Purls and Pugs

I'm a teensy bit embarrassed...

...over all the attention! Yesterday, a coworker instant messaged me and asked me about being a published knitter. She said she opened up her Knitting Daily, and there I was staring back at her! I knew they were going to run my blog post some time this week, but I had no idea which day. Just so you all know, there will be two more designers guest blogging on the site this week...

So, after checking my blog stats, I've noticed that I've had over 500 new visitors! Welcome! Yoda and I want to welcome everyone to our little space on the Internet. Please feel free to have a look around, comment, and email me with any questions you may have. Yoda, of course, always welcomes new Friends of Yoda submissions, too...she says you can never have too many friends!

Since there are so many new visitors, I feel I must blog about some knitting. Last night I feverishly worked on the Pismo Hat #1 while I watched a movie. Because I keep decreasing stitches, it's been moving along quite quickly. I'm a bit concerned about how long this hat is going to turn out. But the way I look at it is that I can always remove yarn from the bottom in some stealthy knittery way. Why should I rip out what's already done and have to redo it when there is a simpler way to fix it if there is an issue. And I have no idea if there is even going to be an issue!

I've also been pondering my next big project. Should I just go ahead and work on the Ribby Pulli? I love that pattern, but I've stalled on it for some reason. Or is there some other project that I should start? What's hot in the Knitting World these days? I've also been thinking it's time I work on the Gucci Knock-Off pattern, too.

Too much excitement!

So, I had this whole post in my mind ready to go when I got up this morning. Then I checked my email and saw the Knitscene Fall 2008 Preview was up (you'll have to wait to see my adventures from last night until tomorrow)! I zoomed as fast as my Internet connection would allow to check out the pictures of my sweater. I was so curious how they were going to style it...and I love it!

Here are the pattern specs:

dirndl raglan
Sizes 35 (38¼, 40, 44, 48, 50¼)" bust
Yarn Mission Falls 1824 Wool (100% superwash wool; 85 yd [78 m]/50 g):
• #002 stone (MC), 9 (10, 10, 11, 12, 13) balls
• #006 oatmeal (CC), 3 (4, 4, 5, 6, 7) balls
Yarn distributed by CNS Yarns
Gauge 18 sts and 21 rows = 4" in St st on larger needle
Tools
• Size 8 (5 mm): 29" circular (cir) needle and set of double-pointed needles (dpn)
• Size 6 (4 mm): 16" cir needle
• Four markers (m) and one contrasting marker
• Yarn needle
• Cable needle (cn)
• Waste yarn

Or you can go check it out along with the other sweaters in this issue at the Preview Site!

Mission Accomplished....almost

I finished knitting the Knitscene sweater last night. Then I washed it and dried it. Still loving this yarn! Here it is all ready to be sent off to the publisher. Shh...but I am working on the pattern currently making sure all the math works out and everything looks right.

I am having a little bit of anxiety over this pattern. I'm a perfectionist (and have a math degree), so I want this to work out perfectly. I know there are people who will always complain, but I want to do the best I can and make most everyone happy. It's a character flaw of mine -- trying to please everyone. It's a double edge sword in that I love it when people are happy, but it is stressful trying to do it all! And I don't want to look like a fool (that's a huge motivator!).

Yoda was such a good girl this morning. She woke me up about an hour earlier than normal. Usually, I would be very upset, but we had a bigish snow (yes, again) last night, and I needed to get up to shovel. Because Yoda got me up much earlier, I was able to get my driveway clear and salted before I would normally get out of bed. And this was the heavy, wet, slippery snow that everyone loves. On the bright side (I am so trying to stay positive), I only had to move 3" of snow instead of the 9" that was predicted. And I consider my workout to be done for the day...

Knitting to Perfection

I worked on my sample all weekend. Well, most of the weekend. Friday was rough at work, so I went out. I needed to go out. Mmmmm....beer! But the rest of the weekend was knitting.

I even finished it. Then I didn't like it. I put it on and looked at it in the mirror and decided it wasn't exactly what I was expecting to make. So, I decided to rip out part of the bottom and redo the bottom ribbing. I want this to be perfect for all you excited knitters. So, I am grounded tonight to finish this and the pattern. I can do it...

Ok, going back to beer. If you haven't tried it yet, you need to try Shiner Bock. It's made in Shiner, Texas and is fantastic. I had it a few years ago at a friend's house when it was only available by going to the town to get it. Now, it seems to be everywhere. I had it in Naperville, Vegas, and Plainfield. Plainfield is by no means the hub of microbrews, so I am assuming they are getting out to other small towns as well. This is a dark lager, but it's not heavy like a Guinness. It's very good, and they do have other varieties that I have yet to try. Give it a shot, it'll surprise you!

I thought I would be the first to have a primate...

