Killer Peach

i can has post?

There's been knitting going on. Here's what I owe you pictures of:

• Ogee from Knitting Nature, only highly modified because as written, the plunging neck comes to just above your belly button and no one wants that. The pic for this sweater is nothing like the written directions. And as for the tunic thing, didn't do that either, it's fitted and stuff.
• Mentionable from Knit and Tonic: freaking love this top. The short row directions were helpful and happy inducing.
• Shetland Garden Shawl from Sivia Harding: my major thing with this shawl is what's up with not having a knit on edge? Fabulous shawl that's finished with a couple rows of garter stitch? I think not! With an edging, it looks much more finished. You'll just have to trust me for now.
• Spring Shawl from Heirloom Knitting: one of my true loves

And from Victorian Lace Today, A Curved Shawl (could there be a more generic name?) and the page 90 scarf. Curved Shawl was knit with Lacey Lamb (very nice stuff) and the scarf from Alchemy mohair. Both were for the yarn shop, which makes me happy because they will be well appreciated there.

Close-ups:

As for current projects, I've been doing some dyeing. At the moment, I'm experimenting with colors, dyeing small skeins. Eventually I'll move up to more substanial stuff because my apartment is housing a helluva lot of yarn. I'm making the switch from superwash wool to zephyr today and have high hopes that there will be no felting and no removing of shiny goodness from the silk because of cooking at temps that are too high.

I have Spider Queen on the needles. I'm using JaggerSpun Super Lamb, color Merlot, on size 1 needles. It's been a fun and easy knit so far. I need to pick up for the border next. The plan it to knit the border in the round, even though it's in garter stitch (so every other row will be purled and that's a lot of purling) because that's how the Wedding Ring Shawl is knit and I'd like to work up to that a bit.

And, uh, I may also have a level 70 undead warlock in World of Warcraft. Perhaps...

You must go to this link now: http://www.explosm.net/comics/953/. It will make you laugh. Promise.

what is this? could it be? a real post???

I really plan on getting you good pictures but it's going to take time and I'd rather blather about other things than spend forever taking pictures so before you harass me any more...

That's the border finished on Spring Shawl and a bit of the eternal edge started. I looked back to see when I started SS and it seems May 7 was the official start date and that's only three and half months ago. Doesn't seem too bad for the amount of progress I've made considering that I'm not knitting all that much.

This is where I will also confess that I've started this...

But if Sue Ann's looked so good on me, how could I not...

   

The real purpose of today's post is to talk about Kool-Aid and yarn and how happy they can be when combined. Saturday night found Sue Ann, Tina, and I ready to embark on a quest for yarn dying excitement. We spent gads of time winding yarn into dye-able hanks - yarn that came in balls (much Ella Ray and other good stuff) and yarn that had already been wound from cakes because we wanted to knit it natural before realizing the error of our ways and yarn that had already been knit into socks that weren't meant to be. (Sue Ann, Tina, me. You may also note that in the picture of Sue Ann, there was a bit of adult beverage consumption to aid us in our creativity.)

     

We even had a mascot for support, our good friend Scrunchy whose tongue didn't always stay in his mouth and who sleeps with his eyes open in a mildly creepy (but oh so lovable) fashion:

I don't have many in progress photos, alas. We were too busy with our kool-aid and yarn to snap photos. There was much mixing of colors and unique application of said colors by all involved. Tina did one batch of RIT dye in fuchsia that turned out absolutely beautiful. Hopefully she will post pictures soon seeing as I beat her to it and that's waaaay impressive considering my track record...

Here's Sue Ann's fabulous accomplishment of the evening. This was what she was hoping for with this yarn:

   

Earlier in the day, an accident of the worst sort occurred. Apparently, if you leave a can of soda in a car in 100+ degree weather, said can of soda will explode. Assuming that the owner of the vehicle in question is a knitter, it is possible that yarn may be damaged in the explosion. If the yarn is a natural yarn that was accompanying said knitting owner of afore mentioned vehicle to request opinions of friends about what the yarn and it's compatriot skeins of luscious, only-available-at-a-wool-festival wool would like to become, the tragedy is further compounded when said wool is irreparably damaged by a shower of Diet Cherry Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper (the world's longest named carbonated beverage ever). The only possible course of action was to immerse the yummy yarn is many packets of Black Cherry Kool-Aid and hope for the best:

       

Then, there was the yarn sausage (a big hit, let me tell you). I'm hoping that it will stripe because the color repeat is rather long. I'll let you know when I knit it up!

