MK out.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Santa Saturday
I belong to a great online knitting group, Lone Star State Knitters. Every year, anyone who chooses can participate in a Secret Santa exchange. I've opted in for the last few years and I've always enjoyed it.
My package came to our new house the day before the ice storm hit, but I wasn't able to go get it. I spent the week living vicariously through others, as they told about and showed pictures of their goodies. I asked one of my neighbors to check the porch and retrieve it for me when the conditions were safe enough for her to walk over there and do so, but I never heard back from her. I didn't know if the package was ever really delivered. Luckily, I was kind of busy; so, I wasn't stressing too much about it.
Yesterday, I got my package and the box was big.
There was a package inside wrapped in Christmas paper and a card.
There were lots of goodies in a basket. A basket of fun, if you will.
I know my SS is a spinner and I think she may have spun the four hanks of this beautiful PURPLE yarn (that my camera captures as blue). I cannot wait to figure out what to make with it. There is some fat free chocolate Chai mix and a beautiful china cup and saucer in which to drink it. I got chocolate flavored, no scented body lotion, hand lotion and lip balm. My SS also plays the harp and she sent me a CD of Celtic harp music. I got a beautiful set of stitch markers and the most clever necklace.
Here's a close up of the stitch markers:
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Here's a close up of the necklace..it's a yarn ball:
Many, many thanks to my lovely Secret Sister. I love, love, love it all!!!
MK out.
Friday, December 13, 2013
FO Friday - 12/13/2013
OK, I can show y'all an FO today, because it has been gifted.
It's the same pattern I made up to make the other ones for my friends. They are an adorable family. I used Ella Rae Classic Wool and Cascade 220.
The Husb took me out yesterday to run a few errands. I was nice to get out of the house. My entry is still problematic today.
I hope this mess clears up soon, because I have just about had enough of it.
MK out.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 12/12/2013
I don't really have anything I can show today.
I still haven't decided what pattern to make for my December socks or even what yarn I want to use. The SKA challenge choices for the month are: Stashbusters/Leftovers or Entrelac for the featured techniques OR General Hogbuffer or Laura Jenkins for the featured designers.
I cannot decide if I want to choose one of the above and participate in the SKA challenge or if I want to just take one of my stripeys like this one
and make a plain vanilla sock.
Decisions, decisions...
All I know is that I must finish two Christmas gifts before I add anymore new projects to my list.
Speaking of Christmas...we are in Bah, Humbug mode around here. The tree is not up - it is in the living room, still in the bags, but it is not up. I'm thinking that's a record for Chez Merry Karma. I suppose the challenges from the last three years have finally caught up with us and we are just not feeling it...or...maybe the fact that we are moving may be a teeny part of it...or both. None-the-less, I need to get my act in gear and start feeling Christmassy.
MK out.
I still haven't decided what pattern to make for my December socks or even what yarn I want to use. The SKA challenge choices for the month are: Stashbusters/Leftovers or Entrelac for the featured techniques OR General Hogbuffer or Laura Jenkins for the featured designers.
I cannot decide if I want to choose one of the above and participate in the SKA challenge or if I want to just take one of my stripeys like this one
and make a plain vanilla sock.
Decisions, decisions...
All I know is that I must finish two Christmas gifts before I add anymore new projects to my list.
Speaking of Christmas...we are in Bah, Humbug mode around here. The tree is not up - it is in the living room, still in the bags, but it is not up. I'm thinking that's a record for Chez Merry Karma. I suppose the challenges from the last three years have finally caught up with us and we are just not feeling it...or...maybe the fact that we are moving may be a teeny part of it...or both. None-the-less, I need to get my act in gear and start feeling Christmassy.
MK out.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Movie Monday - 12/9/2013
I had great plans to see some movies at the end of last week and over the weekend...but then, we had that little weather issue, and I wasn't able to get out of the house.
I did watch a movie on Netflix that I don't think was for my demographic. Violet & Daisy is a dark comedy about two girls who hire themselves out for murder. They want to take a break after their most recent hit, until they see a dress they'd like to buy and realize they are going to need more money. Their next victim turns out to be a challenge in ways they didn't anticipate. Saoirse Ronan, Alexis Bledel and James Gandolfini star in the movie. It wasn't my cup of tea.
I had to watch The Hunger Games to get ready to see the second one when The Kid comes home for his semester break. The film is adapted from the first in a trilogy of novels about a dystopian society written by Suzanne Collins. I waited to see this first film until I had read the books, but since I have not yet done so, I scrapped that idea and jumped to the movie instead. The film is set in North America in the fictional nation of Panem, controlled politically by a wealthy and advanced central district called The Capitol. Once a year, one boy and one girl is selected to represent each of the districts surrounding The Capitol in a fight-to-the-death game. Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks (playing a very quirky and fairly disguised character), Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz are among the many, many characters in this film. It was very good. I am looking forward to seeing The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Barbara is a German film with English subtitles. It is set in East Germany (aka the German Democratic Republic) in 1980 - before the wall came down. Barbara is a physician in an affluent hospital in East Berlin, who applied for an exit visa from the GDR. Such an act is highly frowned upon and her punishment was incarceration and then transfer to a small town pediatric hospital where the Stasi can keep an eye on her. Her desire to leave is not thwarted and she continues with plans to escape. It was good. I liked it...especially the fact that it was a German movie not about the Holocaust.
