Getting Creative!

People who read my blog are getting very creative with their versions of "what PC means". By the way, PC thinks there are several "in the running" contest submissions. He thinks the contest was a pretty good idea too.

Now, some actual knitting content! (yeah, I know... it's been awhile,but now that Camera is not mad at me anymore..)

*warning: photo heavy post!*
1. For Sandy: I finally THRUMMED! Yup, worked it all out.. and these mittens are for me! All for me! I love the color (goes with not one of my coats!) and the thrums, well... I think I have gone a bit overboard on the thrums,but they look so nice. I actually used some help from Norma on these ( she posted a bit ago about how to make the thrums).

outside

inside

close-up of those oh-so-pretty "v" shapes! :)
2. Final Project... yup, made my mom a scarf (after ripping it out 900 times) and then she said (last week, FYI) "I want a parka for Christmas." What? What parka? She NEVER mentioned a parka before!!! My mom is the "anti-coat"... she's always cold, but she wears the same crappy coat year after year. She loves this coat. It's not the warmest. It's not waterproof. It's not wind resistant. So, what does she want in a parka? (for you Southern readers, a parka is a ski jacket...very warm, water and wind proof) Mom has "parka criteria":
a. must be warm
b. cannot be heavy or bulky
c. should have "options" like a 3-in-1 coat. (3-in-1 coats have an inside liner that can be taken out and used as a "fall" jacket and then the shell can be a "rain coat' and all zipped together, it's a parka...so 3 jackets in 1)
d. must have a hood, but it needs to come off.
e. waterproof
f. wind resistant
g. cute and stylish- "not old lady, there are younger people where I walk Rascal"

Oh my... she wants to fit in with the cool kids. :) So, I searched Bean's online catalog. No dice-- too pricey for me and well, I know they are usually v.warm, but a bit bulky. So, it's off to Bob's Store (sale on jackets!)... PC and I head over to the women's jackets... there are 2 options:
1. Baby Phat "cropped parka".... i have several issues with a jacket that is meant to be warm that doesn't cover your bum area, don't get me started on one that doesn't cover your belly button.
2. Columbia- a great brand... but, whoa... the sticker shock. I got my Columbia jacket for about 60% of what they were asking ON SALE. Yikes.... I found out from teenage member of the family "oh, Columbia is very IN". Crap on a stick... "in" means "price increase."

Off to a store that is pretty well known for discount coats (you know who you are) and we found a good jacket. Store is closing, price is right... size is good. Grab and run to checkout. Get it home: it's FILTHY. And the zipper is broken. I found a CHAPSTICK in the pocket. (which I promptly threw away b/c while I will use PC's chapstick, I will not TOUCH anyone else's). So, next day, back to the store. Company policy will not let them give me my money back. They want to give me a gift card. Do they actually expect me to purchase more items in a store that obviously put a previously worn, filthy, chapstick carrying, broken zipper jacket back on rack? Umm, no. Mini released her inner bitch and got some justice!

So, we are off to Sears, who is having a 50% off sale. :) Get mom even cuter jacket and then realize in the car... the scarf won't match. Off to the LYS: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in periwinkle and cream.....
I think it matches well... what do you think?


I had no idea what I was doing with the braid... i winged it! I love the double knit feel of the material....it's smooshey and warm!

please ignore the so-so embroidery... i decided after that the mittens needed "something" and I was too lazy (and too close to christmas!) to rip out and do fair isle or intarsia...and the duplicate stich looked even worse. Mom will love them, though.

So, Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa... whatever you celebrate, enjoy the time with family and friends. I will try to blog if I can, but I will be on a much needed VACTION until the 3rd from work. :) So, I will pop in to check the contest submissions... keep them coming! I am yarn shopping on Wednesday! :) Until then, see you in 2006!

~Mini ( and PC by default)

And then....

Grumperina said "who reads your blog?"

Well, I thought to myself, "who DOES read my blog?". I know of the following BLOGGERS who read my blog:
Jan
Deb
Jane
Katy
Kira
Sandy

Other people? Well, PC of course... and now, (wait for it people).....

PC's SISTER!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, PC's parents do, in fact, have a daughter (older than PC, but not by much)!!!!

WELCOME TO MY BLOG, "M" !!!!!

(I don't wanna use your real name b/c well, it's my blog and it's not fair to you if you don't want your name all over the planet and/or internet)

"M" lives not just "far away" but "far far far away" and on an island. Can you imagine? PC and I are hoping to more than imagine someday. Someday we wanna check out this island. (oh, and the boyfriend...definitely want more info on the new guy--- everyone ELSE has met him, ahem. Just sayin')
M is a nice girl who I have met once ( I told you, she lives far far far away). She has a dog that is too cute for words and a handamde scarf/mitten set from me and a quilt that the dog appropriated.

So, welcome to my blog M, may you enjoy it.

Wait. Do I have to be more careful about what I write? Hmmm... my opinions won't change. My sarcastic tone won't change. PC said "don't talk about sex... my sister might read it!" Umm... do I ever talk about sex? Should I start? Might make for some interesting Google hits, though. Hey, M, do you want me to talk about sex?

I don't think M even knows what the "PC" in PC's name means.

This means one thing:
CONTEST!
(yes, I am shamefully self-promoting so that you will visit my blog)

For the prize: free yarn. Sock yarn--- good stuff too. I would get Socks That Rock, but Cara has it all. Just sayin'.

