1. I have graded all of my ecology research papers! (this is quite a feat since it involves three readings of each paper - a first, fast reading through each one to get a general "feel" for where they are at, a second, detailed reading to make comments and correct errors, and a final reading where I assign points). I was having some asthma problems yesterday afternoon so I went home early and set up on the couch and did my grading. I'm still not breathing totally free this morning; we are supposed to have storms today.
2. I am up through the gusset decreases on the first of the Crocodile socks. Melissa at Loose Ends was asking if this yarn did wonky things instead of patterning the way it is supposed to. For me, yes. The leg of the first sock isn't too bad - it's more of a vertical zig-zag of green and white than a real "scale" pattern, but now that I am on the foot, I have my fingers crossed that the pattern will somehow re-establish. So far, it hasn't. So now I am faced with a dilemma - do I include these with my mom's gift even though they're not up to what I consider "gift" standards because of the wonky patterning, or do I keep them for myself? I do have a ball of the brown; I'm thinking if and when I make these for me I'm going to do heels and toes out of a coordinating yarn (maybe the leftovers of the green crocodile) to avoid interrupting the pattern. (No, I do not like short-rowed heels; they fit me badly, and I'm not fond of the peasant heel either).
I think it's because it's a "multi-row" pattern rather than a simple stripe or little fair-isle that it gets messed up.
Last night, I was thinking that it would be an interesting study for someone - in geometry? topology? I'm not sure what - to look at patterning like on the self-patterning yarn and determine what patterns are more "flexible" to distortion (i.e., different gauges, being knit at different numbers of stitches) and which are less flexible. Might be profitable for the yarn companies because there might be other patterns out there that could be knit up "magically" other than stripes. (I can see it as an American Scientist type article).
Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
My heart goes out to Wendy.
If you read her blog, you will know what I am talking about.
Spent yesterday evening reading student research papers - haven't actually graded them yet, but have put comments on them in preparation for grading (I think that will start this afternoon). I get another stack of papers in another class today.
Over the weekend, I received a new catalog from a place called "L'atelier". I don't normally criticise things, but in this case - the catalog wound up in the trash for a couple reasons. The main reason was the graphic design - it was so chaotic I couldn't read the darn thing - every page was packed with stuff and had no clear focus. Maybe I'm just not very sophisticated, but I need whitespace and clear divisions between different sections. Well, actually, no, graphic design wasn't the main reason. The main reason was the precious editorial tone - that breathless, look-what-WE-just-discovered! attitude, the this-ain't-your-granny's-knitting-this-is-HIP attitude. I felt not unlike how I felt when I heard about sorority rush - first, a sense of "they wouldn't want me" and then the reverse-Groucho feeling of "any club that would reject me is a club I want no part of." Which is generally how I feel about anything that is so self-consciously and self-referentially hip.
It reminded me a bit of the J. Peterman catalog, and all those parodies of the J. Peterman catalog.
Am I the only one who is put off by that - I think the standard marketing model is that you sell things to people based on what they aspire to be, but when I look at any of those super-hip, super-glossy-cool catalogs, I feel like I'm on the outside looking in, like it's a private club I'm not a part of.
It was also exceedingly pricey. Including the opportunity to join a "private club" for $75 that gets you some kind of a discount and gets yarn samples mailed to you. But $75? For a year? I guess I'm just not hip, sophisticated, and with-it about knitting. Oh, and the yarns - mostly all novelty. Give me good old plain wool in a nice color, something I can knit up using a fancy stitch or lace pattern into a top that won't look dated in five years.
If you read her blog, you will know what I am talking about.
Spent yesterday evening reading student research papers - haven't actually graded them yet, but have put comments on them in preparation for grading (I think that will start this afternoon). I get another stack of papers in another class today.
Over the weekend, I received a new catalog from a place called "L'atelier". I don't normally criticise things, but in this case - the catalog wound up in the trash for a couple reasons. The main reason was the graphic design - it was so chaotic I couldn't read the darn thing - every page was packed with stuff and had no clear focus. Maybe I'm just not very sophisticated, but I need whitespace and clear divisions between different sections. Well, actually, no, graphic design wasn't the main reason. The main reason was the precious editorial tone - that breathless, look-what-WE-just-discovered! attitude, the this-ain't-your-granny's-knitting-this-is-HIP attitude. I felt not unlike how I felt when I heard about sorority rush - first, a sense of "they wouldn't want me" and then the reverse-Groucho feeling of "any club that would reject me is a club I want no part of." Which is generally how I feel about anything that is so self-consciously and self-referentially hip.
It reminded me a bit of the J. Peterman catalog, and all those parodies of the J. Peterman catalog.
Am I the only one who is put off by that - I think the standard marketing model is that you sell things to people based on what they aspire to be, but when I look at any of those super-hip, super-glossy-cool catalogs, I feel like I'm on the outside looking in, like it's a private club I'm not a part of.
It was also exceedingly pricey. Including the opportunity to join a "private club" for $75 that gets you some kind of a discount and gets yarn samples mailed to you. But $75? For a year? I guess I'm just not hip, sophisticated, and with-it about knitting. Oh, and the yarns - mostly all novelty. Give me good old plain wool in a nice color, something I can knit up using a fancy stitch or lace pattern into a top that won't look dated in five years.
Monday, April 28, 2003
new computer!!!
Well, for quite a few weeks now I've been exclusively working on my at-school desktop, because my beloved Winbook laptop - the one on which I analyzed my dissertation research, wrote my dissertation, and wrote most of my early teaching stuff - is failing (the lamp that lights the screen is going out). Since I had had this computer since '97, and the repair was more than 1/3 the cost of a new one, and the computer had become increasingly buggy as it aged, I decided it was time for a new 'puter.
So I hemmed and hawed and stalled. It's a lot of money to me. Then I realized I'd get a tax refund that would cover most if not all of the cost.
Then my brother (who is a seminary student) had a financial emergency. And my wonderful father, in the spirit of "fairness" (more-than-fairness) said he would buy me the computer, seeing as he helped my brother out of a financial jam.
Even better, Winbook had a sweet, sweet deal on exactly the computer set up I needed. So one should be winging its way to me later this week.
Incidentally, Winbook is a smaller, less-known company but their computers are excellent - the fact that I was able to use one from 1997 until now with little upgrading is, I think, part testimony to their quality. And when I broke something on the computer, their repair was fast and good and not too expensive.
I am still considering buying a digicam with part of my tax refund. In that case, I'll upgrade to picture-blogger and be able to actually show you the stuff I'm making!
Well, for quite a few weeks now I've been exclusively working on my at-school desktop, because my beloved Winbook laptop - the one on which I analyzed my dissertation research, wrote my dissertation, and wrote most of my early teaching stuff - is failing (the lamp that lights the screen is going out). Since I had had this computer since '97, and the repair was more than 1/3 the cost of a new one, and the computer had become increasingly buggy as it aged, I decided it was time for a new 'puter.
So I hemmed and hawed and stalled. It's a lot of money to me. Then I realized I'd get a tax refund that would cover most if not all of the cost.
Then my brother (who is a seminary student) had a financial emergency. And my wonderful father, in the spirit of "fairness" (more-than-fairness) said he would buy me the computer, seeing as he helped my brother out of a financial jam.
Even better, Winbook had a sweet, sweet deal on exactly the computer set up I needed. So one should be winging its way to me later this week.
Incidentally, Winbook is a smaller, less-known company but their computers are excellent - the fact that I was able to use one from 1997 until now with little upgrading is, I think, part testimony to their quality. And when I broke something on the computer, their repair was fast and good and not too expensive.
I am still considering buying a digicam with part of my tax refund. In that case, I'll upgrade to picture-blogger and be able to actually show you the stuff I'm making!
Well, my exams are written. I am as ready as I can be for the onslaught of research papers to grade today.
Over the weekend, I helped out with a town trash-off day. Figuring (very conservatively) that there were 40 people there, and that they worked for 2 hours each, two work-weeks of person-hours were expended picking up trash (and probably actually more than that; there were quite a few Boy Scouts along). Two work-weeks of person-hours that people could have spent doing other things were it not for the careless jerks who throw their fast food cups, cigarette packages, empty envelopes, and who knows what else out their car windows. Litterbugs are one of my pet peeves. No, actually, it goes beyond that. Litterbugs piss me off.
I also did get some knitting done. I have turned the heel on the first Opal Crocodile sock. And thanks to Murder on the Orient Express being on AMC yesterday afternoon, I got a lot done on the body of the Trinity Stitch Shawl. Very shortly I will be able to start the edging.
I will say, as someone who is in love with David Suchet's "Poirot" (in the mildest, most innocent, most schoolgirlish possible way), Albert Finney's half-adenoidal half-yelling with-his-shoulders-up-around-his-ears "Poirot" was somewhat jarring.
Over the weekend, I helped out with a town trash-off day. Figuring (very conservatively) that there were 40 people there, and that they worked for 2 hours each, two work-weeks of person-hours were expended picking up trash (and probably actually more than that; there were quite a few Boy Scouts along). Two work-weeks of person-hours that people could have spent doing other things were it not for the careless jerks who throw their fast food cups, cigarette packages, empty envelopes, and who knows what else out their car windows. Litterbugs are one of my pet peeves. No, actually, it goes beyond that. Litterbugs piss me off.
