tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295181832011-05-03T04:15:36.970-04:00wherein a knitter blogs about knitting, inter aliaJen in CTnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1561100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-25127896692369195362008-02-13T14:03:00.002-05:002008-02-13T14:07:11.516-05:00

Knitting Interrupted has moved! You can find my blog here.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-18296924994025971042007-12-04T08:46:00.000-05:002007-12-04T09:10:20.488-05:00

I know this will come as news to everyone, but I have been thinking for some time about changing blog hosts. Part of the reason I was so distracted by the computer yesterday is that I was setting up my blog over here. One of the benefits will be that it will be easier to interact with my readers/commenters, which is what I believe to be the purpose of blogging in the first place. I do hope you

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-39596434693226501742007-12-03T21:14:00.000-05:002007-12-03T21:31:56.465-05:00

Today has been one of those days, spent mostly distracted by the computer and cleaning up after children (including the 6'4" child to whom I am married) and I have nothing of interest really to report. I seem to have lost my writing groove, but seriously? Who could blame me? I want to knit but whenever I pick up my needles, the project I'm working on just seems to flail around in my hands and I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-39802705697854936552007-11-29T18:25:00.000-05:002007-11-29T18:28:59.951-05:00

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-23772569076835267342007-11-29T07:42:00.000-05:002007-11-29T07:51:05.620-05:00

I'm going for the big finish today. Pray for me.Meanwhile, just to prove this is still a knitting blog...

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-80283012994369399502007-11-27T22:51:00.000-05:002007-11-27T22:57:05.296-05:00

I am still alive, and chugging steadily toward the NaNoWriMo goal of 50K words. I just wanted to check in briefly to wish a certain 6-year-old a very happy birthday. I know he is an avid reader of this blog and will appreciate the birthday greetings in cyberspace immensely. Well, maybe not. Anyway...

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-12271448055803009952007-11-23T21:50:00.000-05:002007-11-23T22:16:28.765-05:00

Well, belated salutations, anyway.I hope you all had a wonderful time feasting and visiting relatives (if that applies). I am only taking short break from novelling to check in. Please enjoy these pictures of my finished Charade socks.And a closeup of the heel:And the purl side for those of you who are into that sort of thing...I cast them off on Monday night, just in time to show them off to my

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-71931765034855398592007-11-15T16:53:00.000-05:002007-11-15T17:10:22.560-05:00

This is my vacuum.I would like to preface my remarks by first saying that I love my vacuum. This is a workhorse that really gets the job done, in spite of persistent abuse and mistreatment. Like the time I put the air filter in upside down (and vacuumed for months like that), or the numerous times the back end has gotten stuck around the corner and I yanked on the hose hard, or the fact that I've

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-62013066741447370852007-11-14T18:48:00.000-05:002007-11-14T18:53:58.825-05:00

If the Bard of Stratford-upon-Avon were a knit blogger...It is the knitting,The knitting above us, govern our conditions.Which work of Shakespeare was the original quote from?Get your own quotes: And my personal favorite...Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your knitting.Which work of Shakespeare was the original quote from?Get your own quotes:

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-11602066091483057522007-11-13T08:14:00.000-05:002007-11-13T08:46:54.290-05:00

...some knitting content. Yes, in spite of being completely preoccupied with NaNoWriMo, I have gotten some actual knitting done.First, the Charade socks I've been working on.I was doing them in the traditional manner--one sock, cuff down--and got all the way to the toe shaping, which I proceeded to f*ck up royally. Since I had also screwed up made a teensy mistake at the top of the gusset, I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-37321277194028995282007-11-08T08:03:00.000-05:002007-11-08T17:58:03.362-05:00

This fall, Isaac took a class here called "Life on the farm". It is a beautiful and special place.Where they can run and jump and shout...And try to catch the frogs in the pond...Or swing on the tire swing.There is always an opportunity to be chased by the farm's alpha rooster, Eagle. (Seriously, that rooster is stalking me. Not long after I took that last picture, he decided I had no business

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-54374909193798813402007-11-07T16:03:00.000-05:002007-11-07T23:32:25.759-05:00

Instead of working on my novel, I was reading blogs.Instead of cooking dinner, I am blogging.Instead of knitting, I will be working on my novel.Anybody else having a day like that?Also, a quick note to quietly mark the passing of one of our fish, Goldie, swimming happily now in that great big goldfish bowl in the sky. May the water be warm and oxygenated, and may you always have just the right

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-90159619396663735252007-11-06T22:18:00.001-05:002007-11-14T18:41:51.090-05:00

