knittable kitten

Motivation

2009-07-10T14:22:00.006+03:00

So, I don't think I've talked about this here yet, but I've signed up for a half marathon in September! I think it's slightly crazy, considering I was not exercising in any way, shape or form when I signed up (in April), so I was starting from nothing. 21 km is a long way to go!

For reasons I can't talk about, April was a complete write-off for training, but I seem to be doing ok now. I have no illusions about actually running the whole thing. My goal is to train regularly (about three times per week), getting my mileage as high as I can go without hurting myself, and then run/walk the race on the day. It will be doubly difficult as I'm pretty much restricted to treadmill training until September, although I am planning to do some outside runs when I'm on vacation in a week or so.

Can I say that it's really difficult to train right now though? The room I run in does have air conditioning, but given that it's not running unless I'm in the room and the room has large, east facing windows, its often hotter inside than outside. An engineer at work told me that the average temperature for June this year was 50 degrees C!!! I believe it, even if the information I find on weather on the internet doesn't support that. (Just fyi, Weather.com says it's 39 degrees here today, and BBC is actually predicting 38 and rain (I don't know what they're thinking. I've only seen rain here two or three times in two years, and today doesn't look like the day for it.))

So, anyone that's ever lived in a super-hot climate, how does one stay motivated to run when it is so warm? I did 45 minutes on the treadmill this morning, and managed to soak through my moisture-wicking gear and had sweat running down my back and arms. I've never actually experienced that before, even in steamy Ottawa summers. There are some articles on Runner's World, but given that the sweat isn't evaporating, I don't know how much use a lot of that advice will help (a lot of advice revolves around wet hats or ice in a bandana around the neck).

FO: Ishbel

2009-07-07T19:41:00.003+03:00

See, I do occasionally finish things! This didn't take much time, only a few days, but I was knitting a lot during that time.

It's difficult to get a shot where my facial expression is normal in the very bright sun. This is the best one I came up with.

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Sophie's Toes sock yarn Layers of Colour Collection Dark Teal from emilyparson
Needle: 2.25 mm
The yarn was very nice to work with, and looks great.

And some nice flowers in the sun.

Story time

2009-06-30T20:19:00.003+03:00

So, I was supposed to be on vacation this week, but things haven't quite worked out as planned. This seems to happen a lot to me, but at least it wasn't a work issue that quashed my plans this time.

On this occasion, my cat got sick the day before I was due to fly out. I feel a bit 'crazy cat lady-ish' admitting that I canceled my vacation for a sick cat, but that's what happened. She has giardiasis, which is not very much fun. I do not recommend it. Anyway, I'm just considering it to be preparation for when I have actual children.

So, the yoga retreat and two days of shopping in Marrakesh has morphed into a week in Paris later this month. (Part of my compensation for working where I do is an allowance that must be spent on travel outside of Sudan, which I need to use.) Not a bad outcome by any stretch. I would actually be leaving this weekend, but the cat needs a second week of treatment, as we haven't managed to kill all of the parasites yet.

So, in my spare time between shoving medication into the cat, I've been knitting on an Ishbel in Sophie's Toes sock yarn in Dark Teal. No pictures yet, as I have some tinking to do. It's become apparent to me that I don't have enough yarn left in the ball to finish it quite as I was planning. The yarn is gorgeous though, so I'll try and get some good pictures in the sun soon!

2009-06-20T14:33:00.004+03:00

I'm traveling for work this week, and I don't have my camera cord, so there are no recent pictures to be had, so I thought I'd open with this touristy shot of me at sea level on my way to the Dead Sea (Jordan side) last month.

I haven't been doing a lot of knitting, although I have a Rogue Roses sock with me from the Rockin' Sock Club from Blue Moon Fibre Arts. I fly home tomorrow morning, if all goes well, so it's about time for me to go to bed now.

Life runs away

2009-06-17T08:05:00.000+03:00

So, life (or at least blogging) has kind of been getting away from me these days. I've had all sorts of plans to post, but it just doesn't seem to happen that often.

Today is just a quick update. I found out the other day that I'm going to be an aunt! The first thing that came to mind is what I should knit for the upcoming baby. My sister isn't planning on finding the gender out until it's born, so I will have to come up with some good gender neutral knits until I find out what I'm dealing with. It should be a Christmas baby, so I will hopefully get to spend some time home with my sister and the new baby around then. Yay!

