Et-Jay Ag-Lay

I am awake at 6:56 am.

The only possible reason for this is jet lag. We got home from Japan on Saturday morning. I didn't get to sleep until 5am Sunday morning and slept until 4:30 in the afternoon. It was one of those sleeps where you close your eyes and open them again thinking it's only been 30 minutes, but actually it's been 12 hours. I was back in bed reading by 6:30pm that same night, but I couldn't even handle reading and fell asleep again until 9:30pm. That's 15 hours of sleep. Crikey. Thus I haven't been able to sleep at all for the rest of last night and I'm up at 7am blogging.

Japan was great. There's too much to tell so I'll just say it with photos.

This Australian is very happy to learn that you can drink beer in train stations and that beer is available in vending machines.


Mr G crusing the Osaka streets, little does he know that we're a block away from the love-hotel district...


My first Japanese meal in Japan. It was sashimi on the 27th floor of some swanky department store in Osaka.


Mr. G getting used to our new living arrangements in back country Japan:


Just a sample of some of the yummy food we had in Japan. Most of the restaurants/Japanese people we came across were surprised that we
a) could use chopsticks
and
b) liked raw fish
We went to a Japanese sushi feast at my brother's in laws house and they had a bunch of fried foods as well as sashimi and nigiri and they were all shocked that we went for the raw fish instead of the fried foods!!!



Here is my sister in law in her kimono. The day before the wedding she had to visit her neighbors to inform them of her impending marriage.




The in-laws took us to see the local sights, including an example of an old house, with these interesting medievel like carved stones:





Ladies and gentlemen, my husband:


.. country road, take me home, country road....


These are photos of the Shizutani Buddhist School up in the hills of Okayama Prefecture... it's a beautiful retreat. It was the site of the first school in Japan meant for the general population and not for the upper class elite.





There were a bunch of school children there for a field trip.


Apparently they thought Mr. G was a rock star:


more photos later...

need to make some coffee.

Oh and be on the lookout, I need to weed out my yarn stash so stay tuned for a destash sale, including some yarns from Rowan, Crystal Palace, Goddess Yarns, and maybe some GGH...

GG

TCGIACG World Edition

Writing to you from Okayama Japan!!!

Ive been in japan for nearly a week and we finally found....

A YARN SHOP!!!!!

Unfortunately for me, i:m out of yen and the banks are closed so I was only able to buy one lonely ball of mohair, but it was one of the most beautiful balls of variegated mohair Ive seen.

photos will come eventually. probably sometime in June.

It:s been a crazy week in japan. I:m surprised how with my little bit of japanese language I an accomplish a little bit of communicating.

We spent a few days in the mountains above Okayama City in Mimasaka City, Aida, Sakuto. We stayed in a few ryokan (traditional Japanese hotels). It was out of this world strange and took a little getting used to.

We:ve spent the last day or two in Okayama City where we went to Korakuen and Okayama-jo. Did a little shopping around here, but everything:s rather expensive. That didn:t stop me from buying a few pieces of the local bizenware.

Im really looking forward to Tokyo i think that:s where I:m goign to find the strange bizarre stuff that everyone talks about in Japan.

So far the most bizarre thing has been Mr. G, who bought himself a hat. Unbeknownst to him, the hat was the traditional grandma hat. You go to a department store and there are 100s of versions of this one bucket hat and they:re all for grandmas. So I:ve been walking around with Mr. G wearing this hat and getting laughs all around town.

I thought he looked a little like Jamiroquai, but the locals kept saying *Johnny Depp* and I realized that Luke resembled Johnny Depp from his Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas days....

Im marrried to the Aussie Hunter S Thompson...

GG

The next time we come, it will probably be all the rage.

Good Day Sunshine

The Socal weather is finally here. The sun is out and I've had to break out the flip flops.

I took a stroll down Main Street in Santa Monica. It's not Haight Street in SF. My only complaint about LA is that it's at the end of two extremes. Shopping areas are either brand name shopping malls or shopping districts of inconsistent shops spread over many blocks. Main street was the latter, with most shops either hit or miss. It's a whole lot of walking. Perhaps I wasn't in the shopping mood.

The only store that spoke to me was the MOCA shop where I found some nifty cards and some socks. Almost everything in the store made me think of my friends beergeek and Izzy. And it's funny because Izzy once lived in LA and hated it.

I got really hungry and I walked into not 1, but 2 casual cafes and neither of them were too quick about the service so I left. I eventually found a cute little diner and it was worth the extra walking. I had a yummy lunch at Joe's Diner where I encountered Titch, an Australian expat wearing a Boston Red Sock hat. He's been living in the states for the last 20 years and switches his accent back and forth between American and Australian. I had a delicious taco salad, and the service was entertaining and prompt. The dinner menu looks tasty (and half the price of the swankier joints on the street) so I'll probably go back.

In the end I shouldn't be surprised to meet an Aussie in this neck of the woods. Santa Monica reminds me of some of the beach front cities and towns of Australia. The weather is similar, but the beaches are better in Australia (they're pretty hard to beat!)

So today I was a traveller and not a tourist, which you will understand if you've read the yarn harlot's latest book.

GG

A Glimpse At A Past Life

A long time ago in a land far away I was a film geek. I would watch 2 to 3 films a day, upto if not more than 8 films a week. Nothing made me feel more alive than movies. To this day one of my favorite things in the entire universe is to cry at the movies. More often than not, I am crying in pure joy, happy to have experieneced something in film that mirrors my life in such a way that it makes me feel that there's a kindred spirit in the world and that I am not alone.

When I was a film geek, I felt destined to go to LA and try my hand at the film industry. I got a BA in film, had a small portfolio of crappy student films and a few feeble attempts at screenwriting.

But then I met my husband to be when I was least expecting it and I ended up with him and not going to LA. I feel no regrets about this. One of my favorite things about life is how it often takes totally unexpected paths. If I truly wanted to be in LA, I would have ended up in LA.

But tonight I experienced what life might have been like had I chosen that path. One of my best friends celebrated her new job, a position that moves her to the next step of what turns out to be a career.

Instead of retreating to my hotel room after dinner, I felt inspired to go out, maybe it was that tasty cosmopolitan I had with dinner. So I hopped in a cab and met my friends at the Pig and Whistle in Hollywood. It was like a huge film school party, except that I didn't know anyone. I had a pear cider and became nostalgic for college. This is funny because I suddenly have as much freedom as I did when I was in college, not having a job and all. And it made me realize that I am as happy now as I was in the zenith of my years at university.

Anyway, as it is in LA, the main topic of conversation; especially for someone new to the group, is the discussion of what one does. And it was rather liberating to announce that I am writing a knitting book. Of course knitting to these people is about as ambitious as say breeding children or maintaining a house. And the puzzled faces of the group made me long for a group of knitters who would all nod their heads enthusiastically and offer to knit samples for me.

However I was reminded that there was a time when I used to read scripts and write script notes so I'm going to try that again and maybe do some script reading this week whilst in la la land. Lord knows after those cab fares I could use the cash.

This is all so darned therapuetic.

Que sera sera.