Rules:

I want to know the funniest thing that you think PC stands for. I am not going to tell you the real meaning (well, b/c it is actually the funniest), but PC and I will read the comments/emails and decide which we think knocks our socks off the most. Then, the funniest one gets yarn. FREE yarn.

Email or drop a comment
Contest ends January 1
Winner announced January 2
Yarn mailed January 3-ish

If you are PC's sister- you can enter and I will send you socks knit with the yarn. :)

Ok, so enter away... you can leave as many comments as you like!

Good Luck!
:) Mini

*squeak*

Edited to Add:
Ok, so when you read this post, remember that sometimes, Mini can be a cranky-pants and it's usually when I am sick. I hate being sick. Unfortunately, as of most of my life, I am always the one caring for the sick-one and providing the comfort. And right now, I want a cup of tea, a should rub and someone to make me chicken soup. PC is wonderful, but he's also crazy at work, and since the "incident" with the apartment (read down a few posts), we don't live together. Continue reading... just remember, in a few days I will be cute and funny and civil.

Also, before you go... i went to the Post Office today around 11:45a.m. and it was *gasp* EMPTY. Well, one person strolled in after me. But there were 3 people working the windows. I work in a SMALL town, and I live in a medium one. The PO at home has one person, on the phone, and a line out onto the sidewalk. The one at work? 3 people, pleasant, no phones and really really helpful. :) Also, they put up Squeaky McSqueakerson (a.k.a. me) trying to decide if packages are needed Fast or Really Fast. :) And they let me pick my stamps. I love when they let me pick my stamps....

Oh, and if you want... they have a "santa stamp" that the guy can pop onto your package... it says "Direct from Santa's Shop" or something like that. He covered the packages that are heading up to several anxious toddlers/infants in Maine. :) I think the 3 year old will think I am ultra-cool b/c it'll look like I KNOW Santa (affectionately called "ho ho" by everyone in my family)


Yup, yours truly has completely succumbed to the Christmas stress and has accomplished the following:
1. hacking cough
2. laryngitis
3. headache
4. backache
5. upset tummy
6. stuffled nose
7. weird feeling of being "here" but not "really here" (might be the low grade fever)

Christmas knitting is DONE. Presents (minus 1) are wrapped. Hell, 4 are even headed off to the Post Office today, along with the Christmas cards (yeah, I'm a little late this year). Fudge is made. Cookies will be done tonight. Last minute gift basket almost done. Extra cookies for brother's holiday festival on Friday- almost done.

PC's mom gave me an ornament that says "Katie" on it. It's a snowman-bell. I love it.

Poor PC. Can someone go give him a hug? I have been cranky and whiny and bitchy and stressed and the poorboy has just taken it. Yes, I know "it's his job" but he deserves a raise at this point. I love Christmas, but this year I feel completely taken advantage of by family members and more than a little stressed out. Last night, my father convinced me that it would be My fault if My mother's Christmas was ruined b/c I didnt' go out and finish HIS Christmas shopping for HER. Huh? And guess what? I was in line at the Petco last night, doing his shopping. My dad DOES work hard and as a self-employed trucker, it's a tough living. But, I work. Hard. And while my job is not physically strenous, it is a challenge. And I was sick. Did I mention that I am sick?

Someone get me some holiday spirit! Tomorrow night is last minute cookie wrapping, present assembling, and general craziness. Friday is the party at my brother's (which my mom informed me, no matter how sick I *think* I am, I am going).... funny, at the holidays, I am still not allowed to be actually sick. Saturday is "clean the house b/c the President, oh no... just my brother and SIL... , are coming over to swap presents". *sigh*

I'll do more tomorrow... Right now, it's Dayquil, cough drops, hot tea (God Bless my coworker and her inner-momminess) and a trip to the Post Office.
_Mini

Mini:

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

PC:

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Christmas and the Crazies....

I can't say Merry Christmas anymore. I said it to someone this weekend and they looked at me like I was nuts. (PS- this person worked at the Enchanted Village... there is a Santa, there are Christmas trees with angels on the highest boughs) I am Catholic (in my own special way) and I say "Merry Christmas". I say it to my VERY not Catholic PC (atheist by design--- if you know in the "real" you would understand this a little better... PC's not wired for religion). I say it to his not Catholic, but non-practicing Christian relatives. I say it to my Jewish girlfriend who has a Catholic mom, a Christmas tree and a Hindu boyfriend, who also happens to be Southern, but we don't mention the Southern (we are New Englanders, after all). I say Merry Christmas to him too.
Let's get right down to it and talk about this morning and how my large cup of "yuletide blend" was ruined by someone who can't just "let it be".

When I say Merry Christmas to you, should I see you on the street, please feel free to respond (or not) with "Merry Christmas", "Season's Greetings" or, a popular favorite, " Happy Holidays". Do not give me a look of disdain and call me a "Catholic lemming." Oh, and when I smile and nod, and grab my "yuletide blend coffee" (which YOU also bought), don't follow me out to my car and start to discuss the afflictions "my church" (yup, little ole' Mini is the root of all Catholic evil) have brought upon the world.
I am really happy that the police officer (whom I graduated college and got CONFIRMED with) asked you to "step away from the lady and leave her alone".
I am really happy that it only took you 4 times to hear him.
I am really happy that you were parked in a HANDICAPPED space and you had no placard.
I am even more happy Officer Christmas noticed.
I am happy that the other 9 people coming out of the coffee place this morning greeted me, the police officer and each other with "Merry Christmas."

