want to change in their lives, and how they plan to do it.

As I don't think I need to wait for January 1 to decide upon improving one or another aspect of my life, New Year's resolutions aren't much different than the rest - only those I may occasionally share. This year, the theme will be simple: be more tidy (heh.. good luck on that!)

I call it 'a theme' because the term 'resolution' somehow feels that if you fail for a day you are free to drop it altogether. Or so it would seem, judging by the fear people seem to have about keeping or not their resolutions. On the contrary, 'theme' rings to me like something to keep in mind, but accept its ups and downs without using downs as an excuse to abandon the plan.

Shots from the airplane: Newfoundland (I think)

In any case, it will take me more than one try to develop a tidier standard in my life. Many, many more tries, I 'd say! What interests me more, however, is how will this effort change my life on other aspects. Will it enhance my creativity or stifle it? Will it take time away from other things, or free them in an uncluttered world? How far should / can I go with it? Will I EVER have a tidy closet?!

So far, it doesn't look bad. After changing my table-corner decoration with a very old box that was in daily use in my mother's house decades ago, I was looking for something to put in it

It seems the perfect place to keep the yarn tails that I keep obsessively after a project is finished. I have no idea what to do with them yet, but now at least they have a home. I guess the challenge will be to find a use for them. Needle-felting or small embroidery projects, perhaps?

I also discovered that Sunny looks particularly cute on top of the new throw I brought for my knitting sofa

And that spending just a few more seconds of thought before making the decreases on L's latest hat I end up with orderly lines. While making it, I kept thinking of rivers that flow into each other.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T08:33:00.001-05:00

Lots of my good intentions over the holidays were fulfilled, some were not. The theme of this trip was digging into traditions: culinary, crafty, family history, etc. Partly intentional, partly just going with the flow. My childhood sounds so unimaginative and boring compared to that of my mother's!!!

Although a large portion of my time was spent in the kitchen, helping in the preparation, consumption and cleaning-up of dishes such as this:

Λαχανοντολμάδες

or this:

Κατσικάκι στο φούρνο με πατάτες & φρικασέ

there was still some knitting. Mostly mindless knitting, so that I wouldn't be too distracted from what was going on around me. What was most fun about it was the setting and company: by the roaring fireplace, listening to stories or chatting about anything that comes to mind. Very often I had the feeling that if I closed my eyes and imagined a source of light other than electricity, I could be part of a timeless gathering.

It certainly was more fun than productive. After many attempts to guess my mother's head size correctly, I gave up and bound off for a neck warmer:

My first attempt at spinning

There is more, but I am keeping it for the next installment. Heh.
Happy New Year!

"Ετέλειωσα!", φωνάζει...

2007-12-16T15:01:00.000-05:00

Another two items were added to the finished list today. L was here, playing in his 'play room', and it was nice to have someone to share the process with. In fact, he helped with a great idea for this book cover:

It is for a specific book, and I got the measurements briefly, but I haven't had it with me to fit accordingly. So, instead of my usual pattern I came up with two bands, so that the covers can be slipped through and be more flexible with the size.

When I showed it to L, he suggested that I add the corners, to keep it on more securely. As they were added later, it made the cover slightly smaller, but as a pattern I am quite pleased with the result, and very proud of L, who came up with the idea. It does give the whole thing an old-world look, doesn't it?

I also finished the first project I made, brother's hat. After searching frantically everywhere, I found the hat, cut a strip of flannel and added the lining.

I am finally done with the sewing projects I was planning to make. There are still a few knit items, namely two more hats, but these are easy, and I can do them on the subway. My problem with the sewn projects was that I need day light and with the days being so short I can only work on them during the weekends.

So, after a hard day's work, I had a last cup of coffee with the sewing machine, before she went to sleep for a while:

Τώρα μπορώ να παίξω!

(Yes, these are Oreos on the side. What can I say, I am a recent convert!)

Almost done!

2007-12-15T18:51:00.001-05:00

Some more things were added to the pile in the last few days, some were bought, some made. I would have finished a while ago with the original list, but I keep adding things to it as inspiration strikes, or as I remember someone that I would rather have a handmade gift for. And it seems that all my near and dear would, after all, appreciate a handmade gift!

Twin bags

Pillow case

After I was done, my room looked like a fabric bomb had exploded:

So I put on Bach Variations and went on a cleaning spree. I even pulled out one dishcloth from the pile (cheeky me!) and now my spotless sink has matching gloves and dishcloth!

Making and learning

2007-12-09T11:04:00.000-05:00

My gifts list is getting smaller and smaller, while the proud pile of finished items is growing.
I have enjoyed every step of making these gifts, and this is much more to say than frantically trying to shop for something appropriate for everyone (I am not a great fan of shopping, have I mentioned that?).

Here is what was made in the last couple of days:

pot holder no. 1

pot holder no. 2

A new computer deserves a new padded sleeve

Yep, it is a good idea

Gravity-defying bag holder

Hat 1 of 3

I tried to learn a new trick or technique in every project. O.k., the wooly hats had nothing to teach me, but they are done with doubled worsted-weight yarn on 7mm circular needles, so they are really good comfort knitting. I have one more to make, and each took 2-3 hours from start to finish.

I have always wanted to play with log cabin design, and the pot holders were a good start. I was pretty careless about measuring things, so I 'd cut 2 pieces, sew them, measure the result, cut the next... Tedious. Consequently, these two took the longest to make compared to any of the rest of the pieces.

For the computer case I used my snap pliers for the first time. I need more practice, I kind of messed up this part! I also tried to figure out the most convenient (for me) way of making pen holders, and although I am very happy with today's end result, I haven't found the ultimate pattern (yet). As for the bag holder, I like the method I used, a slightly modified version of this lovely tutorial.

