Adventures in Knitting

So. I've joined a mystery knitalong. I know we're making a shawl, I just don't have any idea what it will look like until we're done. Here's my wrap-up of how things have gone so far:

Attempt #1:

Read the clue. Goggle at the sheer number of stitches to cast on. Deep breath and attempt to cast on 800+ stitches of lace weight yarn onto 14" straight needles. Realize that this isn't going to work. Frog. Re-wrap yarn around ball. Find chocolate, caffeine and nicotine to console myself.

Attempt #2:

Buy proper needles for the project. Cast on. Knit the first 6 rows. Make an error somewhere in row 7. Attempt to tink back, lose a stitch. Frog, and re-wrap yarn. Eat more chocolate, drink more caffeine.

Attempt #3:

Cast on. Lose a stitch while knitting first row. Frog and re-wrap yarn. Think heavily about buying alcohol to replace chocolate. Realize liquor stores are closed. Set entire project aside to calm down.

Attempt #4:

Deep breath, calming tunes, cast on. Successfully knit first 2 rows. Read pattern wrong about a third through the row. Find error near end of row. Attempt to tink back, lose 2 stitches. Frog. Break yarn during frogging. Finish re-wrapping yarn. Untangle broken piece and wrap for possibility of emergency at a later date. Intake massive amounts of sugar, caffeine and nicotine to calm nerves.

Attempt #5:

Cast on slowly, using different type of cast on. Triple check number of stitches. Knit 4 rows slowly and without errors. Begin row 5 of pattern. Stop and set aside due to being tired and jittery from the sugar/caffeine crash. Cross fingers and hope that all continues to go well. Think about buying new clothes since most of my current clothes don't fit right now thanks to sugar and caffeine...

I'm not annoyed with the pattern. I still really like it so far. And I'm honor-bound to do this thing properly, dang it!

Update: I've (finally) completed Clue #1 successfully! The photo's the proof. Now, on to Clue #2....

Movie meme

Thanks to sleeping si, I have another meme to share.


One movie that made you laugh:
Shaun of the Dead
One movie that made you cry:
Stepmom
One movie that you loved as a child:
The Last Unicorn
One movie you've seen more than once:
The Crow
One movie you loved, but were embarrased to admit it:
I don't embarrass too easily anymore, so I can't think of one at the moment....
One movie you hated:
Zoolander
One movie that scared you:
When I was little, I had a nightmare about the Care Bears Movie...does that count?
One movie that bored you:
Speed Racer
One movie that made you happy:
Pirates of the Caribbean. Any of them.
One movie that made you miserable:
Where the Day Takes You
One movie that you weren't brave enough to see:
um...
One movie characted you've fallen in love with:
How about lust? Then it would be Captain Jack Sparrow.
The last movie you saw:
Get Smart
The next movie you hope to see:
Dark Knight


Consider yourselves tagged.

Look Up

See those dragons up there? See the pretty pink one? She needs a name.

And I'm fresh out of ideas. C'mon people, help me out!

50 ?s

Yeah, yeah. I'm adding 2 at the end of it. I like rounded numbers. "Borrowed" it from Ames heheh.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not that I know of.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
It's been a while.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I guess.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Are you buying?
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
I'm allergic.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yep. I'm awesomeness personified.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Pshaw. I scoff at sarcasm.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably not. I don't want a huge rubber band to bounce me back up if I hit.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Cocoa Puffs
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
My shoes don't tie.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
In what sense of the word do you mean? Physical? Yes. Emotional? That too.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Banana Split Blizzard from DQ
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
How they present themselves.
15. RED OR PINK?
Green.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Like I'm going to tell you that.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My oldest brother.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Sure.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Why do you want to know?
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
French fries.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The keyboard clacking.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Steel Grey.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fresh cut grass, honeysuckle, etc.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My SPOH.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Well, duh! She's my friend!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NASCAR
27. HAIR COLOR?
Natural.
28. EYE COLOR?
Hazel.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Can't.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Food I don't have to prepare.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Yes.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Get Smart.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Are you planning on stalking me or what?
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Spring.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs are made of white chocolate. I'm not a big fan of white chocolate.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Hell if I know.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
See #37.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison (re-read)
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
The mouse.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Re-runs of Grey's.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Depends on my mood.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Flip a coin.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Devil's Tower. Wyoming, I think.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Why yes I do.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In a hospital.
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
See #37.
48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?
12.43 am.
49. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR PET PEEVES?
Stupid people.
50. WHAT PHRASE DO YOU USE EVERY DAY?
New topic!