I also did get some knitting done. I have turned the heel on the first Opal Crocodile sock. And thanks to Murder on the Orient Express being on AMC yesterday afternoon, I got a lot done on the body of the Trinity Stitch Shawl. Very shortly I will be able to start the edging.
I will say, as someone who is in love with David Suchet's "Poirot" (in the mildest, most innocent, most schoolgirlish possible way), Albert Finney's half-adenoidal half-yelling with-his-shoulders-up-around-his-ears "Poirot" was somewhat jarring.
Friday, April 25, 2003
Dang, I'm chatty today, no? Well, it's what comes of being stuck in an office with fifty multiple-choice questions to develop.
Courtesy of Peppermint Tina today, here is a nice link: Live Aloha!
Here's my list:
Try to do something nice for someone each day. Even if it's someone you don't know.
Share the knowledge you have.
Pick up litter (will be doing that tomorrow am, it's one of the semiannual town trash-off days)
Turn out the lights when you leave a room.
Treat other people like you would hope they would treat you.
Keep a sense of humor when stuff starts going wrong.
Share.
Send a birthday card to a friend.
And when you see the color purple in a field, stop and admire it.
Courtesy of Peppermint Tina today, here is a nice link: Live Aloha!
Here's my list:
Try to do something nice for someone each day. Even if it's someone you don't know.
Share the knowledge you have.
Pick up litter (will be doing that tomorrow am, it's one of the semiannual town trash-off days)
Turn out the lights when you leave a room.
Treat other people like you would hope they would treat you.
Keep a sense of humor when stuff starts going wrong.
Share.
Send a birthday card to a friend.
And when you see the color purple in a field, stop and admire it.
Why I love teaching, part II:
on the exam I just graded, one of the last questions was "Leibig's Law of the Minimum states" and one of my students wrote "Thank you for allowing us a drop test!" (For the record, he's earned an A in the class as it is).
I love those little flashes of humor. It makes grading a lot easier.
(For the record: a description of what Leibig's Law is)
on the exam I just graded, one of the last questions was "Leibig's Law of the Minimum states" and one of my students wrote "Thank you for allowing us a drop test!" (For the record, he's earned an A in the class as it is).
I love those little flashes of humor. It makes grading a lot easier.
(For the record: a description of what Leibig's Law is)
Oh, and the Circus in the color "Sideshow" came yesterday. It is bright, but the color sort of grows on you. I was actually lying in bed last night, fighting the temptation to get up and cast on the pullover - never mind that it will be at least 7 months before it is cool enough to wear a bulky wool pullover again.
I will probably wind up referring to it as my "Sideshow Bob" sweater. (Sideshow Bob is one of my favorite characters on the Simpsons, even though he's evil).
I will probably wind up referring to it as my "Sideshow Bob" sweater. (Sideshow Bob is one of my favorite characters on the Simpsons, even though he's evil).
The Friday Five:
1. What was the last TV show you watched?
Last night I watched part of a PBS show on computer hacking. I got really tired partway through though so I went to bed and read instead.
2. What was the last thing you complained about and what was the problem?
I complained about a group of people getting "special treatment" that I felt should have been extended to everyone (I can't be more specific than that considering the situation).
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
I wrote "good answer" for a good answer to an exam question that a student gave.
4. What was the last thing you threw away?
This morning: a piece of paper towel with vinegar on it that I used to wipe down the kitchen counters and stovetop after I fixed breakfast.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
Making a little blog tour this morning. The immediately previous blog was Squibnocket.
Today my goal is to grade the soils exams, type up the biology final I wrote yesterday, and write the soils final (my ecology final is already done). Exams are in two weeks but seeing as I will have some 60 research papers to grade next week, I want the finals written and out of the way first.
1. What was the last TV show you watched?
Last night I watched part of a PBS show on computer hacking. I got really tired partway through though so I went to bed and read instead.
2. What was the last thing you complained about and what was the problem?
I complained about a group of people getting "special treatment" that I felt should have been extended to everyone (I can't be more specific than that considering the situation).
3. Who was the last person you complimented and what did you say?
I wrote "good answer" for a good answer to an exam question that a student gave.
4. What was the last thing you threw away?
This morning: a piece of paper towel with vinegar on it that I used to wipe down the kitchen counters and stovetop after I fixed breakfast.
5. What was the last website (besides this one) that you visited?
Making a little blog tour this morning. The immediately previous blog was Squibnocket.
Today my goal is to grade the soils exams, type up the biology final I wrote yesterday, and write the soils final (my ecology final is already done). Exams are in two weeks but seeing as I will have some 60 research papers to grade next week, I want the finals written and out of the way first.
Thursday, April 24, 2003
oh. my. gosh.
so someone on the Knitlist mentioned that they made Sitcom Chic out of 1824 Cotton.
So I went to the site, and checked the gauge, and yuppers, it COULD be made out of 1824 Cotton. Which comes in far more nice and sophisticated colors than Cotton-Ease does, and which is a yarn I have been dying to try (I love 1824 Wool). And which is available from some Canadian sites for good prices.
I could make a Sitcom Chic in a much nicer color, for less money. That appeals mightily to me.
For the size I want I would need about 1400 yards.
hmmm. Not that I'm BUYING right now, I'm just thinking out loud...
Like Musk, or Coral, or Chili...
so someone on the Knitlist mentioned that they made Sitcom Chic out of 1824 Cotton.
So I went to the site, and checked the gauge, and yuppers, it COULD be made out of 1824 Cotton. Which comes in far more nice and sophisticated colors than Cotton-Ease does, and which is a yarn I have been dying to try (I love 1824 Wool). And which is available from some Canadian sites for good prices.
I could make a Sitcom Chic in a much nicer color, for less money. That appeals mightily to me.
For the size I want I would need about 1400 yards.
hmmm. Not that I'm BUYING right now, I'm just thinking out loud...
Like Musk, or Coral, or Chili...
Pulled the Lightning-Bolt sweater back out and added another 2" or so on the front. I've finished the first full pattern repeat of the center front motif.
Incidentally, ISO a picture of the sweater I could direct you to, I find that the only entries on Google for "lightning-bolt family sweater" (the name from IK) are entries in my blog. Hee.
As you've doubtless noticed, I am not the kind of person who can do one project exclusively until it's finished. (I can do that in rare cases - with things needed by a deadline - but I don't like it). I'm the same way with reading books, usually having 2 or 3 or more going at the same time. And I'm the same way with work-projects. I can only work on one thing for so long without going nuts. Through most of grad school, I took classes in addition to working on my thesis or dissertation so that I had some little, short-term goal project (like a journal article critique or a test to study for) to rally me through the longer-term goal.
I don't do well when my goal is far, far off in the distance. I prefer goals that I can actually see approaching. I think this is part of the reason for my fondness for smaller projects.
Incidentally, ISO a picture of the sweater I could direct you to, I find that the only entries on Google for "lightning-bolt family sweater" (the name from IK) are entries in my blog. Hee.
As you've doubtless noticed, I am not the kind of person who can do one project exclusively until it's finished. (I can do that in rare cases - with things needed by a deadline - but I don't like it). I'm the same way with reading books, usually having 2 or 3 or more going at the same time. And I'm the same way with work-projects. I can only work on one thing for so long without going nuts. Through most of grad school, I took classes in addition to working on my thesis or dissertation so that I had some little, short-term goal project (like a journal article critique or a test to study for) to rally me through the longer-term goal.
I don't do well when my goal is far, far off in the distance. I prefer goals that I can actually see approaching. I think this is part of the reason for my fondness for smaller projects.
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Please say this is a leftover from the April 1 edition:
MTV to make musical version of "Wuthering Heights"
and they are going to 'modernize' it.
and it has one of the kids (I think the guy who plays Francis) from Malcom in the Middle starring in it.
MTV to make musical version of "Wuthering Heights"
and they are going to 'modernize' it.
and it has one of the kids (I think the guy who plays Francis) from Malcom in the Middle starring in it.
the books of my childhood
One of the things I have been doing* over the past few years is tracking down and buying copies of books I loved when I was a kid. Many of the books I loved were either from the school library or the public library and I didn't own copies of them - or others were books I wore out through sheer love. It was a real coup the day I found a copy of "No Flying in the House," which was sort of the prototypical "childhood memory book" - I read it during "free reading time" in 1st grade (do they still do that for kids? give them 15 or 30 minutes at the end of the day to just read?), remembered the story but forgot the title and the author, and then, in my 20s, rediscovered the book. I also tracked down copies of all the Moomintroll books (of course) for my personal library, and "The 101 Dalmations" (the Dodie Smith version, not the Disney version). Recently, I found a copy of "The Secret in Miranda's Closet", which I originally got as one of those Scholastic paperbacks (does anyone else remember the little flyers printed on the crummy newsprint, with the long skinny order form on the last page? I bought a lot of books through them when I was in primary school). One of the surprising things about rereading books you read as a child is that you don't remember everything. In "Secret", Miranda has a lovely antique doll she has been given. When she and her mom fall on hard times, she tries to sell the doll. A rapacious and rude antique dealer tries to take advantage of her, offering something like $15 for the doll. To which Miranda responds, "That's just chicken****"
And the word was in the book. I mean, the whole word, not starred out, not euphemized.