I didn't write at all yesterday, having fallen asleep at 7:30 pm with the kids. Today, I wasn't any where near my computer all day and, while I did some some hand-written stuff, it turns out that it only amounted to about 800 words or so. I'm exhausted tonight. It looks like I will be starting off tomorrow with a 4,700 word deficit. And I'm going into the long haul--the middle, the point where

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-23370273321789712132007-11-04T00:07:00.000-04:002007-11-04T00:24:55.436-04:00

We're finishing up day 3 of NaNoWriMo and I'm happy with how I'm doing so far. I'm running about a 900 word deficit and I have no clue at all what will happen in the middle of my novel. (Well, I have a sort of vague idea of what will happen at the end of my novel, but getting there is going to be a helluva surprise for me and the characters involved.) But hey, I've written more than 4000 words!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-51977822186346884582007-11-03T08:11:00.000-04:002007-11-03T08:16:10.014-04:00

I am really not sure what to think about this... (Link via BuzzFeed, thanks!)

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-4558127309301694892007-11-01T09:29:00.000-04:002007-11-01T09:38:36.876-04:00

Remember when I mentioned that I would be too busy in the month of November for Holiday knitting? The reason is that I signed up for NaNoWriMo. I'm very excited. I got a few of my friends to join in the fun as well--even Mr. Interrupted (sadly blogless) signed up! Yesterday, I would get butterflies in my stomach every time I thought of NaNo starting today. Crap, it starts today?! I gotta go!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-35107895811936913392007-10-31T12:25:00.000-04:002007-10-31T12:31:16.603-04:00

Have a fun, safe night out there!What are you (or your kids?) dressing up as?

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-29821645464315760592007-10-31T08:40:00.000-04:002007-10-31T09:16:26.685-04:00

I remember how I prodded my totally awesome sister into starting up a blog. She now has three blogs and has recently received some blog accolades. The best one (and the one least like a meme) was The Rising Blogger's Post of the Day for the beautiful and poignant post she wrote about Autumn. (Go read it, if you haven't already, it's really quite lovely.) I am so proud of her.Also, her authority

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-43417991781077321602007-10-26T17:53:00.000-04:002007-10-26T18:09:42.106-04:00

Doozer is toilet-trained.Last night, I removed the remains of the CitiKitty litter tray and sprinkled just a few grains of litter on the toilet seat (you know, as a hint). I admit, I was nervous. That tray was all that stood between me and shoveling cat litter every day. This morning, I woke to a cheerful "Mommy, Doozer made a poop in the potty!" sung out by my soon-to-be-six-year-old. Later, I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-83763091197328725652007-10-25T09:33:00.001-04:002007-10-25T09:52:45.343-04:00

This* is what my Wednesday nights look like. I play with the local community orchestra, and we are rehearsing for our upcoming November concert.Can you tell what instrument I play by where I sit in the orchestra?*Sorry for the crappy Photoshop panoramic. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to Kinnear an entire orchestra when you are supposed to be counting measures? (click the image for a

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-44995176074886659862007-10-22T19:37:00.000-04:002007-10-22T19:46:25.831-04:00

Look Out!EZ-E turned two today. Don't let that beguiling smile beguile you. That one is trouble with a capital T.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-61476511159937966322007-10-21T18:26:00.000-04:002007-10-21T19:40:10.488-04:00

...or Thoughts from a Rhinebeck NewbieI wanted to love it the way everyone else does. I wanted to have a great time and make knitterly/bloggerly connections. I was so excited to see the sheep and the yarn and the spinners. I thought it would be great, and there were a few things that were good. But mostly, it was bad.Good things:1. Meeting Casey, the Father of Ravelry, at the Ravelry gathering (

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-73408481871472190612007-10-19T16:07:00.000-04:002007-10-19T16:11:23.255-04:00

I just nipped out to the mailbox, and much to my surprise and delight, found that Booty Club yarn has arrived. Let me tell you, this club continues to kick serious ass. Look, needles! I didn't even order needles. And, in 2 different sizes. Yarn Pirate, you rock!This is not a colorway I would have picked out on my own at a yarn shop, but seriously, isn't it awesome?!Also, as an added bonus, I have

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-790472070370446472007-10-19T15:15:00.000-04:002007-10-19T15:25:23.487-04:00

This weekend is Rhinebeck. I am very excited as this is my first year attending. The boys are looking forward to seeing all the fiber bearing creatures and I will bring the Turkish Spindle I picked up at the CT Sheep and Wool festival to see if someone will volunteer to give me an impromptu lesson. (Hey spinners! If you see me, HELP!)Also, I am looking forward to the shopping. I don't have

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-32215779852141115412007-10-18T09:28:00.000-04:002007-10-18T09:46:19.392-04:00

