Felt Like Knitting

Top ten

Today I've enjoyed reading several blogs that recapped 2006.  I thought I'd do the same thing - kind of like one of those year end countdowns you see on TV.  So here we go...

The Top Ten Reasons I Like Knit Blogging (2006 version)

10.  Learning new computer things  -  Like how to edit HTML code.  I doubt I'll ever be a computer expert, but I have enjoyed the feeling of figuring out something on my own.

9.  Memes  -  I've found this to be a fun way to get to know people and to share about myself.  My favorite meme may be the "6 weird things" meme.

8.  Journal  - I'm not always good at documenting things, so it has been extremely helpful to be able to look back to see when I sprained my wrist, when we took a trip, etc.  Wanting to document my knitting progress was one of the reasons I started a knitting blog, but the blog has become a way to document a lot more.  And this post will document my year in knitting.

7.  KALs/swaps/web rings/contests - These have been fun!  And I've learned that I'm not the best KALer.  But each of these things has introduced me to some great folks.

6.  Using new supplies - This year I tried Denise Interchangeable Needles, made a swift, and bought a ball winder.  I bought my first Addi Turbos and double pointed needles.  I have lots more knitting books than I had last year at this time.  And my yarn stash is way bigger than it should be.  I doubt I'd have discovered all these things if I hadn't been reading blogs and asking questions.

5.  Charity knitting - It has been wonderful to see the outpouring of generosity from knit bloggers.  From blanket squares to mittens, hats and scarves, it's been great to see what other people knit and to get involved myself.

4.  Trying new knitting projects - When I started blogging, I had only made some scarves, one hat, and some felted bags.  My favorite thing was felting and I really couldn't understand why someone would want to knit a large project like a sweater or socks.  After trying a few things, I'm hooked.  This year, I've made my first sweaters and dishcloths.  I tried socks and lace, and will accomplish these things next year.

3.  Improved knitting - My knitting has improved a lot this year!  A lot of this has been due to seeing what you're knitting and the helpful advice everyone gives.  I've tried intarsia, knitting in the round with two circular needles, knitting cables, etc.   I have much more confidence than I had before and you are all so encouraging!

2.  Laughing and crying  -  Reading your blogs this year has been like watching a movie.  I laughed, I cried...  I like reading what you have to say.   

And the number 1 reason I liked knit blogging this year......

1.  My new knit blogging friends - I've really enjoyed meeting each of you this year.  You're from different countries, different states, different everything.  But we all have knitting in common and you are wonderful, generous, fascinating people and I'm happy to know you!

This concludes my Top Ten list.  2007 is going to be even better!

                          Happy New Year!

It's not as easy as it looks

When I begged for blog material, Sheepish Annie asked if I had received any cool Christmas presents.  I did receive some knitting things (book, calendar, etc.) and a neat little iTrip gadget that allowed me to play my iPod through any FM radio.  But today I got one of my coolest gifts.

For this gift, my husband and daughter had called a local yarn store owner to ask about drop spindles.  Today we made an appointment at Hidden Haven Farm and went out to check out the drop spindles.  I got to choose between Ashford and Louet and top or bottom whorls.  I chose one of the Louets because I liked the shape of the whorl and it didn't feel as rough.  I still might sand and finish it one day.  The store owner gave me a little spinning lesson to get me started.

I've decided that spinning is harder than all you experts make it look!  I know I shouldn't judge my first attempt too harshly, but I can see that it's going to be a journey to get to acceptable yarn.  When I complained mentioned that it would take me a while to spin enough wool to ply it, my daughter said that I didn't have to knit the yarn.  What's the point of that, I asked?  She then suggested I knit something small, like a felted nose ring.  Very funny!

While we were in the shop, E picked out some yarn for wrist warmers in Starry Blue.  It's a pretty color and feels soft, but I'm not sure how well I'll like knitting with it.  I chose to buy some of the owner's hand spun/hand dyed yarn.  This picture doesn't show the true color well.  The blue you see is more of a greenish-gray.  There are 120 yards and I'm not yet sure what I'll do with it.  I am so tempted to cast on tonight, but I won't.