   

My three prizes (two KnitPicks sock yarn skeins and a 350 yarn {I think} yummy lace weight):

Everyone's results:

And finally because Jody asked last time about how much weight I've lost, a comparison from August last year. I've lost 60 pounds from my recent highest weight, though I don't know when exactly that was. I would say 40 - 50 lost since the beginning of the year.

   

Love to you all.

Seriously Amazing Lace

Last week I told you I was busy having a life - going out of town, spending copious amounts of time with friends, all the poetry and music I won't shut up about. Blah blah blah. It's probably getting old for you by now. Me repeating the same stuff, just more of it. If I would take the time to go back and read what I wrote, I might be able to assess my repetitive nature more thoroughly, but with five posts in one month and all the blogs I know you people are reading, in all likelihood you don't recall what the hell I was writing about two weeks ago any better than I do.

But, seriously. With all my recent flitting about, I've been holding back on you. And I want to apologize for that. In part it's because my schedule has been firing so rapidly but on some level I don't think I've been ready to let you know everything. I've hinted about it here and there, given you some information and not so subtle clues. A few of you who know me on a more personal level are more aware than most. I haven't talked too much publicly because I haven't been ready to share. It's delicate and not something to display to the world if you aren't prepared to follow through. But this is important and I really want to let you know about it because it's a commitment that's dear to me.

It's been almost a month now. A bit more than that, actually. But only seriously for a month. We started flirting in April and I had a really good feeling about it from the very first. But I've felt that way before at the beginning, the flush of excitement that quickly dwindles after you really get to know each other. This seemed different. Very different. It was a challenge in the beginning because I'd never met another quite like this. But the excitement hasn't slackened and the passion runs deep.

When I wrote to you guys on May 16th, that was only the beginning. We've come so very far in just a few short weeks. (And don't be fooled by the appearance of completion, we've only finished the first step of a long journey.)

If I ever find a man I feel this strongly about, he better be very careful because he won't be straying far from my sight.

I've been somewhat hesitant to make a serious public commitment to Spring Shawl. I know we are meant to be together but ours is a relationship of convenience, moments stolen here and there - an hour at lunch, a 15 minute morning break, the few free minutes before going to sleep.  We have no idea when blocking will commence. It is difficult for me to show you why my love is so strong when on the needles, a photo simply cannot convey the magnificence.

But then, the Amazing Lace came along, and we decided none of that mattered. We could declare our love for each other openly with so many. While others will strive for completion, we will savor the experience of one stitch following the next. Ours is not a summer of competition, but one of communion. A summer of wool and needles and simple joy in Austin, Texas. A summer of Amazing Lace.

true love

Spring Shawl, how I love thee. Your garter stitch lace pattern on each row for constant interest, except on the border, that's every other row for a bit of a rest. Your vivacious violet color that brightens my day. Your tiny, woolly thread-like yarn that brings me pleasure each time I have a moment to fondle it. The excitement of the charts yet to be discovered. I savor our time together. If only you photographed better, I could share you more fully with others....

I tried to capture Spring Shawl for you but things didn't go well. I'm hoping some natural light will combat the shadow issues I was having tonight. Perhaps I'll make it home one evening this week before the sun goes down and I can get some better pics. This is the best I could do and it's really crappy:

I did manage to get a cute pup picture out of the deal, though:

But enough about the knitting.....

So, last Wednesday, Jennie and Cheri came over to the apartment and Jennie wielded some feng shui brilliance, improving the feel of the place fantastically.

This is what you see when you enter the apartment (before on the left, after on the right):

   

And another view:

   

I'd like to show you the kitchen to complete the apartment tour but it's not fit for display at this time. And please don't mock me for the hideous love seat. It's bad. I know. I'm aware. Painfully. What I'm trying to show you is how much things have changed. I never considered moving the bed out of its nook and was seriously disturbed by the suggestion (and that was the first thing Jennie said: Let's move the bed). I now love it in its new location.

The weekend was quite nice. I didn't do a damn thing on Friday other that watch movies and I loved every damn minute of it. Too tired to knit, I just sat there and absorbed the rays of the tube. Saturday was a fabulous day at Bluebonnet Yarn Shoppe (got the new Interweave Knits - some things to knit in there for sure) and an evening of live music with Cheri (which was a freaking blast even if Sunday was a bit difficult because of it!!!). And it was topped off by a late lunch with the family for Mother's Day at the Salt Lick - killer barbecue for those of you out of towners.

