In which the microwave croaks and I forget how to cook….

It’s just one of the many things I am culinarilary (just made that word up- I like it)  dependant on. 

It takes up my counter space and requires constant cleaning.  (Why can’t ANYONE put paper-towel or a napkin over what they are cooking????  Including me:()

Like a magic black box- (sometimes considerably brighter than me) it heats everything from spaghettios to cold coffee-it has faithfullyu served.

In addition- as a SAHM- it is one of my few and much trusted friends/co-workers. The microwave- has just been so close to me- being in the kitchen and all— where I spend so much of my waking LIFE!) (along of- course, with the washer-dryer, the  stove, dishwasher and fridge- we also chat- but they tend to be more reserved.)

At least- it was. Until Sunday night.

When my microwave gave up the ghost. 

We (ok- maybe it was just me)  quickly went through all the phases of grief:

Shock- (WHAT? Something is wrong with my microwave?)

Denial- (It’s just a fuse- it’ll be fine) 

Bargaining- (Maybe, if I clean it- it will work…)

Guilt- (maybe I worked it too hard…I should have cleaned the vent more often.. it’s all my fault.)

Anger- (I can’t believe I ever bought such a piece of crap!)

Depression- (I have no microwave. *sniff* )

Acceptance/hope- (I can get another microwave… maybe it will even be better!  I CAN live without a microwave!)

By Monday night- I could stand it no more.  There was no popcorn… I am incapable of cooking vegetables on the stove-top and I had a pile of pans with burnt spaghettios begging to be cleaned (that part isn’t true- I swear FlyLady!- but sounded funny) …so I trudged off to Walmart- in search of a replacement.

I stood in the microwave aisle like a deer caught in the headlights of oncoming traffic.  I had no idea there would be so many demands on me so soon after my grief.  Overwhelmed, I looked from shiny microwave to shiny microwave. 

There were: White ones.  Black ones. Stainless steel ones.  Microwaves the size of my first car.  Microwaves barely big enough to make a bag of popcorn.  Microwaves with grilling capabilities and microwaves with more buttons and options and computer memory than my laptop.

I settled on a (cheap) stainless/black model with a grilling capability.  (Which I will probably never use- but- my kids (probably to bring green army men to a painfilled, melting doom) will.

As you can see in the pic above- she now proudly sits on the countertop.  Maybe, a little too proudly.  Although, she’s already proved competent in the cooking of last nights green beans, I have a concern.  She seems to be glaring at the toaster and cavorting with the coffeepot.  I think she is unhappy with the cultural diversity on the countertop. 

Apparently the toaster is not of their “ethnicity”.  White plastic is frowned upon by the much  prejudiced stainless crew.  Too bad.   It’s my house.

I like cultural diversity.

I think I need to get out more.

Instead- I’ll distract you with my  shiny pretty current knit:

In a fit of unoriginal hat overload  rebellion- I cast on a new piece of lace that I plan on wering for Christmas. 

 It’s the Flower Basket Shawl- from Fibertrends/ interweave press. A very simple 10 row repeat.  I love the yarn- Zephyr silk/wool laceweight- 2 strands held together- Ruby and Garnet.  I’m knitting on US size 5 Addi Turbo Lace Needles.

Maybe this will calm my Christmas cleaning- shopping nerves…. more pics are on flickr.

Personally- I think it’s mis-named.  To me- it looks like angels with their wings raised over their heads…. like this-  but then- I think I need to get out more— or maybe use less fumey cleaning supplies;)

And now- to work on painting the trim where the bad cat has scratched away the wood AND the paint….

 

SP 11 Revealed! THANK YOU!

Somedays, I just LOVE my Mail person.  Yesterday was one of them.  (Too bad I scared him with the whole swollen eyes and blotchy face thing) No worries- It wasn’t personal.  It was SP 11 package-related.

 I received my reveal package from My SP 11 - Carly!  Inside this pretty package were goodies galore!

There were 2 gorgeous hanks of Ultra Alpaca- these will be mittens for ME;)   A beautiful skein of Silk from The Natural Dye Studio.  There are also adorable sheeptastic stitch-markers from Sunneshine! 

