Showcase #2

December 10, 2005 By

Hello everybody! Welcome to today’s show. Hope you’re having a good day. Staying warm, or cool, depending where you are. Smile on your face. Spring in your step.

Johnny, why don’t you tell the people what they’re playing for!
Sounds good Bob. Heeeeeeereeeee’s SHOWCASE #2:

WOW Johnny! That’s a lot of swag – why don’t you break it down for the people.
Sure thing, Bob.

First up, you’ve got

THREE SKEINS OF MANOS DEL URUGUAY
#114 – BRAMBLE


That’s more than 400yds of luscious wool goodness. You’ve got enough there to make a pair of mittens and the lovely My So-Called Scarf. (At least that’s what I’m doing with my own three skeins.)

Next we have some wonderful Snowflake Bath Confetti in a vanilla bean and some Pine Tree Bath Confetti in a refreshing berry pine scent. Bob, throw some flakes in a warm bath, lay back with a nice hot toddy and Calgon! Take me away!

But wait! There’s more!

These cutie pie sheepys are free to a good home, Bob. They can either hang from your ears, or turn them into stitch markers to adorn your knits.

And finally, we’ve got a Lantern Moon project bag and of course, sheepy or flower cards. Winner’s Choice!

Thanks Johnny! Now here’s how you play. Answer the following question:

WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL

NAME OF THIS BLOG?

That’s right folks. This here blog had a DIFFERENT NAME when I first started it up. What was that name?

Now, here are the directions on how to answer:

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE EMAILED TO showcase2 AT januaryone DOT com. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. ANY ANSWERS LEFT IN THE COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED AND DISQUALIFIED. CONTEST ENDS AT 8PM EST MONDAY 12/12/05. ANY ANSWER RECEIVED AFTER THAT WILL BE DELETED. THE WINNER WILL BE PICKED AT RANDOM FROM CORRECT ENTRIES. WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON TUESDAY, 12/13/05. GOOD LUCK!

Ready. Set. GO!

Filed Under: Contest

Right Now

December 9, 2005 By

outside my window:

I just love seeing the pool filled with snow. It’s so ironic. When I woke up this morning the first thing I did was put on my glasses and bound over to the window to check out how much snow we got! And are still getting! Of course then I was deeply disappointed by the fact that I’m no longer ten. And I won’t be having a snow day. The grind calls and, alas, I must answer. I may bundle up and go for a walk though. I’ll take the camera with me, if I dare. Time to get out the plastic wrap! 😉

Have a great day! I hope there’s something fun, like snow, where you are!
L, C

Filed Under: Photographs

Jaywalker Four!

December 9, 2005 By

I’m starting the updates Thursday night and I’ve got the TV on my computer on – guess what’s a Jeopardy category tonight? That’s right! “J” Walking through History! So funny. I tried to get a screen shot but no luck. Did you know that one of our own knitbloggers is actually going to BE on Jeopardy? How cool is that? Go on over and wish J Strizzy some luck!

Okay! Let the updates begin!

~ Sounds like Ada‘s pair will be her only pair (hope your hand feels better), but look how gorgeous they are! One sock down, one to go.

~ I’m LOVING Alison‘s sock! Check out all that PINK! I love how the yarn is pooling. What are you using Alison? I couldn’t find it on the blog. Can’t wait to see the pair!

~ Angela‘s DONE! YAY! Look how great those socks look! The most important part: Angela LOVES them! That makes me happy.

~ Okay! Anne‘s a girl after my own heart! She finished one Jaywalker, and instead of moving onto the second one, she started a whole new pair! This time around she’s using Trekking – got to admit – it’s a different look for Jaywalker but I’m liking it!

~ Duh duh duh duh Another Bites the Dust! DUDE! I totally agree with you! This is THE rollerskating song! Sadly, though, this has a double meaning for Bethe. She finished her first sock, but it looks like she might have to rip it. And now she’s got to worry about the yarn-adge. Damn that STR! 😉 (What is that Bethe – Hard Rock? Your stripes look a lot different than mine – hope it all works out!)

~ YAY! Bethieee‘s got pictures this week!

~ BigLug‘s got us knitbloggers all mixed-up, but not her Jaywalkers! No siree bob – they are looking fantastico!

~ Bridget says she’s got one sock finished, but we’ll need photographic proof to believe her! 😉 Oh all right – I guess a finished pair will be good enough. Soon, right?

~ Hey! I’m next on the list! Look at that. Go check out the saga. It’s a good one.

~ Carol‘s got lots of socks, but only ONE jaywalker. Check it out!

~ No Pooling BAYBEE! Christy altered the pattern a bit, but they still rock! Loving the stripes!

~ Corrina! YOU WILL PREVAIL! Show that sock who’s boss! Go give Corrina some support. Jaywalker and Sock Garden seem to be conspiring against her.

~ Gail chimes in from Portland: “I finished one sock with 60 stitches cast on. A little snug over the heel, but quite comfy once on all the way. I’m about half-way down the cuff of the second sock, so far so good!” Whoa nelly! Everyone’s complaining about how tight the socks are and you’re casting on FEWER stitches? Can’t wait to see these! Have fun in SanFran!