I finished something!

2009-06-04T19:35:00.004+03:00

It's not much, but it's the first thing I finished in a while. (Particularly the 'finishing' portion) Sadly, I don't have any pictures of them on the tiny recipient, but hopefully those will be available in the near future.

Pattern: Saartje's Booties
Yarn: Blue Moon Fibre Arts Socks that Rock leftover from some basic socks. (I think the colour is Farmhouse.)
Needles: 2.75mm
Buttons: Random ones from A's button collection (from the spare buttons that come with clothes)

Long Absence

2009-05-20T20:17:00.003+03:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I've done a real post! I got busy, as happens from time to time. There was a month or so where I was doing nothing except work (I worked two weeks of overtime in just under four weeks!), and it's taken a few weeks to start feeling normal again.

I haven't been doing a lot of knitting, although there has been some. Of course, there aren't any pictures. I'm easing myself back into blogging slowly. :)

I have a number of babies upcoming, so I thought I'd try out the Elijah pattern. I've got my first one done minus one ear and arm. A very cute pattern, although picking up the stitches for each new piece is definitely finicky. I have also started my Rogue Roses socks from the last 2009 Rockin' Sock Club mailing. I started a Wisteria, but haven't even finished the yoke, and it's been set aside for who knows how long. I should really just pick something and finish it!

In non-knitting news, I'm starting to get ready to move back to Ottawa! I should be back, trying to get settled sometime in early September! As you can probably tell by the exclamation points, I'm looking forward to the change. I love having the chance to live in another cultures for a while, but there are things I miss. Two years is a pretty good length of time for Sudan, and I'm ready to go home.

Wow

2009-04-20T11:14:00.003+03:00

I found this on Shan's blog, and just had to share...

I've done nothing but work for the last while, and as I don't discuss work on this here blog, that's about all I've got.

Update

2009-03-20T17:18:00.002+03:00

I don't have much of a brain to write with today, but I thought I'd at least post that I am still alive, and knitting. More soon...

Endpaper Mitts in progress

2009-02-06T12:21:00.002+03:00

So, I started a pair of Endpaper Mitts, and the pattern is great! really well written/charted, and I really liked the tubular cast on! Unfortunately, the tubular cast off is not working out so well for me... yet. I've only tried it once, and then didn't want to take the (almost completed) mitt traveling. So, it's been sitting for a bit. Hopefully this weekend I will sit down and work out that final cast off so I can start the second one.

The first picture is a bit dark, but shows the lovely variations in the Sundara sock yarn I'm using. The colours are more true in this photo.

I say that I want to get to the second one, but really, I'll likely cast on for something else. I plan to be in Canada in March, and these are not quite right for the dead of winter, so I think I may make a pair of Bella's mittens instead, and finish number two in this set for next fall.

No news is good news

2009-02-03T20:34:00.004+03:00

Umm, so I haven't posted in a bit. I'm actually traveling for work these days, and while I have a pretty regular connection to the Internet, I don't have much to blog about. (You know, since I don't blog about work stuff, and that's about all I'm doing right now.) Then again, I could try to get caught up on some of my random travels over the last three months. As far as I remember, I didn't blog any of Turkey or London.

Ok, here are some pictures of Antalya, Turkey:

After leaving Syria in October, I landed myself in Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast. I met up with a friend from Canada, and we wandered around the Old City for a few days. This is a view over the bay on our first night in town. Mid-October is the end of the tourist season there, so it was much less crowded than the height of summer.

From the same spot, looking in a slightly different direction.

This is Hadrian's Gate, which is one of the few remaining parts of the walls of the old city.

Beautiful up close!

We also spent a few afternoons at St Paul's Place, which had one of the few good lattes I had in Turkey. Turkish coffee was decent, but anywhere I tried to order a latte (cause I like lots of milk with my coffee), it was pretty bad. This place also had a cat that liked to sit on my lap!

Mission Possible 2008 Update

2009-01-13T19:57:00.001+03:00

Umm, let's just say that this wasn't my best effort...