I know all about diversity. I know all about multicultural relations. But, while I wish people a Merry Christmas, I send my Jewish friends traditional treats/gifts for their celebrations. At one point, we had a menorah in my house and we had Hannukah. We're not Jewish,but my cousin was atttending a Hebrew Preschool ( only school to take her a year early) and well, the teacher told her Jesus was Jewish (trying to include her in the lesson and teaching a valuable lesson about the link between the two faiths, God Bless this teacher!). So, b/c it is "baby jesus's birthday", and he was Jewish, we were having a birthday cake and lighting a menorah.

I didn't have a good morning.

Sandy- I made one complete pairs of mittens... that makes 4 total... oh, I figured out the thrums! More on that later....

Happy Knitting and .....MERRY CHRISTMAS.
:) Mini

Santa dropped off a present early

And PC delivered it!

A little backstory:
I fall down. Alot. I don't mean "whoops, I tripped", I mean "OH MY GOD!" falling down. I fall down on the sidewalk, the steps, in the parking lot (ok, many parking lots), in my house, in the street, getting in the car, getting out of the car...
Ok, you get the point. But there is one time of year, where walking beside me can be a near death experience: winter. The packed down snow, the slippery ice... it's made for me falling down. PC is always very patient (well, mostly) and slows down to a turtle-like crawl with me clinging to him and whatever inanimate object (or animate object should we be walking with friends) with a death grip and yelling "not so fast"... as old ladies with walkers and high heels dart past us.

An embarrassing truth: my biggest fear is falling down.

A common quote from me: "mini falls down and breaks her head"

Also, a little comment: I have been knocked down by a deer, 5 feet from the building I work in.

Enter: the BEST Santa gift EVER:
YakTrax











PC got the at Herrington's.

I *heart* YakTrax. I tried them out last night. I wore them during the "icing event" (vocab courtesy of Channel 5) this morning. I DID NOT FALL. I FELT CONFIDENT.

I am wondering if these are like a placebo, but whatever... they WORK. Look out world! Mini will be leaving her house this winter! Now if they only made them for my tires.....


Happy KNitting Weekend!
~Mini

It's been 8 days????

Oh boy... I have been a bad blogger! Ok, well, here's the update. I need to put a few finishing touches on a few gifts (a liner in a bag...some fringe on a scarf), but other than that, I am done....more on that next week.

Oh, it appears we are NOT moving. The landlords signed our lease and took our money,but the current tenant changed her mind about purchasing a condo, even though she gave notice for jan 1. Any lawyers out there? Send me some advice if you have any....actually, anyone tell us what to do!

Here is a scarf and mittens for PC's mom. It's Noro Kureyon, using a modified "my so called scarf" pattern and basic mitten pattern:








Everyone was posting their favorite places to knit, so here's mine:

Yup, until it gets too cold, I love to sit out here with a cup of coffee and my knitting. It's peaceful, it's pretty...and now,it's snow-covered.

And now, for some photos of my SIL's cabled bag....



the last one is the most color-accurate. I am going to make a liner (very fast) and no zipper or anything, so it will be done soon. Everything else is already wrapped with my custom bands for knitted items... and they need to be wrapped in wrapping paper with bows, but here is the deterent:

"Hi, my name is Rascal. I like the Christmas tree but I don't like anything underneath it. And I don't like snowmen if they don't sing."
And can you tell who he loves the most?

This was the first time he "sat" when told to. He now sits down in front of you expecting a cookie. He sits to get his leash on, scratches at the back door to go out, heels on a leash (somewhat), fetches a toy rope thing (and drops is at your feet, turns around to go after it again....) and comes when you call him. Not bad for only having him 10 days. My mom (shown in the photo) is home with him all day, so there has been "puppy preschool"--- she is very good about giving commands and now he jumps in and out of her car, no problem. But, it was 8 deg F this morning, and he ran like crazy out, peed, and ran straight back into the house. Once off the leash, he usually heads back to the crate (another thing he's learned) to wait for breakfast (about 15 minutes later, he snuggles in with his towel), but today, a VERY cold dog ran into my mom's bedroom and up onto the bed and down under the covers to snuggle with the warm human (mom) who was NOT expecting a COLD DOG. :)

More knitting content next week... work has been outrageously busy these past weeks. Christmas is coming.... *sigh*



my view from my house

We all have a "crazy aunt"....

And this one is named Purl. :) Laurie tagged the world,so I am responding!

10 Random things you might not know about me:
1. I am short... like barely 5 feet short.
2. I think "in science", and often have "aha!" moments on my ride home, but can remember them until the next day. (no need to spoil a ride home by going back to work!)
3. I have been unemployed more than employed in the last 24 months.
4. I talk/sing to myself...all.the.time.
5. I *often* mix my words up when I speak- e.g. Put the toast on the butter. PC is a brilliant Mini-translator.
6. My car is a Kia Sportage and PC named it the "cupcake"
7. I traveled outside the US for the 1st time this past September
8. My blood pressure lowers and my muscles relax (you can observe this visually) when I cross the Massachusetts border into NH.
9. I come from a matriarchal family--- and have (with marriages, kids,etc) over 24 "cousins" that I see on a regular (3-4 times per year) basis. *note: in my family, we don't differentiate between 1st or 2nd cousin or if your cousin married someone, he's your cousin. :)
10. I am a very outgoing person, who is often crippled by shyness.