I'm looking forward to a quiet New Year's Eve celebration at home.  On Monday, I'll cook and eat sauerkraut for good luck.  I don't believe in luck, but I'm happy to have an excuse to eat sauerkraut.  Hopefully there is some left at the store!  When we lived in Mississippi, everyone ate black-eyed peas on New Years Day.  I think they eat red beans and rice in New Orleans.  Do you have a special food you eat on January 1?

Getting organized

Thank you for the blogging ideas!  I will use all of them soon, but today I want to talk about Patti's comment.  She wanted to  know what kinds of things I do to organize.

I am constantly trying to organize things because I am so bad at it.  Now I can organize some things very well.  But other things are just bad...like household organization.  But my constant quest for peace has taught me a few things.  I think I'm probably a hopeless case, but here are a few ideas that have worked for me:

Household notebook:  We have a three ring binder on our kitchen desk that holds our calendar, neighborhood directory, activity schedules for different things we're in, etc.  This notebook really works well for us.  I found this idea and printable calendar pages at the extremely helpful Organized Home.  There are so many different pages that can be printed:  emergency information forms, freezer inventory pages, meal planning pages, etc.  They have a related website at Organized Christmas.

"Fifteeners":  I once read a book I think is called Getting Organized.  (I have the older edition.)  In this book, I learned about "fifteeners."  The author's point is that cleaning a whole room can seem pretty daunting.  She suggested setting the timer for 15 minutes and cleaning for that long.  Then stop for that day.  It does help to break it down into smaller chunks.

5 Minute Room Rescue:  Fly Lady suggests tackling your worst room by cleaning it for 5 minutes each day for 27 days.  This worked great for me until I got a couple of days behind and the clutter started to rebuild.  But I plan on trying it again because it did work so well and I loved being able to see the progress I was making.

Only Touch Things Once:  This tip comes from my husband.  His premise is that the mail should be brought into the house and taken care of right away.  He says there is a lot of wasted time and clutter if the mail is put down, picked back up, sorted, acted on later, etc.  He's right, but this is almost impossible for me to do.

And that is what it comes down to for me...Many of these things are almost impossible for me to do.  I like being organized, but I don't like what it takes to get there and I can't seem to make myself stick with it.  If anyone has any tips for that, I'm all ears!

Next year's Christmas gifts

Today I finally made it to a thrift store.  I've been trying to go for a long time and it finally worked out.  The taupe sweater is for my felted throw project.  The cardigan is for my first 2007 Christmas presents.  I'm going to felt the sweater then make it into little stocking ornaments for my nieces, nephews, and daughter.

But I'm not letting myself start anything new until I finish three dishcloths, S's scarf, two sewn "draft dodgers," and my Central Park Hoodie.  And I promised E that I'd knit her some wrist warmers.  Plus, I have something else planned.  So it may be a long time before I get to new projects!  And I'm anxious to get a pair of socks started.  I am determined to successfully knit a pair!

You know what I need?  An Idea-A-Day calendar for blog posting.  Right before Christmas, I had tons of stuff to say and no time to say it.  Now I have more time, but less to say.  I wanted to post for a day or so, but couldn't think of anything worth mentioning.  So a calendar with a new topic each day would be handy.  Someone please give me a topic for tomorrow!  If no topic presents itself, you may end up reading about my dog's upcoming surgery and you can imagine how much fun that would be.  ;)

A fresh start

For some reason, December 26 usually feels like January 1 to me.  This is the day that I feel the almost irresistible urge to buy large plastic containers for organizing my family's belongings.  This is the day that I feel like making sweeping changes involving my weight and household organization.  This is the day that feels the best for a fresh start.

In honor of Fresh Start Day, I've done a little blog cleaning.  I think the blog is a bit neater and easier to read now.  I've also added a list of knitting goals for 2007.  This list will hopefully keep me on task and help me to avoid a repeat of this year's pile of knitting IOUs for unfinished Christmas gifts. 

