What I did on my spring break

I was sitting in front of the guy with the sign. There were so many great moments at today's event, but the biggest cheers were when she said she would end NCLB!

I have been knitting, but I haven't been finishing my knitting. I wanted to take a picture of the sock I have been working on a la the Harlot, but I stood in the freezing cold for 2 hours. I couldn't knit.

Happy Knititng!

In Honor of Earth Hour

Today, at 8 pm is Earth Hour. For that hour, millions of people all over the world will be turning off the lights, TVs, radios, and all other non-essential appliances. I encourage all of you to support this effort.

With that in mind, I am sharing some of my favorite "green" tips.

Cleaning products fill landfills with TONS of plastic, fill the home with toxic chemicals, and are very expensive. Homemade, non-toxic home cleaning products are easy to make, cheap, and very green. I encourage you to try a few.

Consider changing over all your light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. I have actually noticed a significant reduction in my electric bill. If everyone switched to these bulbs, the energy savings for the world would be huge. It is a small thing that we all can do.

Clothesline.

Market bags, either knit or purchased at your favorite store. Saves a recourse, and keeps trash out of the landfill.

Ed Bagley Jr. is the guru of all things green. Check out some of his suggestions.

Happy Knitting!

What Do Teachers Make?

I have no words to tell you what watching this has meant to me. I wish I wrote this. I hope to live up to it.




Happy Knitting!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I thought I would share an interesting knitting link because we are all Irish today.

Happy Birthday Tony

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Snow days sound fun in theory. No school, yeah! Problem: you are stuck in the house with a bunch of other people who would rather be someplace else.

You know it is bad when your hometown makes CNN for the ridiculous snowfall amounts (and the weather Channel, and MSMBC, and Fox News).

If you ever wanted to know what 16 inches of snow looks like, I offer you this picture of my truck. Not only do I have a foot of snow around the bottom of the truck, there is a foot of snow ON my truck. Not to mention the bed has a 2 foot high snow drift in the back. You should see the street side. The snow plow just piled the snow up over there. I think it is at least 4 feet high.

The nice thing about working in a school, I don't have to work on days like this. The bad thing is all the crap I have to finish YESTERDAY because it is the end of the grading period.

Now, if someone could just find my car, I would dig it out.

Happy knitting!

Only $2.99

How to Darn Socks

My good friend Jen over at Piddleloop.com sent me a link to the most wonderful video demonstration of sock darning. Since I am preoccupied with knitting, repairing, and mending socks, I thought I would pass the video on to all my dear readers.

A study of socks

I have been conducting a bit of a sock experiment. In addition to repairing and darning socks, I thought it was about time I systematically find out what styles of heels, ribs, ect. that I like in socks.

I wanted a very "scientific" experiment, so I am using the same size needle (some will be done on DPNs and others Circs. I wanted to test out both for speed and finished socks) and the same yarn for each pair of socks (Knitpicks Memories was discontinued last year, I bought tons in various colors). The first pair I made was a rather boring sock with 2x2 rib and a traditional sturdy heel.

These were done on 5 DPNs. I hadn't used DPNs in a while, and it was a comfort to get back to this style of knitting. I have the Knitpicks DPN set, and these needles are lovely. I used to snap wood and bend metal, but the Knitpicks needles are a pleasure to work with.

Some notes on the actual sock. I find 2x2 more functional than attractive or necessary. So, I will be knitting several different tops on the socks. 2x2 is nice, but limited and not so attractive.

Next, the traditional study heel. Elizabeth Zimmermann said that this is a poor stitch for heels. It is strong, but it savagely pulls the heel in. This pulling creates stress on the sock and leads to the dreaded hole.

For the next sock, I did a 1x1 twisted rib (the knits are done in the back). This a pretty rib, and it is not only stretchy, but elastic as well. It wants to pull back into its original shape. I like this, so this rib will be a "keeper."

I did the eye of the partridge heel on this sock. I noticed right away that this type of heel is as strong as the sturdy heel, but it pulls in less. It is also pretty. So, another fine option for an attractive and study sock.

Last, I have decided to take out all my short row heels and repair them with "toe" heels. Basically, after the sock is done, rip out half a round, pick up the stitches and knit a toe. Short row heels will not be a part of my sock experiment since all I have ever made developed HUGE holes.