9 places I have visited:
1. Annecy, France
2.Geneva, Switzerland
3. Avignon, France (Most of the Provence and Rhone region of France)
4. Vancouver
5. Montreal, Quebec
6. Los Angeles, CA
7. New England and New York
8. most of Southern Alaska
9. Orlando, Florida

8 ways to win my heart:
1. kiss my nose
2. make me mac'n'cheese
3. "squish my head"
4. kiss my neck
5. tell me you love me, and mean it
6. tell me I am beautiful
7. share your thoughts with me
8. challenge my opinions

7 things I want to do before i die:
1. get married
2. have babies
3. have grandkids
4. understand my mom
5. own a cabin
6. climb mount washington
7. quit smoking

6 things I am afraid of:
1. my parents dying
2. Roe vs. Wade being turned over
3. crowds
4. falling down
5. spiders
6. big dogs

5 things I don't like:
1. when anyone calls me Kathy
2. people who refuse to give their children "limits"
3. men who think they know the best decisions for a woman's body
4. religious fanatics/zealots who don't respect my right to my beliefs
5. uncomfy shoes

4. ways to turn me off:
1. tell me how to do my job
2. stop listening when I am talking
3. agree with me just to agree with me
4. be a bad friend

3 things I do every day:
1. tell PC I love him
2. put on underwear
3. shower and wash my hair

2 things that make me happy:
1. PC's hugs
2. pajamas

1 thing on my mind RIGHT now:
1. how late is this guy going to be for our meeting?

Well, no knitting content... but more knitting news tomorrow!
Oh, the new Knitty is up... I think I have a few I NEED to make... more tomorrow
~mini

cold snowy, icy winter monday in New England....

Remember how I told you my mom was looking at a dog named Ruby? Well, Ruby proceeded to snap, growl and nip at my mom when they met on Sunday. Mom could not take her if she was going to act like this...

So, a very sad mom came home. And a very sympathetic Dad decided to take action!

A short trip to the NorthEast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA was organized. Look what we brought home!




His name is Rascal and he's 4 months old (approximately). He weighs in at a whopping 18 lbs and he's a Beagle/Daschund/Labrador mix. Yeah... we have NO idea how big he'll be. :) He's already a great companion to my mom... follows her around the house, sits and snuggles with her on the couch *(more about this later), and he doesn't bark or nip! One minor accident on the carpet last night, but that's ok... we are teaching him from the start. He's being crate trained, something new for my parents!

Knitting, well I finished my SIL's cabled purse and 1 1/2 mittens for my mom (got Jo Sharp Matchmaker Merino from Elann on Friday night). Now, I only have 4 projects and I am done. The 1/2 mitten came to work to be done today at lunch. The scarf will be done tonight and tomorrow night. PC's mom will have mittens by Friday and a scarf by Sunday. I need to rip back a few rows on the little cousin's poncho and the it will be done.

Moving:
My SIL, J, embodies the "it's better to give" philosophy. At dinner on Saturday night, she asked what we needed for the apartment. We replied "everything!" On Saturday morning, we headed off to IKEA, bought plates, bowls, glasses, a bathmat and cutlery. And that afternoon, we bought an oriental rug at Building 19 3/4 (do you have these outside of Boston?). So, she has a microwave, serving dishes, shower clips, cooking utentsils, scatter rugs, side tables, small appliances.... oh, and did I mention a COMPLETE LIVING ROOM SET?

yeah, so my brother and his wife purchased a living room set (couch and loveseat) from Jordan's about 8 months ago. My brother hates it. It's overstuffed and very "squishy" (btw, PC and I have sat on it... we LOVE it and were looking to buy something "similar" but more in "our price range")... but they want to upgrade to brown leather... casual but more structured. So, they went couch shopping yesterday so that we can have their couches. Wow. We informed them that we did not need anything for Christmas if we get their couches. They laughed. "what would we do with the couches? and we already bought your presents".... being the baby sister rocks!

Now, dear best friend called Saturday night, offered up a table and some other stuff and a weekend to come down and help me decorate. :) Offer is taken!

Happy Knitting Monday!
~mini

It's official! PC and I signed the lease, wrote the checks, and had a great chat with our landlords last night. Wow.

For those who don't know (and a lot of you don't)... PC and I don't live together. I live at home with my parents, who are wonderful and have told me time and again "you don't have to leave, you can always stay here". They have been so good to me! PC is living at home, but it's b/c of a past problem with a roommate situation: we were leaving for a vacation in Maine and the 2 other roommates he had announced "oh, we're moving out... find new roommates". Well, 2 weeks and about a zillion weirdos looking to find someplace for their snake, only wanting to live with vegans, yada yada yada... no roommates. So, he had to inform the landlords (great guys, both of them) that he tried his best and that he would have to move out.

So, while PC and I have been together 3 1/2 years, we have never lived together. Honestly, most of the women in my family (my mom's side is very matriarchal) stay at home until engagement or marriage. My parents are ok with this move, as we are not the norm... I mean, who waits 3 1/2 years to live together anymore? PC's parents are very ok with this situation also.

Christmas knitting will be put on warp speed and then knitting will stop until we are settled in the new place.... I will keep updating here.

Another interesting thing is happening in my house: I am being replaced! Yup, my mom and dad are going to meet a potential new "baby" to live with them on Sunday. Her name is Ruby, she's 2 years old (almost) and she's supposed to be real sweet. She's also a Basset Hound. :) Since my mom retired, I think she's been lonely at home all day. Personally, as much as her job was a huge stress on her and her health, I think the comraderie is something she misses greatly. So, if Ruby likes my mom and mom likes Ruby, she's coming home Sunday. Her owner passed away 2 weeks ago and the daughter of the owner is a single mom with 5 kids and no time for a dog. My mom, on the other hand, is a retiree with plenty of love, time and devotion to give to a *soon to be * VERY spoiled puppy.