? ? ?

Here's some questions that I stole from Ames. I'm not telling exactly where I stole it from her though.

Do you have any weird talents?
Oh probably.

When was your 1st kiss?
Before the second.


Do you have a YouTube account?
not anymore.

Last book you read for pleasure?
Aren't most books for pleasure?


What's your 4th text message?
I dunno. I delete them.

What is your birthstone?
Aquamarine

In one word, how would you define yourself?
HA!

Tell me about the last dream you had...
No.


Are your great grandparents still alive?
no

What is you favorite kind of ice cream?
Dairy Queen blizzards

What do you like to do in your free time?
many different things.


Something you really need?
I'm told that I need to get a grip...

What is the last TV program you watched?
Rerun of Firefly

What are you wearing right now?
Clothes.

What color are your underwear?
Why do you want to know?

What are you most looking forward to tomorrow?
Spending time with my SPOH.

When you think of the rainbow, what pops in your head?
Leprechauns

Something you don't have any of:
Patience with stupid people.

Have you lost contact with someone you wish you didn't?
Yes!

Are you afraid of the dark?
That would be a no.

Whats worse, roaches or spiders?
Roaches. Spiders help keep out the rest of the bugs.


How often do you redo your profile?
very seldom.

Do you ever want to get married?

Been there. Done that. Burned the bridge.

How long does it take you to get ready to go somewhere?
Depends on how spiffed out I have to be.

Would you rather be called hot, cute, or awesome?
I'd rather be called by name, thanks.

Travel by bike or walk?
To travel by bike would indicate that I own a bike...


Play any sports?
Only spectator sports.

Who knows you best?
I'm hoping that would be me.

Have you learned a new song lately?
Sure.


What would be the best gift ever?
Stability.

Do you have cancer or know someone who does?
no

What is your current mood?
blank...

Who do you admire?
Smart people. For a given value of smart.


Are you photogenic?
I prefer to be behind the camera, thanks.

Favorite food smell?
There are many, and if I start listing them, I'll have to go raid the fridge.

Why did you kiss the last person you kissed?
Why do you ask?

Would you kiss them again?
Why? Jealous?

When is the last time you smoked weed?
no, thanks.

What movie are you waiting to see in theatres?
Get Smart

Why did your last relationship fail?
He was an ass, and I was less than intelligent.

Have you played on the Wii yet?
once or twice

Do you like Paramore's music?
some of it.


What is your favorite soft drink?
Diet Cherry 7-Up

Last time you puked?
It's been a while.

What do you think of politics?
Thinking gives me a headache.

What is worse, physical or emotional pain?
Emotional.


What are your fetishes?
Need to know basis. You do not need to know.

How often do you say the F word?
Depends on how angry/annoyed I am.

Do you get what you want?
You offering?

Do you know what you want?
Mostly.

More stuff

So, I finally got some decent sleep. The interesting thing about it is that I'm up before 10 am. Not going to complain though.

The tank-in-progress is ... progressing. I had to stop for a little while due to hand cramps. Which is to be expected, I guess, when one knits over 1k of stitches a day for 3 days. But I really want to see if it looks decent and if I wrote it out properly. There's still quite a bit left to do. I haven't quite made it to under the ribs yet...

I'm hanging out with the family later today. I'll let y'all know how that goes. I've made a 'surprise' to take over there with me too. (It's a dessert, and it's not strawberry shortcake [well, not really.])

And now, on to another meme thieved from ssk.

YES/NO GAME RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
You can only say yes or no. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!

