tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87682002024-03-12T22:42:04.717-05:00The Amazing Adventures of Tom and BelThe chronicles of my adventures in yarn, with a merry little band of misfits on the side.Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-42934719423267080242011-01-29T22:46:00.001-06:002011-01-29T22:47:55.216-06:00Why Didn't I Know About This??Because I freaking love <a href="http://thingsandideas.wordpress.com/patterns/">these wacky patterns</a>.<br />She's brilliant. Simply brilliant.That is all.<br /><br />Back to my swatching...Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-74938598027897068312011-01-23T18:16:00.004-06:002011-01-23T18:23:37.863-06:00Ach. Gott in Himmel!To PDX peeps:<br /><br />Mary Scott Huff, a hard-working knit designer, experienced a break in of her car on Thursday and lost a suitcase full of her lovely work. I don't know her at all, but I'm so sad for her, as I'm sure any knitter would be. <br />Please check her <a href="http://blog.maryscotthuff.com/2011/01/21/a-letter-to-the-theif.aspx?ref=rss">blog post.</a> If by some miracle you happen to see any of these items, please get in touch with her.Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-48381703440954176412010-12-15T12:24:00.003-06:002010-12-15T12:38:40.984-06:00She's (still) Crafty<span style="font-size:85%;">Law School (notice the capital letters?) is insane. It's good, it's challenging, but knitting time has been seriously curtailed. If I get a row done, it's a very, very good week.<br />So instead, I sneaked in this project:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIcC-OKsRQ10zLHTDh0ba-9twzi7Wy6LqVBIwlHMoJKZIZZxo7MEMaxQAgqoc9fH3QlhNGt_RkIHxNa0noeDL1SRNGwzbnq7XVTkKYCmXPzfqgyE7nmAxaG6iOS2D3R4q9kH7lg/s1600/IMG_0192%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIcC-OKsRQ10zLHTDh0ba-9twzi7Wy6LqVBIwlHMoJKZIZZxo7MEMaxQAgqoc9fH3QlhNGt_RkIHxNa0noeDL1SRNGwzbnq7XVTkKYCmXPzfqgyE7nmAxaG6iOS2D3R4q9kH7lg/s200/IMG_0192%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550978613561050898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I had the little deviants (er, darling children) rip out the old peel & stick:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VS6KlyT2N3Kmpb0Ni97qyUHApKyUBBj7fwJakJD0y90NkhpqyTq4U-9VxvOhNeFB0aj-Vqr4UGhZw72-rT5Lz8SOx8bgoMuuSEcCqjl2Z84eVuNPGK6oTUs9OqQh5w6bvcVrWQ/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VS6KlyT2N3Kmpb0Ni97qyUHApKyUBBj7fwJakJD0y90NkhpqyTq4U-9VxvOhNeFB0aj-Vqr4UGhZw72-rT5Lz8SOx8bgoMuuSEcCqjl2Z84eVuNPGK6oTUs9OqQh5w6bvcVrWQ/s200/065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550978582252438114" border="0" /></a><br /> and then tear up a bunch of paper bags from our local grocery stores:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCU-UtxuQoBauJKlTvnQ1Fnqof636PneU3M-CCZuRtrnswF0w0vcdbnmMpV1W28hR30kQFYAZtJPM5y9gm8aBLgr6R2VpVN2Ae3Ley8a42xx4uaDUjHQY2y2IGt0KMCUp40iE4g/s1600/073.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCU-UtxuQoBauJKlTvnQ1Fnqof636PneU3M-CCZuRtrnswF0w0vcdbnmMpV1W28hR30kQFYAZtJPM5y9gm8aBLgr6R2VpVN2Ae3Ley8a42xx4uaDUjHQY2y2IGt0KMCUp40iE4g/s200/073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550978593985685858" border="0" /></a><br />Didn't count, but I'd guess we used ~30 bags.<br /><br />At first I painted front and back of each paper sections, but when Z started to 'help':<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTnVcSjB3MOcL_bW30VHNNArqw08d9i2tSPZlsg9paUhT-e60gDJFtw7gnJvmtdmsze2yEtRbEMBqB-fodFOxS83wcr2D11x-Rda-h3KsH7gFL9XJZD-_irbllkFmVCdN17kdQA/s1600/076.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTnVcSjB3MOcL_bW30VHNNArqw08d9i2tSPZlsg9paUhT-e60gDJFtw7gnJvmtdmsze2yEtRbEMBqB-fodFOxS83wcr2D11x-Rda-h3KsH7gFL9XJZD-_irbllkFmVCdN17kdQA/s200/076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550978596874746978" border="0" /></a><br />I made it easier on us both by crumpling the sections of bag and dipping them in the watered-down glue. Much faster and had more texture, so I was happy.