Travelling Solo

Goldenrod

2010-08-29T16:23:00.002-04:00

Relaxing in the hot tub, soaking in the negative ions from the waterfall in front of me, I shed the city dirt and stress. Soaking in the last of the summer`s sunrays, to store for the winter ahead, the sound of running, tinkling, splashing, rushing water in my ears, the light, cool breeze was just right. I set my alarm clock for 6:00 a.m. this Sunday morning, dragged myself out of bed, fed Violet, downed some Starbucks coffee with sour milk, and took the bus to the Voyageur station. My bus left Ottawa at 8:30 a.m. I stumbled off the bus just over an hour later, blinking wearily and dazedly in the bright sunlight, arrived in Wakefield for the fifth time in the past three years. Coincidentally, the last day of Wakefest happens to be today. I went to one of the bakeries here, to buy yet another coffee and a cinnamon bun. Two couples on Harleys parked their motorcycles in the bakery parking lot. -I think this lady was here first, one of the bikers told the server when she tried to serve them before me. I gratefully placed my order--I was lightheaded from barely having eaten all day. Walking back to the inn where I usually stay overnight when I travel to Wakefield, I noticed that the Goldenrods and Asters are in bloom--a sure sign of autumn. The Jewelweed is still in bloom too, as are the Buttercups and Yarrow. The Yarrow in my garden has finished blooming.

My Summer Vacation

2009-07-15T13:07:00.002-04:00

Aah, finally, I get to enjoy my summer! My spring classes are over and I passed all of them with nothing below a B+. I've been spending the time swimming outside, knitting, relaxing, and going for walks in the beautiful sunshine. Oh, and I also went to see Ani Difranco sing at Bluesfest, which was an early birthday treat from my parents, who will be soon leaving to vacation on an island off Spain until the beginning of August. I am so happy that I get to have some time off before September classes begin. I can't remember the last time I had any time to myself, really, which is kind of sad. I was really stressed this spring with school and all of my deadlines to meet.

Volunteers?

2009-06-04T12:11:00.003-04:00

Finally, the beginnings of my Community Afghan may be put to good use. Rachael commented two posts ago about Zoom, a knitter fighting breast cancer--click on her link and send her a message of support, why don't you? Rachael wants help knitting Zoom a blanket.

Knit a Bit

2009-06-03T16:45:00.003-04:00

Hello again. I'm basically just coming up for a breather as the rush towards finals is approaching. Not sure if I let all of you know, but I'm at University full-time this summer--taking four classes and will finish a major paper I didn't get around to last winter--I've been told that's like taking eight classes. Indeed! But I have been knitting--sporadically. I've mastered the trick of reading and knitting at the same time--but it must be stocking stitch on a circular needle, and I need a book prop. My mom's birthday fell on Mother's day this year, and I made her a necklace of pink felted and wooden beads. I received my bijou pattern, yay!

Something to blog (talk) about

2009-05-04T10:09:00.005-04:00

I had an incredible time at Wabi-Sabi on Saturday. I showed up early because I didn't know how long it would take me to get there by bus. Maureen, Miss Twiss, Linda, Daisy and her daughter, some knitters from Sweet Paprika, and of course Kate Gilbert were there. I asked Kate for her autograph in my Folk Style book, in which she has a pattern for a paisley shawl; I also got her to sign my Mom's birthday/Mother's day card--they both fall on the same day this year. Kate asked me if I wanted to model, so I did! The first sweater I modelled was Ysolda Teague's through the keyhole. I also modelled lily and Bijou by Marnie McLean. I bought the pattern for Bijou. I also showed blossom, netherfield, and necco wafer. Kate Gilbert gave all the models twist collective measuring tapes. Maureen and Miss Twiss also modelled. I started knitting Ysolda's Grown-Up Booties in Sierra, which may have been renamed Cadena, Natural colour. It's the first day of the spring/summer session now, I'm back at University full-time.

I'm knitting again

2009-05-01T13:52:00.002-04:00

I went to Wabi-Sabi yesterday morning to buy a bamboo circular needle to knit the smaller version of Ishbel from some Knitpicks laceweight I dyed a solid pink at the Cozy Corner during a dyeing workshop taught by Elizabeth. I have started knitting the scarf/shawl. And I am returning to Wabi-Sabi tomorrow evening for their Twist Collective fashion show. Kate Gilbert will be speaking as well.

Poor me

2009-04-15T12:03:00.001-04:00

Argh--end of session and tax time always catch me unawares. I wrote my philosophy final yesterday. Hopefully I won't have to re-take another philosophy class. I lost my thumbdrive that had my essay and all my research on it for my women's studies class :( I'm going to the lost-and-found when it opens at 1 p.m. I spent Easter studying and cooking myself a nice holiday supper--warning to knitters and vegetarians: read at your own risk--lamb roast with capers and mint, leeks mimosa with toasted hazelnuts, and for dessert, brown rice syrup and cinnamon roasted plums with greek yogurt.

Update

2009-04-02T12:43:00.002-04:00

I am currently knee-deep in a major paper for my Human Rights class. Well, perhaps ankle-deep, since I am not yet halfway finished. But it feels like I am trudging through these obscure texts and documents as I research and write--probably because I am! This summer, I'll be taking a painting class at the Ottawa School of Art. Sad to report, my knitting and felting is on hold until I get this paper handed in, due on April 30th. However, I was very glad to receive the print copy of Ysolda's Whimsical Little Knits I had ordered.

Tricky Spring

2009-03-09T08:51:00.003-04:00

I received good feedback after my presentation. This week I have to get through a philosophy test. I bought a hole puncher yesterday from Staples, to punch holes in the plastic tubing I bought to make the handles of the Stash Bag, which I renamed Spring Purse. The difficult part is slipping the ribbon in the tubing--which is very narrow. I aim to bring this purse to Workshop Studio and Boutique as a prototype to sell.

Success!

2009-03-03T10:34:00.002-05:00

S 'n b yesterday! I brought my oatmeal chocolate chip cookies to share. More posters were put up by myself and others, and two women came :) I taught Leah how to purl, knit ribbing, and cast-off. I also tidied up the knitting basket, which was a mess. I'm nervous about my presentation today. I'll be talking about my outline for a paper on sweatshops in China. Hopefully I'll do ok.

Free Buses!

2009-02-28T12:45:00.002-05:00

Well I succumbed to some retail therapy, taking advantage of the last day of free bus service to head out to the St-Laurent mall. My loot: cozy socks, equally cozy pj's, a lavender bath bomb, body powder, and a white shirt. I don't often indulge like this. I'm attempting to beat my own procrastination and spend this afternoon at the library to prepare for a an upcoming presentation for my Human Rights class. Somehow, everything is suddenly more important than reading a key article for my major paper this semester. Wish me luck, for I am the Queen of Procrastination.

Odds and Ends

2009-02-27T07:55:00.003-05:00

I didn't end up going anywhere for reading week, just caught up on some much-needed sleep and got a bit of reading done. The Stitch n' Bitch at Ottawa U isn't working out so well--I got some posters up but some of them were taken down and no one showed up for the third Tuesday in a row. I will either have to put up more posters or talk to the events coordinator at the Women's Resource Centre about it. I started a couple new projects last night, after staying up too late baking almost-vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. One I've been meaning to start for going on years now, the Chinese Charm bag from S 'n B. I ordered Whimsical Little Knits a little while ago and cast-on for the Icing Swirl hat too. I'm back down to part-time status as a student. I plan on making up for it for taking a class this spring. Also, I recently quit my job at the community centre. I'd ideally like to find a part-time job that's more related to what I'm studying, which is women's studies and psychology, so I'm looking for a job. I hope you have a great weekend! Spring is just around the corner! Goodbye hats, goodbye mittens!

Two days to go...

2009-02-12T11:12:00.002-05:00

Almost study break! I can't wait! I won't be travelling, I'll actually be working, but it will be nice to not have to go to lectures for one week. Monday I'll put up posters for the s 'n b, hopefully knitters will come in two weeks...I visited my Mom yesterday afternoon--she made a felted bowl that didn't felt right and threw it in the garbage, but I rescued it and will use it to put under one of my teapots.

a l'il note

2009-02-11T07:59:00.001-05:00

News: I'm running the Stitch 'n B*tch at my University. Note to self: get posters up so that I don't have to knit alone next time :-) That would help, methinks. Oh wow, I went to Wabi-Sabi yesterday morning. I was *very* impressed, and managed to get away with only a smallish dent in my wallet--those bamboo needles get me every time...If you haven't checked out this LYS, you're missing out...

Brief Synopsis

2009-02-01T13:51:00.004-05:00

Here's what I've been up to: 1. working hard at my job; 2. working hard on my degree; 3. taking some much-needed rest; and, lastly: 4. I got a new kitten, which I named Violet--she's a female, and just over six months old. She's a calico too. I've been training her, a bit of an uphill battle :-) I am working on a Stash Bag. I felted the sack-part of the bag and got plastic tubing and sateen ribbon for the handles--note to self: need buttons to attach handles. Modification: I made the bag smaller than the pattern indicated--I did not have the right size of circ.

Re: hiatus: I took a semi-break from Uni in the fall as have been slogging away in this place for going on five years now. Thus had little and scarce internet access thus little blogging. But I've regained my focus and am feeling better about the whole thing.

"No Apologies, No Assimilation"

2009-01-31T17:06:00.002-05:00

That's from Diane Dimassa's Hothead Paisan comic-zine. Just a hello to let anyone who hasn't given up on reading my blog that I haven't disappeared, and I'll be more dedicated henceforth in starting posting again--back from hiatus.

Back to Knitting

2008-11-05T10:09:00.002-05:00

I went to Sweet Paprika on Sunday, quite fun. I worked on a cabled swatch for the Estes vest from Interweave, and I didn't get gauge. I used wool that Fragglequeen on Ravelry gave me--she's my cousin--for my birthday. Today is Drop the Fees day. There's a big demo involving students from Ottawa and Toronto at the Human Rights monument. Well the U of O kids are meeting in front of the library first.

To knit or not to knit

2008-09-26T23:50:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Long silence, yes, I know. Back to University full-time, work p/t, have been eating up my time. Plus I've barely touched the knitting needles. I did manage to felt some beads though. I went on a hike with some friends August third in Algonquin park and knitted in the car on the way there, only a garter stitch stripey scarf with mohair in it. I worked on the scarf again in Strathcona park on a sunny day. One of my courses is "Feminist Activism", and last Tuesday a knitter was seated behind me during the lecture and videos--another student.