I will be doing some real darning this weekend. Thanks to Jen for the video of how to darn!

I will keep you posted on the sock experiment.

Happy Knitting!

Happy Birthday Michelle

A Plea for Help

Some one out there must know a good book or a web site with information (understandable information) about darning socks. I am desperate for help!

On a related note, I will never again knit a short row heel! I have socks that I knit the traditional way (they are wonkie because they are my first pairs) over five years ago that I wear all the time. However, I have THREE pairs of really nice socks that are less than two years old with friggin' GINORMOUS holes in the short row heel. GRRRRRR

Any assistance will be graciously appreciated.

There will be WIP photos as soon as I weave in all the end of the sweater I have been pretending to work on for three or four years.

Happy Knitting!

Yes, I do still knit

Pattern: Watch cap from Knitting Without Tears
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needles: 13

Easy, fun, and a good basic cap. What more could you want in a pattern?


Pattern: Sparkle Hat from Stitch n Bitch
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky
Needle: 11 (I think)

You want more in a hat? Sparkles are more in a hat. Sly hates it. I am going to wear it whenever I hang out with him.

Happy Knitting!

What I have been up to

The holidays were happy here. We have a simple Christmas with a small tree, a few meaningful gifts, and a nice dinner. It was very lovely. My daughter got me The Book of Yarn which is totally amazing. My son gave me Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Sly got me the same earrings twice. He is going to be made I told you that, but this isn't the first time he has done it.

I had a get together for my knitting group and got many amazing things. The best stitch marker ever (which didn't photograph well, so you will have to take me word for it), several bits of vintage knitting goodness (which I am all about), a great candle, chocolate soap, and a lovely hand beaded ornament. Thanks to all the Ho's for the wonderful pressies! Love you guys.

To top of the giftie goodness, Sly and I saw this little gem on sale for $40 Friday a Walmart. He went back and got it for me yesterday. I am washing all my hand knits! Woo hoo

I have been a bad blogger. All I can say is that Christmas was busy, and the weather SUCKED for New Years. We had 18 inches of snow fall between 12/31 and 1/2, then it was BITTER cold (it was freakin' 0!), and then this morning we had record highs, but it melted all the snow and made FOG! I didn't really get to do any of the stuff I wanted to do before going back to work tomorrow. :(

I will try and be a better blogger.

Happy Knitting!

Totally missed it!

I totally missed my blogversary! Two days ago marked two years for my little journal of knitting and nothing at all.

One more day of work before the winter break. I really can't wait. I woke up this morning chanting "please be Friday. Please be Friday!"

Knitterly Goals

For the past several months, my focus has been on work. While my job is low pay and temporary, it is fabulous experience for me. After a long talk with my adviser, I am closer than ever to my teaching license. I had thought I had 31 to 24 credits plus student teaching to go, but it seems that I qualify for a new program that is 18 credits (3 of which I have done), 30 hours of field experience (which my job covers), and student teaching. I have taken, and passed, an important test for student teachers, so I finally feel like I have that part of my life in order. It is a good feeling to know that my plan is coming together.

This past year, knitting has been my relaxation, and I have frogged nearly as much as I have knit without a second thought. Now that work and school are in order, I need to re-focus my knitting energy into some bigger unfinished projects.

1. Christmas knitting is nearly done. I just need to finish:

Sly's Scarf and mittens
Felted Clogs for Sly and my dad (they are camo)
Sweet Mary Janes for my Secret Santa at work
A shawl my aunt Kim commissioned

2. I have a sweater that I really must finish seaming. It has been laying around half seamed for 6 or 7 months.

3. I need socks. I know this sounds strange because I really love making socks, but this year I have made very few pairs. I seriously need to learn a good method for darning socks as well. I plan to make 5 pairs of socks during my break from work.

We are having a major snow event. For us, that means about 10 inches of snow on the ground and lake effect coming down like gangbusters. I can't see the house across the street. So, I will finish up my last charity hat for the Angle Tree project at work (I have already given a box of about 8 hats), make some tea, and watch the snow fly.

Happy Knitting!

Knitty Tams

I have no clue what possessed me to start knitting Tam C Wednesday night for my aunt Kim's birthday brunch today. I just knew I had to knit that hat. I have finished the lovely fair isle thing, and the gift has been greatfuly received.


