Stash Enrichment

Chinese Charm Bag Yarn
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

I was good, so good! I only bought yarn for a coming project at the Grove clearance sale. I was so tempted to pick up a couple other things that caught my eye, but knew I needed to keep my selection to something that was destined to have a life in the near future - especially given current budgetary factors. So, I walked away with 3 balls of Tahki Angel (color 6) that I will add to the bamboo bag handles I previously picked up for the Chinese Charm Bag pattern from Stitch 'n Bitch. It's a black-based 70/30 merino acrylic yarn with fun hints of orange (my current favorite color), blue, green and purple. The best part is that the yarn was 50% off - so they were $3.75 a piece - yay!

Yarn Harlot Book Signing

Yarn Harlot Book Signing
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

I attended the Yarn Harlot's Book Signing tour stop in San Diego this afternoon. It was held at the Grove and coincided with their annual sale to make way for new yarn (more about this next) - good timing since I had a store credit to use up, which at this point is like free yarn.

The Yarn Harlot was a lot of fun to listen to and the shop was full of knitters who continued to knit though her talk. I hadn't been any place with so many knitters and everyone had such different things they were working on. I just wish my girls had been able to join me :-) The best part is that she talked about how the recycled bag bag is the ultimate expression of why knitters knit - something I thought especially cool, since its been one of those projects that's been on my list for some time now (I also emailed her the "cutting technique" I previously posted in May).

I also picked up some interesting ideas: One girl was using a wipe container to store her yarn in - the yarn came up though the hole where the wipes had been dispensed, so it kept the yarn contained and clean - I'm assuming that the container had been well-washed ;-) Also, I found out that there is a adult education program in San Diego that offers knitting classes for dirt cheap (~$20 for about 4 months worth of weekly classes) - as well as stained glass classes for ~$35, which is also dirt cheap and will help me get reaquainted with my other favorite hobby.

Sari Silk Wonder

OSW WIP
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

Although most people seem finish their One Skein Wonder in an evening, so there isn't time to post a WIP picture, I have time. I've worked on this a couple nights already and its a little slow going due to the unrefined recycled sari silk. I have to keep a close eye on what I am doing so I don't split the yarn with my needles. But the effort is worth it. The fabric is thick and soft and very luxurious feeling. I can't wait to finish it and I have the perfect new shirt to wear it with, too! - a rarity in my house, since I think mis-matched is my "look."

Fun Find

Yoga Bag
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

In my stroll around Target this afternoon, I came upon their knitting kits again. It appears that they have a permanent home in their new crafting section (close to their scrapbook stuff and kids' art supplies). But what was even better was that several of the kits were now on clearance. I was able to pick up their yoga bag kit for $3.50. It comes with everything to make the bag and I figure the yarn alone is worth the price. Plus, I have been wanting a yoga mat bag that has a shoulder strap and the pattern of the fabric looks fun and something I haven't worked with before. The bag is made with a cute 100% cotton yarn in a soft lime green. I'll post a picture one I get it started.

It's Not Easy Bein' Green

Frogging
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

Since Whirlypurly and I swapped Kyoto pieces I thought I would share the cute Happy Daisy family of yarn that emerged from the frogging effort all fresh and ready to go!

We have also decided that Kermie is our new mascot for our efforts to learn and grow from our knitting experiences. Not only is he our favorite frog, but his motto rings true: it's not easy bein' green. As beginners we learn the most through our mistakes, which can be quite painful. But though our mistakes, we are becoming better knitters and are able to help others by sharing our experiences.

Smudgy

Jenny
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

As requested by the Stitchin' Sheep - here's a current picture of our girl. Unfortunately her smudge didn't come out in the picture too much because of the flash - but its there. It took about 10 pictures to get one that was good - she really hates the camera. She can be fast asleep and you can sneek in with the camera already on and she will still jump up and run up at you so you can't take the picture. In fact, she pretty much hates anything electronic. She just about had a panic attack with the buzzer on the alarm clock went off instead of the radio one morning.