Anyone have any advice on basset hounds?

Happy Knitting Weekend....
~MINI

PS- we are off to the new IKEA tomorrow! YAYAYAYAYYAY

Ok, cat... get out of the bag!

Yup, you my faithful blog readers; I am actually telling you before I tell my friends:

WE ARE SIGNING A LEASE TONIGHT.

Our first apartment. Together.

Oh, crap... I'm going to have to pack. :(

More packing less knitting? *cringe* No, I will be ok... I can knit for at least one hour each night... and I don't have that much left to do... mostly scarves and mitten things... I'll be fine!

More tomorrow about when we actually move (the girl in the apt. currently is in the midst of finalizing her 1st home purchase, and was letting the landlord know exactly which date she'll be out... I am hoping before Xmas)

Any of my Boston area readers have a kitchen table they want to get rid of?

:) Mini (and PC,by default)

and then there were...10 (out of 19)

PC's dad needed a hat for the holidays. Last year, I knit his wife the sweater-that-will-not-be-mentioned (yes, it was THAT bad),but nothing for him. So, this year: Coronet from Knitty:










Project Info:
Pattern: Coronet from Knitty Fall03 (I think)
Gauge: 5spi on US8
Yarn: Lion Brand WoolEase (from stash)- color: Heathered Forest Green (very pretty)
Needles: combo of aluminum circs and bamboo dpns
Comments: Overall, I really love this pattern! And I think I have the whole "cabling without a needle" thing down now. The cable band took me 1 hour, the rest of the hat, 1.5 hours. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend it for some fast holiday knitting

I consulted this book for some help on my next hat. Yup, used a mitten book for hat help... I feel like a real knitter now!










So, the final pattern is for these beautiful-will-be-mine-mittens with a Norweigan star on them. My dad's Norweigan, I am Norweigan (btw, my height (5 ft) and hair (jet black) allow me to "blend" with my fellow Scandanavians real well). So, I decided--- Dad needs a Norweigan star hat. Originally, I had planned to do my own Fair Isle pattern (oh, how naive!), but that ended tragically. So, since I had made Dad try on PC's dad's hat (need to make sure it'll fit a man), I knew what would fit him. I present the "Christine Hat" (named for Christine, ND...population like 200, also where my Grampy was born and raised):















If these photos look a little weird, it is because of the following:
1. they were taken at night with overhead lighting
2. the "model" is a Winnie the Pooh








So, this brings my totals to:

1. brother #1 - DONE (1 of 1)
2. brother #2- DONE (2 of 2)
3. Dad- DONE (1 of 1)
4. PC's Dad- DONE (1 of 1)
5. PC's mom- 50% (1 of 2)
6. Mom- 50% (1 of 2)
7. SIL-J- 0% done (0 of 1)
8. best friend projects: DONE (3 of 3)
9. 2nd friend project: DONE (2 of 2)
10. cousin's poncho- 0% (0 of 1)
11. cousins' mittens- 0% (0 of 3)


19 projects: 10 done!
Little kiddo mittens will be done tonight... there are only 3 pair to make and one will be thumbless. :) Am re-thinking the poncho idea.... need to work it out s'more. :) I want to use soem cute pink that I have in stash, but it's DK and even doubled, I am having issues. I am thinking of using size US15 circs and doing 2 panels of the pattern from my-so-called-scarf. Seam it up, add a little collar (perhaps a turtle neck?).... any ideas? Or does, anyone have a great poncho pattern for a fashion-forward 8 year old girl? I crochet too, so that's ok. :)
:) Mini

Can I get off now?

What a whirlwind of a weekend! It all started with a phone call at noon on Wednesday:

PC: I'm leaving work at 2:00.
Me: Ok.
PC: and they're paying me all day
Me: Ok.
PC: honey, I get to leave at 2:00!
Me: Ok.
PC: dinner and a movie tonight?
Me: Ok.

Now, I may sound a little non-chalant in this conversation, but mostly b/c it was on my way home that I remembered: PC's new job is the 1st job where it's salaried. This means no more punching the clock, tracking 40 hours... oh, my! So, PC was LOVING every minute of his paid holiday (also new) and paid early-day and paid day-off! :) So, Wednesday--- off to dinner at Panda Castle (anything not turkey is perfect before Thanksgiving dinner) then to see "Walk the Line". I love Johnny Cash and the actors did a pretty good job of nailing his accent and mannerisms. Overall, an A- (minus b/c of length... at least we got our money's worth!).

Thursday:A coffee would be nice! Up and ready to go. I need to make my Famous French Bread Rolls for dinner. Get everything ready... and rest. Love making bread... it must always "rest" and then I can too! Hmm... dinner's been moved from 2:00 t0 3:00 b/c of a turkey "incident"-- seems someone else decided to make a turkey. There were 2 turkeys, 10 guests and 2 LARGE bottles of wine. :) Grampa (PC's) spilled wine, I spilled coffee (on PC) and well, then it was time for dessert! Lots of laughing, joking and smiling at dinner. My SIL made the dinner for my parents, my two brothers, and her parents. Congrats to my SIL, J, for her first Thanksgiving! Of course, she pulled it off without a hitch!

