It was a battle befitting the greatest heroes of Marvel and DC Comics: Master Blackhead vs the Hydra Stash. Each time he moved a 20 gallon bag of yarn, 9 more large bags of yarn sprang forth. Fighting furiously, Master Blackhead battled the ever-growing frontal assault of P.I.G.S. (projects in grocery sacks) and soon found himself flanked by the forces of Y.I.Z. (yarn in ziplocs). His only escape would be to build the shelves faster and faster and faster. Soon the (saw)dust began to fly as Master Blackhead valiently continued his efforts to assemble shelf after shelf. In the blink of an eye, the tide of battle turned, and in a coup-de-grace he connected the shelves and the yarn was tamed.
Flashback to yesterday: MamaSara and I went to 2 Targets, Thomasville, and Ethan Allen to look for furniture to contain her Stash. We decided on four 9 cube maple organizers and some brightly colored totes.
Today, as I maneuvered the Stash to make room for assembly and furniture moving, Master Blackhead kindly volunteered to assemble the new shelves. Being the ever generous hostess, MamaSara fed us a fabulous July 4th lunch followed by apple pie and vanilla ice cream. She even gave me more sock yarn and a pattern! Holy moly! My own Stash is turning gluttonous on me. Her contributions have doubled its size! We've spent the day working up a good sweat. When we finished, we took a little road trip to the house we're hoping to buy so MamaSara could take a look. It's still there. The grass looks more like hay, but it's still there. Well, I'm zonked and really need a shower.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Little Blackhead Moment
I've just returned from Ttink's house where she plied me with limeade and rice krispy treats (among other goodies). While there, Ttink's cat, Simon, often sought out my 30 yr old vintage leather satchel from my mom. He slept on it quite a lot. Well Jynx simply does not approve. When I got home and put the bag down, he just about had a conniption fit. He hissed at the bag and wacked it a few times with an angry paw. That's not a very nice thing to do. I'm storing my bag somewhere nice and high so it will be safe from futures assaults. And to think I was going to offer him some knitting needles earlier today.
Having My Cake and Eating It Too
Monday night Master Blackhead and I baked a cake. Something sweet to lessen the bitterness of the Great Debacle. Nothing fancy, just a Strawberry cake out of a box. In my frugal nature, instead of buying the matching Pillsbury Strawberry frosting, I decided to make do with the three cans of quarter full frosting in the fridge. The end result? Behold the Frankenfrost Strawberry Cake!
When I asked Master Blackhead if he would like a slice of the butter cream side or the lemon side, he said both. And he wanted a big slice. Well, I hate to disappoint. I cut him an eighth and plopped it (with plate and fork) into his lap. His reaction? Ummm that's a big slice. So hard to please.
As for nearly finished projects, here's a photo of the promised Koigu PPPM sock. Koigu is lovely to knit. It even has a slight luster, which delights me to no end. I had oringinally picked this yarn for myself, but realized that it wasn't for me after starting the foot. They are now earmarked for Master Blackhead. He seemed happy about that.
Another Master Blackhead project that is coming down the pipeline, a fiery red orange sweater made out of MamaSara's Princess. Here's a swatch of it.
I last mentioned his requirements. Well, he's made peace with the Mr. Rogers look since Fred's sweaters were zipped. Besides, he wore the Cambridge Jacket I knitted him last Christmas just about everyday until it got hot. Back to the Princess sweater (working name). Incidentally, I don't think I've told him that the yarn is called Princess. Probably shouldn't. I really like these two sweaters, plus they are worn by some pretty cool dudes.
This also came to mind, but I think the thought of spending all that time on something intentionally obnoxious makes no sense to me.
As I work on the Princess Sweater, I find my self in good company. Jynx has been looking at Norah Gaughan's athos pattern (my working copy) for the last few hours. The two hand wound balls of yarn in the background are Araucania Atacama another Stash transplant.
He has yet to ask for yarn and needles, but my gut tells me it could be any day now. When I asked him if he'd like me to flip the page for him, this is the look I got. I'm not sure how to interpret it?
