Purls and Pugs

From Gucci to Yoda

The Gucci sweater is taking shape. Here you can see the buttons I picked out for it. I have the whole thing done except for the second sleeve. I tried it on and I think it will be really comfy. I am so excited to start on the brown one! I'm just having some motivation getting going on the second sleeve of this one. I know that once I am done with it, I can start the other one. BUT, I want to start the other one NOW! I'll get over it...

Yoda and I had a little picture session, too. Please excuse my freshly washed face. I had just indulged myself in a green facial mask that would make Frankenstein's monster jealous. I think Yoda is ready for B-E-D...but don't say the word! It's known to send a cranky pug into a spiral.

Please check out the Friends of Yoda album and keep sending in those pictures. Yoda is surprised to not see a picture of a pug in Japan or a mini long-haired dachshund from Peoria or a dalmatian named Lillie...She likes to diversify!
Have a great day!

Friends of Yoda

Well, we have our first picture in the "Friends of Yoda" album. You can check out the cutie Spike all decked out in his Halloween collar! 

Keep sending in the pictures and descriptions. Yoda can't wait to meet all her new friends!

Some Techy Stuff

So, since I work in IT, I know a lot about computers and the Internet. I know it sounds terribly exciting, but you'd be sorely disappointed. Anyway, because I am a geek, I decided to upgrade my stat tracker on this blog. I thought it would be nice to see more what people are looking at and use that information to make the site better.

Well, I noticed the Japanese Knitting stuff is VERY popular. Next popular are Yoda pictures. Then the regular grind of knitting and my life. So how can I use this information? Well, for starters, I can make sure the Japanese Knitting stuff is up to date. I haven't looked at that stuff since I posted it so long ago. I can also try to update the Yoda Gallery.

I have a new idea as well...anyone who reads this blog can send in a picture of their pet and I will create a "Friends of Yoda" gallery. Along with your pictures, send a description of your pet, name, what he/she likes to do, your name, etc. I think that would be a fun addition to the site. If you don't have a traditional pet, then the picture of a husband will do! (I'm just kidding...)

Have you seen my baseball...er...football?

I picked up Yoda's Halloween costume and general Sunday wear - A Chicago Bears jersey! She is so happy, can't you tell? Here are some of the best shots I got of her...

What a ham! I swear she could be a supermodel. Look at those poses!

So, while I was out last night, I also picked up some buttons for the Gucci Sweater (still working on a new  name). I found these silver swirls that will look great with the gray yarn. I am also almost done with the first sleeve. It's taken a bit, but I'll get there. I might get the second done this weekend...we'll see how that goes. But once that sweater is done, I can do some adjustments and start the 'real' one. I can't wait!!

Have a great weekend! Bear down!

Random Thoughts of the Day

Here is all my hard work on the collar for the Gucci sweater. BTW, I think I need to come up with a better name than the Gucci sweater or Gucci Inspired....any ideas?
Anyway, Here it is ready for some buttons. I think I will go to JoAnns this weekend to check out buttons. I am thinking silverish since the gray is on the cooler side of the color pallet, but we'll see what I can find.

Here are some pictures of the yarn I bought for the sweater (Knit Picks Candena in Mahogany), as well as for a scarf (maybe hat) for my grandmother (Knit Picks Elegance in Oatmeal), and for a swatch for a friend's sweater (Knit Picks Andean Silk in Cranberry).

Lastly, if you like salsa, I found a new favorite. Melina's Salsa is made in the Chicagoland area, and is AWESOME! I decided that I need to start buying this stuff by the case. I've had the medium and hot, and both are equally yummy! I like to make a baked potato and pour some salsa on top. Yum! The chips are pretty good, too.

Yoda doesn't like spicy stuff...She's not impressed with the salsa, but she will have a piece of potato!

I love the Mailman!

I came home yesterday unaware that the mailman was so nice to me. And for the record, I think I have a female mailman. Yes, I said mailman...old habits die hard.