1. long socks in Mountain Colours Barefoot, stalled a year ago by the loss of a needle (finish ribbing on two socks) I still need to redo the bind-off on one sock!
2. Souvenir Scarf (graft two pieces together, block) I haven't touched this yet...
3. ~~Baby surprise jacket (purchased yarn for several, need to make at least one)~~ finished!
4. ~~Icarus Shawl~~ finished
5. Samus cardigan (rework to fit me or gift) Still waiting
6. ~~my own scarf~~ finished!
7. ~~Gatsby Girl (sew arms to body, crochet neck edging, add buttons) hopefully in time to wear in March!~~ finished! on time too!
8. Colourwork Vest (finish or frog) no progress
9. baby blanket and the box of grandma's acrylic (?) no progress
10. make a top that fits from some of my extensive bamboo yarn collection I started a Stargazer, but didn't get far...
11. finish spinning the orange roving from Rhinebeck 2005 and knit something from it no progress
12. ~~catalog and organise stash!~~

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T19:36:00.006+03:00

Wow! I had such plans for posting over my time away from work, but it didn't turn out at all like I had planned. I will hopefully catch up on my travels later this week, but for now, just a few things to post.

1. My New Year's Resolution: This year, I will choose more consciously how I use what free time I have. I don't necessarily work too long as far as hours go, but the subject matter can sometimes be all consuming. As a result, I tend to come home and collapse on the couch at the end of the day and turn my brain off; as a result, I don't get enough exercise, eat well enough or actually do the things I want to get done. Tonight, I made stirfry, which was pretty impressive for me. I even bought broccoli, which is not local produce, so I could have something green!

2. My cat is crazy! She is usually pretty standoffish, except for a day or so after I get back from traveling. I got back on Friday, and she's been stuck to my side like glue since. After a few hours of sleep Friday morning, I unpacked. Here is my cat taking over the Noro Iro cowl I made while I was away.

She's been sleeping beside me, or on my stuff, ever since. I'm not complaining seriously, since I love it. The only thing that would be better would be if she would sit on my lap. It's just unusual.

FO: Snowy Lady Sweater

2008-12-17T20:27:00.002+03:00

Or my Turkey Sweater!

So, this is probably the most inexpensive sweater I've ever made. I bought five balls of DK weight wool when I was in Turkey for 15 YTL, which was somewhere in the range of $11 CAD at the time, and it made a whole sweater! The ballband says it was manufactured in Turkey for sale in Germany. Granted, this isn't next-to-the-skin soft, but it works nicely as a layering piece.

The buttons aren't amazing, so they're not affixed directly to the sweater. I attached the buttons to smaller ones that can be pushed through the garter stitch. When I want to wear it with a brooch, I can just take the other buttons off.

Notes: (ravelry)
Yarn: Ayda Saf Yün, 100% wool, 200m to 100g
Needle: 4.0mm
Gauge: 20.5 stitches to 10cm
Size: XL to get XS proportions
Mods: none

Eid al-Adha

2008-12-12T17:47:00.003+03:00

So, we've just finished Eid al-Adha (also known as the Festival of Sacrifice or the Big Eid) in Sudan, so I thought I'd write a little bit about what has been going on.

The Muslim calendar is lunar, so the dates of holidays aren't fixed. Because the lunar calendar is shorter than the solar calendar, holidays fall about eleven days earlier each year. This year's Eid started on December 8th (which actually means at sunset on Dec. 7), and it runs for three or more days. Eid al-Adha follows the Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to Mecca.

The main event of the Big Eid is the sacrifice of a goat or sheep at some point during the holiday. It forms the basis for a big meal for the family and some of the meat should also be given to neighbours and people in need.

Even my local massage place got into the spirit of things, as I found when I went for a massage on Sunday evening. They had a sheep tethered in the middle of the garden, and one of the resident cats was very curious.

Although he was pretty nervous, I did get close enough to pat the sheep a bit. As you can see from the photos, the local sheep don't grow much of a fleece (but they do have a long tail!) I don't think I'll be able to spin yarn from local fleece. :(

I didn't take any photos, but on my way to work the morning of Eid, there were men sacrificing animals in front of their houses, and you could smell fires burning all day long. As it's a time for family, I didn't get to experience the feast for myself, but I did get a day off work!