Through the last few years, I have caught up on the Up Series. I've written about this collection of documentaries in which Michael Apted interviews a group of British people every seven years, starting when they were seven years old to reveal their hopes and aspirations and examine how they measured against the realities of their lives. The original premise of the documentary was that people were born into their classes and rarely deviated from them. This class immobility hypothesis doesn't seem to hold up in all cases as the documentaries progress. I liked the latest installment, 56 Up, because I like to know the rest of the story. Since they have me hooked pretty well, I am looking forward to the next one.
MK out.
I did watch a movie on Netflix that I don't think was for my demographic. Violet & Daisy is a dark comedy about two girls who hire themselves out for murder. They want to take a break after their most recent hit, until they see a dress they'd like to buy and realize they are going to need more money. Their next victim turns out to be a challenge in ways they didn't anticipate. Saoirse Ronan, Alexis Bledel and James Gandolfini star in the movie. It wasn't my cup of tea.
I had to watch The Hunger Games to get ready to see the second one when The Kid comes home for his semester break. The film is adapted from the first in a trilogy of novels about a dystopian society written by Suzanne Collins. I waited to see this first film until I had read the books, but since I have not yet done so, I scrapped that idea and jumped to the movie instead. The film is set in North America in the fictional nation of Panem, controlled politically by a wealthy and advanced central district called The Capitol. Once a year, one boy and one girl is selected to represent each of the districts surrounding The Capitol in a fight-to-the-death game. Jennifer Lawrence, Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks (playing a very quirky and fairly disguised character), Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz are among the many, many characters in this film. It was very good. I am looking forward to seeing The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Barbara is a German film with English subtitles. It is set in East Germany (aka the German Democratic Republic) in 1980 - before the wall came down. Barbara is a physician in an affluent hospital in East Berlin, who applied for an exit visa from the GDR. Such an act is highly frowned upon and her punishment was incarceration and then transfer to a small town pediatric hospital where the Stasi can keep an eye on her. Her desire to leave is not thwarted and she continues with plans to escape. It was good. I liked it...especially the fact that it was a German movie not about the Holocaust.
Through the last few years, I have caught up on the Up Series. I've written about this collection of documentaries in which Michael Apted interviews a group of British people every seven years, starting when they were seven years old to reveal their hopes and aspirations and examine how they measured against the realities of their lives. The original premise of the documentary was that people were born into their classes and rarely deviated from them. This class immobility hypothesis doesn't seem to hold up in all cases as the documentaries progress. I liked the latest installment, 56 Up, because I like to know the rest of the story. Since they have me hooked pretty well, I am looking forward to the next one.
MK out.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Souper Saturday
It doesn't look much different around here today. There have been some accidents, some road closings and - tragically - even a run into the lake death. I'm just going to stay inside and cook and knit.
I'm so glad that I picked and froze the turkey breast carcass from Thanksgiving. We are going to have my momma's special Avgolemono Soup tonight for supper:
I defrosted some of the turkey pickins for the soup and thought I would make a turkey sandwich. There's nothing like one - just turkey, mayo and gummy white bread. Yummy!
Is that Bloody Mary mix in the background, you ask? Why, yes. Yes, it is!
My friend Lorette would be so proud:
MK out.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Sleet Day
I have no FO to show today. I'll be inside knitting though. I can't get out for all the sleet:
It looks like it has snowed, but it sleeted all last night and early this morning.
Y'all stay warm!
/MK out.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 12/4/2013
Hey, hey! How's that Christmas knitting coming at your house? I finished one of the projects from last week on Saturday, but y'all won't get to see it until Christmas.
I've worked on my November socks a little since then:
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I am really liking this colorway! It's the first time that I've ever worked with Hazel Knits Artisan Sock. I bought it a couple of years ago from The Loopy Ewe to give it a try and I really like it.
I need to start my December socks, but first, I have to decide what I want to make. I am in the mood for plain vanilla, considering this time of the year. It won't qualify for a Sock Knitters Anonymous challenge if I do, but the goal is to use some yarn and make a pair of socks. So, we are all good.
MK out.
I've worked on my November socks a little since then:
.JPG)
I am really liking this colorway! It's the first time that I've ever worked with Hazel Knits Artisan Sock. I bought it a couple of years ago from The Loopy Ewe to give it a try and I really like it.
I need to start my December socks, but first, I have to decide what I want to make. I am in the mood for plain vanilla, considering this time of the year. It won't qualify for a Sock Knitters Anonymous challenge if I do, but the goal is to use some yarn and make a pair of socks. So, we are all good.
MK out.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Movie Monday - 12/2/2013
There are so many good movies out there. I've been trying to see as many as I can, but life at Chez Merry Karma has been hectic. My list just seems to keep getting longer and not shorter.
I did manage to see a recently released movie. Philomena is based on a true story - also chronicled in a book - The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, by Martin Sixsmith. The movie begins when Philomena decides to find the son she was forced to give away after fifty years of thinking about him. Her daughter puts her in touch with Sixsmith, who at first feels the story is not worthy of his time. He soon changes his mind, and the unlikely pair are off on the adventure. Judy Dench plays Philomena, and Steve Coogan plays Martin Sixsmith. It was very good.
