Posts for category ‘General’

As I bid farewell to 2009, I reflect on the events that have affected my life. Some of them were unanticipated surprises, some were not. No matter what, regretting anything is not on my agenda, nor will it be!

To celebrate, I offer this simple pattern that I created to be used with the cotton/wool blend yarn that the Lands End folks had given me. The Cross Skull Cap requires around 65 grams of worsted weight yarn at the largest size. I was able to use 50 grams for the medium one. To queue it in Ravelry, click the bolded title of the pattern. Enjoy! =:8

Cross Skull Cap
Sizes: Small (Medium, Large) to fit Child (Teen, Adult)

Notions and Yarn:
tapestry needle
4 stitch markers (ideally 1 is different than the other 3)
65 grams of worsted weight yarn
**Note** I have tested this pattern with 2 balls of Berroco Pure Merino, 2 skeins of Naturally Merino/Soie, 50 grams of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, 60 grams of Lands End cotton/wool (similar to Cascade Sierra), and 1 skein of Manos Worsted

Needles:
Size US6 (4.0mm) 16-inch circular needles
Size US8 (5.0mm) 16-inch circular needles
Size US8 (5.0mm) > 32-inch circular needles or
Size US8 (5.0mm) double-pointed needles

Gauge (in stockinette):
4-1/2 stitches per inch, 19 stitches over 10cm
6 rounds per inch of height
**Note** I adjusted my needle-size according to each yarn that I swatched and the desired fabric result. For the Naturally Merino/Soie, I used 4.0mm and 4.5mm; for the Lorna’s Laces SW, I used 4.0mm and 5.0mm; for the Berroco Pure Merino, I used 3.75mm and 4.5mm instead. Use whatever needles that will give you gauge.

Stitches used:
Knit (K)
Purl (P)
Knit 2 together (K2T)
Slip slip knit (SSK)
Yarnover (YO)
Pass marker (PM)

Directions:
Using the larger circular needle, cast on 64 (72, 84) stitches, place marker to show beginning, and join in the round without twisting.

Using the smaller 16-inch circular needle, do K2P2 ribbing for 1-1/2 (2, 2) inches (Depending on gauge, can vary in number of rounds. I varied from 10-12 rounds due to the different yarns for the adult size.)

Change to the larger 16-inch circular needle. Knit all stitches in the round for 3.5 (4, 4) inches to total from cast on at 5 (6, 6) inches – roughly a total of 30 (36, 36) rounds. On the last round before reaching the stated length, place 1 of the 3 remaining markers every 16 (18, 21) stitches.

Decrease Row 01: Knit until last 4 stitches before marker, K2T, YO, SSK, PM. Repeat 3 more times to complete the round.
Decrease Row 02: K2T, YO, SSK, knit to marker, PM. Repeat 3 more times to complete the round.

Repeat Decrease Rows 01 and 02 until 6 (8, 8 ) stitches are left in each of the 4 sections – 24 (32, 32) stitches total overall.

K2T around for 2 rounds – 6 (8, 8 ) left overall
Break yarn (if necessary) and thread it through remaining stitches to secure.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED – These copyrighted patterns are for personal use only, and may not be used for profit without pattern owner’s consent. Please contact Kimberly Nicdao Reynolds for more information or questions regarding these patterns.

I have been dwelling on what topics to discuss for months, and how to write out the thoughts that appear in my head. Sure I could report on the woolly gatherings and adventures, yet sometimes I want to write something from the heart. Recently a friend had forwarded a quote to me by Abraham-Hicks Publications. Intrigued, I immediately signed up for the daily quote which is e-mailed. The following quote is from Abraham during a workshop held in Spokane, WA on Wednesday, July 7th, 1999. Its words beautifully state what I have been feeling inside for quite some time:

“Inspiration comes forth from within. It’s what the light burning within you is about, as opposed to motivation, which is doing it because if you don’t do it, there will be negative repercussions. Motivation is making myself do something that I don’t really want to do. Inspiration is having the clear picture of what I am wanting — and letting Universal forces come into play to get the outcome.”

There have been incidents which affected my decisions of what I needed and wanted. I had been so stressed out, that in order to relieve the pain I bought close to a ton of yarn and various other things. I did not always want the items presented. Rather, I needed to purchase them because I felt like buying said objects would make me feel better. The need to purchase created a greed for certain items. Before long, my acquiring was out of control and a new stress came about on how I was going to store my “pretties” that I needed around myself to feel mentally better. I had no desire to maintain my home or myself. I ended up with half-done tasks, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.