Productivity

2007-12-02T20:45:00.000-05:00

November was a very scattered month, with little progress in crafting. This year, however, I am determined to give a few handmade gifts to friends and family. December seems to have got on a good start. Here 's what I made on Saturday:

Sleeping mask for brother

Drawstring bags, to give wristwarmers in

Zipper pouches with luxurious Chinese fabrics (one is for me, as I burned the zipper a bit and isn't working very well...)

Here is one with its mouth open

I also finished a woolly hat and did some other stuff, but haven't taken pictures yet. It has been very dark all day today. And it was the first snow of the year. O.k., of the winter, as it is still 2007...

I think the biggest surprise of making handmade gifts is how much I have been enjoying making them. Each one takes from under half an hour to several hours. All the while, I tend to think of the person for whom the present is intended, and trying to personalise it for them in each step. My colour choices, the very objects themselves, they are all an indication of how I interpret their tastes and preferences, their needs and whims.

The gifts are not ordered, some are even going to be surprises. It is a tricky path, I know. There is always the risk of making something with lots of enthusiasm and affection, only to be tossed aside by the recipient. I tend to be quite sensitive about my gifts anyway, and I know that this year as they 're all so special to me I will have even higher expectations of myself. It will be a learning experience in giving, then. I am not sure what I will learn from it, and if next year I will be even more inspired to give handmade gifts or I will find it too nerve-wrecking and will give up. For now, making presents is the only idea that makes sense, and I am having a lot of fun in the process. Whatever their reception, at least I will have enjoyed myself!

Still here

2007-11-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

I tried, I really did try to disappear off the surface of the earth (through snorkeling), but here I am again. I was away for the whole last week, and it was lots of fun, I got lots of rest, took tons of pictures and even did some knitting. But since I came back, it's been mostly work and coming home late, and making up with the kitties who have been quite mad at me for abandoning them for so long. And trying to get everything in order. So that I can focus on the final stretch and make everyone all the presents I have thought through and decided on.

Unfortunately, one of the effects of 'getting everything in order' is that I made vey busy plans for the entire Saturday, so no crafting for yet another day. Sunday better be a productive one. Why does creativity thrive around the 11th hour?

I think I have mentioned before how I don't like downloading photos into my computer through wires. So the over 500 (unsorted) photos from the Caribbean will have to wait a bit longer before they join their friends in iPhoto. Until then, Seven suggested I post a parting photo of her royal cuteness.

Knitting & chocolate

2007-11-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

My brother was visiting over the weekend, and came bearing gifts!

The little guy next to the chocolate Santa is his helper, according to the Dutch tradition. I 'm almost reluctant to eat him up!

There was also quite a lot of knitting. I made a hat to match the flap-top mittens I made last winter.

The yarn is Chaco worsted weight on 4.5mm circular needles for both. I used the pattern from Handknit Holidays for the mittens, but I changed the way the flap is attached, and added a buttonhole opening on each thumb, so it can also stick out when necessary. Makes a big difference in the usability of the mittens!

The hat pattern is mine, based on something I glimpsed in the subway once. Then I decided I wanted to add ear flaps, for which the basic guidelines came from the pattern in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I am not adding links, because I feel everyone knows about these books and patterns, and because Skid is hovering around me and wants attention.

Finally, I made the first of a series of dishcloths that I plan to give as gifts. Once again, it this is the very well-loved pattern from Mason-Dixon Knitting, which I modified only in changing the size of the dishcloth.

Is no news good news, or just no news?

2007-11-10T12:55:00.000-05:00

Clearly, there is nothing that comes to mind for a blog post. I 've been knitting, but no progress photos. I started a brown hat, to go with the brown mittens I made last year and end my matching accessories problems once and for all!

Oh, yes, there is news! I have received my ravelry invitation (I am, of course, ListmakerKat). This place is really fun, like everyone says. I am very impressed by how much can be created on a simple idea of filling a gap.

And, I joined my first ever knitting group, Norovember. It seems that almost everything I knit lately is with this wonderful yarn, so I thought it would be a good idea to 'make it official' and try to finish some of these projects during the next few weeks.

In kitty news, look at the cutie that has become our temporary tenant at the Southern Headquarters! Now he and L have their own little Boys' Club, to balance the Girls' Club up here in the North. He 's cute, but now that he isn't terrified of humans any more, we 're looking for a permanent home for him - the Girls would go on snuggle strike if he joined the family...

Halloween

2007-10-28T15:36:00.001-04:00

Why are weekends so short? Though weekdays pass by pretty fast too.
I must be getting old.

This, all too short, weekend passed in a lovely, mellow rhythm. Saturday it was rainy, Sunday was glorious. There was some shopping

Fabric from Pearl River Mart

Skein of recycled sari silk from friendly Nepalese woman

... and some sewing

Another journal cover. I can't stop making them.

Finally, in the spirit of Halloween, Skid decided to turn from this

to this (note the ferocious fang!)

my yarn was scared!

Catching up

2007-10-22T20:33:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since I had anything worth posting about. Life has been busy with... well, life. But this weekend I was inspired, and made a few flowers out of felt.

On Saturday they came in very handy during my 2-hour commute for what should take no longer than 35 min.... I was having so much fun making them on the subway, that I overheard two Italian tourists commenting on how calm I appeared in the midst of frustrated people. The joys of living in the big city.

I decided to applique them on one of the bright green pillow cases I made a while ago. The picture sucks, though - this photo-shoot was a last minute decision, and couldn't wait for daylight.

In other news, I made a spinach pie with ready-made dough and some odd concoction of "Egyptian feta" that bares no resemblance to the real feta. I thought the term was patented... Anyway, it was quite yummy and all that is left from it by now is an empty pan.

