Beads -n- Yarn

The meme of unread books

2008-05-13T16:22:00.001-05:00

The LibraryThing Top 106 Unread Books.

Bold books read
Italicize books started but unfinished
Strikethrough books were hated
Asterix books read multiple times
Underline books on "to read" list

Jonathan Strange & M. Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and Punishment
Catch-22
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi: a novel
The Name of the Rose
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
Madame Bovary
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Eyre
A Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies
War and Peace
Vanity Fair
The Time Traveller’s Wife
The Iliad
Emma
The Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner
Mrs. Dalloway
Great Expectations
American Gods
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Atlas Shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Memoirs of a Geisha
Middlesex
Quicksilver
Wicked : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales
The Historian
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Love in the Time of Cholera
Brave New World
The Fountainhead
Foucault’s Pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A Clockwork Orange
Anansi Boys
The Once and Future King
The Grapes of Wrath
The Poisonwood Bible
1984
Angels & Demons
The Inferno
The Satanic Verses
Sense and Sensibility
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Mansfield Park
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
To the Lighthouse
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
Gulliver’s Travels
Les Misérables
The Corrections
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Dune
The Prince
The Sound and the Fury
Angela’s Ashes
The God of Small Things
A People’s History of the United States : 1492-Present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere
A Confederacy of Dunces
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Dubliners
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-Five
The Scarlet Letter
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The Mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake
Collapse : how societies choose to fail or succeed
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity’s Rainbow
The Hobbit
In Cold Blood
White Teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield
The Three Musketeers

Which Austin Heroine are you?

2008-03-13T07:50:00.002-05:00

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this. I guess it generally accurate but not really exciting.

Take the Quiz here!

A Healthy Level of Insanity

2007-12-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

I saw this posted to the wall at the car wash yesterday and couldn't stop laughing. Enjoy!

20 Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and Point A Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch To Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Sexual Favors"
7. Finish All Your Sentences With "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don't Use Any Punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Ask People What Sex They Are. Laugh Hysterically After They Answer.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Hard.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot, Yelling
"Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......

20. Copy this and Send an E-mail To Someone To Make Them Smile.. It's Called Therapy...

greece sock

2007-09-30T11:21:00.001-05:00

I have just returned from Greece! An awesome place. Walk around Athens and you can't get more than a few blocks without running into some OLD stuff. Not just old in the American sense where 200 years is old. I'm talking 2000 or more years! Walk down the street and, oh look, Roman Baths found when digging a ventilation shaft for the Metro. Just awesome! Can't say more.
Visiting Greece means lots of travel, especially if you're island-hopping which I was. Airplanes and ferry boats. And knitting of course. This is the Greece travel sock.

I might have completed the second sock as well if I hadn't needed to get up and walk around the ferry boat every few minutes to gaze at the lovely islands passing by.

Summer Days

2007-08-25T10:15:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe it; summer is over. Well, yes, it's sticky hot outside at the moment. But the week of cool and rainy weather we just had was a warning and these 2 days of heat are a last gasp. But for me, the lazy days of summer are over. Work has jumped up into full speed, chorus rehearsals start on Monday, and the romance of summer has been derailed. But, hey, I've got a trip to Greece to look forward to. Yippee!

So, on to knitting. Here's my latest contribution to Summer of Socks KAL.

Pretty, huh?
Yarn: Steinback Wolle, Aktiv Effect
Pattern: Standard toe-up, short row toe and heel, 3/1 rib on US0

Then I added the pair to pile of socks and they looked so pretty all lined up in a row I had to take a photo. Four pairs of socks completed this summer. Not too shabby! For me anyway. Don't forget before this summer I had never knit a sock. I'm quite proud of myself.

But socks are not the only things on my needles in the last few weeks. Did I mention that my sister is having a baby? So, I'm also knitting baby things. Such as this blanket.

I'm finding this a supremely comforting knit (just what I need right now). Could be the soft, cozy feel of the yarn (TLC Cotton Plus), could be the soothing colors, could be calming repetitiveness of stockingnet. Or the combination of all three. Whatever it is, I'll take it!

I'm off now to commune with my cotton blankie.

It's a Mystery

2007-08-11T13:35:00.001-05:00

On the sock front I've started the Socktopia Mystery Sock. So far only the cuff has been released. This is the first top-down sock I've ever done and I'm a bit apprehensive about how badly I'm gonna mess this up. But then, we don't learn if we don't try.

I'm researching and reading lots of patterns for baby socks, booties, hats, and blankies. I've recently learned that my sister is expecting. I already have 4 nephews and 2 nieces but this will be the first baby since I've taken up knitting. I don't usually put too much pressure on myself but I really, really want to gift new baby with a knit treasure that will become a favorite.

This is my first baby garment. The cutest hat using this pattern. Haven't done the flowers yet but even without them it is soooo cute!