Anyway, in addition to those yucky bills and such, I was greeted at my front door by a soft squishy package - yarn! The yarn for the real Gucci Sweater arrived. I also had a few balls in there for a scarf/hat for my grandmother, and one ball to swatch for a friend. I didn't take any pictures yet...but the mahogany is the perfect match to the magazine color. I am so excited! I want to cast on right now, but I first need to finish the first sweater.

See, I have everything but the sleeves done. I decided to sew the shoulder seems together and do the double breasted neck trim. The first iteration was close, but not quite what I wanted. I had added button holes for all the buttons, but after seeing the shape of the sweater and looking at the picture more, I realized the two buttons on your left looking at the picture were not functional but more decoration. So, I pulled out my handy crochet hook and got rid of those button holes. The next thing to tackle was the bind-off. I usually have no problem with how tight it is...but this time it was way too tight. So, I decided to use needles about 4 times bigger to help me out. I think it worked like a charm. I have a couple more details to work out with that part and then it's on to the sleeves.

Not only did the mailman bring the yarn, but she also dropped off my sister's birthday gift. I thought I wasn't going to see the gift until November! Yesterday was a good mail day.

Completed Noni Bag

I finally finished the Noni Bag! I think it looks totally cute, too. I hope the recipient of the bag likes it.

Pattern:Noni 9 to 9 to 9 Evening Bag
Yarn: Cascade 220 in Black and Pink; Bernat Disco
Needles: Knit Picks Options size 8
Notes: A cute little black bag!

I think Yoda likes it too, but I can't ask her right now since she is barking out the window! She is telling some other dog down the street that she is trying to nap, so please be kind and stop all the yapping. No one ever said this little princess can't stand up for herself.

School Friends

All I wanted to do last night was go home, sit on the couch, and knit. But instead I went out to dinner with my school friends. We have all bonded by spending countless hours doing group work together, traveling to Germany, day-trips to NYC, and generally just hanging out. And, I am glad I went out. I had so much fun! And I needed to take my mind off of everything that's going on these days...I knew I could count on them all to help in that department.

You'll have to feel sorry for Cody, the only guy, surrounded by us lovely ladies. Did I just call us ladies?! Oy! Well, we look the part, right? Anyway, Cody puts up with us and all our talk of LVs, shoes, and general girlie stuff. Gotta give him some credit. But to our credit, we help him be the coolest dad to his teenage daughter!

BTW--notice the Central Park Hoodie. I do wear my knits!

The plans for this weekend include relaxing, doing a paper, going to a craft show put on by my grandma, playing board games, and having a beer or two. Maybe some knitting on the Gucci sweater during the relaxation time....ahhh, to catch up on my TIVO and knit! Have a great weekend!

School just gets in the way...

Last night I had my midterm in my Corporate Social Responsibility class, and I think I did ok. There were some fill-in-the-blank questions that were impossible, but for the most part I think it wasn't too difficult. So, because I had been studying cramming,   I have not worked on the Gucci sweater. I do have about 1/4 of the placket neck ribbing done, and that is moving along pretty well. I will post pictures once that is done. Right now it's all bunched up and makes the sweater look goofy!

I want to work on it tonight, but instead I am going out to dinner with school friends. There are some of us who have already graduated, and some that are in other classes this semester, so it's nice to get together once in a while and catch up.

This is such a quick knit! I have to say that I never really liked drop shoulder sweaters. I don't know if it's that they are not as form fitting, or that they were 'too easy', but I have to say it's appropriate for this style. It can be layered and not add too much bulk to the wearer. I do think the sleeves are going to be pretty easy as well...no sleeve cap to shape! The tricky part will be sewing the sleeves in evenly. But, like I said, I like seeming when it all comes out so pretty!

I think it's getting to be time to order yarn for the real version of the sweater. Darn! I have to order yarn! I know, it's such a hardship.

I want to put this out there as just something to think about...I might need some test knitters to make sure the sizing is right, etc. So, if you are interested, keep this in mind when planning projects. I wouldn't be able to offer anything other than you getting to see the pattern before most everyone else, but sometimes that's the payoff...

Gucci Inspired

So, I saw this sweater in an O Magazine spread and fell in love with it. Ok, so I don't have $1095 for a sweater, but I do know how to knit! I've started working on my prototype. It's actually a pretty simple design, which makes me feel bad for all those people that are paying over $1K for it.

