Wednesday night on the tenth proved to be a very fun and educational round of learning. After being introduced by Vickie of Island Yarn Company to their fabulous president Kate, I joined the Metro West Guild and attended my first meeting at the public library in Needham, MA. The group was a lively bunch, and after the “show and tell” of our current/finished projects that were brought in, we shared our favorite gadgets for crafting notions. Later, we voted on what classes we would like Lucy Neatby to teach us in March using a technique which required us to vote with dot-shaped stickers.
At one point when I was being introduced, somebunny said, “Oh I already know who YOU are. We have been checking out your stash!” And when I was talking to Sue, I spied Kate (the president) and grabbed my precious cake of Regenbogen to show her. I placed it in her hand and asked if she could identify it. Touching the yarn, she shook her head. Sue then held it and began to stroke the cake like it was a kitten. When I finally fessed up that the cake was Wollmeise 100% Superwash, Sue turned away from me. Kate began to tease her by saying I will want that back. Sue’s reply? “Hahaha! I have seen her stash. She’d never miss it.” Of course, I stuck out my hand and Sue put it back in my possession.
It was a fun evening chatting with the folks that I met. One of them, Melodie, had issues with her Clapotis WIP. I promised her that I would bring both of mine when we saw each other in two days. Her skeins of Dream in Color Smooshy are the same dyelot, but the change between the sections could be seen when peered closely. Oh, what was in two days? Let me tell! 
Friday the 12th was a big day for the Common Cod Guild. It was the first meeting, and to kick it off, Franklin Habit was in town to talk about knitting. To cut to the short of it all, I present more photos.
I will admit one little thing about that night… When I first spied Franklin outside the speaking hall greeting Mel, I wanted to drop everything and pick him up for a huge bunny hug. Instead I froze, and whispered to Melodie, “I so want to run up to him right now and hug him.” She said, “Why not? I am sure he would not mind one bit.” Later on after seeing Lucy Lee from Mind’s Eye Yarns, I told her that I wanted to see Franklin but was too shy/chicken. She then walked me over and introduced me to him! All I will say is that he is awesome, and that everyone should come see him.
After Franklin’s talk, there was a lot of chitchatting and laughter. I managed to get another photo with Deborah — hunnybee33 on Ravelry, and exchanged hugs with Kathy (Grumperina) for a fan of hers. Of course my friends Michelle, Ericka, and Chris were there and we all did quick shots.
Later, when cleaning up was finished, we all decided to walk over to The Asgard on Massachusetts Avenue. Guido had raved about the Truffle Tater Tots which are fried tater tots tossed with truffle oil, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Of course with our luck, we get a cranky Irish (or maybe he was Welsh) server who gave the bad news that the Truffle Tater Tots were 86′ed off the menu by then. We still made good with the rest of the menu. My coconut shrimp and avocado salad was surprisingly filling with lots of shrimp and avocado. I was expecting something skimpy. The desserts looked delicious, and from the faces of those who ordered them, I would say they were! =:8
Why? Here are my reasons:
- Work has me busy. I always say being busy is good, but I can never satisfy my manager.
- Keeping house. ‘Nuff said.
- Dad had a mild stroke. Though he has been given a clean bill, I’m still worried.
- Trying to knit up FOs from WIPs.
- Trying to keep up with Moderating my groups on Ravelry
- Trying to post.
- Too stressed at the moment to get the rest out
By the way, one reason for not posting. During the nasty Nor’Easter this past Saturday, an attempted burglary of my next door neighbor was botched up when the teen-aged thief crashed into the maple tree in front of my house!
I need to take some time off. I just wish I could. =:8
I have been fighting with Flickr in trying to get my latest adventures for everyone to see. If I still cannot access my photos in the next 24-hours, I will be forced to present a hap-hazard post.
Sorry!!
=:8
Update!
My little blog was nominated as a “Rockin’ Girl Blogger” by Diva Kitty’s Mom! Woo-hoo!!
I think a celebration is needed. Shopping, anyone? =:8
Please take a moment and give a virtual hug to another blog-knitter buddy. Tina is going through a bad time with a nasty breakup, and she needs support down in Texas. Thank you!!
I always find the links between memories and our physical senses completely fascinating. On Monday I had gone to the cafeteria to grab some lunch. When I saw that these Chinese-like meals were being served, I opted to the place that Rasha introduced to me — Chen’s Restaurant. I figured if I was going to eat Chinese food, then at least it should be good.
