Dragonfly Soars!

Conversations with Myself

2009-11-12T10:31:00.002-06:00

Wow, last time I blogged was September, I really should blog, it’s been a long time. What can I blog about? Well there’s… no, wait that’s a little personal to put public. OH, I made a… but that’s a Christmas present and so-and-so actually looks at my blog. Oh, I did … well that’s a little embarrassing… Oh I knit a… crap another Christmas present.

That conversation has been going around and around my head for awhile and yet I feel like I have nothing to share... So what does that leave?

I’m working on some Christmas presents and you’ll see them after the holidays.
Things at the new condo are still really good, I think this is one of the best decisions I’ve made
We’re happy, healthy and of sound mind. (well as much as we ever are)
I’m going to try to get healthier so I’ve joined WW just recently. Normally I hide this but maybe doing it “publicly” will be good incentive.
Now that AJ’s a bit older, he’s spending more time with his friends which means I get some more time to see mine which is making a happier me.
Work is still going really well, I had a good review recently and I’m still loving this job. (another one of the best decisions I’ve ever made)

So, not to leave it totally empty, here’s a picture of some afghan squares. They are approximately 12” squares. (putting them next to each other, I see that one of them may have to be redone) I need 12 of them to make a lap sized blanket for my grandmother to use while she watches TV. (she’s a very tiny woman, so 3x4 will be plenty)

I will post again soon as I have some test knit socks to share with you. Until then, happy crafting!

-DFly

My Day in Pictures

2009-09-27T19:16:00.003-05:00

New artwork for the living room found at HomeGoods for a reasonable price.

While there, son found this and said that I had to bring it home.

Built this with son in the afternoon

He did this too and I just found it funny...

LYS Hunting...

2009-09-25T20:05:00.002-05:00

Ok, not really hunting, I knew where they were...

I took today off for no reason except that I can and wanted a brain break. Decided that since my son was in school all day, I'd do something for me. I went to Google Maps and typed in "yarn shops, wisconsin" and then picked a path and went to four shops that I've never been too.

First, The Shaggy Sheep in Manitowoc. Here I had the best luck to be there when the UPS man came with a single box, a box that contained the new Cat Bordhi sock knitting book, Personal Footprints. The woman behind the counter was wonderful. Even though I was never there before, she grabbed a chair and asked me to sit and chat. I wish I had her name.

Next I went to Magpie's Cottage in Sheboygan Falls. Here I met Kim who gave me a full tour of the cottage and told me about all the different yarns they carry. It's a very cute little store that also has fabrics and beads. Kim was definitely all about having people pet the yarn!

Grafton Yarn Store was next. I've heard good things of this one but it's a bit out of my way so I've never been. I wish I was closer because the women here were helpful to each other and chatty and it's big, open and beautiful. It's location is very pretty too.

The Knitting Knook was the last of the day and was by far the busiest of the lot. It used to be French Knots II but I never visited before today. The women here were friendly and laughing about how little actual knitting they were getting done but you could tell they were having fun.

Here's the picture of the loot of the day!

Circular Shawl

2009-09-01T15:04:00.002-05:00

There has been so much going on (and most of it not what I want to blog about) that I haven't had time to post and lately not as much time to knit either. But I did want to post an update on the circular shawl. This picture is the completion of charts A-D, it will look better when it's blocked, but it's pretty and coming along. I'm actually one repeat into chart E (out of 8) but I don't have that pictured yet. Now that the rounds are over 500 stitches, it takes longer to make significant progress so I just knit a bit whenever I've got a bit of time and try not to think about it too much.

I finished a scarf already!

2009-08-09T18:03:00.004-05:00

I now understand why my mom comments that crochet is faster than knitting. I took the crochet 101 class on Thursday, started this scarf Friday and finished it Saturday. Seriously!

Today I updated my drawer pulls. Not the most exciting thing in the world but those ancient ones have been bugging me for years, I just never did anything about it.

Old pulls with funky corn motif

New pulls simple lines

Also, in case anyone was wondering, here is where the dragonfly ended up.

New Dragonfly...

2009-08-08T12:42:00.004-05:00

Mom found this guy on her windshield of all places. Son got it off and sort of as a joke, they framed it as a housewarming present. But it's a nice job with a glass shadowbox, signed and dated on the back. I put the quarter so you can see the size!

Kitty favorite spots...