Some Christmas Spirit

2008-12-09T16:22:00.002+03:00

I saw this on Concateknit's blog, and thought I'd get in on the Christmas spirit!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Well, I was very poor with the wrapping this year, since everything had to be sent by mail. I’m really working on using cloth gift bags, and recycling wrapping materials as much as possible.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love a real tree, but I haven’t had a tree at all in a few years. There are no pine trees here, so it won’t work out this year either.
3. When do you put up the tree? I think the beginning of December should be the first sign of decorations.
4. When do you take the tree down? Shortly after Christmas, hopefully before going back to work.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don’t actually remember getting it, but I still have my first Cabbage Patch kid that I got when I was three.
7. Hardest person to buy for? My parents are pretty tough, as they tend to just buy the things they need and want.
8. Easiest person to buy for? I don’t think I have anyone easy to buy for right now, as the ease of purchase comes from proximity. When you only see someone once or twice a year, it can be hard to pick out the things they'll really like.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes. It was a gift from my cousins two years ago, and it’s simple but beautiful.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I like to mail cards… It’s actually almost the only thing I do these days.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Several years ago, I remember not being pleased with getting pyjamas (my sister asked for them, and we both got them), but I’m still wearing them today, so it obviously wasn’t all bad.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated version), although A Muppet Christmas Carol is also good.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually in November, although I haven’t been doing a lot of gifting over the last few years.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Turkey!
16. Lights on the tree? Yes, although I’ve developed a fondness for all one colour over multi-colour
17. Favorite Christmas song? I have to go with a whole album: Kenny Rogers Christmas!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I almost always travel for Christmas, as my family is not nearby. This year, I won’t even make it home, but I still plan to travel a bit just after Christmas. I’m thinking of London right now.
19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Yep.
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The commercialism, without a doubt.
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like white lights, but have been collecting ornaments since I was a kid, so there’s really know theme to them.
23. What do you want for Christmas this year? I have a small list of things I’d like, but there’s nothing big.
24. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
25. Favorite Christmas dinner? I require turkey, potatoes and stuffing with gravy. All other dishes are optional. This year I’ll be hosting a potluck at my place several days before the big day.

Damascus, Syria

2008-12-05T10:49:00.000+03:00

I was mostly in Damascus to visit friends, so I didn't do a lot of sight seeing, but I have a few fun pictures.

Sadly, I don't have any pictures of horse riding, which was one of the most random things I did. I had never ridden English style before, and it was very off-putting to not have a horn and trying to learn how to post.

Anyway, here's what I saw...

The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus

First, we need to go to the 'Putting on Special Clothes Room'

and here I am inside, wearing my 'special clothes'.

A portion of the old city walls

I just thought this was a cool building. I believe it's the municipal water building.

Inside the craft souq, we stopped at a store where they do these intricately painted panels in different shapes and sizes.

This is an example of tile work from the Takiyya as-Suleimaniyya, very near the Artisanat where I bought some lovely silver jewelry.

Sick Day

2008-11-26T19:32:00.002+03:00

I spent a day at home today... nothing serious, but I seemed to be in need of some additional rest. Actually, I rested in the morning and finally did some cooking in the afternoon, so I have some meals for the next little while.

I was trying to finish a meme to have something at least slightly interesting to post, but I wasn't feeling very creative. Next week will be another busy time at work, so who knows when I'll get around to posting again though.

So, I will just leave you with a picture...

The Old City of Damascus

Fall in Sudan

2008-11-09T20:32:00.004+03:00

Yes, it most definitely is fall in Sudan! It was a balmy 34 degrees outside when I was driving home from work at about 6pm this afternoon. The local pool has cooled down noticeably, so it no longer feels like jumping into a bathtub. However, I don't think the temperature will ever drop enough that I need to use my new FO!

Handspun Beret and Scarf Set

This is the first thing I've finished knitting with my own handspun! The yarn is New Zealand Romney from Little Barn, spun and plied on my Hitchhiker.

The beret is based on an idea I read about on someone’s blog once, but no idea where. I knit the band in seed stitch, but a less stretchy stitch would have been better. Then I picked up stitches around the edge of the band, increased every other stitch on the next row and knit 4.5 inches before starting the decreases. Knit with 3.25 mm needles.

The scarf is done in a simple k1 *yo, k2tog* k1 for every row. I think it’s the lace pattern used in the centre of the Ogee motif, but didn’t check. Knit with 4.5 mm needles.

I'm back!

2008-11-07T15:54:00.003+03:00

Actually, I've been home for a week now, but getting back into the routine of work and seeing friends took up much of my time. I spent the rest of it sleeping, so this is my first chance to blog.

