The Dark Side

I've officially crossed over by purchasing one of these. In my defense, you have a lot of crap to carry around when you're a nurse- alcohol swabs, pens, scissors, tape, pen light, and clamps. Not to mention my PDA, money, and keys. I realize I'm trying to justify why a former* Kate Spade addict is now all excited about a fanny pack. But I prefer to think of it as embracing my new life!

The rest of today is nothing to write about. I slept well last night. (thanks, wine!) And I should start the laundry now. I made rolls with this recipe. I subbed whole wheat flour and they are delicious. That's it. I haven't even showered!

*I still love her. But my lack of income has curbed my enthusiasm.

What day is it?

And while I'm at it, where am I???

I'm only kind of kidding. My schedule for this term is class Tuesday and Wednesday. Clinicals Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. So Thursday and Friday off. OK- But this is the first week and they have to turn everything on its head or my school wouldn't be living up to their challenge of being the most unorganized institution on Earth. So I had Thursday off. Clinical today and tomorrow. Sunday off. Clinical on Monday. And then to the "normal" schedule. Confused??? Me too.

This also wacks out my sleep routine. And Nell does not do well when someone f's with her sleep.

On the yarn front, I received my September installment of the Sundara Petals Collection.



Poppy. So pretty. How did she know I've been on a purple kick????

And a big fat thank you goes out to Tina who nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger.



Thanks!!!!! I'll have to nominate people another day as I'm trying to learn to read EKG strips. I know. You're totally jealous right now!

Last Day of Vacay

Wow- I can't believe the week is over all ready. At the same time, it seems like I've been off from school for much longer that 10 days.

So let's talk about what I've been up to...

Chores-
1. Clean house- DONE!!!! My house no longer makes me cringe.
2. Replace my dresser that has been broken for about a year and a half. Done!!! You saw pics of that already.
3. Clean carpet- Done!
4. New tires for the car- Done. The tire guy mentioned how bald they were. Yeah. And he looked at the good one!
5. Get the CD player in the car fixed. I jammed that about a year and a half ago too. I thought I could fix it myself. But I was unsuccessful. I think I may have even made it worse. Oops! So that's one thing still on my to do.
6. Oil change and car wash- The oil change place is on the way to the beach. And I didn't go to the beach. But this is an easy thing to get done.

Fun Stuff-
1. Finish Wicked. Probably tonight.- Done!
2. Get a couple of books spiral bound- Done. This took about 5 minute at Kinko's. And I'm thrilled that I can lay my Sensational Knitted Socks and Bend the Rules Sewing out flat.
3. Get a mani- Done. This is my new quit nail biting strategy. But I picked the worst color EVER. So I had to repaint my nails a few days later. It is helping me to remember to keep my fingers out of my mouth. Every time I see that pretty polish I remember to keep my nails pretty.
4. Sew the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt Done! It took me about 3 hours this morning to sew it up. I had already cut the pieces out.



I would have given you a modeled shot. But it barely fits me. Time off is bad for my waistline. But it was easy and turned out pretty well. And I LOVE the Amy Butler fabric.

5. Sew a bag from Simple Sewing Done- I did this yesterday in about 5 hours including cutting out the pieces. I know. I'm slow on the sewing.



There are a couple of things I'd do differently next time. The bag is really soft and smooshy. It would be great to have a little interfacing or something to keep the bag's shape. I also wouldn't use stretch fabric on the exterior. It puckered a little when I sewed it up.



The 2 pockets are really functional. And I love the colors.



There are even pockets on the inside. And the cute Amy Butler fabric is a little unexpected twist on the inside of the serious grey fabric.

6. Make soap to restock the shop- Done- There's Rose, Lavender Orange, and Heaven coming soon.

I also want to drive around the Bay Area a little this week. I have a couple of solo drives in mind. Sometimes, it's nice to just spend time with yourself.

I only made it on my yarn store excursions. But I did spend a lot of time alone. It's always a good thing for me. I reorganize my thoughts and priorities.

Is this enough BOLD for you?????

Helicopter Alarm Clock

We live across the street from an Army training base. (Camp Parks) This morning I was listening to the gentle drops of rain coming down on our concrete balcony when suddenly, the violent whir of a helicopter interrupted my morning haze. Milo, the scared kitty, was especially upset by the sudden noise and has spent the rest of the morning behind the futon. So far this morning, there have been at least 6 helicopters making passes around the neighborhood. Or maybe there are 2 helicopters that have made repeated passes. Which ever way it is, we're unlikely to see Milo anytime soon.