I do not remember that from my old Scholastic paperback copy. And, having been a prim and sheltered child, I think I would have. I wonder if Scholastic bowdlerized the versions they published, and this used hardback copy I have is the "real McCoy".
*I'm not sure why. It's not like I'm wanting kids or anything
One of the things I have been doing* over the past few years is tracking down and buying copies of books I loved when I was a kid. Many of the books I loved were either from the school library or the public library and I didn't own copies of them - or others were books I wore out through sheer love. It was a real coup the day I found a copy of "No Flying in the House," which was sort of the prototypical "childhood memory book" - I read it during "free reading time" in 1st grade (do they still do that for kids? give them 15 or 30 minutes at the end of the day to just read?), remembered the story but forgot the title and the author, and then, in my 20s, rediscovered the book. I also tracked down copies of all the Moomintroll books (of course) for my personal library, and "The 101 Dalmations" (the Dodie Smith version, not the Disney version). Recently, I found a copy of "The Secret in Miranda's Closet", which I originally got as one of those Scholastic paperbacks (does anyone else remember the little flyers printed on the crummy newsprint, with the long skinny order form on the last page? I bought a lot of books through them when I was in primary school). One of the surprising things about rereading books you read as a child is that you don't remember everything. In "Secret", Miranda has a lovely antique doll she has been given. When she and her mom fall on hard times, she tries to sell the doll. A rapacious and rude antique dealer tries to take advantage of her, offering something like $15 for the doll. To which Miranda responds, "That's just chicken****"
And the word was in the book. I mean, the whole word, not starred out, not euphemized.
I do not remember that from my old Scholastic paperback copy. And, having been a prim and sheltered child, I think I would have. I wonder if Scholastic bowdlerized the versions they published, and this used hardback copy I have is the "real McCoy".
*I'm not sure why. It's not like I'm wanting kids or anything
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
They're coming out of the woodwork!
Another person, who I noticed said she was a "research scientist" on her little blog-blurb is Michelle of Mimoknits. She studies hearing loss and perception.
It's really interesting that there are so many research scientists and doctors (and other talented women) out there "hiding behind domesticity", hm?
and - happy day! the "Side Show" colored Circus is on its way to me. (The name always makes me think of Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons. I hope this yarn doesn't try to strangle me, or blow me up, or frame me for robbing a Quickie-Mart). It's bright, but I guess that's what you need for a winter pullover (my first choice had been the much-more-subdued "Palm Reader")
Another person, who I noticed said she was a "research scientist" on her little blog-blurb is Michelle of Mimoknits. She studies hearing loss and perception.
It's really interesting that there are so many research scientists and doctors (and other talented women) out there "hiding behind domesticity", hm?
and - happy day! the "Side Show" colored Circus is on its way to me. (The name always makes me think of Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons. I hope this yarn doesn't try to strangle me, or blow me up, or frame me for robbing a Quickie-Mart). It's bright, but I guess that's what you need for a winter pullover (my first choice had been the much-more-subdued "Palm Reader")
I did my undergraduate work at University of Michigan; while looking for a picture of the graduate library online I found this slide show of the campus. It makes me a bit nostalgic - The Cube! The Fountain of Poseidon or Triton or whoever that was in front of the League! The campustown! The graduate library! U-M was one of the prettier campuses I've been on, and one of the ones that was better integrated with the surrounding city.
There were a lot of things I didn't like about it, but still, it's nice to see the old familiar buildings and the places I knew.
Sigh. And here is the Farmer's Market. My Saturday morning entertainment. Ann Arbor was a great "walking city" - I didn't even own a car when I lived there, yet I was able to find everything I could possibly want within a few blocks of my apartment.
There were a lot of things I didn't like about it, but still, it's nice to see the old familiar buildings and the places I knew.
Sigh. And here is the Farmer's Market. My Saturday morning entertainment. Ann Arbor was a great "walking city" - I didn't even own a car when I lived there, yet I was able to find everything I could possibly want within a few blocks of my apartment.
Happy Earth Day!
While I am probably not as enviro-friendly as I could be (I do still drive a car), at least I use a reel-type (non-motorized) lawnmower, and I don't own a leaf blower. And I try to avoid using pesticides, and I don't use herbicides on my lawn or garden.
And I'm keeping the landfills from filling up by keeping all my old papers in my office !
Last night: worked some on the green Opal Crocodile socks. The colors aren't lining up quite like the picture suggested but they still look ok - more of a vertical zig-zag look.
While I am probably not as enviro-friendly as I could be (I do still drive a car), at least I use a reel-type (non-motorized) lawnmower, and I don't own a leaf blower. And I try to avoid using pesticides, and I don't use herbicides on my lawn or garden.
And I'm keeping the landfills from filling up by keeping all my old papers in my office !
Last night: worked some on the green Opal Crocodile socks. The colors aren't lining up quite like the picture suggested but they still look ok - more of a vertical zig-zag look.
Monday, April 21, 2003
 | Cheer Bear |
They're baaaAAAAck! It's odd to see new versions of toys that were out when you were in junior high being sold again. Is Rainbow Brite next? What about Herself the Elf? Popples?
I'm still waiting on the Smurfs to come back. They were my favorites
Oh, man. This is why I love teaching. I have my students do an exercise on biotechnology and ethics (based on information from Your Genes, Your Choices. One of the questions I ask at the end of the exercise is "If you could genetically change anything about yourself, would you? What would it be?"
One of the guys in my class put "Nothing. I'm too sexy for my car."
One of the guys in my class put "Nothing. I'm too sexy for my car."
It's that time of year when all college professors get mounds of student papers to read. And I am no different. And I have to unleash my own silent scream, my own tiny bit of snarkiness: this link to Bob the Angry Flower's explanation of how to use apostrophes correctly.
I can only hope that Bob will tackle the it's/its, they're/their/there, and your/you're confusion next. And after that, dare I hope for a t-shirt-worthy "This is the difference between affect and effect?"
I can only hope that Bob will tackle the it's/its, they're/their/there, and your/you're confusion next. And after that, dare I hope for a t-shirt-worthy "This is the difference between affect and effect?"
Added a couple more knitting scientists:
Snargle, who is a marine biologist, and Glampyre (Stephanie) (Sarah from Snargle says she does "heavy-duty physics" and it's something to do with the Earth's core...). I also updated the Keyboard Biologist's URL.
Snargle, who is a marine biologist, and Glampyre (Stephanie) (Sarah from Snargle says she does "heavy-duty physics" and it's something to do with the Earth's core...). I also updated the Keyboard Biologist's URL.
Weekend FO's:
The Opal Southwestern socks
A paperback book cover, complete with a paper-pieced birdhouse block on the front.
The book cover is part of the Mother's Day gift for my mom. While working on it, I remembered why I don't do much paper-foundation piecing - it ranks high on my list of "craft PITAs". I always wind up wasting a lot of fabric, or cutting one piece a smidge too small and not finding out until I've sewn on the next piece. And then there's always the bits of paper to be picked out (and picked up off the floor because they never fall straight into the trash can). At least the thing is done.
I also worked a bunch on the Trinity Stitch shawl, although I think I need 10" more to have the top of it wide enough. I think I did figure out how to attach the edging as I knit it; in "Lace from the Attic" it says that on every other row, you knit the last st of the edging together with one of the chains or stitches of the thing you are attaching it to.
I began a pair of green Opal Crocodile socks. If I can get these done, they will be part of my mother's birthday present.
I did go shopping. I found a fabric (white, with tiny, tiny jewel-colored dragonflies) for the dress. I bought some more scented candles. I went to the local Hobby Lobby and found that they seem to be eliminating just plain Wool-Ease in favor of the Lion Brand "novelty" yarns, and they seem to expect that people will use Red Heart if they want a "just plain yarn". Well, considering I live in a warm climate, that's probably true of many people. (also that most people who knit or crochet do it for children or babies and the stuff needs to be easily washable). Still, it's sort of sad. I had hoped to get some grey for one of the dolphins out of the Kath Dalmeny book.
I'm sure the Lion Brand boucle is a nice yarn, but it comes in such damn garish colors - I would never wear any of the combinations that the Hobby Lobby had.
Oh, and I got a letter from KnitPicks - the yarn I wanted was sold out by the time they got my order. Figures. So I called the company to see if it was a "final sold out" or if it was "we'll have it back in stock on date x". It was a final sold out. I did talk to the woman and she suggested an alternate color - which I ordered, PROVIDED it is in stock. Of course, it would have been nice if I had got an e-mail right away when they found it was out of stock, rather than having to wait the couple days for the letter.
I do not think I will order again from companies where the warehouse and the order center are in different states, or where the "warehouse" doesn't actually exist and they order yarn from the distributor when I place my order. I have increasingly found that kind of situation to be one that leads to frustration - stuff is out of stock or sold out or "can't be found" and no one at the order center knows it because they never even see the warehouse. So Carodan Farms and Elann may be my main yarn-sources in the future.