The news of my health results on February 5th this year kicked me in the pants. I made the decision that I did not want to be diabetic and that I was going to beat the disease. The want and desire not to be dependent on medication drove me to change my diet radically — no white sugar, white flour, or white pasta; no milk, butter, or eggs. I finally joined a gym, but am not working out like I should. However, by changing my diet, I dropped from that initial A1C of 11.9 to 8.0 and I am proud of that.

Then a light bulb switched in my head about the rest of my acquisitions and behavior. The questions “Do I really WANT all of this yarn? Do I really WANT all of these tools and books? Do I really WANT all of these clothes and shoes?” plugged at me. Finally the real questions, “Why am I holding on to these items? Why do I think I need them? Why can I not do the tasks I set myself to do?” I realized that I had to let go of the items that presented negative energy to my well-being.

I began by purging various items beginning with the 260 groups that I was part of in Ravelry. I asked myself if I was in those groups “just to have” or was I going to participate fully. After removing myself from over 100 groups (hey now, I am still working on that purge!), I looked into the yarn stash and I was stunned. I had never seriously considered how much yarn was in my possession. There was no way I could ever knit all of that delicious fibery goodness before I died. I started a set of destashes, and I felt incredible. In fact purging the yarn bought because I was unhappy was like a release of tension — the rubber band that was drawn tightly to the point of being broken is slowly coming back to its original relaxed shape.

Happy with these latest findings, I began wanting to work in my flower bed again. I also have bought yarn, but now the pretties are items that I truly want to use — not just because I am feeling sad and need a “fix” to feel better. I travel and see friends when I can, and no longer drone about being a lifeless homebody. The feeling of self-improvement continues to grow, and I want more of it! Here is hoping that by late November (my 40th birthday) that I get my wants and desires. =:8

There was an episode of Sex and the City in which Carrie discovers that Big has replaced her with a younger woman — Natasha is 26 years-old and screams “I am PERFECT” in droves. The following episode depicted Miranda becoming immensely upset when she runs into ex-beau Steve after he pragmatically dumped her. Both of these episodes discuss dealing with broken relationships and how they were handled by the characters. I likened these personal relationships to my work interests. Some are still unresolved under my belt, and I must address them sooner than later. I have a bit of an analysis already in place with some explaining to preface.

Years ago my addiction to surfing occurred because my sister wanted to learn the sport. Since I was the only sibling with a driver’s license, I would accompany her to Croatan Beach on a bodyboard. After easily boardriding the waves on my stomach, I decided to try riding a wave on one “dropped knee” on the board for fun. Seeing how I was able to ride the bodyboard, my sister handed me her surfboard to do the same. Instantly I fell in love from the feeling achieved in catching that wave and dropping down from the top of the crest. Later I spent hours (okay, more like YEARS) in the water trying to grab that bit of adrenaline, and would still be trying if I could.

Gary Busey’s Big Wednesday character of Leroy “The Masochist” Smith became one of my role models. Leroy had no problem going into the water no matter how dangerous the conditions were, and I dove into that persona with the water and in life (and still do in many ways). With each season in the water I learned a little about myself. I learned what to do when a shark swims straight at me (that happened during my first trip to OBX). I learned that the gorgeous greenish “Coke bottle” glow in the water during dawn was from an amazing combination of the light, water, and plankton. I learned not to dismiss the lack of booties when surfing in the middle of March. (There are folks who surf in these cold New England waters, but frankly I steadfastly avoid any chance of getting hypothermia again.)

What does surfing have anything to do with my analysis? Nature provided endless entertainment in the water because surfing each individual wave was consistently a new experience. My attention to work was dependent on its variety and possibility. When I was introduced to rugby, the newness of playing exhilarated me. I was able to get into “hunting” modes that fed my cravings for adrenaline once again. While I was at work, I listened for those cravings to speak, but all I could hear were muffled words spoken to me as if I had been underwater. I strained to comprehend the mumblings in vain and became lost. By the time I could understand the words it was too late. Interestingly enough, because of what I heard, the cravings are back. For the past several weeks ideas popped into my head that addressed potential issues for Verdasys. These anecdotes have been scribed and filed away for now. Meanwhile I hear mumbling from my knitting and house WIPs. They want me to attend to them immediately, and I will be giving them my rapt attention. =:8

While browsing through Facebook, I discovered one friend was tagged in a photo. The tag was for somebunny’s funeral. Blinking my eyes and shaking my head twice, I clicked into the photo set and matched familiar names with unfamiliar faces — faces that have aged within the past 2 decades. These folks were ones that I might have run into had I stayed in Virginia Beach and kept up in the social scene.