I have been making good progress on the pink MistiCotton sweater: The body is done, the first sleeve is done up to the armpit, and the second sleeve is just past the hemmed cuff. I'm contemplating just how to make the collar. I've experimented with a couple of stitches and like this one the best so far. It's called Mock Smock and is from a pattern-a-day calendar MamaSara gave me. It reminds me of a caned seat.
I've also signed up for at Computer-Aided Engineering class at the local university. While I think getting a PhD is a fabulous accomplishment, I don't feel prepared for the corporate world of R&D. I'm taking the classes I should have taken in grad school to patch up the holes. I'm really excited to be learning again. Maybe I'm just one of those lifetime students. Despite being local, the drive from home to the university is still beastly; so, I'm taking the class as a distance learning thing. Even though it costs extra, I think it's still a bargain when gas and time are factored into the calculation.
Well, it's lunch time and there's a piece of cake calling me. I haven't tasted it yet. I hope the Frankenfrost isn't too weird.
When I asked Master Blackhead if he would like a slice of the butter cream side or the lemon side, he said both. And he wanted a big slice. Well, I hate to disappoint. I cut him an eighth and plopped it (with plate and fork) into his lap. His reaction? Ummm that's a big slice. So hard to please.As for nearly finished projects, here's a photo of the promised Koigu PPPM sock. Koigu is lovely to knit. It even has a slight luster, which delights me to no end. I had oringinally picked this yarn for myself, but realized that it wasn't for me after starting the foot. They are now earmarked for Master Blackhead. He seemed happy about that.
Another Master Blackhead project that is coming down the pipeline, a fiery red orange sweater made out of MamaSara's Princess. Here's a swatch of it.
I last mentioned his requirements. Well, he's made peace with the Mr. Rogers look since Fred's sweaters were zipped. Besides, he wore the Cambridge Jacket I knitted him last Christmas just about everyday until it got hot. Back to the Princess sweater (working name). Incidentally, I don't think I've told him that the yarn is called Princess. Probably shouldn't. I really like these two sweaters, plus they are worn by some pretty cool dudes.
This also came to mind, but I think the thought of spending all that time on something intentionally obnoxious makes no sense to me.
As I work on the Princess Sweater, I find my self in good company. Jynx has been looking at Norah Gaughan's athos pattern (my working copy) for the last few hours. The two hand wound balls of yarn in the background are Araucania Atacama another Stash transplant.
He has yet to ask for yarn and needles, but my gut tells me it could be any day now. When I asked him if he'd like me to flip the page for him, this is the look I got. I'm not sure how to interpret it?
I have been making good progress on the pink MistiCotton sweater: The body is done, the first sleeve is done up to the armpit, and the second sleeve is just past the hemmed cuff. I'm contemplating just how to make the collar. I've experimented with a couple of stitches and like this one the best so far. It's called Mock Smock and is from a pattern-a-day calendar MamaSara gave me. It reminds me of a caned seat.
I've also signed up for at Computer-Aided Engineering class at the local university. While I think getting a PhD is a fabulous accomplishment, I don't feel prepared for the corporate world of R&D. I'm taking the classes I should have taken in grad school to patch up the holes. I'm really excited to be learning again. Maybe I'm just one of those lifetime students. Despite being local, the drive from home to the university is still beastly; so, I'm taking the class as a distance learning thing. Even though it costs extra, I think it's still a bargain when gas and time are factored into the calculation.
Well, it's lunch time and there's a piece of cake calling me. I haven't tasted it yet. I hope the Frankenfrost isn't too weird.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Small Favors: First in a Series
For seaming, use sock yarn of the same color as the knitted pieces. Sock weight mercerized cotton works well too.
Why I love this?
Why I love this?
- Finding a use for those little tidbits and balls of leftover yarn.
- It isn't (usually) as bulky as the yarn I used for the garment.
- It withstands being pulled through the knitted fabric numerous times with minimal haloing and fuzzing.