Back into the subject of memories and our senses… The aromas, tastes, sights, and textures of my meal never ceases to bring me a smile. I could see Rasha sitting across from me in the booth while we discuss our past and present stories. She is currently in Bali at a Buddhist monastery, going through an illumination of her self-being. Jealously, I found myself wishing to be there too. Coming back to reality, I sketched the details of the intarsia scarf rattling to be released out of my head. The other Hokie Hope scarf is finished, but I need to block it before its photoshoot. I know, I know… I need to break down and just block one night soon! When I came back from my lunch, I snapped a quick photo of the sky before heading back into the office.
No idea why, but the day somehow felt better. When I came home, a box from Barbara was waiting for me at the door. I was so excited about this unexpected surprise, that I forgot to use my pink yoga mat when I photographed its contents.
The irony is that I fell in love with Barbara’s bunny and his sweater. So much so that I bought and downloaded the pattern. Little did I know that he would be mine! With much internal debate on what his name should be, I decided on Virgil. I thought about Gino, but that is a stretch from “Virginia” and I really wanted a name that reminded me of home. Virgil Bun now shares the top of my monitor at work with VT helmet-clad Schatzi Bear. Richie bought the little bear for me when I was in the hospital in February 2003 for facial cellulitis. He has sat alone for quite some time, and he now has a buddy.
That night I knitted up my first square for Hokie Hope. I had found some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino in a rich shade of orange while out at Sakonnet Purls. Half of the square had to be redone because it became lopsided. When I re-knit the second half, I ended up with so much yarn, I think I can create another square! When I do the next squares, I will photograph them all together for one pretty picture. And, I have another surprise package to talk about. The one from my Secret Pal arrived yesterday, and I want to put it in a single post. Promise! =:8
This week has been heartbreaking, and now anger is slowly replacing half of the sadness in my emotional goblet. In Blacksburg, many knots are being untied, and many strings are being unraveled. The more details I hear about the shooter and the reactions around the nation, the more I grieve. What frightens me is the backlash that has come about because of the gunman’s Asian heritage. I hear folks screaming about “the damn Chinamen” and “mean Koreans” all over the radio talk shows. Not only am I praying for the victims, their families, and the campus, I am also praying for Cho’s parents and his sister — a fellow Hokie alumni a successful Princeton graduate working for the US Government.
With the Swallowtail Shawl only needing to be blocked, my fingers have been itching to work on a project. I did crochet a 24″x36″ baby blanket using a pound of worsted weight yarn (8 ounces of forest green Caron and 3 skeins of Panda’s FDK in green/white tweed). That project needs to be fringed, and I will post a photo when the blanket is an official FO. Turning to the pile of UFOs, I rediscovered the “Children of the Lir” stole in Aristocrat’s sage green. I knit a little over one ball to add a couple of sets, but with Monday’s horrible event, I wanted something that would provide quick comfort. I also wanted to make something in my Hokie colors of Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange. I decided that socks and fingerless gloves would fit the bill.
The next question was which yarn do I use? I was met with an interesting surprise. I never realized how much maroon and orange I had in my stash! Throughout the piles of yarn, the shades of rich burgundy alternate with the tangerine and copper. I found variegated Trekking XXL, Kitten mohair, CTH Supersock Merino, and many others begging to be cast on. I am debating between knitting the Artyarns Supermerino, the Elsbeth Lavold’s Angora, and my Horsta silk/wool in both orange and maroon. Whatever I decide, it needs to be soon. Besides having to match my regular Hokies gear, I want the FO to match my Clapotis.
During lunch today I allowed myself to stroll in memory lane and wandered through Upper Quad, a section of of the campus where I lived while in the VTCC. There is one particular dormitory named for Major Lloyd Williams (Class of 1907) of the Marine Corps. This Distinguished Service Cross recipient was the first Virginian killed in WW1. What made him famous (among us Cadets at least) were his words when told that he had to lead his Marines back to where they came from after they had just arrived for battle: “Retreat? Hell [no]! We just got here.” The “no” part is what is on my only VA Tech t-shirt. I had traded for it with one of my VTCC ones (the other mysteriously disappeared while dating someone who greatly admired it) from a Major Bill resident. That quote seems perfect to promote “National Orange and Maroon Day” around all circles. If possible, please wear the Virginia Tech colors of Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange this Friday (April 20). I think the gesture would match Professor Nikki Giovanni’s beautiful words honoring the victims’ lives. Now I must find my bobblehead Hokie bird to annoy the University of Miami alumni at work… =:8
A crazy gunman shot up my alma mater this morning!!