Felt

2008-07-16T12:19:00.002-04:00

I've been felting lately...I made a felted orange paperweight and blue-flecked-with-fuschia doorstop by wrapping fleece around rocks and felting it. Finally using some of my Peace Fleece for that. The idea for the paperweight I actually got from Martha Stewart Living, of all places. I like her technique of wrapping the first couple layers with thread, then slipping the thing in hosiery in order to felt it.

Thank you...

2008-07-03T14:39:00.002-04:00

...for your kind thoughts...yesterday I had the day off work and I didn't even go outside. I got up at around noon to eat some toast but I basically spent the day and night on the couch. I was late for work this morning but at least I made it in. I'm off to the library to return some late cds.

Relieving Work Stress

2008-06-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

Created by OnePlusYou

Tears...

2008-06-30T19:19:00.002-04:00

My maternal grandfather and my cat, Wednesday, both died recently. My grandfather's funeral was last week and Wednesday got hit by a car this morning while I was at work. She died. I am devastated and aggrieved. I had just brought her to the vet on Saturday and she was healthy. Wednesday, sweetie, I hope you are in kittie heaven and I'll always love you and miss you...

Contest

2008-06-14T13:24:00.004-04:00

This is my 101st post...and I would like to celebrate and mark the 100th post by holding a contest of sorts, with a prize. The prize will be a gift-package to be determined. You must comment in order to be considered as winner and recipient of the prize. What I am looking for is the most useful suggestion for solving my problem of not having the internet hooked up in my apartment. Here is my problem/situation: I have my landline/home telephone with Rogers, and tried to have my internet hooked up, also with Rogers. It didn't work because the Rogers guy who came to my apartment told me he had to drill a hole through the outside wall in order to pass the wire through, for which he needs a letter of permission from my landlord, which my landlord refused to give me. It would be easiest for me to get my internet through Rogers, but I don't want cable tv, which seems to be part of all the packages they offer (cable-internet-phone). Furthermore, the guy who lived in my apartment before me had his internet through Rogers, so there must be a cable already they can use, but the Rogers guy said it wasn't the right gauge, which makes no sense at all, since the last tenant definitely had the internet hooked up (why would they require a different gauge now?). I realize this is a boring contest, but I really need your help about this, and if you help me with my problem, I'll be able to post more often and be one step closer to solving my other problem, that of how to use my own pictures on my blog. Feel free to enlist your significant others' knowledge of all things technical/technological, (not to imply that women know nothing about these things), should you be so blessed. Thank you!

Book Meme

2008-06-14T12:54:00.005-04:00

A meme is a trend that spreads or catches on quickly through a given culture; here in the "blogosphere", memes can spread like wildfire. Instructions: mark the volumes you have read in bold type, type in gray-blue the ones you have read for school, and italicize the ones you started but didn't finish. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell; Anna Karenina; Crime and Punishment; Catch-22; One Hundred Years of Solitude; Wuthering Heights; The Silmarillion; Life of Pi: a novel; The Name of the Rose; Don Quixote; Moby Dick; Ulysses; Madame Bovary; The Odyssey; Pride and Prejudice; Jane Eyre; The Tale of Two Cities; The Brothers Karamazov; Guns, Germs, and Steel: the fates of human societies; War and Peace; Vanity Fair; The Time Traveler’s Wife; The Iliad; Emma; The Blind Assassin; The Kite Runner; Mrs. Dalloway; Great Expectations; American Gods; A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius; Atlas Shrugged; Reading Lolita in Tehran: a memoir in books; Memoirs of a Geisha; Middlesex; Quicksilver; Wicked: the life and times of the wicked witch of the West; The Canterbury Tales; The Historian: a novel; A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man; Love in the Time of Cholera; Brave New World; The Fountainhead; Foucault’s Pendulum; Middlemarch; Frankenstein; The Count of Monte Cristo; Dracula; A Clockwork Orange; Anansi Boys; The Once and Future King; The Grapes of Wrath; The Poisonwood Bible: a novel; 1984; Angels & Demons; The Inferno (and Purgatory and Paradise); The Satanic Verses; Sense and Sensibility; The Picture of Dorian Gray; Mansfield Park; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest; To the Lighthouse; Tess of the D’Urbervilles; Oliver Twist; Gulliver’s Travels; Les Misérables; The Corrections; The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Dune; The Prince; The Sound and the Fury; Angela’s Ashes : a memoir; The God of Small Things; A People’s History of the United States : 1492-present; Cryptonomicon; Neverwhere; A Confederacy of Dunces; A Short History of Nearly Everything; Dubliners; The Unbearable Lightness of Being Beloved; Slaughterhouse-five; The Scarlet Letter; Eats, Shoots & Leaves; The Mists of Avalon; Oryx and Crake : a novel; Collapse : how societies choose to fail or succeed; Cloud; Atlas The Confusion; Lolita; Persuasion; Northanger Abbey; The Catcher in the Rye; On the Road; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Freakonomics : a rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything; Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : an inquiry into values; The Aeneid; Watership Down; Gravity’s Rainbow; The Hobbit; In Cold Blood : a true account of a multiple murder and its consequences; White Teeth; Treasure Island; David Copperfield; The Three Musketeers.

Happy Birthday

2008-05-08T09:45:00.002-04:00

Forgot to acknowledge my 100-post "birthday"...Will come up with a contest of sorts in order to celebrate--stay tuned...

Sweet Paprika

2008-05-05T09:49:00.003-04:00

Photo courtesy of dkimages. I joined Sweet Paprika this morning. Last summer, Mom gave me a class with Sweet Paprika as a birthday gift, on dyeing yarn. I ordered some yarn through Ottawa Knit Nites to dye but haven't dyed it yet. Hmm...something to do in my time off from University. I will have to order some dye. I saw some nice dyes on the Knitpicks website that I would love to try out. Argh, having trouble keeping my eyes open this morning. I went to a housewarming party given by some co-workers on Saturday night. I'm not usually much of a partyer, but was convinced by Emily to go.

Beginnings and Endings

2008-05-04T08:37:00.004-04:00

Aah, time off University...so nice and relaxing...I went to Knit Night on Friday and met some knitters I hadn't met before, always pleasant. I worked on swatches and untangling yarn, some things I'd been meaning to get done for a while. The first swatch was for the Tea Rose halter top from last summer's Interweave Knits. I chose a mustard-coloured cotton Young Touch by Estelle for it. This yarn was tangled because for this pattern, you hold four strands together. The second was my swatch for the Big Sack sweater from Stitch n' Bitch, in Patons Chunky Tweed, brown with green and orange flecks.

As for my Blissful Jacket, I continued seaming it yesterday. I think it's almost done!

Photo courtesy of Banksy in the UK--check out the website for some cool graffiti art!

Done!

2008-04-30T09:41:00.004-04:00

Holy crapola I'm done! Two exams--one on Friday, one on Saturday, I whipped up my nine-and-a-bit pages take-home essay/exam yesterday afternoon and this morning, did my taxes at five am yesterday morning, everything's in the mail, deposited at the Women's Studies Institute, handed in, phew! I led my first Playgroup yesterday morning and it went off I think without a hitch, thank God. I even enjoyed myself a bit.

I almost had a conniption fit on Saturday when I saw where I was writing my exam--in the freakin' skating rink at the new Sports Complex. The place was huge, there were hundreds of desks in the skating rink (no ice), I couldn't find my prof or my TA, my course code wasn't written anywhere...Finally it worked out, someone in my class spotted my prof at the other end of the rink, and after I stopped looking around at all the people I was able to focus on my exam. That was a bit of an ordeal.

My summer class starts June 17th so that means I have a month and a half off from school, just work.

Just Breathe

2008-04-25T18:58:00.003-04:00

I picked up my Womb project and I got an A: 85%! I know a couple knitters at my Knit Nite said they wanted to see it--do you want to see just the womb or the whole project? I kind of hate to take the Womb off the cardboard as it would kind of ruin the global effect--which would mean I would have to take the bus if I were to bring the whole thing to Knit Nite, which is not a problem.

I'm right in the thick of finals right now--I wrote one this morning, will be writing one tomorrow, then submitting my take-home next week. Plus I'm doing my taxes tomorrow night. Plus I'm starting something new at work on Monday, which means I'll be working five days a week instead of four.

I went for a massage at Daya on Wednesday after work. I'm thrilled to have found a good massage therapist. I recommend Erin, who gave me my massage.

Prince Charming

2008-03-29T10:39:00.004-04:00

I transplanted my squash, cabbage, and Calendula sprouts. The squash has grown a lot; so have the tomatoes. And my Womb Poster Project has been submitted! I fastened the knitted womb to the cardboard base using wire and hockey tape. The project was kind of pulled together at the last minute, but I hope I did ok. I can go and pick up my uterus ;) on the 21st. I finished my accursed boyfriend hat at Knit Nite. Now to find a head, preferably attached to a single, male body, for the hat. The story is that I started the hat for Peter, who then went back home to Granada. Then I continued knitting when I started dating Mark, but we broke up a week later. Maybe I should just carry the hat around in my purse and proffer it to random guys on the street. Betseydoodle suggested I write a want ad: knit toque looking for single male; preferably between the ages of 25 to 30; must like chicks who knit and wear glasses. I dunno. Spring is definitely here; maybe too hot for toques now anyways?

Funny thing

2008-03-27T17:29:00.003-04:00

I'd like to apologize for the general messiness of my blog right now; there are things I'd like to add, things I'd like to change, things I'd like to fix...

I wrote awhile back about the boutique Workshop carrying a couple of my felted things--a wrap/scarf and a felted PDA case. Well, yesterday one of the owners, Christina, called me because they are switching their inventory to spring stuff and too bad my things didn't sell but could I please come pick them up at the shop? That got me sort of dejected, but I picked them up.

This morning, I was at home, and got a phone call from one of the girls who works at the store saying do I still have the scarf because I have a customer who really wants it! I fairly ran to the shop and that was my first sale at Workshop! The salesclerk commented on how it was funny that the day after I bring my scarf home someone asks for it. I just think that's how things go. I was really happy my scarf sold, though--it made me smile.