So What Am I Working On?

2009-08-06T20:53:00.008-05:00

Even with moving, I have been working on some things...

This is a star-ball for kids. It's supposed to be a surprise for someone at work that just recently had a baby girl. I've been ignoring it lately as I have a bit of startitis since I moved to the new place. New places need new knitting apparently.

This guy will eventually be a monkey. It's part of a kid's "learn to knit" kit and when I wanted something sort of quick after long days, it was a good choice. Eventually he'll even get arms...

Today I went to a beginning crochet class at Loop Yarn Shop. The part in the image below the hook is what I did in class (single, double, triple and half-double). Above the hook is where I used the book to figure out how to increase in each stitch and then do a shell stitch.

Last but definitely not least is my first circular shawl (this will meet 2009 Yarnie Resolution #5!). I'm a bit further along than this but I didn't take a new picture because it needs to be stretched out to see it properly. The pattern is Exonumist's Circular Shawl by Wendy Johnson and can be purchased off her website or in Ravelry. (You should follow links just to see the pretty pictures).

There's also a pair of cuff-down socks, but again they are a secret for now. But I'm done with one and almost done with the leg of the second.

Happy Knitting (and Crocheting)! - Dfly

Condo Pictures, Finally!

2009-08-03T10:12:00.024-05:00

It seems like every time I was going to take pictures, stuff has been in a state of disarray or it's too dark to take any that are good. So I'm going to just post what I have with some explanations.

The main living area is kitchen, living room and "office" altogether. Please ignore the boxes, there's a section of this area is still the dumping ground. The bar stools are a big plus, the ones that were here were really gross. These at least are cute! The flower pictures are some of the ones that I took earlier this year. The fuzzy thing on the couch is a car seat cover that my dad used to use but doesn't fit his new car and the cats love it.

My son's room is really big but you can't really tell that here. But you can see the bed. He used to have a bunk bed, the top bunk didn't have a mattress, just a piece of wood. (it had one once upon a time, long story). He used that wood piece to build Legos or armies. My dad and I took that wood, along with some 4x4's and made a table for him to do that. (and apparently they've migrated to the desk too!) The hammock chair was a surprise for him too, we hung that together.

Pictures from my room. My dad helped me hang the floating shelves. The bedspread I've had for awhile and I've loved how well it matches my new red walls. Tigger is a happy kitty.

This is one of my quiet spots, the balcony in my bedroom. From it I can see my little tiny front yard and at night it gets very pretty sunsets. (I know the picture is blurry, but you can get the idea)

Here is my favorite spot in the place, my quiet corner, my knitting corner. The cabinet is a media cabinet I bought for storing yarn. With glass doors so dust won't get to the yarn. The picture above the cabinet is a picture that MojaveSis took. It's a picture of a dragonfly. She framed it and mailed it as a housewarming gift. I'm amazed that the background color of the image. and the blue trim she gave it so perfectly match the colors in the bedroom.

You can see it's one of Tigger's favorite spots too!

Quick update

2009-07-15T20:33:00.002-05:00

The move has gone very smoothly, everything is out of the old place and the new place is unpacked enough to be comfortable. My dad is coming this weekend to help out with some things around the condo (drippy faucets, drape hardware to hang, nothing major but all necessary). It will be the first time anyone in the family besides myself and son have seen the place.

I'm not posting any pictures yet because my son is still at his grandparents and I want him to get a chance to see the place with all of our stuff in "real life" before I post pictures.

Now if I could just get some knitting time back! - Dfly

I AM A HOME OWNER!!!!!

2009-07-07T16:52:00.007-05:00

Look, I have keys! (I'll change the locks but I'm amused by these keys)

To those that don't know, there was a horrible huge fire at a local factory (Started late Sunday and it's still smoldering now) and our town was evacuated yesterday... (http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/50091637.html) This of course added to stress levels (especially since my bank and the closing location were evacuated too). Even though the evacuation was called off in the evening, I stayed with a wonderful friend from work who opened her home to me. We chatted until bed while I knit, watched some TV and I got to sleep on a real bed instead of an air mattress. I am so grateful to her!

Now the movers come tomorrow so here are my boxes! There are more in other rooms and a bunch of "self-carry" items but these are the biggest piles.