Finally, here's a sneak peak of Seven's new favourite FINISHED (no borders yet) blankie. I can see I 'll have to fight for the right to use it. So far, it was almost impossible to do any work on it, as Seven would run and sit on it as soon as I went near it. I have no illusions that she may have wanted to help. She just wanted to snuggle on it. She won the first round, but I can be stubborn too...

2007-10-13T08:43:00.001-04:00

During the last two weekends I 've been putting my 'weekend traveller bag' to work. This meant that I was too busy having relaxing pic nics with yummy snacks, taming a kitten, and exploring new places. Air travel, though, ensured that I could sneak in some knitting. Always on unfinished projects, some visible progress was made.

1. Sock #1. Made with the yarn I dyed myself. It was my first try at using different colours, and I got lucky. The green starts just before the toe increases!

2. A little sneak peak at the last two squares of Lizard Ridge. With the weather getting colder, it is the perfect time to begin crocheting the border, and then snuggling under it. The cats have been enjoying the progress of each and every square, and I can't whait for them to honour the blanket (and my lap) as soon as it is put to regular use.

3. Some cute japanese napkins I found on my last trip to Flushing. Not sure what I 'll make of them yet, but they were so pretty I could not resist

4. Finally, a quick project I whipped up in 10 min., just to see how it's done. I used an old tie and a pair of D-loops. I don't use belts very often, but this is a fun way to recycle ond ties

Another day, another bag

2007-09-23T08:51:00.000-04:00

Last week I looked around in stores for a weekend-trip bag. Once again I was reminded that I suffer from the "I can do that myself" disease. So I saved myself the $70 that they were charging for what I was looking at, and had a fun day making this:

I made it using this excellent tutorial, and just added the handles at the end.
It has a bunch of inside pockets, and between the two fabrics another layer of some plastic sheet, to make it sturdier and hopefully somewhat waterproof.

An extra reason to be looking forward to next weekend!

While I was making it I was enjoying the fabric, that made me very, very happy. I like the two-sized dots and the colour combination. In fact, it seems that these two greens together are one of my favourite, and that I often put them together

Little moments of joy

2007-09-22T10:03:00.001-04:00

It is a dark, melancholic morning. Fall is upon us, and I 'm not ready for cold. But it's Saturday, and that means I 'm staying mostly home, repaying the kitties for their patience over my long absences during the week.

I was sitting on the sofa, in my usual place. Where I knit, read, watch t.v., do computer stuff. The other side belongs to the kitties.

Skid came and curled up next to me, I registered her presence and kept on doing what I was doing. Half an hour passed this way.

Suddenly I turned to her, and saw she was dozing off. I reached out to her and put my hand on her. She 'd been cleaning herself all this time, and her fur was slightly wet, smelling of wet wool. In her half asleep state, she turned her head and rested it on my hand, her breath on my skin.

Now it doesn't matter that it's a dark, melancholic morning and fall is upon us.

E-embroidery

2007-09-21T18:09:00.000-04:00

I have done basic embroidery on and off since I was a child but not so much recently. My fondest memory includes one summer when my mother was making one of the most unique tablecloths I 've ever seen. She made all these incredible cute drawings and was tracing them with vibrant colours. It was lovely, but she never finished it. She 's always been a painter more than a needle person. She designed one for my aunt, though, and that one is finished and it's lovely! (secret question: should I try and finish it myself? tempting...).

While she was working on it, of course I got into it and wanted to do some myself (I can't remember how old I was, but I had tried needlework before). So my father generously donated his pyjamas, and I drew some shapes on the pocket and sleeve. Sea waves and a sun on the pocket, an odd round shape on the sleeve that was supposed to be a boat's strirring wheel (we were on summer holidays). I also embroidered his initials on the side. All that very clumsy, of course, and for that reason even more cute! Even though these pyjamas are too worn out for use, I think he still has them!!

The other day, however, I came across a very pleasant book at the library that inspired me to try my hand at embroidery again. So I pulled out my stash of embroidery floss, which I have been saving (and brought from Greece) since highschool. Back then, I used to make these:

It was the 80s, what can I say!

After studying the stitches in the book, I made a list (of course) of all the stitches and decided which ones I wanted to practice. I drew some examples on a pad, and that really helped because as I was drawing them I was visualising how the needle would have to work. It was an unexpected help!

I then transferred it on a piece of cloth. I did that just by redrawing it. I guess if I had something harder to redo I 'd use some of the transferring techniques the book suggests, but this was simple enough.

Stitching over the pencil marks didn't take long (yes, pencil marks! I didn't really care whether it washes off or not. Anyway, it does wash off, and my father's pyjamas will testify to it)

I am almost surprised, and certainly very pleased with the outcome. It was enjoyable, and its slow and deliberate pace is very relaxing and meditative. I will definitely work my way through the book's stitches in similar small projects and add embroidered embellishments to projects.

Saved-by-a-Thon

2007-09-19T18:54:00.001-04:00

One of the errands that is rather unpleasant, as it is so time consuming, is going to the post office to pick up parcels. It is ironic, as receiving parcels should be something fun, shouldn't it?

Well, in our case it takes half an hour of walking through boring streets, waiting for at least 20 min. to be served, and walking back. There is no bus going that way, and the postman never, ever, ever brings parcels to our door.

Imagine my frustration today, knowing that I had to pick up a parcel that wasn't even for me, and the contents weren't even going to be interesting to the recipient. Sad...

Luckily, I came across a new (?) craft store on the way to the post office, that also carries a small selection of Save-A-Thon fabrics. I just had to go in and reward myself with a little treat:

Three yards of fabric, and

some felt pieces to play around with applique!