And I feel it is my obligation to let you know that I still haven't obtained light bulbs. But I haven't been to the store, either, so it's not like I've forgotten, I simply haven't had the opportunity.

happenings

Spring Shawl swatch is complete:

   

I'm in love. Ahhhhh. I ordered the yarn this morning - Merino Lace in Violet - for Spring Shawl so I should be able to start knitting in a bit over a week. Can't wait for it to get here. I also ordered the remaining Merino Lace for Mediterranean Shawl (cranberry) and some for Amy so she can make a Ruffly Peacock Feather Shawl in Deep Blue. I came so close to ordering the Wedding Ring Shawl it's not even funny. But it would have been around $77 for the pattern and yarn so I abstained. Too much other stuff to knit right now and even if it is a limited pattern, I couldn't justify the cost at this time. Drat this adult budget crap.

Speaking of Fiddlesticks, if you haven't seen Dorothy's new pattern - Paisley Long Shawl - you must go check it out because it is fabulous! It has Zephyr fringe! Does it get any better than that! With two major projects to knit, I'm not thinking much beyond that, but I will definitely knit the Paisley Shawl. Patterns don't get any better than Dorothy's.

While eagerly waiting for the Spring Shawl yarn, I had to start something else:

   

I have developed quite a stash of turquoise yarn and have yet to knit a project from it, so this will be my first. It's the Print 'o the Wave Stole from Heirloom Knitting (is anyone surprised?) in Merino Lace (again, gasp of surprise). We'll see how quickly it goes and if it gets abandoned when Spring Shawl yarn arrives. The big questions that keep you coming back. I know.

killerpeach.net should be returning in the next few days if the support people are being honest with me, and I have no reason to believe otherwise. That means that my pictures should come back, a thing that will make me happy, indeed. Ironically, did you notice that I posted 4 times last week, the most I've posted since I've been back, and my main website has been down so most people haven't been reading? Interesting...

swatchin'

I love this Merino Lace cobweb stuff. It's brilliant!

   

   

That's my swatch for Mediterranean Shawl. It's the most, um, let's just call it generous (as opposed to gargantuan, absurd, obscene, ludicrous) swatch I've ever knit. I wanted to make damn sure that I enjoyed both the pattern and working with teeny tiny yarn and needles, which I have. I'm using 2.0 mm needles for the body of the shawl and plan on using 1.5 mm needles for the edging. Insane. I know. But the gauge on Med Shawl is crazy - 38 sts and 59 rows to 4". None of the other cobweb shawls in Gathering of Lace have that tight of a guage, so I'm a bit concerned about the sanity of the designer of this particular shawl. But, as I don't want to end up with a monster, huge shawl this time, I've dropped needle sizes and am really paying attention to gauge. I stretched the swatch to about 12" square and expect it to shrink quite a bit when it's unpinned.

This is also the test for how well the Merino Lace blocks. Does it hold it's blocking well or does it shrink and lose it's crispness? I'm assuming that if Sharon Miller works with this stuff, it's gotta be good, but before I knit a 3600 yard shawl, I'm making damn sure.

I'm starting Spring Shawl swatching next. Yeah!

Wednesday at the LYS knitting group, the topic of using welding rods for blocking lace came up. I love my welding rods - they work perfectly, were easily acquired, and were very very very inexpensive. There's information about what to ask for here: Heartstrings blocking info, 5th paragraph. That's what I used when I called the welding supply store.

I'll bitch about my domain problems and why killerpeach.net unexpectedly died in the near future. It's a gripping tale involving the bumbling attempts of an ex-boyfriend, support staff from three different companies, and the courageous spirit of a KillerPeach who fought against all odds to get her domain back on its feet.... or at least that's how the story better freaking end.

update

Scene from Sunday afternoon:

Jody enters The Store.

Yarn Attendant: How are you doing today?

Jody (with a mad gleam in her eye): I don't know, I'll tell you in a minute....

Frantic digging in the yarn bin ensues. Knitter emerges moments later, slightly disheveled, with a skein of incredibly expensive but desperately needed silky/cashmerey perfection clutched to her breast.

Jody (with a sigh of relief): I'm much better now. Thank you for asking.

After the yarn was wound, I journeyed to the coffee house, where I sat outside enjoying the breeze while I finished the last few repeats of edging. And once more, my serenity returned.

Shaped Triangle is now complete. She's blocking on the porch as I type. I'll unpin her when I get home from work on Monday! Very exciting! I'm planning on going to Chicks with Sticks (golly, I don't like that name much) on Wednesday (for the very first time, I might add) at The Preferred LYS and will get a kind knitter to take pictures of me wearing the newly completed Shaped Triangle because modeled shots are vastly more interesting than shawl-laying-on-the-ground shots. So look for pictures on Wednesday or Thursday. Unless you want on-the-ground shots sooner and modeled shots later - you'd have to leave a comment for that and I'll see if I can oblige.