The Opal Southwestern socks
A paperback book cover, complete with a paper-pieced birdhouse block on the front.
The book cover is part of the Mother's Day gift for my mom. While working on it, I remembered why I don't do much paper-foundation piecing - it ranks high on my list of "craft PITAs". I always wind up wasting a lot of fabric, or cutting one piece a smidge too small and not finding out until I've sewn on the next piece. And then there's always the bits of paper to be picked out (and picked up off the floor because they never fall straight into the trash can). At least the thing is done.
I also worked a bunch on the Trinity Stitch shawl, although I think I need 10" more to have the top of it wide enough. I think I did figure out how to attach the edging as I knit it; in "Lace from the Attic" it says that on every other row, you knit the last st of the edging together with one of the chains or stitches of the thing you are attaching it to.
I began a pair of green Opal Crocodile socks. If I can get these done, they will be part of my mother's birthday present.
I did go shopping. I found a fabric (white, with tiny, tiny jewel-colored dragonflies) for the dress. I bought some more scented candles. I went to the local Hobby Lobby and found that they seem to be eliminating just plain Wool-Ease in favor of the Lion Brand "novelty" yarns, and they seem to expect that people will use Red Heart if they want a "just plain yarn". Well, considering I live in a warm climate, that's probably true of many people. (also that most people who knit or crochet do it for children or babies and the stuff needs to be easily washable). Still, it's sort of sad. I had hoped to get some grey for one of the dolphins out of the Kath Dalmeny book.
I'm sure the Lion Brand boucle is a nice yarn, but it comes in such damn garish colors - I would never wear any of the combinations that the Hobby Lobby had.
Oh, and I got a letter from KnitPicks - the yarn I wanted was sold out by the time they got my order. Figures. So I called the company to see if it was a "final sold out" or if it was "we'll have it back in stock on date x". It was a final sold out. I did talk to the woman and she suggested an alternate color - which I ordered, PROVIDED it is in stock. Of course, it would have been nice if I had got an e-mail right away when they found it was out of stock, rather than having to wait the couple days for the letter.
I do not think I will order again from companies where the warehouse and the order center are in different states, or where the "warehouse" doesn't actually exist and they order yarn from the distributor when I place my order. I have increasingly found that kind of situation to be one that leads to frustration - stuff is out of stock or sold out or "can't be found" and no one at the order center knows it because they never even see the warehouse. So Carodan Farms and Elann may be my main yarn-sources in the future.
Friday, April 18, 2003
Last night, needing something a bit different, I pulled out the Trinity Stitch Shawl and worked on it. I'm getting close to done with the body, I guess - I always have a hard time judging on those "knit until it's the size you want" shawl patterns. It's long enough, but I'm not sure if the top part is wide enough to comfortably cover my broad-for-a-woman shoulders.
I got my credit card statement for the past month yesterday. It's amazing what a difference going on a stashdiet makes.
I do think I will go off of it tomorrow - I have a 50% coupon for Jo-Ann's and a $10 off coupon for Bath and Body Works. I have plans for that 50% off coupon - it's for a single item (including cut fabric), so I am going to go and see if I can find a fabric I like for a dress pattern I have. The pattern takes like 6 yards, so it's good to have a coupon...and the JoAnn's here tends to carry nicer fabric than many, I think it's because they are the sole species of store filling the fabric-store niche in this area. I mean, for me to find a real dressmaker type store would involve a drive to Dallas, at least...
And I figured out what to do for Mother's Day. While looking for the dress pattern, I ran across a pattern I had for a quilted paperback book cover - I made a bunch of these back in the day as gifts for friends and then forgot I had the pattern. My mom reads a lot, and mostly mystery novels (which tend to come in the size this cover fits), and so, there I am - I also have a novel on hand I was going to give her, so I can make the cover and put it on the book and send it to her.
I also realized when I was going through my patterns that I have a truly frighteningly large number of patterns to make clothes for the Gene doll. Just another thing I don't have time for any more.
and I have to say: I think it's truly amusing (in an almost sick way) that they have a doll out that is dressed and made-up to look like the infamous "Happy....Birthday.....Mister......President...." Marilyn Monroe bit.
I got my credit card statement for the past month yesterday. It's amazing what a difference going on a stashdiet makes.
I do think I will go off of it tomorrow - I have a 50% coupon for Jo-Ann's and a $10 off coupon for Bath and Body Works. I have plans for that 50% off coupon - it's for a single item (including cut fabric), so I am going to go and see if I can find a fabric I like for a dress pattern I have. The pattern takes like 6 yards, so it's good to have a coupon...and the JoAnn's here tends to carry nicer fabric than many, I think it's because they are the sole species of store filling the fabric-store niche in this area. I mean, for me to find a real dressmaker type store would involve a drive to Dallas, at least...
And I figured out what to do for Mother's Day. While looking for the dress pattern, I ran across a pattern I had for a quilted paperback book cover - I made a bunch of these back in the day as gifts for friends and then forgot I had the pattern. My mom reads a lot, and mostly mystery novels (which tend to come in the size this cover fits), and so, there I am - I also have a novel on hand I was going to give her, so I can make the cover and put it on the book and send it to her.
I also realized when I was going through my patterns that I have a truly frighteningly large number of patterns to make clothes for the Gene doll. Just another thing I don't have time for any more.
and I have to say: I think it's truly amusing (in an almost sick way) that they have a doll out that is dressed and made-up to look like the infamous "Happy....Birthday.....Mister......President...." Marilyn Monroe bit.
Thursday, April 17, 2003
I'm working along on the foot of the second Opal Southwestern sock. Thank goodness I have Good Friday off this week; as a result I actually get a full Saturday to myself to do what I want. Which means finish some stuff.
One of my self-described "loyal readers" (wow, it's good to have those) e-mailed me and suggested that vinegar is a good ant repellant. I will have to try that. I toyed with the thought of getting a Super Soaker watergun, filling it with vinegar, and blasting away at the foundation of my house. And I'd do it, too, if I weren't afraid of killing my flowers and my lawn. I'm really getting sick of the little sixlegged freeloaders.
Some other random thoughts:
On creativity: One thing I have often thought, in my more Pollyannaish moments, is that if everyone in the US, no, if everyone in the world had some kind of creative hobby that they enjoyed and that gave them a sense of accomplishment, we would see far less vandalism than we do. Because people who are planning their next knitting project/recipe tryout/garden/sculpture do not have time to destroy, and for that matter, people who can appreciate the effort that goes into creating, are less prone to destroy.
over last weekend here, a bunch of the plantings on campus were vandalized. I don't know if that makes me more sad or more angry.
I'm reading a book on quantum theory. It's one of my pet interests - I do so not understand all of it but it intrigues me none the less. One of the things the current read ("The Elegant Universe") goes into is that quarks - one of the sub-sub-atomic particles - are descibed based on 'color' - red, green, or blue (sadly, the color names are a convenient fiction - they simply describe indescribable characteristics of the particles that are somewhat like electrical charge). The other night I was dreaming about knitting quarks - there was a scarf that was black with lenghtwise stripes of red, green, and blue, and I had a pair of quark socks, that were black with red, green, and blue bobbles on them.
I actually kind of like the idea of the quark scarf. I can picture it in my mind and it makes me happy. I might - when I start buying yarn anew - get some black, red, green, and blue 1824 wool and make myself one. Just so I can say I did it.
I could probably also make the quark socks seeing as I have remnants of the different colors. But doing bobbles is a PITA and I try to avoid it when I can.
The book also mentions "string theory" (short for "superstring theory") which proposes (as best I can figure out) that at its most fundamental level, matter and energy interconvert, and matter is made of "strings" of energy.
In other words, the universe is made of yarn. It is what holds things together, it is what everything we can see or touch is made of.
Yup. I like it. Works for me.
Perhaps God is a fiber enthusiast?
One of my self-described "loyal readers" (wow, it's good to have those) e-mailed me and suggested that vinegar is a good ant repellant. I will have to try that. I toyed with the thought of getting a Super Soaker watergun, filling it with vinegar, and blasting away at the foundation of my house. And I'd do it, too, if I weren't afraid of killing my flowers and my lawn. I'm really getting sick of the little sixlegged freeloaders.
Some other random thoughts:
On creativity: One thing I have often thought, in my more Pollyannaish moments, is that if everyone in the US, no, if everyone in the world had some kind of creative hobby that they enjoyed and that gave them a sense of accomplishment, we would see far less vandalism than we do. Because people who are planning their next knitting project/recipe tryout/garden/sculpture do not have time to destroy, and for that matter, people who can appreciate the effort that goes into creating, are less prone to destroy.
over last weekend here, a bunch of the plantings on campus were vandalized. I don't know if that makes me more sad or more angry.
I'm reading a book on quantum theory. It's one of my pet interests - I do so not understand all of it but it intrigues me none the less. One of the things the current read ("The Elegant Universe") goes into is that quarks - one of the sub-sub-atomic particles - are descibed based on 'color' - red, green, or blue (sadly, the color names are a convenient fiction - they simply describe indescribable characteristics of the particles that are somewhat like electrical charge). The other night I was dreaming about knitting quarks - there was a scarf that was black with lenghtwise stripes of red, green, and blue, and I had a pair of quark socks, that were black with red, green, and blue bobbles on them.