~ Thanks to all your votes, Helen‘s chosen a yarn! Now get knitting Helen!

~ Yo! Jane! Who you calling a Jaywalker Fanatic! Just you wait! Once you put that pretty pair of Koigu socks on your feet – I’ll bet you’re a goner too! 😉

~ Jess has a finished sock! SWEET!

~ I’m just loving Jessica‘s STR colorway! It’s gorgeous! Things seem to be going well now – the sock looks great.

~ Kandy‘s new to the KAL! Go say hi! Oh and Kandy Darling, 11 skeins of STR does not an obsession make. Take it from me. I know. It’s a noble start though. 😉 Can’t wait to see a sock!

~ Karen‘s started on her second sock – but screw the socks. ONLY SEVEN DAYS UNTIL DISNEYLAND! WHOOHOO! Have a great trip Karen!

~ THIS is too incredible NOT TO MISS! (Which of course I did on the first run through.) Check out Kathy‘s new progress, and the story she has to tell.

~ Laura‘s jaywalker is looking grand, befitting a celebrity. 😉 She’s using Moda Dea Sassy Stripes sock yarn, in colors Crush and Lucky. Oh and Laura? Give a big thank you to that brother-in-law of yours!

~ Lauren‘s DONE! And while we don’t have any photographic proof, I did run into her on Saturday, quite by accident (how’s this for funny – she recognized me because I was knitting on my jaywalker. BEHOLD THE POWER!) and she showed me her sock. Lorna’s Laces. Very lovely. C’mon Lauren! Send a picture!

~ Lcord‘s sock in Trekking 107 are wonderful! The colors are great and I have to tell you Lcord, I think you made the right decision. While the Fleece Artist is pretty, I prefer the bolder stripes.

~ OCD strikes again! Leah had a nice start to her Knitpicks Sock Garden Jaywalkers in Geranium, only to find that she did a 1×1 rib instead of the 2×2 the pattern calls for. Rib Rip for her! Sorry Leah – but I totally understand!

~ Check out that arch! Lisa‘s got one finished!

~ Ah Margene. Margene. Margene. Margene. My wonderful friend Margene. Looks like we got a winner know, no? I hope so. I so want this to work for you. And for me. But mostly for you. Can a sock really be as wonderful as I think it is if the Zen Master doesn’t like it? Something to ponder. Amen.

~ Get down, boogie oogie oogie oogie! Get down! Maritza‘s Electric Boogaloo socks are DONE! Stick a fork in em’! And while the name may be disco, the socks definitely ROCK!

~ Now that Mel worked out her needle issues, things are humming along!

~ Why are there so many songs about rainbows and what’s on the other side? Sock yarn, Kermie. Sock yarn! Lorna’s Laces to be specific. They’re looking good Melissa! I kinda like the pooling going on. Can’t wait to see them finished.

~ Oh Melissa! Pictures please! That LL Ravenswood sounds so nice.

~ Go tell Mimsie that we’re all a really nice bunch and that KAL are just letters, not a lifestyle! Knit, don’t knit – you’re still allowed in the club. I mean c’mon – you’re knitting with STR! That alone guarantees you membership. 😉

~ Another one blaming me! Hey Nancy! Think how much fun it will be when you go back to those “normal” size needles! Size 6s are like knitting with tree trunks!

~ Uh Oh. Is it time to get out the scale again? Tell Naomi what you think. Will she make it? THIS JUST IN: Looks like Naomi’s going a different route – The ribbing, heel and toe in one color, the body in something colorful. Things are just starting to get interesting….

~ Natalia has the toe-up version all written out. I find the heel flap and gusset on a toe-up SO interesting. I might just have to try it – especially since I’m not a fan of the short row heel. Thanks for your efforts Natalia!

~ Sigh. Patty‘s asking that age old question. To rip or not to rip. Patty, I can assure you, if we ever should meet I will tell you that your Jaywalkers are gorgeous – flaws or no flaws. You made them – therefore they’re perfect! 🙂

~ Renata‘s gone all kinds of crazy with her NEW PAIR OF JAYWALKERS. Alas, these are for her sister (keep them keep them keep them.) But have no fear, she’s already cast on for another pair! Do I smell another convert? Both of her pairs are in STR. Hmmm. She’s got some other STR to trade – anyone interested? Go on over and let her know.

~I’m an ass. Rosemary and I emailed a bunch of times about her jaywalkers and I still forgot to add her to the original updates. DUH. Please forgive me. Now go on over and tell her how great the sock looks. Go! Now! Don’t make me feel bad!

~ Sarah Gilmored and Jaywalked in the same evening – now that’s what I call a good night!

~ Oh! Oh! Oh! It’s MAGIC! Stacey learned the magic loop technique to make her Jaywalkers. Looking good!

~ BEST.SAVE.EVER! Teresa‘s done and they are SPECTACULAR! Go play her contest. I’ll give you a clue. It’s not pink.

~ Well tgz – at least you had fun learning, right? Didn’t fit. But she’s starting over! Way to go! You’ll have that first sock done in no time!