Friday: hang around house in new pajamas. Watch bad movies... pick up PC, fill in applications for apartment, run around... need coffee... drop off applications. Go to the Celtics game! :) They won with 0.3 seconds left on the clock! I have to say, I always forget how much I love basketball! PC loves it (plays it, watches it) and I was a cheerleader in HS for basketball and football. But, until we are there, I always forget how much I really enjoy the games! I have already told PC... more tickets please!

Saturday: need more coffee.... (sensing a theme here?) Off to shopping/lunch/some sort of activity today! Shopping- we hit the Barnes and Noble (3 children's books, 3 adult books... 5 christmas and 1 birthday gift done). Got coffees. Lunch (before the bookstore), at Lone Star! YUM! All I have to say is "cheese fries". Then it's off to Sears, bought new shoes. Hurry home, and then onto the Orange Line and here we go! You must see this if you live in Boston. The Polar Express in IMAX 3D. :) And it snowed! :)

Sunday: where's the coffee? Mom and I headed off to get "purdy" at the nail salon. :) Then it was lunch at this new place: Bear Rock Cafe. Shopping at Walmart. Made pizzas when we got home. Found out the hometown heroes lost. Watch bad tv Hallmark Movie... off to bed!

Did I knit? Yup... Mom never got her lesson, she didn't really want one after all. :( I made a hat for brother #2, and started a poncho and am almost done with a Coronet. :) More knitting tonight, perhaps even a few pictures!

~Mini

Gobble Gobble!

I am thankful for my family, PC, and my happiness :)

Not soo much knitting last night, a few more inches on the never-ending homespun scarf for PC's mom. :) I like the stitch... gonna keep it.

Have a very happy and safe Turkey Day Celebration!

~mini (&PC, by default)

Lessons Learned....and Taught.

No big pictures today, sorry. Last night was all about re-grouping, knitting, reflecting and preparing.

Re-grouping:
PC and I are continuing our foray into co-habitation. I am working under the mantra that "if we don't get it, it's not meant to be". My control freak side says "you NEED to get X apartment...NOW". My PC-induced-centered self says "it'll come, in time". See? It's a battle in my head that either side could easily win.

Knitting:
PC's mom needs a scarf. A warm, wool, straight from the animal yumminess scarf. She has a good walk from the bus stop to her house each night and well, I want to keep her warm. :) So, mittens (yes, i'll be using the same gifted mitten pattern... but with a new stitch) and scarf. I am using the "my so-called scarf" pattern I found online ( I would link to it, but my brain is not cooperating). I really like this, but the fabric is coming out really dense. I like the density, but am afraid it will be too stiff. Will it loosen in the wash it will need? Will the stitches relax and it will become a scarf you can toss around you comfortably? I am going to test-knit with a larger (US13) needle tonight. Mittens will have the same pattern on the backs and palms... thumbs will be st.st.

Reflecting:
This year I lost my Grampy. Not just a grandfather, a Grampy. It's almost Turkey Day (he taught me that) and I miss him. I also miss my Nana-Banana. The holidays are my favorite time of year, but there is a hole this year. And I can't seem to get around/over/under this hole. PC's own Nana passed at this time of year, so I know his thoughts are with her. It's just that I wonder, the important people who helped shape my life and my "self" (besides parents) are now all gone. Shirley, my godmother, who taught me to knit/crochet and "fake" homemade... I can still smell her and feel her hugs. Tommy, my godfather, who taught me my prayers, leaped (a major accomplishment for someone who wore a brace b/c of a polio infection as a child) when I was accepted to a competitive Catholic college. Nana-Banana, who knew about PC LONG before my parents... I told her he was "it" after our 2nd date. She met him and agreed. :) She taught me how to make fudge, banana bread, feed the birds, ride the #130 bus to Malden Center, shop for the best deals, get it all home on the bus and MOST IMPORTANT: how to love my mom. As my mom's mom, Nana was a valuable asset to both me and my mom during my teen years (a.k.a the i-hate-you-i-wish-you-weren't-my-mom/daughter-years). I called her 2X a week during college. She spent $3.50 to mail me 8 quarters ($2.00) b/c I mentioned I needed to go to the bank to get quarters for laundry. Grampy... who made me wooden tulips, built me a dollhouse, perfected by "princess-ness" (yes, PC you can blame Grampy for that one), who got my stuffed animal collection to 3,498 animals before he passed away. Who sat and counted them with me, and kept the list!, when I was 11. Grampy taught me frugality, Norweigan, and how to learn from my mistakes. I have heard my Grampy say "I was not a good father, but I will be a great Grampy... I have learned from my mistakes." I miss these people and what they gave to me. It's that time of year, and I am getting teary writing this, but it's ok. I want to remember them. I want to tell these stories to my kids. I want my children to know their Irish/Norweigan heritage. But, most of all, I want to make these people proud.

Preparing:
Attention: if anyone drives through Melrose, MA this Friday (Black Friday) and sees a dark haired, short woman chasing a slightly-older version of herself, while holding knitting needles and throwing yarn: it's because i am teaching my mom to KNIT. Yup, Mrs. Anti-Craft herself has requested a knitting lesson. *sigh* and I agreed. We CAN do this. We can sit for hours on my one day off between Thanksgiving and Christmas to learn to knit. I have WoolEase, Size US8, and garter stitch planned. Wish me luck.

I am also hoping to wash and block some of the Christmas gifts, but have NO space to do it... what will hanging a scarf do? Just stretch it out? I will work out something!

~mini

As a Biochemist....

You Passed 8th Grade Science

Congratulations, you got 8/8 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Science?

Is it strange that I could pass this? Ha ha ha.