<br />Note: My floor had a combination of what appeared to be self-leveling compound and plywood underlayment, but I didn't worry about it and just papered right over it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw5yYwR9Fpv8Jnzq0PvGanqHKpQuZjSukl1IYmYcI51ADrRZlrapsCiMakd-I08vbCSM2rcEq9QhqwAInJNdnstCzWlzylsGsBbSrX11n83xEVn7elNq08CAkA3a5GjEQgEcibg/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPw5yYwR9Fpv8Jnzq0PvGanqHKpQuZjSukl1IYmYcI51ADrRZlrapsCiMakd-I08vbCSM2rcEq9QhqwAInJNdnstCzWlzylsGsBbSrX11n83xEVn7elNq08CAkA3a5GjEQgEcibg/s200/079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550978603339816146" border="0" /></a><br />I let that dry for a day and a half, then I stained it with some cheesecloth and a tube of <a href="http://www.minwax.com/products/one_step_stain_and_finishes/express-color.html" class="postlink">Minwax Express Color</a> in mahogany.<br />[I was cheap, er, frugal and only bought one tube ($6.50) b/c our bathroom's not that big (abt 55 sq ft). Right now there's just the teensiest bit of stain left in the tube. If I were going to do it again, I'd buy a can of stain and hold on it for touch ups.]<br />Then I polyurethaned it many, many times.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIcC-OKsRQ10zLHTDh0ba-9twzi7Wy6LqVBIwlHMoJKZIZZxo7MEMaxQAgqoc9fH3QlhNGt_RkIHxNa0noeDL1SRNGwzbnq7XVTkKYCmXPzfqgyE7nmAxaG6iOS2D3R4q9kH7lg/s1600/IMG_0192%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIcC-OKsRQ10zLHTDh0ba-9twzi7Wy6LqVBIwlHMoJKZIZZxo7MEMaxQAgqoc9fH3QlhNGt_RkIHxNa0noeDL1SRNGwzbnq7XVTkKYCmXPzfqgyE7nmAxaG6iOS2D3R4q9kH7lg/s200/IMG_0192%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550978613561050898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When you're sick of this floor, to the best of my knowledge you can just do a new underlayment and then whatever your new choice of top layer is.<br /><br />Here's some tips & good images if you want to try it:<br /><a class="postlink" href="http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2009-01/home/flooring">http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/20 ... e/flooring</a><br /><a class="postlink" href="http://groceryshrink.com/2010/05/illustrated-guide-to-faux-leather-floors.html">http://groceryshrink.com/2010/05/illust ... loors.html</a><br /><a class="postlink" href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/2010/08/video-diy-alternative-to-wood-floors.html">http://www.anoregoncottage.com/2010/08/ ... loors.html</a> (the video is quite helpful)<br /><a class="postlink" href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=287x5019">http://www.democraticunderground.com/di ... s=287x5019</a><br /><a class="postlink" href="http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/topic/416080/gonew/1">http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubb ... 80/gonew/1</a></span><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><!-- m --><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I was lazy and didn't take out the fixtures (horrors!) but I figure as a temporary (2-5 year) treatment, I'm not gonna worry too much about it. If it gets holes, you can just patch with another piece of bag and polyurethane.<br /><br />I really like it, esp. b/c technically it means we now have a wood floor in that room.</span>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-19351751260847619462010-10-31T12:07:00.001-05:002010-10-31T12:09:05.677-05:00Happy Halloween!<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BKVGlt94jU">Here you go</a>. You're welcome.Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-63004677469350694302010-10-02T02:18:00.003-05:002010-10-02T02:34:25.090-05:00The Talented Mr. FloodSometimes, if you are very patient, the universe will send you just the thing you need when you need it.<br />That's what happened when I met my husband, that's what happened when I got in to law school (which I am loving, BTW -- every single cracked-out, stress crazed moment of it), and I'm pretty sure it just happened in my knitting life, too.<br /><br />I've been looking for a tweedy little something to swatch with -- I have an idea that's practically burning a hole in my brain, I want to knit it so badly -- and here comes <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/yarn.html">Shelter</a>, by <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/blog/">Brooklyn Tweed AKA Jared Flood</a>. I love his beautifully lit, atmospheric photos and clever designs. I am already in love with Shelter, too.<br /><br />Hmmm...whose weekend plans suddenly include a lot more cups of tea and <strike> rolling around nekkid in</strike> playing with some yarn?Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-51923065777372634132010-08-20T16:58:00.003-05:002010-08-20T17:01:09.143-05:00Missing The Ocean?Oh, my gosh -- I think I need <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/kits/Coastal_Creatures_Kit__D40196.html">these toys</a>. Um, for the kids of course.<br /><br />I mean, what would a grown up woman need with a toy starfish or orca?<br />(Goes off to find secret hiding spot for toys...)Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-14318709076452280102010-08-15T12:05:00.003-05:002010-08-15T12:28:35.563-05:00It Comes in ThreesThanks so much for the kind words of support. It means more than I can say.<br /><br />So much has changed in the last few months. Not just the loss of my dad, of course, though that is a sea change I still haven't fully processed.<br />But there are three big updates since I last checked in:<br /><br />1) I sent N & T to Chicago for the summer, because their bio mom has been really sick. They've just returned -- and are huge! Many pounds and (shoe sizes!) have been added thanks to the Grandmas. Shopping for school will be interesting this year.<br /><br />2) Miss Z will be starting school this fall! We've been home together for 2.5 years, and she's ready for a change. Unbelievably, we all loved the first place we checked out, so we're signing her up!<br /><br />3) Mama will be going to school, too! I was accepted to <a href="http://www.lclark.edu/law/">Lewis & Clark Law School</a>. I'll be starting in a couple of weeks.Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-30209249420537872432010-05-14T08:22:00.001-05:002010-05-14T08:25:06.837-05:00My DadMy father died on Monday.<br />I am devastated.<br />Kind thoughts and prayers are much appreciated.Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-15007662468367504562010-04-17T11:18:00.003-05:002010-04-17T11:20:21.818-05:00Nota BeneFor the record, yarn/WIP should be hidden from 2 1/3 year old persons who are "helping" you with your knitting. <div>That is all.</div><div><br /></div><div>More to come when I've detangled the mess. </div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-72434271483772545802010-04-05T19:41:00.003-05:002010-04-05T20:21:41.147-05:00Stirrings of Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4494837335_6afe8438bc.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4494837335_6afe8438bc.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Trying to jump start my creative engine a little bit, I had a dig through the yarn stash and came up with this lovely pile of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfyarns/yarn_display.cfm?ID=5420153">Swish Superwash</a>. Think there's just about enough for a teeny little cardi for the little...Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-58842414100738152682010-03-31T10:04:00.004-05:002010-03-31T10:22:38.818-05:00Loot<div>No, not the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Plays-Entertaining-Faithful-Erpingham/dp/0802132154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270047985&sr=1-1">Joe Orton</a> play, but the generous birthday gift from my ILs:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4477208149_2e4a80c7a7.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4477208149_2e4a80c7a7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4477208149_2e4a80c7a7.jpg"></a>I love this packaging. It's so simple, but really cute. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4477208001_3d2dd3c480.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4477208001_3d2dd3c480.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I'm trying to save this for a trip to the beach, appropriately enough.<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4477207613_81763093ab.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/4477207613_81763093ab.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div></div><div>Ahhh. The good stuff. I <i>love</i> Silky Wool.</div><div>(Tiny old dog tucked under table not included.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I have no plan. In fact, I keep tucking everything back into the bag carefully, putting it away, and then opening it up again to look at it, which is its own reward. But it is definitely giving me the knitting urge, which in itself is a gift.</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-71392703732969019492010-03-25T13:12:00.002-05:002010-03-25T13:23:27.129-05:00Poking My Head Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4457772955_71d6c5e4be.