In the meantime, I have to figure out what I'm going to knit next. Spring Shawl is my next big project but I don't have the yarn for that at this time. I'm thinking about Print o' the Wave (which would be relatively simple) or the Angela Wrap (which would be more challenging). Or there's the possibility that I'll knit a sport weight shawl (Lotus Blossom or Diamond Fantasy) as a surprise gift for a relative - the fastest option. I'll stick with swatching for the next few days, though, to avoid a commitment of that magnitude.

There's also a color debate going on. The yarn I ordered for Spring Shawl may not be used for Spring Shawl, it may be used for Big Project #2 - Mediterranean Shawl from Gathering of Lace. But if I'm going to use color #1 (Merino Lace, color Cranberry) for Mediterranean Shawl, I'll have to order more because it's a larger shawl and additionally order a different color for the Spring Shawl, possibly Merino Lace, color Deep Blue. That means I'll need more money and will have to wait until I get paid on May 1 and that seems like a long way off. Drat.

But, let's just focus on the color debate for now. Mediterranean is probably the shawl I'm most enamored with - ever. I've been having a hell of a time getting gauge with the recommended Jamieson and Shetland Cobweb and will start swatching with the Merino Lace very very soon. Assuming that I get gauge (or something close to gauge) with the Merino Lace, I'll have to choose a color. The current contestants are Cranberry and Vanilla White. I love the Cranberry and that's probably my favorite color from the color card (which I have, I'm so not making this decision from little blocks of color on a computer monitor).

But then, there's the Vanilla White, a more versatile color. And I gotta tell you the thing about the Vanilla White... I think that if I made this shawl in white, it's what I would want to get married in. Now, I'm really not sure if that's what I want to be knitting at this time. I'm not dating anyone and there are no real prospects on the horizon so knitting a wedding garment seems peculiar and the more I write about it, the more it seems simply not right. And what if I never get married? I'd have this amazing, useless shawl that would inspire disappointment on some level every time I thought about it.

After writing all that, Vanilla White is out of the running. Definitely. (After all, when / if I do get married and I still love Mediterranean as much as I currently do, I can knit another in white.) So that means I'll need to order more Cranberry for Mediterranean and figure out what color I'm going to use for Spring Shawl. I already used a color similar to Deep Blue for Ruffly Peacock Feathers, so I think that one is out. Perhaps Violet. Opinions???

displeasure

This makes for a very unhappy Jody:

An update will be provided after a trip to Hill Country Weavers to acquire another skein of exorbitantly priced, yummy, silk/cashmere goodness. Assuming, of course, that another skein is available.

fabulous

Proof that I have been knitting:

That is Shaped Triangle from Gathering of Lace in the yummy, luscious, kick ass Jade Sapphire 2-ply cashmere and silk. It's going very quickly. I "only" have 11 more rows of the body to go (which means that I'm further along now than I was when I took these pictures). After that... it's on to the edging. I've done an edging before and it was an incredibly tedious experience. But that was on a square shawl, so this shouldn't be quite as bad. My edging plan of action will be to knit as much as I possibly can until the thing is finished. Though there's fun stuff happening this week, so "knitting as much as I possibly can" may not be that intense or impressive.

Fun happenings include: open mike poetry tomorrow at the coffee shop (always a good time), Wednesday - Asylum Street Spankers are playing at the coffee shop and I may go see them with my brother (though that isn't a definite), Thursday - probably knitting after copious amounts of vacuuming that I didn't get to tonight, Friday - Guy Forsyth show at Antone's. See, lots of distractions. But there's always lunch time knitting and what not.

I got a new bag for my knitting accessories that I absolutely love:

And, as promised, pictures of me! These were taken at Bluebonnet Yarn Shoppe, where I spent a heck of a lot of time on both Friday and Saturday. Poses were taken in front of the fantastic wall o' Cascade by Cheri, who I may get to take all pictures of me for the blog from this point forward because I think I look fantastic and I attribute that entirely to her photography skills. Not to mention, it's ever so much easier to hand someone a camera and show them what button to push than it is to do all the crap I was doing to take self portraits.

And just in case you missed the change, here is a comparison of me now and me in August:

Ok. Now that we have that out of the way, we'll return to our regular program. Thank you very much.

more progress

     

At this rate it may be finished this weekend. The second piece is not as far along as this one - I've only completed one of the two rows of the peacock feathers, but that's at the 60% complete mark. The half in the above pictures is a bit over 80% complete. Yeah! Progress!

I hope you don't mind that I've been so quiet lately. There just hasn't been that much interesting progress to show you. But there should be blocking soon, so stay tuned.