GG

Rebuilding Myself One Day At A Time

Sometimes you just really have to treat yourself. My sister in law is in the beauty business and I went to her salon and had the works, manicure, pedicure, facial and hair. I felt so renewed that I scheduled an appointment for highlights next week.

I feel reborn.

If you find yourself in Santa Monica go to Chu Nin's Beauty Salon on Wilshire in Santa Monica. It's right by the Third Street Promenade. Ask for Erina. She does a phenomenal facial, using all Aveda products, which are so yummy. It was so relaxing that I ended up drooling on the facial table, which was a little embarrassing, but still worth it.

Also noticed something funny about LA. If you're wearing sunglasses, people are more likely to check you out. And there's alwasy the possibility of bumping into a celebrity, so you find yourself checking people out more than usual.

Of course we're pretty jaded about celebrity because where I live we have quite a few and it's rather gauche to gawk at them. I run into the guys from Metallica all the time. James Hetfield is always driving some bomber around and I frequently end up next to him at the stop light, so much so that he might think I'm stalking him. I've seen Lars Ulrich bowling and Kirk Hammett getting angry with a United Airlines desk agent. These Metallica run-ins make me chuckle because when I first discovered that I was moving to Northern California one of my good friends was a Van Halen and Metallica fan and was jealous that I might run into them, which I thought was absurd, but there you go I see them all the time.

So we're now on day 3 of no headaches. But then I haven't really tried doing anything with the knitting book. I'm hoping that these headaches aren't in any way related. I would like to have at least one big apron pattern written before I return home.

I found some new clothes today. Macy's was having a huge sale and for once I've benefitted from being normal sized. All the skinny clothes were gone, leaving my size 8/10 on the sale rack with HUGE mark downs. I got three pair of jeans for the price of 1 really pricey pair. It pays to shop in LA, and there was so much better selection than in my local Macys.

So this evening will be a quiet one. I'm going to put on some new clothes and go downstairs to the lobby for dinner. Then I'm going to knit and watch tv.

Ah the good life.

GG

Welcome To LA

I haven’t had a headache in two days. Let’s keep our fingers crossed shall we? Considering that two days ago, I had to pull off the freeway and throw up because my head hurt so bad, and have my mom come and rescue me, any thing is a vast improvement.

Staying in Santa Monica. It is gorgeous. We have a room with an ocean view and a balcony. I’m feeling relaxed. No wonder the headaches are going away.
See:








I love traveling. I love lounging around hotel rooms. I’ve got some goodies to munch on, a heap of knitting, some magazines, some bath bombs from Lush. This week is all about relaxing.

Job?
Schmob.

Of course that attitude will change the broker I get.

I suppose I could also go to the hotel gym, but let’s not push our luck.

Did I mention that there’s a yarn shop a mere 3 blocks from the hotel?

The only downside is that there isn’t any wifi in the room, I have to go downstairs to the lounge for that, where I will be tempted by fruity cocktails and small plates.

I’ve been reading the new Yarn Harlot book and there’s a lot of talk of traveling. It seems an appropriate read.

OK I kid you not I’m watching the news and there is a high speed chase on tv. Damn I thought that only happened in the movies. Welcome To LA.

Then I went out to dinner with my brother and sister in law. Had some delish sushi rolls. My sister in law is an esthetician and I'm getting my hair and nails done and getting a facial tomorrow. Can't wait. It's all a part of that whole relaxing business.

I think I'm having a l'oreal moment, you know, because I'm worth it.

ha ha ha ha

GG

Migraineland

Every other day since Friday I've had a migraine headache. Unfortunately this has put a major dent in my knitting.

We're going to LA. Maybe I just need to get away from it all.

photos to come.

GG

Just Because You're Not Working Doesn't Mean Things Don't Get Crazy

So last I wrote, our trip to LA had been postponed again.

Friday was largely uneventful. I spent the whole day working on this one knitting pattern and writing another one so my knit nighter friends could knit me some samples.

Just as I finished typing out the pattern I got this horrible headache. Worse than anything I'd ever had before, like tectonic plates moving together in my head. And my arm went dead, totally numb and so did my face and mouth. I was entirely freaked out. Mr. G was still at work and I thought this was just something temporary, and it would go away. I took a shower, but it only got worse. Mr. G called to tell me he was on his way home and I could only cry and explain that my head was killing me.

Mr. G had never seen me in this much pain and insisted on taking me to the emergency room. One there they determined that I showed the symptoms of brain hemmoraging, but that it was probably an atypical migraine.

One cat scan and a spinal tap later: it was an atypical migraine.

So apparently on top of the other annoying problems I have with my body I also get migraine headaches.

We didn't get home from the hospital until 3am. I feel asleep and didn't wake up until 12:30pm. Mr. G had to go back to work again but said I needed to rest and needed to stay in bed. So I slept the whole rest of the day, only stopping for the occasional read and a glass of water. I think yesterday was the first day in a long time that I didn't actually knit.

We've concluded that perhaps I've been stressing myself out about this unemployment business and that I haven't appropriately grieved the old job. I won't argue with that. So I'm going to go hang out with my mom for a few days, get my hair done, do my nails that sort of thing.

guess we'll call it a vacation.

GG

Unemployment Week 2: where the author starts freaking out about money

I'm a lucky girl. I've spent the last week out of work, at home, knitting, writing projects for a book proposal. This is a good thing. Perhaps I have put myself to work to forget the fact that in a few weeks I'll be entirely broke.

And now I'm totally freaking out about it. I know I qualify for unemployment, but how long is that going to last? And don't they make you try to find a job when you're on unemployment? I don't want to go back to work until this book proposal is finished and if I do go back to work I don't just want to choose any job. I want it to be a good job with nice people close to home working less than 30 hours a week... preferably in a crafty setting, but not work weekends.

To alleviate this freakout, a pot of boiling water is on the stove in preparation for a delicious carb-fest, lemon pasta with asparagus, onions, fresh tomatoes and feta.

I'm also knitting another swatch for the book, continuing with the Rowan denim swatch, but trying to make the stitch pattern larger and more spread out, and testing out a larger needle. I've determined that the larger needle is too large and I have to rip out a few rows because I've messed it up. Darn it.

The good news is that I made it to knit night, due to a last minute postponement of my trip to LA. I even took some photos. And I splurged and bought a skein of the Claudia's Handpainted mohair boucle. Somebody slap my wrist.

Anyway if you are a craft-related enterprise and you're hiring: email me.

I'm hoping that Mr. G comes home early from work tonight so that we can drink beer and play video games.

GG

Mystery Solved

I finally understand why Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan ended up in rehab.

I've been out of work for exactly a week and I'm getting freaked out. I'm trying to enjoy the time, but I'm still beating myself up for getting laid off. To counteract this I'm trying to be as productive as possible. I'm helping Mr. G with things, I'm working on the book. So I guess I get a little nervous when I don't have any plans on the horizon.

it's enough to make you want to get drunk everyday. Perhaps this would have been a problem, if like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan I was under 25 with gads of money. Imagine having all that time and money and still being bored. To me that's the scariest thing. Boredom seems to be ungrateful for living. There's no excuse for boredom.