You can also see in this pic- the reason for Sami’s extreme interest in this package. Newnman’s Own Doggy treats— Sami is a cookie eating Dog after my own heart- ;) She says thank you as well.

Here, we see what could only be evidence of the addictive nature of catnip.  Cappucino has been sniffing and cuddling and whacking the daylights out of his (No.  He is NOT sharing with Truffles. And, if Sami comes within toy snatching distance- he promptly slaps her in the nose- good thing he’s de-clawed!) new cat nip toy.  ‘Cino meows his thanks, and wonders if you may know of a 12 step program that would include his keeping his nip.

            

 

Thanks so much again- to Carly- for being such a  remarkable SP11!

 

 

Knitted prayers and Unoriginal Hats for all!

My I present the first set of “Unoriginal Hats”

In my artistic series- titled “unoriginal hats for all.”

 Sounds so much better than admitting to my OCD tendancies are once again running free… but count them- 6 hats done! (bring on the Christmas knits!)

Clockwise from the top- Malabrigo Chunky in Olive for my middle son. (US size 10.5)

 Malabrigo Worsted held doubled for my niece. (US 10.5)

Berroco Ultra alpaca haled doubled for hubby.

Paton’s classic merino camoflage for my oldest. (size 11 he has a pumpkin sized head;)

Jaeger Natural fleece- for my FIL- us 11 should have gone down a size on this one.

And Lion brand chenille- size 11 should have gone down a size here too.

More hats in the queue- Malabrigo chunky in teal for my step dad….etc….these are quick and simple- but cute- sorry no one would model for me– and well- I look like a dork in hat;) (hair too short- none sitcks out- makes me look bald;)  which would be fine if I WERE bald… but I’m not and I have too much invested in hair dye to not let it be seen;) 

Can you do me a favor- I have a few friends (a bunch actually) with health issues that could use  prayer — a young woman, a new mom, a dad, a pastor.. my SIL and well my hubby too— seems like when it hist the fan— it really hits the fan and spreads.  thnx

 ps the boy’s face is still healing- looks like he’s a foot ball player now- down to dark marks under his eyes a aross his nose…. what a month!

 

Fade to…. Green? Well, we’re making progress. Harlot’s Un-original Hat Pattern

This boy is just a fount of knitting inspiration.  Please note- the nicely matching hat I’ve made for his big brother from “The Yarn Harlot’s” “Unoriginal” Hat Pattern.  (Actually- It just happened to match- I swear!)

 I used Berrocco’s Ultra Alpaca in some randomly stashed green color.  I held the yarn doubled and used a set of five US size 10.5  DPN’s.  This could very well be, the Hat of Christmas 07 around here.  It’s a nice knit (not boring- but still easy) and FAST….. Have I mentioned I like FAST?  Will be trying to work out a matching scarf pattern later. Then- I need to find a pattern for THIS.  That would be perfect for the middle boy.

I’m experimenting with Jaeger Natural Fleece on a size 11 for my potato headed, oldest son.  (boy has a huge head… just like his Dad;) It’s a very marled look- totally different than middle son’s hat.  Which is both good, and necessaary as they do not “Do”-matchy- matchy. 

I’ll also be working up a smaller version for the youngest… he DOES do matchy matchy;)

More pics later.  BTW… my down stream sp reently received a pkg and posted about it- she likey she likey. Whew.  Let’s just say our tastes are not exactly the same so I was REALLY glad she liked her goodies;)

Oh- and just for fun…. if my boys don’t clean their rooms before logging on to runescape…. I’m going to make them play a japanese girlie KNITTING GAME online.  No lie.

 

Pancakes, Pity and Debbie Mumm Traditions Yarn

The boy’s face is healing.  Unfortunately- the bruises look worse before they get better.  It doesn’t show well in the pic— but let’s just say, that in the battle with the coffee table- my little warrior was not triumphant.

No worries- he’s certainly workin’ the pity factor. I can barely look at him without feeling bad and like I should fix this boo-boo face- he is assured of pretty much whatever he wants.  And he knows it.