Things I like

2007-09-18T18:40:00.001-04:00

1. Fall is here. This means I can wear some of my scarves, long-sleeved shirts and light coats. Digging them out of storage is like reuniting with old friends.

2. Knitting progress to report
2.a. Brother's wooly hat: check!

Modelled by: Lamp

Now it is just waiting to be fitted with a soft piece of (other) brother's flannel shirt, but that will have to wait until Christmas. My job is done here.

2.b. I made a few more squares for the granny blanket, AND managed to weave in all the ends.

I am discovering, however, that I don't really like the way it looks with the squares in different sizes. Once all the smaller ones are made the same with the rest, I will count again and post a percentage. So far, I will still consider it as of my 15% estimate.

2.c. Blue and green sock # 1 is at the stage of turning the heel. Once this is done, I can count it as 25% done.

3. Kitty company. As I write, all my girls are curled up around me, grooming and enjoying the peaceful company. Being with them is always in my list of 'things I like', whether I mention it or not.

4. Quick and yummy snacks. Today I made a smoothie by mixing a handful of almonds (skins removed), soy milk, and a banana. It was very filling and tasty, but not heavy.

D-dinner

2007-09-15T09:38:00.001-04:00

I often take photographs of food while I 'm cooking. Especially when I pour myself a glass of wine, put on some music, and approach cooking as something creative to be enjoyed. I like to take time and appreciate the involvement of all senses.

Oddly, taste is rarely the dominant one, as I don't nibble, not even to test food while I cook it. Smell is perhaps what I rely on most when I cook. I also enjoy the feeling of the ingredients as they pass through my fingers, and the close relation with fire that transforms individual items to a unified whole.

And vision, of course.

Last weekend's stirfry

I rarely follow recipes faithfully. Ingredient substitution is a dangerous habit, but often very rewarding. Most of the times, I have a general idea of how a meal is constructed, and as I cook I rely on my imagination - and the contents of my refrigirator. Don't some ingredients cry out "use me! use me!"?

Last night I made pseudo-quesadilla. I have no idea how one is really made, although I 'm sure a quick internet search would have provided the answer. I just came up with something myself that was so successful, I even decided to share.

Ingredients
1 cup flour (I only had white, but a combination of white & whole wheat would be better)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cup water
shredded pieces of chicken (leftovers from a chicken soup)
1/2 green pepper, sliced thinly
1 handful sweetcorn
2-3 tbsp heavy cream
2/3 cup cheese that melts well, grated
salt, pepper

1. Combine olive oil with flour, stir with a fork until mixed, and there are no chunks of dry flour (this will avoid lumps). Add the water, little by little, stirring thoroughly. Mixture should be quite runny. Add some salt, if desired. Divide in half, and pour over hot pan, shaking to spread the mixture evenly. Make two, set aside

2. Fry chicken, pepper and sweet corn for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. Set aside

3. Turn fire to lowest possible. Place one of the crepes on the pan, spread chicken mixture on a thin layer, sprinkle with cheese, heavy cream, freshly ground black pepper

4. Place the second crepe over the whole thing, and heat until cheese is melted. Goes well with fresh green salad

The maturity of knowing when to give up

2007-09-11T17:26:00.000-04:00

Reading back on my Alphabet posts they remind me of primary school essays. That may have something to do with the time of day that I write them, or the lack of interest in talking about myself. Didn't take that long, did it? Truth is, I 'd rather talk about knitting and sewing (and occasionally the cats). This structured and ordered sequence of self-imposed topics certainly did not stimulate my creativity. I am impressed with all those people who manage to do it, with much grace and perhaps little effort, but I am obviously not one of them.

No problem with that - I have a list of projects that I 've been working on for a long, long while. I don't know how this got so out of hand, as I never had more than 2-3 projects simultaneously. Longer projects, though, would reach a point where I 'd be too tired to work on them at the moment, or I 'd be watching some fancy Japanese or Indian film where I 'd have to keep my eyes on the subtitles. Then inspiration would strike, and I 'd start something new before I knew it. So here 's the list of unfinished projects:

1. brother's grey hat (90% done)
2. Beachcomber Tunic (65% done)
3. Granny Squares blanket (15% done)
4. Lizard Ridge blanket (80% done)
5. Red Sweater (destined to become 9 balls of yarn)
6. blue-green socks (15% done)
7. Noro Clapotis (30% done)
8. Dots bedspread (15% done)
9. red skirt (perhaps destined to become pillowcases?)

The funny thing is that I really want to finish all these projects, and use them. So I will try my best NOT to begin anything new, except the occasional bag (I may need my instant gratification fix every now and then) until I bring the list down to two projects, one of which should be portable. I plan to start with those that are close to finishing, so I can knock them off my list - because that's what us experienced listmakers do. Wish me luck!

Good luck, Katerinaki! Here, I 'll hold on to those until you're done!

C - (my) camera

2007-09-10T20:46:00.001-04:00

I really, really like my camera. It's been with me to so many places, and has helped me to keep things in memory. Not just that, it's helped me look for the beauty around me, see my surroundings in a different way. And often it has managed to capture these images close to the way I want them to look, while sometimes the result is a total surprise. Not always unpleasant.

I 've always liked to take photographs, but I am not particularly skilled in the use of machines. In fact, I 'd say I suck at it. So a good camera, with tons of settings and complicated numbers, measurements etc. is out of my range. What I like about my camera, then, is that it does a good job even for a technicaly challenged person like me.

Here 's just a sample of what we 've seen together lately:

I haven't been doing much knitting or otherwise crafting worthy to talk about. Just progress on things that I 've already posted about a shameful while ago. I don't even think I 'll have anything finished soon. sigh!