Choice

2008-03-25T13:59:00.003-04:00

I'm having a bad research day. I'm just not finding anything. I went to the periodical section in the library, and the call numbers immediately preceding and following what I need are there, but not the book containing my articles. Extremely frustrating.

Workshop called me to pick up my unsold items I had at their shop. It's too bad they didn't sell, but I'm glad to have them back. I think I'll keep them for myself. I already picked them up: a fulled PDA case and a felted black and pink wrap. Wool is so comforting.

I think I'll call it a day on the research and start fresh tomorrow, maybe use a different database. For Womb, I decided on "choice" printed on a piece of natural muslin and tied to Womb with a tampon string! I also unearthed some cardboard I rescued from the neighbours' trash to re-use as my poster board. I'm thinking of affixing Womb to the cardboard with some wire. We'll see.

I love the student lounge. Ooh, mood lighting. It's so relaxing.

Wednesday has started to go outside now, and she loves it. Spring, hurry up and come! I'm impatient.

A little recap

2008-03-25T07:29:00.003-04:00

I love early mornings. I was walking down the street and the city looked so desolate. The seagulls are back. I have to go to class at 8:30am. I missed last week's classes due to illness; today is my first day back. The street is beginning to wake up. Last night I made Mushroom Pâté en Croûte, with Portobello mushrooms. I spent the afternoon in the University library, catching up on reading. I've started doing yoga again, on my doctor's recommendation. I bought a few DVDs and do my practice in the morning. I don't think I mentioned what I did over reading week. I went on a Ski and Spa Getaway at Le Moulin, in Wakefield, Québec. The first day I went cross-country skiing and broke a ski! The second day went a little better: I got a facial, enjoyed a table d'hôte dinner, and took in a show at the Blacksheep Inn. I'd go again in a heartbeat. It was very relaxing. The highlight was using the outdoor hot tub at night, surrounded by snow and trees!

Women Alive

2008-03-24T15:50:00.004-04:00

I am reading about Birth Control in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries. This is for my Women and Health class. That course has been made up in a large part of student oral presentations. Margaret Sanger, a public health nurse from the early 20th century, was one of eleven children! I am an only child, and it is quite a leap to imagine having ten brothers and sisters! I suppose family gatherings would be quite different in such a large family. Sanger opened the first birth control clinic for women in the United States, in New York City. I've wished before that I had grown up in an earlier century. Traditional, self-sufficient, pioneering lifestyles that are "close to the land" appeal to me. However, dying because I gave birth to 11 children I do not envy.

My parents and I used to spend time in the chalet of one of my Dad's co-workers near Calabogie. There was no running water there, only a hand pump and an outhouse. There was also a woodstove. We would go there to cross-country ski. I used to love the sound of the water pump. You would start pmping the handle, and no water would come at first, then all of a sudden the water would come gushing out and stopping the stream was not as easy. The water was ice cold and fresh. We would have to ski in, and a couple of times we left after nightfall, wearing headlamps whose beams cut across the snow, illuminating narrow bands of forest and track. I miss those days.

I baked a Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake for Easter, recipe here. I didn't make the glaze though, as I didn't have the recipe. I decided to bring the cake to my parents', but found out that my Mom had baked the exact same cake! Mine returned home with me, to be taken to work, most likely. The first time Mom baked that cake was for a Spring Equinox Ritual we both attended, a joint celebration put on by Around the Goddess, which I was involved with, and the Women's Spirituality Group. At that time, my parents and I belonged to an organic food co-op, and another woman who was also a member of the co-op was at the ritual with her daughter. My then-mentor, Kathleen Leeson, had also attended. I had a wonderful time at that ritual. I had been responsible for the smudging, and I had bought some dried Lavender and Rose flowers to burn--the smell was incredible! There were many participants due to the combining of the two groups, and we made a lot of smoke; when Kathleen arrived she said she would just walk through the portal of smoke! The ritual and feasting took place a hall in a church. Mom had also brought flowers, as had many other women.

I will hold back on writing any poetry about spring...according to Mr. Carpenter from the Emily series by Lucy Maud Montgomery, more trash has been written about spring than any other subject! I recently bought a copy of this book at a hole-in-the-wall, musty old secondhand book den in early March. I could have explored the shop for hours, but it was getting dark. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Sweetie

2008-03-24T14:12:00.003-04:00

I finished Womb yesterday at my parents' house, but I haven't sewn on the beads yet. Now for the research segment of my project: I have to do some reading on reproductive politics. I also have to figure out some way of mounting the womb, although I'd like my project to be interactive, perhaps I'll put a sign that says "cuddle me!" on the womb. My idea is to change students' conceptions about wombs--that they aren't something mysterious, strange, hidden away, or scary, but rather an organ they can be friends with. I want to convey a tactile experience through the knitted object. I'm also considering a sign that reads "squeeze me!"; my professor suggested I attach a sign that says "Choice" on the womb--I may do that instead.

I'm sitting across from The White Shop, in the Byward Market. It's a store that sells mainly household wares that are white. There's a funky, large mobile in the window. The sky is clear blue today.

I transplanted some tomato and spinach seedlings this morning. For Easter, my Mom got me some "Sweetie" cherry tomato and beets seeds, as well as some soap, some dark chocolate, two hot cross buns from the Wild Oat; she also knitted me a green facecloth in the shape of a flower. I planted some of the "Sweetie" tomatoes this morning; I'll wait to plant the beets straight into the garden, I think.

Reading in a café

2008-03-21T11:50:00.008-04:00

I am sitting at Bridgehead, enjoying the free wireless and a muffin. It's very sunny out on this Good Friday. I'm almost done knitting my first womb; I managed to find some cool beads for the ovaries, they are transparent plastic with little peach balls inside to represent the ovum.

The semester is winding down to a close. And I'm pretty happy about that. I'm still debating whether or not to take summer classes.

The café is busy today. I brought some reading with me but I've yet to get to it. Unfortunately I am working on Sunday. I've been invited to my parents, also on Sunday, for an Easter meal. I started a living Easter basket last week. I found a lined pastel Easter basket at St. Vincent de Paul, filled the basket with soiless mix, then planted grass seed and watered. I covered the basket with a brown paper bag until the grass sprouted, then put the basket in a sunny window. The grass has been growing, but not as thickly as my Easter baskets in past years. Perhaps the grass seeds are getting old and need to be replaced. I have a rabbit and eggs decoration to stick in the soil, and ribbon to tie around the handle. The basket is supposed to be a centerpiece.

I have started some seedlings inside. Chamomile, spinach, tomatoes, squash, cabbage, Yarrow, Tansy, arugula, Thyme, Oregano, Calendula. Hopefully they will survive until they are planted outside.

I hope things are fixed soon

2008-03-09T11:00:00.003-04:00

Apparently, you can see my posts, but problem is, I can't see my new posts. I'm not the only one on blogger having this problem, unfortunately there is not much I can do right now about it. I know you can see my new post because Linda left a comment yesterday I think about my knitted womb. I really like what she said, that's a poetic and lovely saying, and no, I had never seen it before. My Dad is an atheist so we never went to church as a family, although my maternal Grand-maman brought me to St-Thomas d'Aquin when I was young; that`s the church where my Aunt Sue and Uncle Andy were married. I think my parents were married there too, about one year after I was born, which was an issue back then, in the seventies. Still is today, I think--having babies out of wedlock is still frowned upon, I believe. At least by mainstream society. Young parents, especially single mothers, but also single dads, have to put up with a lot just walking down the street or even using public transportation.

You may have noticed that I joined the Child-Free by Choice and Say No to Babies groups on Ravelry--or not. I actually work with children, I do not hate them, but myself I put up with a lot of inconsiderate comments about my choice to delay childbearing. I`ve had friends who had kids very young, because they were uneducated about birth control and their right, as women, to decide when and under which circumstances they would start a family. Many of them ended up breaking up with the fathers of their first children and going on to new relationships and having more kids! I think this is confusing for the children involved. My ex, Jeremiah, had a child with a woman, married her, and they subsequently separated. I guess what I`m trying to say is that I`ve seen too many children bandied about, with weird living arrangements, so much so that the kids themselves never seem to have the time or space to just relax and be kids. They are always rushed from place to place, without a definite and familiar schedule, and kids need routine.

I made the conscious choice to educate myself about birth control. I myself was born to parents too young to know how to take care of me properly. I read the statistics: girls born to young mothers often give birth as young mothers themselves. I decided that wouldn`t happen in my case (and no, I`m not pregnant now).

My friend Jessie is part Dene (a First Nations community up north), part Polish. She was adopted when she was just a baby by white parents who raised her in Ottawa. She has been through a lot, and I knew her when she found her birth parents and was reunited with them for the first time. The beading above is traditional Dene beadwork. Last time I talked to her over the phone, long-distance from Nanaimo, she told me she was pregnant. I`d like to knit something for her baby. I bought this book and would like to make this for her.

I hope you are having a snuggly, knitty, snowy, wintery day and that you have a fireplace--mmm, that would be nice...When I stepped outside, I fell into snow almost up to my waist! I listened to the Vinyl Café last weekend, live from Whistler, and Stuart McLean was commenting on how happy residents of Whistler are to get lots of snow. For now, I`m dreaming of spring...

New Projects

2008-03-07T09:09:00.004-05:00

Thanks for your suggestion, Linda, about my Drop-Stitch cardi. Unfortunately, I've moved on to a new sweater, which I bought the wool for yesterday at Wool-Tyme--nine balls of Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in brown to make the Big Sack sweater from Stitch and Bitch. I started the back last night while watching an episode of season three of Grey's Anatomy. I'm planning on going to Knit Nite this evening, hope to see you there. I will also have with me my knitted womb-in-progress--it is pink, made from Lamb's Pride--a project for my Introduction to Women's Studies class. The womb pattern is from Knitty.

I'm back!

2008-03-07T09:01:00.002-05:00

Hi! Sorry for the long break...Lots going on, including a little ski and spa getaway I went on during reading week to Wakefield... I will be going to Knit Nite tonight, hope to see you there! I'll be bringing my knitted womb-in-progress and a new sweater I just cast-on for last night...Looking forward! Things are quieting down school-wise, as the semester is drawing to an end, thank the goodness. That's why I have more time to knit lately. Yesterday I went to Wool-Tyme, my not-so-local-LYS--by bus. I got nine skeins of Patons Shetland Cunky tweed, in a brown flecked with green and orange, to make the big sack sweater from s 'n b.