I actually kind of like the idea of the quark scarf. I can picture it in my mind and it makes me happy. I might - when I start buying yarn anew - get some black, red, green, and blue 1824 wool and make myself one. Just so I can say I did it.
I could probably also make the quark socks seeing as I have remnants of the different colors. But doing bobbles is a PITA and I try to avoid it when I can.
The book also mentions "string theory" (short for "superstring theory") which proposes (as best I can figure out) that at its most fundamental level, matter and energy interconvert, and matter is made of "strings" of energy.
In other words, the universe is made of yarn. It is what holds things together, it is what everything we can see or touch is made of.
Yup. I like it. Works for me.
Perhaps God is a fiber enthusiast?
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
Because you just need a laugh sometimes: Mike's Jokes for Kids (silly but clean jokes; be sure to read page 2 as well. Some of the jokes will be funnier to those on the "other side of the Pond" from me, but I know enough about British culture to be amused by most of them)
Turned the heel and began the gusset decreases on the second of the Southwestern Socks last night. I was, however, interrupted by a partial power outage (partial in that lights would go on but were weirdly dim). At the same time, police sirens started up and continued for at least 10 minutes, which creeped me out (it was after dark when all this happened).
Then, this morning, I discovered that I need to sweep the dining room floor EVERY night and I can NEVER get away with leaving an open box of anything around (everything from now on gets sealed in zipper bags; I will be the Ziploc company's greatest customer). In other words, ants discovered my dining room last night. One of the unspoken drawbacks of living in an older house in the South is that you will have bugs. Especially if you are a somewhat indifferent housekeeper like me. Double especially if you don't believe in using toxic chemicals (and so, will never hire an exterminator). OK, so I reneged on the toxic chemicals part - I sprayed heck out of the floor with some kind of bug killing stuff that claims to be safe for indoors.
I still won't hire an exterminator. I'd rather deal with it myself. I think I'm probably going to have to do something to the mounds that sprang up in my front yard.
Thank God they are just what folks around here call "sugar ants" or "pavement ants" and not the Red Imported Fire Ant. I have read that pennyroyal will repel ants, maybe I need to find a nursery that sells it and plant it all around my house.
some organic tips. They say ants hate the smell of peppermint. I may have to get a bunch of dried peppermint or soak cotton balls in extract and try this out. The worst that could happen is that I still have ants and have a house that smells like peppermint.
(incidentally, the "grits tip" for fire ants doesn't work. One of my friends tried it, she was very gratified to see the ants carrying the grits into the mound, but frustrated the next day when she saw them bringing the grits back out...)
more ant tips Peppermint is listed here, too, as is cinnamon.
If you wanna use chemicals (which I guess they sell)
Then, this morning, I discovered that I need to sweep the dining room floor EVERY night and I can NEVER get away with leaving an open box of anything around (everything from now on gets sealed in zipper bags; I will be the Ziploc company's greatest customer). In other words, ants discovered my dining room last night. One of the unspoken drawbacks of living in an older house in the South is that you will have bugs. Especially if you are a somewhat indifferent housekeeper like me. Double especially if you don't believe in using toxic chemicals (and so, will never hire an exterminator). OK, so I reneged on the toxic chemicals part - I sprayed heck out of the floor with some kind of bug killing stuff that claims to be safe for indoors.
I still won't hire an exterminator. I'd rather deal with it myself. I think I'm probably going to have to do something to the mounds that sprang up in my front yard.
Thank God they are just what folks around here call "sugar ants" or "pavement ants" and not the Red Imported Fire Ant. I have read that pennyroyal will repel ants, maybe I need to find a nursery that sells it and plant it all around my house.
some organic tips. They say ants hate the smell of peppermint. I may have to get a bunch of dried peppermint or soak cotton balls in extract and try this out. The worst that could happen is that I still have ants and have a house that smells like peppermint.
(incidentally, the "grits tip" for fire ants doesn't work. One of my friends tried it, she was very gratified to see the ants carrying the grits into the mound, but frustrated the next day when she saw them bringing the grits back out...)
more ant tips Peppermint is listed here, too, as is cinnamon.
If you wanna use chemicals (which I guess they sell)
Tuesday, April 15, 2003
Maybe we need to start an "uncool knitting bloggers" ring...considering these thoughts from Jahara. (you'll have to go to the 13 April entry; blogger's link-from-the-time-stamp thing seems to be toasted once again).
I have never been cool. I could not be cool if my life depended on it. I am a geek, a nerd, a poindexter, whatever you want to call me (just don't call me a dork, I'm a biologist and I know what the supposed origin of the word is!). I get too excited about stuff. I am too tolerant of other people's goofiness. I would never take it upon myself to dissuade a "newbie" because they don't do it "right" or because they ask questions that have been asked before. I don't see myself as an arbiter of taste, or as an originator of trends. I am happy to be a follower, or even someone who is so far behind the times they are actually ahead of them.
I know I am not cool, and I am ok with it. What I am not ok with is being told that because I am not cool, I should shut up/give up/change myself to be more cool. I put up with that $&#( during my grade-school years, and I won't do it any more.
Say it clear, say it loud, I'm uncool, and I'm proud.
I have never been cool. I could not be cool if my life depended on it. I am a geek, a nerd, a poindexter, whatever you want to call me (just don't call me a dork, I'm a biologist and I know what the supposed origin of the word is!). I get too excited about stuff. I am too tolerant of other people's goofiness. I would never take it upon myself to dissuade a "newbie" because they don't do it "right" or because they ask questions that have been asked before. I don't see myself as an arbiter of taste, or as an originator of trends. I am happy to be a follower, or even someone who is so far behind the times they are actually ahead of them.
I know I am not cool, and I am ok with it. What I am not ok with is being told that because I am not cool, I should shut up/give up/change myself to be more cool. I put up with that $&#( during my grade-school years, and I won't do it any more.
Say it clear, say it loud, I'm uncool, and I'm proud.
Monday, April 14, 2003
A couple of quick thoughts:
I wonder how many different stitch patterns exist? There are the four Barbara Walker treasuries, there are books published by Harmony and Lark, there are oldies like the Mary Thomas book and the Mon Tricot book...how many of these repeat patterns, and how many are unique? I have B. Walker 1-3, a Harmony guide, and one that I think Lark books published, but I've never sat down and looked hard and said "yes, these are the same...no, this one is in no other book I own..." I'm not thatanal organized.
I need to find a nice lightweight simple lace cardigan pattern*. I was seriously tempted by the Chamonix book and yarn that Elann is featuring this week, but I am not letting myself buy it.
It's still too expensive for me.
I've not seen the colors "in person" so I don't know if that pink I liked will REALLY go with all my little summer dresses or if it's an ugly pink that just happens to be photogenic.
Angora will itch. (I keep telling myself that every time I go back and look at the yarn...angora will itch, it will be too hot for when you plan on wearing this, you don't really want it, it's just the color names suck you in....)
*Yes, I know about "Sitcom Chic" and I'd like to make it sometime, but it's not lace. Or at least not allover lace, which is what I want now. I suppose I could take a standard jewelneck cardigan and insert a lace pattern...
I wonder how many different stitch patterns exist? There are the four Barbara Walker treasuries, there are books published by Harmony and Lark, there are oldies like the Mary Thomas book and the Mon Tricot book...how many of these repeat patterns, and how many are unique? I have B. Walker 1-3, a Harmony guide, and one that I think Lark books published, but I've never sat down and looked hard and said "yes, these are the same...no, this one is in no other book I own..." I'm not that
I need to find a nice lightweight simple lace cardigan pattern*. I was seriously tempted by the Chamonix book and yarn that Elann is featuring this week, but I am not letting myself buy it.
It's still too expensive for me.
I've not seen the colors "in person" so I don't know if that pink I liked will REALLY go with all my little summer dresses or if it's an ugly pink that just happens to be photogenic.
Angora will itch. (I keep telling myself that every time I go back and look at the yarn...angora will itch, it will be too hot for when you plan on wearing this, you don't really want it, it's just the color names suck you in....)
*Yes, I know about "Sitcom Chic" and I'd like to make it sometime, but it's not lace. Or at least not allover lace, which is what I want now. I suppose I could take a standard jewelneck cardigan and insert a lace pattern...
Well, I am now about half finished with the front of the Lightning-Bolt sweater. I am up to the center front motif.
I'm also doing the heel flap on the second of the "Opal Southwestern" socks. And I knit a bit on the very tedious beaded-rib socks (never again will I use this stitch pattern).
I also mowed the lawn and put out fertilizer. Gotta keep up with the neighbors, especially when one of them keeps slipping me business cards for the lawn service she uses (sorry, but I don't believe in herbicide spraying.)
I'm also doing the heel flap on the second of the "Opal Southwestern" socks. And I knit a bit on the very tedious beaded-rib socks (never again will I use this stitch pattern).
I also mowed the lawn and put out fertilizer. Gotta keep up with the neighbors, especially when one of them keeps slipping me business cards for the lawn service she uses (sorry, but I don't believe in herbicide spraying.)