Whenever anybunny that I knew from high school dies, the death never fails to make myself ponder my own life, what I have accomplished, and if I am close to being satisfied with myself. We seem to find ourselves always reaching for some kind of goal running the gamut from a particular yarn to own or a pattern to make, then to graduating with a particular degree or a highly titled career. This week has been quite an adventure.

In our country’s political news:
Sarah Palin still opens her mouth (bad because her voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me) spars with President Barack Obama being sworn into office.

At my beloved VA Tech:
That gruesome graduate student’s decapitation spars with the Men’s Basketball team beating number one ranked Wake Forest.

As for myself, I was “pink slipped” on Friday at noontime — I no longer work at Verdasys as a Support Engineer for their Digital Guardian product. The exit interview was a positive one. When I discovered that management had been trying to find another position for me in the company so as to keep me, it offered assurance that I would be welcomed back when the economy turned. This turn of events makes life a little crazier now that Richie and I are both at home. Unlike his last job, our relief is that I was given severance with leftover vacation and I can receive unemployment funds. Since he worked as an IT contractor, he did not get any compensation for all his hourly time at the pharmacy chain’s home office. I am so glad he was able to put away money to cover his time while he was out. Crossing paws, we are hoping he lands one of the positions for which he interviewed, while I take some much-needed mental health time.

In my package, I have until March 31st for Verdasys to cover any medical/dental items. Due to a fear of dentists, I avoid them but have been extremely lucky with my dental health. My teeth are still perfectly straight and cavities are nowhere to be found. I do miss getting my teeth polished and wonder if all that free soda, tea, and coffee has affected them. Since my eyeglasses are showing their years of wear and tear, replacing them and ordering contact lenses seem like a good idea. Guess what appointments I am making on Monday?

This stunning event has awakened opportunities in one of my former fields, 3-phase power engineering. While chatting with a friend from The Corporation, he mentioned that various resellers were seeking folks of my caliber. I then chatted with a reseller friend who worked along The Corporation about my current career status. His response? “If you can relocate, I have a job for you.” Stunned, I asked where — Las Vegas, NV. I tried to imagine Richie in the desert heat, giggled at the visual, and became sad. The only way I could ever leave Rhode Island for better pastures in my career would be if we divorced.

Another positive effect is the obviously increased spare time. For the next few weeks I now can:

• Finish the knitting WIPS and queue that have been on my radar for so long (I laugh like Val Kilmer in Real Genius to my Roanoke buds about the Bias Fair Isle Pullover like Marnie had made — Hahahaha!).
• Finally address the condition of the House. Whenever I became emotionally upset I avoided dealing with it, something that I had always done as long as I can remember. Now that my sister will be up for the Boston Marathon, getting the house ready for her visit is a huge motivation. Plus, I will be back to cooking soon enough. First item to make? Lasagna and garlic rolls!! (FYI: Bread is one of my favorite foods to make. I used to knead up lots of honey wheat bread every winter.)
• Review everything I have learned career-wise from the past 10 years in order to ready myself for any job opportunity that pops up. I had been called a “Boy Scout” at one position because I was always prepared for any mishap or situation; I am kicking it up to a new level to include various skills.
• Continue teaching myself the rudimentary basics of the languages I want to know — French, Danish, Italian, and Japanese. Although since I had found this lace website in Russian a year ago, I might add that to the list.
• Revamp my exercise routine to include my Wii Fit and Dance Revolution. One goal to address is running the Gaspee Days 8K in June. Another goal is to play in the local women’s rugby league. Whoa, I just realized that I can be playing my Wii again! Baseball or Kniittiing anybunny?
• Participate at my various affiliated organizations. I am putting back the hours into Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue that was lost while I was working in Waltham. Ravelry has always been my after hours no-pay job, but I am addressing the more tedious administrative work in my groups and am increasing my time the Ravelry Help! chat room on Lingr. Goody bags and prizes for the Paw Sox “Stitch and Pitch” on May 17th need to be jump-started. Knitting meet ups and LYS visits are being scheduled — I believe no explanation is needed on why.
• Start job hunting, which will involve a job fair in Boston this Tuesday. This also involves updating my website, resume, LinkedIn page, and then networking with my contacts. Where I will be applying is to be determined in three weeks after my mental health break.

