BeatleWear

knitting and the life I almost have around it

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

sporadic-ness

Hi y'all. Been a strange week so far.

Monday i finished (and wore to work) my drop-stitch tank. HOT! Love it. It actually doesnt look as weird/blurry as in this pic but i havent blocked it and i was home alone. love it love it love it. This yarn is awesome. and it on;y used 5.2 50g balls ^_^

Monday night i freaked cos i didnt feel like knitting lace and had no appropriate project for my mood... SO i spun some of the EGMTK fibre and cast on a beret. You can see here how manic i am.. i'm about to run out of yarn and there is tons of fibre left... silly Spidey. Short attention span, really?

Yesterday morning i experienced that joyful right of passage as a teacher - having a kid spew in class. Of course i had to clean it up and then attempt to go on with the work. They were pretty well behaved considering.. but it did make for a unsettling start to the day.
And then last night we hosted the Starbucks christmas party... so a lot of grog and a lot of singstar was partaken of. I got to bed at a reasonable hour but no-one else did so i was a little short-tempered today. Doesn't hurt the kids i teach to get a good dressing down every now and then though.

In between all that excitement, however, i received a package from my ravelry Australian Knitters tea-cosy swap person; KnitsMcgee. Very exciting indeed (that's my own tea-pot - i just had to show how well it fitted!). I'm so spoilt, and it arrived on a day i had to clean up puke with an audience so karma clearly likes me.

So that inspired me to get off my butt and finish my own cosy. So i did. (great story Spidey, really!). Well.. actually i cast on this evening... but i can be quite diligent when i have to be. Too cute, right? That would be Happy Spider 12ply in Watermelon (the black bits i embroidered on with black seed beads). I'm going to have to post it soon or i'll be too attached to let it out of my sight.

Anyway, I'm pretty bogged down with marking. So i ought to go do some (yeah, my plan to do school work only at school is falling down a little... at least i held out a good long while!).

Peace out,
Ms Spider xo

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

coming up roses

Before i start going on and on (and on) about knitting, i thought i would show you all what's been happening in my garden (what with the rain and all).

What with the miraculous properties rain has (above and beyond tap water or grey water) my roses have exploded.
Napoli (i think. It's something Napoli... supposedly a minature but it got huge this year)
Just Joey, just expanding.Double Delight with white snapdragon snuggling it.
Black Beauty (not as dark as i was expecting but very pretty nonetheless.
There are more flowers but i'll save them for later in the week.

In knitting news.. i have been focused on that tank. oh yeah. in fact, if i am irresponsible with my english marking over the weekend i may very well be able to wear it tomorrow (w00t!).

I have also had quite a bit come in this week...
my EGMTK fibre club package for November... excitement!
Some more Fibreworks 2ply silk because i lub the purple one so much.and a certain enabler we all know may have made some miraculous purchases, one of which i shall show you.Naturally Merino et Soie 8ply... 10 balls. *drool*
you hate me now, right?
ah well, bound to happen.

Peace out,
Ms Spider xo

PS Happy end of the regime!

PPS Pomegranates are yummy.

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Thursday, November 22, 2007

breaking weather

Nothing like a good rainfall the lift the spirits.
Of course, the kids are nuts because the weather changed and they have to stay out of the rain at recess and lunch. That is precisely as much fun as it sounds like it is.

At work the other day a woman said something totally bitchy to me and it through me into a tail-spin. I mean, i can be rational and see that it was her being unprofessional and that the thing she was calling me on (playing solitaire on the computer during my line off) was totally ridiculous because i came in 2 1/2 hours before i started being paid so i could make it to a welfare meeting for one of my students, i was playing solitaire BEFORE i started being paid for the day, i'm on top of my planning, reports and marking. But I guess I'm still used to the job security issues you have as an under-paid casual retail assistant, where one bitchy comment from a manager can stuff you up permanently. So that's been stressing me out a bit. This is one of the things i don't get about other people.. and it seems to be women more than men. The need to play social power games, to bully, to be so downright poisonous. I try SO hard not to pass on my bad mood to anyone else and then there are these people who just sail through life saying every stupid, bitchy, meaningless thing that comes into their heads!
Other than that incident and the understandable hangover of worthlessness and fury that followed, work has been ok this week. The heat and now the rain has made for some quite manic kids.. but i'm still standing and am eye-to-eye with a Friday so i think i'll be ok.