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4457772955_71d6c5e4be.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Much like my little babies above, I'm poking my head up to say hi. After a somewhat eventful month -- a car accident (we're all fine), my pop going to the hospital repeatedly (so far he's fine, too), a weird sickness I can't quite shake, homeschooling the kids while they're on spring break -- I'm just trying to take things slow and remember to breathe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still missing my knitting (would you believe I haven't even opened my <i>winter </i>knit mags yet?) but unable to concentrate long enough to actually work on something. I need something to jump start my engine. Suggestions for something speedy that I can pick up and put down (other than socks)? </div><div><br /></div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-62337679094888284572010-02-18T17:28:00.004-06:002010-02-18T18:00:38.041-06:00Living Up to One's PotentialOn the one hand, I've just spent the last twenty minutes de-spamming my comments, so yes, Dick0369, you really are living up to your moniker.<div><br /></div><div>On the other hand, it actually got me to write a blog post, so hey - silver lining on that there cloud, eh?</div><div><br /></div><div>If anyone's still out there, hi! I can summarize what's gone on as follows: Xmas holidays, house stuff, toddler birthday/general wrangling, house stuff, kid stuff, house stuff, cold/allergy, kid stuff, house stuff, cold/allergy, kid stuff, bla bla bla --now you're up to date on the last two months. I totally miss knitting -- haven't had enough time to wrap my mind around anything, so there's been precious little of that these days.</div><div>Though I did a set of mittens for Twisted that I think turned out nicely. </div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-87420085270708482942009-12-22T02:55:00.004-06:002009-12-22T02:58:48.516-06:00Clever is as clever doesI love to visit <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/">IKEA Hacks</a>. It's inspiring, always offers up something clever and I can even occasionally do the projects.<div><br /></div><div>Especially crafty ones I like recently include this <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/11/lazy-susan-yarn-swift.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Ikeahacker+(ikeahacker)">yarn swift</a>, this <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/11/yarn-was-that-dining-table.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Ikeahacker+(ikeahacker)">loom </a>(!) and a cool <a href="http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/2009/10/craft-cabinet.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Ikeahacker+(ikeahacker)">crafty cabinet</a>.</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-89561590809323886762009-12-10T13:21:00.005-06:002009-12-10T15:44:10.926-06:00Colonial OneCelebrating the little munchkin's b-day today, so busy busy busy getting things ready.<div><br /></div>In the meanwhile, here's some house pics to distract you. These are from before we bought it, so they are empty:<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSOVpKkiCRKFniUhK3eROtP8Z5L_eyPxAZLwQr5IbkloG7T-PttKWKAy3u8yDuqmnzz5iwjJ-JamsPcYd8-GYqkvn1NBAGfNpUUt4cTrOFZ97ufGJRidklXdfJMiG3U1A-VtaJQ/s1600-h/front.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSOVpKkiCRKFniUhK3eROtP8Z5L_eyPxAZLwQr5IbkloG7T-PttKWKAy3u8yDuqmnzz5iwjJ-JamsPcYd8-GYqkvn1NBAGfNpUUt4cTrOFZ97ufGJRidklXdfJMiG3U1A-VtaJQ/s200/front.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413723912320288386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div>Um, yeah. Colonial my ...er, eyeballs.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Z2FMTSsYNj0tatQ5JKY8sB7Ou1Y3c2zvRWx67E4sBMesMHK45eETFRSktaXc_iLd7FWqLGGF3M6ZAegni8Cq_9AVCdujcheXW5myN1i30e-vvMXgUVYDc2_g-FQOlsbznF93A/s1600-h/liv+rm+4.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Z2FMTSsYNj0tatQ5JKY8sB7Ou1Y3c2zvRWx67E4sBMesMHK45eETFRSktaXc_iLd7FWqLGGF3M6ZAegni8Cq_9AVCdujcheXW5myN1i30e-vvMXgUVYDc2_g-FQOlsbznF93A/s200/liv+rm+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413723922146760962" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Z2FMTSsYNj0tatQ5JKY8sB7Ou1Y3c2zvRWx67E4sBMesMHK45eETFRSktaXc_iLd7FWqLGGF3M6ZAegni8Cq_9AVCdujcheXW5myN1i30e-vvMXgUVYDc2_g-FQOlsbznF93A/s1600-h/liv+rm+4.jpg"></a>Living room. Gorgeous, gorgeous light in here. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1utUyDzC0lB1qRRrpEK3dc6wylrxRx3-2Ecd4LA9xhGUXVmXGrVlMMBHDILZz8wSkqNBBGD1PqU7N-bdz7fEn1_cq4ttaqMHKOu1iv08xDuvQDbN67EHJiwHI-B2R0QqU8MUw/s1600-h/liv+rm+2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1utUyDzC0lB1qRRrpEK3dc6wylrxRx3-2Ecd4LA9xhGUXVmXGrVlMMBHDILZz8wSkqNBBGD1PqU7N-bdz7fEn1_cq4ttaqMHKOu1iv08xDuvQDbN67EHJiwHI-B2R0QqU8MUw/s200/liv+rm+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413725042879767938" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1utUyDzC0lB1qRRrpEK3dc6wylrxRx3-2Ecd4LA9xhGUXVmXGrVlMMBHDILZz8wSkqNBBGD1PqU7N-bdz7fEn1_cq4ttaqMHKOu1iv08xDuvQDbN67EHJiwHI-B2R0QqU8MUw/s1600-h/liv+rm+2.jpg"></a>Other end of the living room, which is kinda long and skinny; we're currently using this as our library area.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyWYDag0eVhbsRa0FMLdE7KiFFHNScLqavXwkC22pHD12dcwYpRVdK2fyIYk3J9p0N6ew1pWuJkKF-xvfzfscaGlR6eGP-wQHxLGJ-nwkKLAV11-32URwBK8L5_xiJeIslq-8Yw/s1600-h/kitch+2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyWYDag0eVhbsRa0FMLdE7KiFFHNScLqavXwkC22pHD12dcwYpRVdK2fyIYk3J9p0N6ew1pWuJkKF-xvfzfscaGlR6eGP-wQHxLGJ-nwkKLAV11-32URwBK8L5_xiJeIslq-8Yw/s200/kitch+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413723919688243586" /></a><br />The kitchen, which you've seen before. It's an eat-in, and I think it needs just a bit more separation than that. I have a plan...</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxlAlQoqeJGBWLNtBTrXWY3ePovfuw5iHaA60fz2hyphenhyphenlaI93bGSpYlWuHKr5wIrKkc2ACH_jX-hQFF5JCPaBzbORkImu0nOmY44H9TqRWXGBIzY0AFLdz2AExBacA9uNjjjbjEnA/s1600-h/bath+main+2.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxlAlQoqeJGBWLNtBTrXWY3ePovfuw5iHaA60fz2hyphenhyphenlaI93bGSpYlWuHKr5wIrKkc2ACH_jX-hQFF5JCPaBzbORkImu0nOmY44H9TqRWXGBIzY0AFLdz2AExBacA9uNjjjbjEnA/s200/bath+main+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413725038226268578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div>The first floor bathroom. While sorely lacking in style, it does have an adorable clawfoot tub. They are fiendishly impractical for all but the most fit people -- ever try getting out of one of these suckers? -- but I am a huge, huge fan. This is probably the easiest room to finish: it needs accessories, tile around the tub, new floor and window trim. </div><div><br /></div><div>More later...</div><div><div><br /></div></div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-64296488188555911602009-12-01T18:28:00.004-06:002009-12-01T19:49:23.150-06:00Bitter Much? (the sequel)So clearly, I shouldn't be optimistic. Every time I have a thought like, "Whew, almost done with that (long, long, long) list of things that need to be repaired," something freaky happens. <div><br /></div><div>Exhibit A: </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4151062315_a71f815c86.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4151062315_a71f815c86.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div>This, dear readers, is the new fridge. Delightful in its shiny black sexiness, no? Yet that was a significant chunk o'change we here at Casa Boy-O had not planned to part with. However, since we like to eat without risking ptomaine, and since the fridge part of the original fridge gave up the ghost, we resigned ourselves to this expenditure.</div><div>It's a much better one for the number of mouths we regularly feed, too, so that was another reason we were less inclined to moan. Onward and upward, we said. Let's just get through this list of repairs, and then we can move on to fun stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until last night when the microwave stuttered, sputtered and died so completely the screen went black and would not resurrect. I've never actually seen that happen: even the time I attempted to boil an egg in my mom's first microwave (I did mention that, didn't I, Mom? I didn't? Well, um, never mind. You just forget I said anything.) it eventually came back on. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stunned, I assumed it was the circuit breaker, and visited the basement to try flipping that switch. </div><div><br /></div><div>While down there, I thought, "Oh! I should throw in that load of laundry." 