Oy, I think I have enough items to keep sparring with the disappointment for awhile… For now I will finish the WIPs that I had started for my friends at Verdasys. =:8

Finally I am sneaking in time to enter a blog post! For the past couple of months I have been occupied with work and found myself feeling detached to everything else. Sure, I managed to make it to special guild meetings (courtesy of Guido Stein and the Common Cod Fiber Guild), knitting SNBs/circles, and conferences (Stitches East with the awesome Ravelry Helpers). However there are little bombs inside my head that want to explode. I am wrestling with them during my daily drive, and sometimes hourly at home.

Every year I make resolutions and then immediately break them. They all fall in the same line: weight loss, driving more at work, turning WIPs into FOs, fixing up the house, volunteering more charity work, saving money, and then blogging about it all. Last year of 2008 was full of surprises — both good and bad. I hope to make 2009 a bouquet of sweetness whenever possible. Doing so may involve in closing off harmful relationships (all are muggle ones) to my psyche. If these old ties were true friends, they would understand. For now I shall sharpen my skates and sprint across my icy network as fast as I can. I may even bunny dance during my run!

In the knitting realms, Ravelry has definitely kept my attention — and the attention of over two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) members. Though the membership seems small, Ravelry made its debut to a very select handful on April 11th, 2007 and has skyrocketed membership like a “hockey stick” in a graph. The niche of “internet crafting” is amazing to behold, and Ravelry caters worldwide primarily to knitters and crocheters who are also spinners, sewers, weavers, and jewelers. The site can be very overwhelming to those not familiar with forums, but the information and social networking aspect can be harnessed into powerful business connections.

A few examples are presented in the following:
1. All members are given a Notebook to track their projects, yarn stash, needles/hooks, library, friends, and other items. The organizational aspect helps leash each member’s tigers of piles.
2. Local yarn shop owners on Ravelry have found that when customers come into their shop and are fuzzy on pattern material details (“I think the pattern’s name is ‘Wavy Wimple’ but I am not sure.”), the LYSO can go online and look up the pattern and suggest the yarn and tools necessary to make it.
3. For events like Rhinebeck S&W, TNNA, and Maryland S&W, vast information including what vendors to check out, which hotels to stay/avoid, where to find the best eateries, and when the meet ups occur were communicated in specific forums.
4. Designers have the ability to create their own shop in which members can browse their patterns and decide to buy/download after seeing how other folks did in following them. There are future works that will allow Dyers and Spinners the same ability.
5. Specific guilds, groups, and shops can communicate with their friends, members, and/or customers. Kate, the president of Massachusetts MetroWest Knitting Guild’s group posts messages about upcoming meetings and sponsored events. The “Cuppa Tea?” group brings folks from all over the world to profess their love of tea types and where to find them. The “Ocean State Crafters” group discusses items like where to shop or local events. Gina’s Mosaic Yarn Shop Maniacs host various knit-alongs, list classes, and updates on their fellow members.

These lines of communication have networked folks around the world together. Digesting all of this information is a constant work of art, but I love it. Adventurous stories to come soon — I promise!! Meanwhile, please note the other social webs that I live and feel free to include me. Now, I leave you some of Richie’s chocolate cake with white vanilla “almost buttercream” frosting… Bunny hugs! =:8

One of my favorite movies in the world is “For Love of the Game” which is based on Michael Shaara’s posthumously published novel of same title. During Billy’s game, in order to concentrate his pitches against the opposing batting Yankee lineup, he says to himself, “Clear the mechanism.” With those three words, the screams from the heckling crowd then deaden to silence, the vivid colors of the fans become dull and lifeless, and he can finally focus at his task of getting the batter out at the plate.

For quite some time, I have been in a process of “clearing the mechanism” for myself. After realizing the difference of what truly inspired me and what direction I wanted my life, I am following the true (albeit tedious) path towards making myself happy. Along the way there are roadblocks, but I know that my vision will all be worth it. My main goal was to find work in my hobby’s industry, and it seems that there are possibilities in front of me. Since nothing is fully solid, I do not want to jinx myself until everything is all set and written in stone. Hopefully more can be revealed, and I will be comfortable enough to write again as much as I did before my unhappiness drove me to depression and self-destruction. =:8

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