I generally like Woody Allen films, but I have to say To Rome with Love is not one of my favorites. There were some witty and funny moments, but something that bugged me right off the bat was it seemed to me that almost all of the characters had adopted Allen's neurotic way of delivering their dialogue. Another annoying thing was that a person really had to pay attention to follow the four vignettes. Besides writing and directing this movie, Woody Allen also starred in it. The ensemble cast also included Judy Davis, Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Roberto Benigni, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Alessandra Mastronardi, Ellen Page and Allison Pill. It was alright.
The Real Housewives of Aggieland, aka the friends from college with whom I get together every couple of years, chose to read The Elegance of the Hedgehog for our book selection at one of our reunions a few years ago. It was made into a movie - The Hedgehog. The movie is in French with English subtitles. It opens with Paloma, an 11-year-old girl who lives in a luxury apartment with her family in Paris, deciding that adulthood isn't all that it is cracked up to be. She declares she is planning her suicide by her 12th birthday. She starts filming the last 165 days of her life, during which she gets to know the building superintendent and the new resident - a very elegant Japanese gentleman. Soon, she starts to see that grown up life doesn't have to be all bad. It was a poignant and elegant story. I liked it as much as I liked the book - which was quite a lot.
I went to PA school at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Parkland is the hospital affiliated with the medical school. I watched the movie Parkland with great anticipation because of my connection. I was rewarded with scenes of what appears to be actual hallways downstairs in the hospital. The movie deals with the minutes and hours following President Kennedy's assassination in 1963. My pathology professor shared with us that he was a resident when JFK was shot. I didn't know, until I saw the movie, that the chief of surgery when I was in school - James Carrico, MD - was the resident who received the injured president in Trauma 1 those fifty years ago. The subject never came up in surgery rounds, or ever, while I was in school. Zac Efron played Dr. Carrico. Also starring were Billy Bob Thornton, Paul Giamatti, Colin Hanks, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver, Jackie Earle Haley and Ron Livingston. It was very good.
MK out.
I did manage to see a recently released movie. Philomena is based on a true story - also chronicled in a book - The Lost Child of Philomena Lee, by Martin Sixsmith. The movie begins when Philomena decides to find the son she was forced to give away after fifty years of thinking about him. Her daughter puts her in touch with Sixsmith, who at first feels the story is not worthy of his time. He soon changes his mind, and the unlikely pair are off on the adventure. Judy Dench plays Philomena, and Steve Coogan plays Martin Sixsmith. It was very good.
I generally like Woody Allen films, but I have to say To Rome with Love is not one of my favorites. There were some witty and funny moments, but something that bugged me right off the bat was it seemed to me that almost all of the characters had adopted Allen's neurotic way of delivering their dialogue. Another annoying thing was that a person really had to pay attention to follow the four vignettes. Besides writing and directing this movie, Woody Allen also starred in it. The ensemble cast also included Judy Davis, Alec Baldwin, Penelope Cruz, Roberto Benigni, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Alessandra Mastronardi, Ellen Page and Allison Pill. It was alright.
The Real Housewives of Aggieland, aka the friends from college with whom I get together every couple of years, chose to read The Elegance of the Hedgehog for our book selection at one of our reunions a few years ago. It was made into a movie - The Hedgehog. The movie is in French with English subtitles. It opens with Paloma, an 11-year-old girl who lives in a luxury apartment with her family in Paris, deciding that adulthood isn't all that it is cracked up to be. She declares she is planning her suicide by her 12th birthday. She starts filming the last 165 days of her life, during which she gets to know the building superintendent and the new resident - a very elegant Japanese gentleman. Soon, she starts to see that grown up life doesn't have to be all bad. It was a poignant and elegant story. I liked it as much as I liked the book - which was quite a lot.
I went to PA school at UT Southwestern in Dallas. Parkland is the hospital affiliated with the medical school. I watched the movie Parkland with great anticipation because of my connection. I was rewarded with scenes of what appears to be actual hallways downstairs in the hospital. The movie deals with the minutes and hours following President Kennedy's assassination in 1963. My pathology professor shared with us that he was a resident when JFK was shot. I didn't know, until I saw the movie, that the chief of surgery when I was in school - James Carrico, MD - was the resident who received the injured president in Trauma 1 those fifty years ago. The subject never came up in surgery rounds, or ever, while I was in school. Zac Efron played Dr. Carrico. Also starring were Billy Bob Thornton, Paul Giamatti, Colin Hanks, Marcia Gay Harden, Jacki Weaver, Jackie Earle Haley and Ron Livingston. It was very good.
MK out.
Friday, November 29, 2013
FO Friday 11/29/2013
I've been knitting some. Really, I have. I just haven't been finishing much.
I finished my September socks on the last day of September:
The pattern is Starflower. I used Strawberry Rose on Knitting Rose Yarns Budding Sock Yarn. I really like the orangy-red and pink colorway.