P.S. I won't have internet for a couple days so I'm not ignoring anyone. I might have to steal some air time at Starbucks

I am a Sunflower

2009-07-05T10:10:00.001-05:00

I have pictures of the mountains of boxes but it's not very exciting, just claustrophobic.

Saw this on someone else's blog...

I am a
Sunflower

What Flower
Are You?

Sunflower - "When your friends think smile, they think of you. There is not a day that goes by that you can't find something good about the world and your fellow human."

The date is set!

2009-06-18T21:38:00.003-05:00

As of July 7th, I will officially be a home owner. (Happy Birthday to me!!) I am totally thrilled and excited! I'm also totally bogged down trying to get some stuff packed every day and worrying about what needs to stay, what needs to go, how am I going to move it all (I finally decided on movers).

So while I am getting a little knitting done in between, I'm apologizing right now for there being limited blog posts for awhile.

Son is at my parents house for big chunks of the summer which is a huge help to me. Knowing that he is safe, cared for and having fun (instead of dealing with crazy me) is a big relief. I can't thank them enough for offering! But at the same time, I miss him and I'm glad he'll be back for a visit soon!

In the meantime, here's my other helper. (I can't figure out where the camera went so this was taken with my phone)

Finished Spring Eyelets!

2009-06-04T21:12:00.001-05:00

It's physics

2009-05-29T19:40:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to share....

Spring is here!

2009-05-26T19:28:00.010-05:00

Spring shows up in many ways!

The first Spring sock is complete (and the second one is on its way)

I took a picture of the flowering tree in front of our future place because I was so excited to have one.

Later, son and I went wandering all over local parks while I took lots of floral pictures. I took LOTS and of course only some came out properly, but of those I liked I had Walgreen's print out 8x10's. I'm going to try to find some decent cheap frames for them and use them as art work in the new place.

Condo Update: Inspection went well. There was one small concern with furnace so I had the heating/cooling guy come out. Turns out that what we thought might be a cracked secondary heat exchange was really just caused by a loose screw. But now the furnace and A/C have been serviced so I don't need to worry about them. Cheap peace of mind. Now I'm just waiting to meet with the bank tomorrow to lock in a rate.

Socks & short condo update

2009-05-21T19:55:00.008-05:00

Both socks featured today are knit with Keegan Lane Yarns, both from the "A Club for All Seasons". The first finished socks are done with the Winter colorway, a color with inspiration from bluebirds. I don't think I ever posted on here but some know that I was originally depressed at the first sock not fitting. Luckily, a good wet block on the sock blockers and they fit! (still a little tight to get on over the heel but comfy after they are on)

The one in progress is from the Spring colorway and I'm loving the way it's coming out. I started it last weekend and it's already further than this picture. (the bottom picture is from the weekend when I sat in the park amongst the dandelions knitting happily and quietly)

The condo is going very well so far. There was quite a back and forth fiasco with another one that I never bothered posting about because it was going up and down so fast that I couldn't keep up and it was frustrating. This one has been smooth sailing so far. Son and I both love it, the inspection has gone well. Working on financing right now but not anticipating any troubles. In theory, I should be closing and moving in July, so spending some time packing already. Here's a picture of my favorite spot in my bedroom... it looks like the perfect spot to sit, knit, read or whatever...

Side note: I just added a widget for Plurking after an invite from the other Dragonfly-Vicki. I haven't done twitter or plurk but it seems to be the thing to do these days for quick updates.

Not-So-Secret Sliptastic Socks

2009-05-13T19:25:00.011-05:00

I'll post more info on the accepted condo offer soon but I want to share this today.

Shannon of Unwind Yarns, whom I've spoken of before, asked me to test knit a sock pattern for her. After some technical review and then knitting, her pattern is in good shape, she'll be ready to sell it soon. That means, I now have permission to share my socks!

The pattern is called Sliptastic Socks, when she's ready, it will get added to Ravelry with purchasing information but in the meantime, if anyone is interested, you can let me know and I'll put you in touch with Shannon.

These socks are pretty and comfy and super stretchy. They would make perfect first socks because they will form around various widths. They’d also make great gift socks when you don’t have the receiver’s foot handy!

The yarn is Unwind Yarns Shiraz, also by Shannon. When she sent it to me to test knit with she said it didn't have a name, it was the "luck of the pot" which sounds like a great name to me.

I'm really surprised how similar these turned out, I didn't do anything to make them match up. -DFly

Look at the sign...