In knitting news i"ve been mostly focused on the drop-stitch tank. The yarn is glorious! I'm onto the back piece and now i have to knit in 2x2 ribbing for... oh forever. But then it's done, as soon as i find some buttons. Speaking of buttons, i must have moved here and left my button box behind because i can't find it for the life of me! I have never in my life before been unable to locate three matching 1cm buttons!

And of course the election is on saturday. People. Seriously. Enough already with John Howard. The man is a small-minded, bigoted weiner with the wit and verve of a porridge sandwich (who believes tampons to be a 'luxury item'). Move on, for everyone's sake.

Peace out,
Ms Spider

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Monday, November 19, 2007

pendant le weekend

Another weekend dead and buried. How does it happen?
We've been dogsitting Harry, who has spent most of the weekend fretting. Now don't get me wrong, he's not really distressed. He just likes to stand in front of you looking sad. It's kind of irritating after a while. And I'm refusing to walk him right now so he's lying on the floor with his eyes open, sighing and whimpering.

I've had a funny old weekend really. Have a had a killer headache for about a week and by about 9.30 sunday morning it was full-blown migraine city. Hence my no-show at SnB. However, up until this point i did a lot of knitting (and some in the evening after it had backed of a bit).

On my thistle shawl i am up to the third chart. This means i no longer have nifty thistles to knit so it may become less interesting to me rapidly. This yarn is a dream. OMG. And i've only used 30g so far. i love laceweight. And i'm pretty much up to knitting on my Addis without having to magic loop... which always makes me feel a bit special. Knitting really is amazing.

Also, as a result of a disgustingly hot week and a weird body shift that has taken me from scrawny to curvy.. i need some more summer clothes. Well, ones that don't make me look like i'm trying to escape, if you know what i'm sayin'. So Taph's donation of some Patons Fresco was latched upon and i cast on for the drop-stitch lace tank from Fitted Knits. the yarn is a dream, you'd never know it was 50% ack. And i love the colour (see pic above - the one below is what happens to the colour above when struck by morning light on an orange couch). And the promise of getting to drop some stitches makes the ribbing go quicker. (hooray for Addis!)

I really havent been knitting any socks.. took the shine of that apple, plus i find it hard to knit stuff i'm not likely to wear as soon as i cast off. I might catch up later, but now i have no more Uni work i'm way more keen to play with tops and lace and... mmmmmm. Don't get me wrong - i LOVE the socks. Spidey heart socks. be back soon no doubt.

Hope you all are coping with the heat.. Kuka i still have that sock yarn aside for you if you still want it; we keep missing each other. Sorry :(

Wish me luck with the whole migraine/12yo pyschos issue today..
Peace out,
Ms Spider xo

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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

watch out! too exciting by far!


Saw this over at Randomknits and thought i'd yoink it because i dont have the brains to come up with anything by myself. (and no, i cant de-italicize this and i don't know why)


1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.

Monkey. I can't remember why though.

2. What were you doing at 0800?

On the bus on the way to work/school.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

Watching Jonathon Creek and knitting my thistle shawl.

4. What happened to you in 2006?

I broke up with my then boyfriend, fell in love with my best friend (Monkey), went to Vanuatu and moved in with Monkey.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?

"It's a meme".

6. How many beverages did you have today?

2 cups tea, 2 cups miso, 2 bottles of water, bottle of ice coffee milk. So far. there are some alcohols in the frigidaire that i may partake of later.

7. What color is your hairbrush?

Cream and black. My mother gave it to my brother for christmas but he gave it to me because he has no intention of ever brushing his hair again. it's a pretty good one.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?

Erm a serving of hash browns and an iced coffee flavoured milk at the school canteen this morning - healthy!

9. Where were you last night?

At home... knitting and watching Jonathon Creek. Does anyone sense a theme here? Oh, i did drag monkey out for a walk when the air got nice and cool.

10. What color is your front door?

Brown woodgrain.

11. Where do you keep your change?

In my purse, but i have a jar for 5c pieces because they annoy the crap out of me.