The bottom line is that you have to break out of your established pattern and find something new to enjoy.

So tomorrow is a non-knitting day. I'm going to go on a little day trip into the city. I'm going to check out the De Young and hang out in Golden Gate Park, with my camera.

Ok. I'll probably knit when I get home.

GG

When in doubt

Start knitting a new pair of socks.

With a fancy handpainted sock yarn.


The Phoenix Socks

To tell the truth though there isn't much doubt around here. I'm feeling good. Been very productive. Visited my brother for his birthday. Got the car serviced. The kitchen is clean and I'm writing patterns. Just have to stay on task. It's important to have rules for yourself or you end up on the couch watching The View, which is as bad as watching the news in the way it fosters anxiety.

Watched the new Sopranos episode. It nearly put me to sleep. Just listened to the Guster album while I was cleaning/running around this morning. Beautiful music. This house has been full of new music lately. Regina Spector, Amy Winehouse, Mika and now Guster.

ok personal insight, trying to find today's personal insight. In some ways I used to be disapointed with myself because I went straight into the job market from college. But in the end it was the right thing because I didn't really know what I liked to do. I guess this is why universities want you to have life experience before persuing certain masters degrees. You have to know what you don't like before you know what you absolutely LOVE.

And when you don't figure this stuff out, you end up repeating it over and over again until you do.

There was a time when I was so frustrated with myself because I didn't know what I loved and what I was good at. There were a few things I liked, but I didn't like them enough to be passionate about them. I didn't feel an irresistable compulsion to write screenplays or to work in film. I felt an irresistable compulsion to be with my husband and to knit.


So I guess I might be moving in the right direction.

GG

Help help help

OK.

decisions decisions.

so I'm unemployed right, and I have heaps of free time. I'm knitting up samples for my book and I discover that one of my previous employers is in dire need of a temporary receptionist. This is a previous employer that I quite like and it would be nice to temporarily work there until I go to Japan, in just two weeks. This would mean that I had money for Japan. And it would be temporary...

but I think I'm trying to hold on to security too much. Maybe I should just throw caution to the wind and say no and work on my book, visit with my family that's coming to visit next week and go to LA???

you know if I didn't have anything going on, then I would say yes, but there are lots of fun opportunities and surprises, which may not be had if I was making money.

Book takes priority

GG

The Cure To All Ills

Tenacious D and The Pick of Destiny

Bless You

Got my wish last night.

After spending the whole day inside Mr. G took me out for sushi.

"To celebrate" he said.

This meant I had an excuse to get out of my pyjamas and into those fabulous jeans I bought the other day. And I felt more motivated than ever to wear makeup. I had been feeling badly about being laid off the day before. I was afraid it was going to change my relationship with Mr G, that he was really let down about my job situation and disapointed in me. So I made myself look extra pretty for him.

Strangely I didn't need to. He was surprisingly happy for me. We had a beautiful dinner together where he told me I was destined for bigger and better things and he wanted me to have the time to work on my book.

So in essence. Everything's ok. In fact, it's better than ok. It's fabulous.

As the song says "You can't always get what you want, but sometimes you might find, you get what you need" and apparently I need lots of free time to knit, care for my husband, and travel.

The joy of the blessing in disguise.

GG

Unemployment Day 1

It all started out well. Got up at 8:30 with Mr. G and made morning tea. Read the blogs, not a lot today maybe because of Good Friday...

neighbors' children bring me a plate of Easter cookies. Super cute. Their mum had to borrow some vanilla extract to make them. They were really yummy.

Clean house, do dishes, start laundry. Watched The Holiday, Then watched The Chronicles of Narnia. Then later watched Before Sunset. At first I was depressed about losing my job. Sad for the loss, but then I was happy to have all this free time. Suddenly the day doesn't seem so short when you know that you don't have to go back to work any time soon.

But then you start to freak out b/c you don't have to go back to work any time soon.

4pm was kinda bad it was probably the sugar crash from all those Easter cookies. And I started to get a little lonely. But then I talked to Mr. G and he's takin me out to dinner. I want sushi, but I have a feeling we're gonna end up at the Outback.

Am I making good use of my time???? In between all the movies I did do a bit of knitting.

Damn this all sounds so boring. Guess I'll actually have to get out of the house or at least get some exercise. Maybe I'm still a little shell shocked.

but i feel better writing this all down

GG

Goal for Monday (the weekends don't count): get out of your pyjamas.

My Little Snowglobe World Is Shaken

A funny thing happened to me last weekend. As I was reaching to pick up my handbag I bumped my head on a bookcase. Mr. G witnessed the head bumping and asked me if I was alright. "No" I said. Not only was I in pain, but bumping my head is usually a harbinger of bad things. Not terrible, just unexpected unfortunate things. When I told Mr. G this he laughed it off and called me silly.

Indeed the first few days after banging my head were fine, uneventful even, but then yesterday I got laid off by the Fabulous Yarn Company. I had an inkling, but perhaps I didn't want to accept it. The bosses were great, very sympathetic and unhappy that they had to lay off an employee. I think they felt worse about it than I did. I'm one to accept things as they come to me, and later one feel awful about them. There are no hard feelings about FYC and I will always say nice things about their yarn.

That said though, there's still disappointment and what does the wise women do when laid off and suddenly unemployed?

She does as the Manolo and goes shoe shopping.

And she buys a pair of jeans because when you find a pair that fits you cannot let them go, even if you're unemployed.

But truly, I'm doing alright, even if my brain couldn't stop thinking last night and I couldn't get to sleep. This time will be a gift b/c I can't really get a new job before I go to Japan and I don't want to find just any job. I want to find the right job. I also want to consider going back to school.

So what am I going to do with the next couple of weeks before Japan?

Well, I'm going to write a book proposal. I have a heap of knitting pattern ideas and I have been collecting the yarn to make them.

I really don't have anything to lose.

Suddenly I feel much better,

GG

Yay I have photos for you. The only problem is that they're a little dated. They show works in progress that I have finished. Unfortunately I'm having a hard time figuring out how to photograph myself with a cardigan in good lighting without the assistance of a friend or a tripod. And without having one of those goofy, camera in photo mirror shots.

We can't abide that.

Mr. G has been working like a fiend I see him for about 30 minutes a day. The bad news is that I don't get to see much of Mr. G. The good news is that I get a whole lots of knitting done. I'm really not trying to sound so excited about the positive side of this equation. Not to worry tho. Mr. G and I will get plenty of time together on our trip to Japan in a few weeks.

I'm still trying to find out how to say: tell me where the nearest yarn shop is in Japanese, or any helpful craft/yarn phrases. If you know some Japanese and can help, let me know.

So here are the photos:

This is a special sock in progress.


And now the sock is done. I'll explain why it's so special another time.


I'll give you a hint tho. I have to email The Queen about it.

Here's the cardigan mentioned above, albeit unfinished.


Gotta email the Queen.

GG

It's that time again

We have a never-ending line of politicians seeking the presidency in 2008. I've been trying to decide who to support this early in the game.

