Cosmicknitter

Kuusk

2011-10-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

Kuusk (aka Wander)
I cast on and worked the beginning edge and a few rounds of the lace pattern. This is my first legit lace project so I am taking my time and counting and recounting my repeats. So far, so good. And there it is...the kiss of death. This is not a large project with a beginning edge and ending edge both consisting of 5 rows. The lace body is 36 rows. The size and how much yarn I have after the first 36 rows will determine whether or not I venture on to another repeat. I am taking advantage of October's wall-to-wall blue skies to take photos in natural light. I have done a disservice to both Mother Nature and spinner. As the project progress, hopefully you will be graced with a more complementary pic.
One thing I wish to share about this project is the 'nupp'. This feature of lace is worked over two rows. At least in this pattern. Having never done lace before, this was a first for me. The chart symbols were quite interesting; a 'V' on the first row of the stitch, with an inverted 'V' on the second. Took me a while to realize there was a small 5 inside the 'V', indicating how many knits/yo combinations that comprised the nupp. Very cool indeed. A while back, I received an update to the "myrawoodoriginals" channel on YouTube, demonstrating a simplified way to create a nupp. I tried it in this pattern and loved it. I will include the link for your viewing pleasure. I highly recommend subscribing to this and other channels. The technique did not apply to me at the time of its release, but I was fortunate to have it handy when I attempted my first lace. I will learn the two-row technique just for kicks. This pattern, however, will be knit entirely with the simple method.
So, as promised, here is the link to the 'Easy-Peasy Nupp' video Easy-Peasy Nupp Knit Stitch

I would also like to think Knitty.com for another wonder pattern. I have tried a number of offerings from this site and I have never been disappointed. With all of the knitting sites offering free patterns, it can be overwhelming, not to mention a crap shoot. Amy Singer manages to maintain content that is well-designed and modern. Thank you, Knitty!! http://www.knitty.com/
You can also follow my progress on Ravelry.com. My account name is 'Gamermom' What?!? Does that surprise you? Shouldn't! All my recent projects are named after video games.
Geeks rule!

Is Facebook Evil, Mom?

2011-10-06T19:04:00.001-05:00

My son has Asperger's Syndrome.BFD! What he has and who he is are not to be confused. Ever. He has overcome things in his little 18 year old life that would bring most adults to their knees. And to be honest, I would love to have the sick pleasure of seeing that. I digress.
Today was a setback. With so many things under his belt, high school being the biggest, I was happy for his station. In fact, I just told a friend of mine that I was worried. Should I be pushing him more? Then I reflected on how long-suffering some of his most recent years have been. OK, mom, relax...just coast and let him get his bearings. He loves his job. He garners such confidence and pride from it. He is a success. The people he works for and the people he cares for at the pharmacy have a lot of regard for him. I know this to be true. They tell me. I believe what people tell me.

So today, when he called me at work with 'that tone' in his voice, the tone that says "mom, I need help; I need you to come home", I was thrust back into his senior year. A mom with a boy without a clue. Just love.

Honey, it's ok...what is the matter? What happened? What do you need me to do? Ha! How far we have come to be able to ask such pointed and succinct questions! "Come home. Now." And I drive. My head spinning almost, almost, as fast as my heart is breaking.

There it is. Face-fucking Book! Innocently staring back at me with a post by his supervising colleague. A nasty post. A "venting" post. A post with a photo. A rage about a job poorly done. No call. No "what the fuck happened Ben? why didn't you finish the task I asked you to do, Ben?" No "I'm going to have to put a note in your record". No nothing. Just a cowardly post on a Facebook page. Welcome to management 2011. Except nothing has been accomplished.
Well...
That is not necessarily true...
After all...

I am sitting on the sofa with a 6' tall 18 year old young man's head on my lap. His sobbing makes my emotions catch in my throat. There is that stinging feeling in my nose that comes before the tears. SONOFABUCKBASTARD!!

How do I explain why his colleague did this? I don't. At least not now, I am letting his boss do that. I have bigger fish to fry. I don't have the bandwidth to get into the psyche of someone who uses FB as a management tool. I have a boy to console, a morale to rebuild and life must go on.
And it will.
And it does.
He is downstairs playing Halo with a friend. His laughter is my sunlight.

Is Twitter evil, mom? No. Neither are video games, cars, movies, guns or motorcycles. They have a solid place in our culture. They are vehicles of expression that sometimes carry sadness.

Coming soon...A Re-assessment Of My Next 'Firsts'!

2011-10-03T15:48:00.001-05:00

Please pardon the appearance of this post. It is under construction to make this a happier, more user-friendly blog.

