Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Multipurpose!




Between cat/dog/bunny tending, I have been knitting. Finished the socks with the Strong Heel, seen here at  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-strong-heel-socks.


They fit me really well, and were a cinch to knit. No picking up of stitches and no yarn overs to hide a gap in the short rows. Princess thinks they smell great, after being worn a day.

In fact, I like them so much that I am using the technique to replace the heels on three pair that have been waiting patiently for mending. I thought I saw how to do this on  http://techknitting.blogspot.com/, but after looking, I don't see it there. Maybe Fleegle? Anyway, I whacked each sock in two, right above where the heel flap began. Once the heel is reknit, I will, with luck, kitchener it to the sock foot, after cutting off the gusset and holey heel. It's a bit fiddly, but quicker than knitting a whole nuther sock. I am not worried about matching the yarn; this will be a way to use up those leftover bits I have squirreled away. And I didn't want to throw the socks away; in fact, one pair is almost ten years old, but I wore through the heel the first day. The yarn was mostly pure wool, with no nylon. I don't use that for socks anymore. The ones I have with nylon wear like iron.




I've also done a bit more work on 'Leslie,' shown here in b&w. The hair and background I am not worried about, but I want the nose and mouth area to be perfect - or as near to perfect as I can make it.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Do you need a vacation?


Boo Boo is in time out. Behind bars even!


Sunday, Sweetie and I herded all of the electrical wires to safety, and allowed Bunny Boo free run of the office. Until she discovered an old plug and wire last night. Not knowing if it was hot or not, I put a box in front of it, but she nudged the box out of the way. I ran her off numerous times, but she waited until I went to the kitchen, moved the box and began gnawing. She did it two more times and received time out two more times - until I put Tabasco Sauce on the wire and adjacent floor. (Should have done that first thing. Le sigh.) 

Then she found the old plumbing tube for an ice making refrigerator, behind our non-ice making fridge. Tug tug tug, chew chew chew. Time out for the rest of the night.

Today, she discovered the mystery of the cat door, which goes to the garage. Sweetie got her back inside and into her cage; she bit him twice she was so mad!

That wrascally wrabbit  is smart and fearless. 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Accept no substitute


It's cold. 

Yes, I know it is January in Missouri and it should be cold, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. Yesterday, as I bundled up to go out, I wondered which I disliked more - bundling up for the cold or self-basting in the heat. Today should reach 38ยบ. Yay! Above freezing. My studio has been too cold to work on 'Leslie,' and on Monday and Tuesday, I didn't feel well. Mostly just cuddled on the couch with sudoku puzzles. 

Going to Columbia today for therapy and an allergy shot. Also Goodwill, as I can always use more clothes that fit. My appetite has returned, and I worry that I will gain weight. Especially since I am being a slug here lately. At least I eat mostly good stuff, and Diet Coke is now back in my life. I once lived on cigarettes and Diet Coke. Healthy! 


I really am pleased with 'Leslie.' The piece is turning out just as I hoped. And planned. Looking at it makes me happy.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Safe and Reliable

It took two whole days for Bunny Boo to feel confident to enter the open door to the office. Now? She's right at home, marking every little thing as her own.

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Bind Off Loosely

I've moved 'Leslie' back into my studio, since having her in the office was making anything advances. The studio is warm and sunny. In January, the sun is a wonderful thing.


Nothing is set in stone yet, which is good because I see a few spots that need tweaking, but mostly I am happy.

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

Made to Last


What I made yesterday - four new potholders. 





Corky and Snoopy are more interested in crumbs on the floor than looking at the camera.

Monday, January 07, 2013

I'll be your server


The other day, Sweetie called me to the back door, the one looking out to the screened-in back porch. "Look at Boo Boo," he said.

She was running and performing binkies, having a generally good time. Then she stopped and looked out through the screen.

Out in the yard, I saw a squirrel and when Boo Boo quieted down, Squirrel began to gambol and binky. Bunny watched intently, and when Squirrel sat down, she began her dance again. 

This went on for several minutes.
aHow cool was that?

Saturday, January 05, 2013

Now with Cocoa Butter!


So. 

Another year; let's hope it's a good one. 

There is still snow on the ground from over a week ago; just enough to be pretty but not enough to be annoying. We may get a title dusting later today. 

I am doing well, mentally and physically. I am not suffering from SAD, beyond sleeping more than normal. I mean, really, when it gets dark by 5:30, I am ready for bed. I'm not crying on the couch depressed, but it almost takes a fork lift to get me out of the house. Yet, I go, even if only a little bit. I credit my meds, which I think are spot on. Therapy is part of it, too.

The wound on my neck is healed, but there is still an angry looking red scar which I enjoy touching. My brain is less foggy and my memory has improved. I'm walking the dogs again. I feel good. I am even exploring a couple of teaching opportunities, in Columbia, and I plan to attend a meeting of the Weavers and Spinners Guild there this Tuesday. For me, that is really stepping out and to the edge. 

Knitting? Why, yes I am. A pair of mostly plain socks save for the 'Strong Heel.' It's a pattern from Knitter's Fall 2003 by Gerdine Crawford-Strong. I am down to the ankles on both.