Wednesday, August 27, 2008

A sea of red

This is the shawl that I began to work on in the beginning of the Ravelympics. I got a few inches done in the waiting room from my Grandpa's surgery, plus probably another inch done at Kalahari, and several more done recently.
I love how the sunlight casts a warm glow on this yarn, giving it a soft yet crimson hue. I have a feeling that this shawl will look quite a bit better after being blocked, when the hearts are more pronounced by the yo's surrounding them.

I have a lot of this alpaca yarn, so I decided to just go and use it for a shawl rather then my raglan. I'm tired of seeing "leaves" shawls (more like only"fir cone" types of shawls), so a heart shawl should be a break in the chain (just a bit). It's being knit on size 7 circulars, and it is a joy to knit as the inches pile on.
I'm not sure what I'm going to call it yet. All I know is when I finish knitting it up, I still have to knit on a fabulous boarder around it, to escape my inevitability of doing things "plain." I did start another shawl several weeks ago with this yarn, but ripped it out because of the garter boarder. You'll come to learn that you don't see much productivity from me because most of my work ends up frogged. One word: perfectionist.

Please read the post below for some more updates. I have to run to work now.

It's all relative (but there's pictures!)

I realize my lengthy absence from this blog. I'd like to say that I was so busy having fun (and possibly knitting up a storm), yet the truth is that I was away starting my new job as a library shelver (I have been now trained to shelf adult fiction, nonfiction, AV, children's fiction, nonfiction, easy readers, magazines, drop-boxes and even now the conveyor belt) and also spending the last two weeks being connected to Joe's hip while he was in for his brief break before he spends another half a year in Iowa finishing up his degree. He's gone, though. I will survive (I doubt that I'll have to play that song at all), and I am back in the knitting business. And there will be pictures!

I want to thank those who cared to wish my grandfather "get better." He underwent major heart surgery, a valve replacement and preventative measures that his heart didn't literally "burst" (coronary). He was out for 3 days, and we were saddened to learn that he is not recovering as he should be. He will be transferred to a semi-acute care, instead of just rehab...and my grandmother-who is totally relying on him...she never learned to drive-is being shuffled around from family living quarters, and will have an eye surgery Thursday.

My other grandfather had bad blood clots in his leg after a tumble that wasn't looked after, and has to take mucha medicine for 6 months (and has had shots everyday in his stomach for 1-2 weeks).

As for me, I realize now that me and chlorine does not mix. After my third ear infection...I'd rather just buy swimming ear-plugs. Plus, I'm slowly (very slowly!) trying to get over the sensitivity from my cavities being fixed.

But let's cut the rambling updates. Here's some pictures!
I gave in, and went to Stitches Midwest with Joe on Saturday...and now my bank account hates me!
You're looking at two sets of Berroco's Light Ultra Alpaca yarn in heather green and skyish blue, that will turn into cardigans (the green, hopefully the "Infinity" Cardigan I was designing last Fall), 4 skeins of Happy Feet novelty yarn (will be a shrug), Noro sock yarn, Blue Moon Kid Mohair, STR in "Fairgrounds," buttons and a knitting mystery book signed graciously by the author himself.
Here's the promised pictures from me and my lovaaaa's vacation at Kalahari:
It was actually pretty cool out during our vacation at the Dells. It was around 60 degrees, I think. We spent most of the time in the indoor waterpark. Our last day was spent at the Tommy Bartlett show ("the greatest show" OFF water). Ha ha ha.
Ha ha ha...get this one: This was our "beach front" view. Right! Actually, it was really nice to see some trees instead. Joe and I were reading and drinking coffee (and later booze)to some birdies chirping along.

A bit of knitting being done.
I'm trudging through this 660 page book. It's really awesome though! I can't wait to finish it.
My handsome guy. We are so meant for each other...we love the quiet life, reading and such together. I'm so lucky to have him in my life...and I already miss him. Darn you school.
Cheers.
See an update on this shawl in the post above.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Be. back. soon.

It's been a long couple of weeks.
Interviews, applications, more job hunting...and then Great Aunt passing away while my grandpa was also going into the hospital for a double bipass, valve replacement and other such preventative measures...and then finally job orientation and packing....for...my....mini....vacation!

Joe and I are heading up to the Dells tomorrow and will stay until Thursday evening! I'm soo excited. It's just the two of us, and I plan on having the time of my life. Especially after all that has happened lately.

I have started an amazing red alpaca shawl around when I was waiting 8 hours in the hospital waiting room, but I will keep knitting up during our breaks at the Dells, and will report back with a nice little pic for you all to enjoy, as well as pictures from the resort!

Until then, life's a glass of pina coladas right now....

Friday, August 01, 2008

Now selling...

"Creature from the Black Lagoon Socks"

"Coiled Cables & Ribs Socks"

"Candied Love Socks"

"Blizzard Boot Socks"

It's official. I've waited long enough. I'm putting up some KUAS originals (from a past sock club that I designed for) up on my shop because the end of summer is near. The club's over. The only exclusive thing was the yarn. It's time to move on & up in the world...
It's time to think about cracking out those needles again, and working on some socks for yourself, or that long line of loved ones who just think that you can whip up a pair of socks for them like it's nothing.


Sale on yarn! Fri-Sun Only!
I will knock off $2 for any yarn for peeps who come through my blog. Email me (knittingupastorm[AT]gmail[DOT]com) first, and I'll adjust the price for you!