Line-ups

2008-01-04T17:05:00.000-05:00

The line-up for buying bus passes today was horrendously long. I had some knitting with me: my Mom--in the photo above--gave me a skein of Lion Brand yarn for Christmas to make a scarf. Even yarn snobs need a fun novelty yarn once in a while. There I was, trying to bear the techno trance music pumping from the smoke shop, knitting. I had to endure two line-ups today; both were so long it took all day and all my energy. The first line-up was for student loans. Need I say more?

My downstairs neighbour has been so generous as to allow me to make use of his wireless internet connection. In return, I gave him a bottle of wine for Christmas and one of my lino-cut cards. He has been decidedly quieter and more generous with the hot water since he found hs gift bag in front of his door, to my advantage.

Remember Chaussette? Well, Chaussette didn't go over too well with the kids. I introduced Chaussette to one child, and he didn't really get it. Chaussette has been languishing in my pocket in the office at work. On the wall behind the door, all the instructors have a little pocket on the wall for keeping things in at work.

Knitting and felting in the new year

2008-01-03T06:59:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I've made some pretty mundane resolutions. Don't fall asleep. 1. Clean my cat's litter box more often (I warned you). 2. Wear my night guard more often (I grind my teeth at night). I can't believe I just wrote that. 3. Follow my budget more closely (yawn). Hmm...what about you? Any resolutions for 2008? Onto knitting. First sock: I'm following the Yarn Harlot's basic sock recipe. I've picked up the stitches on either side of the heel flap, but I didn't knit them through the back of the stitch, so there are holes. Input request: should I go back and redo, or leave as is? That's where I'm stuck. Little felting project: I'm knitting up some pencil roving on a short circ to make a little bag/purse. I've never used pencil roving before, and have never knit with roving either, so that makes two firsts for me. I originally bought this roving for teaching the After-Four kids how to felt, but we had enough of the Fleece Artist roving from Yarn Forward--we actually cleaned out what they had--for the kids who participated. All this hoopla about the holidays, I think, is highly overrated. If you cancel out the commercialism; materialism; anniversaries we'd really rather not think about; the overindulging, especially in alcohol, and its accompanying hangovers; the wasteful packaging; the inordinate amount of spending; you're not left with much come the first week of January. The excesses of the season plumb wear me out, to tell you the truth. I'd have been just as content to sit fireside and knit through the whole thing--which I did for part of it--leave the carousing to others, and let me know when it's over.

Here's to you...

2007-12-29T04:47:00.000-05:00

For the sake of being organized, here is a little update of sorts in no particular order: 1. Hmm...have camera (which I got for Christmas), no administrative rights on my computer because my uncle gave me my laptop and we didn't switch administrators so I can't install the camera software nor download photos. As soon as the University reopens I'll see if the IT guy at the library will help. I can't even change the time on my computer because I don't have admin rights. 2. Progress notes on my first (official) sock: I turned the heel (!) while doing laundry at the laundromat up the street yesterday. BTW, it was my first time at that particular laundromat and I have decided it's the perfect one for fulling. Huge side loaders. Hopefully when I go I won't have to try to explain what I'm doing to the family who owns it (it's a laundromat/dry cleaning place where you can drop off your soiled linens to be washed, dried, and folded, or you can do it yourself). I wonder if they'll object because the wool can clog the machine, so I've heard. I can always put the items in a fabric bag. 3. On the horizon: the Velvet-Trimmed Raglan Pullover from Alterknits (Leigh Radford). The main problem I've had with the two sweaters I've made for myself was the seaming. I. Hate. Seams. This pullover is knit in the round. I'll keep you posted. 4. Stash Enhancement: The Fleece Artist order arrived at Paula's just before Christmas. I had ordered some batting for felting, and did I get some (slightly more than I expected, and so was pleasantly surprised)! Photo to come of the loot. 5. Knitting Library Addition: Folk Style by Mags Kandis, Interweave Press. There are at least seven things I want to make out of this book, some for myself, some I think have selling potential. The Bunad Mukluks pattern sold me because one of my coworkers has already requested slippers from me once she saw me knitting at work. I hope you had a good Christmas and here's to a wonderful New Year *clicks metal knitting needles together*!

Baking Day

2007-12-22T07:24:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was spayed on Monday but is recovering quite nicely at home. She is sleeping in a circle on her spot on the couch. Poor her, her belly was shaved for the operation. It's been a bit of a challenge keeping her from licking the incision. I printed some gift tags last night. There's a Christmas family gathering at my parents' tomorrow night after work. My Mom is making sushi as an appetizer. I'm working today and tomorrow, then not until January 3rd. The After-Four Program starts up again on the 7th. We're being evaluated in January. I'm listening to Go on CBC while gingerbread cooky dough chills in the fridge. I'm getting my hair cut this afternoon. There's a party tonight but I'm not sure if I'm going.

The Belated Christmas Knitting Post

2007-12-05T06:37:00.004-05:00

The first Christmas after I started knitting, I knitted gifts for everyone. I knit my then-boyfriend a sweater, which he never wore--curse of the boyfriend sweater, indeed. I also felted him some slippers. I knit my Dad a techno-gadget-thingy-cosy in the Ottawa Senators' colours. Which I never saw or heard about again. Ok, I didn't knit for everyone that year, but since that "first" Christmas, I've knit my one of my cousins a Meema's Marsupial Tote, and a scarf for her sister. Let's say there have been more plans and lists of Christmas items to knit than actual knitting of them.

"Everyone loves white boots!"

This was poor Wednesday...I miss her:(

Tea for One

2007-12-05T04:32:00.001-05:00

I did some Christmas shopping yesterday--no, I'm afraid I'm not making all the gifts I'm giving this year. The Wild Oat is in the Glebe and there are a couple new shops that have opened there. Very fancy shops--I walked into one that only sells chocolate: Ice Wine and Espresso truffles, hot chocolate, chocolate "bricks", Dutch cocoa powder, chocolate chips...a real chocoholic's dream come true! I've been fighting a cold for the past few days, but today I think I'll try and get some bed rest. I started taking Vitamin C again yesterday, making some Kukicha tea now. I'm going to add some Tamari to the tea. And that's my home remedy for you:Kukicha Twig Tea (also called Bancha Twig or just Twig): Roast the whole package of twigs--to revive flavour--by stirring in a skillet over med. heat for a few min. Boil water and add about 1 t./cup. Simmer 10 min. Mix 1/2-1 t.tamari soy sauce with hot twig tea. Drink once or twice/day for up to 3 days. For oncoming cold symptoms. Alkalinizes the blood, relieves fatigue.

Feeling Brunchy

2007-12-04T05:58:00.000-05:00

I get to celebrate today because my last class of the "fall" semester finishes at 9:50 am. Maybe I'll go to the Wild Oat for brunch afterwards. I'm also going to go to work to spend time with kids. Well, I ordered some Peace Fleece too, waiting for its arrival to Canada; it's probably stuck at the border.

Just looking at this picture makes my stomach growl. The Oat makes the best cinnamon buns in Ottawa. I woke up at 5:00 am one morning to help one of the bakers make them.

Ah, the Oat. I worked there two summers in a row. And it was hot! As a bakery/café, the ovens were always on, the coffeemaker going. And busy! I worked during the Great Glebe Garage Sale, and there was a neverending scrum of customers all day long.

I must say I am glad to not be working there anymore. I like my newish job now. I actually go to the meetings and feel listened to at them. This afternoon I'm cooking a hot snack for the kids, then I am in charge of the homework club. My shifts aren't very long. And my supervisors accommodate my class schedule.

They plowed our sidewalks during the night or early this morning--maybe that's what woke me up so early. I'll be able to walk to my class without too much trouble. And after: brunch! :)

Of Swatches and Things

2007-12-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

I did some swatching and more baking this weekend. I baked Ysolda's oaty cookies again, to bring to the work meeting I had yesterday; and I swatched for my Belle Beret, a cabled hat from Rebecca from yarn leftover from my ex's Skully, and socks--I frogged my Jaywalker sock, and cast on for a plain sock à la Yarn Harlot in my Gaspésie sock yarn. I even washed and dried all the swatches, four in all.

I also went to Michael's yesterday to get a few supplies for making Christmas gifts. I like painting wood now, and I was pleased with the shadow boxes I mounted recently; I got some larger, vintage shadow boxes, as well as some letters--the first letter of two of my cousins' names, to paint and decorate for their bedroom doors. I'm looking forward to decorating the new shadow boxes.

There was a meme floating around the blogospere a while back asking knitters where they knit. Well, this is my knitting nook. The quilts were made by my aunt Nanci, the pillow on the left and the stash bag by my Mom.

In my 5:30 class, I had a group presentation. I'm not the one who had to give the presentation, but I had to stand before the class to answer questions after one of my group members presented. But hey, guess what? There were no questions for us (breathes sigh of relief)! And guess what else? I got to knit on my sock for the whole rest of the class because we presented first.

They forgot to plow our street. Wading through the snowbanks is very tiring. I was running down the hill today in 2 feet of snow.

Odds&Ends

2007-11-28T10:53:00.000-05:00

For someone who asked, I got all the fabrics, as well as the satin ribbon for my lace-up opera gloves, from Darrell Thomas Textiles. The green-on-green fabric on the right is from Amy Butler, as Linda wrote (how did she know?), and you can drool over more of Amy Butler's designs here. The latest new trend on campus is knitted boots. Whenever I see a girl wearing them, I think to myself, there must be a way to make those... I was looking for a poem passage to copy here last night; I was looking through my "Collected Poems by Susan Musgrave", but her writing is devastatingly sad and mournful. Also looking in my "Poetry of Lucy Maud Montgomery", but I couldn't find anything that exactly echoed my mood. I settled on a few selected lines from L.M.Montgomery's "The First Snowfall": Voiceless and motionless the maples stand, Heart-broken, with each other to commune In silent hopelessness. The cold gray sky Has blotted out the mountain's misty blue, [...] and the poem ends with: Darkness comes early and beneath its wings We see a wraith-like world with spectres filled-- Naught but cold semblances of real things As though Earth's breathing were forever stilled. Still depressing, but accurately depicts the season. Tonight I made Squash and Sweet Potato Soup with Chipotle Sauce and a loaf of Coriander bread is in the oven. I only have two classes left before exams! Monday I have "Femmes, racisme et pouvoir" and Tuesday morning is my last class in Child Development. I'm looking forward to some uninterrupted time to myself.