- There's just enough contrast between the garment yarn and the sock yarn that you can see the sock yarn should you (heaven forbid) need to remove and resew a seam.
Sweet Charity and the Great Debacle
Someone I love very much (but can't remember who) once told me that the worse you feel the more necessary it is to be kind to others. If for no other reason than at least you will be a nice person with a tragic air as opposed to just a world weary wretch. After wallowing for the weekend, I've decided to take what action I can. I'm knitting for someone other than myself and starting a cute pile of baby socks. I'll most likely pass them to MamaSara to send off to afghans for Afghans.
On a more selfish note, I'm also making great progress on my pink MistiCotton sweater of my own design. So far the body is complete, and one sleeve has been started. It's shaping into something I think I can be proud of making. We'll see as time goes by. Despite my excitement, progress will have to slow down. All that cotton is hard on the hands.
Next on the agenda is executing the plan for Master Blackhead's sweaters (yes, sweaters plural). He's been in the doldrums too. Asking him what kind of sweater he would like me to make for him seemed to snap him out of it for a while. Recent Stash transplants (from MamaSara's to mine) a fiery red orange Classic Elite Princess and Camel colored KnitPicks Elegance are earmarked for him. Now just what is the plan? Well... I don't know yet exactly.
Here are the parameters I need to design around:
1. No lace, obviously. What he actually said was "no yarnovers". I'm so proud of him.
2. No cables, either. Apparently, they are "girly." Yeah, just ask an Irishman that and see what he says.
3. No fancy ribbing. What exactly is "fancy" ribbing?
4. No pullovers.
5. Zippered. No button placket, which is too Mr. Rogers. Personally, I think Fred was pretty awesome, but that's just me.
6. Pockets... with positive capture. That's nerd-speak for pocket with button or zipper so stuff doesn't fall out.
7. Don't go to too much trouble. huh? He stressed this several times as he was dictating the above terms.
All this leaves me with stockinette, garter, and non-fancy ribbing stitches. I didn't ask him about color work, which might leave me with a small measure of freedom to design. Fortunately for me, he's one of those insanely lucky people who looks great in everything (unlike me). I think I'm going to throw in a cable out of spite. Perhaps I will even title the pattern "Spite" just to make him smile (he thinks my spiteful nature is cute... I'll show him cute). muahaha
On a more selfish note, I'm also making great progress on my pink MistiCotton sweater of my own design. So far the body is complete, and one sleeve has been started. It's shaping into something I think I can be proud of making. We'll see as time goes by. Despite my excitement, progress will have to slow down. All that cotton is hard on the hands.
Next on the agenda is executing the plan for Master Blackhead's sweaters (yes, sweaters plural). He's been in the doldrums too. Asking him what kind of sweater he would like me to make for him seemed to snap him out of it for a while. Recent Stash transplants (from MamaSara's to mine) a fiery red orange Classic Elite Princess and Camel colored KnitPicks Elegance are earmarked for him. Now just what is the plan? Well... I don't know yet exactly.
Here are the parameters I need to design around:
1. No lace, obviously. What he actually said was "no yarnovers". I'm so proud of him.
2. No cables, either. Apparently, they are "girly." Yeah, just ask an Irishman that and see what he says.
3. No fancy ribbing. What exactly is "fancy" ribbing?
4. No pullovers.
5. Zippered. No button placket, which is too Mr. Rogers. Personally, I think Fred was pretty awesome, but that's just me.
