Me = Magnetic

Desktop = mad at me/no internet

Laptop = squeaking and dim

*I was asked if I am magnetic, having rendered two computers functionless...

Weather = hot

Science = on hold until Monday

Knitting = only thing on the agenda (this or a scarf called "the swiss cheese scarf")

Summer issue of Knitty = worth staying at school another hour to pour over

Nap = next order of business

Christmas So Soon?

It's almost 90 degrees outside, so naturally I'm reminded that Christmas is only six months, two weeks and two days away. So it's high time I start planning my Christmas to-make list (which creates a delightful yarn "to-buy" list). Inevitably, the list includes the sister, the man I knit for, and the roommate from Pittsburgh. Actually, I think I have two of the three ideas set already. Yay for planning. Double yay for shopping.

And as for me? I think I want books (for all my spare time....)

Knitting book: Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann
and Knitter's Almanac

Science book: Streptococcus pneumoniae: Molecular Biology and Mechanisms of Disease by Alexander Tomasz

Fun book: When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

Merry Christmas!

Columbus.... Mecca for Needle Arts?

Thanks to ravelry (my knitting lifeline), I found out that there are not one but TWO yarn-related conventions in Columbus this month (probably not by coincidence). The first is the National NeedleArts Association trade show. Obviously I can't go, but nonetheless, it's going on right here, right now. During dinner last night at Elevator (yum), I overheard two women (with large, yarn-filled bags) discussing novelty yarns and Elizabeth Zimmermann. So there.



And Wednesday-Saturday is the Knitters Connection convention. This is open to the public, for a fee, and I'm seriously considering taking a an intro to Fair Isle, Norwegian and Armenian colorwork (oh my!) If nothing else, I absolutely will not miss the yarn market (yum!)



I need a few more projects, anyway.

Did anyone order a chartreuse blankie?

Just back from a (probably undeserved) vacation with the man I knit for, and I'm feeling very relaxed. I had a chance to work on Clapotis and, mmm, just lovely.



More importantly, Jessica sent me some pictures of other projects I've done for her. I was most excited to add these of her Christmas present from last year. It was a total surprise when she got it, and I'm assured she loves it.



Especially the color.

Grocery bags are genius

I just finished the grocery shopping for a four day getaway with the guy I knit for. Despite a cart full of goodies, no plastic bags used. I'm not a super-hippie tree-hugger, but for a dollar's worth of cotton yarn and a few hours of tv watching/knitting, it's kind of nice to be rid of a few plastic bags.



I have two types, those knit with one strand of yarn and those with two. The two strander is more durable and can hold jars and jugs and such. I followed the everlasting bagstopper pattern from knitty, with a few modifications. No drawstring, knit handles reinforced with canvas.

The one strand bags are super stretchy (and I often regret putting such long handles on them) and are similar to this string bag, but not quite the same. I also really like the Saturday Market Bag by Jodie Danenberg and might try it also (free on ravelry). This one from the now deceased MagKnits looks really neat, too. I like the one handle look (the pattern is up on ravelry for free.)



Yay for grocery bags. Bonus if you love mindless knitting by the tv.