Now I'm up and running a little earlier than I wanted to be. Oh well. There's lots of football and tea to enjoy on this rainy Saturday.

Yesterday, however, was a gorgeous day. I set out to visit Stash Yarn and Elephant Pharmacy in Berkeley. These stores have nothing to do each other but are located in pretty close proximity. And I don't make it all the way to Berkeley very often.

I hadn't been to Stash before. I think I may have found a new favorite place. The ladies working there were friendly. We talked about Ravelry and new knitting books. They let me pet a new sample that just came into the shop without pushing me to buy that yarn. The shop is loosely organized by gauge. But there are pretty tables in the middle that house Habu and other specialty yarns. There's a comfortable place in the back of the store to sit and sort through the new books and magazines. If this shop was 15 minutes closer and I didn't have to pass through one of the worst traffic areas in the Bay Area, I'd be there much more often. I felt very welcome and very inspired.

Of course, I couldn't leave empty handed. Not after I'd spent an hour hanging around and reading new pattern books.



Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton- Willow. I'm not usually a fan of cotton. But this is so soft and cuddly. Plus, I'm starting to stash for my potential niecephew. (to steal a term from Ashley) This yarn is perfect for baby knits.



Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Bilberry. Deep, lovely purple. I wasn't going to buy more sock yarn. But I can't resist yarn in the color of my beloved Amherst. Go Jeffs!

Today I'm feeling a little crappy. I have some sort of nasal issue that alternates between me not being able to breathe and having snot running swiftly down my upper lip. Charming, I know. With the rainy weather, a nap is definitely in order.

I have no will power

The title implies that I'm trying to avoid yarn purchases. And, although that's what I should be doing, I'm not.

It's starting to occur to me that I may like buying yarn more than I like knitting. (And I love knitting.) Because I'm on vacation, I've been trying to hit some of the local yarn shops that I've never been to or are a little too far to be my LYS. This is a mistake when you aren't supposed to be buying yarn. Never-the-less, I think it's good to know what's out there. Usually I just pop in to Article Pract in Oakland which is about 10 minutes from my school.

First stop- Knit This, Purl That in Pleasanton, California. I have to mention that I live about 15 minutes from this shop and I've never been there in its current incarnation. (It used to be Main Street Knits which I went to once.) Since it was Thursday afternoon, I was the only person in the shop. The 2 ladies working there were pleasant and offered help without being pushy. I was specifically looking for Rowan Felted Tweed. I'm contemplating the Tangled Yoke Cardigan and I wanted to feel the yarn. Unfortunately, this shop doesn't carry Rowan. But I was treated to my first feel of Malabrigo lace weight.



It's really a purple color and not so blue. The color is called Purple Mystery. I tried to fix it in photoshop but it is not to be. This yarn is so freakin soft. OMG! Seriously. I'm thinking Ene or Muir.

I also picked up the addi lace needles and a cake shaped tape measure from Lantern Moon. I don't know why but I'm totally addicted to the cute tape measures from Lantern Moon. I have a bee, a ladybug, and a black sheep too.

Today I went to Stash in Berkeley. But I'll tell you more about that tomorrow when I get photos of the yarn I bought there.

ATTENTION!!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!!!! Don't scroll any farther if you don't want to see the Yarn Pirate or Yarntini sock club packages.


Seriously.


I don't want to get in trouble for spoiling!!!


OK- Here comes the photos....



Yarn Pirate Merino/Tencel Sock Yarn in Butternut. I think this would make a really cute baby sweater. And it's certainly seasonally appropriate since Fall landed in the Bay Area this week.



Yarntini Sport in Fuzzy Navel. I haven't tried her sport weight yet. So I'm psyched about that. This shipment also included Fuzzy Navel lip gloss and some double point needle protectors. I originally balked (for about a second) at the price of the yarntini club. But they've done a great job including lots of extras in the shipments that have made it a better deal. Between the project pouch, sock book, ebony dpns, and the dpn protector, the club has really delivered.

My New Dresser Gave Me Carpal Tunnel

OK- My old dresser has been broken for about 2 years. It looked like this.



I bought this one at Ikea about 8 years ago. It's been through 3 moves- one of them being cross country. Not bad for $140. But then, some of the drawers started to stick a little.



Here's the main problem. The drawers were collapsing in on each other. In the end, all three drawers would open all at once and the dresser would almost tip over. Not so good. The couch has become my dresser. Not so nice for company. It's been unceremoniously carted down to the dumpster.

So here's the new beast. It's a double wide so Brian can have a drawer or two too.