12. Whats the weather like today?

Too hot. It's just started to freshen up which is a huge relief. crazy 12 year olds are more crazy in 25+ degree weather.

13. What's the best ice-cream flavor?

I'm not really a big icecream person - my teeth are a little sensitive. but vanilla choc chip is pretty good. really strongly flavoured ones make me thirsty...

14. What excites you?

Yarn, knitted lace, cables, fair isle, gorgeous colours.. i have been known to drool a little when discussion of a nice yarn starts up.

15. Do you want to cut your hair?

Well... yes and no. I like it long as i think it suits me and i like being able to tie it all back. But it's getting pretty ratty and i really need to trim it. and yet... the length is nice! (that's me in the green top 4th pic from the bottom.. can you believe people tell me i'm blonde???)

16. Are you over the age of 25?

Nope. 22. Feel much older though.

17. Do you talk a lot?

Depends who i am with. I am capable of enjoying a companionable silence, but i do tend to do the whole internal monologue thing...

18. Do you watch the O.C?

Nope.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?

I work with a truly lovely teacher called Stephen.

20. Do you make up your own words?

Way too frequently for an English teacher.

21. Are you a jealous person.

I have been from time to time. I dont think i'm ever jealous without good reason.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'A'.

Antionette.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'K'.

Kylie.

24. Who's the first person on your received call list?

Another high school calling me to see if i was available to relief teach soon.

25. What does the last text message you received say?

"No dramas! Am heading out so will swing by. Got you a little something too!" (monkey lost his phone so no mushy giveaways today ;)

26. Do you chew on your straw?

No.. and i'm not entirely sure what that means.

27. Do you have curly hair?

No

28. Where's the next place you're going to?

To work tomorrow morning. I am clearly the most deeply exciting person ever.

29. Who's the rudest person in your life?

Mmmmm. i could say... but that would bring me down to their level.

30. What was the last thing you ate?

A fairyfloss flavoured zooper dooper ice-block

31. Will you get married in the future?

absolutely

32. What's the best movie you've seen in the past 2 weeks?

8 femmes. If you havent seen it then you must, immediately. If you don't speak any french then stick to stocking stitch though ;)

33. Is there anyone you like right now?

I like many people... is this like a weird high school "do you like Billy?? as in like-like??" thing? i like-like Monkey... stupid meme

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?

Yesterday afternoon when i got home from work.

35. Are you currently depressed?

well yeah. but lets not make a big deal over it

36. Did you cry today?

Nope. well, my eyes always water when i yawn, does that count?

37. Why did you answer and post this?

I thought i'd better blog and my lace is growing too slowly to make interesting photos...



i aint gonna tag anyone... if you want it then take it.


Peace out,

Ms Spider xo

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Sunday, November 11, 2007

time flies when you breathe too many yarn fumes

Another weekend gone. How does it happen?

Since last we spoke i have gotten onto the second ball of yarn for my seashell shrug (of 20 though, so nobody get too excited). I got 9 inches of 2x2 rib over 78 sts out of one ball, so i'm pretty happy with that.I need to knit 18 inches before i can do anything remotely interesting (like.. decreases). But this afternoon i just needed a comfort project and this wool is really delish. Nothing like a crepe. It's a much deeper, winier colour than the picture shows too.

The reason i needed a no-brainer was that i started another shawl yesterday. I'm using some Fibreworks 2ply silk that i bought from Helen Rippen on our little day trip (joods got some too). It was a realy bitch to wind, for some reason the skein was very tangled and being silk it was sticking to itself.Anyway, that pattern is the Thistle Dinner and Coffee cloth from the second book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel (genius). Obviously i am making a shawl, not a huge doily, and have altered gauge a fair bit.loving it, but the chart is a little bizarre so it requires my concentration. I might photocopy it and then alter it with white out so i don't have to remember that there are two symbols for k2tog that are used interchangably (and no, one is not ssk. well, not consistently anyway).

Had Taph round today for our weekly fibre exchange. I am now the proud owner of 11 balls of patons fresco (cotton acrylic blend) for the drop-stitch lace tank from Fitted Knits. VERY excited, but as i am now using BOTH the addi sizes required it may take a little while.. or not. i am such a yarn whore.
We had a nice little play date and I spent the evening knitting 2x2 rib and watching Jonathon Creek with a very sleepy, cuddley monkey. Quite satisfactory.

