tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20073681549321399082024-03-13T13:34:29.957-07:00Swanky KnittingSwanky-A smart, active, strapping young fellowAmyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555908591962634969noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-4818477400493732212012-05-18T11:40:00.003-07:002012-05-18T11:40:54.457-07:00desert bloomingA,
It must be spring time for Arizona. The desert is in bloom. You know how sometimes you'll see a picture of the desert and it can look pretty beautiful? This is one of those times.
Except that most of the flowering plants are landscaped plants around here, and our "real" desert is still the boring ugly desert that it normally is.
There are Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-41737702271677887452012-04-22T17:10:00.005-07:002012-04-22T17:10:44.925-07:00progress reportA,
Hi, how are things? Did you hear we might have a college group reunion? I just got done talking with Sarah and we decided that I should skype in. Since I'm not, you know, in Iowa.
In the world of knitting, I have been working mostly on my secret project. I'm onto the second ball of yarn now, and my project only has 26 rows left. Yay! I'm making so much progress.
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-61878549417638413102012-04-17T21:30:00.007-07:002012-04-17T22:43:53.662-07:00tri tripA,We had a weekend of fun in Phoenix and Tucson these past few days. James competed in the Marquee triathlon (olympic distance). It was his first time using a wetsuit and also using his new tri bike plus all the fancy gear that he has accumulated this last year.Do I have pictures? No! I am so bad at taking pictures! I do have video, from which I might be able to eek out a still frame, but Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-29815185278755716442012-04-10T09:43:00.006-07:002012-04-11T11:17:08.317-07:00some thoughts on science and inspirationHappy Easter Amy!When I was in elementary school we had a day of fun every year called "high interest day" where you could sign up to take classes that would teach you to speak a different language, learn to juggle, weave a basket, etc. I never signed up for the chemistry session, but I remember learning after the fact that it was the coolest class ever. Apparently, there were explosions and Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-21259373028864347342012-04-07T12:59:00.005-07:002012-04-07T13:29:50.580-07:00book of storiesA,I am really enjoying making toys right now. They are so much fun! And I wanted to share one more thing that can be done with these knitted toys.Shutterly recently sent me a coupon for a free photo book, and I used the opportunity to make a picture book for little M. I took pictures of Tweet and Twiddle from around our neighborhood and put together a story.The book turned out really well, andKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-71531705603793006532012-04-04T13:02:00.008-07:002012-04-07T12:59:28.802-07:00you don't have to be an aging hippieA,I have been reading for a while about how sprouted grains are supposed to have great health benefits, but I never really pursued the topic. I kept finding bits and pieces of information about them, but never any recipes or directions. And I didn't pay much attention to these pronouncements of health anyway, since I don't have a grain mill.But! I was reading in this cookbook about how to Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-88679835543854731772012-04-02T12:03:00.001-07:002012-04-02T12:03:41.281-07:00one more stripe leftA,Actually, I lied. I have a third project going. (Well, a fourth if you count the socks in my closet that have been socking around for years without being worked on, but that project doesn't quite count because I've totally placed it out of my mind.) The third project is a snake: the green and purple striped snake. It just won't go away. And it's freaking me out.I know it would take Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-49086552966299064852012-03-31T12:08:00.002-07:002012-03-31T13:31:58.794-07:00update on projectsA,Here is an update on my knitting projects. There are two of them, in fact, and both are quite enjoyable to work on. I have been concentrating most of my efforts on the secret project. This is the yarn I have left from my first ball of yarn:I still have about two more skeins to go, so I am approximately a third of the way done.Secondly, the mice are coming along well. I have been working Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-83843214394806620202012-03-29T20:26:00.005-07:002012-03-30T13:12:05.539-07:00let's do betterA,Keeping up a knitting blog is hard! I don't feel like I knit quickly enough to warrant frequent posting. And then the blog either languishes, or I start posting about random topics that have nothing to do with knitting (like cheese or the neighbors that I like to spy on). Plus I'm working on a secret project now, which means it is not easily blogable (though I will share a picture of the Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-70423507618511853382012-03-25T12:00:00.003-07:002012-03-25T12:48:54.366-07:00nostalgicA,When I was back at the parents' house a couple of weeks ago, I had some time to dig through closets, reminisce about old times and haul back some objects. It was good to see all that stuff again. I'm pretty good at throwing stuff out, decluttering and the like. But there are a few things that I like to hold onto. I've got a little file folder with play programs or orchestra bills, notes fromKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-6867964805054172552012-02-28T12:13:00.007-08:002012-02-28T14:00:01.569-08:00hat success!A,I know that hats aren't generally considered to be a big deal, but I seem to have difficulty with them. I haven't had very many success stories, so I am happy to boast of my recent hat accomplishment:I think the success has a lot to do with the fact that this has absolutely no shaping involved. But that's okay! It fits! Hooray!KPS. Apparently you cannot vote for the republican primaries Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-76004756397203087762012-02-24T08:49:00.006-08:002012-02-24T09:31:51.740-08:00perspectivesA,Sometimes when you're performing in a play, you get so close to the script that you forget what parts of it are funny. Then opening night comes along, the audience laughs at something, and you have the chance to see the play anew, in the eyes of the audience. I always found this to be immensely gratifying.Sometimes with knitting, too, you get to be so close to it that you forget the inherent Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-11323029925582903502012-02-16T16:29:00.000-08:002012-02-17T09:23:20.067-08:00Branching outHey K,
Medieval Mice! Oh goodness. So cute. Alan Dart's knitting, for the most part, seems almost unattainable to me because it always looks so amazing. I started looking through all his patterns and I now have a deep desire to make Natural Nativity.