Since this is supposed to be a knitting blog, I'll show a much-needed knitting photo.  Embarrassingly enough, I just looked back to see that the last photo of my knitting was shown on November 20!  (I doubt I fooled you when I showed you the photos of knitting from other bloggers.)  The two dishcloths are going to my mother-in-law when she and my father-in-law arrive tomorrow.  The scarf is for S.  Fortunately, the green doesn't clash with his new Lands' End Squall Jacket.  Maybe about 18 more inches and the scarf will be done.

I hope your week is full of completed projects and fresh starts!

Merry Christmas!

                                             

Luke 2:8-11 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said the them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

The birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, certainly is good news!  We do not have to be afraid.

My prayer is that each of you has a blessed and joyous celebration of Christmas with your families and friends.  Merry Christmas!

Toffee Recipe

Each year we make toffee to share with our neighbors and friends at Christmas.  This year is no different, but I'm starting it later than usual.  (Remember I said my sense of urgency has fled?)  But, I just finished my first batch and thought I'd post the recipe here.  It's a very simple and quick recipe I got out of Southern Living magazine many years ago.  (I don't have the author's name on the recipe, so I unfortunately I can't give credit where credit is due.)  You would still have time to make this if you need a quick gift.

Microwave Toffee

½ cup finely chopped pecans

½ cup butter or margarine

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

¼ cup water

¾ cup semisweet chocolate morsels

¼ cup finely chopped pecans

Sprinkle ½ cup pecans in a 9-inch circle on a greased cookie sheet; set aside.  Coat the top 2 inches of a 1 ½ quart glass bowl with butter; place remaining butter in bowl.  Add sugar, salt, and water; do not stir.  Microwave at HIGH 11 minutes or until mixture just begins to turn light brown; pour over pecans.  Sprinkle with morsels; let stand 1 minute.  Spread morsels over sugar mixture, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans.  Chill until firm.  Break into bite-size pieces.  Yield:  1 pound.

One tip I just learned:  don't leave it uncovered in the fridge over night.  It doesn't feel quite right when you break it up, even though it still tastes good.  Also, I've made this without nuts before and it's still tasty.

I have been knitting a bit.  One ball band dishcloth is finished for my mother-in-law and the other one is started.  After I finish a few more projects, I'm going to try knitting socks again.  I'm looking forward to that.

Well, I guess I should wrap some presents while the toffee is chilling.  Enjoy your evening!

No sense of urgency

Restless Knitter and I met tonight for some knitting and chatting at a local bookstore's coffee shop.  I needed some time to sit and do nothing.  That's almost what I did, too.  RK snagged some comfy chairs and I was so comfy that I had to make myself get my knitting out of my bag.  But I did eventually knit some on S's scarf.  Relaxing and laughing was very nice.

We both agreed, though, that we're somehow not feeling a sense of urgency with some Christmas items.  In my case, I'm kind of letting things go.  My Christmas cards will soon be New Years cards.  That gives me a few more days to get them out.  There are several knitted gifts that will be finished and mailed after Christmas.  The biggest thing I'm pushing aside is cleaning the house for Christmas Eve.

Growing up, we celebrated Christmas Eve with my mom's side and Christmas Day with my dad's side.  My husband, daughter and I have continued this tradition by attending the early Christmas Eve worship service (the children's pageant) then coming back here for dinner with friends and any family members that are visiting.  Some years the head count is pretty high.  This year there will only be ten of us.

When I was little, we'd have rigatoni (my mom's side is Italian), ham, and scalloped potatoes (along with other stuff).  So each year I make stuffed shells, lasagna, or rigatoni.  This year, I'm changing the menu.  We're having a standing rib roast.  Right now I have the biggest hunk of meat in my fridge that I've ever bought!  But I haven't figured out every last detail of the menu.  Where is that sense of urgency?  I guess I figure people will end up having enough to eat, even if the meal isn't "perfect." 