I had a great vacation, catching up with friends and visiting some places that were new to me. I even found yarn!

The first few days were in Aqaba, Jordan, where we stayed at the Radisson SAS Tala Bay. It was brand new, and a great resort, the only one in Aqaba with direct access to the beach. Here are a few pictures for those of you looking at impending winter!

Turkey

2008-10-29T12:18:00.002+03:00

PA270442
Originally uploaded by knitter_tara.

So, I'm in Turkey right now until the end of the week. Apparently Turkey has blocked Blogger (in Syria, it was Facebook, and Sudan had YouTube blocked for a while...). But, this seems to be a way to check in without access to the site. It's been a great vacation! Lots of friends and new places. I'll try to write more when I get back, even if work will be busy. This picture was taken inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. I love the different lamps!

Vacation

2008-10-18T09:56:00.002+03:00

Umm, so I'm on vacation right now, meaning that my posting will be even more sporadic than usual. I am actually getting some knitting done, but I don't have any pictures to post.

I'm currently in Damascus, staying with friends. It's been lovely, but I have of course bought too much stuff! I even found a yarn store and got 10 balls of a silk-cotton blend from Switzerland for $10! I will have to show you a picture later.

Anyway, I'm on the move again today towards Turkey! Who knows when I'll post next!

I hope everyone at Rhinebeck is having fun!

Haboobed

2008-10-05T19:59:00.003+03:00

We had a dust storm today, the biggest one I've seen so far, and I managed to take a few pictures both before it hit and as we were running for the house.

Here it comes! (This is not my house.)

Look at it move!

Run!

...and the aftermath

And that's pretty much the lame-ass post you get!

Spinning

2008-09-19T08:50:00.002+03:00

Look! I do spin!

So, I've been playing on occasion with my Hitchhiker, and having a lot of fun. The fibre is from Little Barn, and the preparation was lovely.

Sorry for the blurry picture. I want to post, and don't have the light conditions to take a better one right now. This is a two ply yarn, probably between a fingering and sport weight. Now I want a tensioned kate so I can make more than two ply! There are always more toys!

Princess Spooky cat really enjoys the mildly sheepy smell of the yarn after the twist has been set.

Sock Meme

2008-09-12T12:50:00.002+03:00

When did you first learn to knit socks? Fairly soon after I restarted knitting in 2003. I bought my first sock yarn from Romni Wools in 2004 when I was in Toronto on training for my stint with Right to Play. That was the first lys I ever visited, as in Calgary I had only ever bought yarn from Lewiscraft.

What's the first sock you ever knit? The sock pattern that came with the skein of Fleece Artist sock yarn (I don't see the one I used on the website anymore. I'm pretty sure it's superwash merino, but who knows...). It took a while, but I love the end results. (See centre row right below)

Favorite Sock Pattern? I use the Turkish cast on from the Fall 2005 Vogue Knitting, and the short row heel from Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook and then whatever pattern choices I want for other areas.

Favorite needle method? DPNs. I have done magic loop and knitting in the round on two circs for other things, but don’t have the right size needles for socks.

Favorite sock needles? I’m using Knitpicks Harmony right now. I prefer plastic, bamboo or wooden needles when possible, but have used metal too.

Who do you knit socks for? Me. The only pairs I’ve made for other people have been through sockapalooza.

How many pairs have you knitted to date? More than 10, less than 20 (They're not all here...)

1. P5310031, 2. P5310024, 3. pomatomus III, 4. stuff 007, 5. stuff 005, 6. stuff 003, 7. P1230001, 8. sherbet socks, 9. sockpal

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

What is on your sock knitting to-do list? I have lots of sock yarn in the stash to knit up, and I recently bought some Sundara sock yarn in semi-solid colours so I could try some more complicated cables and/or lace.

What kind of socks to you like to knit-
Striped? Haven’t yet.
Colourwork? I haven't yet, but I'm not against colourwork socks.
Plain Stockinette? Yes.
Cabled? Yes.
Lace? Yes.
Anklets? Yes.
Knee Socks? There are a few I would like to try, but haven’t yet
Solid Colours? Yes, but I prefer a textured pattern when working in solids.
Bright and crazy? Of course. Why knit socks otherwise?
Faux Fair Isle (the yarn doing all of the work)? Mmm… haven’t yet.

Tag a few sock knitters here: Feel free to tag yourself.