That’s all I’ve got! Forgive me if I’ve missed you – let me know in the comments. Have a great Friday!

Filed Under: Jaywalker KAL

Letting It All Hang Out

December 8, 2005 By

Scout tagged me (and I think everyone else) for her new meme – show your knitting space. Not so easy at Chez Une d’Janvier. I know that some people will have cleaned/straightened up their house, but well, frankly, I don’t have time for that these days. And really – why not let it all hang out! (And yes. G knows I’m posting pictures of our squalor on the Internet.)

We’ll start with the living room – where I do a lot of my knitting.


Numbers are counterclockwise from the far left:

1. This is where I usually sit when I knit. I put my feet up on the ottoman (currently covered with work contracts and invoices.) Note the lone size #1 DPN – I find it very helpful in moving stitches around on my two circulars and picking up stitches and stuff. I think there’s a sweat jacket there too. I get cold sometimes.

2. This is where G sits. His legs are on the ottoman too. He constantly yells at me to stop “sewing” and come snuggle. I usually tell him just let me finish the row.

3. This bag contains the yarn I just bought from Purl on Saturday with the girls.

4. Here we have the infamous scale. The broken swift. The ball winder. Some wound up yarn. If you look on the floor right below the table you can see the yarn scraps used to tie up skeins.

5. My Diamond Fantasy Shawl

6. Assorted yarns. The Koigu is here, but you can’t really see it. Some package wrappings from the mail. All the Rhinebeck yarn is here and on the floor in front of couch. Most of it’s in bags. Oh and the Curious Georges all live here.

7. My Flower Basket Shawl and behind that is my first project – a 5’x6′ four color slip stitch afghan. Yeah. I’m ambitious.

8. All of my Rhinebeck receipts.

9. Socks That Rock. ‘Nuff said.

10. Here we find a bunch of notions: tapestry needle, Obsidian to fix the Carbon sock, Nancie Wiseman’s The Knitter’s Book of Finishing Techniques. A million different cuticle scissors that I can never find when I need them.

11. This is the great leather basket I have that holds all the abandoned projects. Right on top – Short Rows. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.

My house is a mess, obviously. But I do clean! Or I used to sort of. The last time I cleaned was when Vicki was here and that was half assed at best. Once I’m done with my work, I’m going to get the house in order enough so I can hire someone to clean. We used to have someone, but we had to fire her like two years ago. It’s been a mess ever since.

Okay. Here’s another picture. This is the yarn/knitting photography staging area. It’s in the dining room on the other side of the living room (it’s an open floor plan.)


I get good light by the silding glass door out to the balcony and I usually use that big (heavy too) slab of wood to take the pictures on. When it’s nice I take the slab out onto the deck and shoot. See the big green thing – that’s our beloved Patio Bistro. This thing rocks – and it’s electric! We can’t have gas on our balconies. Also, the wind here is very bad – our chairs literally blow around. That’s why the grill is in the house – G wants to protect it. Once, a bird built a nest under the grill. The cover was longer and it gave her shelter I guess. Her name was Fotula. She laid two eggs and in a tragic accident, the whole freaking nest blew around the balcony and the little eggs were left abandoned. The whole thing was very, very sad for us.

Last knitting space: the bedroom:


This is my side of the bed. Notice my blanket on my pillow? On the floor we have a ton of knitting books, yarn, needles, patterns, the last K1R2 book I was reading, head phones for watching TV late at night while G’s asleep, the abandoned Sunshine Sock. There’s my January One bag I made for Maryland. Sometimes I get really paranoid about all the crap on the side of my bed because it’s right in front of the heating/cooling unit (see the door?) which at any given time has a couple tons of water running through it. These things break apparently. You’re always seeing/hearing about floods around the building because people don’t check their hoses. We do. These units are old, but sometimes I have daydreams about the pipes bursting and ruining everything I have on the floor next to the bed. Guess it doesn’t scare me enough to do anything about it though.

So there you have it! That’s where I knit! Kind of scary, I know, but somehow we manage to live here. It’s all getting on my nerves a lot lately, but I’m stuck in the office all day and barely come up for air. But I’m starting to not be able to find things and that’s such a time waster running around the house cursing and screaming because I can’t find what I need at that particular moment.

Consider yourself tagged.

Filed Under: blogging stuff

I am not immune.

December 7, 2005 By

Call it hubris. Call it naivete. Call it what ever you want, but I was crazy to think it wouldn’t happen to us. No relationship is perfect and the sooner I learn that the better. Sure, we work hard at what we’ve got. Sure, I’m all singing at the top of my lungs about fate and love and love and more love. But sometimes that’s not enough. Sometimes going the extra yard or two can really make a difference. I’d like to think I’m learning my lesson. But that doesn’t make it hurt any less.

At 1:39AM, with Georgie sleeping blissfully unaware beside me, I ran out of Socks That Rock yarn.