'Cause you know, clean socks? Turns out they really do make the day a little bit nicer for everyone involved. </div><div>Except, of course, when your attempt to start the washer results in GIANT BLUE SPARKS flying at your head. Then, not so much with the clean or the nice.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So once again, Mama will be trekking over to this <a href="http://www.standardtvandappliance.com/">fine establishment</a> to see what I can see in the way of appliances that a) don't suck and b) won't bankrupt us. Ahh, the fun and joy just keep rolling on...</div><div><br /></div><div>Better add some cute kid pics to get that bitter taste out:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/4151128011_4240359c14.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/4151128011_4240359c14.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div>(We were at One Green World for their annual open house. No, I have no idea why that required princess garb. Better safe than sorry, though, right? Cause how silly would you feel if you needed formal wear and didn't have it?)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4151129985_88388fdec8.jpg"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4151129985_88388fdec8.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Notice how slickly I slipped that adorable Baby Surprise Jacket in there? (Look Ma, actual knitting!) Not mine, of course, since I don't think I can even find a ball of yarn in the maze that is our basement. It was a baby shower gift from the very kind Chris T. of <a href="http://alicethelma.com/">AliceThelma</a>.</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-56281494492759421952009-11-07T09:50:00.005-06:002009-11-07T10:46:00.517-06:00Little ThingsStill making my way out from underneath the avalanche of boxes which accompanies our move. After a frustrating week of getting repairs scheduled/done, unpacking only to find more to unpack, and weird vacation days for the kids, I wanted to feel like I'd accomplished <i>something</i>. <div>So I tackled the thing which had been annoying me all out of proportion to its importance:<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4082538559_c1012546b8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2490/4082538559_c1012546b8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Oh yes, friends, the dreaded 80's fug is alive and well. (Unbelievably, you can still purchase these same handles.) I had thought about replacing the doors, but decided that the cabs just weren't worth the investment. So I went for a subtler improvement:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/4083297188_f4fdca34ca.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/4083297188_f4fdca34ca.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div>My clever spouse picked these out --and, of course, the fancy new drill we used to install many of 'em (I did many by hand, but got tired).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4082538127_13227ca678.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4082538127_13227ca678.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div>More -- and better! -- pics to come of the house proper, which Boy-O and I have dubbed Colonial One (mostly 'cause we're BSG fans, but also because looking at this house from outer space is about the only way it could honestly be called a Colonial).</div></div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-46858982801508845042009-11-01T09:57:00.003-06:002009-11-01T10:18:22.127-06:00Homeward BoundAnd I'm back, just for a moment, to say hello to the blogosphere, especially to the nice folks who've come by from the Twist blog. Thanks so much for stopping by and I do hope you'll come again.<div>Posting will be much easier and more frequent in the days to come, as I've finally finished the big project I'd hinted about: we bought our first house! </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4059120558_612c876308_m.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" border="0" alt="" /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Z enjoying both her new kitchen and Mama's shoes! Wow, that kid can multi-task.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>That's right, kids, the Family Boy-O has moved on up to our version of the deluxe apt in the sky (which is more like a 4bd/2ba 2 story, but whatever).