It should be noted that I will not support a Republican for president unless he/she says publicly that Bush has led our country astray, and unless he supports a reasonably supportive stance towards our nation's immigrants.

So that leaves me with the dems. And it's been a struggle. As much as I would love to see a lady president, Hillary isn't doing it for me. As I keep mentioning to people, it feels like more of the same. We've had either Bushes or Clintons in the White House for the last 20 years. It's time for some new blood. And Hillary hasn't listed her proposal for the country. I have no idea what she stands for except that she's a woman, state senator of New York, former First Lady, and she's for health care, whatever that means. She hasn't listed any ideas for what she wants to accomplish and how. Which in a large way reminds me of Bush. So in brief, Hillary Clinton: More of the same, in a bad way.

My other problem is that I want to support a viable candidate. I want my guy/girl to win. As much as I love Bill Richardson, he doesn't have the national spotlight. I remember his work with the Clinton administration, I like that he's the governor of New Mexico, but he just doesn't have the national pull to win.

That leaves me with Barack Obama. In fact, I love the guy. He's listed all of his presidential objectives on his website. Even if I feel like his ideas about the health insurance system are a little more international, it seems he's more concerned with the health of 3rd world countries than with the health insurance crisis of the United States. Perhaps he's trying not to step on Hillary's toes. While I do agree that third world countries need our attention, we're long overdue to address our health system concerns at home. Regardless, at least I know where his views are.

I'm still game though. I want to hear what the others have to say, perhaps it's too early in the game to choose. But Obama's got the JFK thing going and the wherewithall to actually lead this country, not simply take charge of it.
GG

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH

That's the sound of me jumping up and down!!!!

Do you remember back in the day, oh a couple of months ago I wrote an apron knitting pattern out of Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille?

Well, they've taken the pattern and posted it for free on their website.
Wooo hooo!

For other designs check out knitluck.

This has been a good day!

Grenadine Girl

The Pros of Lace Knitting (As Opposed to the Cons)

The Pros of Lace Knitting #1

knitting with itty bitty lace weight yarn makes knitting sock yarn seem like heavy worsted weight and boy do they knit up faster!

The good news is that we have passed the set up rows and have made it to row 13 of chart one. Thanks to Izzy for clarifying things for me.

Tonight: I'm still working on the Sea Sock design tentitively called the "lifesaver sock". I have to get to the heel even though I'd rather be knitting the hood on the Central Park Hoodie.

GG

Flight delayed: Icarus is grounded

Alright I tried casting on again, this time with a size 2 addi turbo and we still fubarred it at row seven. There's something about those markers.

I'm going to have to resort to a lifeline, because I'm really sick of doing those first set up rows.

However I am liking the look of the work on the size 2 much better. We will try again. And try and try and try until we get it right.

I'm suddenly in awe of Knitabulous, one my favorite knitbloggers, who lives where I want to retire in Australia and who regularly pumps out these incredible laces.

And to answer a question about cabling without needles, I haven't tried it. There's something about having a cable needle hanging out of my mouth while I'm knitting that makes me feel like I'm really working hard.

Only a few hours left of uninterrupted knitting.

GG

The Tough Decisions

It's Sunday morning and today we're faced with a riveting decision.

I've had my brekkie, my cuppa tea, did a little knitting.

But should I visit the local yarn shop? I could just stay here at my parents' house and continue knitting, or I could meander over to Creative Hands to check out their new location...

oh decisions, decisions.

Lord knows that I don't actually need any yarn, but I did leave my cable needle at home. We've been making do with a tapestry needle and we only have to cable once every ten rows, but you know. It's really important to have the right tools for the job. At least that's what I've been telling myself.

And I did try to cast on for Icarus last night. Got through the set up rows only to foul up exponentially on row 7 of Chart 1. I'm not understanding how the stitch markers are supposed to work with the decreases. Anyway I had to frog the work. And I think the size 3 needle I'm using is too big. That's not usually such a problem for me because I am a tight knitter. I just feel like 2's are going to be a better fit. Maybe I do need to go to the yarn shop. I really would like to get the hang of Icarus sooner rather than later.

Well. Guess I'd better get dressed. It's not good to pop over to the LYS in your jammies.

GG

Knitter's Weekend

My parents have gone to Texas to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa. That means I get to spend the weekend catsitting at my parents' house. You'll find me on the couch, KWI. You know, Knitting Without Interruption.

It's not too often that I'm alone for days at a time, without having to go to work. It's quieting and restful. I'm trying to find some sort of personal insight into this peaceful weekend, but I'm not finding any.

I must be knitting too much, because any insights I have are in my knitting.

I'm still working on the Central Park Hoodie, and I've 3-needle-bound-off the shoulder seams. They look nice and tidy. And now I am knitting the hood part, for which I needed to pick up some stitches. It's nice to see that my picked up stitches are much neater than in past attempts. Quite gratifying actually. I feel like I should be sweaty in the middle of a boxing ring holding the championship belt for finishing. But we still have the botton bands to do yet.

I'm still working on the Lace Style beginner lace shrug thing-o. I'd tell you the actual name of the project, but I left that book at home. Just when I think I have the hang of the lace, I get to the end of a row and have an extra stitch. Harumph. But that's why we have the extra projects.

I cast on for the One Skein Baby Bolero. That will be a quickie, fortunately b/c there's a baby on the way (not mine) scheduled for arrival in May, and with all this upcoming Japan travel I need to get that finished pronto. I'm using the Blue Sky Cotton it calls for and I have a huge stash of it, in an abundance of colors, but this is the first time I'm actually using it and man, I'm soooo glad I bought so much of it, because it's like buttah, Barbara Streisand buttah. One day when I get crazy enough to buy a knitting machine, I might actually make myself a blanket out of this stuff, but then again, there's this cardigan that I like from Greetings from the Knit Cafe that I could make with it. oooo wouldn't that be cozy.

Can't you tell I've had a glass of wine?

Tomorrow morning I will wonder-of-all-wonders cast-on the Icarus Shawl. Gag, blah freak out!!!!! This is the Thelma and Louise of knitting projects. My pal Izzy is my Thursday night gal. If I'm not hanging out with her at gaming, then we're at Knit Night at MFA. And either I was drunk on wine, or on the abundance of new yarn that Warren had, but we decided that we have to do a knit-along together just for our gaming nights. That in itself is not dangerous. The dangerous part was deciding that we should knit the Icarus shawl. Why not? It's a beautiful shawl, and I haven't done lace of the micrometer gauge yet, but something tells me that gaming and delicate lace don't mix.

I can picture it now...

INT: Suburban Dining Area

Six people surround the dining table with dnd books, dice and junkfood. The Dungeon Master (DM) sits at the head of the table with his dragon divider.

DM "Grenadine, what's your initiative"

No response from Grenadine, she's busy knitting.

The rest of the gamers (except Izzy, the other knitter) stare at Grenadine.

Grenadine: "Oh are you talking to me?"

DM: "Yes what's your initiative?"

Grenadine: "2"

DM: "2, that's not possible, your dex mod is at least 3"

GG: "Oh sorry that was the number of repeats in the shawl? What am I rolling for?"

