A Morning of Galavanting

    This morning, friend Bonny and I went gallivanting. My mother-in-law introduced me to that term, and it fits pretty well. She used to go out gallivanting all the time.


    So this morning, Bonny and I went out, to go to Hobby Lobby because she needed more yarn. Then we went to Michaels, where I found a longer (36") size 11 needle. Points for me! I also bought a new size N crochet hook. I can't find any of my old ones.


    After that, we ran some other errands that she had to do. It's nice to get out once in a while. I got home just before noon, when the new Knit and Crochet Now program was on. Perfect timing!


    So I've been knitting today, working on Ozzy's new bed. I changed over to the longer, bigger needles. I hope to get some photos tomorrow. I've also been working on more secret projects. Let's call them Christmas or Festivus presents. I wish I could show them to you, but they are surprises.


    And just so you know, I broke out Sara's sweater yesterday, and did a few rounds on that too. I stopped because I think the body might be long enough, but I didn't feel like measuring it.


    I also enjoyed the beautiful day we had today! It was so sunny and warm, despite the chance of thunder storms. We didn't get any. YAY! I hope it was nice where you are!

in which I make a decision

    You have to know by now that these Gamer Gloves are kicking my ass. In days gone by, I could whip out a pair in no time at all. These days, however, it's getting harder and harder.

  
   It could be because I don't crochet all that much these days. It could be that I'm having to use my absolutely least favorite size hook in the whole fracking world, a G. I have always hated that size hook for some unknown reason. Well, that size and anything smaller than that.


   I feel I must state for the record that the fault is not with the recipient of the gloves, my son-in-law. I adore him, he makes my daughter very happy. And for that reason alone, he is still breathing. And he likes cats.


    Let me get to the point here. I do hereby vow and affirm, in this public forum, that I shall never again even think about making anyone, at all, for any reason, fingerless / gamer gloves, hand warmers, or any variation of this item.


    Now I just have to finish the last glove, crochet the seams up, then wash and deliver them. And that will be the end. Finito.   > sigh< of relief....

I've Hit the Wall, Knitting Wise

    I sure have. I screwed up my lace stole project a few days ago, and haven't figured out yet where I went wrong. I haven't frogged it, I still have hope that either I can figure it out, or my friend the knitting expert can.


    In the meantime, I have been crocheting. I'm trying again to do the skull colorwork potholders, from the Stitch n Bitch Crochet, The Happy Hooker book. I tried once before to make these for my friend, but I wasn't happy with how it looked. Since then I have watched her make some, and decided to try again. So far, I am happy with how it looks. Even though I'm using my least favorite hook, the size G. This hook size, I consider my nemesis.


    So for now, I am crocheting. I will post photos of my progress. I am really not too happy that to make the potholder, I have to make two of these fracking things. Grrrr.

    And for a double Grrr, as I am looking at the photo, I see the eyes are off center, which means I have to frog the last row that I did. I didn't notice until I looked at the photo! Oh well, at least it's not a whole bunch of rows...


    Tattoo update!! It has now been 8 days since my tattoo, and the last little bit of crust has finally come off. It's still itchy, and I'm still lotioning the shit out of it. I know it seems early, but I have always healed quickly. I am told the color looks awesome. I can't see it myself without mirrors. I think I'll ask Hubs to take another photo of it.


    Crap, I see it's almost midnight. I better get my crap assembled and publish this, or it will show up with tomorrow's date!!

Finallly Decided on a Pattern!

     That's right, I finally decided on a pattern, after days of searching in my binders, I have two giant ones. I also searched Crochet Patterns Central, as well as Ravelry.


    The winner is a nice crocheted shawl, called the Butterfly Wing Shawl. It was designed by Holly Miller. I've had it printed out since 2008. But I am excited to do it! I am using some white Alpaca that I bought at Rhinebeck last year. It is so soft, I can't wait to see it!


    I started the shawl last night, did a few rows to get started before I went babysitting today. I couldn't decide whether to use a J-6mm hook, or a K-6.5m hook. I decided to start with the smaller hook, and if it's not light and airy enough, I will frog it and use the bigger one. I really want the shawl to be light and lacey. I will take photos when it's big enough for you to really see it.


    Another thing I am worried about, is having enough yarn. I bought one big hank, it is 8 ounces. It wound into a huge center pull ball, but everyone knows that crochet is a big yarn sucker. I have other white/natural really soft animal yarns hanging around, so if needed I can use them. Or, I have a second Alpaca hank, but in black.  I won't have to decide for a while yet. I will keep you updated.

Go Big or Go Home

    I wonder why I was surprised about having to abandon plans A, B and C... I have never liked working on a small scale. Before I started knitting again, my hook of choice was the N size, which is pretty big. Big enough that when you crochet with it, you usually use two strands of worsted weight yarn.


    I like the instant gratification that comes with crocheting with a bigger hook. You can make so much progress in so little time! It's perfect for satisfying that creative urge.


   When I started knitting, I was willing to work with small needles. But it turns out that sock or lace weight yarn is just too darn tiny for me to see the stitches. Especially in black, and in my house. We keep my house kind of dark, since my Hubs works the night shift, and sleeps during the day. Minimum light works best for this.


    A few years ago, I crocheted a shawl, it turned out to be most awesome, and it was HUGE. Of course, I used a bigger hook than recommended. Now, I am fairly tall, at 5' 8". When this shawl was done, and I wore it to Rhinebeck last year, the point actually dragged on the ground.


    I recently gave that shawl away, and made a new one, which turned out smaller. I love it just as much. I haven't yet had an opportunity to wear it out, but I am looking forward to it.  Stay tuned to watch me make a fool out of myself over and over again. It seems that it's inevitable. But I hope it's at least fun!

Operation Empty Nest Phase II

    Well, today was the final day. The son is all moved into his new house, furniture and all. This time, I got to go along, so I got to see how the kids have set everything up. They did a good job. And now that the couch is all in place, there's room for tons of people to sit!


    That being said, it was traumatic for me. As we were leaving, my boy shook his dad's hand, and remarked that it was weird. Then I got a big hug, and he asked me if I was OK, and if I was going to be OK. Of course I said yes, but I was tearing up. I turned away quickly after he finally let me go.


    I did remember to take a couple of photos while they were loading the truck, for the second time. I forgot the first time. Then, after they left the first time, the sky got dark, and it got all windy, then it started to rain. Then we lost power for a little while. But by the time the boys got back, the rain had stopped and everything was drying up.

    They had gotten the first load of couch to Fishkill with no problem. Second load also made it with no problem. Whew. Tomorrow, Hubs and I are having a little empty nest get together with Graeme's mom, Kit. I feel bad for her, as she is all alone in their house for the month of June. Her Hubs is away working. So I think I will be keeping her company on those evenings that my Hubs is working.


     As a side note, I have to report that the number of crochet hooks that were found in between couch sections turned out to be 7! There was also a large knitting needle, a row counter, a cable needle, a small pair of scissors, and a stitch marker. I hear that after the first load of couch made it to Fishkill, a crochet hook fell out of one of those sections! I forgot to get it back when we were down there. Maybe next time!