</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the mass of boxes and crates and cables and the temporarily lost dog (Tom & Bel was just Bel for *several* days!) and the dying washing machine and the astonishing number of repair-type projects to be done --and the *endless* hours spent waiting for contractors to show up (who knew "between 11 and noon" meant 1:30?), we are all supremely happy with the new digs. We've got much more room to roam, better access to the sorts of stuff we like to do and are pleased as punch with our new 'hood. </div><div>More later...just now I've got to rescue Boy-O from the tot!</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-90928816206084398332009-10-17T09:03:00.010-05:002009-10-22T14:09:47.414-05:00Where did it go?My gosh, it's October! I'm still wondering where our summer went, though I suspect that at the time I was obsessively hoping to get the kids back to school. They are busy, busy, busy and it is a *lot* of work to keep them from destroying the house/each other/my sanity. I complained to a friend about the noise level when all three children are home and we decided that it works on the Richter scale. (!) Doesn't help, but it makes me feel better knowing that it's not just me who thinks it.<div><br /></div><div>So: still working on that thing I mentioned last post, but this time when I say soon I really do mean it! Like in the next 24 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I will share with y'all a little bit about the impetus behind <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/urbanite">Urbanite</a>, my design in the Fall issue of <a href="http://www.blogger.com/twistcollective.com/">Twist Collective</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcKWmpjE9bgtNt6E6c5hI7s_0iByPA_vCQM-fnx2X51hzfP0km2TveKfW52HKcNaonquyh0Z9cE8Adr9ryS1OWpBXm8C0lKKKl_IrvHbuJOm4Qk0-qx7kXkbNSrK2VhyphenhyphenfXVPPpg/s1600-h/sweater2.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcKWmpjE9bgtNt6E6c5hI7s_0iByPA_vCQM-fnx2X51hzfP0km2TveKfW52HKcNaonquyh0Z9cE8Adr9ryS1OWpBXm8C0lKKKl_IrvHbuJOm4Qk0-qx7kXkbNSrK2VhyphenhyphenfXVPPpg/s200/sweater2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395485371855832146" style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Awe inspiring sketch by Boy-O, mais oui)</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>My dad is the world's biggest clotheshorse. Seriously: the man must look good at all times.</div><div>His basement is like a one guy department store. It's completely amazing. </div><div>When we lived in the same city, we were shopping buddies. We often joked that if we had a family motto, it would be "Never pay retail."</div><div><br /></div><div>Unsurprisingly, with a fellow like Dad for inspiration, the design had to handsome, practical and not too costly to knit. So as I noodled around with a lovely fluffy yarn for a ladies' pullover:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljzxCd40utzh-0fcPHsnoyu_HqS0ts7soatZZxWbis8hwSpGJELZdzZXfYf-PpW_0UnN9ht0NvphhcMcn-BLrHS2EpmyZeX8AzRyYL1JITd4WVP9HXZNI5hHj-2QjT4nuD6Vc_g/s200/Urbanite_cables.png" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395494652133165186" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">(</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/harrisville-designs-orchid-with-cashmere">Harrisville Yarns Orchid with Cashmere</a>)</span></i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>it occurred to me that this might be a good man's sweater as well. Having borrowed many of my dad's (and these days, my husband's) sweaters over the years, I figured I had a pretty good grasp on what makes a good one: long, lean look, attractive details like saddle shoulders and interesting-to-knit cables that are still understated, and a quiet color that didn't scream "look at me." Luckily for me, Twist's editors agreed.</div><div><br /></div><div>After conferring with Kate, we decided to make the sweater a crew neck rather than the turtle I'd originally conceived (my husband and pop are both rather warm-blooded, so this made sense to me), and she selected the Soft Brown color in delicious <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/valley-yarns-amherst">Valley Yarns Amherst</a>. I'd never knitted with this yarn before, but it is lovely. Soft and smooshy (yes, that's a technical term), easy on the hands, yet it shows off complex stitchwork beautifully. I am a big fan of yarns you can knit by touch, and Amherst delivers on that score. It's reasonably priced, too, which rocks my socks.