Check out this Dalek jack-o-lantern. Thanks CraftyCrafty!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-13983982589055945732007-10-16T10:07:00.000-04:002007-10-16T10:14:20.536-04:00

And now, the news.Ohio School shooting --well, duh.Marilyn Monroe pictures--who owns your image after you die?House of Representatives' resolution on Armenian Genocide--anyone remember the CURRENT WAR IN IRAQ?Al Gore wins Nobel Prize, media wonders aloud if this means he will run for president--Al shares the prize with 2000 others, btw.Tomorrow, a thank you speech. Have a great day, everyone!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-80676737951398902972007-10-15T10:22:00.000-04:002007-10-15T10:27:05.142-04:00

I spent the weekend catching up on the TV shows I have TiVo'd.1. Boston Legal--James Spader is totally on my list of celebs I get to shag senseless if given the chance, even though I'm married. Who am I kidding? It's a list of one. Moving on...2. Carpoolers--this show has a lot of potential to be the new Friends, only it's better than Friends.3. Cavemen--It's OK, but the show is not going in the

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-28059936924074266232007-10-14T11:39:00.000-04:002007-10-14T11:43:53.461-04:00

I'm not just a geek. According to this (long-but-fun) test, I'm a Major Geek.Where do you fall on the geek scale? Take the test and let me know how you do in your comments!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-76222323080743162392007-10-12T08:37:00.000-04:002007-10-12T08:55:49.132-04:00

Last weekend we went to pick out pumpkins for Halloween. We actually weren't going to do pumpkins this year--our condo is small, so there really isn't the space for carving, and the kids here do not seem to go trick-or-treating. I think we are planning on getting our tricks-and-treats in my friend Sage's neighborhood. Anyway, my friend Dawn offered to keep the pumpkins at her house and to host

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-712553471972321912007-10-11T09:21:00.000-04:002007-10-11T09:25:14.287-04:00

What does your computer desktop look like? Here's mine.Damn, I'm a geek.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-16629300023096706542007-10-10T15:51:00.000-04:002007-10-10T16:16:14.238-04:00

To the person driving the white sedan:I understand that you must have been in a tremendous hurry. Perhaps you were late for a dental appointment, or to pick someone up at the bus station. Perhaps your alarm clock didn't go off and you were late for work. Believe me, I understand what it's like to be in the car, late for something. It's annoying. Or, maybe you were just having a bad day. I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-48994173231110844172007-10-09T23:28:00.000-04:002007-10-09T23:46:52.094-04:00

Today was our 8th wedding anniversary.I can hardly believe it's been that long.Our marriage has weathered its share of storms, but my life is better with him in it.We celebratedwith balloons on the ceilingand chocolate chip cookies.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-63986220086361400172007-10-08T08:51:00.000-04:002007-10-08T09:47:52.629-04:00

The first of my secret knitting projects is done, but you have to be on Ravelry to see it (sorry!). My Ravelry name is CTJen if you want to check it out. I even had some yarn to spare--about a yard.Talk about a photo finish! I've started the next secret project (photos next time) and am already almost finished. Which is great because, in anticipation of cooler weather (we'll get that eventually,

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-24128621087074384542007-10-04T07:37:00.001-04:002007-10-04T07:45:24.910-04:00

So, here's the thing. I have a couple of huge posts I want to share. But the house is trashed. And I need to install a sink sprayer. And fix a bathtub drain. And do 500 other things today. Including stop at Trader Joe's on the way to a play date. And again on the way back. Please hang in there with me--better posts are on the way. I promise.In the mean time, please enjoy this YouTube video. (

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-9009885326128269832007-10-02T20:06:00.000-04:002007-10-02T20:13:57.776-04:00

Isaac had two baby teeth extracted today, to make way for the adult tooth which has been waiting to descend. Afterward we got him this:Best reward ever!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-59905250213647675112007-10-02T16:48:00.000-04:002007-10-02T17:04:05.550-04:00

Massive political protests in Myanmar become massive human tragedy.50 years since Sputnik!Apple turns its favorite new gadget into an expensive brick.Poor Brittany! Now she's lost custody of her kids. I'm sad. :-(

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-40377020655951707932007-10-01T19:50:00.000-04:002007-10-01T19:59:13.626-04:00

Over at theanticraft.com, they have posted a video of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee knitting. Anyone who has seen her knit knows she is very fast; this video shows how she does it.Thanks for the link, Topaz at Ravelry!(I am going to try this method to see if I can beat the yardage of my secret project to the finish.)PS--> Yarn Harlot books are great to read, but they make crap mouse pads.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-51337857117243053552007-09-30T23:15:00.000-04:002007-09-30T23:18:30.793-04:00