I hate this font

2011-09-29T21:04:00.002-05:00

A question was raised about whether or not I would pay for a Microsoft "Diamond" membership. I am a Gold subscriber, though I don't know why, so this got me thinking. I don't play Xbox as much as I used to or would like to simply because of time and logistics. I am sorry to say that console gaming has taken a backseat to mobile. I just don't have hours at a time to spend in front of the monitor playing games like I used to. None the less, I am not willing to give up my Xbox360 habit all together. Here is my fantasy console: I want it to play video games (duh). I would like it to play blu ray/dvds, connect to my home network to stream my online subscriptions like Hulu and YouTube. While at it, let's integrate FB and Twitter. Essentially, that would make it a computer that plays video games, yes? So, is that the reason so many gamers are taking up the 'I am going back to PC gaming' battle cry? Ultimately, the ideal set up is all things on one account, accessible by various means at a competitive price. Whether on my lovely LCD flat screen, or my super sexed smartphone, I want TV, gaming, videos and music in one spot with one set of credentials at one price. Does that come from my phone service provider, internet provider, cable or gaming provider? I don't know. What I do know is that we have the technology to do this. What I don't know is if everyone is willing to play nice in the sandbox.

How did simplifying life become so complicated? Gimme a minute, I'll Google it!

ETA: I have been barking about ala carte television forevah! WTF, is it really that much of a stretch?
ETAA: I really do hate the fact that I cannot customize the title font. Sux ass.

Typing Out Loud

2011-09-26T15:27:00.002-05:00

Given the fact that I am knocking things off my 'first' list left and right, I best take a moment to work on round two. This might go faster if I put things in 3 categories:

1. do-able

2. gimme a minute

3. oh shit (my personal favorite)

Do-able

~~go to another Mets game~~

kayaking

hiking

go fishing

take a real knitting class

lose 5 lbs

get better at keeping score during a ballgame

Gimme a minute

go to a REAL sports bar in NYC maybe (y'know, a place where having a beer while watching baseball is required, not rude)

stay overnight after the game and sports bar...naughty!

join a gym (that feels weird just typing it; may have to reconsider)

go to another Mets game alone (not sure if that belongs in the oh shit category...thinking...)

take an overnight trip somewhere near the water
take a course in HTML
build my own computer
get my gamerscore over 1000

Oh Shit

~~get tickets to sit in that fancy place at Citi field where you can sip wine and still see the game~~ Not my style, sorry

fly to Port St. Lucie for Spring Training (breathe....)

fly to Port St. Lucie for Spring Training (keep breathing...)

go on a date (ha!) If you can read this, you have wasted way too much time on this post. You have my sympathies!

Fortunately, I can tic off one of my do-able items tomorrow. Thanks to a student at work, I will be heading down to Citi for one last game! Lets go Mets!!

Ciela

2011-09-19T21:36:00.002-05:00

Ciela: The winged sprite that leads Link along his journeys through Hyrule. What does this have to do with my sweater? Absofreakin' nothing. The sweater was designed as a 'shout out' to all those moths that nibbled their way into people's stash. Rather than maligning the moth, I decided to name it after the winged charmer from Zelda.
This sweater took way too long to complete, but in fairness to the pattern, it really lends itself to the 'Interrupted Knitter'. I was able to pick this up and put it down as life dictated. That, my dear readers, makes for a splendid pattern. The fact that it was lovely to look at and even lovelier to wear makes my life complete.
That's it, that's all. Peace out!

Moouuse

2011-09-17T11:55:00.001-05:00

For the past few months, we have had the pleasure of the company of this sweet lil critter. We call him 'Moouuse' (shown actual size, sorta). Since making his appearance, I have tried all manner of capture. Springing traps, snapping traps, sticky and spinning traps. We even tried the neighbors cat. The level of desperation to rid my home of him stopped short of snakes; although barely.