I spent about 3 hours yesterday putting it together. Also from Ikea. Not bad, right? But today, my right wrist is KILLING me. Too many screws in the new dressers. Ouch! It'll be OK in a day or two. I also have a blister on my thumb from the screwdriver. I need an electric one next time.

So today, I did 1,000 loads of laundry and I'm in the process of organizing our closets. Is it weird that this is so gratifying to me???

I'm a little drunk

And that's OK since I have no where important to go tomorrow.

On Monday, I accomplished quite a bit...
I got books spiral bound, new tires, new dressers, and made soap.

Unfortch, Brian and I decided the new dresser needs to be exchanged for a new one tomorrow.

That's cool though. I know exactly where to find the new one. But the new one is REALLY heavy.
But that's OK..... Maybe I can coerce some help from the apartment people.

As I said, I'm a little tipsy. I did make soap today. Lavender orange and Heaven scent will soon be gracing the shop!

And no one made fun of me while I knit at Costco waiting for my fancy new tires. In fact, I think they were impressed.

Please don't make fun. I'm not driving. I was at home before I started drinking. I'm not dangerous to anyone else.

Sometimes, I embarrass myself. But that's just par for the course!

Wicked Sunday

Here she is! I think it's a serious upgrade from what this yarn used to be.



Pattern: Wicked
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran frogged from my Hourglass Sweater
Needles: KP Options in size 9
Date Started: 8/18/07
Date Finished: 9/14/07

I even wore this out to dinner last night. I think it turned out well. And I'm not pregnant even though I look like it in this photo. I guess I'll put exercise on my to do list!

I'm just hanging out on this football/Emmy Sunday. Hope you're having a great weekend!

I'm Just a Frog Machine

Emboldened by the successful frogging and reknit of the Hourglass Sweater into Wicked, I decided it was time to take care of some other unsuccessful knits.

1. Avocado Baudelaire's



I actually finished this sock. Bound off. And promptly realized that the sock would just barely go over my foot. The yarn is just too pretty to keep in a pouch while I get up the courage to rip it out and make something that works. So it's gone! Freedom to make something else.

2. Orchid Charade Socks



Again, love the pattern and the yarn. But I used needles that were too small. The fabric was too thick and the socks resembled a board. Buh-bye! I'll get something else going with this yarn too. It's too pretty to not be happy with the finished product.

I'm learning not to fear frogging. It really gives you the yarn back to make something you'll love forever.

By the way, Wicked is done. I dunked it in some Eucalan and it's laying flat to dry. Pics when and if it dries.

I'm on Vacation!

Although I am on day 1 of 11 fabulous days of freedom, I do not intend on loafing around. There's much to be done around here. And since I'm a listy person, here's my to do....

Chores-
1. Clean house
2. Replace my dresser that has been broken for about a year and a half. Here's the new dresser I want.
3. Clean carpet
4. New tires for the car
5. Get the CD player in the car fixed. I jammed that about a year and a half ago too.
6. Oil change and car wash

Fun Stuff-
1. Finish Wicked. Probably tonight.
2. Get a couple of books spiral bound
3. Get a mani
4. Sew the Amy Butler Barcelona Skirt
5. Sew a bag from Simple Sewing
6. Make soap to restock the shop

I also want to drive around the Bay Area a little this week. I have a couple of solo drives in mind. Sometimes, it's nice to just spend time with yourself.

So that's the list, we'll see how I do...

The Loopy Ewe Strikes Again

There I was. Minding my business. Looking for some Wollmeise on The Loopy Ewe. Of course, they were already sold out. But something else caught my eye- Shibui Knits. Yum! I remembered Valerie's suggestion about making the Anemoi mittens in the Bark and Rapids color way. But by the time I got over to her site (Yarn 4 Socks), those colors were sold out. As luck would have it, Sheri had those very colors in stock. And they landed in my cart.



Rapids. The yarn reminds me of koigu. It's a little thicker and has a definite twist. And so, so soft.



Bark. The color is a really nice chocolate brown regardless of the picture. Don't you think they'll look great together????

I've also been curious about the Lane Borgosesia laceweight that Sheri stocks. So I figured while I'm at it, I might as well pick up a skein.



This is the Pearl color. 1460 yards for $14!!!!! And this yarn is soft like a cloud. What a deal! I think I'm going to make the Lily of the Valley Shawl from Lace Style.

Today is the last day of class for a whole week!!!! And it's not even class. We're going to do evals, thank our nurses, and go out for pizza. (and maybe beer!) Today's a good day.