6. Pockets... with positive capture. That's nerd-speak for pocket with button or zipper so stuff doesn't fall out.
7. Don't go to too much trouble. huh? He stressed this several times as he was dictating the above terms.
All this leaves me with stockinette, garter, and non-fancy ribbing stitches. I didn't ask him about color work, which might leave me with a small measure of freedom to design. Fortunately for me, he's one of those insanely lucky people who looks great in everything (unlike me). I think I'm going to throw in a cable out of spite. Perhaps I will even title the pattern "Spite" just to make him smile (he thinks my spiteful nature is cute... I'll show him cute). muahaha
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Keeping Busy
Today is the big day, the day we sign up for a 30 yr ball and chain (a.k.a. 30 yr mortgage): today is closing day for the Blackheads first house. We are buying one of the millions of foreclosures around the country. Naturally, the entire process has been riddled with snafus, but is not yet fubar. This morning, five hours before closing we hit another pothole. Our agent, bless him, is once again busily making this right as rain. He is the best. He is a bear. Hope you never hear him roar. Closing is now a close two hours away. Am I nervous? You bet. Am I quietly freaking? Double that bet. Am I sitting here brooding? Not a chance. I am, if nothing else, an expert at the art of distraction. Here's what I've been doing:
1. Making to do lists.
2. Making lists of supplies needed.
3. Calling mom, something all children should do and do often. Love ya mom!
4. Photographing my Stash.
5. Inventoring my Stash.
6. Wishing I hadn't already packed my Stash because unpacking and repacking seems kinda stupid.
7. Obsessing about the organizational system we will use for MamaSara's Stash.
8. Fretting at the bloat of my Stash.
9. Wondering if there is some sort of contraceptive that keeps yarn from multiplying when you aren't watching.
10. Musing at the way MamaSara's Stash is slowly migrating to my house.
11. Contemplating the extent of other people's Stash.
Upon number 11, I looked up the topic on Ravelry. There was a link to some photos of the supposed largest Stash. Thinking, how bad can it be? I looked here. I was amused... very amused... for the better part of an hour. Master Blackhead MUST see this. He saw MamaSara's Stash this weekend, and didn't even blink an eye. I think he's used to fiber now. Well hopefully, this will turn his head. Shocking him is so nearly impossible that I can't resist trying.
Last Friday was visit number 3 to MamaSara's. We've sorted through the yarn. A shopping bag full managed to find its way home with me. Saturday, Master Blackhead and I went over to hang up a flag and pole outside on her deck. While there, I measured her yarn room and have decided that she needs 2 more shelves. I've been studying people's Stash pictures and am culling ideas to organize and display hers.
I think I've found my niche and higher calling: Stash Organizer. I love it! There can possibly no cooler job than that. Let's explore the benefits of this occupation.
1. Play and swim in yarn with zero guilt for spending all that money.
2. Spend time with friends chatting and laughing.
3. Eating yummy home-cooked meals, NOT made by me.
4. Compensation via yarn.
While I hope I've made it perfectly clear to MamaSara that I have accepted her case pro bono, she still piles on the yarn when I leave. Last Friday was no exception. A giant pile of yarn (left) and two hand towels (right) somehow came home with me. The quilted runner in the middle is from the week before. Isn't it beautiful. It currently lives on my bedroom dresser. All beautiful and all welcome additions to our home. Thank you MamaSara!
In case, I am accused of not actually knitting. I have indeed. I've finished one sock using the only Koigu in my Stash. The completed pair will be for Master Blackhead. I've also a started a sweater using Misti's Pima Cotton in a pretty pink color. It's a design all of my own. I hope it will look decent.
1. Making to do lists.
2. Making lists of supplies needed.
3. Calling mom, something all children should do and do often. Love ya mom!
4. Photographing my Stash.
5. Inventoring my Stash.
6. Wishing I hadn't already packed my Stash because unpacking and repacking seems kinda stupid.
7. Obsessing about the organizational system we will use for MamaSara's Stash.
8. Fretting at the bloat of my Stash.
9. Wondering if there is some sort of contraceptive that keeps yarn from multiplying when you aren't watching.
10. Musing at the way MamaSara's Stash is slowly migrating to my house.
11. Contemplating the extent of other people's Stash.
Upon number 11, I looked up the topic on Ravelry. There was a link to some photos of the supposed largest Stash. Thinking, how bad can it be? I looked here. I was amused... very amused... for the better part of an hour. Master Blackhead MUST see this. He saw MamaSara's Stash this weekend, and didn't even blink an eye. I think he's used to fiber now. Well hopefully, this will turn his head. Shocking him is so nearly impossible that I can't resist trying.