My take on it is an over-sized drop shoulder sweater with a BIG placket neck. Shouldn't be too difficult. I'm doing my first one in the Jaeger Chamonix I was using for my Japanese sweater that is now in the land of nothing. I was anxious to begin, but didn't want to shell out the money just yet for it, so this is the test knit. If this turns out how I am hoping, I might write up a free pattern for those who would be interested...I am planning to use Knit Picks Cadena in Mahogany for the real one. The color is one of the things that drew me to it. And I think the alpaca and wool blend will lend more to being an outdoor type sweater like the original.

Go Spartans!

Ok, so I never knew how cold it was to sit in the stands at a high school football game. I was always on the field cheering, so I never knew what it was like to sit on COLD metal bleachers. My sister coached the cheer team a few years back, and now her girls are seniors. She bribed me with Cold Stone so that I would go with her to the Senior Night game.

It was freaking cold! And I am sorry to say that the football team was not all that great...we left after halftime, and I am grateful for that! I couldn't feel my butt anymore. I'm not so sure ice cream was the way to go...she said next time she'll buy me a beer. That's more like it!

Ever Feel Like This?

manicures and pedicures = financial freedom?

Well folks, I have to say that I was not able to get my Noni bag completed last night as intended. I actually ran out to the FedEx facility to pick up a package, and I got lost. I was thinking that the facility was closer to one road, when in reality, it was farther. Oops!

Well, the package was worth it. I picked up an order from Avon with some Instant Manicure Dry Enamel Strips and some Pedicure ones as well. I LOVE THESE! I tried them a while back, but the French Manicure and the regular pedi. I have to say it was the best French manicure I have EVER given myself! I got them on special for $4/ea, but I have to say the regular $8 price is well worth it (just watch for it to go on special...it's kinda like Kohl's where it will always go on sale at some point). The polish lasted for a good 3 weeks, and it looked professional. I think it's a better deal than even the $20 manicures at the corner place...though, I do miss out on the hand massage...ooooh....if you don't know what I am talking about, you are missing out!

So all this talk of manicures and pedicures brings me to the serious topic of financial management. I have been looking for places to cut back...like professional manicures and pedicures. Not that I get them all that often, but that is beside the point. So, anyway, I was thinking that maybe I should enlist the help of a financial planner to help me out. Have any of you worked with one? How did you find him/her? Did you find it worthwhile? I have done some research, and I know that I should probably stay away from ones that are commission based rather than fee based (I think I have that right). Any ideas, help, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. It's time I got my financial life in order and on the right track!

Field of Flowers

I seem to have my own little field of flowers on my desk. I finished and felted the Noni Camillas, so they are ready to be sewn on to the bag. I can't wait to see the finished bag! I think it's going to be super cute.

So, after the whole key thing, I am back to where I was, well, minus a Coach valet keychain. I was able to get another key ordered from GM and a new fob. It's also set at a different frequency that the old one, just in case someone tries to figure out which car is mine.

I also changed the locks at the house all by myself this weekend--just in case, again. So, I seem to be ready to go.

Also, my friends took me out Friday and got me some tequila that I was desperately needing. Apparently, I was in rare form and a good source of entertainment for my friends. I am glad that I was good for something Friday, because Saturday was a different story!

Noni Bag...almost

So, I finally got my butt in gear and worked on the Noni Bag. All the flowers are complete, and today is laundry day...so they will be felted soon. I also worked on the lining and attaching the handles. I was going to line it with some silk that I don't have, but instead used some scraps I had from the weekender I made Lynette. I think this will go, and it is much sturdier than silk.

I used my machine to sew down the handles just so I knew they are on there good. Then I hand stitched the lining inside. If I had an industrial machine, I would have machine sewed it. But my little machine cannot handle that much fabric/felt at once.

I hope to write a paper today and finish up the bag. Then there is no more procrastinating on the ribby sleeves. We've been having a heatwave here, so I need to work on the sweater so it is done by the time it gets colder. My prediction is that we are going to go from 90 degrees to 30 degrees and not have an autumn. That's Chicago for you, though.