Edited to correct Valerie's name. I'm a freakin' moron! So sorry Valerie! See how much I need this vacation???

Sunday, Sunday

Thanks for all the lovely birthday wishes! You guys are always so sweet!

Today I have lots of studying and laundry to do. That's not really that exciting. But it's finals week again for me. After Thursday I have a wonderful, glorious 1 whole week off. I really need it. Being in school non stop since May has been great but the apartment is a wreck and so is my sanity! Lots of my classmates are going on vacations. I'm going to get a lot done around the house and maybe go for a long drive down the coast. I'm definitely going to make soap to restock the shop. The countdown has been on for a couple of weeks now and I'm thrilled to be really close. Don't get me wrong, I love school. But I need a little time to reset for this Fall semester.

Remember when I told you not to drink and etsy? Well, here's part of my haul. (There's one thing not here yet but it's being custom made from this shop.)



These coasters are so pretty in person. The picture doesn't really show the detail. They are from the Dragonflies etsy store. My sister and her husband just bought a house. So these might be a housewarming present. (If I can part with them!)



This same sister is trying to get pregnant. I'm probably totally jinxing her be making purchases for my not yet conceived niecephew. But I can't help it! There are so many cute onesies out there. Besides all my friends are on the pregnancy train as well. And it never hurts to have a little stash of gifts on hand. These are from Supastarr. She has lots of awesome adult t's too. I especially like the Not Mine shirt.

That's about it around here. I hope you're having a great weekend!

Today's the Day

I'm officially 30 years old.

I refuse to be 29 forever. But there is something about this particular birthday that has me thinking about where I am in life and where I'm headed. I've probably had one too many today to write about it right now. But there are loads of things I love about myself. And a few things that need work. It's nice to think that the good out weighs the bad at the moment.

I used to think 30 was so old. But now I realize it's just the beginning. There's so much to do. So much to see. So much everything....

And it all starts now.

Taking off the Blinders

I've been thinking a lot about my knitting this weekend. (Yes, I should be thinking about studying.) It is suddenly clear to me that I have been blinded by sock yarn. Almost my whole stash is sock yarn. Don't get me wrong! I love knitting socks but I think I need to branch out. It all started with the infamously frogged Hourglass Sweater. I finished that just about the same time I made my first pair of socks. The socks turned out perfectly. They fit. They were fast to knit. Loved them! And you all know how that sweater turned out. I think I was foolishly put off from garments other than socks because of that first lumpy, bumpy sweater attempt. Today I passed the arms on Wicked. (I think this will be a short sleeved version but we'll see.) And I'm really enjoying this knit. And it looks like it'll turn out to be wearable. (fingers crossed.) So now I'm feeling the pull of other garments like Tangled Yoke and the Katherine Hepburn Cardi. Except for a sweater's worth of Elann Peruvian Highland Wool, too bad I really only have sock yarn in the stash. Getting back to garments opens up whole new world.

Of course, if my Wicked turns out poorly, I may stick to socks for good. HAHA!

I had another good mail week this week.



I ordered the Dream in Color Tulips kit from Threadbear. They have several versions to choose from. After seeing the finished article at Yarn Harlot and Pixie Purls, I had to have it. No one I know is having a girl. So this'll be a knit for the gift box kind of thing. Don't be afraid if they tell you it'll be 4-6 weeks for delivery. Mine came in about 3 weeks. It's going to be so cute!

I also got my August installment of the Scout's Indie Swag Club. There are two pictures. So if you don't want the yarn surprise to be spoiled, don't scroll past the picture of the swag.



A Go Knit pouch!!!!! Love the color. I've been contemplating one of these for awhile.

This was inside...



900 MHz Merino sock yarn from Yarn Nerd! The color is Chuck T's. Very nice! I was really surprised to get yarn from someone other than Scout. But I'm excited to try Adam's yarn too.

Finally, some advice for the weekend. Don't go on Etsy if you've been drinking. I'm just saying...

Flock of Turkeys

I woke up on Tuesday and let the kitties out onto the balcony for their morning roll on the concrete. And look what I saw...



There were 9 turkeys wandering down the bike path outside my window. They seemed quite undisturbed by runners or bikers or even cars. Silly birds! Good thing this is California. In Michigan, they'd been picked off by hunters by now.

Finally, here's the progress on Wicked.



It's becoming the big beige blob of stockinette. But I think it's coming out well. There are now so many stitches on the needles that each round takes forever! It's cool though. Bigger yarn makes for faster progress.

Hope you all are having a nice relaxing weekend. I'm watching the US Open and contemplating a nap.