Here are the October Socks:
I liked knitting Hermione's Everyday Socks in February of 2012 so much that I used the pattern for these socks too. They were my Socktober Socks - Halloween yarn and a pattern named for my favorite witch...well, there you go. The yarn is Jimmy Cracked Corn on Wullenstudio Superwash Sock Merino Nylon. I love this pattern. It is quite meditative.
That's it Peeps. I am all caught up with the finished objects - except for a gift that hasn't been gifted yet.
MK out.
I finished my September socks on the last day of September:
The pattern is Starflower. I used Strawberry Rose on Knitting Rose Yarns Budding Sock Yarn. I really like the orangy-red and pink colorway.
Here are the October Socks:
I liked knitting Hermione's Everyday Socks in February of 2012 so much that I used the pattern for these socks too. They were my Socktober Socks - Halloween yarn and a pattern named for my favorite witch...well, there you go. The yarn is Jimmy Cracked Corn on Wullenstudio Superwash Sock Merino Nylon. I love this pattern. It is quite meditative.
That's it Peeps. I am all caught up with the finished objects - except for a gift that hasn't been gifted yet.
MK out.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!!!
The turkey's been eaten and now it's family time. I hope your day was wonderful too.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 11/27/2013
Where has the week gone?
One of the three items from last week is completed - but I cannot show y'all until it is gifted.
I finally started my November socks on Sunday. Here's what they look like today:
The yarn is Alki Reflection on Hazel Knits Artisan Sock. The pattern is Jeck. I like the colorway. It makes me happy.
MK out.
One of the three items from last week is completed - but I cannot show y'all until it is gifted.
I finally started my November socks on Sunday. Here's what they look like today:
The yarn is Alki Reflection on Hazel Knits Artisan Sock. The pattern is Jeck. I like the colorway. It makes me happy.
MK out.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 11/20/2013
Hello, hello!
I currently have three things OTN and all of them are kind of stealth projects.
First, there's this one:
Then, there's this one:
Finally, there's this one:
More info when they are done and gifted.
MK out.
I currently have three things OTN and all of them are kind of stealth projects.
First, there's this one:
Then, there's this one:
Finally, there's this one:
More info when they are done and gifted.
MK out.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Movie Monday - 11/18/2013
Another week has passed...where do they all go? At least I've watched a flick or two:
Many romantic comedies these days are targeted towards younger people. For those of us who have been long married, they are hard to find. Enough Said is one for us. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays Eva - a divorced, single mother who is not looking forward to her only child heading off to college in a few weeks. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini) and they begin dating. He also has a daughter about to start college and it's just one thing that the two have in common. About the same time, Eva meets Marianne, an accomplished woman who she admires - and the two become friends. Eva soon realizes that Albert and Marianne are ex-spouses. Each soon divulge their perspectives about the other to Eva and she finds herself in a dilemma. I found the film amusing and entertaining from the very beginning. It was a little bittersweet, though, knowing that it was Galndolfini's last film before he died. I really liked it.
Sandra Bullock (playing Dr. Ryan Stone) and George Clooney (as Commander Matt Kawolski) star in Gravity. It is one of the few 3D-touted movies out there these days that really needs to be seen in 3D. They play astronauts on a spacewalk outside the Space Shuttle Explorer who are warned about a could of space debris coming their way. When the debris reaches them, Ryan is detached from the shuttle and Kowalski has to try and retrieve her. Communication with Mission Control has been lost, but the race for survival is on. It was an intense drama-thriller with good special effects - and a little bit of belief suspending science fiction. I liked it very much though.
Mother and Child is a story of three women. Karen (Annette Bening) was forced to give away her baby at age 14. Now an older, single woman, she cares for her mother but is quite bitter, as she has colored her entire existence by her lost possibilities. Lucy (Kerry Washington) is an accomplished baker who is married and has everything she wants - except a child. Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) is a bitter but accomplished attorney who was given away for adoption at birth and who didn't have a good relationship with her parents. She has grown up taking care of herself and thinking that she has all the power. It was very, very good.
I still have so many films to see on my list...
MK out.
Many romantic comedies these days are targeted towards younger people. For those of us who have been long married, they are hard to find. Enough Said is one for us. Julia Louis-Dreyfus plays Eva - a divorced, single mother who is not looking forward to her only child heading off to college in a few weeks. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini) and they begin dating. He also has a daughter about to start college and it's just one thing that the two have in common. About the same time, Eva meets Marianne, an accomplished woman who she admires - and the two become friends. Eva soon realizes that Albert and Marianne are ex-spouses. Each soon divulge their perspectives about the other to Eva and she finds herself in a dilemma. I found the film amusing and entertaining from the very beginning. It was a little bittersweet, though, knowing that it was Galndolfini's last film before he died. I really liked it.
Sandra Bullock (playing Dr. Ryan Stone) and George Clooney (as Commander Matt Kawolski) star in Gravity. It is one of the few 3D-touted movies out there these days that really needs to be seen in 3D. They play astronauts on a spacewalk outside the Space Shuttle Explorer who are warned about a could of space debris coming their way. When the debris reaches them, Ryan is detached from the shuttle and Kowalski has to try and retrieve her. Communication with Mission Control has been lost, but the race for survival is on. It was an intense drama-thriller with good special effects - and a little bit of belief suspending science fiction. I liked it very much though.