Peace out,
Ms Spider xo

PS. Dear SSS participants: i told you i'd get sick of it ;)

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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

horses warrant a day off?

not that i'm complaining, but it does seem to be a bit of a wank. especially as it's being called 'Community Wellbeing Day" or something rather than "Everyone calls in sick on Melbourne Cup Day anyway Day".

Nonetheless, it is a gloriously welcome day off. I have to say, working 5 days again has affected my ability to keep house. when i had two days off during the week when Monkey would not be home til 3pm.. i got so much more done. There's just no point cleaning around him, he splutters crumbs and all sorts of things and you cant really vacuum while he's playing on the computer. And it's weird, but i think that.. well. how to put this? most of the housework i do is pretty crucial to the upkeep of the house, our belongings, clothes, carpet.. etc. But it's not the sort of stuff that Monkey notices or thinks of (ie. cleaning loo, bath, vacuuming, mirrors, windows, folding and putting away clean clothes...). And somehow doing it while he's not here, even though i have to point it out to him, is much less irritating than doing it while he's here. Probably because he a) doesnt notice me all red in the face from vigorous scrubbing and THAT pisses me off or b) he DOES notice and can't understand why i'm bothering. This way around suits us both much better.

so i did some serious housework today and now i have fresh flowers and an aired house, clean dishes, no chip crumbs in the office or coffee rings on the tables. it's refreshing.

I have also been flirting with a few new projects since finishing my shawl. Firstly i cast on the Montego Bay scarf from Interweave Knits Summer 2007 using more of my own handspun silk. It's a lovely pattern, but i didnt have much yarn so i only cast on 33sts instead of 43 and i like the size it's turning out. It was a roughly sports weight 2ply from silk hankies.. and it's REALLY pretty. I have another ball in purple.. and i might have to do another. we'll see. i never used to get this into scarves ;)

I also cast on for the Seashell Shrug from Runway Knits by Berta Karapetyan. Yesterday. i think. yes. I decided that with that much 2x2 ribbing i really needed to cast on now if i wanted to wear it next autumn. it's a gorgeous pattern... and the styling in the book makes me want to go out and buy a new vampy lipstick. So good news all round really.

I was good (bad?) today and did no marking. everyone keeps telling me to do work for school only at school.. and i think this is very intelligent. I'm not getting paid as much as everyone else and i have to be around for a few 'available for relief' lines a week and i can do my work then. So far it's all going pretty well. I've had a few run-ins with a few of my kids but nothing i can't handle. It's amazing how quickly a 12 year old boy will miraculously understand why you find something offensive if you suggest they need sexual harrassment counselling...

Peace out
Ms Spider xo

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Monday, November 05, 2007

shawly not!

Well i am being VERY naughty and blogging at school. I'm just having one of those days... need to take the edge off. I've been playing on Ravelry and queueing things madly. i'm waiting for a few books to arrive (the first and second books of modern lace knitting and the best of knitters magazine shawls and scarves book). in anticipation of these glorious additions to my collection (i jut typed addictions... perhaps i should have left it so) i pulled out all the stops and finished my handspun silk shawl yesterday. (the handsome triangle pattern from Victorian Lace Today)
i have decided that the crochet cast-off for a large shawl is rather like childbirth - it's agony while you're doing it, but the joy of having the finished product in your hands afterwards erases the horror... until you're elbow deep in the next one.
as i'm at work i'll have to give the pics a miss , but i'll give you some nice when i get home. it is ridiculously light.. gossamer. i love it. it blocked like a dream and got a fair bit bigger than expected. check out my flickr account for some progress and blocking shots.

but of course now i am between big projects again which sucks a bit. hoping for those books to play with on my day off, hurrah! and i may have to partake of some more bendigo cotton for a nice summer top... maybe that sagey green colour they have now? i think it's the one called fennel (the pics are terrible, i have to examine my shade card). but 8ply or 4ply? hmm

Peace out
Ms Spider

Edited to add pics on Tuesday 6th

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