B -Bags

2007-09-09T11:47:00.001-04:00

(Image from: http://www.paddletramps.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=PT)

I love making bags! I have made quite a few and plan to make more, many more. Although I am finding more and more ways to use them around the house, I enjoy just as much giving them away - in fact, anyone who dares to say 'nice bag' to me runs the risk of ending up with it. They give me a very good reason to make another one!

At the same time, I hate plastic bags. In fact, I am working on developing a mental allergy to plastic bags, and hope to eliminate them from my life as much as possible. This is sometimes easier said than done. Cashiers at my local supermarket act as if they are almost personally insulted when I pull out my shopping cotton bag and tell them 'I don't need bags, thank you'. In many other places cashiers also act surprised, as it stops them on their track - it seems almost instinctive to them by now: scan purchased item, reach for plastic item that may take up to 300 years to disintegrate, times two if double-bagging. On other occasions, though, people have appreciated what I am doing, and some have also thanked me and added their own support on the subject. Moments like that certainly make up for the other days.

So I 'll keep making and giving away bags, and favour places that at least make an effort to use alternatives or encourage reuse of plastic bags. It's a win-win situation!

Alphabet City -A

2007-09-08T19:12:00.000-04:00

I 've been enjoying reading the meme on people's thoughts based on the alphabet. Although it may be a bit too late (I 'm over a month late), I thought I 'd give it a try and see if I can finish the alphabet.

Some slight modifications arise even before I begin:
1. As my inspiration, along with everything else, is bilingual, sometimes the original words will have to be in Greek. I will translate (of course), and write out thoughts in English (I may also sneak in a Greek letter or two. I kind of like Ξ and Ψ...)

2. I tend to rename things/people in my head. In my mind this one is called Alphabet city.

(Image found here: www.ceu.hu/medstud/manual/MMM/Tools/schreiber.gif)

Αρχή (=beginning, start, n.)

On many occasions, such as in History, I think that beginnings are just a textbook convention, to help put order into time. I usually conclude that they are simply the next step from a situation that built up to it. Consequently, I have trouble understanding things as out-of-the blue beginnings, as I always look for what led to them.

I like starting a new project, although I have trouble finishing things. In fact, this contradicts another very true concept, of Κάθε αρχή και δύσκολη (=Every beginning is hard). It can be hard, fun, scary, exciting. Or it can just be the next step from yesterday.

101 Sweaters I Could Knit?

2007-09-08T07:31:00.001-04:00

Thanks to a colleague's thoughtfulness, I came accross this. Published in 1963.

(I give up. I have no idea how to rotate this...)

I love the timeless sweaters patterns I found here. Despite being timeless, they can look so different with the right accessories (and hairstyle!). I would certainly knit and wear this:

and the two-shades cardigan at the top left:

and this:

Please observe above the solution to 3/4 sleeves: fancy, tight gloves. How wonderful!
Have a nice weekend!

2007-09-03T10:02:00.001-04:00

August was supposed to be clothes-mending month. I have all these dresses and tops and skirts that need only a tiny bit of change to make them just right. Of course, I should have remembered my own hard-found words of wisdom: Don't bother making plans, as they never come out as you planned them. That's not to mean to just sit and let life take you places aimlessly. It just means that for me it is best to have solid, general ideas of what needs to be done, and wait for the right moments to carry out plans as opportunity appears. Much better than getting caught up in planning and be taken by surprise when things don't go as desired.

Anywayyyyyy... The only thing I managed to do was making a summer dress longer. My sewing abilities have a (very) long way to go, but here's what I did anyway

Fold dress in half and measure the bottom hem. Draw an extension of the side curve, and cut pattern paper. That is 1/4 of what the fabric piece should be. Lay on fabric folded in 4, vertical line on folded side.

Cut fabric. It should be wider than the dress, much wider if pleats are desired. I didn't, so I just left some extra fabric for the seams. Join at the hem first, then sides, then fix new hem.

Have husband or other poor unsuspecting individual take photographs (headless version optional)

I am quite pleased with the result, although in retrospect some extra fabric for a few pleats would have been better. I consider this a 80% success project.

Sushi for breakfast

2007-09-02T11:59:00.001-04:00

I know it's not supposed to be a good idea, but I absolutely love eating last dinner party's left overs. Especially when dinner looked like that:

From top left to bottom right: sushi rice, eel, crabmeat shredded, mixed with mayonaise, carrot, cuccumbers and perhaps some sauce, nori sheets, salmon, spicy tuna, crab sticks. Yum! There were also salmon flakes, tuna with mayonaise (not pictured), wine, margaritas, and lots of sake. I believe the Japanese must have a saying that goes kind of like that, in regards to sake: when it's cheap, drink it cold. We chilled it as much as we could ;-)

...follwed by green tea and Argentinian sweets (sory, I forget the name. Probably due to the copious consumption of abovementioned sake...)

The company was great, and I had the luxury of washing the dishes listening to live music. Am I the most fortunate girl in the world, or what!