Today is a BAD day. No apartment for Mini and PC... :( Got rejected by the landlord (who knows how the heck they determine all this), but it's ok.. the right place is out there, no? If you know a 1-2br in Watertown/Newton please email me! We are not enormously weird people... in fact, we're quite boring when you compare us to others. :) I like boring. I am happy with boring. I am stressed about finding an apartment. *sigh*

~mini

So, what's a nerve-wracked girl to do?

Knit.
Knit.
And knit s'more.

Finished Gift:
Hat, Mittens, and Scarf for Christmas
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky
Comments: do I really want to give this away? *sigh* yes....

And knit even more...

Finished Gift
Hat and Mittens
Yarn: vegetable dyed wool (romney) from a NH yarn shop. I found this at the League of NH Craftsman's Fair this summer, but they could sell me the yarn, so I called them up the next week and ordered it from their shop. I have one more BIG ball of this put up... for moi. :)

And then more present-knitting:

Brother #2's Scarf
The Boyfriend Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (basically a mistake rib pattern), but I like the "wrong" side better....
Yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca
Gauge: 3 spi on 10.5 US
Comments: it used all of 2 skeins to make about a 5 foot scarf... needs blocking and a bath. This stuff sheds like crazy, but it's sooo soft and squishy I didnt' want to stop knitting.:) I have one more skein and it's already wound, so I have enough for a hat


Soon to be hat for PC's mom. I am using another yarn that I got from the same yarn shop at the NH fair. This yarn is romney/alpaca blend--- shetland yarn. I have no idea what that means, it's nice... but I am thinking of moving to the "lady hat" pattern that Amy Boogie designed. :)

So, overall... I have this left on my list:

Mom's scarf-hat-mitten-set
PC's mom hat-mitten-scarf-set
PC's dad's hat
My dad's hat(s)

that's it? YAHOOOOOOOO.
~Mini

Could we really be this insane?

Ok, so most of you readers (all 3 of you) know that PC and I are apartment hunting... pretty much every night of the week. And our proposed move-in date?

December 1st.

Like 2 weeks.

I have laundry that has been waiting for more than 2 weeks.

I want to move. I want to live with PC. I want to do it NOW. But is it weird that I DON'T want to pack and unpack at Christmas? *sigh* Perhaps some knitted gifts will turn into "bought gifts" and well, all the "i was gonna" gifts can be done in January for NEXT Christmas.

In light of moving, PC and I are setting a gift $ limit. Good idea, no? (it's his... and I'll probl'y go over the limit... but I like to buy him things that will make him happy).

Knitting:
2 mittens down
1 1/2 mittens down
2 hats, 2 scarves, 1 pair of mittens, and a sweater to go. :)

-Mini

Scarf for brother #1


Project Specs:
Pattern: my own
Yarn: Lana Grossa Royal Tweed, 4 balls
Needles: US7
Gauge: 5 spi
Size: 7 inches (w) X 6 feet (l) (*my brother is a big tall guy... it needs to be long so it doesn't look wierd)
Comments: I love this yarn. It's soft and tweedy and knits great on many sizes of needles. I would love to knit a sweater in this, but the price is prohibitive.

Scarf for the mamacita (my name for my mom):

Aren't those colors gorgeous? My mom will really like this! The yarn is the Schaefer Memorable Women collection, but there was no tag. :( I am using the p1(yo,p2tog) pattern that I used for my scarf. It's quick, easy to memorize and well, it looks fantastic!

This is for someone very special,but I won't say who! :)

I am making Kate Gilbert's Gifted Mittens
I have to work on the seaming on the side though... Hopefully these will be in the mail this weekend... along with some other gifties. I need to get my last SP6 package together and a second package out. :) I love this quick mitten pattern....I am going to use it for mittens for a few "small people" also.

happy knitting wednesday!
~mini

Monday already?

*sigh*
All I wanted was one more day... one more day to sit on the couch, look out the window, take a nap on PC... Oh, yeah. Have I mentioned this? PC is a great guy (you all know this) and he is also a comfy guy. C'mon you've all dated one of these... the one with the perfect shoulder to rest on? The comfiest arms to wake up in? Well, PC has a knack for being so comfy that just snuggling into him can induce full napdom (new word). This works to his favor when he's watching football and I am asking questions like "so, which part of that guy, the cute one, have to hit the ground before they stop hitting him?"

*FYI* At this point, you can go two ways with these questions with a man like PC:
1. look for eye rolling, give up and knit.
2. notice eye rolling, but really need to know the answer and keep asking.

Having been PC's chica for 3+ years now, I try to do #2 less and less.

Knitting:
Brother #1 (funny, whenever I write "brother" i slip and write "bother")
-scarf is finished (pics and stats tomorrow)
PC's Blob-no-more:
- 5 inches and growing.. in st.st. you don't want to see that do you? I am hoping he'll wear it for Turkey day!
Brother #2
- scarf pattern is selected... but do I like the yarn? I was thinking Berroco Softwist... any input?
Mom's Scarf-hat-mittens and socks....
-in process...

*sigh* Life trumped knitting this weekend, but that's ok....

Happy Monday!
~mini

How much do I love this picture? Found it b/c someone told me that Grommit knits... so, I googled a photo of Grommit knitting... and I found:GrommitKnits. And I found a picture. :)

This picture is pretty much me every night. I knit in bed, watching the news, then fall asleep and wake up on a circ. ouch.

Update on gifted sweaters:
1. boss and boss's wife LOVED sweater and quilt
2. coworker's son LOVED sweater, but it's a "hoochie shirt" on him. (i.e. "cropped")....