This kind of thing could get you kicked out of a game. But not to confuse my partner in crime Izzy, I'm looking forward to Icarus and people tell me it's easier than it looks.

Well I should get back to the knitting... and that glass of wine.

GG

First Stop in Tokyo

In May, when I go to Tokyo, this will be one of the first places I visit:

http://www.cabel.name/2007/02/japan-story-gyoza-stadium.html

Gyoza City???

And now for those long promised photos

First off, I've got a fancy new camera and of course I had to wander around the house searching for appropriate subjects to photograph.






But then I found the yarn.

The basket full of the Central Park Hoodie. I'm ready to actually make the hood part of the hoodie, but I've been knitting the sleeves for the last 3 weeks and I need a break.



Which is why we need a moment to view the fruits of my sock yarn addiction:


Here's my first attempt at lace, which is going very well. I'm loving the new lace style book. There's a couple of things I might attempt. There's a rumor going around that I'm going to try the Icarus shawl too.


alright time to do some actual knitting, if I can fit it in before I start cooking dinner...

GG

Bad Brain

Just got back from lunch.

Why haven't I figured out that I just don't like quiche?

My brain looks at quiche and thinks "hmm quiche, that looks nice, let's try some of that for lunch today... it has eggs, cheese, veggies and pie crust... these are all things that I like to eat... yes eat quiche"

But then when I actually eat it at lunch, quiche almost always tastes awful. A total let down. It's too egg-y, not cheesy enough and the veggies just drown in it. Bad texture, bad flavor. Yuck. Sometimes you really can have too much of a good thing.

And this isn't the first time this has happened. I think I have to give up the fight on the good quiche. It just doesn't exist.

So for future reference brain: I don't like quiche.

It's necessary to train my brain in this way because there are so few foods that I dislike.

GG

One of those non-knitting posts (almost)

A friend of mine bemoans the fact that I spend most of my time on this blog writing about knitting and not so much time on any interesting personal insights.

And here I was thinking that I was able to occasionally blend the two.

It's been hard for me to write lately because I have an inner conflict. As much as I enjoy writing a blog and sharing my knitting projects and life stories, I'm not so comfortable sharing my personal struggles. And while life hasn't been so full of struggle per se, it can be difficult to share one's life without being too specific.

Which can be frustrating. I want to share, but I don't want to be too personal. I have learned the hard way to choose the consesrvative option when in doubt. As much as something can be difficult for you, and as much as it seems like your whole universe, most people really don't want to know. I mean this is a knitting blog. this isn't the -insert your favorite medical problem/social issue here- blog. So here, we talk about yarn and knitting projects and we like it!

I suppose this is why therapists are so expensive. But one can't afford both a therapist and a yarn habit.

Besides, yarn is a much longer lasting expense and infinately more theraputic. Yarn doesn't pretend to listen to you, doesn't give you that uncomfortable half-hug. Yarn doesn't email you on the infrequent whim. It just sits there, looks pretty, and feels nice. Wow suddenly I have a lot more in common with middle aged men that I thought I did. And no that doesn't mean that I'm experiencing a mid-life crisis.

just to interject here. I'm watching American Idol and doesn't Sanjaya have potential as a possible Knit-wear model? With tonight's hairdo he sure does look like a Filati Model.

So in lieu of therapy there has been a lot of knitting. A foray into LACE. A new sock design. Oh and a new fingerless glove design here. I'm gonna take some photos.

See I feel better already.
GG

Five Favorite Things Meme

Izzytart got me to thinkin' about my five favoritiest little things that make me happy and satisfied.

1) Whenever Mr. G wears anything that I have knit for him.
2) Serving friends and family a dinner that I have prepared from scratch.
3) Walking into a new yarn shop.
4) The little wooden dolphin that my mother-in-law gave me that reminds me of my honeymoon.
5) Crying at the movies.

GG

The Best Secret Pal Ever

Hello All,

Welcome to my long overdue catch up post.

First up: Secret Pal! It ended just about a month ago and I finally can post photos and tell you who my marvelous spoiler was. Nicole The Knitting Goddess. She's the increadibly thoughtful woman behind the Endless Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Sock Yarn. Brilliant I tell you Brilliant!!!!!!!!! It still makes me smile every time I see it. Thank you Nicole for being a sweet pal. I want to send you a little thank you package...

So here's what she sent me for my secret pal finale:

This looks like an innocent tin. I LOVE the presentation.


Inside there is a treasure trove of knitterly goodies and a cute card!


Nicole made a washcloth for me. Love it! It's my new kitchen washcloth. It reminds me of a quilting block.


And this Noro neckcuff. Beautiful colors and amazing button.


Take a closer look at the button:
Very arts-and-crafts-movement. Which is my favorite era of home decor.


And she got me a nail file from her LYS. Very useful and cute.


Last, but not least, some dark tweed. I'm a tweed freak so this was a good choice. In fact I might use it for the leaves on that Rowan cardi on the cover of last fall's magazine...


Nicole: thank you again for your generosity and thoughtfullness, you are seriously one the best secret pal!

Now, visit her blog it's supercute. She's just finished that fitted bodice project that everyone's doing.

Soon to come: some finished objects, a trip to stitches (the credit card groans) and more works in progress!

GG

No More Resolutions

I've let the year do all the resolving for myself in 2007. I eshewed my usual New Year's introspection and goal setting. I didn't want to think about it. I got the feeling like anything I chose to do would somehow be thwarted by fate. And indeed this is the case. This has turned out to be the year of movie watching and travel. So far I've already been to San Diego and I'll soon head to Japan, but last weekend I took a last minute trip to visit my grandparents in Dallas.

I made the most of it, reading, knitting and hanging around with the grandparents. I did my best to make up for all the years of being an obnoxious teenager and difficult child. I helped in the kitchen, I watched game shows, and I even went to church with grandma to meet all of her friends. It was very fulfilling to witness them in their routines and to see them with one another. It makes me wonder what Mr. G and I will be like when we're in our golden years. I feel like I know them better now than I did when I was a teenager and I didn't get that chance with my dad's parents. It's a good feeling. I also got to see some other family members that I don't get so see so often, cousins I knew when they were infants. Oh boy.

Aside from all the family stuff grandma did take me to the Shabby Sheep on Boll street, a cute little bungalow of a yarn shop. Very welcoming staff and an abundance of yarn falling from every nook and cranny. It took some serious self discipline not to take the whole shop with me. Instead I settled for two skeins of the Araucania hand dyed cotton. Hopefully I'll get another chance to visit the shop. I still have my eye on some beaded knitting needles there.... drool drool drool.

As a result of the Japan trip I'm also trying to learn some Japanese. There's nothing funnier to me than talking with a tape in Japanese in my car as I drive to and from work. koNeecheewaaaaa. Ahhhh Sasayamasan, KoNeeecheewaaaa. I have to practice for the wedding. I don't want to be an uncultutred American. Although I'm sure I'll do something very stupid American-like while I'm there. Needless to say, learning Japanese wasn't at the top of my list of things I thought I would do in '07, but I'm better for it. I kinda forgot how much I love languages.

