co-worker: National Make It Yourself with Wool Contest encourages personal creativity in sewing, knitting, and crocheting with wool fabrics and yarns. Ages 12-adult.
National Make It Yourself with Wool, Box 175, Lavina MT 59046, (406) 636-2731, www.sheepusa.org.
co-worker: http://www.sheepusa.org/features/contest.shtml me: where did you find that?
co-worker: a calander in the guys rest room was talking about funny places you can get scholorships from and that was one of them
me: that is odd posted by kristar 11:25 AM
Monday, April 29, 2002
So, I noticed that my blog got a hit from Côte d'Ivoire and I had to tell my friend Erik about it. He will be relocating there this coming June. Erik says there's a knitting revolution going on. That is quite possible. Well, anyway, Erik is going into the Peace Corps and will be living over there for at least a couple of years. He's constantly inundating me with information about it and links to even more information about it. I especially liked this one: MyMudhut.com. It's the site of a current Peace Corps volunteer and he has a pretty decent (though irregularly updated) photo journal.
I am working on a new project using Lion Brand Woolspun in the colour Granite. You can see it here.
Haypenny has a new update! If you enjoy The Onion you should enjoy the writing at Haypenny. I am the on-again/off-again copy editor, but I will not take the blame for any errors in the current stories as I haven't edited them due to the tight deadline the editors had going on for the last two issues. Nevertheless, they are usually quite funny. Go check it out!
My latest edition of Punk Planet arrived in the mail today! Some reading material for this weekend's flight. Woohoo! posted by kristar 10:46 PM
Okay, so I was away from my computer all weekend. I just finished catching up on all of the posts to the knitblogs Yahoo group. So many posts! Fun reading, though. Now I am on to catching up on my fellow knitbloggers. Can't wait to make my way through the web ring. Well, here goes... posted by kristar 2:27 PM
Rant: Airport hell! I have just arrived home after too much time spent in airports dealing with all sorts of problems (long story, I won't go into it). I called my mom and vowed that I will work from home rather than fly again. If the company doesn't like it, they can go ahead and fire me. I have had it with the travel. No more. Tomorrow (well, I guess it's today) I am going to talk to someone in the office about this. I am so sick of it!
So, I spent the weekend in Michigan with my friends. I knitted quite a bit and even started a new project. Spent lots of time knitting in public. It was so much fun!
I just watched this dude on TV make some wonderful things from chocolate. I learned that white chocolate is cocoa butter flavoured with vanilla (well, kind of). And he made this cool decorative chocolate bark-like stuff by pouring chocolate over bubble wrap and then pulling the wrap away to show the cool design. Pretty neat! You can read about all of it here! posted by kristar 8:56 AM
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Okay, so I am annoyed easily... But, today another cubicle wall neighbor spent the ENTIRE day clicking the container for those minty strips (the things that dissolve on your tongue and make your breath fresh)! It's okay to do it for a couple of minutes, but why would you do this ALL day long?! I told him yesterday to cut it out. Today he continued to do it. So, I waited until I saw him walk away from his desk and I slipped into his cubicle to grab the offensive item. But, it wasn't there! He had taken it with him. Later, I heard him get up and at the same time heard something *click* against his desk. So, again I snuck into his cubicle and there it was with a companion noise-maker. He had TWO of them. So, I took them both and placed them under some of the papers on his desk. I wonder how quickly he will find them. He he! posted by kristar 4:48 PM
Maybe this is the kick in the pants I need to stay away from the bad stuff. Thanks for the link, Ron. posted by kristar 4:27 PM
Rant:
I don't know what my problem is...my mood has turned very sour. It seemed like things were going my way during the drive into work this morning - almost too good! I made every light and where I normally have to sit and wait for the construction guy to give me the "SLOW" sign, I cruised right through. I knew something bad was bound to happen. I'm just not sure exactly what it is. I just know I am in a bad mood and everything is getting on my nerves this morning! The guy making the slurpy/sucking noise is STILL at it and I can't get my music loud enough to drown it out! I'm getting annoyed with my job and everything related to it. I couldn't get through to a stupid conference call yesterday, I can't find the new helpdesk number so that I can call in to get my laptop upgraded, it's taking 5 zillion years to connect to our employee website. Ugh! I think I am just tired of traveling. I just want to quit. Or work from home (wherever home is now). I want to be closer to my friends. I don't fit in here at work. Don't get me wrong, most of the people are nice, but I just don't have a lot in common with them other than the fact that we are all stuck here together. I can't make friends outside of work because I either fly somewhere else on the weekends (when I actually have time to socialize) or I don't commit to anything because I think this project is going to end any day. For the last two years I've thought this project was going to end at the end of each month (well, that's what *they* keep telling me). And at the end of each month I get extended. I would have taken a class here or done some volunteer work had I known I was going to be in Austin for so long. I can't even commit to anything at home because I never know if I might have to stay in Austin for the weekend. I love Austin, but I miss having a social life. If my friends would move here I'd be happier. I'd also be fine with moving back near my friends. Sorry about this complaining. I don't blame anyone if they quit reading this gripe after the first sentence. I just had to let it out. posted by kristar 10:51 AM
I can't believe I am at the office this early. This used to be normal - before daylight savings time kicked in. I do not wake to an alarm, so my body hasn't been having an easy time adjusting.