Mother and Child is a story of three women. Karen (Annette Bening) was forced to give away her baby at age 14. Now an older, single woman, she cares for her mother but is quite bitter, as she has colored her entire existence by her lost possibilities. Lucy (Kerry Washington) is an accomplished baker who is married and has everything she wants - except a child. Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) is a bitter but accomplished attorney who was given away for adoption at birth and who didn't have a good relationship with her parents. She has grown up taking care of herself and thinking that she has all the power. It was very, very good.
I still have so many films to see on my list...
MK out.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Movie Monday - 11/11/2013
Yes...I'm still here. I have my technology figured out, but am crazy busy these days - plus, I kind of got out of the habit. Sorry.
I have been watching movies, but not as many as I should be. I won't hit you with them all at once, but here are a few comments.
Earlier this year, we watched Despicable Me on dvd then took our grands to see Despicable Me 2 at the theater. Both are predictable stories with good versus evil plots. Famous actors' voices give life to the colorful characters, many of whom reprise their roles in the second film: Steve Carell as Gru (the former villain turned father), Kristen Wiig as Miss Hattie in the first film and Lucy Wilde in the second, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, Elsie Kate Fisher as Agnes and Dana Gaier as Edith. Both animated features are pretty cute.
We are Trekkies at Chez Merry Karma; so, of course we had to see Star Trek Into Darkness. As its prequel Star Trek did, this film takes place early in the careers of Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock. Again, many of the actors from the first film reprise their roles in the second: Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, Simon Pegg as Mr. Scott, John Cho as Sulu, Zoe Saldana as Lt. Ohura, Anton Yelchin as Mr. Chekov and Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime. It had some action, a little romance and good CGI. I really liked it.
That's it for now...
MK out.
I have been watching movies, but not as many as I should be. I won't hit you with them all at once, but here are a few comments.
Earlier this year, we watched Despicable Me on dvd then took our grands to see Despicable Me 2 at the theater. Both are predictable stories with good versus evil plots. Famous actors' voices give life to the colorful characters, many of whom reprise their roles in the second film: Steve Carell as Gru (the former villain turned father), Kristen Wiig as Miss Hattie in the first film and Lucy Wilde in the second, Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, Miranda Cosgrove as Margo, Elsie Kate Fisher as Agnes and Dana Gaier as Edith. Both animated features are pretty cute.
We are Trekkies at Chez Merry Karma; so, of course we had to see Star Trek Into Darkness. As its prequel Star Trek did, this film takes place early in the careers of Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock. Again, many of the actors from the first film reprise their roles in the second: Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, Simon Pegg as Mr. Scott, John Cho as Sulu, Zoe Saldana as Lt. Ohura, Anton Yelchin as Mr. Chekov and Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime. It had some action, a little romance and good CGI. I really liked it.
That's it for now...
MK out.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
It's Fall, and I Like It...
So, here we are...I took a walk earlier today, because the forecast has rain in it, but haven't seen any yet. If I had not taken the walk right away, chances are it would have started pouring hours ago and the walk would not have occurred...
It's my favorite time of the year. I just love Fall. I love it so much, I capitalize it. On my walk this morning, I looked at my begonias that were planted in March of 2011:
These are the only plants from that year that have survived. Does anyone know if I can transplant these two beauties? Would they survive if I pot them and keep them inside for the cold months and then plant them outside next spring?
One of my neighbors always decorates her yard for Halloween:
I just love the Witch's clothesline:
I asked my knitting group about updating browsers for free because I am cheap. One of my good friends suggested that I use Chrome. The significance of her help - (and thank you very much BRae) - is that I might be able to blog more regularly again.
MK out.
It's my favorite time of the year. I just love Fall. I love it so much, I capitalize it. On my walk this morning, I looked at my begonias that were planted in March of 2011:
These are the only plants from that year that have survived. Does anyone know if I can transplant these two beauties? Would they survive if I pot them and keep them inside for the cold months and then plant them outside next spring?
One of my neighbors always decorates her yard for Halloween:
I just love the Witch's clothesline:
I asked my knitting group about updating browsers for free because I am cheap. One of my good friends suggested that I use Chrome. The significance of her help - (and thank you very much BRae) - is that I might be able to blog more regularly again.
MK out.
Friday, September 6, 2013
FO Friday - 9/6/2013
While I was away, I finished a couple of projects.
First, here is a sweater I finished at the end of July and didn't post before I disappeared. (Pardon the substandard picture):
It's the Equinox Top by Kristin Omdahl. The yarn is Berroco Pure Pima. I need to purchase a red cami to wear under it and then 1. I can show how cute it is on and 2. actually wear the thing.
I made a few modifications to the pattern. First of all, I didn't like the A-line shape; so, I made it more form fitting. Instead of shaping with increases and decreases, I changed needle sizes in the appropriate spots.
The Merry Karma 2013 Personal Sock Club is coming right along. In August, the Sock Knitters Anonymous group challenges the members to finish as many socks in progress (SIPs) as they can. I didn't have any unfinished socks. I made a pair of socks for the month anyway:
I did a plain, vanilla stockinette - top down, with a short row heel - sock. I let the yarn do its stripey thing...GothSock Um from Umbridge on Laudanum Lache.