I had to rip back a few inches of my secret project because I didn't "short row down" enough stitches. I'm even more anxious about my yardage now. *grumble*

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-26927818712250205242007-09-28T08:55:00.000-04:002007-09-28T09:16:18.877-04:00

The newsletter is done and I survived my foray into MS Publisher. We now return to our regularly scheduled knitting blog.The secret project I've been working on is coming along nicely--I would say I'm about 3/4 of the way through it. I've started trying to knit faster because I fear I may run out of yarn. We'll see if this helps.I'm still working on my charade sock. I've turned the heel and have

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-79193451935325053312007-09-26T15:19:00.000-04:002007-09-26T15:20:59.629-04:00

Wow. I mean, wow.(Thanks to Boing Boing for the link!)

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-54423887335135969492007-09-25T08:17:00.000-04:002007-09-25T08:28:00.189-04:00

Stories that caught my attention for 5 minutes this week:Taser dude.MIT chick.Insane world leader.Back to the newsletter!

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-45423006466904504902007-09-24T09:22:00.000-04:002007-09-24T14:47:08.130-04:00

There is a "no screens after 8 am" rule in my house, mostly to keep the children from watching too much TV, but it also helps keep me from looking at the computer all day.Today (and much of this week) is different. I volunteered to do the church newsletter for our church secretary who is going on vacation this week (lucky woman!). Before I had children, I did a lot of work with Quark Xpress, but

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-69396589759270604852007-09-21T08:35:00.001-04:002007-09-21T08:40:38.621-04:00

...at Knitting Nation in Nyack--Tillitomas Rock Star in the Hydrangea colorway. Isn't it beautiful?

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-78094489377996028832007-09-19T07:06:00.000-04:002007-09-19T07:08:11.886-04:00

Ahoy, me hearties! Today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, arr! How d'ye plan to celebrate?How about a quiz? What kind of pirate be ye? Here be me results:You are The Cap'n!Some men and women are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any scalawag who stands between them and unlimited power. You never met a man - or woman - you couldn't eviscerate. You are the

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-33408693105494177262007-09-18T08:42:00.000-04:002007-09-18T08:57:46.649-04:00

OMG, what in the hell is going on with OJ?also,EPA cleans up Anthrax contamination.Retirees give up knitting for wii.Yarn Harlot to appear in Wichita (yes, this is news, apparently!). I especially loved how the bookstore owner was surprised that people from miles away were registering the event. "It was then that I realized that this had mass appeal."Happy Tuesday, everyone! See you here tomorrow

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-20135153692407306322007-09-17T08:24:00.000-04:002007-09-17T09:04:40.440-04:00

Robert Jordan died yesterday afternoon after long struggle with amyloidosis. His series, The Wheel of Time, consumed many, many hours of my reading time and I am grateful he shared this story with the world.Go in the Light, RJ.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-20259651561878064602007-09-13T13:56:00.000-04:002007-09-13T14:03:33.044-04:00

OK, I know I said I would take a break from sock knitting, but I am seriously weak. I mean, it's SOCKS. How can you take a break from knitting socks? Especially when there is Yarn Pirate Booty Club yarn in your stash!I cast this sock on, specifically to be my traveling sock. Let me tell you, the going is slow when you are only knitting a project while you're out somewhere. It's good, though. The

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-28004797174247949572007-09-12T08:10:00.001-04:002007-09-12T12:12:44.355-04:00

Here's the progress I've made on the secret project I started the other day. Any more guesses?Finally, in honor of Website Wednesday, here's a link from Nea. This guy builds Escher replications from Legos. Awesome.PS--> another link: Holly is having a destashing contest. Leave her a comment (don't forget to mention me) about a pattern you’ve knit multiple times and you could win a skein of Manos

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-24951135272891962572007-09-11T08:36:00.000-04:002007-09-11T08:41:49.665-04:00

Here's a new feature on my blog rounding up the news stories I've been following this week. What news have you guys found interesting this week? (Thanks to Rachel for the great idea!)Britney bombs at the MTV VMA.Senator Craig tries to put the cat back in the bag.Incident at Applebee's in KY sparks nurse-ins in other states.Doctor Who Series five postponed until 2010.General Patraeus presents his

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-50447952563373917962007-09-08T20:34:00.001-04:002007-09-08T20:37:17.171-04:00

Don't you think?