Friday, April 11, 2003
Oh! Toes!
website of different toe-types for socks
I was pointed to this site by The Alternative Complimentary Knitting Log
Couple that with the Heels and Toes info from the Socknitters page, and you have a goodly number of variations.
(I'm still looking for where David Mackay's excellent "heels by number" page is supposedly archived on the Socknitters page - haven't found it yet. Sigh.)
website of different toe-types for socks
I was pointed to this site by The Alternative Complimentary Knitting Log
Couple that with the Heels and Toes info from the Socknitters page, and you have a goodly number of variations.
(I'm still looking for where David Mackay's excellent "heels by number" page is supposedly archived on the Socknitters page - haven't found it yet. Sigh.)
And: there is a new chunky cotton (3 sts to the inch) raglan pattern up on knitty! It's here, it's cute, it can be made in lots of colors.
I think also that I need a Sitcom Chic. I've worn the same thin LL Bean tan cardi almost every day this week because it's chilly when I leave the house, yet warm when I return.
and I must admit a "sin". I bought some yarn (even though it's supposed to be a stashdiet). I visited the Knitpicks site and saw that they were closing out Circus, a yarn I really like, and they had enough of a color I really liked for a hooded pullover pattern I had seen and liked....so I bought it, justifying it that if I waited until after Easter, the yarn would be long gone and it might be impossible for me to find Circus for 40% off ever again.
I think also that I need a Sitcom Chic. I've worn the same thin LL Bean tan cardi almost every day this week because it's chilly when I leave the house, yet warm when I return.
and I must admit a "sin". I bought some yarn (even though it's supposed to be a stashdiet). I visited the Knitpicks site and saw that they were closing out Circus, a yarn I really like, and they had enough of a color I really liked for a hooded pullover pattern I had seen and liked....so I bought it, justifying it that if I waited until after Easter, the yarn would be long gone and it might be impossible for me to find Circus for 40% off ever again.
I have lettuces!
Sunday last, I filled a large-ish flat with potting mix and planted a couple rows of lettuce seed - one of "mesclun" mix and one that is two different heirloom varieties. The seed packets said "7-14 days to seedling emergence" but it looks like most of the seeds emerged in 5 days or less. Yay. I'm going to grow these totally indoors under the fluorescent lights because it will soon be too hot here for lettuce (it gets bitter and it bolts).
If this works well, I may plant crops of lettuce every 3 weeks or so. It's certainly cheaper to buy the seed than to buy it at the store - and I will know that my lettuce is truly pesticide-free.
and now, for the Friday Five
1. What was the first band you saw in concert?
Umm...when I was very small, my parents had a subscription to Blossom (a summer music festival in the Akron, Ohio area). It was mostly classical music but I vaguely remember going to hear the Carpenters. Actually, the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom was probably the first "band" I ever heard. I remember falling asleep on the blanket my parents brought (we had lawn seating).
2. Who is your favorite artist/band now?
I'm not really a big fan of much pop/rock music. And I don't really have a favorite orchestra, although I like "The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields" just because of the name. Of individual performers, I like Yo-Yo Ma. Among jazz/older popular musicians, I like Stephane Grapelli, Charles Trenet, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn.
3. What's your favorite song?
My favorite classical pieces are probably "Sheep may safely graze" by Bach (which I was disappointed to find didn't have religious allusions; it was from a piece he did from Greek mythology), the Bagatelles by Dvorak, and Bach's "Sleepers Awake" chorus. Of jazz/popular music, maybe "Douce France" by Charles Trenet or his "Hop Hop".
4. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
The violin. Someday, when I have time (retirement?) I'm going to see about taking lessons. I'd also like to play the piano.
5. If you could meet any musical icon (past or present), who would it be and why?
Probably Charles Trenet. I don't know much about him but I really enjoy his music. He was most popular in the 40s and 50s in France. He died in 2000 and it was a little jolt to see the tiny little obituary in the Dallas paper and realize "hey, I know who that guy is (and probably most people in America don't)"
It would also be interesting to meet Antonin Dvorak. From his music I get the sense that he was someone who loved home and family very much (but then again it might be a disappointment to meet him - one of my other heroes, Anthony Trollope, was reportedly a grouch and sort of arrogant).
Sunday last, I filled a large-ish flat with potting mix and planted a couple rows of lettuce seed - one of "mesclun" mix and one that is two different heirloom varieties. The seed packets said "7-14 days to seedling emergence" but it looks like most of the seeds emerged in 5 days or less. Yay. I'm going to grow these totally indoors under the fluorescent lights because it will soon be too hot here for lettuce (it gets bitter and it bolts).
If this works well, I may plant crops of lettuce every 3 weeks or so. It's certainly cheaper to buy the seed than to buy it at the store - and I will know that my lettuce is truly pesticide-free.
and now, for the Friday Five
1. What was the first band you saw in concert?
Umm...when I was very small, my parents had a subscription to Blossom (a summer music festival in the Akron, Ohio area). It was mostly classical music but I vaguely remember going to hear the Carpenters. Actually, the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom was probably the first "band" I ever heard. I remember falling asleep on the blanket my parents brought (we had lawn seating).
2. Who is your favorite artist/band now?
I'm not really a big fan of much pop/rock music. And I don't really have a favorite orchestra, although I like "The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields" just because of the name. Of individual performers, I like Yo-Yo Ma. Among jazz/older popular musicians, I like Stephane Grapelli, Charles Trenet, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn.
3. What's your favorite song?
My favorite classical pieces are probably "Sheep may safely graze" by Bach (which I was disappointed to find didn't have religious allusions; it was from a piece he did from Greek mythology), the Bagatelles by Dvorak, and Bach's "Sleepers Awake" chorus. Of jazz/popular music, maybe "Douce France" by Charles Trenet or his "Hop Hop".
4. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?
The violin. Someday, when I have time (retirement?) I'm going to see about taking lessons. I'd also like to play the piano.
5. If you could meet any musical icon (past or present), who would it be and why?
Probably Charles Trenet. I don't know much about him but I really enjoy his music. He was most popular in the 40s and 50s in France. He died in 2000 and it was a little jolt to see the tiny little obituary in the Dallas paper and realize "hey, I know who that guy is (and probably most people in America don't)"
It would also be interesting to meet Antonin Dvorak. From his music I get the sense that he was someone who loved home and family very much (but then again it might be a disappointment to meet him - one of my other heroes, Anthony Trollope, was reportedly a grouch and sort of arrogant).
Thursday, April 10, 2003
Gratulerar! You are a Swede! Yay.
Find your inner European Part Two
brought to you by Quizilla
"no, I am Svedish..." (10 points to anyone who knows what movie that's from...)
Busy days.
So today, instead of hearing me talk about my knitting, you get to hear my two-bit philosophies...
One thing I never understood (I'm using past tense because I noticed it most in college) was the phenomenon of disliking somethig because it got "too popular". I had a lot of friends who liked bands until they went "mainstream" and "sold out". Now, I'm not really a connoiseur of most pop music, but the bands never sounded that much different to me before and after their big contract. Okay, I could see getting tired of a particular song that's played over and over again (like the phenomenon of songs used on commercials: I'd rather there be a stupid, stick-in-your-brain jingle than a song that meant something to me and my friends when we were in high school). But I don't get the "oh, they're successful now, so it's time to ridicule them" philosophy that some of my friends adopted.
You would think they would at least be happy for the band's success.
I think it's a form of snobbery, really. The person is saying that they are so special and so esoteric that they can't possibly like something that the Great Unwashed likes, and so they will reject something they used to at least pretend to care about the minute it gets popular. And I think that's a reprehensible attitude - no better than someone basing their tastes only on what other people like.
I don't really understand that attitude; one of the best pieces of ongoing unspoken advice I received from my mother was "to thine own self be true". If I like something, it is because it has value to me and I see it as a part of who I am. I just can't get the strange Zelig-like attitude that one's enthusiasms need to change with the seasons.
But then I don't "get" fashion either, and that's kind of the same thing...
So today, instead of hearing me talk about my knitting, you get to hear my two-bit philosophies...
One thing I never understood (I'm using past tense because I noticed it most in college) was the phenomenon of disliking somethig because it got "too popular". I had a lot of friends who liked bands until they went "mainstream" and "sold out". Now, I'm not really a connoiseur of most pop music, but the bands never sounded that much different to me before and after their big contract. Okay, I could see getting tired of a particular song that's played over and over again (like the phenomenon of songs used on commercials: I'd rather there be a stupid, stick-in-your-brain jingle than a song that meant something to me and my friends when we were in high school). But I don't get the "oh, they're successful now, so it's time to ridicule them" philosophy that some of my friends adopted.
You would think they would at least be happy for the band's success.
I think it's a form of snobbery, really. The person is saying that they are so special and so esoteric that they can't possibly like something that the Great Unwashed likes, and so they will reject something they used to at least pretend to care about the minute it gets popular. And I think that's a reprehensible attitude - no better than someone basing their tastes only on what other people like.