Pretty fabrics

2007-11-27T10:55:00.000-05:00

Wednesday likes fleece almost as much as I do! I was going to do some wet felting yesterday, so I took out my roving, but ended up not using it; today I was trying to put it away, and my cat stole some from the bag to play with. That cat!Images are working today, so here is the fabric I bought last week. Proceeds from the red fabric and the three pink and green fabrics go to the Cat Rescue Network.

Sesame Anise bread (baking is good for the soul)

2007-11-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

I decided to bake today as I only have one class tonight at 5:30 pm. The recipe comes from The Garden of Vegan, and here it is: Ingredients: 1 T. dry active yeast 1/2 c. warm water 1/2 t. dry sweetener (I had some brown sugar so I used that) 1/3 c. soy milk (I used vanilla rice milk) 1 T. olive oil 1 T. maple syrup (I didn't have any so I used honey, so my bread isn't strictly vegan, but then, neither am I) 1 t. salt 1 t. anise seed (I used more than that because I like anise; I ground it first in my mortar and pestle) 1 T. sesame seeds (I didn't measure, just put in a handful) 2 1/4 c. flour (I used 1/2 soft whole wheat pastry flour and half organic spelt flour; the recipe doesn't specify so you could use any flour you like, I just like a rougher, more peasant-style bread) In a large bowl (preferably ceramic), stir together the yeast with warm water and sweetener. Let sit 10 min. Add soy milk, oil, maple syrup, salt, anise, sesame seeds, and 1 c. flour. (I make sure not to stir too much, just enough to blend uniformly as too much stirring can toughen the bread; and I make sure to get the dry stuff at the bottom of the bowl when I stir) Slowly stir in remaining flour 1/2 c. at a time. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough until smooth and elastic. (I kneaded it until it started to toughen and feel more dense; you can add a bit more flour if the dough sticks to your hands but the recipe gives good dry to wet proportions--I didn't need to add too much flour) Transfer dough to a large (clean), lightly oiled bowl, turning dough until covered with oil. Cover with a clean tea towel that has been wet with hot water and wrung out (this used to be called "veiling the bowl"), and set aside in a warm, non-drafty spot (I put it in my oven with the door closed--the oven was not on) and let rise until doubled in size (approx. 1-1 and a 1/2 hrs). Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Punch down dough (you can flour your hand for this if you have sticky dough), knead out air bubbles (I only kneaded it a few times--less than 10, because I didn't want it to become too tough), and place in a lightly oiled bread pan (I always use olive oil, even for oiling pans. You could also oil and flour the pan, or oil the pan and sprinkle sesame seeds on the bottom and sides for a crunchy crust. I just didn't think of doing this before I had put the dough in my pan, so I sprinkled some sesame seeds in the bottom corners of the pan where the dough didn't reach). Lightly brush top of loaf with oil (I want to eat some of this for breakfast tomorrow, so I dipped the tines of a fork in the honey jar and dripped a squiggle of honey on the loaf to make it a bit sweeter; I also sprinkled more sesame and anise seeds on top and made three diagonal slashes with a sharp paring knife). Re-wet the tea towel under running hot water, veil the pan now and let it rise another 15 min. (During the first rising, I went out to pick up some stuff at the print shop--just to say you don't have to hover over the dough for it to rise; I advocate a laissez-faire attitude to cooking and baking--I think giving the food a little breathing room to do its own thing without the cook/baker anxiously watching over it, poking and prodding it yields better results, and plus, you can get some errands done while it rises. And I wouldn't worry either if you're gone longer than 1 and a 1/2 hours due to traffic or lineups; the dough won't run away like the Gingerbread Man if you're five minutes late.) For the second rising, I couldn't put the pan in the oven since the oven was on, and my apartment is a bit cold today, so I put it on top of the stove, right on the back burner (which was turned off). The oven light beside the oven fan was on, and it's one of those fluorescent ones, so the heat from that combined with the heat from the preheating oven combined made the dough rise nicely and fill the pan. Bake for 30-35 min. (Put the pan with one of the long sides facing you, and in the centre of the bottom or middle rack--if you don't have a rectangular pan you could just as well make a round loaf in a round cake pan, or if you have neither, but you have a cast-iron skillet, I don't see why you couldn't bake it in that--but don't touch the handle with your bare hand!) I always set my timer for the lesser amount of time, then check it (checking the bread midway through baking lets cold air in and can cause the bread to fall. If you're lucky, you have a window in your oven door and can check progress that way with the oven light on; I have an old stove that is a fire hazard in itself and has no window, so I cross my fingers and wait. If it starts to smell burnt, then I open the oven door.) an aside: the image-posting function is down right now, hopefully will be fixed soon. ok, back to bread: my apartment is starting to smell good, the aroma of baking bread with anise is so comforting. My loaf took 30 min. to bake. A note on testing doneness: don't take the pan out of the oven to test it; if it isn't done baking, it won't continue to bake after you've taken the bread out and put the pan back in. I do two tests: I don't have a cake tester, so I use a spaghetti noodle, or whatever I find in the cupboard first, today it was a buckwheat noodle. The slashes are good "entry points" for the noodle. Second test: while the pan is still on the oven rack (you can wear an oven mitt and slide the rack outwards a bit, or if your oven mitts are worn, thin, or have holes in them and you don't want to burn yourself, a fork is a good tool to slide out a rack), tap the top of the loaf with the tip of your finger. If it sounds hollow, it's done. I wait for the pan to cool a bit before putting it on a cooling rack. I don't slide a butter knife around the edges if I can at all avoid it, as that can cut the outside (I like food that's attractive to look at as well as yummy-tasting). I put on both oven mitts, hold the pan in one hand, and shake the loaf out into the other mittened hand. If it needs a loving push or is a bit sticky, then I'll use a butter knife, being careful not to cut into the sides of the loaf. And voilà! You have hot homemade bread for your supper to dip in your soup and clean the bowl with! And enough for leftovers for breakfast tomorrow, with jam. One last note, on storing bread: It will dry out if you put it in the fridge. Best consumed in the week you made it. I'm not sure why, but my bread always goes moldy if I leave it out, so if I've baked bread, I'll put it back in the cooled pan, and secure a plastic bag around the whole thing, after I've squeezed the air out, and I make sure to eat it in the next few days. I do hope it doesn't rain. Hmm...any thoughts on bringing knitting to class to knit during presentations? Or should note-taking take precedence?

Vote!

2007-11-26T08:59:00.000-05:00

I would like your opinion as to which buttons I should use for my Blissful Jacket. When my Mom was at my place this weekend, she showed me a new way of seaming the reversed stocking stitch that is the right side of the jacket, so last night I was unpicking the seams I wasn't happy with and seaming according to the way she showed me. Soon I will have to sew on buttons, and here are two sets I picked up at the Glebe Community Centre's Fabric flea market. The pattern itself calls for 1/2" (13mm) buttons, which is the size of the buttons on the right. You can't really tell from the picture, but there is a slight variation in colour between the two sets: the bigger ones on the left are redder, while the smaller ones on the right are a bit salmon-coloured. I am worried that if I choose the smaller ones, they will slip through the buttonholes when I don't want them to and that the jacket won't stay buttoned-up. What do you think?

Here is a full-sized picture of the unfinished jacket, if that helps:

...and a close-up of the fabric:

Drippy trees and eaves

2007-11-25T10:57:00.000-05:00

It's mild today. Wednesday has ventured out to play in the snow and explore winter. Here she is asking to be let out.

I have a heap of reading to do:

three articles: "Les besoins ignorés des femmes africaines dans la lutte contre le SIDA", "Féminismes, politique et nationalisme dans le monde arabe" et "Femmes de Palestine: quel féminisme?";

Gender and Sex Differences in Child Development;

and, at the other extreme of the lifespan:

Socially Sanctioned Death: The Holocaust, and Coping with Dying: How Individuals Can Help.

Ideally I would like to be knitting while I read these, but I'm not allowed to start any new projects (including the pink beret and my sock) until I finish the ones I've started (I'm sure you've heard that refrain before, or said it yourself), most particularly my drop-stitch cardigan and Blissful jacket. I have no easy garter-or stocking-stitch project on the go; the two sweaters require unpicking seams and reseaming, or fiddling and a lot of thinking in the case of the cardigan; both projects sort of require my full attention. The lace-up opera gloves were mostly to take the edge off the sweaters. Hmm...maybe I should knit the beret in that same vein...

Knitting Corner

2007-11-25T10:39:00.002-05:00

This picture is actually from last winter. I thought you might like to see a picture today instead of writing.

As promised...

2007-11-24T16:26:00.000-05:00

This is the view from my back door. Not exactly snowed in, just enough snow to be pretty and not too much of a nuisance.

Here I am all dressed up and wearing my finished lace-up opera gloves.

And, last but not least, may I please introduce you to...

Chaussette!

Pictures to come!

2007-11-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

I've roped my Mom into stopping by with her camera to do a photo shoot. The sun is cooperating, and I'd like to fill in some of the blanks on my Ravelry account as well as show you Wednesday, the shadow boxes I painted, my sock puppet, etc. With any luck they'll be up tonight. (later) We took lots of pictures and my Mom is going to email them to me this afternoon! Thanks for the name suggestion, Chaussette is a pretty accurate and apt description, and au féminin, aussi. I think the links are ok, my computer was just tired.

A quick note

2007-11-24T00:21:00.000-05:00

Links are crappy, I know, I'll have to investigate when I get a minute (or more like an hour). cheers

Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

2007-11-23T23:33:00.000-05:00

I just got back from Spins 'n Needles where I made a very girly sock puppet. I made clothes to dress her in: a black and white polka-dotted, pleated skirt and a kerchief flowery top with buttons on it. She has little googly eyes with pink pupils, long silver eyelashes, curly pink hair with sequins in it, and beaded earrings. And a ladybug on her nose! I plan on bringing her to work to entertain the kids. I haven't decided yet what to name her--it'll have to be a french name though, because I work with francophone kids. Maybe Pénélope. Or Arabelle. Or Anabelle. Mirabelle? Martine? Marie-Soleil? Geneviève? Eloise? Philomène? Preferences? Let me know in a comment. And goodnight, sleep tight (it's late here). (Need cheering up? Search "sock puppets" on Google Images)

Kitty's not so sure about the snow...