I've been on a bit of a spinning jag recently. Yesterday when Kris was out to game night, which I don't go to, I was sorting through a box of Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03555908591962634969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-31731826496392014582012-02-14T13:47:00.000-08:002012-02-14T14:10:37.958-08:00be preparedA,Thrummed mittens are being sent to the other side of the world.And now I am working on projects for future future needs.First, there is a secret Christmas project for one of our blog readers. I started eleven months early! There is no way I won't finish this in time.And if you thought that was working ahead of time, my second project is even more forward-thinking. This project won't be readyKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-65054956003638114392012-01-27T08:12:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:32:19.084-08:00taking risksA,This is what happens when you leave your neurotic dog alone by herself:I've been kenneling Malina when we're out because it's slipper season, and last year she demolished my slippers (I didn't realize my yarn was at risk as well). I've been diligent in kenneling her, but I think James was a little more optimistic. He left her out last night.I can't be too upset at James, because the night Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-52783765640842435332012-01-17T04:40:00.000-08:002012-01-17T10:59:16.977-08:00magical transformation of shawl into scarfA,I've been working on things, albeit slowly. I'm ready to wash and block some lace, which is always an exciting step. This project turned itself into a scarf, because the border wasn't matching up properly, and I decided that it would be easier to leave it out altogether than to figure out what was wrong with my ability to evenly pick up stitches. I would have probably ended up wearing it as Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-44326054343926082912012-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:43:21.172-08:00NeighborsDr. A,Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Graduation, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year's! I guess I haven't posted in a while.We had some interesting neighbors for a while. They were the first neighbors we've had who left their windows open. Which meant, well, I got a little snoopy. I mean, it was hard not to, because their default voices were loud. It was difficult to make out actual words, but Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-29636164521932748182011-11-01T08:31:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:15:50.059-07:00a secondary purpose for knitting needlesA,
Apparently, knitting needles are quite versatile. Not only can they be used to create delicious knitted items; now the can be used to create delicious, homemade cheese!
Here I am perforating a wedge of castle blue with this knitting needle. The intent is to expose some of the interior to the outside air so that the blue mold will grow inside the cheese as well as outside. I've already gotKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-48773028791225834832011-10-27T15:44:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:27:14.563-07:00okay, I'm ready nowA,Alright. So I finished the ridiculous sweater. And now, I have finished this ridiculous quilt top (disclaimer: not the entire quilt, just the top of it. I still don't even know how I'm going to go about quilting it). All of my silly projects are finished. I'm ready now. The baby can come.Plus, look at this adorable baby room:With curtains!I hope I get to meet her soon.KPS. I just sharedKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-3119695199188577452011-10-19T11:48:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:04:32.975-07:00German and LaceA,Good news! I found our favorite German restaurant again. It burned down earlier this year, and will now be in its third location, in about as many years. This place is great, and the owner is actually from Germany, so we get to hear German banter between her and the other patrons, plus delicious food. When it burned down, we still had some weisswurst in our freezer, but that is now long Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-74518160392831549252011-10-11T08:05:00.001-07:002011-11-01T12:27:57.109-07:00almost about triathlons, and almost about running, but sort of more about this stroller we boughtA,
In honor of last weekend's Kona Ironman, I am going to talk about triathlons. Well, not really. Just a little. James finished an olympic-distance triathlon a couple of weeks ago, and he is on a triathlon kick. He's already planned out which events he wants to enter this year, and what distances he wants to train up for. He's salivating over triathlon bikes and plotting his training, even Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-6666199450582929392011-10-11T08:03:00.001-07:002011-10-11T08:05:03.866-07:00quillingA,When I saw this, I thought of you, because you are the only person I have ever known who has done quilling.Love,KKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-11623196974250899912011-10-05T18:03:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:28:08.215-07:00ridiculous knitting projectsA,This has got to be the most ridiculous project ever.Ridiculous and mammoth and behemoth and gargantuan.But it is finished.I think I started this, what? Two years ago?Let's look at some of those steeks.And while I'm at it, I might as well transform this from knitting sculpture to actual sweater:The frustrating thing is that I still have no idea whether or not it will fit me. Even after the Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-17900085353022579422011-10-01T12:59:00.000-07:002011-10-03T10:28:16.125-07:00on teenagers and pregnancyA,James and I made a brief appearance at our local high school football game this past Friday. Now, I have to admit that I have absolutely no interest in football. I feel almost un-American saying this, but despite my best efforts, I cannot for the life of me focus on the game. It's nice to chat and people watch though.I really enjoy people watching.Sometimes I marvel at how each person has Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2007368154932139908.post-53481966275280562862011-09-28T12:22:00.000-07:002011-11-01T12:28:51.098-07:00adorable and tiny and baby and you're married now!Hello Mrs. Amy K.
I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon Iceland!
Before I left for your wedding weekend, I decided to start a new knitting project, so I would have something portable and easy to work on. But then, I never actually worked on it. I slept on the plane, and then the project sat in my bag the whole time I was in Iowa.
But I finished this sweater last weekend while James was Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07219737532853583028noreply@blogger.com0