My mom used to tell us stories about when she was little and how her family got together with her mom's side.  She told us about where everyone would sit, what they ate, their traditions, etc.  One tradition was that the youngest child would get to dance on top of the table at the end of the meal.  So, we let E do this one year.  She had fun, of course.  It was after this that we found out why this was a tradition.  You may have guessed by now that there was plenty of alcohol around and the youngest child danced on the table to entertain the inebriated adults.  After learning that, the tradition didn't seem as quaint and E doesn't get to dance on tables anymore.  That's probably a good thing, anyway.

Tagged

Gina tagged me for the following meme.  Fortunately, I've seen this on a couple of blogs and have been pondering what I would say if officially tagged.  :)

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you are tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1.  I have ambidextrous tendencies.  I eat and write left handed, but do most other things right handed.  I can write legibly with my right hand, but it isn't as natural as writing with my left hand.  All of this comes in handy when I paint a room because I can switch the paintbrush back and forth as needed.

2.  I think it's fun to untangle knots.  If something is a jumbled mess, I'll offer to sort it out.  I don't mind untangling yarn unless I'm trying to quickly finish a project.  I like most types of puzzles, so this must be like a puzzle to me.

3.  When I set my alarm clock, it must be set in increments of 5 minutes.  It's best to have it set for 7:00 or 7:30.  7:15 is okay, but it bothers me a tiny bit.  7:03 is totally unacceptable.  But what I think is even weirder is that my husband has to set his alarm so that the minutes add up to the hour.  Example:  5:32 or 7:16.

4.  I have germ issues and food safety issues.  I wash my hands whenever I come in from shopping and sometimes after I've gotten the mail.  I don't eat meat because I'm afraid it'll make me sick.  Now that lettuce, spinach, green onions, etc. are a problem, I'm in trouble.  I throw sour cream away after two days in the fridge.  I rarely share drinks or taste other people's food unless they haven't touched it yet.  And so on...

5.  I've blogged about this recently, but I hate being wrong or especially looking wrong when I'm not.  Even though I'm a good speller, I'm constantly looking up spellings when I blog, just to be sure.  I don't use words if I don't know how to correctly pronounce them.  But, I'm in good company.  Right, Katie?  :)

6.  Wasting water drives me absolutely batty.  Examples:  When someone rinses the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher (when it's going to be run right away).  Letting the water run while a dish is being put into the dishwasher is bad, bad, bad.  Letting the shower water run when someone else just got out - it's already warm, so why let it run?!  (I'm thinking of my family members here.)

I was afraid I'd have trouble coming up with six weird things, but I can think of at least three more.  I'll spare you, though.  After all, I'd still like to have a few readers left after this post!  :)

Now the difficult part...tagging six people.  I'm not sure who likes memes and who doesn't.  If you don't want to be tagged, just ignore it, okay?  How about Patti, Dana, Ruth, Mary, Leslie, and Sheri?

Mind blogging

School is done for the semester.  While I'm on break, I hope to get a lot of lesson plans prepared for next semester.  And I am going to try to knit a pair of socks ... again.  But first I have some more urgent things to finish, like Christmas cards, cleaning, decorating, and planning our Christmas Eve dinner.

Even though I haven't posted in a week, I've mind blogged.  Every day I think "I'll blog about that tonight."  It hasn't been working out.  Too bad there isn't a direct feed from my brain.  Actually, it's a good thing there isn't.  :)  Instead of blogging, here is one of the things I've been doing...

                                          

Okay, this has got to be one of the ugliest trees around.  I wanted to put up a tree to decorate for the birds (with bird seed ornaments and fruit slices).  I asked my husband to buy one while he was out on Saturday and this is what he brought home.  It was only $10 and was one of three trees left at the nursery.  The birds will love the treats, but I'm a bit embarrassed by the tree.  Believe it or not, this is as straight as we could get the silly thing.  Notice how the trunk is way off to the side!

I'll soon be completing my first year of knit blogging.  I started this blog last September, but didn't really start posting until the end of January.  So I missed Christmas and New Years in blogland.  There are a lot of housekeeping things I'd like to do for next year, like create a list of FOs, set a goal for charity knitting, etc.  But first, I need to get to those Christmas things....