2007-11-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

Photos courtesy of the Cake Craft Shop and Nadia.

Wednesday wants to go outside, but she's still trying to figure out what all this cold white stuff is... She isn't too sure if it's worth getting her paws wet!

Last night I finished my lace-up opera gloves (only three ends to weave end, thank goodness!). I may want to wear them at Christmas or New Year's. The (borrowed) picture of the satin ribbon above is similar to what I used for the gloves, but I chose more of a mauve-ey or eggplant shade of purple. I sneaked into Yarn Forward this week to buy two soft skeins of Lang Merino, to knit up a beret. I like the colours pink and green together, so cheery during winter (my dress-up winter coat is sort of lime green), so I chose the yarn in pink. I can wear the (future) beret with my black coat for everyday and for when I'm not feeling so brave, as I find that Ottawa is such a conservative town and the University of Ottawa too and when I dress up in a fancy, quirky, or colourful way I stand out and tend to get a lot of looks.

My second class was cancelled today, always good news, so I am burrowing away here at home. I feel compelled to tidy up a bit before getting involved with some knitting or other craft, my place is a bit trashed.

I would like to dye some yarn soon. I have four skeins of Knitpicks Sierra sitting in a basket that I bought to that end, and that I'm fairly itching to knit up. I missed out on the recent order made by the Ottawa Knit Nites group, and I don't know of any shop in Ottawa that sells good dye, so I'll have to wait for the next group order, or propose one myself.

For tonight I had planned to make some lino block holiday cards. I haven't settled on a design yet, I'll have to do some sketches.

I hope you have a good weekend, wherever you are!

(I just found the template for a picture I want to use for my cards, to which I'll add a border and some background details, and if I really like them, I'm going to sell some of them).

Tout est blanc, si blanc

2007-11-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

I woke up today surrounded by a world in white. It's still snowing, but not enough for the snowplows to be out, I guess. Photo is of yesterday's snowfall (there's more today) and is courtesy of CBC (I'm trying to make this blog more interesting by stealing photos; I know it isn't good "netiquette" and is frowned upon but it's only for a short while longer).

I went to Knit Nite yesterday evening. It's a whole new group of knitters now, and they seem very nice. I couldn't go to the central Knit Nite all last winter because I had a night class on Wednesdays, and I had kind of neglected my knitting since then. It was raining and dark when I left and I hailed a cab to get home. This afternoon I am working--the first day I'll be with the kids when there's snow on the ground, they'll probably be really excited.

Must go, I have to put the finishing touches on my paper and print it, and try to squeeze some reading in if I can (the role of families and peers in child development).

Ode à l'hiver

2007-11-21T07:35:00.000-05:00

I'm in love with pepitas lately. I've been adding them to everything: my salad, my oatmeal, my yogurt with apples. I had a dream about knitting. I was in a place that had to be evacuated (the children were already being sent out). We were only allowed to take our bedding and pillow with us. I went back in for those, and for my knitting. I was trying to gather up as much of my knitting as I could (my needle case, my first sock-in-progress, etc.) and I got into a fight with this lady over it. I woke up soon thereafter.

The first snowfall is always so magical. It reminds me of when I was little and of Christmas. I've always felt excited the first morning I wake up when snow has fallen overnight. There are so many thing to love about winter; many of them are reminiscent of and tied into my childhood.

Ice skating on the canal; playing with children in the snow; tobagganing; cross-country skiing deep in the woods, gliding almost effortlessly between snow-laden boughs; the scorched, damp smell of woolen mittens and stockings drying on a wood stove après-ski; hot chocolate, chai lattes, hot apple cider, or a big pot full of herbal tea; making Christmas gifts; receiving holiday cards in the mail; stringing popcorn and cranberries for the tree (maybe hanging them from the trees outside for the benefit of our feathered friends!); holiday baking (shortbread! gingerbread!); the excitement of children on Christmas Eve; brunch on Christmas morning; New Year's Eve; leg warmers; being bundled up in woolens and layers and down; snuggling up with a furred friend under a down duvet and sleeping in during the holidays; holiday movies; holiday cheer and the Christmas spirit; cozying up with your knitting while it's blustering outside and the wind is whistling through the eaves; adding another log to the fireplace; feeding black-capped chickadees sunflower seeds and having them land on your hand; calm, solitary winter walks when all is calm and the stars are out; walks around the neighbourhood to look at the Christmas lights; just watching the snow fall in big, lazy flakes from somewhere warm; standing outside in the snow with your mouth open and letting snowflakes melt on your tongue; peering at individual snowflakes to admire and wonder at their intricate designs; home-made soup simmering on the back burner of the stove; baked beans made from scratch; homemade applesauce; baked cinnamon squash...

Revamping

2007-11-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

This photo, courtesy of Robin (thanks Robin!) is of the river near where I live.

I hope you like the new look of my blog! It was time for a change.

Positive reinforcement à la B.F. Skinner

2007-11-20T18:01:00.000-05:00

(I wrote most of my paper so now I can play) This is the theory behind it, should you be so inclined.

It's not called procrastination for nothing...

2007-11-20T14:37:00.000-05:00

So far, I've gotten caught up on fellow knitters' blogs, updated my own (this makes twice), made two pots of tea, and made the "perfect little set-up" for working in my bedroom with my laptop on an old piano stool and my Ikea comfy chair pulled up to it. It's all in the preparation, my dears... I know I'll be interested in what I'm reading after I get into it, it's just that knitting seems so much more important right now. But I'm not allowed until I get this Thought Paper done. As an aside, I have my eyes on these should Paula gather enough people to pull together a group order from Peace Fleece. Ok, tea's a-brewing, back to work.

La la la

2007-11-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

I've been in an incredibly good mood since the weekend. I credit it to picking up my knitting again and getting crafty on Friday night. Inspired by these I bought three shadow boxes from the dollar store as well as some fancy but cheap vellum and shiny paper, painted them in similar colours to Ysolda's, and used the paper as background for 1. an old picture of the White cliffs of Dover, from a trip to Europe my parents and I took when I was 4; 2. a more recent picture of my cousin in her wedding dress; and 3. a black and white photograph (a print) on a Christmas card of three children in olden times carrying a Christmas tree home (you may already know that I am a Christmas person and love the season--I know it's early). Just to let you know, I would love to show you pictures of them, but I don't have a camera yet (as you probably know), but I finally broke down and asked for one for Christmas. I don't like asking my parents for things, because I feel like they have given me so much already. Totally inspired by Ysolda's blog and designs, which I discovered via her Urchin beret pattern , I am knitting her (well, they will be my) lace-up opera gloves. I am using Briggs and Little Heather, in Grape, which is a darkly flecked purple, from the stash. I bought some satin ribbon in a mauvish-purple colour from here. Finished the right glove, rewrote the pattern in reverse for the left one, and am just about at the gusset on the left glove. BTW, I finished the felted or fulled red PDA case/mini-satchel made from Pattons classic merino. I decided not to embroider a bird on it, as I had been thinking of doing, but instead put two small pins on the bottom corner (Good Kitty/Bad Kitty pins, from here) and sewed a red button from the Glebe Community Centre fabric flea market over the snap closure. I am giving it as part of my work's Christmas gift exchange. I also baked this weekend; I made Rosemary and onion Focaccia and rough oaty biscuits (cooky recipe here). I had an 8:30 am class this morning and went to the Wild Oat for breakfast afterwards. Poked my head in here to say hello to my Mom, as you may know she works there. I swear, the Wild Oat makes the best coffee in Ottawa. I saw my friends Angela and Amanda at the Wild Oat. So this is a longish post to make up for my usually infrequent posting. I must get to work on my paper now that is due on Friday. It's about the effects of sibling relationships on child development.

Felting with Children

2007-11-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

It was so much fun! And the kids loved it! We made quite a mess, with the sudsy water everywhere, but the kids helped clean it up at the end. Some really beautiful felt pieces were made by them. It was worth all the planning, the putting-off, the nervousness that it wouldn't work out. I can't wait to see the pieces when they have dried--I'm working again tomorrow, and I hope the felt will be dry by then. I am bringing in some leftover balls of yarn so that I can sew loops on the felt pieces should the children want to hang them up on their bedroom walls. I thought they would make nice Christmas gifts too. I was really proud of them, they were very enthusiastic and participated fully.

On the mend

2007-11-07T10:33:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one already looking forward to Christmas? I've made an advent wreath for my front door, Wednesday's stocking is hanging off the radiator in my living room, I've made a grocery list for the ingredients for Christmas pudding...maybe I should slow down because remembrance Day is just around the corner. My paternal great-grandfather--now dead--fouught in World War One. He was underage when he joined the army--he lied about his age. He did not die in the war, but of colon cancer at a very late age. He only started talking about his wartime experiences in his old age. I believe that holding all his memories inside for so long was what made him sick. Daniela, my grandfather's second wife, gave me a book that features my Poppa's contribution to the war. My Grampa was in the navy. I have heard him talk about it a little. My Dad lived in the Bermudas and on the Queen Charlotte Islands, with my --also dead--aunt Nanci and my Granny and Grampa. There were Naval training bases on these islands. A few years ago, Dad and Mom returned to the Bermudas for a vacation; Dad recognized some places he had not seen since he was a child. I have a photo of Dad and Grampa when my Dad was younger, wading in the water and collecting rocks or shells or sifting the sand. Ggrampa once told me that Dad wanted to be a geologist since he was a boy. Dad now does computer mapping.

Heavily medicated--or, yay, I'm sick!

2007-11-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

Yay, because I don't have to do homework Ha!Ha!Ha! I have taken 1000mg Vitamin C, and homeopathic cough syrup and nasal spray and am just about ready for a nap to sleep this cold off. Added to that I am allergic to my cat's litter. Just got my invite to Ravelry (I'm Knittyknatty there too). My cat just earned the privileges of going outside on her own, she's growing up...It was her 1 year birthday on November 1st. The apt. is chaotic, I took out the X-mas stuff already from storage, and look, I foorgot about this, and I need this...you know how it goes. Displacing furniture too, groan. I fulled my red PDA case and am going to embroider either a crow or a woodpecker on it. Maybe a crow, that's simpler.

Much Deserved Day Off!