2009-05-09T21:24:00.004-05:00

I know it's totally grainy but the words on top say Accepted Offer! and why do they say that? Well.... because I offered. I got one!!

I know I've been quiet lately but there's been a ton to do with work, son school and then this hunting business so I've just not been in a talking mood. But I'm sure you'll hear more from me, and get better pictures!

One side done!

2009-04-26T15:52:00.004-05:00

I'm really proud of how this first side has come out. It's not perfect, some of the floats are a bit too tight so it puckers a bit. Then toward the center, I had realized I was pulling too tight so I started doing looser (really well actually) but that more relaxed fabric means when it's sitting flat, it raises up in the center. But for a first time it's pretty good and I have the second side to do so I can try again.

Update on the Yarnie Resolution Bag

2009-04-21T20:25:00.003-05:00

I didn't take a picture of the back this time but it's pretty good, I will when the side is complete.

In other news, we are searching for a condo and there has already been some ups and downs. If you have an FHA loan, make sure you don't fall in love with any condos still being constructed, that's all I have to say.

The backside

2009-04-15T11:58:00.005-05:00

Conversation with Suna convinced me to post pictures of the backside.

And the close-up....

Update On Yarnie Resolution #4

2009-04-14T22:07:00.004-05:00

Yarnie Resolution #4 states "learn to do color work" and the plan was to do the Sipula Bag from Knit Picks that MojaveSis gave me at Christmas.

I started it yesterday and I have the outer edge of the bag done. I'm really happy with how it is turning out.

Food for Thought #10: X-Men

2009-04-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

Original Lee Post here

Appetizer: What is your X-Men name?: Dragonfly, of course
Soup: What is your super power?: Ability to always survive and adapt to an ever-changing world. There's a reason dragonflies have been around since the dinosaurs. Of course, the better super power is super speed in flight!
Salad: Are you good, evil, neutral, or chaotic?: Good with signs of chaotic
Entré: What is the first thing you would do with your new super power?: Honestly, fly just for the sheer fun of it.
Dessert: Who is your nemesis?: Apparently frogs and bats... good thing Batman is a DC comic

Tidbits

2009-04-12T15:11:00.003-05:00

I broke up my posts so I could dedicate one purely to Unwind Yarns but here's just some tidbits.

For other knitting, I finished the Boku scarf. I had to go back for a second skein, one skein was just too short for my taste. I love the way the colors change.

This is what happens when a son with a Sharpie says "Mom, give me your arm for a minute"

Very often Tigger likes to hide under blankets and we've had to start using this system so we don't sit on him. It just makes me smile so I had to share.

Experiences with Unwind Yarns

2009-04-12T14:46:00.011-05:00

Shannon of Unwind Yarns is just a lovely person. I first purchased a skein of her yarn when I went to Stitches Midwest last year. (see here) That yarn became the Knotty or Knice socks. I've always loved her tagline "Throwing Sheep into Rainbows". I loved it so much that I joined a yarn club she has. The first month, I thought that I ordered soon enough to get that month's shipment but didn't see it. I emailed Shannon to ask if I should actually wait until the next month and she was surprised I didn't have my package yet. After giving it a little more time, she sent a second one. After some time went by, she emailed me saying it came back "Return to Sender", but I had never received. So we tried again. Third time was the charm and I got my package that time. (we never did find the first one).

In all this time, Shannon was so sweet and we talked a bit about other things and I've just grown to really love her personality, her yarns, the colors... just everything. So when she asked me to review some patterns and test knit a couple, I had to say yes.

So first, I test knit these Spazz Fingerless Gloves. The pattern can be purchased through Ravelry, here. The yarn she sent is her fingering Zinfandel line. It's wonderfully soft and nice to work with. (I've ordered more)

Son saw the gloves and kept trying to steal them so I told him I'd make him his own pair if he found some yarn he liked. Funny thing, Shannon sent some deep purple yarn from her Merlot Fingering line a few days later and he said "That's the yarn!" So in just about a week, I knit a second pair which he's not taking off. Also pictured is "Sparky" a dragon from WebKinz and a tic-tac-toe board he made in his 6th grade metal shop course.

As a side note, I'm also test knitting a sock pattern for Shannon that's going well but I can't share that one yet.

Anyway, I recommend checking her site out, trying her yarn, joining the Unwind Yarns Ravelry group (She's Khetala on Ravelry)