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-82077898882335836272007-09-07T08:48:00.000-04:002007-09-07T21:57:52.068-04:00

Yesterday, we woke early--4:30 a.m.--and drove to the new children's hospital at the Westchester Medical Center. Ezra was scheduled for surgery to repair two small hernias above his belly button.The children's hospital and grounds are beautiful. There's a massive fish tank in the lobby, the kind you might expect to see at an Aquarium. Everything is beautifully decorated and kid-oriented. I wish

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-29956322904580083282007-09-05T08:12:00.000-04:002007-09-05T08:30:12.767-04:00

Check out this yarn stash. Seriously, it's not a shop, it's a person's stash. I swear, I thought the Yarn Harlot was only being funny when she described stashes like this in her book Knitting Rules. "Oh, haha," I said. "Imagine having to go outside to get 50 feet away from your stash! How silly." But it's not a joke, it's real. And, to top it off, the single room that's pictured is not even all

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-80039728755030780882007-09-04T16:54:00.000-04:002007-09-12T08:27:59.314-04:00

Isn't it lovely? I ordered the 9 mm for two reasons: first, it's the size I needed for one of the secret projects I am working on and, second, it's a size that does not come with the Knit Picks Options set. I do not yet own the KP Options set, but when I get it, I will have already extended it. That's me, always thinkin'!While I was waiting for the needles to arrive in the mail, I cast on this:

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-37472486580253010172007-09-03T15:17:00.000-04:002007-09-03T15:28:15.734-04:00

Oh no, another one of those things. This time it's 4 things. Check it out:Four First Names of Crushes I’ve Had: 1. Ralph 2. Brad 3. Bobby 4. ShawnFour Pieces of Clothing I wish I still owned: 1. That Perfect Pair of Jeans I got a couple of years ago (they no longer make them and I'm SO bummed!!) 2. Honestly, that's it. 3. Clothes and I have never had 4. that kind of

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-29532965743881338752007-09-01T07:25:00.000-04:002007-09-01T08:05:28.974-04:00

...chosen by random sequence generation at random.org, is Bellamoden! Contact me by email with your shipping information and I will send your prize out to you as soon as possible. If I don't hear from you by 11:59 pm (EDT) on Friday, September 7, I will choose a new winner.If you didn't win the contest, fear not. I have two extra sets of stitch markers available for purchase at my brand new etsy

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-61825814581353122012007-08-30T10:25:00.001-04:002007-08-30T10:27:12.670-04:00

...cannot stop snickering.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-37536389659547040272007-08-29T19:01:00.000-04:002007-08-29T19:05:32.364-04:00

Thought you might enjoy a peek at the contest prize. Last day to enter is Friday, 31 August, 2007.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-34617037931093714482007-08-28T09:18:00.000-04:002007-08-28T10:42:22.866-04:00

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-14828011503269406672007-08-25T21:03:00.000-04:002007-08-25T21:14:15.026-04:00

I created a yahoo account for the specific purpose of being my "public" contact. You know, when "registering" for websites, for my blogger business, etc. I get dozens of emails a day on that email address, not including the ones that are automatically filtered by the spam blocker. (I think the new term for all the mail you want, just not now is Bacn.) Now I almost never get any email on my home

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-48153175283874954632007-08-24T09:32:00.000-04:002007-08-24T16:35:59.245-04:00

First, a WIP:Another Booga Bag, this time for me, with button hole handles instead of an i-cord strap. It's been ages since I've knit up most of an entire ball of yarn in one evening. It was nice, mindless, barely have to watch it, going round and round, stockinette stitch while watching the movie "Fun With Dick and Jane". Anybody else seen this movie? Am I the only one bothered by it?SPOILER: I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-6660355096148711662007-08-23T09:34:00.001-04:002007-08-24T16:37:17.107-04:00

DSC00342.JPG Originally uploaded by rhymer573 The Toe-Up Tigers Are Done!I finished them late last night while watching a movie on the TV machine. These were my first ever toe-up socks and the first pair I knitted simultaneously. I really enjoyed this method--no second sock syndrome! Instead of making two separate balls of yarn, I just pulled the yarn from the inside for one sock and the

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-77050061293332718232007-08-22T07:42:00.000-04:002007-08-22T07:48:52.506-04:00

...happens to coincide with Shameless Promotion Day.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-472514311854896392007-08-21T15:17:00.000-04:002007-08-21T15:26:42.698-04:00

Today is Tuesday, August 21--the day I write my 100th blog post. There was a time, not too long ago, that I believed 50 posts was a lot. Now I know better. Even a hundred posts doesn't seem like that many.I started blogging back in June of 2006, but didn't really get going with it until after I'd changed the name of my blog and made a New Year's resolution to blog more. The first 6 months in the

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-21510010137405244422007-08-18T21:46:00.000-04:002007-08-18T21:59:19.673-04:00

Arrived today--Yarn Pirate booty! It's a beautiful colorway. I can't wait to see how it knits up.Arrived yesterday:Sterling silver findings and Swarovski crystal beads for the contest prize. Have you entered yet?