2007-10-16T08:32:00.000-04:00

I am writing my midterm at a later date, and have handed over my Tuesday shifts to a co-worker for the next five weeks. But I am going to be good and do laundry and homework today, so that I can repaint my bathroom Saturday. The colour is Honeymoon, a shade of lavendar. Currently it is peach and I am sick of it.

Finishing

2007-10-13T19:47:00.000-04:00

I am working on finishing my Blissful Jacket, from Interweave, Mission Falls wool in rust with red stripes. I have the buttons. Hot chocolate season! And cookies! Thinking of also starting Gatsby Girl, the sparkly buttons I bought today would look lovely on it. And I could ask Tara for pointers. Long distance, of course. Picked the last of my eggplants today, as danger of frost tonight. I want to make Ratatouille.

Must. Stop. Purchasing. Fibre.

2007-10-13T14:12:00.000-04:00

I ran into Leanne today at the Glebe Community Centre's Fabric Flea Market. She was talking to Laura, who had a table there. I met my cousin there, who was with one of her co-workers. I found some pretty salmon coloured buttons for my Blissful Jacket, my cousin found me some sparkly antique-looking buttons, and I found five pairs of knitting needles for 50 cents (straights). I also picked up 210 grams of pencil roving for teaching my After-4 kids how to felt. I really like my job at the After-4 program. I have also started Public Skating at Sandy Hill Arena on Sunday afternoons, also fun.

PDA cases, again

2007-09-20T10:13:00.000-04:00

One of my PDA cases is now at Workshop. Another is ready to be fulled, and I am working on yet another, in purple handspun. Once I have three of them in the boutique, hopefully they will start selling. I started Urchin, from the fall Knitty--see link @ right. I am knitting it from a skein of recycled silk, so nice to the touch. Silk is actually very warm. My eggplants are ripening on the vine. I picked three of them already and made one into an open-faced broiled sandwich w/cheese. Very good. Am trying to catch up on my readings this morning. Am going to a seminar at noon, then work. maybe Spins n Needles tonight.

Finally!

2007-09-12T08:04:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to say I can now access the internet from home, many places on campus, and Bridgehead, so more frequent posting is possible. I'm back at University, and just started a new job at my local Community Centre with the After-4 program. I dropped in at Knit Nite last Friday, unfortunately sans tricot, as I happened to be in the area and just remembered it was the first Friday of the month. I was very antsy as I watched the others night the night away and had nothing to keep my hands busy. I am now determined to learn how to knit socks, and have cast on for a sock with the sock yarn Tara gave me in a gift exchange. I must rush off to campus now, as I have a lot of reading to do.

Sorry for the long break

2007-08-23T11:04:00.000-04:00

I could only get to a computer once in a while what with working two jobs and trying to keep up a semblance of reasonable apartment cleanliness. Now I've pared it down to one part-time job, and University classes are starting again soon. I finished PDA case--try Number 3, and am onto PDA case 4, in red Patons Classic Merino. Not too much knitting other than that, sadly. I've been cycling, when I can, and getting involved with this group. The university garden has been doing pretty well, and I've been asked to be the new garden co-ordinator.

What I've been up to

2007-07-30T14:35:00.000-04:00

Soaking yarn...

Dressing up as a banditta...

Mixing chemicals...

Dyeing yarn...

Hand-painting yarn...

Drying yarn...

And...tada!

Poor Wednesday!

2007-06-12T15:14:00.000-04:00

She had her first ever trip to the vet yesterday, for a checkup and her shots. She hissed and spit at the vet, and I couldn't blame her, really. She was very sleepy the rest of the day. Here's a pic I found on the internet--it isn't Wednesday, but my cat's colouring is similar, but with more gray rather than dark brown, and her fur isn't quite as long. my Mom is coming to lunch next week--I'll ask her to bring her camera, so I can post a real pic of Wednesday.

Go see my wrap!

2007-06-11T21:26:00.000-04:00

It's in the window of this shop. I finalized the paperwork today and passed by the boutique this evening and there it was! It's a black wet felted wrap/scarf/shawl thing with bits of pink ribbon with black polka dots felted onto it.

PDA case Try Number 3

2007-06-08T11:47:00.000-04:00

I was working along on Try Number 2 when I realized, as I was casting off, that I had cast on the wrong number of stitches. Groan. On to Try Number 3. The visit from the Alpaca Rancher went well. She brought me samples of her fibres and I took them all. That night, I wet felted a sampler of the different coloured fibres, on a background of Corriedale. The white samples didn't show up after it was finished, unfortunately. I think Alpaca is slower to felt than sheep's wool.

Another excursion...

2007-06-07T20:20:00.000-04:00

...guilty as charged. Yes, I went to Wool-Tyme again, and two skeins of Briggs and Little and two skeins of Patons Classic Merino followed me home. I thought to bring some knitting on the bus this time, but I finished it before I got home, that's how far it is. I brought a pattern with me from this magazine, but when asking for help with substitutions, the saleslady pointed me in the direction of some acrylic. Yes, I am a yarn snob--thank you for asking. Guilty on two counts. My bus project was try#2 of the PDA case. Bad news, the burn test I did only proved that try#1 was part wool. Felting the case proved that it was not pure wool. Hence try#2, using faithful old Alafoss Lopi.

Wool-Tyme

2007-06-07T12:49:00.000-04:00

My first trip to Wool-Tyme went quite well. I went in with only 10$ in my pocket, walked out with 5. Somehow I have been managing all this time without a set of 4mm straights, but no more! Although this yarn store is not local for me--it was a long, slow bus ride--I think I'm going to switch my patronage from Yarn Forward to Wool-Tyme. I found it well-stocked, the staff were kind, not overbearing or pushy, and they carry Noro. How can you go wrong? I also spotted a few tweeds, which I like for the fall. My little trip was so successful I even used the same bus transfer to get back and saved on bus fare.

More Images!

2007-06-03T13:11:00.000-04:00

Here is a pic of me wearing my shoulder warmer, pattern from Rebecca. This is when I went out for sushi with my Mom. The sushi was delicious!

I'm in Business!

2007-06-02T13:28:00.000-04:00

Much news. I had a business card made. I erased my phone number for blogging purposes only. Some boutiques are interested in carrying my pieces. All this week I've been showing my work to various shops and a restaurant. Wednesday, I'm having an Alpaca rancher make a house call to show me samples of her fibre.

Drop the Stitch

2007-05-12T17:30:00.000-04:00

I *thought* I was almost finished my Drop-Stitch Cardigan. I was going to sew in the second sleeve, then stitch it together, then sew in the zipper, block it, and voilà! C'est fini! I thought that maybe I'd be warm last winter from the travail ardu of my own blistered fingers--but alas! 'Twas not to be! This cardigan is made of wool my doctor gave me for Christmas one year. When the Yarn Harlot was at Yarn Forward for a book signing, she gave her blessing on it, and said "you'll wear it to death".

I was optimistic until I measured the left and right fronts against each other and found they were not symmetrical. Which explained why, when after I knit the attached I-cord onto each selvedge edge and tried sewing in the zipper, the right front was all bunchy when I zipped it up and would not lie flat. You can see in the photo above that the left front--the one on the right--is longer where the zipper is than the right front. Groan. At first I thought I hadn't picked up an equal number of selvedge stitches on both fronts. I unsewed the zipper, counted my stitches, and picked up the stitches again. But no, that's not where the problem was. The left and right fronts do not match. My Mom says I'll have to reknit one of the fronts, but that discourages me, as I would have to remove the collar and undo my seaming, which I am proud of, to say nothing of re-knitting the collar and dropping the stitches again, which was no easy task, because the yarn is very sticky. Any other ideas? You can see pictures of my incomplete cardigan on Ravelry, in my projects. Just click on the picture of the gray sweater and you'll see more pictures. I tried to line up the hemline of the two fronts so you can see where the mistake(s) is(are). If you can make a comment such as: you knit too long after the armhole decreases on the right front, or better yet, an alternate suggestion for what I can do to save my sweater without frogging a substantial amount, that would be helpful. I want to wear this cardigan this winter.

BTW, it was a mistake for me to steal photos from the web. I will see what can be done with my own computer-camera setup, and hereby renounce my evil scamming ways. Profuse apologies to all concerned and affected.

And sorry I couldn't get out to Knit Nite yesterday. I'm sure I missed out on a wonderful time with the gals!

Salsa!

2007-04-29T14:30:00.000-04:00

I just signed up for Salsa lessons. I'm excited. They are on Friday nights so I will be missing the West-end knit nites for a couple months. I learned that I am a process knitter, through one of the Yarn Harlot's quizzes in her new book. good to know. The PDA case, made out of unlabelled yarn, I was afraid it was acrylic and it would not felt. So I did the burn test, and it is wool. I was quite relieved. I didn't want to start all over again. It's almost ready to be felted. Thanks to Tara, I now have a slightly revised apartment. The desk she gave me fits perfectly in front of my window, and I set up the bed under my skylight, which freed up a lot of space in my bedroom. I will not be taking any University summer classes, this year, as I need a break. And in other school-related news, I switched Majors. I am now in Women's studies, starting in the fall, instead of Political science. I'm excited about that too.

2007-04-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

I just had a great meal at The Works--it's amazing what a good meal will do for you. I went to Spins 'n Needles last night with my friend Erin. I finished casting on (cable cast-on, which I newly learned) for my "secret" project, which is from the spring Interweave, it is the Tea Rose halter top. I also finished a square for the Community Afghan; I actually followed the pattern for this one. I finished another square today, on the bus, waiting 40 minutes for a table at the restaurant, waiting for my burger...

Here are the overdue pictures Leanne sent me. This one to the left is of my knitting group at Bridgehead. I'm fourth from the left. The one on the right is myself and Sarah, of The Fish Knits.

The top photo is a variation, pre-felting, on Meema's Marsupial Felted Tote.

There was a girl who was also knitting at the Works, but I was too shy to go up and talk to her. I think she's been to our knitting group before.