Finally, I made a shawl:
The pattern is Storm Water Shawl by Nancy Lobban. The yarn is Handmaiden Sea Silk. I bought the kit in Victoria, BC years ago. I made the shawl for Camp Loopy Project 3. I think it turned out wonderfully, and I have to thank The Loopy Ewe for the challenge, because I've been needing to make this shawl for the longest.
I had a great Camp Loopy this year. I completed all three projects and was able to use stash yarn. I don't qualify for the "free yarn" this year, because I didn't buy the yarn from TLE, but I feel I came away a little ahead anyway. I have three finished objects to enjoy, I decreased my stash a little and I had lots of fun.
MK out.
First, here is a sweater I finished at the end of July and didn't post before I disappeared. (Pardon the substandard picture):
It's the Equinox Top by Kristin Omdahl. The yarn is Berroco Pure Pima. I need to purchase a red cami to wear under it and then 1. I can show how cute it is on and 2. actually wear the thing.
I made a few modifications to the pattern. First of all, I didn't like the A-line shape; so, I made it more form fitting. Instead of shaping with increases and decreases, I changed needle sizes in the appropriate spots.
The Merry Karma 2013 Personal Sock Club is coming right along. In August, the Sock Knitters Anonymous group challenges the members to finish as many socks in progress (SIPs) as they can. I didn't have any unfinished socks. I made a pair of socks for the month anyway:
I did a plain, vanilla stockinette - top down, with a short row heel - sock. I let the yarn do its stripey thing...GothSock Um from Umbridge on Laudanum Lache.
Finally, I made a shawl:
I had a great Camp Loopy this year. I completed all three projects and was able to use stash yarn. I don't qualify for the "free yarn" this year, because I didn't buy the yarn from TLE, but I feel I came away a little ahead anyway. I have three finished objects to enjoy, I decreased my stash a little and I had lots of fun.
MK out.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 9/4/2013
Aaaaand.......we're back!
I took a bloggy hiatus, but I managed to continue knitting.
I have a sorta secret project currently OTN:
And that's all I'm going to say about that.
I also have the September 2013 socks going:
Going to go knit now.
MK out.
Friday, July 26, 2013
FO Friday - 7/26/2013
The July 2013 Socks are finished!
Here are the deets:
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight in the colorway knitters without borders
Pattern: Sarah's Slip Stitch Socks
Needles: 2 circular - 2.00mm
With the socks being complete, that leaves two WIPs.
Two.
I am chomping at the bit to start my next pair of socks and Camp Loopy Project 3, but I have to wait...I cannot start either project until August 1st.
I do want to finish those two WIPs.
I guess that means that I should work on them.
MK out.
Here are the deets:
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight in the colorway knitters without borders
Pattern: Sarah's Slip Stitch Socks
Needles: 2 circular - 2.00mm
With the socks being complete, that leaves two WIPs.
Two.
I am chomping at the bit to start my next pair of socks and Camp Loopy Project 3, but I have to wait...I cannot start either project until August 1st.
I do want to finish those two WIPs.
I guess that means that I should work on them.
MK out.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 7/24/2013
I still only have three WIPs. My temperature is normal too.
The Equinox Sweater:
The Gaia Cardi:
I picked it up yesterday and did about eight rows on it.
The July Socks:
Back to knitting.
MK out.
The Equinox Sweater:
The Gaia Cardi:
I picked it up yesterday and did about eight rows on it.
The July Socks:
Back to knitting.
MK out.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Movie Monday - 7/22/2013
There hasn't been very much movie watching around here, but I did see one in the last week.
In Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, an asteroid is heading towards Earth and the world will end in three weeks. Penny (Keira Knightly) gives her neighbor, Dodge (Steve Carell), a letter from his high school love that was put in her mailbox by mistake weeks before. Because she feels guilty for not having given it to him sooner, Penny tags along to help when Dodge sets out to find his love. It was entertaining but a little predictable. I liked it though.
MK out.
In Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, an asteroid is heading towards Earth and the world will end in three weeks. Penny (Keira Knightly) gives her neighbor, Dodge (Steve Carell), a letter from his high school love that was put in her mailbox by mistake weeks before. Because she feels guilty for not having given it to him sooner, Penny tags along to help when Dodge sets out to find his love. It was entertaining but a little predictable. I liked it though.
MK out.
Friday, July 19, 2013
FO Friday - 7/19/2013
Hello Y'all!
I finished Camp Loopy Project 2 on the 15th and here it is:
The challenge was to knit an at least 500 yard project (between July 1 and 31) that is popular with other knitters that I had not knitted before. I chose the Hitchhiker by Martina Behm.
Is it a scarf? Is it a shawlette? Yes.
I used a Wollmeise We're Different coloration of Fledermaus that I had in my stash. It's so nice that The Loopy Ewe allows you to participate with stash yarn as long as it is something they carry in their store.
It has bright to wine-ish red and charcoal-ish black in it. I was only able to squeeze out 40 and three-fourths teeth out of the skein. It is the 80/20 Twin - which has only 510 yds, compared to the Pure. It has 575 yards. It is fine though.
I also finished the June 2013 Socks!