So, this is sweater attempt #2 for the "monster in training"...i'll keep you posted. :)

PC's sweater is 3 inches long. Yupp... and holding gauge... I cast on for a slightly smaller size, knowing that my circ gauge is a little looser than my flat gauge and that with Addis... well, it's going to be a lot looser.

Wish me luck.

Oh what a feeling!

Finishing is a wonderful thing... you finish one thing and you immediately want to finish another! So, I need to take some lessons at my LYS for seaming and such... it didn't go very well.

This is the completed sweater for my coworker's son...a future linebacker, we think!
Here are the buttons up close:

Project Specs:
Pattern: child's placket sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Cotton Ease in Cherry and Blueberry
Needles: US5
Size: Toddler size 2T
Hints/Thoughts: there are WAY too many errors in this pattern... I should have looked up more errata from this book. I would make this again, but perhaps as a top-down raglan... the addition of the sleeves to the body was awkward and I didn't like the method of grafting the underams. Overall a C.

Next up, my boss's future daughter's sweater:

Here is my first attempt at Fair Isle on my own! (yikes was I scared... tinked back at least 20 times)

and here is the ruffle:

Project Specs:
Pattern: child's sweater from the Knitter's Bible (fair isle was my own design)
Yarn: Clarkheaton 8 ply (2 balls of purple, one of pink)- total of 300 yards
Size: 6-12 mos
Needle: US 5
Hints/Thoughts:
A very versatile pattern, could easily be sized up or down. The edging was a great addition and I am glad I decided to keep this aspect of the pattern. The original pattern is a great mix of decreases, intarsia and finishing techniques. I am going to use this template pattern again for a boy's sweater, using an intarsia football and 2X2 ribbing where the ruffle is located. Overall, a B+.


And the quilt to go with the sweater! (yeah, this kiddo's spoiled already)

This is a simple "quilter's cheating quilt", 16 squares total. Each square is a sndwich of purple flannel, cotton batting, and print flannel. The flannel pieces are cut 8 inches square, the batting, 7 inches square. You quilt the sandwich together and then sew the squares into strips. Attach the strips to one another, leaving the edges exposed on one side. Then you cut small notches into the seams and toss into the dryer to fluff. Presto! baby quilt. Very little finishing.

The third project I was supposed to finish? My bro's scarf? Well, 4 hours of tv and I am halfway there. Understand, this is a scarf in 3X1 ribbing on size US7 needles...not exactly quick. I did pick up more yarn for PC's sweater... I cast on and started the ribbing. Hopefully, this holds gauge better.

More finished projects this week!
Happy Knitting Monday!
:) Mini

Weekend of Finishing up....

So, this weekend is dedicated to finishing 3 projects:
1. sweater for boss's soon-to-be daughter (baby arrives 11/18)
2. sweater for co-worker's son...
3. scarf for oldest brother... christmas gift. (each of my 2 brothers are getting a scarf and a DVD)

... and swatching PC's new yarn. :)

Oh, and using my 30% off at my LYS for PC's new yarn.

And I am $5 from getting $30 in free yarn from Wild N Woolly.... I see yarn-y purchases for moi next week....then the yarn diet begins!

Yup, from next week until Jan 1--- no yarn purchases.

Happy knitting weekend!
~mini

I'm a Maniac, Maniac

Another FO! This bag pattern is SO simple and so elegant! I love this bag... will probably fuss with the ribbon and how I have it woven in, but it's great! Finishing was very easy.




















This is going to look adorable with soooo many outfits! Thank you SP! ( I am still assuming it's you.. I haven't heard from you that it's not!). I started this Halloween night and knit in between trick or treaters and burning pancakes.

Burning pancakes. I have to tell you. I am a pretty great cook. PC rarely goes hungry and he loves my cooking. But, I make pancakes that come out like hockey pucks. I know, just add the milk/water/whatever, mix, let it rest, pour and flip. Nope. PC has to make all pancakes that will be fit for consumption. But, we were making pancakes the other night and well, the griddle started to burn the butter in the batter--- next thing, smoke alarm! Pancakes were very delicious though....

Not too much today, working on a 2nd scarf. PC and I are on the apartment hunt tonight... 4 apartment appointments (1 sounds too good to be true...) and I am kinda hoping we find something reasonable and in a nice neighborhood.

Happy Knitting Wednesday!
~mini

Tricks are over... bring on the Treats!

Well, these two (Jack and Jill) were waiting to greet trick-or-treaters at PC's house last night. Jill is on the right (made by moi) and Jack is on the left. PC does this thing where he does a "lecherous" smile and wiggles his eyebrows (as demonstrated by Jack) and I made my pumpkin "scream" in fear! :) It was fun and carving pumpkins was a great way to spend the Sunday before Halloween.



Now, that Halloween is over, Christmas here we come! Here is an FO that will be a Christmas present:

Chunky Ribbed Scarf (see Alison's site for more info) in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky- color: RED

This is what 30 balls of yarn look like when they arrive at your door! (thanks again Anna!)Calling all mitten-gurus (ahem... Sandy...ahem), I need a GOOD fair isle book so that I can get going on some mittens! :) These are post-holiday knitting... they are being popped into a tupperware container (with all other stash yarn) to be transported until after the holidays. Yup, people... PC and I are trying to move! (more 'bout that later!)

Mitten Update:


It looks wrong doesn't it? *sigh* I need some hands on help with this. Anyone give mitten lessons?

More tomorrow....
~mini