Last Friday was visit number 3 to MamaSara's. We've sorted through the yarn. A shopping bag full managed to find its way home with me. Saturday, Master Blackhead and I went over to hang up a flag and pole outside on her deck. While there, I measured her yarn room and have decided that she needs 2 more shelves. I've been studying people's Stash pictures and am culling ideas to organize and display hers.
I think I've found my niche and higher calling: Stash Organizer. I love it! There can possibly no cooler job than that. Let's explore the benefits of this occupation.
1. Play and swim in yarn with zero guilt for spending all that money.
2. Spend time with friends chatting and laughing.
3. Eating yummy home-cooked meals, NOT made by me.
4. Compensation via yarn.
While I hope I've made it perfectly clear to MamaSara that I have accepted her case pro bono, she still piles on the yarn when I leave. Last Friday was no exception. A giant pile of yarn (left) and two hand towels (right) somehow came home with me. The quilted runner in the middle is from the week before. Isn't it beautiful. It currently lives on my bedroom dresser. All beautiful and all welcome additions to our home. Thank you MamaSara!
In case, I am accused of not actually knitting. I have indeed. I've finished one sock using the only Koigu in my Stash. The completed pair will be for Master Blackhead. I've also a started a sweater using Misti's Pima Cotton in a pretty pink color. It's a design all of my own. I hope it will look decent.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Showdown at Blackhead Manor
Last week, MamaSara invited me to her home for a Stash sorting party. This was an exceptional occasion. I have been sworn to secrecy, but am compelled to say that her Stash is beautiful. Upon coming home, I opened up the cabinet doors that hide my Stash and its 8 cubic feet of living space. My Stash: the once beautiful, well-sorted, carefully-edited, luxurious, no nonsense collection of fiberly consolation and comfort has somehow undergone a Calvinistic Transmogrification into a paltry, anemic, and somewhat anorexic accumulation of string.
Master Blackhead, knowing full well what I had done all afternoon, came home from work took one look at me as I white-knuckedly clenched my credit card in my hand and said, "Stash Envy. Go buy yarn."
Just like that.
Like some underpaid, overworked, battle-weary general who had seen numerous tours of duty through enemy laden territory, Master Blackhead had walked into the war tent, sounded the retreat, and left to battle another day. He asked no questions, ignored his soldier's morale, and capitulated to enemy defenses. As for me with bazooka in hand, I glowered at my general.
Retreat would not save me to do battle another day. My resolve to not excessively and thoughtlessly accumulate Stash had not been weakened by the glorious sight of MamaSara's Stash. The real problem was and still is my Stash needs more room! Crammed into its little 2' x 2' x 2' cubby, it couldn't strut its stuff. Shelving and a whole wall of mounted cubbies was the need, not more yarn! More yarn would choke the spark out of my Stash. Looking beautiful and inviting to the touch is what differentiates a Stash from a pile of yarn. Space! Space! Space! A display shelf... oooh!
The general's thoughtless disregard meant only one thing. MUTINY! Hurling 'harumpf!' and a stuck out tongue at Master Blackhead's retreating back, I weighed my options. A shoe would have been better, but we're Asian and we don't wear shoes at home. Perhaps economic warfare would be better. I did have a credit card in my hand, my trusty bazooka fully loaded backed by trigger happy me.
Yesterday was dreary. So dreary that even the Little Blackheads had no desire to look outside the window. As a long time Staff Member for the Little Blackheads, you'd think it would stop surprising me just how human they really are. Just like me, they seem to want nothing more on a day like that than to snuggle in soft handknit blankets and drink warm milk (I get a splash of coffee in mine as a special treat).
I've been productive. My Blue Mimosa is almost finished. The Cashsoft DK I bought inadvertently came from two different dye lots. Disaster! Right? Well all was saved by striping the sweater to produce a subtle variegation. Me like. I have the lace collar to knit up and sew to the body. I'm really excited, but DK weight takes forever. I can't wait to get started on a chunky project.