50 posts

2007-09-01T09:04:00.000-04:00

Life is slowly getting back to a rhythm. So I started my Saturday morning in very much the way I like. In list form, here is how it went:

I was waken up at my usual, ungodly 6 am by three hungry kitties, who don't understand the concept of weekends and sleeping in (ok, this part I didn't quite like)
I daydreamed about future crafty projects, still in bed, with the (now fed) abovementioned monsters hovering around me for snuggles. This hour has always been my most creative and productive time, be it for crafty, academic or life ideas
Read a bit from my favourite book. It didn't help me go back to sleep, as I can never go 'back' to sleep, but it did put me in a good mood
Made coffee, and a wonderful discovery: Oreo cookies taste really yummy dipped in hot coffee. Just be careful, as the hot drink saturates them MUCH faster than cold milk - 1-2 seconds are enough, or you loose your cookie! (for milk I count to 6)
Curled up on the sofa and made some progress on one my current wip's

Faithful to my finishing mood, I am not starting any new projects unless the current ones are finished. Here are some progress photos, at last

1. Wooly hat for brother, intended for Christmas present (aren't I commendable, starting so early?!). I 'm planning to line it with some flannel, to keep away the cold Dutch wind

2. The Beachcomber Tunic (link at sidebar)

All knit parts have been finished long ago, but I had some trouble with getting gauge on the crocheted parts. I ended up using a 2.75 mm hook, as the suggested 3 mm was too big for the knitted part and it looked funny. I am very pleased with it now

3. Finally, some finished objects. Two pairs of wristwarmers, made with one skein of Noro Big Kureyon. I was impressed by the fact that the stripes came out so well coordinated - I didn't plan it! They also are intended as Christmas presents

The thumb openings are simple 5-stitch buttonholes, based on a friend's suggestion. At first I wasn't sure if I 'd like it, but now I do, and planning to make a pair for me as well using this, much cosier thumb opening. Thank you, Sachi!

For lack of project photos

2007-08-29T19:25:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned how much I hate sticking wires to my (new and wonderful) camera and computer and downloading photos? I don't know what bothers me so much. Is it the minimal effort of finding the wires, which usually are within arm's length in a drawer? I can't really tell. But I have a feeling that if my computer had one of these slots where you stick the memory card in directly I 'd do it more often. Or maybe I 'm just saying that because my computer does NOT have one of these slots, so it's safe to complain.

In any case, today I 'm all about making lists. ("today?"!!). So here's what I did today on the crafty side:

1. decided on the pattern of the next 2 bags I want to make. I have recipients in mind

2. made a drawing of an image I 've been holding in my mind for several days now. It is what I consider already my favourite spot in my future house. In this beautiful daydream, I am curled up knitting on a cosy sofa, looking at the lit fireplace (indeed!), and looking out the glass panes on the door to my left. The white fence shields me from the neighbours, and all I can see is the rain falling. In the grey light my plants and potted herbs are shining and bright green. -- Of course I have no photo of this. Believe me, your imagination is doing a much better job

3. paid bills. (o.k., this is not crafty, but it had to be done, and I had to mention it)

4. cooked an ingenious combination of what needed urgent use in my fridge, and I 'm quite pleased with the result. Fried onion and bacon, added broccoli and carrots, then orzo (κριθαράκι), water, salt & peper, and some tomato sauce. Boil for 20-30 min., turn fire off, add cheese.

As for the photo of the day, I 'll go with the usual moto: 'When In Doubt, Post Kitty Photo'

Who wants her photo posted today?

I do! I do!

A New Age Of Ramblings

2007-08-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

It's been busy, to say the least. And stressful. And exciting. Did I mention busy?
L. got a job. A good one, but kinda out of town. So, yes, it's been busy, and now he 's working on settling down, and this little Greek is working towards moving bit-by-bit to one of the Athenses of America (I know, I know...).

In fact, new location is a lovely place, and I can't wait 'til things work out so I and the kitties join him. It won't be for a while, though, and for now I 've got no pictures. Let alone that I have not knit, or sewn, or crocheted anything. Not one stitch. Of any kind.

However, since my evenings are going to be considerably quieter and my weekends considerably busier, I will see if I can try to change my blogging routine, and write on weekdays, perhaps more often. It's not a promise, or a rule. Just an idea. However, quantity tends to be going against (questionable) quality, so certainly no promises on that respect!

And because a post can't be without a photo, here 's proof of Sunny trying to steal my camera

It's getting close to bedtime. Ray is on t.v., and the cats have each picked a spot to sleep on the bed, barely leaving any space for me. So what's a girl to do, but pick up some knitting and get back on track! Stay tuned, non-existing readers!

Brown bag

2007-08-14T21:12:00.001-04:00

I made another bag. It's becoming addictive. After a few months the idea forms in my head, I plan every detail (it does go faster if I draw it out, actually. Much faster), and then I have to have it, no matter what. This time I thought of what kind of bag I 'd like to carry, instead of looking at the fabrics and see what catches my attention. The result is much tamer, and suited to my daily moods

There is a big back pocket in the same brown fabric with beige trimming (both acquired during my last trip to Cleveland)

Inside, as always, the usual phone and metrocard pockets.

I 've already used it for a couple of days, and it works for me very well. Next time I 'd make something similar, perhaps I 'd put more outside pockets, and a it could be bit bigger. It is still Purrfect as it is, though, and I 'm very happy with it. L says it reminds him of a Buddhist monk's bag, and although I don't see exactly why he says that, I like the image of me going around the city in a Buddhist monk's bag!

Of Pines and Clear Seas

2007-08-05T13:04:00.000-04:00

Talk about exaggeration! After a 2 weeks break 'out of town' and a week of jetlag and intense heat, yesterday under the influence of 31.5 C I wondered "will I ever feel like knitting again?"...
Thankfully, today my question was answered (in the positive, followed by 'of course, silly') just by a drop of 4 degrees (C, always).

It is a glorious day today, and I am contemplating picking up unfinished projects. Being very dilligent, and not even thinking of starting anything new.

As there are no progress photos, here are some of what kept me busy recently.

Why I haven't been around

2007-07-12T19:02:00.000-04:00

I 've been out of town. Yippee! Fresh air and nature!

Meanwhile, here are some pics from last weekend in Ohio:

at the dock (Lake Erie)

Trees! Yippee!