It was bound to happen. Who was I to think I could get away with such perfection? Other people have had problems, why would I think I was different? Look, I know schaudenfreude is alive and well on the Internets (and two fold in real life) and there will be people out there sitting back in their seats smiling smugly at the fact that I RAN OUT OF YARN. Go ahead. Have your laugh. I forgive you. I’m laughing myself. It was dumb luck that I bought this great yarn and found this great pattern and cast on and never looked back. EVERY DAY I get emails asking about gauge and fit and yarn and I really don’t have any answers. I never checked my gauge on this pattern. I just knit the socks and it worked. FOR ME. Everybody knits differently. Every skein of yarn is a skank unto itself. We’re all like delicate knitted snowflakes. No two socks are a like.

Enough. This is how much yarn was left:


I had literally THREE ROUNDS LEFT! Two knit rounds and one decrease. At the taking of the picture there were 32 stitches total on the needles. Lucky for me, I’ve got a great big STR stash so I just went in and picked up some Obsidian and pulled a couple of yards and finished the sock. There’s no way you can tell. NO WAY. Go ahead – see if you know which foot it is….



There they are. My third pair of Jaywalker socks in Socks That Rock yarn, Carbon colorway, size #1 Addi Turbos – small size of the Jaywalker pattern. (Links in the sidebar.)

ETA: Okey dokey – it totally must have been something in the cosmos last night – Rosemary ran out at ALMOST THE EXACT SAME SPOT I DID! I think I got one extra round on her. VERY WEIRD. Also I have it ON EXCELLENT AUTHORITY that starting in the New Year (or thereabouts) the NEW PUT UP of SOCKS THAT ROCK will be 360 yds! WhooHOO! Great news! Thanks Tina and Kaci!

You can bet your sweet ass I’ll be casting on for another pair today. I think instead of going back to Hard Rock, I’m going with Azurite instead. Switch it up a little. (Oh let’s be honest. I’m a little bit too stressed to have to worry about running out of yarn again! 😉 )

Filed Under: Carbon Jaywalkers

You’re ALL Winners in My Book!

December 6, 2005 By

Have you been sitting on the edge of your seat? I’m posting a bit later today – am I driving you crazy? First off, thanks everyone for coming out to play. This one was a gift (well they’re all technically gifts, but I’m going to make you work a little harder next time.) First, Bob, let’s review Showcase #1:

We’ve got two skeins (450yds total) of SOCKS THAT ROCK in the Pebbles colorway, a Lantern Moon project bag, a glow in the dark sheepy (ask Margene – she’ll tell you – it REALLY glows in the dark) and some super cute sheepy earrings/stitch markers. (They will be real easy to make into stitch markers – just add a jump ring instead of a hook.) Oh and some sheep cards or flower cards, depending on what the winner wants. I had to order new stock, so no pictures right now.

And there you go Bob. Showcase #1. Thanks Johnny. We’ll be back to annouce the winner after this short commercial break.

La la la la la. Hey – want to see something funny? While I was out with my peeps on Saturday, G tried to do some home repair. Thanks honey! When I came home he pulled me into the den/guest room/work out room and showed me this:

I said, “Oh. Max will love that.” And he said, “Well. They only had one.” My goofy Georgie! He loves his Spidey night light. When I asked him if I could blog it he said, “You better.” Awww.

HA ha ha Johnny. And I said to the cat – don’t worry, I’ve been spayed! Ha ha ha – oh we’re back on the air? Let’s review. That’s two skeins STR. One Lantern Moon bag. Glow in the dark Sheep. And Sheepy earrings/stitch markers.

Look how cute!
Johnny – tell us who won!

NATHANIA!

Congratulations Nathania! Send me your address and the prize will go out in a bit. Tune in next Saturday, for more fabulous games and prizes!

~+~+~+~

Thanks for all the kind comments about my appointment yesterday. It went okay – my doctor is a sympathetic person – she just can’t wrap her head around why someone – who’s gone through all that we’ve had – would stop things at the final stage. And I can’t help her understand because I’m not sure I understand myself. It is what it is. I needed the pap and that’s done. Everything else is good. Although I’m a little bit pissed that she now considers me high risk – meaning I pumped myself full of all those drugs and hormones and to quote her “we don’t know what that stuff does to you” so she puts me in the high risk category. For cancer I guess or anything else that’s out of the ordinary. I understand being proactive, but I think that’s a little bit too much. Put together with my family history, I’m probably no more at risk than someone who took birth control pills for ten years or something – and I know plenty of people like that. Whatever. I may not go back to her. We’ll see. I do need a baseline mammogram. Guess I’m really getting old, huh. Edited to clarify: I’ve been going to my doctor for years, and for years I LOVED her. She was very proactive with my infertility testing when other doctors would have poopooed me and pointed me back to the bedroom. I understand that she can’t understand – and I feel for her. She wants to help me and she doesn’t know how besides to say go and get pregnant. And to a certain extent she’s right. A lot of my issues are MY issues. I may search out another doctor, but this is a complex situation and even the most compassionate of people can get very confused. I appreciate your good thoughts. Thank you.

I was up really late last night – no knitting involved. But I got A LOT of picture work done and I can barely see the light at the end of the tunnel – it’s there – however dim. Back to the grind. Thanks everyone for playing!!!!

Filed Under: Contest

Warm Hand, Warm Heart

December 5, 2005 By

This is going to be one of those long, rambling, picture heavy posts. Consider yourself warned.