I also got a chance to visit the Dallas Museum of Art, which is one of the best Art Museums in the US, in my humble opinion. When I'm there the art fatigue doesn't set in nearly as fast as in other institutions. The building in itself is so serene that you don't feel bombarded by design. This allows for the art to speak for itself and it doesn't compete with it's surrounds. As much as I enjoy the new De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. It's so design-y that I get overwhelmed just entering the darn thing. It was certainly a treat to see the original sketch of Van Gogh's cafe painting. And I saw a couple of Gherhart Richter's paintings again. He's one of the few modern artists that's able to elicit an emotional response from my. When I see it's work it's like being reunited with an old friend. I pondered for a bit if I give assign paintings an emotional response associated with an experience. I like Ricter because he reminds me of being in Sydney. I like Van Gogh because he reminds me of France and of my husband. I love David because he reawakens my love of French history.

All this introspection now? Is this because I didn't do so much of it at the new year? The year of being, since it appears I'll be in many different places.

I feel more connected to the universe than I have in a long time. I feel like I'm seeing signs again, positive reinforcements from the world when I need it.

There are still surprises ahead. One of my millenium horoscopes said back in 1999 that in 2007 a dream would come true. I suppose the question now is. Which one?

GG

Because I'm Big in Japan

yep soon I'll be going to the land of Japan for my brother's second wedding. It's all a little intimidating, so much to plan and organize. I need to learn some phrases in Japanese, like "where is the nearest yarn shop?" Or, "do you carry sock yarn?"

As such I've been reading up quite a bit on the local customs and came across this, on the Gojapan.about.com website:

Packing Tip 4: Shoes

Since it's a Japanese custom to take off your shoes indoors, you might have to take off your shoes often in Japan. Bringing a pair of shoes that you can slip off and on easily might be convenient. Make sure to bring, and wear, a nice pair of socks or pantyhose to avoid any embarrassment when you take off your shoes.


I don't think a nice pair of socks will be a problem do you?

GG

Surprise

I've got a new website. I've been working on some knit patterns of my own design. They're fun. They're simple and, they're free.

the first one has just gone up. It's a hat inspired by medieval knights. Very simple too. Just knitting and purling with a little decreasing.

Check out KnitLuck.

Stash Moment

I was looking at sock yarn on the internets and it occurred to me that perhaps I should fondle the sock yarn I already have.

Lord knows theres some lornas laces shephard sock in VERA in my to-be-knitted box.

But that would assume that I have finished the pair of socks I've been working on.

I'm going to finish a pair of socks this weekend so that I can have a new pair of socks to knit during the superbowl.

That's right. You heard me. The Superbowl.

I have been watching football. American football. It's as much a shock to me as it is to my coworkers and friends. But the Patriots are contenders and as a former New Englander I'm obligated to watch.


Ra Ra Ra
GG

In Recovery

Must. Get. Rest.

No. More. Yarn.

I'm yarned out. I just got back from TNNA, the wholesale needlearts tradeshow, where I worked the booth for the Fabulous Yarn Company. Unlike my previous foray I spent the most of the time setting up and working the booth, which was great. However it required a lot more energy and hard work and I'm exhausted and need to recharge. But it was great to get to know my employers and coworkers better. And I got to visit some fabulous restaurants and cafes. It was a mini work break.

This was my first time to San Diego and it is a beautiful city. So well spaced out in relation to the ocean. It felt so light and airy -quite welcoming. The restaurants are just as charming.

Across from the convention center is Tin Fish, a seafood restaurant with some tasty crab cakes. The fish tacos were huge and yummy -the American version of the real thing. Usually when I order from a taqueria you get two small tacos, Tin Fish's is more likea Fish Burrito. The staff was friendly even if the atmosphere was a bit lacking. More like seafood restaurant meets airport bar, but considering it's proximity to both a ball park and a convention center it still exceeds expectations.

We stayed at the Horton Grand Hotel, an old haunted Victorian Hotel where Wyatt Earp once stayed. The accomodations were comfortable and cute. It reminded me of where Mr. G and I got married.

After setting up the show we went for dinner at the Dublin Square which is one of the best Irish Pubs outside of Ireland that I have ever been to. It was cozy having a dinner next to the fireplace on two couches and a coffee table. The music was loud enough to be recognizable and provided good conversation. I was still a little full from the seafood so I kept dinner light with a bowl of tomato basil soup and a dinner salad, which were both yummy and flavorful. Everyone shared their dinners so I also got a taste of the Guinness braised beef, which melted in my mouth with a taste of gorgonzola cheese.

mmmm. Gorgonzola.

And the fish and chips were crispy and we didn't have to ask for the malt vinegar.

The next morning the hotel clerk directed me to Cafe 222 for breakfast, which is just down the street from the Horton. The staff were super friendly, evenmoreso than at Tin Fish. They commented on my hat and scarf and even better they were quick to refill my coffee. The decor was supercute. Check out the photos

I like the lighting


check out the cups and saucers!


I ordered the Eggs Italia, very satisfying. Toasted foccacia with herbed scrambled eggs and creme fraiche and spicey home potatoes. Wish I could get that a little closer to home.


The complimented hat and scarf. Pardon the expression. It was cold.


A little more of the atmosphere.


San Diego is a rockin' place. Don't tell anyone but I like it almost as much as I like San Francisco. Maybe even more. The restaurants are remarkably more welcoming.

But I need to rest.

and maybe knit.

GG

More Movie Fun

A while back you may have read that I love the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth. It's a movie that I revisit once a season. Truly the best romance happens when two unlikely characters despise each other and learn to love one another. Because even if you fall in love with someone whom you admire, there is still so much that you need to reconcile; behaviors that you have to learn to accept that may be contradictory to your own. Both parties have to reevaluate their habits, customs, and expectations. This is not something that some people realize when their dating or in a relationship. The focus is finding Mr. or Mrs. Right, whoever is going to fulfill your fantasy of what a relationship should be. The truth is that no matter how much in love you are, no matter how much you admire someone, interpersonal negotiation and reevaluation is necessary for a successful relationship.

All this intellectual stuff makes for some prodigious knitting.

So imagine my joy at finding a new BBC drama: North and South the story of a family who is forced to move from their luxurious parsonage in bucolic Southern England to the harsh Northern manufacturing city of Milton. I went through the whole miniseries in one afternoon and enjoyed it as much, if not more than Pride and Prejudice.

Go on, get thee to Netflix and tell me what you think.

GG

The New Movie Habit

Still catching up on movies.

We watched Superman Returns, which was much better than expected. Superman was always too much of a goody goody for me. If he was a dnd class he would be a paladin, no doubt and I prefer rogues and bards.

Friends With Money was excellent. I enjoyed the simple quiet of it, the portrayals of different kinds of depression. One of the best character pieces of the whole year. I really do lean towards ensemble character pieces. It's in my top ten of 2006, which I will fully flesh out by early February.

but so far my favorites are:

Friends with Money
Scoop
The Prestige

That means I have to find another 7 movies to add and most of the good ones aren't on dvd yet.