I got a bit obsessed with these beetle-eaten leaves

and my camera's close-up abilities

Leaving again tomorrow, for 2 weeks this time . Double yippee!
Pictures will follow, of course!
Have a good one!

Uninspired

2007-07-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

Most of the week I have been working on making (slow) knitting progress on things that don't make interesting subjects to write about. They are all works in progress with little photogenic abilities. So, here is a list of random thoughts on crafting and organising:

1. My chart holder. I love working with charts, especially for lace projects. One of those could cost a fortune in specialty stores, but I made mine with a 99 cents board, and a moving loop made of a piece of trim held together at the back with some elastic band. The rest is done by post-it notes, to indicate pattern details.

2. I think I 've mentioned before Sunny's fascination with my bamboo knitting needles. Look what she did to one! Chewed it to the point it broke. If I wasn't worried she 'd hurt herself I 'd just give it to her, but as it is, this poor needle has been withdrawn from service for the time being. In case of need, however, it can be used - but not as a dpn- with a rubber band at the broken end.

bad kitty...

3. I love the new fabric squares I 've been collecting recently:

greens

yellows and oranges
(complete with kitty paw)

4. Lastly, I had read that a piece of flannel will work as design board for quilting, as the cotton will simply stick to it if pressed. I had never tested it, until the new squares arrived. So I pulled out the only flannel sheet we have, and stuck a few squares on it.

It works!

The dots are taking over my life!

2007-06-24T07:01:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I had lots of plans for the weekend. Plans that involved cleaning, cooking, reading, spending time outdoors - you name it. What did I do instead? -I fell victim to inspiration.

I came around this amazing idea in this wonderful blog, which kindly gave a link to this genius idea in this wonderful blog. After all this inspiration, how could I resist!

So I got myself a compass, some paper and a manila folder, and made templates:

Then I made some dots:

The process was super easy, almost meditative. So I made more dots:

LOTS of dots

In fact, I had to force myself to stop.
Initially I was planning to make a pillow, and see how it looks. No need for that, they 're all going to be on the bed cover (a.k.a. cat hair collector). I will hand-applique them, and then add a border etc. -I might need more dots for the border... ;-) I have no idea how to quilt it, I have never made a quilt before. I might make knots instead of actually quilt it, but that's not going to happen any time soon.

Pictured here, with Supermodel Seven

The way that cats insist to be part of each photograph of projects reminds me of car advertisements, where there is always a hot model there, whether it has anything to do with the product or not.

To prove my point, here is another shot, with my newly acquired quilting squares that came on the mail the other day.

200 of them!

I wanted to see and admire each and every one, so I sorted them all according to basic colour. Now, that's archival!

Lists

2007-06-20T20:05:00.001-04:00

Today after work I met with a friend whose enthusiasm in knitting is inspiring. She is just learning to make socks, and we had a little workshop on short-row heels, my prefered method of making heels. I have tried a flap heel as well, but I have very thin heels and they don't really fit well, so that's what I showed her. If it doesn't work for her, I 'll show her other options (I 'd have to review them first, but that's not a bad thing, is it?).

Although she picked up on wrapping stitches with remarkable ease, she kept getting lost at which stitch to wrap. So I hershowed parts of my own, obsessive (and very detailed) system of marking each and every step of the process. I developed this system about 25 years ago, and it is an essential part of my knitting experience I can't (or do not want to) do without. It is useful for those patterns where 'make two' is mentoned, but I do it for every project, just because.

Snowflakes count for 5, checks for 2: knit and purl

I mean it, EVERY project!

In knitting news, I am almost halfway through the half of the second sleeve on the Beachcomber Tunic (for link, see sidebar), and eager to start the crochet sections.

Also, a while ago I started the ever-so-popular Clapotis, in Noro Kureyon 128. It has been like that for a while, though, as I am now focusing on abovementioned project.

I am following the pattern without any modifications, but for my logging method I have the special assistance of this!

Antique counter, originally used by my mum's uncle, who was a customs officer -I am guessing for the Ottoman government, but I must double-check that. He 'd press the button for every sack that would pass before him. How cool is that!

Weekend highlights

2007-06-17T17:10:00.000-04:00

Crafty booty from Flushing

Making a necklace

Sunny was on duty for help

Making (and eating) chips

Live music

2007-06-16T21:14:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I bought a new skirt.

It was on the outside rack of a store in Jackson Heights, the Indian neighbourhood in Queens. I knew I had a winner when I saw this 'Kill Bill' skirt (she wears a long light blue skirt in the last scene, when she kills Bill. heh!), but it was obvious why it was marked down: the stripes were badly, barely seamed, the beads falling apart (it isn't clear in the photo, but there are a few ebroidered viney beads along the skirt). 'No problem, I thought, I can fix it with some knots and straight seams.' The first time I wore the skirt I got caught in the rain, the skirt got very, very wet, and very, very heavy. I had no idea how difficult it is to walk with a wet long skirt! Naturally, after that ordeal, the skirt was in desparate need of repair.

Tonight L. is rehearsing with a new group, playing some smooth, Latin music - and they are really, really good! So, I took a glass of wine and sat by the sewing machine. It is a warm, summer night. The cats gathered around me, at first trying to 'help' and then curled up and fell asleep. It didn't take long to fix the skirt. And then, just as I was about to finish, I paused and realised that I have done all that listening to some awesome live music! Free concert! Yippee!

The mystical communication of cotton

2007-06-16T07:36:00.001-04:00

One of the things I have been collecting (or should I say stashing) over the years is cotton squares and small amounts of fabric for quilting or just playing around. Most of the projects I have made over the last year are from this stash. They are fun and an inexpensive way of collecting fabric, even though there isn't much uniformity in what I end up with. And sometimes they can be found in the most unusual of places.