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-16805481594280782862007-08-16T09:43:00.000-04:002007-08-16T10:13:00.820-04:00

I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a fashion trend-setter. I do my best to look presentable with what I can buy at Target or Lane Bryant. Occasionally, I watch What Not To Wear (US version) and I own the book written by the creators of the UK version. I have sort of a loose understanding of what's in style and an even looser understanding of what looks good on my body, but I'm a stay at

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-42067300286735728512007-08-13T08:29:00.000-04:002007-09-04T07:37:49.992-04:00

I turned the heels of the toe-up tigers this weekend.The pattern I was using was from the Summer 2007 Interweave Knits article by Ann Budd. She has you do the YO method of short rowing but frankly, I just couldn't grasp that. Something about doing the YO just hurt my brain, so I thought I'd try the wrap and turn method. I found that to be cumbersome and confusing as well.So, I got my Google foo

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-69170751296650882222007-08-11T07:29:00.000-04:002007-08-11T07:55:05.573-04:00

Last Sunday, we went to Lake Compounce. It was miserably hot that day, and dreadfully crowded (a surge of humanity). Mostly I stayed with my sister and one or both of the kids on the beach by the lake while my DH and her BF went on roller coaster rides (I'm just not a roller coaster person). I tried to knit. Here are my SIPs watching the children fight over who gets to own the patch of dirt we

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-3149489703540395532007-08-10T07:24:00.000-04:002007-08-10T08:11:51.129-04:00

Much thanks to my totally awesome sister who sent me these interview questions.1) if you had the power to change the world, what would you keep the same and why?Human beings have made such a mess of things, I think I would have to examine the microcosm to find anything to keep the same.2) aside from having children, what event or series of events, changed you, made you the person you are today?

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-90902879799842098712007-08-09T08:52:00.000-04:002007-08-09T08:55:43.931-04:00

This popped up recently on Boing Boing, and then again in a link my mom sent me. I thought I'd share.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-24806719290513257982007-08-08T09:03:00.000-04:002007-08-09T09:00:11.020-04:00

The cat is not yet toilet trained, but we're getting there. My first choice training method would have been great, but it involved me having to catch him using the litter in the toilet and "show" him to put his paws on the seat, not keep them in the bowl. This presented a couple of problems. I have two little kids and a household to manage. I was rarely able to catch him at the right moment. Also

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-13573761798356818352007-08-07T22:30:00.000-04:002007-08-07T22:30:59.891-04:00

My baby sister tagged me.It’s very simple. When this is passed on to you, copy the whole thing, skim the list and put a * star beside those that you like.(Check out especially the * starred ones.)Add the next number (1. 2. 3. 4. 5., etc.)and write your own blogging tip for other bloggers.1. Look, read, and learn. ****- http://www.neonscent.com/2. Be, EXCELLENT to each other. ****- http://

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-4504046889076259012007-08-05T08:01:00.000-04:002007-08-05T08:10:29.169-04:00

I finished the Jaywalkers for my MIL yesterday.Yarn: TofutsiesColor: #733Needles: 2 mmA fun pattern and an excellent yarn. They are beautiful and soft and I think she will love them.After I wove in all of the ends, I cast on these (again!) for my FIL.These were originally going to be Jaywalkers, but that didn't work out. Then they were going to be plain old double ribbed socks. I wasn't too

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-73835399136099742552007-08-04T08:45:00.000-04:002007-08-04T08:50:20.545-04:00

A lot of people out there are knitting socks. I know because I saw you last night, with your teeny tiny DPNs or dangling circulars, and oh so pretty sock yarns. Oh, yes. You're out there.And why not? Sock knitting is fun, portable, and instantly gratifying. That is, at least until you finish the first sock and start on the second. It's called Second Sock Syndrome, and I'm sure you've heard of it.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-49737293484006916442007-08-03T23:26:00.000-04:002007-08-03T23:31:13.174-04:00

I just got back from the trip to Madison and (except for a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad thing that happened right after the Harlot finished her talk--we shall not speak of it here) I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Stephanie is as funny and engaging in person as she is in her books, and I'm so glad I got to meet her.Here she is, holding my SIP, rubbing it up against the traveling sock.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-63999375800395070282007-08-03T07:57:00.000-04:002007-08-03T07:58:29.757-04:00

Oh my gosh, people. I have so much I want to blog about. I want to tell you how the sidewalk sale at the yarn shop went. I would love to show you the purchases I made and the huge undertaking I am planning. Wouldn't it be fun to see the sumptuous yarns they were selling for 50% off, laying there on the tables, literally glowing in the sun? I have still the photos on my digital camera.Let's not