Then the phone rings at work. It's my son with the news: "we caught the mouse!" Apparently, after a long day exploring the bedroom, Moouuse, in true Goldilocks fashion, found his way onto the chair and cozied under my throw. While that seems relatively cute and harmless, I must clarify that it was not just any chair, he chose my knitting chair. I will repeat this so it can sink in...MY KNITTING CHAIR! Might I add it was not just any throw? It was my 3 winters long hand-knit cabled throw. For those tortured souls who actually follow this blog, you know what an affront this is. Those of you who are new to my rantings, gaze upon this photo:

Could there be a more suitable throne for me, the Queen? Right? OFF WITH HIS HEAD, I SAY! OFF WITH IT!
That's a bit harsh, even for me. Instead, it was dragged to the bowels of the tupper-chamber and forced into exile in the barren wasteland behind the barricade. Or, as my son tells it, scooped into a plastic container and set free in the neighbors yard. I fear future attempts at escape in which case I can only hope the neighbor's fierce lioness has its way!
Here's something just for giggles: http://youtu.be/9bTbAsmPOKo

A Year of Firsts: How not to trip when taking baby steps

2011-09-14T11:07:00.000-05:00

I have done many new things this year; things that in my 'previous life' would have scared the snot outta me! Each time, I come away feeling stronger...walking taller.
What I have learned:

I can find both NYC airports without batting an eye
I can drive 18 straight hours so my son can compete in a gaming tournament
I can survive 3 solid days of Halo Reach and the teens that come with it
I can navigate up, down around and through the Blue Ridge Mountains
I can maneuver the 5 mile long downhill stretches that come after the above mentioned mountains.
I am terrified of 'runaway truck ramps', blown out tires on the side of the road and elevations over 3000 ft
I can drive to Citi Field and back

That is a pretty impressive list, don't you think? Considering this was just the past 3 months. In that time, I had a few moments, I call them my 'oh shit' moments. I had one last night.

Last night, the Mets hosted a 'Stitch n Pitch'. For those of you who are reading this, I don't have to explain what it is. For the rest of you, Google it. Then, the Mets announced it was 'Star Wars Night'. Being in the 'Firsts' state of mind, I decided I HAD to go. Alone. So, I bought my ticket. Next step, transportation. Alone=Train so I looked into the MTA. Fighting off another OS moment, I sent out an SOS to a very kind-hearted fellow at WFAN who patiently gave me a lesson in public transportation 101. This is very good, indeed.

Until I missed my train out of Poughkeepsie. OH SHIT! Breathe, Regina, Breathe...

I can do this, there is another train in an hour.

Grand Central Station. Lovely to look at, but rife with OS potential. Fortunately there were plenty of police sprinkled around. The 7 Line? "Right over there. Takes you right to Citi." As promised, the sight of Citi Field from the subway window was wonderful. The stop is a stone's throw from the Rotunda. I bought a program, got my pencil and found my seat. Missing that first train left me without the free yarn/needles for the fundraiser. I didn't think I would get much knitting done anyway.

Boy, I could use a drink. Hey! I am not driving! I can have a drink! One Stella, coming up!

I was fine until the 7th inning. As I sat amongst the knitters, chatting away with their friends from various knitting clubs, I suddenly felt alone. Even in the company of Darth Vader and Mr. Met, I started to get that funny feeling in my stomach and that pinching in my nose that comes just before the tears.

So I got up, had another beer and walked...and sniffled...and caught up on some of my favorite 'Tweeters'. A Mets reporter that I follow (you know who you are!) mentioned that my solo-ness was depressing, like having a fly ball come my way, only to have it stolen by a Wookie! And that is when I began to cry. I cried, but not because of how I was feeling, but because he was able to make me laugh in spite of it.

Last night's life lesson: At the end of the day, no matter what kind of pitch life throws me, if I can laugh then it is a good day... A good day indeed.

May the Force be with you; it was with me last night.

This post was made possible by the support of @StevePopper and @MetsWFAN

If It's Wednesday, It's Jerky Day

2011-08-17T17:22:00.000-05:00

I have not been to Walmart in years, years people! I heard it had 'changed'. This is good, after all there was really only one way to go but up. Or so I thought... After 2 hrs I was unable to find the cocktail napkins (no, sir, they are NOT in aisle 12!) but I did find this:

Sasquatch. It's what's for dinner.

Feed me scraps and call me "possum"

2011-03-06T19:35:00.020-05:00

Fun was had by all with these mittens! Made from a blend of possum and merino wools, these cuties prompted jokes about night raids on garbage cans to hanging by my tail while knitting them, and everything in between! Truth be told, they are one of my favorite projects.

The wool is from the brush-tail possum of New Zealand.
In knitwear, possum fur resists pilling, is a lot fluffier and causes minimal or no irritation. Yummy!! I have since learned that this little critter is quite a threat to the NZ environment. After their introduction over 100 years ago as a means to create a fur trade in NZ, their population exploded as the demand for fur declined. Having no natural predators, these creatures are literally munching their way through the native brush. Creating an industry that utilizes possum products will make it financially viable for hunters to trap them. The possum fur is hollow and when spun with merino, produces a durable, lofty and warm wool that retains heat with the best of them! Check it out...