What a difference a day makes!

I like to think of myself as a pretty happy and nice person, but I was not very nice or happy yesterday. Holy Cow! I feel 100% better than I did yesterday. Thanks for reading my rant about the keys. That added to the project I have due today at work and the divorce just made Amanda a very nasty girl.

So, happier Amanda is here!

Last night I worked on finishing Noni Flower #4. I could probably show you a picture of the others I've done, and you wouldn't know the difference. One more flower to go. I noticed how just knitting for maybe 10 minutes last night really calmed me down. It took my mind off the Java code that was not being cooperative and helped me to relax a little...I understand the new Yoga reference (yeah, I totally just typed Yoda instead of Yoga).

It's Friday, so make the best of the weekend!

"Everything Zen...I don't think so"

***Warning: Cranky rant below!***

I was driving home from class last night and heard that Bush song, and thought, "Wow! That's appropriate right now." See, last night turned into a bit of a challenge....

I had class, so I stopped to get food from Wendy's (I know, not healthy...but I had a plain baked potato and side salad). Then I headed to class, and stopped in the food cafe at the school to 'doctor up' my potato. Then I headed to the room to eat and do some work....

Three hours later I am getting ready to leave class, and I cannot find my keys. They are no where to be found! But I had to have them...I got to the damn place...they are somewhere in the...The cafe! Well, this cafe closes well before classes are over, so I decided that if keys were found, they would be turned into security.

So, security confirmed they were found, but were still in the cafe. After about 30 minutes of ripping this place apart, they were still not found. After some searching for a contact number (why they didn't have it is beyond me), they were able to contact the owners to confirm they were left next to the register.

Um, I hate to be difficult, but no, they weren't. So, I had to call home and have my spare brought out to me. The drive from school to home is about 45 minutes - hour one way....let's just say everyone at my house was a little cranky last night and still into today.

Now, I am not disputing that I lost my own keys. I take full responsibility for my stupidity. BUT why the hell didn't the security guy take the keys when they tried to turn them in?! I'm frustrated here...however, there still may be hope! I am hoping my keys were locked in the cash register and not taken by someone...I should know soon after a quick phone call when the building opens.

I just don't feel like changing all the locks on my house and ordering new keys/fobs for my car right now...call me crazy! Not to mention today is "sign the papers day..." Talk about stress!

Edited to Add: I called and no keys...argh!

***End of Cranky Rant ***

Hoping everyone is having a better week than me!

PS...Grandma, you can take your time...

Yoda and I have been going for walks each night, and, strangely, picking up a new "friend" each time. For some reason other people are ok with letting their dogs run unattended in our neighborhood. These dogs also have a very strong need to follow us home or most of the way home. I know we're cute, but really!

Yesterday, Yoda's food was replenished. She loves fresh food! She also got a new bed. Since her other one is coverless for the moment, she decided that she needed a stand-in, if you will. When the cover to the other one is back, she'll used this one as a backup. We could all use two beds...

Also, she would like to send a shout-out to Raisin and Raisin's parents in Japan. We (now) know it's you reading the blog from so far away...Yoda wants to know if Raisin's passport is as cool as hers.

There has also been knitting! I know...crazieness! So, I need to get this Noni Bag done and ready to go for a night out on the town. Here are two more flowers, and I have one waiting in the wings that is almost done...so one more to go. Then it's on to assembly.

Yum...veggies

If you've been reading a while, you know that I was once a vegetarian. Now, I am part of the dark side, and have been thinking about going back to the veggies. One of the best parts of being a vegetarian is the health benefits. Don't worry, I am not going to preach that everyone needs to be a veggie...I don't care what you eat.

Anyway, I had a flahback while making this pizza to high school when a certain boyfriend and I would go buy veggies, pizza crust, sauce, and cheese and make awesome pizzas. It was nice in the sense that someone else liked broccoli on his pizza, and we were making it together.

This pizza is sort of surprising in that the recipe called for olive  tapenade to be used mixed with the sauce. It was amazing!! I guess you have to be a fan of olives, but it really added something interesting to the pizza.

See, veggies can be good for you!