Huh. Who’d a thunk? Telling people they might have a chance at free yarn on the Internets is the same as yelling fire in a crowded movie theater. They don’t walk, they RUN! I’m sorry if anyone got trampled. Oh and don’t say I didn’t give you anything. Trust me. The answers won’t be so easy next time. For one thing, I’m going to make you email me the answer. NO CHEATING. You know who you are. That’s all I’m saying. 😉

So far I’m having a really great weekend. It’s not over yet (it’s Sunday night around 9:43.) Georgie’s making tacos and I just diced the tomatoes which was UBER FUN with G’s better-than-an-ipod type thing. It’s great to hear the music he’s got going – not all of them are my favorites, but they’re all SO G. Work wise, I’m fucked this weekend. I did manage to do a first read of stories for class this week and I folded a buttload of clothes, but I didn’t do ANY picture work which is really, really bad.

Why? I’ll tell you.
Saturday I met up with those amazing girls from Boston – Wendy, Elisa and Kellee! YAY! I met them at Macy’s and we immediately headed up to M&J Trimmings. Great buttons. Maybe better than Tenderbuttons. I WILL be going there next time I need some. I called Kay while we were there to tell her where we were so she could meet up and the first thing she asked was did you see the tape dispensers. It was the first thing I noticed. All of the tape dispensers were covered with ribbon and buttons and sequins and were the best darn tape dispensers I’ve ever seen. So pretty. Of course I don’t have a picture for you because the I didn’t bring my camera. Wendy was the only one taking pictures and I don’t know if she did or not. You’ll have to ask her.

It’s not about 9AM, in case you’re keeping score.

From there we made our way in the direction of Rockefeller Center. Because that’s exactly where I want to be on December 3rd – three days after they lit the damn tree – but SOMEONE insisted. And dudes, ask her how close she got to that freaking tree! RIGHT UNDERNEATH IT BABY! But I digress. On our walk we came upon Bryant Park – right behind the main NY Public Library (the one in Ghostbusters 😉 ). They had their annual holiday bazzar thing going on and I bought a few fun things for blog gifts. Look for them in future Showcases! Then we went Chipotle, apparently a delicacy unavailable in Boston, for a very nice lunch. While we were eating, we mapped our plan of attack. Literally. Did anyone get a picture of the map? Wait! I might have it!

I know it’s small, but can you make out Purl and Dinner?

Okay, so the plan was to head up to Rock Center – to see the tree blahblahblah – and head to Kinokuniya Bookstore. While they didn’t have the book (they were heavy on crochet), I did manage to pick up some more cute stuff for Showcase gifts.

We met up with a couple of friends of Wendy’s there and headed out to Habu. Where I had one of my first blogger in public moments. I wasn’t really interested in buying anything at Habu (my third time there – the first time I spent my fortune) and I was sitting on the floor knitting my Jaywalker when someone said, “Cara?” I looked up and immediately felt awful – because I had no idea who the woman was. I feel like if someone knows me – I should know them, right? Anyway – all was good when Lauren introduced herself. Lauren doesn’t have a blog, but she reads this one and I sent her some yarn she needed a few weeks ago and she’s in the Jaywalker KAL too! What a coincidence. Can I just say, Lauren was wearing THE MOST GORGEOUS wrap – from Scarf Style I think – the entrelec one? Gorgeous. We compared Jaywalkers and Lauren had to go – I think she was a little more freaked than I was running into us. Thanks for stopping Lauren! Hopefully we’ll run into each other again.

Sadly Lauren pointed out my one and only real fuck up of the day as tour guide – I didn’t know that School Products closed early on Saturday, so we missed it. Next time girls.

After they oohed and ahhed and bought, we headed down to Purl. On the subway. YAY! Purl was packed. I grabbed a seat and worked on my sock while the girls shopped as best they could. I ended up with some purchases, but they’re mainly gifts so no pictures. I was pretty good this shopping trip. I only bought one skein of yarn for myself – and that was to supliment what I already had – more on that later.

With Purl out of the way, we headed down to Seaport – I planned that stop last because it was pretty close to where we were going to eat dinner. I was PARTICULARLY proud of myself here – we got on the subway – and I managed to get us to the stop that was AROUND THE CORNER from the store. Lucky us because I always get lost down there and we were running short on time. Seaport’s where I spent the most money – but only because I bought enough Addi Turbos to have a Jaywalker on the needles for every day of the week. I’m only half kidding. The girls had fun – Elisa at one point buried herself in a pile of Cherry Tree Hill. There’s picture evidence of this so check around.

Then it was off to dinner! I’ve blogged about this restaurant before – Gigino’s. For anyone in the NYC area – it’s a must hit. Kay was there before us and we had a great table in the back corner – perfect for five hungry giggly girls. Kay had a bottle of wine waiting as well – what was it Kay? I couldn’t remember and wanted to tell G. We ate and talked and laughed and we were warm and cozy and it was the perfect ending to the perfect day.

Or it would’ve been if we hadn’t tried to leave without paying. I’ll let someone else tell that story. 😉 Suffice it say, everything’s good and I assured G that we can still show our faces there.