Ugg guess this means I'll have to actually go to the movie theatre. Or we'll end up with my best of '06 list in '08.

GG

Record!

I finished the sock last night while watching a History Channel doco about Marie Antoinette.

Yay!

However I didn't get to the 3rd dvd of Lord of the Rings. Apparently I had had enough of Hobbits.

Gasp!

GG

What Are You Doing New Year's Day?

Me?

I'm watching the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy on dvd.

Yes, I'm a geek.

But I've been knitting like a fiend. I started a sock on Christmas Day and miracle of miracles I might have it done tonight, just one week later. That's a record for me. Usually it takes me weeks plural to finish one sock.

The Record One-Week-Sock


I suppose it helps that I've had this last week off.

It's knit with Crystal Palace Panda Wool, which is a dream to work with and feels fabulous on foot. I've decided my favorite sock yarns are the ones that aren't too thin in gauge. Out of the five pairs I've knit, the two favorites are knit with the Panda Wool and Fleece Artist Merino. So if you like the gauge of the Fleece Artist, you'll like the Panda Wool. Yum!

Not one to continue being entertained by one project I had to cast on another project, this time a hat of my own design to match the fingerless gloves I made for Mr. G.

This New Year's Day beats last year's when it was 110 degrees in downtown Sydney and Mr. G and I were madly hungover, wandering the empty city looking for water (there was none to be found!) and a diversion from the heat. (however NYE last year will go down as the best so far -come on partying on the steps of the Sydney Opera House?"
Perhaps one could hypothesize that you can't have both a rocking New Year's Eve AND a great New Year's Day.

Guess we'll try to prove that 365 days from now.

GG

New Year's Moviethon

Once or twice a year I have enough time to knit on the couch and watch endless movies. I rarely go to the movie theatre. It's not much of a bargain if you think about it and you can't pause the movie to go to the bathroom (or to fix a dropped stitch). Funny how just 5 years ago I would watch this many movies on a thrice weekly basis.

So here's what we've caught up on so far:

Tristram Shandy A Cock and Bull Story
Art School Confidential
A Scanner Darkly
Little Miss Sunshine
Talladega Nights
Pirates of the Carribean 2 Dead Man's Chest
Clerks 2
The Family Stone


Tristram Shandy: It was just ok. Seems to prove that the film industry is full of wankers. However, it did reawaken my desire to write a master's thesis on the period genre*, using this film as an example of how one can skewer the genre in a comedic way (which also reminds me of Singing in the Rain -it too has a period film skewering comedic scene).

*note: I've decided that pursuing a master's thesis in the period genre would be rather wanky of me -it seems rather self indulgent and not too valuable to the rest of the world.

Art School Confidential: I love Daniel Clowes. His previous film Ghost World changed my life and introduced me to Mr. G, but Ghost World is 100 times better than Art School Confidential. Unfortunately the main character in Art School Confidential changes dramatically for not any particular good reason. The film tries to go dark, but without sacrificing it's light touch and it doesn't work. I actually stopped the movie at the point I lost interest and fast forwarded to the end. (another good reason to watch movies at home). I liked the ideas presented, especially about plagiarism and about the reasons why young men want to be great artists, however the follow through was lacking.

A Scanner Darkly: Better than the two abovementioned films. It's nice to see Winona Ryder back in the movies. I'm desperately awaiting her comeback. Even if the film's a bit slow, it's a familiar reflection upon the other side of suburban life. Despite that the film is set 7 years in the future, it seems that the film could be about the present especially with oxycontin and crystal meth taking the suburbs by storm. And Keanu Reeve's laid back acting style works for him this time. One of my favorite films of the year.

Little Miss Sunshine: There was a lot of hype around this film and everyone pushed me to see it. That's the silly thing about hype is that it hightens your expectations. And while LMS was funny with some remarkable moments and fantastic acting, the ending just fizzled out. Making it a good film, not the great one everyone was talking about. Still it's rent-worthy.

Talladega Nights: It was funny, but it poked fun at the south. And that's it. Considering how few portrayals there are of Southern America in our cinema it seems a shame that they couldn't balance it a bit with a little poke here and there at liberals*. It gives Hollywood a bad name.
*note I am a liberal democrat and as such I don't like to see any one region singled out for ridicule. The film needed some balance, and it's lack of one showed why Hollywood has such a bad reputation in this regard.

Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Dead Man's Chest: Too long. Too slow. Sequal. That said I'll still eventually rent the 3rd one.

Clerks 2: Glad I didn't see this one in the theatre. It was still funny with some touching moments -loved Rosario Dawson. And the progression of the characters made sense. Wow this movie, despite it's interspecies erotic comedy was better than Art School Confidential. Didn't see that coming.

The Family Stone: As far as all of these films go, this one had the best screenplay out of all of them. The familial conflicts were interesting and realistic. And it's the only film out of the bunch that made me feel good, which I suppose makes me a sentimentalist. Cute, funny and I was interested in all of the characters. And the story makes them come together in an engaging way.

And on this holiday week I've managed to read 2 books: Knitting Under the Influence and A Good Yarn, both books are worthy breaks from my knitting projects. I wasn't sure I was going to like them...

GG

With No Further Adieu

Christmas came early this year, but I was so busy that I didn't get a chance to properly post anything about this fabulous secret pal package.




The most awesome thing about this secret pal package is that it's based upon one of my favorite movies: The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.



It included the dvd, some beautiful custom-dyed sock yarn, some scissors with a gingerbread man, a beautiful handmade card with knitted motifs, a little knitting reference book, and a sock pattern -as well as some gorgeous stitch markers.

I can't help myself. I'm going straight to my favorite part of the package. The custom dyed yarn. When I first opened it, there was something familiar about the colors in the yarn, but I couldn't put my finger on it, but then it occured to me that they are the same colors that Clementine dyes her hair in the Endless Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. That's some one of a kind, original yarn. I can't wait to make socks with it.



Have a closer look:


I also love love love the mini knitting reference book. It's permanently stashed in my knitting bag. And I might buy some of the knitting books recommended inside!


Let us not forget the cute miniskein keyring and the adorable stitch markers.
Look closeley -you'll see that they're mittens and snowballs!


And the cute gingerbread scissors. Secret Pal, how did you know I needed another pair?



And last but not least, the wonderful handmade card. Makes me so happy to be a knitter...


Again SP, you were super thoughtful and imaginative in creating this package. It was absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to start the socks. I can't wait until you're revealed and I can thank you properly!

Since my houseguests are gone I'll finally have time to write decent posts. I've been off work all week and I've been catching up with movies. It's pathetic for this film school graduate but I've only gone to a few movies for the last year so I had a lot of catching up to do. Since yesterday I've watched: A Scanner Darkly, Tristram Shandy a Cock and Bull Story, Little Miss Sunshine and Art School Confidential.
Reviews on those later.

GG

shawl

ok i look like the wrath of god, but the shawl looks pretty good.