The other day my mom told me she is a new grandma, and I was really confused. I definitely did not have a kid, and my sister didn't look preggers the last time I saw her, and, if you want to go this far, Lillie has been fixed. So, I responded, "Huh?" See, my sister has been OBSESSED with Orangutan Island. I've been tivoing it, but have yet to actually sit down and watch it. Mostly because the first episodes I have, one of them dies. I don't want to watch that...

Anyway, my sister decided that she was going to adopt an Orangutan in Borneo. It's like one of those "Sally Struthers Save the Kids" things, but with Orangutans. Meet Fio. Isn't she adorable?! She's two years old and in Forest School learning all those important forest skills she needs to survive and be a good mommy. I think I have the cutest niece ever!

We can't let Yoda be overshadowed by the new "arrival" to our family, so here she is showing off her new shirt. While I was in Vegas I saw this in the Hooters gift shop and knew my pug would love it. Doesn't she look totally fab?

And for those of you who actually come here to read about knitting, here is a shot of the first sleeve of the Knitscene sweater. Did I mention yet that I LOVE this yarn? I need to get some for myself...ok, maybe after I use up what I already have.

This sleeve didn't take very long and since I have the directions noted in my notebook, I don't need to do the second one just yet. Instead, I decided to start on the neckline. I need to get the directions for that all written and then it's on to the other sleeve. Then it's math and editing time.

As I was heading into work this morning, I was thinking about this whole pattern thing. I am still flabbergasted that the first design I submitted to a magazine was accepted and that it will hopefully (there is still that chance that it won't make the cut) be published this year! I think it just goes to show that thinking positively and really going after what you want pays off in the end. Will I ever have any other patterns published? I don't know, but I'm pretty damn pleased with myself for having one. For everyone out there who wants to give it a shot, I say go for it...no matter what you want to do, think positively and just do it! (That sure sounds like a Nike commercial...)

Deadline

Yup, the deadline for the Knitscene sweater is coming up fast. How the heck did that happen? Seriously, time went much faster than I anticipated. I am close to done with the knittng, but it's all that math I have to do for sizing that worries me. That's my biggest fear that I will get the sizing all wrong. I guess that's why there are tech editors.

I have no plans this weekend (nope, no dumpsters in my immeditate future), and I think everything works out the way it does for a reason. So, I now have plans of finishing the sweater and pattern. Sounds like good plans, no?

I promise pictures of the sweater, but it looks crazy with part of an arm. You know what I mean, right?

This is a knitting blog after all....

It is a knitting blog. Folks, I have a deadline, and I need to get my butt in gear. I am getting very close, here you can see the bottom ribbing...then I need to fine tune the pattern and all the sizes (that's the thing that scares me the most!). Any guesses on what I am making?

Here is a new set of Knit Picks needles that I received for Christmas. Well, actually, I just got them...they were intended to be for Christmas, but there was a mix-up. Mom said she was still going to get me needles...isn't she the best Santa? Now, I just need to figure out what I want for my birthday which is 2 days away....oh, the pressure!

Be afraid, be very afraid

I have been knitting, folks. I promise. I was hoping to get the pattern and sample done before I start back up with classes, but I don't think that is going to happen. I am dangerously close to finishing the sample, but I need to sit down and do some work on the pattern. Here is a picture of the sample. It's a pretty plain sweater right now, but it'll be jazzed up soon. I'm sure you all have your guesses...

For some reason, I am a freakishly huge fan of Hooters. I guess because I have been going there since I was 17 I have this preference for those wings (or strips in my case). BWW is ok, but Hooters is just better in my opinion. Anyway, my strange addiction some how landed me at the Fox Valley Hooters on Friday celebrating their 25th Anniversary. Every 25th of the month is a celebration this year...like I need a reason! Some of my friends and I even managed to get some Hooters beads. There was no flashing involved, so its all good.

Classes begin on Wednesday, and I am not looking forward to it. The silver lining is that in 15 weeks, I'll have my masters degree. I might complain a lot about the school work, but it's totally worth it. I'll be the last of the older 4 grandkids to have completed my masters (the younger 2 are still in or barely out of college). I think it's great that my family puts such an emphasis on education.

Anyway, my school friends and I are getting ready for a game night at the end of the month. I'm putting on my game face! Argh! Aren't I scary? Gotta talk some smack, too...I guarantee I'll win! Gotta find ways to cut the stress!

Sexy, Smoky Eyes

What a wonderful weekend! I had a friend visit from the exotic city of Peoria, IL, and we had a great time. I introduced her to Noodles & Co (yum!), Ethel's Chocolate Fondue, and Greek Food (double yum!). Before we went downtown to Greek Town, we had a makeup lesson at my salon. I had seen that they were offering free mini-lessons on Saturdays, so I jumped on it.

My friend was a little skeptical until she really learned what she wanted to learn. Then she was impressed and bought all the makeup she used. I wanted to learn probably the most difficult eye technique ever - smoky eyes. I am totally afraid of black eyeshadow, so I figured this would be the best time to learn.