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-45312258827893953582007-08-02T09:24:00.000-04:002007-08-02T09:27:06.943-04:00

...too busy getting ready to schlep up to Madison with my children to see the Yarn Harlot tomorrow.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-51232047496463599712007-07-31T08:05:00.000-04:002007-08-02T09:28:06.012-04:00

Remember this? And this? Check this one out:an anatomically correct knitted heart, complete with valves and chambers. Designed by Paul Magnusson of Whidbey Island.You can find the pattern for the heart here. Paul also designed a knitted hip replacement (scroll down for the hip) and some other neat stuff--a beautiful afghan, and even a camouflage suit! He is an interesting character and an

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-66665710568869997472007-07-29T09:44:00.001-04:002007-07-29T09:53:21.266-04:00

Amigurumi cream and pink teddy bear keychain Originally uploaded by Amigurumi Kingdom I've been seeing a lot of this out there in the crochet world. I feel like I'm late to the party.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-81909940857302492322007-07-28T09:29:00.000-04:002007-07-28T09:57:59.705-04:00

I finished Harry Potter 7 today and I will only say that it was a wonderful and satisfying book (no spoilers here!). I would also like to offer my thoughts on actual reading vs. listening to the audio book which was obtained by Mr. Interrupted for me so I would not have to interrupt my sock knitting (hah).I do enjoy the weight of a book in my hand and the feel and sound of the of the pages as I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-60237522517360206202007-07-27T08:40:00.000-04:002007-07-27T08:51:18.373-04:00

I haven't posted since Wednesday. Sorry dear readers, I guess it's been a crazy week. Tuesday was Grocery Shopping day, Wednesday we went to the AMNH museum in Manhattan.(Isaac is mad because I interrupted his picture taking to take this picture. Ezra is proud of himself because he can say "cheese".)Yesterday was Library Day. Today is Knitting Group (with a quick stop at the LYS's sidewalk sale).

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-39805811031535542012007-07-25T07:31:00.000-04:002007-07-28T09:00:18.506-04:00

Here's the progress on my first toe-up sock.Doesn't it look big to you? It is, it's just about 12 inches long. Big enough for my husband's size 13's but I think that my FIL is more like a size 10. I decided to rip back a little, so I pulled out the needles, then I thought it might look nice with a different ribbing pattern--maybe a 3x1 or a 4x1. I haven't decided so the sock is on vacation while

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-26492683533195898832007-07-24T07:59:00.001-04:002007-07-24T08:49:55.076-04:00

I really, really want to ask the Yarn Harlot to be on my Ravelry friends list, but I fear the silent, online snub. This is, with the dozens of social networking websites out there, apparently a growing issue. The Situationist recently featured an article about the "etiquette pitfalls" of online social networking.With networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace expanding expedientially, the

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-69559322764463899442007-07-23T07:44:00.000-04:002007-07-23T07:52:39.139-04:00

It is quiet out there on the knitting blogs--I guess everyone is reading. I had an agreement with Mr. Interrupted that he could read the book first, so I wonder if I am the only Harry Potter fan not reading book 7 right now?So, today is Master's Monday. Here's the best of what I worked on this week.I'm unhappy. That was done on a US 5. See the holes? *grumble* (Also, that is not as good a picture

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-14074424382043185512007-07-22T07:00:00.000-04:002007-07-22T07:33:11.981-04:00

Friday was a crazy day. We had a playdate and a friend's house and by the time I'd gathered everyone up and headed home (at 9:30 pm) I was so strung out that I forgot the knitting project I was working on--the second Jaywalker for my MIL. It's not like I don't have any other knitting to do, so it's not a big deal. I was able to work on this: It was going to be a Jaywalker for my FIL, but you

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-18662867599349277692007-07-21T08:30:00.000-04:002007-07-22T07:34:53.270-04:00

What if your favorite (or most hated) celebrity never made it to the big time? What would they look like? This guy has an amazing collection of Joe-Schmo'd celebs. Enjoy! (Thanks for the link, Boing Boing!)