Apparently I have a thing for hats.


thanks mom

GG

Apologies to my Secret Pal

I feel very sorry for the lovely secret pal spoiler I have because I haven't written much here in a while, and she has been so sweet emailing little greetings here and there. I hope she knows how much I'm looking forward to her next package and I hope she has an awesome weekend this week!

Honestly though, this has been a busy couple of weeks.

My brother got married in Los Angeles the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Here's the lovely couple. I'm so proud of my bro. I have a new sister in law and she's so sweet and her family's absolutely wonderful.




I knitted a shawl special for the occasion, you may remember it as the never ending shawl, countless rows of stockinete and 500+ stitches to be picked up and increased.


Unfortunately no one took a picture of me in the shawl so you'll have to settle for a photo of me in my beret.

The truth is that the shawl didn't get 100% finished. I was supposed to pick up stitches on each side of the long stockinette rectangle, but I only had enough time to do one side. And since I've been knitting Christmas presents like there's no tomorrow I haven't really been too keen on returning to it. But eventually I will and the shawl will hopefully be finished sometime in 2007, hopefully in time for next fall.

On the Christmas present front, I've already knitting two scarves and I'm almost done with a flower shaped washcloth. However I won't get much knitting done today because I'm going to the Dickens Fair. I'm going with my mother in law who's in town from Australia to experience the American holidays. We'll be meeting my mom there. Hopefully we'll be able to get in for a Devonshire tea.

Thanksgiving itself was fabulous. We had our first organic free range turkey. And it was unbelievably delicious. I think it may have even shown my mom how much better organic products are. Who knew that turkeys were actually quite succulent? That organic turkey is proof that it's all about the bird. Mom didn't do anything special, she just roasted it with stuffing. But it was the most flavorful bit of turkey I've ever had. Top that off with interesting family, guests and good scotch and you have a festive holiday.

Hopefully Christmas will be the same.

Oh and tomorrow there's Alex Marshall's Studio Sale in Mill Valley. She has the most unique line of tableware, linens, lamps and candles, with lucious colors and glazes. Get there early because she has a big following in these parts and she'll be sold out in a minute.

happy knitting
GG

Toeing Up

Ok so I'm still working on the endless shawl. I'm almost done with the straight section. But there is a consequence to such knitting project monogamy, especially when it's endless stockinette stitch.

You end up teaching yourself how to do a short row toe-up sock in bed at midnight. I also taught myself how to do a crochet provisional cast-on in the same sitting.

I should do this more often because there were significantly fewer mistakes than when I've ever tried any other new knitting technique.

photos of this miraculous achievement to come.

GG

Knitting

nuff said.

GG

Holiday season is already here.

Did I mention my mother in law is coming to visit? She's arriving the day before thanksgiving and will be here through Christmas. Thankfully I have a great relationship with her. We're going to have a great time. We're going to go wine tasting, to the Dickens Fair. We're going to buy a christmas tree and decorate the house. There's going to be cooking and movies. In general, this just spreads the whole holiday season. I'm really looking forward to it.

And then my brother is getting married next weekend. And I've been working on this shawl to wear and making good progress. I hope to have the length of the shawl done this weekend.

as such i have a lot of work to do! I have to get crackin'

GG

Retreat in detail

Okey dokey there have been a few comments and emails bemoaning the brevity of my retreat post, so here's some details and some photos!

The cool thing about the retreat is that I made my mom go with me. In my world everything is better with your mom, especially if it involves knitting. So mom came up to my house and my husband came home from work and we all went out for dinner at Chili's. I pigged out on the southwestern cobb salad and fries and even indulged in a Dr. Pepper.

Then mom and I headed out to the retreat which was only 10 minutes away. I know not so far for a retreat, but far enough. We stayed at a gorgeously remodeled victorian house. I felt like I was suddenly on that Real World reality show, you know the part in the first episodes where the cast sees the house for the first time and they go running around checking everything out. Yeah I did that. It was a pretty awesome house. Plenty of room for everyone to get comfortable and knit.

Unfortunately since mom and I were the last to sign up we were stuck with the den room with fold out couches. But that was the only room with a tv -a tv with cable. Not that I'm so tv crazy, but I do enjoy watching David Letterman.

So once everyone arrived, Warren introduced us to the yarn that we would be playing with. We got twelve boxes of Lana Grossa yarn. They have now moved up in my favorite yarn company list. Soft and versatile. There really was a yarn for everybody. I fell in love with the Pashmina (and managed a sneaky trade to get an extra ball) while my mom liked the Luxor. There was this other soft green one that I really liked, but can't remember the name of. There were some yarns I didn't like so much, but I was on a mission to horde the ones I liked. Eventually I ended up going home with a bunch of pink Maxi (aka that big pink stuff) and two balls of pashmina, as well as a couple of sample balls of Jo Sharp's new yarns (yay!!!!). So yarn wise I was a happy camper.

Not that I did a whole lot of yarn tasting anyway. I've been on a feindish knitting mission to finish this Lana Grossa shawl. And I really wanted to get those odd duck socks done.

The other ladies were fabulous and everyone got a long pretty well. It was nice spending time with women of all ages. It seems all of us have a tough time with doctors. For people that spend so much time and money getting education, they can be pretty stupid sometimes.

Anyhoo after an evening of knitting and new yarn (and irish coffees too) I went to bed and watched Letterman. Unfortunately I should not have had that Irish Coffee because I didn't sleep well at all. I usually have a tough time getting aclimated to new sleeping arrangements. So I got up at 6am. It was nice to watch the sun rise and the fog lift. It was very relaxing and nice to have a bit of quiet alone time.

Soon enough everyone was up, but I couldn't stay for breakfast. I had to go to the grocery store to get the last fresh ingredients I needed to make dinner and dessert. I made a deal with Warren that I would provide dinner and dessert in exchange for attending the retreat. I actually like cooking for people and I needed to get some practice before Thanksgiving. Anyhoo I made spaghetti bolognese and vegan bolognese, greek salad, garlic bread and apple-cranberry crumble. It took me 5 hours to put it all together, but I was well organized and knew how to direct people when I needed help. You would think that something like this would stress me out, but I was odly relaxed through the whole thing.

Anyhoo that was the weekend in a nutshell.

I did manage to finish the socks



yay!
GG

This kind of fun should be outlawed

12 Women

One immaculately restored Victorian house with a front porch over looking the redwoods.

Twelve Boxes of Lana Grossa Yarn for us to play with (one of which was cashmere)

Three dishes for dinner cooked by me (and an apple cranberry crumble for dessert)

for one weekend of knitting.

I had so much fun I need time to recover.

GG

Works in Progress...

This box by the couch is home to all of my knitting projects. I only just recently cleaned it out of all of my random bits of yarn that I won't be using (which I will be donating to a school)



So here's what I'm working on right now:


The Central Park Hoodie from Knitscene.





A shawl that I just started that needs to be finished in less than three weeeks:


And I'm making a pair of socks. I'd have them finished, but I left one of my needles behind at my mom's house the other week. doh!


I'm going to a knitting retreat this weekend so hopefully I'll get a lot done!

GG
PS: Blogger was a PAIN in the you know what today. Stupid photo program