Knitting News

2007-04-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

So, this is exam time for me, and very predictably, I went into a knitting frenzy when I should have been studying. Cast on for a new project, a felted PDA case from Alterknits (although I don't have a PDA but I can use it for my Id, keys, money...). It's light gray, from the stash. Yarn my Grandmother gave me. I went to Bouclair to buy the buttons for it, by the way, don't go to Bouclair, it's totally changed and the fabric selection has severely dwindled and taken a backseat to patio furniture, ready-made cushions and drapes, and candles and wind-chimes. I found my buttons way at the back with a few other notions that had been spared in the overhaul. The buttons are blue flowers. I managed to find some unbleached cotton for the catnip mouse I'm knitting for Wednesday, my cat. I cut it, sewed it into a cone, and it is waiting to be filled with catnip. While in the St-Laurent area, I spotted a party store, where I got some rolls of crepe streamers in Cranberry to knit (yes, knit!) into a crown, pattern also from Alterknits. I didn't have the pattern on me, so I got a lot of crepe, worried I wouldn't buy enough; now I have enough for two crowns. My mother gave me the squares she knit for the Community Afghan (Handknit Holidays); I'm still working on my share of the squares. This was my Knitting Olympics project that didn't get finished on time. Felted Meema's Marsupial Tote again, it just isn't shrinking as much as I would like it to. I'll probably run it through the wash one more time before admitting defeat. I just finished writing an exam, so now I'm going to go relax or do something fun.

The "I thought this was a knitting blog" post

2007-04-10T20:06:00.000-04:00

I went to Chapters today and bought the Yarn Harlot's new book, and a stitch dictionary called Knitting Stitches. Oh and I almost forgot, I went to Yarn Forward this morning and got a couple notions, a crochet hook and some yarn for a secret project. That's all I can say about it. Yesterday I pulled out all my WIPs and sorted them out. Frogged about half of a cardigan (the yarn and pattern are from my vacation in Gaspésie). Trying to salvage Razor's Edge, from S 'n B Nation; there is a mistake at the beginning of the pattern, so I want to frog the beginning, lower edge, and work the pattern backwards or something--it is not all figured out in my mind yet how I am going to do this, but I am trying anyways. FO!!! Does anyone remember that shoulder warmer, white, fluffy with sparkles, from Rebecca I was working on a while back? Well it is finished. The only problems are I would have liked it smaller (the pattern only made one size) and the seaming shows. Speaking of seaming, I have seamed and unseamed Debbie Bliss' Blissful jacket far too many times now. I just can't settle on a seam I like. Trouble is, the jacket is in reverse stocking stitch and there are not too many options. Drop-Stitch cardigan: one half of the zipper is in! But I did not, for some reason, pick up the same number of selvage stitches on the other side, so that has to be redone. Felted mini Meema's Marsupial tote (S'n B): Well, it did go through one wash, but it is not felted enough. I've made several of these, using different kinds of wool, this one is made of a bargain bin "your Grandmother would knit this" green, and some Lopi. The bargain stuff was too thick for the smaller circs, and I had it doubled like the pattern calls for, but 1 strand would have been enough. Hence the slow felting. Another disadvantage is I have to felt it at the laundromat, so this is getting expensive. I want to have it all finished by Saturday, in time to give it (dry) to my friend Melissa, who is leaving her position as Women's Resource Centre supervisor at U of O. I'm going to a going-away lunch with her and a bunch of other women at The Works. I bumped into an old English prof today at Timothy's. When I made the Big Bad Baby Blanket (from S 'n B) out of a handspun winey-purple wool, that was given to me by a woman at the Parent-Child Drop-In at Centretown Community Health Centre, when I volunteered there (she had gotten it at Value Village--it's beautiful wool), I gave the finished blanket to my English prof, who was expecting. Well today he told me they are expecting a third baby, end of August! So I want to knit them something again. I'm trying to design something for him. In other news, I had my last review class today, my Wednesday class is cancelled, so classes are finished until mid-June (I'll be taking one psychology class this summer). I may be taking two painting classes in May. So, that's it for the knitting update. Now I am going home, making a cup of tea, and curling up with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off.

And it's done!

2007-04-08T21:13:00.000-04:00

I just emailed my last essay of the semester to my prof. I tried to post the pictures Leanne sent me, but there's a glitch or something. I made Mushroom Curry with brown basmati rice for my Easter dinner, from Moosewood Cookbook. That's it!

2007-04-07T15:13:00.000-04:00

A post! Due to some, ahem, "feedback" I got at last night's Knit Night, that I never post, I decided to write a little something today. Pictures soon. Life has pretty much been nothing but *school, school, feed cat, school, feed self, school*, repeat from * to * indefinitely. Laundry optional. Midterms, more midterms, essays, finals, break, summer school, break, school, for the next three years. But I did get out last night, to go knitting in public with, I don't even know what our group's name is anymore, I don't think it's the Ottawa Stitch 'n Bitch anymore, I think it may be Ottawa Knitting. It's Easter, I had to buy chocolate and give myself a stomach ache eating too much chocolate this morning (worth it). More knitting news when I get the pics (hint, hint, Leanne). Planning on doing some gardening this summer, since I dug up part of the front yard to turn over the dirt in the fall and disturbed the hyacinth and tulip bulbs that were there. Feel a bit guilty about that (some tulips are coming up now anyways), so I want to plant a fabulous garden to make amends to my landlord. I also took out one big weed/small tree that was shading the flowers and sucking up the water, and am trying to get a second one out, but the ground is still frozen, because it is still SNOWING. Easter+snowstorm=don't like. All this to say I made a big order at http://www.richters.com/ (blew my budget) for some seeds, one plant, a Herbal Cat Care book, and a natural bug repellant, to use during my many hikes this summer (hopefully). Ok, I'll try to post more often, now that I know that some people actually read my blog.

2007-03-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

A lot going on! I have an interview in one hour to work at the University of Ottawa's Health Promotion Centre, including a 5-min presentation I have to do before the interview itself. Two midterms tomorrow, in Psychology. Wednesday has gotten bigger, and we totally love each other now. My neighbour gave me his old couch, which I helped him move up two flights of stairs. Not much knitting news, I've been almost totally absorbed with my classes.

2007-01-10T09:32:00.000-05:00

I am officially and really truly now a full-time student. Wednesday is female. Christmas is over. I picked up a scarf I was working on last Christmas but never got around to finishing. It's made from Lopi, in several different colours: pink, white, teal, aqua, purple. It's from a pattern I adapted from Hip Knits. I have about an inch left, then weaving in those pesky ends. It's striped, in a not quite random way. That is to say, it's a pattern, but not your run of the mill striping.

2006-12-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

I finished the felted tree ornament for my cousin. I felted three balls in red and green, pushed a leather strand through them, and sewed on red and green beads. I also made Almond Biscotti this weekend, and my waist knows it. They're good with hot chocolate. I want to go to Spins 'n Needles on Thursday, at La Petite Mort Gallery in the market. I am trying to finish up my essay--the latest I can hand it in is on Wednesday.

2006-12-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

I got my Christmas tree last weekend. So far, Wednesday has been really good, not climbing in it or even playing with the ornaments. She only laps up the water in the tree stand. I've been having trouble finishing Lisa's scarf at home because my kitten wants to play with the yarn. But I did felt some cat toys, solid colour felt balls. I want to make some more into Christmas ornaments for my cousin Mandy. My friend Marie wants to buy some from me too.

2006-12-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

I started a scarf in Patons Divine for my cousin Lisa, for Christmas. I wish I had a camera so I could post some pictures, but I'm afraid that's way down on the list for now. Went to the west end meetup on Friday early and tore out a bunch where I switched the ribbing by accident, but it is nearly done now. I'm working on my final project for the term. Not that interesting to talk about.

2006-11-30T10:04:00.000-05:00

I got a kitten which I called Wednesday. She/he is quite a rascal. I'm going to Bikram yoga today. At Rama Lotus. It's done in the hot room. Almost done my class, then full-time in January. Knitting group tomorrow night, PSSA meeting tonight, V-Day meeting Saturday, and sometime in there I have to squeeze in some work on my project. All in all, things are going ok, apart from my waking up ridiculously early and being tired all day.

Yarn Harlot Returns

2006-10-23T14:07:00.002-04:00

Taking a bit of time off from studying. Am starting my second job tonight: Public Skating Attendant, yee-haw. It's a seasonal job that I did last year and was asked to do again this year. Finished reading the Yarn Harlot's--see link on sidebar--book Things I Learned from Knitting... whether I wanted to or not, last night. Made me laugh and chuckle a few times. Wondering if I'll pick up her newest book--would like to.

2006-10-18T11:48:00.000-04:00

Check out the new link to my journal, on the right. Tonight is the knitting group, when I am supposed to collect orders for Knitpicks. I don't know if I can put in a zipper in a coffeshop. That gray sweater is my only project I'm not stuck on.

Illusionist

2006-09-09T13:01:00.000-04:00

Was a pretty good movie, worth what I paid for it. It was a bit scary but someone laughed when I said that, so it's not a good gauge. If you grew up with David Copperfield it'll definitely engender discussion for you. Got some household tasks done and out of the way this morning, phew. Laundry, library, drugstore. Found one of the last garage sales of the season and got three stainless steel baking bowls, a metal tray I will put votive candles on in lieu of a fireplace, and a thermos for school lunches. All for five bucks. Now I'm off to my hairdresser's to give her some resources that are late. And maybe to Arts court to their gallery.

Another Friday night

2006-09-08T18:37:00.000-04:00

I'm going to see The Illusionist tonight. It got a pretty good review by Ebert. I went out into the rain this evening, that was fun. There was a lunar eclipse visible from Australia early this morning. It was not visible from North America. The full moon was yesterday. The sun is coming out for a brief sunset now. I'm in the library as I type. It was all renovated during the summer. Went to a pancake brunch this morning with Alternative week.

I laughed so hard I cried

2006-09-08T09:30:00.000-04:00

The Right's Turn was hilarious. Kathleen Petty, the new host for "The House", hosted the event. I saw a lot of familiar Ottawans. It will be aired at nine am on Saturday, 91.5 fm. Not going dancing, after all, going to see a movie instead with a friend. Hopefully a funny one. I went biking this morning so I probably would not have had the energy to go dancing at 11 pm tonight anyway.

The Right's Turn

2006-09-07T14:51:00.000-04:00

I finally got in touch with the volunteer coordinator on Alex Munter's campaign, and I'm starting Tuesday afternoon. She tried for me to get paid, but no luck. There isn't a lot of money floating around on these campaigns. I'm going to see a recorded event tonight, the right's turn, at Library and archives tonight. I reserved two tickets in advance. It's a political satire given by the CBC. Going dancing tomorrow night with a friend. Sunday, visiting and gifting a friends new house AND baby. Tibetan monks at the dépanneur Sylvestre Sunday, in Gatineau (Hull).