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-88360102827225051612007-07-19T08:53:00.001-04:002007-07-22T07:35:32.800-04:00

Jen of Knitting Sutra recently wrote about a pooling issue she is having with a pair of socks for her MIL. Jen doesn't like pooling, not even a little, and is having a contest to search for a pool-defying pattern for the offending yarn. Go over and check it out. I'll wait.You back? Anyway, I read the post, having my own opinion about pooling in variegated yarns, decided not to enter the contest,

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-47500449552207747132007-07-17T19:59:00.000-04:002007-07-17T20:49:47.451-04:00

You are a certain young boy-kitty. You've spent the day at the vet, caged and drugged, having a certain sensitive part of your anatomy removed. (Which is just as well since you didn't quite know what to do with some strange feelings you've been having.) You arrive at home, sore, loopy, famished, and dying of thirst. You search for water, anxious to wet your throat and soothe your upset stomach.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-70731981912255396342007-07-16T07:25:00.000-04:002007-07-16T19:33:08.040-04:00

TKGA's Master Knitter program requires candidates to knit up a series of swatches to demonstrate the knitter's knowledge of basic techniques. Here are my three attempts at the seed stitch swatch:The seed stitch swatch must have no holes in it when held up to the light. The middle swatch was my first. Not only is it full of holes, but it is also not a square. The bottom swatch was my second

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-36684454617536814352007-07-14T12:10:00.001-04:002007-07-28T09:48:13.974-04:00

Told you I'd post a photo! :-)

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-70249750697707349622007-07-13T20:31:00.000-04:002007-07-28T09:48:47.784-04:00

One Jaywalker to go. Pictures tomorrow.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-91455063157910775762007-07-12T17:56:00.000-04:002007-07-12T17:59:56.880-04:00

Here is yet another reason to abandon China as a supplier of foodstuffs. Sheesh. (Thanks for the link Boing Boing!)

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-47317513120872353272007-07-11T22:06:00.000-04:002007-07-28T09:49:26.735-04:00

Did you know that the Sweater Curse has its own Wiki?Knitters use the term Sweater Curse or the Curse of the Love Sweater to describe a situation in which a knitter gives a hand-knit sweater to a significant other, who quickly breaks up with the knitter. In an alternative formulation, the relationship will end before the sweater is even completed.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-36129958124160971412007-07-10T07:58:00.000-04:002007-07-10T09:07:39.235-04:00

I took yesterday off from knitting my Summer of Socks socks and instead read a fun Carl Hiaasen book. (Actually, I was already about halfway through the book, so I only read 1/2 the book yesterday.) I recommend anything by Hiaasen if you are in the mood for some fun, well-written light reading that does not involve muggles, firelizards, Aes Sedai, or any kind of spaceships.Anyway, the reason I

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-55699245724311427352007-07-09T07:51:00.000-04:002007-07-09T07:54:32.773-04:00

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-26502578024576468932007-07-06T14:25:00.000-04:002007-07-06T14:41:32.671-04:00

Oh Amex Card, I'm so sorry I lost you yesterday while we were running errands. I thought I'd tucked you back in my bag, but I guess you tumbled out onto the ground. I'm terribly sorry I had to cancel you but I'm so glad that you are not out there somewhere, being forced to make huge purchases against your will. I miss you and will always remember the wonderful times we had together--the late

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-14826475379236020032007-07-05T08:54:00.000-04:002007-07-05T09:12:44.131-04:00

I've spent most of the week so far recovering from the flu and working on socks for the Summer of Socks. On Tuesday, we went over to the mall parking lot to hang out and wait for the fireworks show to start. (It's like a huge tailgate party.) I sat with my sister and Ezra and knit while Mr. Interrupted took Isaac to the carnival on the other side of the parking lot. I finished my KAL rows.I made

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-43245210251535945092007-07-04T11:27:00.000-04:002007-07-04T11:31:56.753-04:00

My totally awesome sister did a portrait of Doozer for me. Isn't it cute?

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-82041775364798086252007-07-02T07:35:00.000-04:002007-07-28T09:50:11.751-04:00

I woke up yesterday, feeling slightly nauseous and was, two hours later, in the throes of a vicious stomach flu. I can't believe the ferocity with which this virus kicked my @$$. Seriously, I was too sick to knit. TOO SICK TO KNIT! It sucked.This morning I am feeling better. Not 100%, but better. I'm going to take it easy. I'm going to lie on the couch and sip some tea and knit.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-85501965249335575672007-06-30T16:20:00.000-04:002007-07-28T09:50:39.449-04:00

The Monkey socks are done:Whoo-hoo! Unfortunately, I can't count them for the Summer of Socks, because I started them in May. However, I have cast on another pair of socks already. More on that later.

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29518183.post-89597202673832676042007-06-28T18:26:00.000-04:002007-06-28T18:36:53.128-04:00

I know that I've mentioned to a few close friends and family members, as well as the vet, that we have decided to train Doozer to use the toilet. It's not so much that cleaning out the box is a hassle (it is, but I'll do it) as it is that Doozer is very clumsy in there--stepping in his business and tracking it into my bed. Doozer seems to be a very bright cat and is always very interested in all

Jen in CTnoreply@blogger.com