I don't really understand that attitude; one of the best pieces of ongoing unspoken advice I received from my mother was "to thine own self be true". If I like something, it is because it has value to me and I see it as a part of who I am. I just can't get the strange Zelig-like attitude that one's enthusiasms need to change with the seasons.
But then I don't "get" fashion either, and that's kind of the same thing...
Wednesday, April 09, 2003
I'm approaching the point on the sweater-front where I begin doing the zig-zag motif in the center.
I tried knitting on it while I read, but wound up switching over to the Southwestern socks.
Reading
I read a lot. Not just for work (which includes textbook stuff, journal articles, online articles, and student papers as well as books in my field of interest) but also for entertainment. One of the great joys, I've found, is beginning a new novel - getting to know the characters, trying to figure out if the narrator is reliable or not, becoming accustomed to the author's voice or voices.
Monday night I finished the book my book club is reading for this month: "The Dress Lodger" by Sheri Holman. It's a different sort of book from what I normally read - it's very definitely a modern novel in its sensibilities but harks back to the Victorian novels (like Dickens or Eliot or Trollope) in its narration and in some stylistic touches. If I had to sum it up in a phrase, I'd say it was "fascinating but gruesome". It follows a couple groups of characters - a young prostitute (the "dress lodger" of the title; she wears borrowed finery to attract her johns), a doctor and his fiancee, a little girl obsessed by a ferret. The book is set in Sunderland (a part of northern England) at the beginning of its 1831 cholera plague. (hence the gruesome part - there are some pretty intense descriptions of the symptoms, of the horrific treatments, of what happens before and after death). If it makes sense at all for me to say this, I liked it but didn't like it.
And now, I've started "Great Expectations" (by Dickens, of course). I find that my earlier education (particularly junior high) was somewhat spotty in terms of literature - this is, I think, a book typically read in 7th grade. I've also never read "Silas Marner", another staple of the educational process. Dickens is considerably more sentimental in his portrayals than Holman was, but I have to admit I like his world and descriptions better. Yes, I am that kind of reader - I like my stories with a gloss of unreality applied over them, I like my poor noble but downtrodden, my villians really and truly bad, my heroes someone I can trust. What can I say: I'm an idealist, and too rarely does the real world satisfy my vision of what the world should be like. (well, not really "should", because if the world was as it "should" be there would be no poor and downtrodden...) But you know what I mean.
I tried knitting on it while I read, but wound up switching over to the Southwestern socks.
Reading
I read a lot. Not just for work (which includes textbook stuff, journal articles, online articles, and student papers as well as books in my field of interest) but also for entertainment. One of the great joys, I've found, is beginning a new novel - getting to know the characters, trying to figure out if the narrator is reliable or not, becoming accustomed to the author's voice or voices.
Monday night I finished the book my book club is reading for this month: "The Dress Lodger" by Sheri Holman. It's a different sort of book from what I normally read - it's very definitely a modern novel in its sensibilities but harks back to the Victorian novels (like Dickens or Eliot or Trollope) in its narration and in some stylistic touches. If I had to sum it up in a phrase, I'd say it was "fascinating but gruesome". It follows a couple groups of characters - a young prostitute (the "dress lodger" of the title; she wears borrowed finery to attract her johns), a doctor and his fiancee, a little girl obsessed by a ferret. The book is set in Sunderland (a part of northern England) at the beginning of its 1831 cholera plague. (hence the gruesome part - there are some pretty intense descriptions of the symptoms, of the horrific treatments, of what happens before and after death). If it makes sense at all for me to say this, I liked it but didn't like it.
And now, I've started "Great Expectations" (by Dickens, of course). I find that my earlier education (particularly junior high) was somewhat spotty in terms of literature - this is, I think, a book typically read in 7th grade. I've also never read "Silas Marner", another staple of the educational process. Dickens is considerably more sentimental in his portrayals than Holman was, but I have to admit I like his world and descriptions better. Yes, I am that kind of reader - I like my stories with a gloss of unreality applied over them, I like my poor noble but downtrodden, my villians really and truly bad, my heroes someone I can trust. What can I say: I'm an idealist, and too rarely does the real world satisfy my vision of what the world should be like. (well, not really "should", because if the world was as it "should" be there would be no poor and downtrodden...) But you know what I mean.
Tuesday, April 08, 2003
More goodies from Canadian Living's website:
elaborately patterned slipper sock pattern
convertible mittens (ok, so it's a little late for this winter, but early for next...)
crocheted summer striped top
and for those who sew:
a doll inspired by "Anne of Green Gables"
Voyageur bear
boxer shorts
I worked a bit on the Southwestern socks yesterday afternoon while reading over teaching stuff, but then switched to one of those embroidered pillowcase things. I think I called them "coloring books for stitchers" some time in the past. Yes, they're not terribly creative, but I like the finished product and there is something relaxing about just following a very set pattern.
elaborately patterned slipper sock pattern
convertible mittens (ok, so it's a little late for this winter, but early for next...)
crocheted summer striped top
and for those who sew:
a doll inspired by "Anne of Green Gables"
Voyageur bear
boxer shorts
I worked a bit on the Southwestern socks yesterday afternoon while reading over teaching stuff, but then switched to one of those embroidered pillowcase things. I think I called them "coloring books for stitchers" some time in the past. Yes, they're not terribly creative, but I like the finished product and there is something relaxing about just following a very set pattern.
Monday, April 07, 2003
Ooooooh....Toy rabbits for all you intarsia freaks out there. (Courtesy of someone on the Knitlist). There is both a "gentleman rabbit" and a "lady rabbit"
Gardening:
I finished hoeing up a big chunk of area (though not as big as I want) for my tomato patch for this year. I also put down topsoil. I planted three tomatoes (two Big Boy and one Park's Whopper) that I couldn't resist buying (I may actually have tomatoes BEFORE my summer break in July this year). I also planted more herb plants, including a pineapple sage, which really does smell like pineapple. And I have a creeping thyme and corsican mint growing along the pavers now.
Quilting:
Finished quilting another block on the Chimney Sweep quilt. Am thinking about what to start piecing next, even though I have a couple bedsized tops ahead and lots of small stuff. I prefer piecing to quilting.
Knitting:
Finished the first of the Southwestern socks and began the second. These are my "read and knit" pattern - I read some on a biography/analysis of Thoreau called "No Man's Garden" while working on these. I also got a bit done on the front of the Lightning-Bolt Family pullover.
I finished hoeing up a big chunk of area (though not as big as I want) for my tomato patch for this year. I also put down topsoil. I planted three tomatoes (two Big Boy and one Park's Whopper) that I couldn't resist buying (I may actually have tomatoes BEFORE my summer break in July this year). I also planted more herb plants, including a pineapple sage, which really does smell like pineapple. And I have a creeping thyme and corsican mint growing along the pavers now.
Quilting:
Finished quilting another block on the Chimney Sweep quilt. Am thinking about what to start piecing next, even though I have a couple bedsized tops ahead and lots of small stuff. I prefer piecing to quilting.
Knitting:
Finished the first of the Southwestern socks and began the second. These are my "read and knit" pattern - I read some on a biography/analysis of Thoreau called "No Man's Garden" while working on these. I also got a bit done on the front of the Lightning-Bolt Family pullover.
Saturday, April 05, 2003
Friday, April 04, 2003
Feel the need to do something to "help", but don't know what?
One of the charities I support and believe in, Heifer Project International, gives gifts of animals (or trees) to people around the world. They also give the people necessary instruction for farming sustainably. And they ask that the recipients of the gift pass on some of their "first fruits" to other needy people, thus closing the circle and giving the people who got help a chance to give it themselves.
if you want to do something for Easter that doesn't involve chocolate and calories, you can give one of their Easter baskets of hope in someone's name.
One of the charities I support and believe in, Heifer Project International, gives gifts of animals (or trees) to people around the world. They also give the people necessary instruction for farming sustainably. And they ask that the recipients of the gift pass on some of their "first fruits" to other needy people, thus closing the circle and giving the people who got help a chance to give it themselves.
if you want to do something for Easter that doesn't involve chocolate and calories, you can give one of their Easter baskets of hope in someone's name.
I apologize for the lack of knit-talk or craft-talk. This has been a nutso week, which culminated yesterday with my having four meetings to attend between 2 pm and 6:30 pm.
But: here's the Friday Five!
1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
Six. There was the house my family owned when I was born, the house where I grew up, an apartment when I was in college, my parent's house in Illinois (their current house), the apartment I lived in for a couple years here, and now my house.
2. Which was your favorite and why?
My house. I mean the one I own now. It's my favorite, partly because I own it and it's all mine, and partly because it's just a neat house - it was built in the 1940s and it has hardwood floors and big windows and glass doorknobs. It always feels good to come home to it. Maybe I'm being superstitious here, but I also think the house "welcomed" me when I moved in - the day I bought it, I drove up to the house and found wild orchids (nodding ladies' tresses) blooming in the front yard. As I am a botanist, this excited me greatly.
3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
Stressful. I always worry that something I treasure will get lost or broken. Also, I have a lot of stuff to move. And I tend to get attached to the places where I live - even places I don't particularly like in the end (like the last apartment I lived in) and it feels sad to leave them.