This morning I checked some of the knitting blogs. Crafty Bitch has a revamped site. Tons of content too!
Tomorrow afternoon I am heading to the airport to catch a flight to Michigan. Looking forward to some weekend knitting with my friends Carolyn and Juli. I got them hooked on it just so that I would have someone else with whom to knit.
Bad girl: Last night I ordered some Rowanspun DK with which I plan to knit a little girl's dress from Debbie Bliss' Easy Knits. posted by kristar 8:55 AM
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Okay, so I was trying to be more prompt with my updates. But, now it's about 30 minutes from quitting time and I am only just now adding something to my blog.
I finally posted a photo of the yoke pattern detail for the guernsey sweater. In the same location, I also added a photo of my latest WIP - a light blue cotton dishcloth.
Oh! And I've also discovered (from yesterday's comments), that AmethystMuse is also of Puerto Rican descent. How cool is that?!
So, last night I finally watched the latest episode of Six Feet Under (I know, it's supposed to be TV Turnoff Week, but I am terribly addicted to this one show). And I loved the final scene of Nate speeding off along the California coast on a motorcycle to Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear The Reaper". So, I burned it on to a CD and sped my way over the lovely Austin hills to the office this morning. Too bad I don't have a hog rather than this Oldsmobile Aurora rental car. Anyway, one of the cool things about the Six Feet Under website is that they provide artist and song names for all of the music in each episode. Just check out the episode guide. Of course, I knew the BOC song, but there have been quite a few other cool tunes that I didn't know, but was able to look up oh so easily. And, if you are hooked on the show and not watching TV this week (you are better than I am), you can get your fill of each episode at the site as well. Of course, that probably defeats the purpose of TV Turnoff week. Eh, you'll at least spend less time reading about it than you will watching it. posted by kristar 5:53 PM
Monday, April 22, 2002
I just discovered that this page looks really funky in Netscape. That is not cool. I will have to also check it in my Opera browser when I get home from work. posted by kristar 2:13 PM
I didn't knit at all yesterday. I wanted to, though. On Saturday I discovered that I read the wrong measurement from my pattern for the guernsey sweater. I was planning to make the middle size (4-6 year old, I think). You see, prior to starting the sweater I went through and placed little x's above all of the numbers I was to use for this pattern. Well, apparently the little x's weren't obvious enough and I used a wrong number. Why didn't I just go through and HIGHLIGHT all of the measurements?! Argh! So, it turns out the section of the sweater that is all stockinette stitch should have been 2 inches longer (11 inches instead of 9 inches). This wouldn't have been a huge problem if I had noticed this error before I started the yoke pattern and had gotten more than halfway through it. Argh! So, anyway, I really don't want to rip out all of that work. My solution? I've decided that I am going to add the missing 2 inches to the top of the sweater where it calls for garter stitch. If, at that point, I discover that it looks like crap, then I may frog the yoke pattern and start over again. But, if I discover that I don't have to, then I think I will be better off. Well, anyway, at least this mistake forced me to start something new. I was so frustrated with the sweater that I decided to work on a new project (I was also afraid I might do some damage to the sweater in my frustration). The new item is small, but cute. It's a dishcloth from the Dishcloth Boutique! I selected the Wheatfields design. I'll post pictures of it in the galleries sometime this evening.