My carry along projects have been rolling along as well. Socks galore. I think I've found a new favorite summer sock yarn: Panda Cotton. It's bamboo, cotton, and elastic. It is so soft. Here's a pair and a half. The multicolored flecked socks are for me. The light blue variegated one and its mate (currently on the needles) are for a friend. The same friend will also be receiving the tealy green striped socks. The striped socks are made out of Sockatta. It isn't as soft as Panda Cotton, but MamaSara says Sockatta "wears like iron." It should last a long time hopefully.
As for MamaSara, she continues to spoil. Just when I thought she couldn't pamper me more, she shows me this beauty. I love it! The colors are just gorgeous and really complement my decor. The flowers are hand appliqued. Can you see how beautiful her craftsmanship is? She showed me a few other quilts she's made. First, this lady has color sense. Second, she's got talent. Third, I'm jealous. Again.
Thank you MamaSara, I will cherish this quilt block. Everytime I see it, I will think of you.
Master Blackhead, knowing full well what I had done all afternoon, came home from work took one look at me as I white-knuckedly clenched my credit card in my hand and said, "Stash Envy. Go buy yarn."
Just like that.
Like some underpaid, overworked, battle-weary general who had seen numerous tours of duty through enemy laden territory, Master Blackhead had walked into the war tent, sounded the retreat, and left to battle another day. He asked no questions, ignored his soldier's morale, and capitulated to enemy defenses. As for me with bazooka in hand, I glowered at my general.
Retreat would not save me to do battle another day. My resolve to not excessively and thoughtlessly accumulate Stash had not been weakened by the glorious sight of MamaSara's Stash. The real problem was and still is my Stash needs more room! Crammed into its little 2' x 2' x 2' cubby, it couldn't strut its stuff. Shelving and a whole wall of mounted cubbies was the need, not more yarn! More yarn would choke the spark out of my Stash. Looking beautiful and inviting to the touch is what differentiates a Stash from a pile of yarn. Space! Space! Space! A display shelf... oooh!
The general's thoughtless disregard meant only one thing. MUTINY! Hurling 'harumpf!' and a stuck out tongue at Master Blackhead's retreating back, I weighed my options. A shoe would have been better, but we're Asian and we don't wear shoes at home. Perhaps economic warfare would be better. I did have a credit card in my hand, my trusty bazooka fully loaded backed by trigger happy me.
Yesterday was dreary. So dreary that even the Little Blackheads had no desire to look outside the window. As a long time Staff Member for the Little Blackheads, you'd think it would stop surprising me just how human they really are. Just like me, they seem to want nothing more on a day like that than to snuggle in soft handknit blankets and drink warm milk (I get a splash of coffee in mine as a special treat).
I've been productive. My Blue Mimosa is almost finished. The Cashsoft DK I bought inadvertently came from two different dye lots. Disaster! Right? Well all was saved by striping the sweater to produce a subtle variegation. Me like. I have the lace collar to knit up and sew to the body. I'm really excited, but DK weight takes forever. I can't wait to get started on a chunky project.
My carry along projects have been rolling along as well. Socks galore. I think I've found a new favorite summer sock yarn: Panda Cotton. It's bamboo, cotton, and elastic. It is so soft. Here's a pair and a half. The multicolored flecked socks are for me. The light blue variegated one and its mate (currently on the needles) are for a friend. The same friend will also be receiving the tealy green striped socks. The striped socks are made out of Sockatta. It isn't as soft as Panda Cotton, but MamaSara says Sockatta "wears like iron." It should last a long time hopefully.
As for MamaSara, she continues to spoil. Just when I thought she couldn't pamper me more, she shows me this beauty. I love it! The colors are just gorgeous and really complement my decor. The flowers are hand appliqued. Can you see how beautiful her craftsmanship is? She showed me a few other quilts she's made. First, this lady has color sense. Second, she's got talent. Third, I'm jealous. Again.
Thank you MamaSara, I will cherish this quilt block. Everytime I see it, I will think of you.
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