MSNBC.com
CNN.com
My local paper back in Virginia Beach, VA
The Associated Press’ article
I am so dazed and disheartened right now. =:8
Before I forget, here are the statistics for Mike’s Mittens.
Pattern: Manly Mitts Knitty’s from Summer 2005
Yarn: Berroco’s Softwist Bulky (black) & Filatura di Crosa’s Love (grey)
Tools: bamboo US3 80cm circulars (Magic Loop)
Dimensions: I would have to say as per pattern’s smaller size
Pattern Notes: Ran out of black yarn for the rest of the thumbs, reversed the ribbing for the cuffs (did K1P2 instead of K2P1)
Would I knit it again? Definitely. I have yarn put aside to knit another pair or two later. At this moment, socks are calling my name.
With showing the stats for my Project Spectrum 2’s grey colorway, here are the other 2 stars for this PS2 month: blue and white. Conveniently I did not have to look far for a project. The above crocheted gem is the baby blanket for Rich’s gaming buddy in Seattle. Though I did not finish the blanket earlier today, I wanted to photograph it in the beautiful sunshine. It awaits fringe at the ends with bright white cotton yarn. Here are the quick statistics.
My own Pattern: chain 62, decrease stitch each row ending with SC
Yarn: 2-1/2 skeins (250g) Panda’s FDK (denim tweed) with 1-1/2 skeins (9oz) Red Heart’s Plush (denim), partial cone (about 50g) of white Sugar ‘n’ Cream cotton for fringe
Tools: birch Q hook
Dimensions: 30-inches wide and 40-inches length (not counting fringe)
Pattern Notes: I am thinking I should have chained 64 instead of the 62
Would I knit it again? Of course! The next one is going to be a rich dark green tweed for another friend who is expecting next month.
After wrapping up Mike’s mittens and Seattle Daddy’s blanket, I had been obsessing on what to knit up next. Though the gift Clapotis is waiting to be completed and does have blue and grey, I wanted to cast on for Sock a Month Knitalong 3. Looking at my checklist of to-do projects, I realized that I never picked out a pattern for my niece’s request of purple socks. She wears a size 2 shoe, and I think if I knit up Cookie’s BFF with the smallest size, they will fit her perfectly. I consider this knit my warm-up practice for the upcoming Sock Madness. The challenge during the weekend is to finish this pair by Tuesday morning. Normally I would say Monday night, but I will not start on them until late tomorrow. I have to finish the blanket and a few girlfriends are meeting up for brunch and a movie. EDIT: I forgot to mention the NASCAR Knitting!! Please check it out and let me know if interested. Thanks!!
Something interesting about a very NASTY bug I found on the New Blogger: as soon as someone (in this case, ME) updates to New Blogger, Bloglines’ links break for certain Blogs and the user needs to delete the RSS feed and recreate it. To top it all off, I had to rack my brain to recall everything I entered after saving this post while my network connection broke. UGH!!
Before checking out my Saturday Sky photo for a neat item, here is a question to ponder: Why is it a package sent to Sweden last weekend arrives at its destination faster than one sent to Australia the week before? No idea? Me neither!! =:8
Tuesday was Bunny-Volunteer time for me, and I present the latest group at Petsmart up for adoption.
Jasper was still there without his mother Pepper
Little Miss Silverbelle, aka “Belle” is a cute, but jittery Netherland Dwarf
Mischievous partners in crime, bright Mario and smoldering Olivia
There is nothing in the world like forming friendships around the globe. Some read this blog for the fibery goodness (currently a lack there of!), others for the weekly bunny-fix. For the few who actually like to hear me gab “about the world we live in and life in general,” this post is for everyone I have met online and in person.
I constantly wish that I could thank everyone in person who has ever stopped by my little slice of the web. Blogging gives me the chance to learn so many things in this world, and write about what I see around it. (Raising mug in the air) Here’s to all of you in humble thanks.
