Can I hibernate now?

This is what I did this week. And I didn't miss any work. Although I'm going to have to take a 'Mental Health Day' very very soon!

Go Vote (Book/Author-Wise)!!!!!

So, I saw that Kim is up for an award or two and, naturally, had to go vote. I encourage you to do the same if you've read her. Hell, go check it out even if you haven't, there might be a few you have read.

Just follow this link: Urban Fantasy Land Readers' Choice Awards

Happy Voting!

Shop, Swap, and Knit

No photos today. And some of the commentary might be vague and/or cryptic.

Koolhaas Update:

That demonic really cool hat that I talked about in the last post. Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about. Yeah, well, it's in the corner because after 2 more attempts, the yarn is screaming in pain, my finger refuses to cooperate with me, the cat is slightly more psychotic, and OH thinks I've been sampling too many yarn fumes. So it's going into the naughty pattern corner for now. I'll get back to it at some future date (preferably armed with um...something scary).

Back to our not-so-regularly scheduled post.

I finished the shawl I'd been working on (Foulard, pattern here) and am happy to report that the recipient absolutely loved it! Even her husband gave it good reviews, so 'scuse me while I do my little victory dance.

I also started on a Clapotis (affectionately renamed 'the clap'). So far, so good. I went downstairs a bit ago to give OH an update. Here's how the conversation went:

me: I'm almost ready to start on section 3 of the clap.
OH (absently): Yeah? I didn't know they had a program for that...

Beware trying to update anyone not familiar with your world, especially if you're not sure you have their complete attention or the WIP at hand. That was my funny for the day.

If you don't already know, I've signed up for two swaps! One is the Igor Thwap, which hath been very fun tho far, and I have to thtop getting thingth to put into it! My thpoilee ith ath exthited ath I am, I think. And yeth, we talk in Igor-thpeak. But we're Igorinath, so we don't always lithp.

The other is the Love Bites Swap, which is-in case you can't tell-vampire related goodies! It's also a secret swap. So, even though I've got lots of goodies ready, in progress, or on order, I can't share them just yet. But there's been some really cool ideas brought to my attention. I had to make myself stop buying and start assembling or else I wouldn't get it done and I would probably have to ship it in either a very large box or several smaller boxes.

I went shopping today to get some things for the swaps. I was trying to concentrate more on one than the other right now so that I can keep things straight. I'll get the other one bought next weekend. Ames, I really am sorry I wasn't much fun this trip. I could give you several excuses as to why, but neither of us really needs that, now, do we? Suffice it to say that I'm more or less better now.

I also have to put together the A/V portion of my group's presentation this weekend. I want to have it all done before Monday so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

Cookies and happies and warm toasties to you, my readers!

Adventures of a Koolhaas

I'm attempting to make this hat (pattern available here). The keyword being attempt. This pattern is starting to just piss me right off.

Don't get me wrong, I adore the hat. I want one! I want to make the damned thing. And I want mine to look like this picture! But in a different color.

Unfortunately, this is the first pattern that has boggled my modifications. Usually, I can just work a chart from left to right with no problems. This one has been ... well ... frustrating.

Attempt #1:

Cast on. Work the requisite 10 rounds of 2x2 ribbing, no problem. Change needle size (as per pattern) and begin working lattice pattern. Learn how to cable without a needle (+1 exp.) and get to row 6. Pause to rest fingers, notice blisters forming on index finger (definitely have a good and pointy needle, at least) and look at hat. Pattern is not emerging. Throw project down, eat chocolate to calm down. Frog and restart.

Attempt #2:

Cast on. Work the ribbing. Change needle size (still with the pattern so far), and begin lattice pattern again, being careful to use a consistent technique on the cables. Work to row 7. Pause to apply ointment to blistered index finger and look at hat. Pattern still isn't emerging. Throw project down in disgust, wander off in search of chocolate, muttering about patterns that aren't cooperating. Frog and restart....

Attempt #3:

Cast on. By some miracle, the yarn is not looking any worse for wear. Work the ribbing. Have a stroke of genius before starting the lattice and insert lifeline. Change needle size, start lattice pattern. Get to row 6. Stop to check progress of both pattern and healing finger. Finger is doing well, and pattern is almost emerging, but still doesn't look quite right. Deep breath. Inhale chocolate. Choke on chocolate pieces going into lungs. Stumble out of room in search of liquid, tangle yarn around legs, trip over cat, bang head on wall. So now we can add mild concussion and a lovely blue-tinted face (hey, at least it matches the yarn) to the poor battered, blistered index finger. Once streaming eyes clear up, look at hat again in the hopes of it magically looking correct. Nope, still not quite right. Sigh, because it's late at night and the neighbors might complain if I start screaming, frog, storm away to play video games and plan on restarting tomorrow.

To be continued....

First FO of the year!

This is my first completed project of the year! No matter that I started it last month. I finished it today!

The pattern is Clamber and can be found here.

OH even commented on it. In a positive way :P