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait for Urbanite to come back home just so I can wrap myself up in it. Though I may have to fight off the husband -- I think he's got his eye on this one, too.</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-559334615126825342009-09-15T18:39:00.002-05:002009-09-15T18:42:23.547-05:00Good griefSoon and very soon, I hope to have some positive news to share here. Not knitting related, but important nonetheless. That is, of course, if I survive homework hour.<br /><br />(The toddler is feeling neglected and throwing things on the floor while the big ones both clamor for assistance. Gah!)Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-51495455784647373092009-08-16T11:05:00.001-05:002009-08-16T11:06:48.020-05:00OMG! OMG!The new Twist Collective is out! And my sweater looks <a href="http://twistcollective.com/2009/autumn/magazinepage_021.php">amazing</a>. The model is super cute in that geeky way that I adore. Yay!!Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-88092588143541293492009-08-08T10:27:00.001-05:002009-08-08T10:29:04.231-05:00Cute cute cuteWe interrupt this blog silence to show you the cutest thing we've seen in a while: <a href="http://as1.emv2.com/HM?a=A9X7CqthifeB8Xp4Wa0OtYjkog">Phildar's</a> new layette.<div><br /></div><div>Now I just need a little one to make it for! Somebody hurry up!</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-72295054511756606762009-08-02T12:21:00.003-05:002009-08-02T12:24:02.362-05:00Baby's First JokeThe big kids have been getting lots of joke books from the library, so our car rides have been filled with lots of silliness. So Z decided to get in on it, too:<div><br /></div><div>Z: Knock knock</div><div>DH: Who's there?</div><div>Z: Cat.</div><div>DH: Cat who?</div><div>Z: Horse.</div><div><br /></div><div>She's becoming such a sophisticate, our little one. ;-D </div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-26617702315007473162009-07-22T10:40:00.003-05:002009-07-22T10:46:45.366-05:00Why my kid is the AwesomeScene: our living room. We've just finished singing "Baa Baa Black Sheep." Babe looks over at book with picture of sheep, then at previous page with picture of cat and mouse.<div><br /></div><div>Babe: (pointing @ mouse) Duckie?</div><div>Me: No, babe that's a mouse. </div><div>Babe: Duckie!</div><div>Me: Nah, hon - do we know any songs about a duckie?</div><div>Babe: (to the tune of Baa Baa Black Sheep) Baa baa duckie...</div><div><br /></div><div>***********</div><div>In actual knitting-related news (gasp!), I've just received a review copy for my latest pattern, coming out in the Fall issue of <a href="http://twistcollective.com/">Twist Collective</a>. I'm sooo excited! The layout is gorgeous, the model is perfect, and I'm super thrilled to be a part of this awesome magazine. Yay!</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8768200.post-76311034352659050812009-07-19T16:17:00.002-05:002009-07-19T16:21:25.484-05:00Where I Have Been<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60124826@N00/3669846074/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3669846074_062a12947f_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style=" margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60124826@N00/3669846074/">DSC00028</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/60124826@N00/">cmu204</a></span></div>Sauvie Island, just outside Portland, is mostly farmland -- including several wonderful nurseries and you-pick farms. We've gone just about every other week. The baby runs around and 'helps' (i.e., eats herself purple) and the big kids are focused for about an hour and a half, which is enough time to get a couple of flats filled.<br />It is a really lovely outing. Of course, it means a good bit of work afterwards -- washing, hulling, freezing and/or prepping something for us to eat right now. <div><br /></div><div>Which mostly means there's been very little knitting this summer. A few swatches here and there, and I'm currently working on a project for one of my favorite <a href="twistedpdx.com/">LYS</a>, but this has mostly been the summer of fruity deliciousness. I can't complain, but I do miss it a bit.</div>Cherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16821298166299306956noreply@blogger.com0