Time to get to work

2011-03-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

Based on this blog, one would think I was sitting around doing very little in the way of knitting. While I am not someone who cranks out projects like mad, I have managed to keep my needles busy in spite of one shit-storm after another.(Do I have to make this post 'adult-rated' for saying this?)

My biggest accomplishment this winter was, by far, finishing the Cabled Throw. This project was knit over the course of 3 winters. I never thought I would be able to mark it finished on my Ravelry page. Here is the irony: My initial notes on the project page was to add a :( because the shape of the blanket reflected the change in my tension and skill over the years; starting out wide when my knitting was loose and "new", to a gradual narrowing as my stitches became civilized. My decision to change my :( to a :) was due entirely to the encouragement of my friends and fellow knitters. Over and over again, they told me how great it was to have a singular project with so much knitting history. This confounded throw was telling a story! Nothing dramatic, really, just a "Gee Girl, your knitting doesn't suck anymore" tale. This is my 'Linus', my 'special needs' blanket. My boys love it. I love it. It smells like yummy wool. Granted, it is impossible to fold, having no ends that meet, but at the rate it is being used, I cannot imagine folding it for some time.

"Basic Cable Can be Nice" Scarf

2010-12-05T07:30:00.001-05:00

I completed the scarf and I could not be happier. This was a pleasure to knit, and thanks to the generosity of the designer who offered his pattern at no cost, I am able to use this for teaching new knitters the basic cable.

The Icelandic wool makes for a very rugged and chunky scarf. As you can see from the photos, it stands upright around the neck. Imagine knitting this in a buttery soft merino or alpaca. The fabric would drape nicely; giving the scarf a completely different look.

Cabled scarf

2010-11-24T08:50:00.003-05:00

This is a simple pattern I found on a knitter's blog (see below). I am modifying the width to ensure I have enough yarn; going from 40 cast on stitches to 30.
The purpose of this project is manifold. I am teaching myself continental style knitting, cabling without a needle and the end product will be donated to the school's knitting art club annual outreach project. I am very pleased thus far. Once I block it the ends will shore up nicely.
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eta: http://theactorknits.blogspot.com/ Giving credit to the designer. I hope he does not mind the modifications, necessity being the mother of invention.

To go with the blanket...

2010-11-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the left over squares from the blanket we made for Meg. The chick is done in Intarsia so the floaters made it unsuitable for baby toes. The remaining squares are just a simple 6x6 in stockinette stitch with a garter stitch selvedge for easy seaming. The final touch was the addition of a few jingle bells tucked inside for a maximum giggle factor. Too cute!

2010-10-29T13:58:00.001-05:00

Just waiting on a border.

2010-10-29T12:53:00.001-05:00

Testing my mobile blog#

Can I Vent?

2010-10-29T12:32:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things just get to me. People are always willing to absolve themselves of responsibility as long as there are jackasses like me pick up the slack. Not to say that all slack picker-uppers are asses, some of my best friends are slack suckers. I just marvel at the fact that this happens so frequently even with people who sign on to be responsible. This, I know, makes absolutely no sense out of context but none the less, I feel all the better for writing it.

Now, on to more enjoyable stuff…Knitting. I was cruising around Ravelry, looking at some of my friends finished projects and found myself amazed at the beautiful items they knit. One young lady knit not one, but two dresses. DRESSES! Holy cow! And, here is the rub...they looked amazing on her. I asked how she progressed to the point of having the skill to create such complex and customized pieces. What came out of our conversation was my habit of 'over thinking'. I do this. I know I do. I analyze each stitch and row to death.

I found this in an article in Scientific American:

"Trying to concentrate on monitoring the quality of your performance is counterproductive because the cerebellum, which controls complex motor tasks, is not consciously accessible."

In spite of the research nature of the whole concept, I felt so encouraged but not for the reason you may think. I am tickled pink that my over thinking is proof positive that I have a brain! Phew! All of this thinking about over thinking has me thinking I need a drink. Then I'll get creative!

Peace out!
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Kate is a genius!

2010-03-30T08:14:00.000-05:00

Kate, you are quite handy when it comes to blogging! Either that or you have a way of knowing when that glass of wine and pending sleep are beginning to show!
Rules to live by...what you think may be lost forever might just be hiding out in your drafts!

