Aims and deadlines

I likes my lists. So, here's the mother of all knitting/uni lists to chew on (for posterity/motivational purposes)

• I need to finish knitting the first version of the June Magknits pattern by the middle of March. I will then type up the pattern, print it off and knit another version as a "punter". All of this by the end of April (the deadline for submission).
• I want to finish my Martha Cardigan by the second week in July at the latest. Why then? Because that's when my residential school starts and I think it would be the perfect "Brrr... it's a bit cool in the classroom/on the hill/in this field - I need to warm up a bit" cardigan.
• I'd like to start and finish another pair of socks by the middle of April (my own design - for my mum)
• I have to finish the "I Do" shrug before I scratch my own eyes out with boredom.

I am Miss Piggy:

I told my mum I'd done this quiz and I asked "And which character do you think I turned out to be?".
[no pause, straight face] Mum: "Miss Piggy".
Genius!

Magknits June:

Which shall hence forth be known as "Acorn".





I'm still wrestling with the double pointed needles, but that wont be for too much long.

Finally spending my birthday/Christmas money:



After the gloves-that-nearly-ruined-my-knitting-career, I decided to build up my stock of bamboo/wooden needles. I'd tried to make my own from some bamboo skewers, but the plant fibres were too loose and caught on the wool when I was knitting with them.

So, we have double points in 2, 2.5 and 3 mm:



And an 80cm circular needle in 4 mm:



And, ermm... In the background? Yarn? What yarn? Oh that yarn.



No, that's not Patons Diploma Gold Aran in Cocoa. To knit Tubey. No. I didn't break my own (bendable) resolution. Nope.

All supplies from a great firm in Scotland called McA Direct. Not affiliated in any way, shape, or form (I wish), just a very satisfied customer.

And Finally:

Chocolate is good for you - it's official. Woohoo!

Technorati tags: knitting; knitting needles; yarn; lists; Magknits; chocolate; science

Thanks mamacate...

For confirming what my family have been telling me for years:

You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

I've always known I was born into the wrong class and the wrong century. When I clap my hands, I expect minions to come running. Is that so very wrong?

Deefer

D is for ...

Dinosaur!







I discovered that having a weight on the end of my write-ometer helps me work better, so up stepped my little weight-lifting purple green-haired dinosaur! I think he came out of a box of cereal. Either way, he's invaluable. He's perched on top of my favourite pencil - it's a triangular one and I'm terrified of using it now. The shape is really good for my hand and for my writing. Anyone know where I can get some more?

Technorati: dinosaur

Not much in the way of knitting around here because of this:



Oh, joy! How much do I love researching academic papers, filing them in alphabetical order (first author surname only) and then doing a cross reference in index cards? A lot, it turns out!

I just keep remembering what my mum says "Your health comes first, then your uni work, then everything else". I try - I really do.

Actual knitting?

Yup:




The Magknits item, progress so far.


I'm at a wrestling-with-a-hedgehog stage.

I promised another clue, and here it is. The yarn I'm using comes from Hipknits and is the sock-weight yarn, in the colourway "Tree".

Technorati: knitting, magknits, designing, hipknits

Jaywalkers - at last!

Click on any of the pictures for a larger view.


Item name:Jaywalker socks
Recipient:ME!
Pattern:Jaywalker (toe-up variation)
Yarn:Knit Picks Dye-your-own + KoolAid dye in strawberry and orange
Needles: 2 x 2.25 mm circs and 2 x 2 mm circs
Size: The larger in the original (about 9" diameter)
Modifications: I worked the toe-up version found here, and did four rounds of garter stitch for the cuff (on the smaller needles). I also did the heel turn at twice the normal rate because I'd done too many rows in the foot portion. It's all good!
Notes and comments: I love these socks. I don't think I'd goes as far as Cara has (is it 7 and counting now?), but I can see myself knitting theses again sometime soon.

Technorati tags: jaywalkers, knitting, socks, koolaid, koolaid dyeing, koolaid dye

C is for

Edited for clarrification: This isn't actually where I live (I wish I did). This is where I've holiday-ed since I was oohh, this high. My locale and associated scenary will be coming later in the alphabet!



Click for a bigger view.

Cregennan Lakes:



The view from the lakes over the estuary:



The view from Barmouth, across the Mawddach* estuary, up towards the lakes:




C is also for Cader Idris:



:sigh:

If there was electricity at the caravan, I'd stay there forever!

I once saw HRH Fergie and kids there. How did I know it was them? Lady with bright red hair, two girls with red hair and a bodyguard.

Oh - I just spellchecked this post! I don't think Blogger does Welsh!

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Pronunciation:

*Maw-vuckh (sort of)

Oooooo-kay!

So, my pattern is likely to be in the next issue of Magknits. That's fine - it was alway likey that it would be the March edition. However, after reading Kerrie's recent blog entry about people just complaining and making personal attacks, I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Hopefully, nobody will notice my pattern, no-one will make it and I'll be able to live peacefully and quietly. Except, I've got another pattern that will be in the June issue (swatch below) that I'm assuming will get more interest. :sigh: What have I let myself in for?

Jaywalker:

Look - heal-age!






I love the way the colours pool on in the heel flap. I'm only doing a short sock, so I should be finished in the next week (!).

Magknits June pattern:

I'll leave little clues from now until then. First up:



The next clue will be what the yarn is!

Randomness:

Does anyone know of a clean, easy, cheap and legal way of getting rid of noisy neighbours? I've just about had enough. Blegh.

I'm doing a little better, healthwise, and I'm actually managing a bit more than the past few weeks efforts; "Get up. Have breakfast. Go back to bed. Rest. Knit a row. Listen to the radio. Rest. Watch Friends. Go to sleep." I actually went outside today and walked (for about 1/4 of a mile with the aid of my funky purple crutches, but it's still progress!)

Word Cloud:


Found via somewhere I can't even remember - probably Wendy


Right - I'm off to email my tutor with my idea for my project report on the prevention of HIV transmission from mothers to babies.

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Edited to Add: Oh - I completely forgot - I'm going to be a cousin! My uncle got married at the end of last month and in six months time, he'll be a dad (you can do the maths, I think!) The little girl will be half scientist, half accountant. I think we'll get on just fine! And it means I'll finally get a real baby I know to knit for! Yay!