Girls – I hope you got home okay?! You did’t let me know like you promised! It was so, so good to see you all and hang out and I wasn’t anxious at all and I love you. Come back soon! And Kay – lunch when I’m calmer. Two weeks maybe? Love you too!

Because I don’t want this to get out of hand – I’m going to an extended entry. It’s picture heavy, so click if you want. Thanks for visiting – I totally understand – if you don’t. Have a great day!

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Photographs, Warm Hands Mittens

Showcase #1

December 3, 2005 By

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES…C’MON!

It’s time for our first SHOWCASE! As you know, every Saturday between now and my birthday I will be giving away some wonderful prizes, all in celebration of BIRTHDAY MONTH! Each week you will have to answer a question that relates to MEMEMEMEMEMEMEME (c’mon – it’s all about ME!) and each correct answer in the comments will be eligible for the random drawing on Monday night. Contest winners will be announced on Tuesday morning.

Alright JOHNNY! Tell the people what they’ll win!

That’s right folks! It’s some coveted SOCKS THAT ROCK, but wait – what’s that I see? TWO SKEINS? Over here at January One we don’t discriminate. We know there are some unfortunate people out there with BIG ASS FEET! (or as Ann likes to say – she has a big ass AND big feet. didum dum.) Here we have

450 GLORIOUS YARDS of Pebbles Socks That Rock!

But, BOB, that’s not all!

Today I will be out galavanting with some mighty cool chicks. Rumor has it there will be shopping involved. I will be adding to the prize package – maybe I will update, maybe I will SURPRISE your ass. But however it goes, you got to be in it TO WIN IT! Here’s this week’s question:

WHAT CITY WAS I BORN (TO RUN) IN?

All correct answers in the comments please will be eligible to win! The answer is buried deep in the blog. Look hard, little grasshopper! 😉

And the retail value on this particular showcase is….PRICELESS! (It’s YARN people – isn’t all yarn priceless?)

Ready, set, go!

PS – When you’re done guessing here – go on over to Larissa’s and help a girl out. She wants you to take a survey and be eligible to WIN MORE PRIZES!

Filed Under: Contest

Mememememememememe!

December 2, 2005 By

Stolen from Vicki:

TEN random things you might not know about me
1. I bite my nails, but only for grooming purposes, not for nervousness purposes.
2. I don’t like prime numbers and I often add up numbers to make sure they’re ok, i.e. even.
3. I sleep with my blanket, which I’ve had since I was born.
4. I have a collection of erotic fiction. I like the Herotica series best.
5. I was once a PhD student specializing in Theological Existentialism and Kierkegaard, although I really liked Martin Buber too.
6. My parents split up two years ago right after my 34th birthday. Divorce sucks balls for the kids, no matter how old they are when it happens.
7. I once blew out a tire going 95mph on the New Jersey Turnpike. I was probably listening to Bruce.
8. In order to conceive a child, my husband and I must use ART. Please don’t tell me miracles can happen – like if we just relax. I think science IS a miracle.
9. I am a self-taught photographer.
10. I have two nephews, two nieces and two great nieces. Being an Aunt is one of the greatest joys of my life.

NINE places I’ve visited
1. Mackinac Island (once)
2. Yellowstone National Park
3. Ibiza
4. Israel
5. Venice
6. Toledo (the one in Spain)
7. Newfane, Vermont
8. LaQuinta, California
9. The Big Island, Kona Coast.

EIGHT ways to win my heart
1. Indulge my crazinesses.
2. Do the dishes.
3. Laugh at my jokes.
4. Touch my back before I fall asleep at night.
5. Giggle uncontrollably.
6. Sing to me.
7. Look at me that way.
8. (Because I’m NOT easy…) Bring me gummy bears and/or Junior Caramels.

SEVEN things I want to do before I die
1. Have a baby and be a mother.
2. Publish at least one other story.
3. Maybe, if I’m lucky, publish a whole collection of stories. Like, you know, in a book.
4. See The Garden of Earthly Delights by El Bosco, in person, at The Prado. The first time we went it was out being cleaned.
5. Come to a true peace with myself and my anxiety.
6. Hire a chef and have them cook for me and my husband. Fuck our friends! 😉
7. Knit a fair isle short row sweater.

SIX things I’m afraid of
1. Having a baby and being a mother.
2. Flying.
3. Driving by myself out of my comfort zone – which can change at any time.
4. Heights.
5. Small spaces.
6. Bascially anything my sick, twisted mind can dream up to torture me with. So really, myself.

FIVE things I don’t like
1. Fundamentalism in any shape or form. Right, Left, Black, White, any EXTREME.
2. Dishonesty.
3. SUVs.
4. Housework.
5. The horrifically disproportionate sense of entitlement in American Culture.

FOUR ways to turn me off
1. Be unbending.
2. Lie to me.
3. Fake it. Anywhere.
4. Talk to me disrepectfully.

THREE things I do every day
1. Laugh.
2. Tell someone I love them.
3. Hug and be hugged.

TWO things that make me happy
1. Knitting.
2. Being goofy. Goofiness is terribly underated.

ONE thing on my mind right now
1. Georgie. He’s calling me to come to sleep.