Pattern: Three Tams
Yarn: Noro Kuryon and Galway
Needles: size 7 circs

Love the pattern, but I do like stranded colorwork. It is fast and easy, so it is a good last minuet gift. I will be doing another for my "secret Santa" at work. And one for myself! The lovely model is my niece Jessica.


Happy Knitting!

So very busy

The last few weeks have been very hectic. I haven't been doing anything hugely noteworthy, but I have been busy playing phone tag, over and over, and over again. Then there has been the shopping and the preparations for the holidays. I bake many pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving, in addition to making my famous "cheesy veggies." If I ever show up to Turkey day without those things, I will be shot.

School (work) is great. Our schools test scores are in, and we have done very well (which is great for me since my job is all about that test).

School (school) was starting to get me down. Without going into a lot of deadly dull details, I was about ready to transfer to a new school. But, it seems that they have gotten their act together, and I am on the fast track to my license now! Woo HOO!

Just in case you all think I haven't been knitting, here are some WIP photos to prove I have been a busy bee.

Meme from Suz

I guess she thought I wasn't posting enough. So, here it goes.

FIVE THINGS FOUND IN MY ROOM

Yarn
Books
Dirty laundry
Several pairs of Birks
Handknit sock

FIVE THINGS I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO

Fly fish (don't ask)
Go to the UK
Get paid what I am worth
See all the plays of Shakespeare performed live (I have see about 12 with several repeats)

FOUND IN MY BAG

Hand sanitizer
Tide pen (I LOVE that thing)
Chapstick
Chocolate
Monkey Sock

FOUND IN MY WALLET

I don't use a wallet. I have a change purse and an important card holder.

I AM CURRENTLY INTO

Mythbusters
Knitting for Christmas
Work
Housework
Sleep would be nice

I don't tag people. Do it if you want to.

Happy Knitting!

Pronto Pantry Chili

I make this all the time. It is very flexible to suit individual taste, and it is designed to be made from things I keep in the pantry.

2lbs ground meat (I prefer ground chuck, but ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or a combo all work fine. I have also used TVP crumbles)

1 large onion chopped

1 large green bell pepper chopped

4 to 8 cloves garlic (depending on taste) chopped

1 4 oz can of diced green chilies or jalapenos (depending on taste. You can also do one can of each)

1 jar roasted red peppers (I chop about half the peppers in the jar and add a bit of the oil to the pot)

1 can chipotle peppers in adobo chopped (I use about half and save the rest)

1 or 2 cans of "chili beans" the "hot" kind (these beans have lots of seasoning and flavor in them and are much nicer than just "plan" kidney beans. I only use one can because Sly doesn't like beans, but I think 2 cans are better)

1 can tomato juice PLUS any leftover bits of salsa, spaghetti/pizza sauce

3 tablespoons of chili sauce

1 10 oz bag of frozen corn

2 to 3 tablespoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

salt and pepper to taste

EXTRAS

I serve chili over Frito's corn chips with cheddar cheese and sour cream, but corn bread, rice, or tortilla chips are nice too.

Brown the meat in a large soup pot. I use lean ground chuck, so I don't drain the meat, if you are using hamburger, you may want to drain up to half the juice and fat. If you are using ground chicken or turkey, you will need to add some olive oil. If you are using TVP, skip this step. Add the TVP after you add the tomato juice.

After the meat is browned, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute 5 to 10 minuets.

Add the canned chilies, chopped jar peppers, and chipole peppers. Mix well. Add can beans, extra salsa or sauce and chili sauce. Add juice and season to taste. Reduce heat and simmer for about a half hour. The hard part is over.

Add the frozen corn, and turn off the heat. Serve with your favorite extras and enjoy!

Happy knitting and eating!

Not feeling well

This past week has really sucked! I haven't been sick enough to use a sick day at work (It is a pain getting ready to not be there), so I have been feeling worn out. I want to post a couple of recipes and other general stuff, but my energy level is low. Watching Goldfinger this morning didn't even help. As Sly said, I must be sick if James Bond doesn't make it go away.

Look for a real post soon. I just wanted all of you to know I was still here.

Happy Knitting!