Does anyone have suggestions of best yarns for babies? Preferably machine washable and dryable?

Lacy Socks

2007-08-08T17:54:00.001-05:00

Here's my latest.
This was a lot of fun to do. The lace pattern was very simple to work and remember and since it's not highly repetitive, also keeps the engaged. I'm gonna have to do this one again and again and again. Guess what my sisters are getting for Christmas. Hee, Hee. Ho, Ho.

Yarn: ArtYarns Supermerino color 129
Pattern: generic toe up; lace pattern inspired by Padded Footlets from Favorite Socks

I've recently learned that one of my sisters is having a baby. Hmmm. Knit baby stuff. I haven't knit baby stuff before. So I did a big swan dive into the internet looking for patterns. My, my. Sure are alot. Tons in fact. So many choices. Can't write anymore. Gotta go read...

Joy and Dancing Around the Room

2007-07-28T18:44:00.001-05:00

This weekend has started fabulous for sock knitting. A pair of socks completed!

Yarn: ArtYarns Ultramerino 6
Pattern: Basket Weave from Sensational Knitted Socks modifed for Wendy's Toe-up Sportweight Gussett heel

And a new sock nearly halfway done.

Yarn: ArtYarns SuperMerino 129
Pattern: Inspired by Padded Footlets in Favorite Socks

What a joy this new sock has become! From inspiration to execution without the least bit of effort or struggle! I've had this experience before in designing jewelry but this has been the first for a knitting project. I'm giddy with delight!

Harry Potter slows knitting progress

2007-07-26T17:31:00.000-05:00

Very little knitting has been accomplished this week. Harry Potter rightly deserves the blame. I just had to read the seventh book. A mostly satisfying finish to this wonderful epic.

I've finished the heel of the second basket weave sock and started the leg. It'll be a short leg like the first sock. That's how I prefer my socks. Sorry, no photo. Next post will have the finished pair with photo.

First Sock of Second Pair Done!

2007-07-18T19:48:00.001-05:00

Knitting progress has slowed due to the need to re-read HP-HBP. Gotta be ready for HP-DH. I've got a copy reserved that I plan to pick up Saturday morning. Then there won't be any knitting getting done for 2 days or more. More because I'm likely gonna want to read it twice. First time in one big gulp. Second to savor.
So here's what I did get done. The first sock of Pair Number 2 is done.

And the second sock has a toe.

Plus, I also finished the SeaSilk Skinny Scarf. I had an urge to handle silk. Yum!

I also have an original design idea for the next pair of socks but so far no swatching done. Could be the design won't work at all. We shall see.

It's a Pair

2007-07-10T18:18:00.001-05:00

Ta Da! My first PAIR of socks completed!

ArtYarns SuperMerino color 112 on US3 DPNs.
Used Wendy's Sportweight Toe-up Gusset Heel Sock modified for a 40 stitch circumference.

RRRIIIPPP

2007-07-05T07:50:00.000-05:00

Nothing's perfect. Right? Especially me. And yet.... Apparantly I hold my creative side to a level of, well, not perfection, but it has to come close. That Ultramerino sock was no where near close. As tempted as I was to rip, rip, rip, I let it sit overnight to see if it would grow on me. The sun rose, I rose, the sock took a dive. I can't express how happy I was to transform that excessively flawed sock into a pile of crimped yarn, full of promise once again. One of the many problems with the sock was that it was big on my foot. I reduced the stitch count by four and started over. This time I did the basket stitch from Sensational Knitted Socks. And I'm loving the result.

I get that happy, warm feeling when I look at this sock progress. All is right and perfect in my little world again.

Never Go Back

2007-07-04T07:02:00.000-05:00

I am completely spoiled now.
Beware, Beware. Never knit with ArtYarns 100% Merino yarn. Once you do, you will never be able to work with lowly, scratchy wool, ever again.

The blue stripy sock has been set aside, possibly for a very long time. This week I've been working only with ArtYarns yarns.

I've completed sock #1 of the Supermerino after much ripping and trying various heels.

Then started the toe of the second sock and realized that as much fun as this is to work on, it is quite brain free.

Swatching of ArtYarns Ultramerino commenced and continued for a while, trying something like 20 stitch patterns. None satisfied so decided to just work a toe anyway and wing it. Here's what resulted.

Summer of Socks Kick Off

2007-06-25T20:18:00.000-05:00

First day of summer, Thursday, and I cast on for Summer of Socks after a long day at work wishing I weren't there but at home with needles in my hands. That evening I did cast on and began the short toes for the first sock, and disappointment set in. I wasn't loving the yarn. Steinbach Wolle, Aktiv Effekt. It's a sticky yarn but that's not the annoying part. It has a tendency to split. Paying close attention is neccesary. I continued working on the sock over the weekend and a lovely weekend it was too. Escaped the city to the family's country house on the water and just hung out on the screen porch, listening to birds, watching the birds, watching the neighbor's cat watch the birds, and knitting this sock.