Here's a better photo in the sun:
I used Madelinetosh Tosh Sock - one of the squishiest sock yarns around - in Betty Drapers Blue. SKA has more than one challenge per month, FYI, and I chose Literary Theme. The pattern is Snow Queen Sock by Emmy Coplea.
It was the first time I've ever worked a Dutch heel. It was easy...So, don't fear the Dutch heel!
Wednesday, I showed you the July Socks. I am zipping along on them...I should at least complete the heel turn today. The pattern does not require extensive concentration or a quiet room; so, yay! I may actually finish them in July. That hasn't happened in quite a while.
I've picked out my Camp Loopy Project 3 yarn and project already:
The challenge for Project 3 is to knit something out of 800 yards of yarn, single stranded, (and get a picture posted on the website between August 1 and 31.) I choose to make the Storm Water Shawl. The yarn is Handmaiden Sea Silk that I had in my stash. I bought this yarn in Victoria, British Columbia seven years ago.
Yes, you read that right.
Back to knitting on WIPs while I wait for August 1st.
MK out.
I finished Camp Loopy Project 2 on the 15th and here it is:
The challenge was to knit an at least 500 yard project (between July 1 and 31) that is popular with other knitters that I had not knitted before. I chose the Hitchhiker by Martina Behm.
Is it a scarf? Is it a shawlette? Yes.
I used a Wollmeise We're Different coloration of Fledermaus that I had in my stash. It's so nice that The Loopy Ewe allows you to participate with stash yarn as long as it is something they carry in their store.
It has bright to wine-ish red and charcoal-ish black in it. I was only able to squeeze out 40 and three-fourths teeth out of the skein. It is the 80/20 Twin - which has only 510 yds, compared to the Pure. It has 575 yards. It is fine though.
I also finished the June 2013 Socks!
Here's a better photo in the sun:
I used Madelinetosh Tosh Sock - one of the squishiest sock yarns around - in Betty Drapers Blue. SKA has more than one challenge per month, FYI, and I chose Literary Theme. The pattern is Snow Queen Sock by Emmy Coplea.
It was the first time I've ever worked a Dutch heel. It was easy...So, don't fear the Dutch heel!
Wednesday, I showed you the July Socks. I am zipping along on them...I should at least complete the heel turn today. The pattern does not require extensive concentration or a quiet room; so, yay! I may actually finish them in July. That hasn't happened in quite a while.
I've picked out my Camp Loopy Project 3 yarn and project already:
The challenge for Project 3 is to knit something out of 800 yards of yarn, single stranded, (and get a picture posted on the website between August 1 and 31.) I choose to make the Storm Water Shawl. The yarn is Handmaiden Sea Silk that I had in my stash. I bought this yarn in Victoria, British Columbia seven years ago.
Yes, you read that right.
Back to knitting on WIPs while I wait for August 1st.
MK out.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 7/17/2013
I am down to three WIPs and this week, I am concentrating on two of them.
The July Socks:
The Equinox Sweater:
That poor Gaia Sweater was odd man out again.
MK out.
The July Socks:
The Equinox Sweater:
That poor Gaia Sweater was odd man out again.
MK out.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
WIP Wednesday - 7/10/2013
The Hitchhiker is coming along:
I have thirty-two teeth completed. I really like the pattern and it is a fairly quick knit, although the rows are getting longer; so, I may not be saying that from now on.
I am really enjoying Camp Loopy this summer - even with the fact that I am using stash and didn't allow myself to buy new, shiny yarn. Most of my stash is full of yarn that I love; so, why let it sit there, right? I mean, I bought it to use it...
I am on the foot part of the June socks:
There may or may not be an FO to show on Friday. I guess it will depend on whether or not I choose to do the other things in my life that need doing...
MK out.
Friday, July 5, 2013
FO Friday - 7/5/2013
So, I did finish those socks:
The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silkie Socks That Rock in Tlingit. It's a pretty black/charcoal color with purple...I like it. The pattern is Katniss. I like them and they are done.
I had a lonely skein of Berroco Lustra in a silverish colorway; so, I made a cowl (what else?):
I don't really like Lustra - it is quite splitty. I will probably not use it again, unless I have to make something for which it is just right. (Sure.) The pattern is Sanibel Cowl.
I did't do a WIP Wednesday post this week, but here are the projects in the forefront this week:
The black and red project is my Camp Loopy 2 entry. We were challenged to knit one of the popular patterns on Ravelry. I've had my eye on Hitchhiker for a while. I thought this particular skein of Wollmeise Twin in my stash was just the perfect yarn for it.
The blue socks are those June 2013 Socks. I want to finish them soon, because I've already cast on my July 2013 Socks - and don't forget I have two sweaters on the needles...
Oy!
MK out.
The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silkie Socks That Rock in Tlingit. It's a pretty black/charcoal color with purple...I like it. The pattern is Katniss. I like them and they are done.
I had a lonely skein of Berroco Lustra in a silverish colorway; so, I made a cowl (what else?):
I don't really like Lustra - it is quite splitty. I will probably not use it again, unless I have to make something for which it is just right. (Sure.) The pattern is Sanibel Cowl.