Filed Under: Life

Jaywalker Three!

December 2, 2005 By

Wow! This updating stuff is hard work. I’ll start off with the promised Jaywalker FAQ. I asked Grumperina what she thought were the most important issues, and this is what she wrote me:

Please gently remind the knitters that the pattern promises, “The stitches are placed on a bias, which creates a snug, droop-less fit,” and delivers! I viewed this as a big plus, but of course it’s only a big plus if the person is getting the right gauge, and a sock that’s the right size.

Let the knitters know they should not plan to have any negative ease ease – if the foot is 9″ around, the sock should also be 9″ around. If it’s any smaller, yes, they’ll have trouble getting it over their ankle.

Yarn choice makes a difference. Yarns with nylon, mohair, cotton are less stretchy than pure wool yarns or yarns with elastic. By that fact alone, socks made from wool/mohair will not be as pleasant to get on the footsie as identical 100% merino wool socks.

Going up a needle size and/or knitting the larger pattern size (if possible) are great first steps to get a bigger Jaywalker. However, this won’t solve problems 100% of the time because sometimes going up a needle size doesn’t result in a nice sock fabric, and perhaps the knitter is already knitting the bigger size.

**If the knitter is making the smaller size, leaving yarn and needles and gauge the same, BUT knitting the bigger pattern size will increase the sock diameter by about 10%. This is an easy first solution to get the right fit!**

No matter the solution, I *strongly* recommend trying on the socks-in-progress frequently. Actually, all knitting! No reason to plow ahead if you can already determine the outcome won’t be any good 😉 .

ETA: Kathy has graciously added UPSIZING! She’s got instructions for TWO LARGER SIZES! Also, Natalia’s written out instructions for doing the Jaywalkers toe-up. Thank you both!

What do I have to add? Well, the most important thing I can say is the socks WILL BE TIGHT! They are snug over the heel. They do give a little bit with wear, but my socks, which I’ve been wearing a lot, still have to be sort of tugged over the heel. Once on though, they fit perfectly. Also, if you think 76 stitches is a lot – because you normally cast on for a much smaller number with your other sock patterns – DO NOT WORRY! The ribbing won’t be too big – it will be pulled in by the pattern and the socks will miraculously stay up on your leg. The pattern really NEEDS the extra stitches. I normally cast on for 64 stitches – I’m perfectly fine with the 76. 😉

Also, there have been some questions about the bar increases. Here are a couple of links to help out with this:
completed bar increase – scroll down the page
bar increase video – continental knitting
bar increase video – english knitting

That should answer most of the questions we’ve been getting. Feel free to let us know if we’ve missed something.
Okay. On to the updates. If I missed you, I’m really, really sorry. I’ve been trying to go through all the blogs and updating as the week goes on, but sometimes I miss stuff. If I’ve got wrong information for you, please let me know that as well.

We’ve got THREE FINISHED PAIRS this week! YAY! JAYWALK ON!

~Ada‘s on her second start, but things are working out just peachy this time around!

~Angela‘s praying for stripes. C’MON STRIPES! (Oh and she’s knitting with Knit Picks Sock Garden in Stargazer Lily.)

~Anita‘s fast walkin’ in her brand new Jaywalkers! She made her pair in Lorna’s Laces, Purple Iris. Beautiful!

~Anne went home for the holidays and started her wonderful Opal Handpainted Jaywalkers. People liked them so much she was taking orders! Go Anne!

~Anne‘s got a nice start on some hot pink Jaywalkers!

~Bethe got in a bit of trouble jaywalking – but let’s hope she’s back on track now. No crosswalks for you ROCK STAR!

~Bethieee has all her KAL updates in one place. So organized! But, but, where are the pictures?! I want to see pictures!

~Blueadt‘s back on track with her Opal Tiger Jaywalkers!

~Bridget‘s moving right along – she’s probably got a finished sock by now!

~Cece‘s cursing me, but c’mon – you know you love it! She’s adding yet another pair of socks to her arsenal! Yay!

~Christy‘s got some subtle blue zigzags going on with her jaywalker version – she’s using Tess’s Designer Yarn. Looking good!

~Cori hasn’t been working on socks because she’s been working on something a whole lot more important and a helluva lot harder. Go wish her congratulations! And I swear there’s something in the water in blogland.

~Debi is making, by far, the MOST EXPENSIVE socks ever! Lucky for us they’re Jaywalkers and they’re gorgeous. Go tell her how gorgeous and make her feel a bit better about the generosity of knitters.

~Eunny‘s got a finished pair and they’re GORGEOUS! She used Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun & Stripes and striped they are – perfectly striped. When do you start your next pair? You know, Jaywalkers are like potato chips. You can’t have just one! (Apparently I liked them so much I commented THREE times!)

~Holly says she’s unofficial, but she’s on the list – so that means she’s IN! Check out her jaywalker in Tess’s Designer Yarn – she’s doing a short row heel for anyone that’s interested in that particular modification. Welcome to the club Holly!

~Hopefully Jennifer has come out of her anitbiotic induced haze to work some more on her beautiful Opal Handpainted Jaywalkers. Hope you’re feeling better Jennifer – and great IKEA building!