Group Effort

2010-03-30T08:10:00.003-05:00

Some of the ladies I knit with are knitting up squares that will be sewn together as a wedding gift for the daughter of one of our members. This is a very cool idea. The major setback, as I see it, is gauge. We all began with size 6(USA) needles and patterns from Barbara Walker's book 'Learn to knit Afghan'. Many of us were coming up with squares that were way too big. The ideal was an 8.25-8.5" square. Depending on the stitch pattern, my needle size ranged from a 4-6! None the less, this is a super fun project for a group. Each square will contain the knitters style, gauge and vibe. The first square I knit was good. I did not care for how tight my knitting was, but it worked out to be the right proportion. The second square I really did not like at all. The pattern was not fluid and I don't think it will translate well to an afghan. The square I am working on now (a diamond pattern) is very fun. I like the pattern a lot! After a few repeats, you can get the hang of the pattern and can work without written instruction. The square will be nice and symmetrical and fit nicely into an afghan.

Square #1

This is my first square. I like the outcome, but wish it weren't so tight.

Triangular Rib

This is the second square, Triangular Rib. I have blocked it to shape, but if you notice the two outer ribbed sections and the one central rib; these make for a very compact square. I would have chosen something different if hind-sight were fore-sight.

This is the latest one. The yarn is a lighter color. The pattern is basically Stockinette Stitch with a Garter Stitch Diamond Pattern. I love this pattern. It is fun; not frustrating. The chart is easy to read and mistakes (if I made any...lol) are easily fixed.

I hope to continue posting photos of not just my squares, but those of the ladies in the group. Everyone is doing such nice work. I cannot wait for the Bride-To-Be to see her wonderful afghan.

I have to say, this is my favorite square so far. What frustrated me about the Triangular Rib was completely absent from this square. The pattern is textural without being busy. The pattern was easy to get the hang of and I think it lends itself beautifully to our project for its smooth edges and flat presentation.

I had a thought today. Yes, just one! :). The idea of knitting squares, whether for a sampler blanket, or for dishcloths/pot holders, is a fantastic way to 'get to know' a stitch pattern. Too often I have embarked on a project that looks lovely, only to discover the stitch pattern within the design is a real test of my sanity! I am the kind of knitter that wants to work on patterns that I enjoy. Sitting and knitting while thoughts of 'I hate this flipping pattern...I hate this flipping pattern' bubble and rattle around in my head seems, I dunno, contrary to why I knit. Not to mention the mess I would make on my project if I impaled myself with a needle out of despair. So here is my plan. Work a square of the stitch pattern for my next project, either for a dishcloth, dolly blanket or hot pad for coffee. If I have homicidal thoughts, pan it; on to the next.

So, as I mentioned earlier, that was my thought for the day. My work here is done. I am off to cast on a pattern called...dunno...I maxed out my thought quota.

Grrr....

2010-03-29T18:48:00.000-05:00

I just spent 30 minutes writing a post (complete with pictures even), only to discover it did not get posted! I wanna scream! Instead, I am going for a walk where I will scream to the wildlife at the very top of my lungs. SONOFABITCHBASTARD!~!!!!

Fact of the Day

2010-03-22T19:46:00.001-05:00

Did you know that the directional is dead? That's right. The one and only device that lets us know someone plans to make a left or right-hand turn has bitten the bullet. RIP.

Here She is...Miss America

2010-01-30T19:41:00.000-05:00

Yup, Miss America is telling us how hairspray can be used to prevent underarm perspiration and 'excessive jiggling' while wearing a bikini. OK, as if that is not bad enough...Butt Glue and WD40? I won't even begin to tell you how these are used. Just gotta tell you, the life of a beauty queen is not a glamorous one. Creepy.

So Cliche`

2009-12-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

I bet you are expecting some sappy farewell to 2009. Well sorry to disappoint! Message to 2009: Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!

Good News

2009-12-17T20:37:00.001-05:00

Since our last visit to the SPCA, our feline friend 'Cookie' and his brother 'Julio' have been adopted! Yeah! They were two of the sweetest kittens EVAH!
Our latest visit introduced us to Oreo and Kathy, a black and white and a calico kitten. Both were very playful. Kathy has already been adopted but I am certain Oreo is not long for the shelter.
In spite of our subsequent allergies, we had a wonderful visit and cannot wait for the next opportunity to visit the pets.
I am going to be knitting coats for the dogs so I welcome all yarn donations! We are going to be visiting the shelter every week so anything you wish to donate can be left with us.

Meet Cookie

2009-12-11T15:35:00.004-05:00

Ben and I recently paid a visit to the DCSPCA. The minute Ben walked into the 'Cat Room', this little fella stood up on his hind legs and moved toward him. Needless to say, it was love at first sight. The only problem with photos is they don't allow you to hear Cookie's motor purring!