Today- it was pancakes.  “‘N butter and syrup”.  He also wanted them to be “famous” and put on the blog.  Hence the pancake post.

Yes- it made him feel better. He admits his face doesn’t actually HURT, unless he pokes  it. Stinker.  Cute stinker, but stinker, just the same.

As we are currently awaiting diminished bruising and swelling- a lot of knitting is getting done.  I “Accidently” cast on another chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. 

It’s an experiment in yellow.  I don’t like yellow. But- I do like black….. so we’re workin a bee/tiger thing here.  It’s a special gift for someone;) I’m using the Debbie Mumm Traditions Yarn available at Joann’s.    Using a US size 6 needle on this.  Turning out quite nice.

 More soon;)  After the swelling goes down.

And the pity factor wears off. ;)

 

DPN Holder Par Excellance!

 I take knitting with me EVERYWHERE.  In the car- to the store…the mall… everywhere. 

Knitters know, the best travel knitting is small, portable and with a pattern that can be memorized.  Socks, are perfect.  Except for the DPN’s poking through your bag and getting snapped in transit. 

No more.  This morning, on Ravelry-  I found a new product made right here, in Michigan.  The Knitzi.   It’s handmade from Great Lakes hardwood.  each end simply screws on and off- a slit in the side keeps the knitting and the DPNs perfectly safe inside.  No more snapped needles.  I also ordered the Knitzi bag- which perfectly holds my knit in progress and knitzi- perfect for putting in my purse or knitting bag.

I have used other types of DPN holders.  Elastic one with plastic caps- fine, but, I’ve also had them pop off while in my bag- resulting in lost and broken needles.  The elastic has also lost it’s stretch….

My new knitzi is quality.  Hand finished- smooth and light.  Available in loads of sizes and more styles are in the works…. I’ll be popping in their site to pick up a few more- I have an SP who’ll be needing one of these in her reveal pkg;)!

OK- I’m not affiliated or anything….. I’m just happy as could be with a new and innovative product- produced right here in Michigan!  Besides- they kindly upgraded me to “pony express”: shipping and a few hours after placing the order- my Knitzi was delivered to my front door! Turns out they are located within just a few miles of my house;) 

I’m always impressed when an order I place online arrives within a week… this was remarkable;)

Go ahead- pop over for a visit— you’ll love them;) 

And here’s a bonus- a beautiful FREE sock pattern! Twinkleberrys It’s your gift for stopping by their site!

I’m sensing Twinkleberry socks for Christmas! 

UPDATED- still loving the Knitzi- and my post is up at LACED WITH GRACE - Just call me twisted— or Crooked….,;)

 

secret pal 11 and knitting update

 Hunting socks for my guys- big and small;)

Thuja pattern from knitty.

 I used Moda Dea Washable wool-

Big socks- US #6’s as per pattern

For the tiny socks- I used US 3’s- cast on fewer stitches and knit to foot measurements- just use a multiple of 4- np.

 

 Easy to adapt- and finished both pair in just a couple of days.

Now- they will be ready for Noah’s first time out hunting with the big boys;)

(Daddy has taken them into the woods for the first time when they turned 5)  May need to make a Noah hat with some more of this wool- and probably mittens too;)  Can we really carry the matchy thing too far?  I think not

All the gooodies this weekend were not for someone else;)

The happiest package arrived from my (new) SP 11!!!!

A gorgeous new journal - (love the tooling on the cover) and beautiful silk bend mystical creation lace-weight!  There WAS chocolate… but well… there isn’t anymore;)

There is also an adorable yarn ball/ knitting needles stitch marker- WAY cute- THNX so much!  SP !!!!!!

 

Fiber Godmother, Mitered squares, Debbie Mumm “Traditions” and “Thuja” Anniversary Socks

 Happy Mail!  I participated in the “FiberGodmother” Swap- and wow!  A box that must have made my mail-person cringe… it was HEAVY!  

A Huge Thank You to : CATE!!!!