4. What's more important, location or price?
Hard question. I guess I'd have to say location - when I got my first apartment (as a college student), I chose to pay more a month (and wound up eating rice and beans a lot, and never going to the movies, and limiting what other stuff I bought) so I could have an apartment in a secured building, rather than an apartment in a building where one good kick would put a "bad guy" into my apartment to steal my stuff or worse.
5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
Hardwood floors, good woodwork throughout, working fireplace, big wide windowsills for growing plants on (with sufficient sun coming in the windows for this), a greenhouse on the back, a big garden, a library, a sewing room, a big storage room for my yarn and fabric, a kitchen with a restaurant-grade gas stove and a Sub-Zero refrigerator (and an island, and tons of counter space), a bathroom with both a shower stall and a soaking tub, a couple guest bedrooms.
Oh, and having the house be self-cleaning would be important too :)
But: here's the Friday Five!
1. How many houses/apartments have you lived in throughout your life?
Six. There was the house my family owned when I was born, the house where I grew up, an apartment when I was in college, my parent's house in Illinois (their current house), the apartment I lived in for a couple years here, and now my house.
2. Which was your favorite and why?
My house. I mean the one I own now. It's my favorite, partly because I own it and it's all mine, and partly because it's just a neat house - it was built in the 1940s and it has hardwood floors and big windows and glass doorknobs. It always feels good to come home to it. Maybe I'm being superstitious here, but I also think the house "welcomed" me when I moved in - the day I bought it, I drove up to the house and found wild orchids (nodding ladies' tresses) blooming in the front yard. As I am a botanist, this excited me greatly.
3. Do you find moving house more exciting or stressful? Why?
Stressful. I always worry that something I treasure will get lost or broken. Also, I have a lot of stuff to move. And I tend to get attached to the places where I live - even places I don't particularly like in the end (like the last apartment I lived in) and it feels sad to leave them.
4. What's more important, location or price?
Hard question. I guess I'd have to say location - when I got my first apartment (as a college student), I chose to pay more a month (and wound up eating rice and beans a lot, and never going to the movies, and limiting what other stuff I bought) so I could have an apartment in a secured building, rather than an apartment in a building where one good kick would put a "bad guy" into my apartment to steal my stuff or worse.
5. What features does your dream house have (pool, spa bath, big yard, etc.)?
Hardwood floors, good woodwork throughout, working fireplace, big wide windowsills for growing plants on (with sufficient sun coming in the windows for this), a greenhouse on the back, a big garden, a library, a sewing room, a big storage room for my yarn and fabric, a kitchen with a restaurant-grade gas stove and a Sub-Zero refrigerator (and an island, and tons of counter space), a bathroom with both a shower stall and a soaking tub, a couple guest bedrooms.
Oh, and having the house be self-cleaning would be important too :)
Thursday, April 03, 2003
There's been some talk on the Knitlist about generational stuff, namely, are there certain recent generations where the moms didn't pass craft-skills on to the daughters (I'm going with the female gender here, because I know in the past 100 years up until recently, a man knitting or sewing was uncommon).
I don't know. My mom was a Depression baby and a WWII child. She grew up in a "make it, make it do, or do without" family (more ingenuity than money) so she knew all that stuff. And when I was a kid, I wanted to be *just* *like* *her* so I insisted on her teaching me it all - crochet, knitting, embroidery, sewing, cooking, gardening...Also, "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie" were popular tv shows in my household growing up, so I got another dose of the "making stuff or knowing how to do stuff is good" ethos.
I still admit I harbor dreams of going "off the grid" and living off the land as much as possible, though I know in reality I'd come running back to consumer society as soon as the toilet paper ran out. Still, it's a nice dream.
I don't know. My mom was a Depression baby and a WWII child. She grew up in a "make it, make it do, or do without" family (more ingenuity than money) so she knew all that stuff. And when I was a kid, I wanted to be *just* *like* *her* so I insisted on her teaching me it all - crochet, knitting, embroidery, sewing, cooking, gardening...Also, "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie" were popular tv shows in my household growing up, so I got another dose of the "making stuff or knowing how to do stuff is good" ethos.
I still admit I harbor dreams of going "off the grid" and living off the land as much as possible, though I know in reality I'd come running back to consumer society as soon as the toilet paper ran out. Still, it's a nice dream.
Wednesday, April 02, 2003
Ok, I think I've got a nicer list of "people I read" up there now. These are the blogs I visit on a regular basis (like daily). There are a lotta others that I visit from time to time, or that update less often, and there are lots of places to see the "all the knitting blogs" list
(A good one is Bagatelle's links).
Incidentally, if you are a knitting biologist/scientist/doctor and you read my blog, and you'd like me to add you to the list of knitting scientists, please email me your URL.
What blogs a person reads or links is a very personal thing, I guess. I hope no one is hurt because I left them off. It's just that these are the ones that grab my attention, these are the ones who write about their projects in a compelling way or allow the "human" side of their life to enter the blog. Of course I am inherently interested in people who do things for their career similar to what I do (and if you don't read the At the Still Point of the Turning World blog, may I recommend it - Theresa writes quite movingly sometimes).
I know most blogs are more "graphics enabled" than mine. That may change sometime - first, I have to get a new home computer (my old one, with all my dissertation data saved on it, all my millions and millions of GIS diagram attempts) is soon going to lose its screen (the little bulb in it is burning out) and so I have sworn to preserve that computer for working with dissertation data only. Also, on my "to buy sometime soon" list IS a digital camera (suggestions of good brands would be welcome). Then I will update to one of the "advanced" blogspots that allows image hosting, so I can actually show pictures here.
But really, for me, it's all about the writing. It's the well-written blogs, the ones where I can get a sense of what's going on with the person's life from what they 'say', that I keep coming back to. Pretty pictures are very nice, but for me, it's the words that keep me revisiting. So the blogs on my list are the ones that make me smile, or laugh, or feel a sense of wonder or comradeship with the person writing.
(A good one is Bagatelle's links).
Incidentally, if you are a knitting biologist/scientist/doctor and you read my blog, and you'd like me to add you to the list of knitting scientists, please email me your URL.
What blogs a person reads or links is a very personal thing, I guess. I hope no one is hurt because I left them off. It's just that these are the ones that grab my attention, these are the ones who write about their projects in a compelling way or allow the "human" side of their life to enter the blog. Of course I am inherently interested in people who do things for their career similar to what I do (and if you don't read the At the Still Point of the Turning World blog, may I recommend it - Theresa writes quite movingly sometimes).
I know most blogs are more "graphics enabled" than mine. That may change sometime - first, I have to get a new home computer (my old one, with all my dissertation data saved on it, all my millions and millions of GIS diagram attempts) is soon going to lose its screen (the little bulb in it is burning out) and so I have sworn to preserve that computer for working with dissertation data only. Also, on my "to buy sometime soon" list IS a digital camera (suggestions of good brands would be welcome). Then I will update to one of the "advanced" blogspots that allows image hosting, so I can actually show pictures here.
But really, for me, it's all about the writing. It's the well-written blogs, the ones where I can get a sense of what's going on with the person's life from what they 'say', that I keep coming back to. Pretty pictures are very nice, but for me, it's the words that keep me revisiting. So the blogs on my list are the ones that make me smile, or laugh, or feel a sense of wonder or comradeship with the person writing.
And in case you're into doing seasonal stuff, or if you have Easter baskets to fill and don't want to just give candy or purchased junk, here are some Easter crafts.
there's one there called "Easter OOOOPS!" but it's not what you might think.
there are also a lot of neat ideas (using natural dyes) for coloring Easter eggs. I haven't done Easter eggs in a good many years, but I might try some of the onion skin ones just for fun.
there's one there called "Easter OOOOPS!" but it's not what you might think.
there are also a lot of neat ideas (using natural dyes) for coloring Easter eggs. I haven't done Easter eggs in a good many years, but I might try some of the onion skin ones just for fun.
Just for fun....origami links. From time to time I will get into origami for a while. I think I have a couple of the cranes I folded somewhere on my desk....
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
Headachy today; I'm not sure if we're in for a big change in the weather, or if yet another thing I am allergic to started flowering, or what. It's not bad enough to merit going home, but it's bad enough to be annoying.
Didn't get any knitting of note done last night; I was lazy yesterday morning and didn't get up to exercise, so I forced myself to do it yesterday evening (after a 4 pm meeting), and then I had exams to grade.
In the "good news" side of the column, I got my jury duty deferred until May 12. Which means I'll be able to finish out the semester without going insane and without begging my colleagues to cover for me. The bad news is the month of May is my recover/get some research in/prep for summer teaching month. Oh well. Maybe I'll be lucky and get a short trial, or get bumped out of the pool altogether.
Didn't get any knitting of note done last night; I was lazy yesterday morning and didn't get up to exercise, so I forced myself to do it yesterday evening (after a 4 pm meeting), and then I had exams to grade.
In the "good news" side of the column, I got my jury duty deferred until May 12. Which means I'll be able to finish out the semester without going insane and without begging my colleagues to cover for me. The bad news is the month of May is my recover/get some research in/prep for summer teaching month. Oh well. Maybe I'll be lucky and get a short trial, or get bumped out of the pool altogether.
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