Just look at those eyes! Love it! I wanted to buy the shadows, but they were out, so I have to wait. To be honest, there is really not much to the smoky eyes, but you have to be careful so you don't end up with black streaks on your face. The makeup artist said that a lot of people can't pull it off, but I am one of the lucky ones! Yippee!! This is totally not a day look, but great for my upcoming trip to Vegas.

My favorite part of the weekend was the trip to The Parthenon Restaurant. My parent's have been going to this place for over 40 years, so I started going before I was even born. Almost everyone I have taken there loves it. The atmosphere is fun and the food is outstanding. On Saturday, a Bulgarian friend and her boyfriend said it's the biggest menu they've ever seen, and the food was excellent. And they should know...Bulgarian food is very similar to Greek. She promised to take us to a Bulgarian restaurant next. Chicago really is the place for trying all sorts of food.

I did get to knit on my sample this weekend. I've completed the arm increases, and have gone on to the body. I'll see if I can artistically take a picture of it so ya'll don't figure it out. Muwahahaha!

It's a much better day

Have you ever had that kind of week where everything seems to go wrong? I was beginning to have that week, but I took control and made it start going in the right direction. See my wireless network was acting a little funny...funny like it wasn't working at all! My desktop couldn't see any networks and my laptop was extremely slow to not allowing me to get on the Internet.

Then during all the storms on Monday I realized that my brand new door (this is door, windows, jamb...everything that fills what would be a huge hole in my house otherwise) was leaking... a lot. I had a pond forming on my fairly new laminate flooring. Eek! The door company was called and they made an appointment for Wed sometime between 10a -12p. While those are not bad times, I need to work from home. To work from home, I need Internet access...see the vicious cycle forming here?

To make matters worse, I woke up yesterday with major pain in my wrist. I know it's from carrying Yoda up and down the stairs while a pinched nerve is healing (I began calling it Yoda-tunnel). Tuesday was just plain miserable.

But I took charge and made it better. Since I work in IT, I kinda know some people who know stuff about networks. So, I got some ideas on how to possibly fix the network without new hardware. Then I promptly bought new hardware just in case. Who wants to be running out getting that stuff when you are already frustrated? Well, none of the 'tricks' worked, so I ripped open a new 'n' router and network card (BTW--pet peeve: never call it a NIC Card. That's redundant. The 'C' in NIC means card. Do you really want to be the one saying Network Interface Card Card?) and began installing. I got a great deal on the router/card (only $10 more than the g), so I figured I may as well upgrade. As it turns out, all my old hardware was bad. Took me forever to get it all working, which I hear is par for the course with this stuff, but it's working with great signal!

I went to bed last night feeling good that I don't have to worry about the Internet connection, and when I woke up, my wrist was feeling much better. Now, I am just waiting for the door people...

In knitting news, I have been working on my pattern and sample sweater. Here you can see the beginnings of the sample. As you can see, it is top down, so that should appeal to a lot of new knitters. Why not? It's so much nicer to be *done* with a sweater once you are done knitting. I've said that I like seaming when it turns out well, but I also want to wear my sweaters right away!

I like the Dentist

I know that sounds crazy, but I like going to the dentist. I do well there....barely any scraping, praise about my teeth, quick nap...and when I got home from the dentist last night, the yarn for my Knitscene pattern was waiting for me. Yippee!

I was a good girl, though. I made myself workout before I broke into any of the yarn. As a side note, my new workout promise to myself: Watch one episode of Lost at a time while on the treadmill beginning with season 1. I was hoping to get through all the seasons by the time the new ones came out, but I didn't realize there are 23 or 24 episodes a season! So, since there is no way I can walk that much, I am going to tivo the new season and not let myself watch those episodes until I get through the other three seasons. I've been very good about not popping those DVDs in and just watching them! Go me! Go tight butt! :-)

Anyway, I swatched a couple times for the sweater design. I was aiming for 18 sts x 24 rows swatch, and I got veryclose. This is the swatch after washing, and it did not change size. I guess I should mention it's Mission Falls 1824 superwash wool - very soft, very nice stitches. Now it's pattern time!

I want to leave you with a followup to the "Stephanie's Granddaughter" pictures. My sister, cousin, and I all wore our shirts on Christmas Day, and my grandmother didn't notice them for a couple hours! She was too involved in everything else. But here is a picture of Grandma with most of her grandkids...only one missing:

I'm so Excited, and I just can't hide it*

Yes, I am excited. I submitted a design to KnitScene about a month ago for the Fall 2008 issue, and it was accepted! Woo hoo! So now I need to figure out how to write the pattern. They are going to be sending the yarn by the end of the year, and I have until February 28 to get it all back to them. Since I won't be back in school until the end of January, I am going to have plenty of time to work on it. And I am not going to tell you guys which design I sent in just in case....that will all be shown in due time!

Today is also my final for my silly class. I don't want to take the final, but I will and then it will be done. But it's been a good week so far....I'll just go with it!

*I think I might be too young to actually remember this song...