~Jess‘s sock in Lorna’s Laces Bittersweet is anything but bitter and oh so sweet!

~Even though Jessica‘s having some gauge problems – my god that Socks That Rock color is to die for! It’s one of Tina’s special oops blends. if only we could bottle our mistakes – especially when they come out so freaking perfect!

~Helen needs your help. She can’t decide which yarn to use for her jaywalkers and the whole thing has stalled. GO VOTE!

~Kaci‘s sock ROCKS! She used Azure Malachite for this one, but isn’t genetically engineered to make a pair using the same colorway. She threatens the second sock will be in the rarely seen Fred Flinstone.

~Karen‘s making great progress – she’s about to finish one sock – and look what’s at the top of her December goals! Jaywalker socks for the New Year!

~Kathy was busy over her Thanksgiving break. She found out she needed glasses, got a pain in the ass – literally – and jaywalked! Hope you can see to feel better!

~KathyB is running out of yarn too! But I have to say, I’m glad she’s running out of Koigu. Well, I’m not glad. Not at all. I’m relieved. Relieved she isn’t running out of STR. I feel so responsible when that happens! Anyway, enough about me! If anyone has some KPPM p411 lot #34 that they can spare, Kathy will be very appreciative!

~We’ve got a celebrity in our midst! Laura! In the Newspaper! And her jaywalkers are excellent – what yarn are you using Laura? I couldn’t figure it out. And what’s your mitten pattern? I want to make a pair and I’m searching for a pattern. Thanks!

~Lauren was all ready to give up. She was going to finish her jaywalker, but pass it on to her daughter. BUT I SAID NO! Just because it’s a little tight over your heel – that’s nothing. Finish it for yourself! And she did. And even though they are a little bit tight getting them on, they’re completely comfortable to wear. She says, “You encouraged me to persevere and I did. Happily….Thanks for urging me to press on with making the socks for me (as opposed to my eight-year-old).” Now get crackin’ on that second sock!

~Libbylu finished her Jaywalkers! She used Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun & Stripes and here’s the proof:

~Liz is channeling Goldilocks: the third time is just right. Lorna’s Laces in Ice House. How wintery!

~Maggi‘s got the STR wound up and ready to go! I say rip the socks on the circulars off and start the jaywalkers!

~Wow! When Manda says photos, she means photos. Sadly we might not see her jaywalkers for awhile – it looks like they might be a gift, but what’s that I see? A Diamond Fantasy Shawl?! Another JanuaryOne favorite. Hmm…maybe we should do a KAL for that…. SOMEONE STOP ME!!!!

~Margene, zen sock knitter extraordinnaire, has started her pair in some wonderful Koigu. She says she likes to live dangerously, but she’s definitely taking the safe route with her Koigu. C’mon Margene! Break out the STR! I’ll pay your bail!

~Maritza‘s in the holiday spirit! She’s got one down on her X-Mas ROCK colorway from STR! Electric Boogaloo indeed.

~May makes it in just under the wire with this report: “Just finished my jaywalker socks! They’re fabulous – it will be hard to part with them, but they’re promised to my sister for Xmas. Luckily I have a pair in STR watermelon tourmaline lined up for myself! First ever knitalong is a success! Yay! Thanks for the inspiration ; )” You are quite welcome May! Now where are the pictures? Send them to me and I’ll post them next week!

~Melissa‘s making great progress with her jaywalker in Lorna’s Laces Rainbow colorway. See, now, with Jaywalkers even Lorna’s Laces pooling looks fab!

~Nancy‘s got the monkey’s approval on the start of her jaywalkers – they look like comfy old jeans. But they’re socks. Socks That Rock that is, so they feel even better than comfy old jeans.

~Naomi started her Jaywalkers on the train up to New York (Hey! Do you think we passed on the way? I was heading to Philly!) She’s opting for different colored heels and toes – can’t wait to see that. But really I’m just interested in the Junior’s cheesecake. YUMMM!

~Have you been reading Natalia‘s blog? She’s got some really great posts on doing the Jaywalkers toe-up. Check it out! Thank you Natalia!

~Pixie‘s socks are fading in the most delicious way. But the sock looks so lonely on that knee. Go say hi! But maybe it’s not lonely, maybe it’s like spy cam or something – what are those people eating over there?

~Purlpower‘s going purple with her pair. Check them out!

~Sarah is so sweet. She’s says I’ve totally inspired her! I’m so glad! She’s started a pair in some grey/green/blue Sockotta – she claims they’re nothing fancy, but we’ll be the judge of that! Show us your sock!

~I feel totally resposible for the fact that Teresa ran out of Socks That Rock. I’m SO SORRY! But it looks completely and utterly beautiful in Rhodonite. I’m sure you’ll figure it out girl! I HAVE FAITH!

~Way to go Tgz! You’re doing great! This is Tgz’s first sock, so encourage her!

~Wannietta‘s been getting tons of compliments on her berry flavored Jaywalkers. Can’t say I blame them – very nice!

Thanks everyone for playing! See you next week!

Filed Under: Jaywalker KAL
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