Like this last batch, which I found in a 99-cents store a block away from work.

As soon as I came home, I played a game. I laid them all on the floor and sat in front of them, just staring and trying to imagine what each piece would like to become. It was an interesting experience, as different projects came through my mind as possibilities for the different fabrics, and in a very mystical way the fabrics rejected my ideas. Heh.. Finally, two decided to be cooperative.

So now I have a definite project for this:

And possibly for this:

Hopefully some of it will materialise during this weekend.

As always, Skid had to inspect the fabric-stash box

The Adventures of Purple Pillow

2007-06-14T18:09:00.001-04:00

One of the most constant presences in my life has been my beloved (and coveted) Purple Pillow. It was given to me by a friend of the family, sometime in the late 1970s. It has my name on it, and it is handpainted by another friend of the family, who has a gift shop in which the pillow was sold.

The little pillow had been laying around in my room for several years, without a serious use but being unable to get rid of it as it seemed like a useful thing - and it had my name on it. Until sometime in the mid-1980s I used it as a sleeping prop. At first I just put it between my elbows, so that the top arm wouldn't be hanging too much when sleeping on my side. After that it has found many more uses to make my sleep comfortable, and soon after I got my first sewing machine, I bought some purple silk and made two matching pillow cases for it. Ever since then, its name has been Purple Pillow.

It has been with me ever since, in all kinds of trips, sleep-overs, camping trips etc. It has ALWAYS been with me. The original filling has been replaced with feather and down, and other kinds of maintenance have been dutifully and lovingly performed as needed. In the last 20 years I must have slept without it no more than five times - and every time it was uncomfortable, Purple Pillow missed sorely. Purple Pillow is also very coveted. Everyone who sees it, thinks it's a great idea and asks if they can have it. Naturally, the answer is always 'No'!

Sadly, yesterday morning Purple Pillow had an accident... Skid needed to express herself, and part of her discontent landed on the edge of poor Purple. I only found out when I went to bed, so I had to put it aside, doomed to an uncomfortable night. So today, first thing after work was to cut open the inside casing (the one with my name on), which has certainly run its course.

Due to its many holes (which result in feather loss), it has now been retired, and a new, plain one took its place.

And here it is, in it's rightful place: my side of the bed!

Good night, everybody!

Really...?!!

2007-06-13T19:44:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I 'm so obvious...

You Should Spend Your Summer at the Beach

You're a free spirit who is always thinking of new ways to have fun.
And you don't just love summer... you live for it.

So, you really should blow off your responsibilities and head to the beach!

Where Should You Spend Your Summer?

I belong in Fall

2007-06-11T20:53:00.000-04:00

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...
You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings
Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

Does this mean that my favourite season should be Fall, or that my personality reminds of Fall?
Does this mean that my favourite season should be Autumn, or that my personality reminds of Autumn?

I like "Autumn" the best :)

Phew!

2007-06-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

Of course I would run out of yarn!
Note to self: next time check not only gauge and number of skeins, but YARDAGE requirements.
Yet another case of reinventing the wheel, albeit with some delay... heh...

Luckily, last night, when doubts already were niggling my mind, I did a search online, and found this lovely person on eBay who had exactly what I needed, same dyelot too. I had bought the yarn in Edinburgh, so I knew that my chances of finding the same dyelot would mean paying in pounds. sigh... Crisis averted, problem solved; sweater price: soared. Double sigh...

Sunflowers for a rainy day

2007-06-10T07:56:00.001-04:00

It is gloomy today, not really what one would want for a Sunday morning. Needing a dash of sunshine, the next best thing is another mosaic. I love making those things!

sunflowers
Originally uploaded by ListmakerKat

This is from the solitary sunflower that found its way to my home, from a whole bunch delivered to a co-worker. She couldn't take them all with her, and didn't want to leave them alone over the weekend, so she generously offered them to the rest of us.

I love sunflowers, love their personality, and vibrant colours. This one reminds me of a girl wearing a bonnet, tightly tied under her chin. I also love how my new camera can take pictures almost from contact.

Obviously, no knitting news. I have reached the irritating stage in Beachcomber Tunic where I begin to wonder if I will run out of yarn or not. Aaaargh!

Seven

2007-06-05T21:37:00.001-04:00

No real knitting or otherwise crafty progress worthy of talking about.
Meanwhile, here's what cost me a week's salary in vet tests.

The vet seemed good, but turned out to be the golddigger type (more, more tests!!!). I don't think I 'll be going there again.

Thankfully, Seven seems to be fine. Must go snuggle her NOW.

Glamour in the rain

2007-06-03T18:24:00.001-04:00

Monomania

2007-06-03T16:09:00.001-04:00

It's been one of those weekends. Too hot on Saturday, overcast and not hot enouch on Sunday. So what else can one do in one of those weekends?

Silly question..

The results:

Beachcomber Tunic: back and two front halves: check!

Seven approves

I decided to make all the knitted parts first, and then do all the crochetted parts next. Of course, this may have something to do with the fact that I still don't have the right size hook.
It went pretty fast, despite the occasionally screechy bamboo needles. When I knit without looking, which is most of the time, I guide the needles with my left thumb, but the right tip always rubs on the side of the left needle. The unfinished edge of bamboo needles occasionally sqreech a bit, which I find very, very unpleasant. Hopefully the sleeves will be finished soon and my ordeal will be over.

No other project was even touched during the past week. I really am in a hurry with this project. I did manage, however, to make a very yummy Spanakopita, that was eaten in much less time than it took to roll the dough:

Yum, yum, yummer!