Yesterday I flew to Dallas for the birthday of my co-worker, Cathie. There was also a baby shower for her daughter along with a housewarming party. They had a keg and the guys were frying fish and Cathie, who's originally from Scotland, was making fun of her daughter's friends. She kept telling me I was getting to see what a real redneck shindig was like. To be honest, other than the cowboy hats, the country music, and the Texas accents the party wasn't too different from some of the summertime parties I've been to in Michigan. Well, I might have also selected a darker beer for the keg. I was surprised that they even cooked up some veggie burgers for the few vegetarians there. All in all, it was nice to do something different and to spend time with some of my co-workers away from the office. posted by kristar 11:04 AM
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Knitting. Drinking coffee. It's Saturday. I even slept until 10am.
Last night my dad asked if I'd like to go visit Puerto Rico with him. I really would like to go see my family there as it's been about 16 years since my last trip. So we'll see. We need to plan a time to go. He talked about going last year and then nothing ever happened. I am sad that I don't know my family there very well. My dad is the youngest of 20 children and so it's difficult to keep track of everyone anyway. As a child I remember my cousins were more like aunts and uncles to me since I was so much younger. I want to go back. My grandparents lived in the mountains. It's so beautiful!
Some other interesting facts about my family in P.R.:
both of my grandparents lived to be at least 100
of the 20 children born to my grandparents, there were 8 sets of twins
all of the twins were girls
all of the single births were boys
my grandpa drank milk fresh from the cow every morning
I actually have some new work to do today. It's not like I haven't had work to do all week, but it's the same stuff everyday. Fixing problem code. Today I actually was asked to write some ColdFusion code from scratch. I am so happy about this. Of course, this would come on a Friday. I was kind of hoping I could sneak out of here early. But, it doesn't look that way.
At lunchtime I stopped by Barnes and Noble to peruse the knitting mags and books. Nothing new. Oh well. I did, however, buy a soy latte in their cafe. Yum! I also bought David Rakoff's Fraud on CD so I can listen to it on the drive back from Dallas on Sunday evening. posted by kristar 1:14 PM
This morning I had to find something light to wear to work, so I selected a pink linen shirt. Of course, it needed to be ironed. As I started ironing I noticed oily streaks across the fabric. It's from the Verbena linen water I am using. Now why does that happen? It seems to be dripping out of the steam holes. It left a nice big spot on the back of the shirt. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the office is very cool and I usually wear a cardigan. But, I just don't understand why the oil seeps out. I am using it according to the directions. Could my iron be too hot?
Posted an updated photo of the guernsey sweater in my knitting galleries. Of course, I am still only working on the back side. So much more to go. posted by kristar 10:20 AM
Thursday, April 18, 2002
I am soooooo excited right now! My package of licorice arrived this morning here at the office. It's amazing how quickly it arrived. I ordered it yesterday morning and it was packaged and shipped yesterday afternoon. And I selected the cheapest ground shipping.
So, I just opened the box to find it safely protected from the Texas heat in a special foam box and covered in a pretty decorative German flag coloured ribbon. As someone with a degree in Packaging this sort of stuff makes me very happy.
Oh! They even sent me a small package of Gummi Bears! I love small stores and the personal service they provide. posted by kristar 10:42 AM
I looked for something new to knit last night and everything that I thought looked cute to wear seemed b-o-r-i-n-g to knit. I guess I like simple designs for wear, but as far as knitting goes I think I am ready for something a little more complex. Anyway, I did decide a while ago to knit a blanket as a gift for a friend who is getting married. I suppose I ought to get on the ball since the wedding takes place in August (which will be here before I know it!)
So, tonight a friend of mine will be in Austin to meet with a client and then meet me for dinner. I suggested Curra's Grill because they have the best avocado margaritas ever! If you've never had one, you should try either getting yourself to this restaurant or making them at home using the following ingredients (don't ask me what the proportions are):
avocado
frozen limeade
water
ice
triple sec
tequila
cilantro
It's a very fresh-tasting drink. My friends and I made them last New Year's Eve and they were super yummy! posted by kristar 10:21 AM
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Yum! I just ordered some of this delicious licorice. The last time I had it was in college when a Danish friend (Cristina) of my roommate (Heather) brought us several bags of it. I hope it's as good as I remember. At the time, I was quite scared of salty, hot licorice. But, I soon discovered that I loved the stuff! I'm not sure what made me think of it again...maybe it was all the varied licorice that Carolyn's (college roommate) in-laws brought back from New Zealand. Anyway, I have had a craving and I discovered a place in Texas that sells it! And I also learned that it's actually a Finnish licorice. That is extra special to me since my grandmother was Finnish. I also think the Puerto Rican side of me likes the spiciness!