I did't do a WIP Wednesday post this week, but here are the projects in the forefront this week:
The black and red project is my Camp Loopy 2 entry. We were challenged to knit one of the popular patterns on Ravelry. I've had my eye on Hitchhiker for a while. I thought this particular skein of Wollmeise Twin in my stash was just the perfect yarn for it.
The blue socks are those June 2013 Socks. I want to finish them soon, because I've already cast on my July 2013 Socks - and don't forget I have two sweaters on the needles...
Oy!
MK out.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Movie Monday - 7/1/2013
Did the earth move? I've seen two movies in the theater in the last week:
Frances Ha, starring and co-written by Greta Gerwig, is a quirky little tale about a quirky not-so-little girl. The movie is a peek at Frances and her life. She is in her late-twenties and doesn't really have a place to live, or a real job or real friends, for that matter. And despite wanting all that and more, she seems to get by in a charming and effortless way. It was funny and it was cute. I liked it.
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy star in an irreverently funny, but predictable buddy movie The Heat. Bullock plays FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn, who is very smart, serious, by the book and yet, a little arrogant. She is sent to Boston to help bring down a drug lord and is paired with Detective Shannon Mullins (McCarthy) - a foul-mouthed police officer, who doesn't have time to worry about procedural matters. My ears were hurting from all the F-bombs, but it was the perfect, funny movie for me to brighten my mood. It's not Academy Award winning caliber and probably a renter, but it was entertaining. I liked it.
I also watched a video - a romantic comedy - with Jason Segal and Emily Blunt. The Five Year Engagement is definitely a renter, but perfect for a day when there isn't anything good on television and all one wants to do is be entertained without having to put forth much effort. Tom and Violet are a happy couple who become engaged a year into their relationship, but have to keep postponing the wedding because of Violet's career. It's cute; it's predictable; it's alright.
MK out.
Frances Ha, starring and co-written by Greta Gerwig, is a quirky little tale about a quirky not-so-little girl. The movie is a peek at Frances and her life. She is in her late-twenties and doesn't really have a place to live, or a real job or real friends, for that matter. And despite wanting all that and more, she seems to get by in a charming and effortless way. It was funny and it was cute. I liked it.
Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy star in an irreverently funny, but predictable buddy movie The Heat. Bullock plays FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn, who is very smart, serious, by the book and yet, a little arrogant. She is sent to Boston to help bring down a drug lord and is paired with Detective Shannon Mullins (McCarthy) - a foul-mouthed police officer, who doesn't have time to worry about procedural matters. My ears were hurting from all the F-bombs, but it was the perfect, funny movie for me to brighten my mood. It's not Academy Award winning caliber and probably a renter, but it was entertaining. I liked it.
I also watched a video - a romantic comedy - with Jason Segal and Emily Blunt. The Five Year Engagement is definitely a renter, but perfect for a day when there isn't anything good on television and all one wants to do is be entertained without having to put forth much effort. Tom and Violet are a happy couple who become engaged a year into their relationship, but have to keep postponing the wedding because of Violet's career. It's cute; it's predictable; it's alright.
MK out.
Friday, June 28, 2013
FO Friday - 6/28/2013
Remember those socks that I wanted to show y'all today? Well, last night, I dropped a stitch. I thought I had fixed it, but then realized that I had not. It is dark yarn, and knitting with dark yarn at night is risky business. Very risky, because I realized that the stitch was in gusset decrease territory.
I waited until this morning to assess the situation:
Once I got my bearings, I knitted those few stitches back to where they became one - minding those decreases every other row:
Then I laddered back up to the top:
And I was once again ready to motor to the finish line:
I guess I won't finish them until tomorrow, since I am technically a day behind schedule now...
Since y'all didn't get finished socks today, here's the glamour shot of the Lazy Katy shawl that I have plastered allover Ravelry...you know, just in case one of the three of you who read my blog haven't already seen it:
So, the first session of Camp Loopy is drawing to a close. I enjoyed making this shawl. I think I will wear it to church Sunday with a bright pink dress that I have.
For Camp Loopy 2, our challenge is to knit one of the popular patterns in the knitosphere. I've picked out my yarn and pattern, but I am not revealing my choices here yet. Of course, if you are on Ravelry, you already know - so, don't spill the beans, (in case - you know - I might get a non-knitting reader....It could happen)!!!
MK out.
I waited until this morning to assess the situation:
Once I got my bearings, I knitted those few stitches back to where they became one - minding those decreases every other row:
Then I laddered back up to the top:
And I was once again ready to motor to the finish line:
I guess I won't finish them until tomorrow, since I am technically a day behind schedule now...
Since y'all didn't get finished socks today, here's the glamour shot of the Lazy Katy shawl that I have plastered allover Ravelry...you know, just in case one of the three of you who read my blog haven't already seen it:
So, the first session of Camp Loopy is drawing to a close. I enjoyed making this shawl. I think I will wear it to church Sunday with a bright pink dress that I have.
For Camp Loopy 2, our challenge is to knit one of the popular patterns in the knitosphere. I've picked out my yarn and pattern, but I am not revealing my choices here yet. Of course, if you are on Ravelry, you already know - so, don't spill the beans, (in case - you know - I might get a non-knitting reader....It could happen)!!!
MK out.
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