On the way home I pass by an LYS, Knit Happens, and couldn't stop myself from stopping. Didn't take long for me to have superwash merino yarn in my hands, of both the ArtYarns and Lorna Laces variety. As soon as I got home I swatched the ArtYarns. Tonight I did a toe.

This time I chose to try the easy toe. The yarn is a little to heavy for short rows. I had to rip back the toe once. Ah, learning the hard way is a painful process. Above is the second try. Still not perfect but good enough, I'm thinking. Now, I've gotta do research to find toe-up heel flap methods.
Single Socks completed: 0
Socks in progress: 2

Training Sock #2 Done!

2007-05-29T19:29:00.000-05:00

Ta Daaa! A 'mostly' wearable sock! Created by me!

I took a little sock break and made these! Stitch Markers! The bead habit contributes to the yarn habit! Poetic!

Sock yarn yummies have arrived. Various fingering and DK weight and various fibers in stripes and solids. Such a huge variety of possibilities in one small pile! The bead stash is starting to turn green in envy of the yarn stash for pure volume, if not quantity.

Training Sock #2

2007-05-24T20:55:00.000-05:00

Here it is!
The second sock in progress, ready for the heel.

Lion Brand Magic Stripes
on US1 DPNs
using Wendy' generic toe-up sock
The only thing that I don't like about this are the ladders. Gotta scan the web for suggestions on how to deal with those. Anyone?

Mom and my First Sock

2007-05-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

So many to-drool-over photos of socks on the blogosphere I finally made the plunge and made my first sock. It's definitely NOT something to drool over, in fact, it's completely unwearable. But, Hey, I learned alot from doing it. I'm gonna keep it for posterity.

Using Alison's ankle socks pattern and Lion Brand magic stripes on US3 DPNs. The short row heels are very bad but I did better with the short row toe. Then came the grafting; I screwed that up big time. pulled the stitches to tight. such is life and then so we learn.

I cast on another sock right after; jumping back on the horse. This time using Wendy's general toe-up sock formula. No grafting! heehee. So far just have the toe done and the short rows are looking good. Photo later.

I made a brief detour back to the beads to make a present for Mother's Day.

For my standby project I have this seasilk scarf in progress. So nice working with seasilk!

A Brief History

2007-05-17T15:27:00.000-05:00

For many years my crafty obsessions have revolved around beadwork. Below are some examples of my work.
Clutch purse woven in the Peyote style using 11/0 Delica beads.

Necklace and earrings in a lace weave using 11/0 Czech beads.

Lariat in a spiral weave using 11/0 Czech beads and pearls.

Eventually, and after many years admittedly, the came a time when the challenge diminished. I'd learned and mastered all the techniques that interested me and was making jewelry and beadwork designs that constantly garnered compliments and statements of amazement. Hmm. Modest, aren't I? :-) I began to look for more challenging ways to play with beads and at the same time, enviously watched friends as they worked the gorgeous yarns available today.

Finally, I decided that I could try working yarn. I would have a BIG learning curve since I'd never tried knitting or crochet before. And which one? A-Tinkering I shall go. Off to the craft store, for me that's Total Crafts, to peruse the available instruction guides and materials at cheap side. While tinkering I decided that I preferred to pursue, at least initially, KNITTING. The loop is on a needle. no need to search for it. Learned my cast on, my knit stitch, my purl stitch, make some swatches, and then tackled a scarf. That was okay. Tried some nicer yarn and WHAM bang-o I was hooked! So far I've only done scarves. Here's a few.

Likey the lacey!

Bowl o Beads

2007-04-18T21:02:00.000-05:00

Making beads is one of my most favorite activities. They're small, quick to make, and sooo pretty. Then later I make them into earrings and incorporate them into bracelets and necklaces. These little 'gems' always get lots of compliments accompanied by amazement.
Here's the bowl o beads that as yet do not have a home.

And one of my most favorite necklaces which includeds beaded beads. And yes, those pearls are knotted. Yet another thing I've learned to do. I love the luminesence of pearls.

Starting Out

2007-03-23T09:17:00.000-05:00

I've been reading lots of crafter's blog lately and found that I too would like to write about my crafting activities. Just meer writing about and taking photos and posting them really. That someone might read this is not essential, and really not expected. Which actually might make my writing more unreserved. That's a good thing. Everyone needs the practice. BTW, if anyone does read this and decides they like what they see enough to want to own any of the objects I've made, well then! By all means contact me. I'm willing sell any pieces that haven't already been given away or make a similar piece on commission.

It's been many years since I've done craft shows but I did used to do them. Nowadays, I sell my work only informally, as a hobbyist. I do think, at some point, I'll do craft shows again, but I'm not so crazy about the business side of things. I'm an artist! I would need a business manager. I'm vetting out friends for that role. Hee hee.