Followers

Thursday, March 21, 2013

"Just breathe normally..."

I need fireworks:  I've survived a week of health-provider visits!  Last Thursday it was the dentist (everything ok there), then Tuesday was a follow-up colonoscopy (everything ok there; the Dr. even gave me some nice pictures to take home [!?!?!? Why !?!?!?]), then today I had my annual check-up and a bone density scan.  BP's a little higher than it needs to be; have to wait on blood test results to know whether statin drugs are in my immediate future.  I've been taking niacin with supper for several months now, to help bring down my cholesterol--hope it's working! 
Gad, the hat craze has had me.  I made a rose pink cabled hat for Disco, with plans to make another for myself -- as part of our ensemble for Team Pink Ruffle.  I finished the second hat, and it was just a bit less deep than the first one.  So I added earflaps with i-cord ties, with tassels!  Good grief, but it's wacky looking!  Disco has claimed that one (thank you, Dog), so I'll just have to muddle thru with the original.  But I was having so much fun with this cable pattern, I had to make another hat--only NOT pink.  I cleaned out a lot of acrylic yarns from my stash (three 13 gallon bags of it went to Goodwill), and found this denim blue stuff.  I don't think it was an entire skein.  But I started another hat with it, with only two cable crosses.  Then I worked some increases (knit f & b) to increase each repeat from 11 to 16 stitches, and started on a floral lace pattern.  It's done, and again a little shallower than it should be -- but I ran out of yarn!  And Dog only knows how old that yarn is; I don't think one can even find that brand anymore.  I put in a lot of work on the "fruit salad" socks today, what with two appointments hours apart.  Still have about 2.5" of foot before toe decreases.  The heel flap on Pup's Steelers sock #1 is complete, just started the turn.  Sure hope I can figure out how to work the entire heel in a color different from the main color!  I'm sure this will be a learning experience. 
Bliss Yarns had a sale last weekend.  I fell big time.  I may be one of their favorite customers.....

Friday, March 15, 2013

With feeling

There's a "movement" (and how many of us think of Alice's Restaurant when we hear that word?) afoot, about helping crafty folk reclaim time for their crafts: http://cre8time.org/
The aim is to set aside 8 hours a month, for crafting.  Well, I think I already do that, but I like the idea of setting up a designated time.  I pretty much work on either knitting or crochet whenever I'm parked in front of the TV.  Last night was an exception, because I wanted the overhead lights out so I could watch a couple of episodes of Game of Thrones, season one.  Yes, we bought the DVDs.  The Plaidman & I are just completely hooked on the books, and have finished all that have been published so far.  I was reading a fan site last week, and the gossip seems to indicate at least two more books coming, but not soon -- it'll likely be 2018 before Winds of Winter makes it to the bookstore.  We are officially jonesing for more G.o.T. at Chez Plaid.  Last year it was the Malazan Empire holding us in thrall; at least we're dealing with (mostly) humans this trip.  Boy howdy, if someone could figure out how to turn Tales of the Fallen into a series, we'd be over the moon. 

Oh look, the folks over at AllFreeKnitting ( http://www.allfreeknitting.com/sweeps/sock-yarn-shawls-book-giveaway/ml/1 ) have another really nice giveaway!  I have a little shawlette I made last year, that I wasn't wearing because it jest seemed too tiny, but lately I've been using it as a scarf.  I get lots of compliments on it!  It's Wendy's Seriously Simple Shawl, worked in sock yarn from the Loopy Ewe.  I like it so much, I would like to have several more.  So heck yeah, I want this book!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Silken prize

How'd you like to win some yarn?  Did I mention it's hand dyed silk?  Check out this giveaway from
http://www.allfreeknitting.com/sweeps/silk-cloud-yarn-giveaway/ml/1

The yarns are purple, green and blue-green -- my very favorite color combo!  Good luck, and if you win please send me a pic of what you make from it!