So, I knitted last night. And I am just really slow. Stockinette stitch. Boring. I am supposed to knit until the piece is 9 inches long and right now it's only about 6-1/2 inches. This sweater is going to take forever. So, since it won't actually be worn until this fall (at least) I have decided to start knitting something else. I have been perusing my pattern books. I'll let you know when I find something. For the time being I should probably re-knit the curled brim on the cable hat. posted by kristar 11:07 AM
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Do you think it would be okay for me to walk over and apply duct tape to the mouth of a co-worker? Every single morning I come in and hear this sucking noise coming from his cube. It's like he has a cough drop in his mouth and is trying to suck all of the flavour from it. IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!! I really need to bring some headphones in to completely drown it out. For the time being I am turning up my punk music...thank you Jade Tree. posted by kristar 10:51 AM
Switching between morning TV shows I found out that P. Diddy will be touring with N*Sync. And one of the N*Sync-ees is hoping to go into space with the Russian Space Program. Are you kidding me?! Why do I watch these shows?
More excuses...I spent last night talking on the phone and replying to IMs and so I only got in a few rows of the guernsey sweater. Okay, tonight I will buckle down and try to get to the chest pattern. Photos will be going up once it looks like I've gotten somewhere.
Enjoy the warm weather wherever you are. posted by kristar 8:37 AM
Monday, April 15, 2002
Screw the state of Illinois! They wouldn't let me electronically file my stupid tax return because they say I am a new filer. Even though I've been filing the freaking thing there for the last 5 years?! Ugh! posted by kristar 3:14 PM
Argh! I opened up my suitcase this morning to pull out some shoes I had packed for last weekend (and no, I didn't even consider unpacking when I got in last night) and the yarn for my current WIP got caught in the suitcase zipper! Fortunately I was able to pull it out without totally destroying the yarn. I will have to take a closer look at it when I get home this evening.
Well, my sister drove me out to Schaumburg to check out the car. I have to say, I was disappointed. The interior was really cheap-looking. It felt cheap too. Hollow plastic on the doors and the backs of the seats. It just wasn't anything special. The outside of the car is still spectacular. Very cute! Maybe I will wait until they have the Cooper S on the lot so I can see how it compares. I guess I expected more from BMW. Oh well.
Other than the long drive to the car lot, I haven't done much else. I'm spending the evening with my sister's dog. He is a Coton de Tulear. I saw him catch a frisbee today! And now he is licking my hand... posted by kristar 8:33 PM
Friday, April 12, 2002
Woohoo! It's Friday! I am so happy. I get to head back to Chicago around 5pm. Fortunately the weather is much nicer than it was last Sunday when I flew down here. I don't want to go through that again!
This weekend my sister (hopefully) will drive me to the 'burbs to look at the car! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I've been (shhhh) looking up car information on the web all morning. :)
The guernsey sweater is coming along rather slowly still. I was only able to get in a few rows of stockinette stitch last night. Of late I've been a bit obsessed with the new scanner and digital camera.
Minor tragedy: This morning I was sitting on a pillow on the floor in front of the TV eating my bowl of cereal when I attempted to set the bowl on the coffee table. My reach wasn't quite far enough and the bowl only caught the edge and then proceeded to spill soy milk, bananas, and cereal on me, my pillow, and the floor. I was really wanting the jeans for this weekend. So, I threw them into the laundry and changed my clothes before I headed off to work. I am planning to drop by my apartment now on my way to the airport to pick them up. A wonderful excuse to get out of here early.
Okay, I guess I should look at that Perl program now. posted by kristar 11:49 AM
Thursday, April 11, 2002
This week is just dripping in boredom...well, at least while I am in the
office.
While it's nice to have the extra daylight in the evening, I am really having a
difficult time waking up in the morning. I have had to resort to setting my
alarm again. At least until my body adjusts to rising at a reasonable hour.
Today is a gorgeous day in Austin. Sunny and very warm (but not hot). I would
rather be playing hooky today. I can't even see the sun from my cubicle. This
sucks so much.
I'm still not too far along on the guernsey sweater. I'm just
about finished with the bottom edge ribbing for the back, though. So far it looks good,
but it's hard to tell at this point. I finished the scarf for my sister last weekend and I am planning to give it to her this
weekend in Chicago.