To end this entry, I leave the Meme “6 Weird Things about Me” in which I was tagged by the fabulous Jen at AlumCreek with her bunner, Gretchen.
- 1st: I never learned how to braid my new-found (as in since senior year in high school) long hair until late into my freshman year at Virginia Tech. I only knew how to put my hair up in a bun for ROTC (UGG-LEE!). Later, a kind soul in the form of my newly-found hairdresser took pity on me and gave the time to teach me the French Braid and French Twist.
- 2nd: I am hooked on Star Trek and the “Murder, She Wrote” series. I know I mentioned these shows before, but I really like how Jessica Fletcher demonstrates that paying attention to minor details can crack a crime!
- 3rd: I have difficulty driving in pouring rainstorms. Back in 1992, I had a car accident driving after work to my then-BF’s house. Because the visibility was so poor, I did not realize that I was in the emergency breakdown lane until I saw the abandoned car. Long story short, I was traumatized after losing control of the car. The next time I had to drive in a storm, I had a panic attack and had to pull over to the side of the road until the rain stopped.
- 4th: I like my drinks hotter than “normal” like warm milk or room temperature beer. When I am really sick, I drink a mug of orange juice heated in the microwave.
- 5th: I have loved bunnies since my Mother made me a ceramic white bunny with blue eyes pulling a wheelbarrow. I was either 3 or 4 years-old. Yes, I still have “Susan” but without the wheelbarrow’s cover that Ma engraved my name into. If asked nicely, I will try to photograph her for all to see.
- 6th: I am a techie geek at heart when it applies to work. Currently I have been reading up on 3-phase power in electrical engineering, internet monitoring systems, and doing my best to understand the mechanics of air conditioning. It is no wonder I turn to knitting for a break!
Whew! That took a bit to write. Anyone surprised or freaked out yet? =:8
Wow folks, the comments knocked my socks off! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me. I am glad that I was not alone in my feelings about that charity blanket. The part that upset me most was that I had to knit up the square(s) first before being given the address. My pride felt more sting out of that one. Now, let us move on to much more positive vibes.
This weekend, I concentrated on both charity knitting and newborn gifts. Three folks at work had babies recently, so I have been plowing through miniature socks and hats. Inbetween, I have been working on my Red Scarf Project by testing out different patterns with different yarns. I want to make sure the scarf is machine washable yet warm. I am thinking about combining a strand of mohair with red acrylic — a trick I read about on the Dulaan Project Yahoo group to create warmth and washability. During all of this knitting, there is another Charity knit that warrants attention.
The Soaring Eagles Project collects knitted items for school-aged children. To quote the site, “Please knit hats, beanies, headbands, mittens, whatever you would like to help our cause.The pieces will be given out to students in a grade level assembly on December 20th or 21st.” Sizes needed are for ages 4 to 12 years-old. I am sending over as many mittens and hats that I can. All items need to be received by the 18th of December — only 2 weeks away. Hope you can help out!! =:8
Lots of giant “thank you” hugs to all of you. Reading your comments made my day! To celebrate, I gave up four things today. I could count what I put in one of the packages since it was part of my chocolate stash, but I shall spill the beans.
The first item given was obviously the bag of clothes I set aside last night. I dropped them off at the HR office before I went into my side of the building. Funny thing about the donation, none of the HR employees knew about it, and some even told me that no such e-mail existed! Boy were they surprised when someone popped his head up and said, “Oh yeah. I remember a memo being sent out now.” Geesh! Scary, eh?
The second set of items I gave was in a little package for the lone American, Soul Glo, who lives in Sweden now. She had surgery recently and I have been wanting to send her some goodies to cheer her up. In case she is blogging about, all I will say is that her goodies are American. 
The third item was included in the yarn for another Blog Buddy. She had missed the BKOAC so I sent her some blue fibery goodness that she missed out on. I sure hope she likes chocolate, and if not then maybe Wifey or Little Man (tee-hee, that’s Rich’s nickname for Zydeco!) will be happy to take it off her hands.
The fourth item for today? Blood. I forgot that there was a Blood Drive today in the building, so before lunch, I forked out a pint of my red stuff. Best part? The gentleman handling my donation said that if I wanted more cookies and juice to come back later. Giving always gives back to you, and that feels great! =:8
Must have bad karma.
ME!!