Over 18?
Yes

Danced in front of your mirror naked?
yes

Ever told a lie?
Yes

Been arrested?
Yes

Kissed a picture?
Yes

Fallen asleep at work/school?
Yes

Held an actual snake?
Yes

Ever run a red light?
Yes

Ever drink and drive?
Yes

Been suspended from school?
No

Ever been fired from a job?
No

Totaled a car/motorbike in an accident?
Yes

Sang karaoke?
Yes

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
Yes

Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose?
Yes

Ever laughed until you wet yourself?
No

Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Yes

Kissed in the rain?
Yes

Sang in the shower?
Yes

Sat on a rooftop?
Yes

Thought about your past with regret?
Yes

Been pushed in the pool with your clothes on?
Yes

Shaved your head?
No

Blacked out from drinking?
Yes

Had a gym membership?
Yes

Been in a band?
No

Shot a gun?
Yes

Liked someone with nobody else knowing about it?
Yes

Played strip poker?
No

Been to a strip joint?
No

Donated Blood?
Yes

Liked someone you shouldn't?
Yes

Have a tattoo?
Yes

Have or had any piercings besides ears?
Yes

Made out with a complete stranger?
No

Caught someone cheating on you?
No

Skinny dipped?
No

Regret any of your ex's?
Yes

Been to a rodeo?
No

Been to a NASCAR race?
No

Been in Love?
Yes

Don't answer/ask in comments, please.

Tra la la

Okay, I just finished visiting sleepingsiknits and kinda sorta got tagged by her newest post. So, here's mine:

"List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your spring summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to."

"Life Again" - Decyfer Down
I had to write down the band name because I couldn't remember.

"Teardrop" - Massive Attack
I've been watching House re-runs and I really like this song. With or without words.

"Approach the Bench" - The Audition
Gets stuck in my head quite easily.

"Lemon Parade" - Tonic
Nice, mellow tune.

"Freshmen" - The Verve Pipe
This song has been with me for many, many moons.

"When Your Heart Stops Beating" - (+44)
Catchy.

"Blister in the Sun" - Violent Femmes
I always smile and sing along when I hear this one.

This is harder than I thought it would be...
Tag yourselves.

Picky Picky Picky

Since I've finished one top (the tunic), I've been looking like mad at all sorts of other tops to make. I want to make a tank top. But almost all of the designs I see are almost-but-not-quite what I want to make. So I bit the bullet and am trying to design one of my own. I know what I want, and I think I can make the yarn do what I want it to. I just have to remember to write down what I'm doing!


The first photo is roughly what the table looks like when I'm trying to figure things out and keep track of them at the same time. The second photo is what I have done so far. And, I must say, so far so good. Hopefully I can keep it up. Except my brain keeps jumping ahead while my hands are working on the current segment. Which is all well and good, if you don't take into account my ability to hodge-podge nearly all attempts at multitasking, lateral thinking, working on more than one problem involving simple math and shaping at the same time.

So, needless to say, I'm scribbling things down on paper, typing them into the computer and mentally sketching what comes next. While trying to figure out my gauge at the same time. I'm too impatient to swatch. And since this project is off-the-cuff, I think I can be fairly certain that frogging and tinking will be involved at one point or another, though hopefully not too much.

This third photo is my attempt at an extreme close up to show how the shaping is showing up, but my camera and I are almost not on speaking terms (again) due to its stubborn refusal to take a semi-decent close up shot.

At least I'm not writing this pattern like I write revised recipes. I think if I did that, I'd have a 50/50 shot at amusing some of the people (assuming that someone else tries to decipher this) and offending the rest. Cross your fingers for me.

Oh, and did I mention that I'm working this in lace weight yarn?

Who Stole My Sheep Counter?

Let me just start by saying I hate insomnia! I've been getting by for close to a week now on 4 hours or less per day. I've tried just about everything short of sleeping pills. I even made myself an eyeshade (see photo). It works really well to block out the light and is comfy. And it doesn't leave weird patterns on my face.

Now if I could just find a pattern for that brain/thought muffler...

WWKIP Day

So, yesterday was World Wide Knit In Public (WWKIP) Day. My original intentions were to kidnap Ames and go up to the State Museum and join the knitters there. However, gas prices (roughly 4.17/gal) and the distinct lack of cash changed those plans for me. So, instead, I went over to her summer job at the fireworks shop and knit in public there with her for a few hours. There were some customers too, so there were witnesses even.

Ames was working on a garter stitch dishcloth. I started another pair of cuffs. Now, I'm thinking she might have rather been working on crocheting something, but it was WWKIP and not WWCIP day, so she just had to suck it up lol.

And while I would have rather worked on my tunic, it is at a stage where portability is limited.

Here's proof that we were actually in the same place at the same time and not just holding the needles to look pretty.