You can click through to flickr to see the descriptions- Suffice to say= YUMTASTIC!  Gorgeous handpaint roving..reading materials beautiful and cute stitch markers…..  CHOCOLATE… a Morsbag in an adorable sheepy print;)  Dark chocolate peanut M & M’s  A wonderful pkg- thnx  so much!

Mitered Squares Blanket from “Mason Dixon Knitting”  I’m using a new yarn- Debbie Mumm “Traditions” I found at JoAnn’s Etc (the mega store). 

Apparently- this yarn is tough to find- it’s a Jo-Ann brand- and seems to only be available at the bigger stores) but I must have had a lucky day;)

My goal with this project is to make a “fall” inspired throw.  The yarn’s color changes are lovely, and they are blending well together.  The yarn itself  has a few “quirks” mostly due to the type of yarn, not the quality.  It’s a loosely spun wool plied around an acrylic core.  Once in a while the wool “bunches up” and I have to smooth it out a bit with my hand.  Not a big problem.   There are also a few (2 or 3) knots in each ball- since I’m working in squares it doesn’t bug me-however-  if i were using it for a large- one piece project- it might. 

I’d compare it to noro transitions ( and other various noro’s) - minus the sticks and twigs.  Also- big plus-  this is only $5.99 a ball.  Another plus- I like the tonal variant here- better than the multi colors.

I’m knitting this on US 6 bamboo needles and I like the fabric.  I think I will be using the brown variegate for the mitered border….. But that’s open to change.  

Pumpkin Pie Quickie Thuja’s

US #6 DPN’s  (I’ll go down when I make these again)

Moda Dea Washable Wool in Tangerine  (Another nice surprise from JoAnn Etc)

These are “hunt socks” for my husband- thick- soft wool- to wear with his boots.  At  2 1/2 days to knit- really- how can you beat that?  What has taken me so long to knit this pattern? 

Will be casting on at least 2 more pair- for my other hunters- and will work up a tiny pair for the little guy;) 

Hmmm I may need some too;)

orange would be cute with my croc’s for fall;)

 

Mitered Square Blanket- New yarn review: Jo-Anne’s Debbie Mumm "Traditions"

 

Will someone please tell Michigan it’s fall?

Weird. Leaves are covering the grass. The early morning sky is misty. It LOOKS like Fall. But opening the door is enough to baffle your brain. Although it’s cold at night…. it’s 87 degrees or higher during the day!

Indian Summer? Global Warming?

Who knows. I’ve decided to just close the windows- turn on the air and pretend it actually IS fall.

In honor of fall- I started a new knit project. Mitered Squares blanket. From Mason-Dixon Knitting.

I’m using a surprisingly happy find from Jo Anne Etc. A new yarn line: Jo-Anne’s Debbie Mumm - “Traditions”

The yarn is an acrylic/wool blend. 85% acrylic 23% wool 2 percent “other”

 Hand washable- colors are great. Like Noro without the vegetation. Or the itch. Softer. With sheen.

A few knots here n there.

So far- Thumbs up.

US size 6 needles

 

Arachnids, wool moths and knit freakness. In which I spend 10 minutes avoiding my laundry.

While searching for my darning needle…to finish up a knitting project (shut up- you can’t ever find one either) I opened up a knit bag I haven’t used in a while. (hoping a long lost needle may be hiding there. There was.)

Inside, I also found a tiny, tumorous mass of white stringy threads….it ripped as I opened the bag….tiny white eggs fell out. I had visions of marching off to buy a deep-freezer big enough to hold my whole yarn stash….(we’re way past the freezer above the fridge size) I envisioned hours of shaking and beating….freezing and tossing…. (The time honored method of moth-egg removal from yarn).

Then, I spied a nasty, huge SPIDER running over to bite me (and probably kill me or harm my knitting hand, I’m sure.) Instead of my typical “KILL IT NOW, don’t ask questions!” response to spiders… I was relieved. Thrilled, actually. That it was a spider, and not a moth.

Apparently knitting has cured my fear of spiders. However, I have developed a rampant, replacement fear of MOTHS!

PS- no worries- my Dyson made short order of the knitbag invader. Although I think I’ll have my teen son empty it’s dust bin!