Syndactyl Salutations

Thoughts on writing, knitting, and the world around me.

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Goodbye 2006

So, 2006 was a weird year. A 5 year relationship ended (or at least changed dramatically), I moved out on my own again, I had a variety of personal upheavals. I temped all year long, had more time off than I would have liked (and the w-2s will reflect it), and didn't use any of it to travel, because when I wasn't working, I wasn't earning any income.

I spent a lot of time battling anxiety, and not necessarily winning those battles. I spent a lot of time at home alone in my apartment because I was too anxious to get out and interact with people, especially strangers. At this point I'm still dealing with the anxiety completely on my own, but I have considered my options, so maybe that's progress. So is not bursting into tears much over the past month.

I got stuck in New Jersey during February's blizzard, and ended up having a nice day with an old friend at the Museum of Natural History.

I ran out of gas for the first time in my life while taking myself out to lunch on my birthday in July, and was extra-thankful for AAA+ that I always get but rarely use.

I didn't do much writing, I only got 5000 words or so into NaNoWriMo this year, and I haven't been very consistent otherwise either (as readers here well know).

I got rid of quite a bit of stuff, and continue to try to get rid of more.

My two big 'interacting with strangers' moments this year came at MDS&W and W2W. I enjoyed myself at both of them, but neither were without their jitters.

I made progress on the fear-of-public-speaking front during one of my temp assignments, when I had to make group presentations several times.

Overall, I can't say it was a bad year, it just had a lot going on, internally as well as externally.

There were a few moments I have no desire to relive, and a few too many hours spent in anxiety-imposed solitude, but for the most part, I'm fine with the choices I made and the direction I've moved.

I'm sorry this is so disjointed, but I just wanted to get it out without thinking too much about it and risking over-analysis.

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Sunday, December 24, 2006

Happy Winter to All

And Merry Christmas to those who celebrate. I wish you all warmth and joy this season.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

So, I Started A Scarf

First, thanks for all of your kind comments about Klaralund, it's gotten a fair amount of wear already, and I know I'll wear it again later this week.

I decided to make Branching Out for my mom's birthday, in the beginning of January. I'm not doing any Christmas knitting, but I'll do some early 2007 birthday stuff instead.

I'm using Shelridge Farms Soft Touch Ultra in Pumpkin, from Knit NY on this trip. I figure it's marinated long enough, and it's definitely one of my mom's colors. I'm nine repeats in, and I am definitely enjoying the knit. I don't have it memorized, but I am beginning to anticipate what comes next.

I only hope that the rumored wonders of lace blocking are true, because right now it's folded in half and, though interestingly textured, not very lace-like. I'll go with it, though, and trust that the alchemy of blocking will make this scarf into lace when it's done.

I haven't taken a photo yet, because it's a few inches of scrunched up knitting, and who needs to see that, really?

I have not finished my shopping, I am trying to fight some sort of sort throat/fever ick, and I start a new assignment tomorrow. I'm happy to have work, I just hope I can sleep better tonight than I did last night.

Enjoy.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Klaralund!

Proof that I actually finished a garment:

I've worn it a couple of times, and have decided that I like the neckline the way it is. I may cuff the sleeves, depending on how crazy they drive me eventually.







Here's a daylight shot. I've also decided not to seam the back.


Specs:

Noro Silk Garden #65
US 10 1/2 needles
Started sometime in October (this time), finished December 15, 2006.

I bought the yarn and pattern book last year, maybe July, and started then (without swatching). The gauge was too small, so I put it aside for a very long time. It took me another three tries before I got gauge (still no swatching in the true sense), then I did one piece and put it aside again to finish my kneesocks. The other three pieces went relatively quickly, I think I did the second sleeve over the course of a couple of days (and my left hand is tender as a result).

I'm happy with it, and it's been a hit with everyone who's seen it so far.

Now I need to decide what to start next. Socks? A scarf? Another sweater? Mittens? Who knows, first I should finish my shopping...

Thursday, December 14, 2006

All Sewn Up

All the pieces of Klaralund are sewn together. It fits, but I had gauge issues (after the fact?), and possibly seaming issues, so the neckline isn't a true V-neck in front or back. I need to weave the ends in and see if I can live with it as is, or if I need to take corrective measures. Oh, and I may need to cuff the sleeves, because my arms are sort of short...

Still no work, I'll check in again tomorrow, but I think that's why I have a stiff neck, that and the seaming with silk garden.

Okay, this is rambly and disjointed, but at least it's a post, right?

Once I get my ends taken care of, I'll take some photos of Klaralund and see what y'all think of what I've come up with.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Snapshot

Don't you hate when someone you spent years with cuts through a parking lot rather than pass you on the (opposite side of the) street? Yeah, that's the most fitting vignette for today.

On the plus side, I'm 6 inches into the second sleeve of Klaralund.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Progress

Finished the first sleeve of Klaralund, one left to go. I hope it fits, I hope it fits, I hope it fits.

I'm between assignments at the moment, so hopefully I'll make some progress on the second sleeve tomorrow in between following up on job possibilities...the life of a temp, what can I say?

Thanks for the comments on the socks, I really do love them, droopy or not.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Knee Socks!!

Per Carrie's request, here are my finished knee socks.



I really love them, but they slide down. Patons is a slightly thicker yarn than I usually use and I didn't bother swatching. It's not the end of the world, but I find myself getting totally distracted by them if I'm walking and I feel them drooping.

















This is the first time I've done contrasting cuffs, heels, and toes, and I'm happy with the results. Please ignore the chubby, blindingly pale knees, I suppose I could have done some cropping.


Specs:

Based on this pattern.

U.S. size 2 dpns.

Patons Kroy Socks in Krazy Stripes and Gentry Grey.

Started September 18, 2006, finished November 19, 2006 -- yeah, two months for a pair of socks, but I wasn't very consistent, and I got sidetracked by Klaralund for a while.

I'll probably make another pair sometime, but maybe not right away.

As far as Klaralund, I have the front and back done and am into the extended garter stitch on the first sleeve.

I wish I could say I'll post more often, but I know better.