Also, she will be participating in the Wiener National preliminaries coming up on August 20th. We have high hopes that she will actually run this year since the race track will be on grass (her favorite) instead of sand like it has been. It's free, so everyone should come down and cheer her on - the races start at 9:00am in the parking lot of Qualcomm Stadium. If nothing else, it's a blast to see so many wiener dogs in one place at one time.

For information about other Dachshund events and organizations in San Diego, please see the following web pages:
- Dachshund Rescue
- San Diego Dachshund Club

Golf head covers

My mom had knitted these cute covers for my woods over five years ago (unfortunately I lost one of the covers over the years.) The one on the left is a "girl" with black thread eyelashes. I love them because they make me giggle! (by the way, I just posted this photo as an attachment and bypassed Flickr - this photo seems awfully big...)

Desperate Times Call For Drastic Measures

The (Not-so) Happy Daisy. (heavy sigh)

Man, oh man... This little sweater will either prove to be my greatest accomplishment or the violent death of me. It's really a toss-up at this point, as to which way it will go, but thanks in large part to my ALL girls, I'm trying to remain hopeful. To say the very least, this process is truly a challenge. The biggest hurdle being the freaking gauge. For whatever reason, I seem physically incapable of knitting the correct gauge while knitting English style, and so it has come to this: I am attempting to learn how to knit Continental style in order to knit this sweater. This endeavor is proving both less and more complicated than I would have imagined. Less, in that I at least have an understanding about how knit and purl stitches work, more in that learning the mechanics of the Continental way of life is no small feat.

As I practice, I am finding myself back at square one, where I'm reminded of my earliest knitting days- the days of tensed up hands and fingers, lip biting, perspiration, and furrowed brows that accompanies the intense concentration of each wonky stitch. I am actually excited about learning to knit this way, but part of me thinks I'm completely insane to be learning on such a huge project. I'll practice some more and see how it goes. I'll be sure to let you know. Wish me luck!

UFO Status Update

I realized I haven't posted in quite a while, so I thought I would give a status update of my OSW. I have completed the main piece and am now working on one of the sleeves. This is such a fun little pattern! I've encountered a couple bumps in the road so far (and anticipate more to come), only because I'm still a relative novice. I'm certain that once I finish this first one, the next will be a piece of cake. And yes, I intend to make another one. :) I'm enjoying the fact that this is a small-scale project, yet it's allowing me to learn a lot. I think it will be called "Sangria."

Happy "Friday"

I am so ready for our retreat! It will be my first "girls" weekend and I am really looking forward to it. But can I wait 2 more weeks? This week has been tough, but I have had my evenings free - something that I haven't experienced for a long time because of my project. (Even when I wasn't working, I new that I had stuff to do, so I felt guilty - kind of like the homework dilemma in college.) Anyway, I will get through the day today in my obviously-got-dressed-in-the-dark outfit, figuring out something to do for lunch and hoping to have enough energy left to hit the super market this evening. I plan to take it easy tomorrow, no matter what I end up deciding to do. Maybe a pedicure?

BTW, I have the cutest doggie on the planet. She didn't want me to leave this morning, so she kept rolling over to get belly rubs. Every time I got ready to go, she flopped back over for one more rub. Also, she's been gradually going grey on her face and right now it's not even - it always looks like she has a little smudge on her mouth - so, her new nickname is smudgy, which she seems to like (or at least she really likes the way I say it!).

Recycled Silk

Recycled Silk
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

I am very excited about this recent yarn purchase. Its recycled sari silk and it is just beautiful. The multicolored hank on the top is desitined to become a One Skein Wonder. This yarn is the less "finished" variety whereas the black is very smoothly twisted. I picked up both of these from the Wool Peddler who imports these from Nepal. The service was very quick and I love the color of yarn that was selected for me. (You have the option of telling what color range you'd prefer although I'm pretty sure each hank is entirely unique with just about every color imaginable.

I did a test swatch last night for my gauge and it looks like the Kathmandu Unrefined will work on the recommended needles from the pattern. I may even cast on tonight...

Call for Encouragement

Our Whirlypurly is very frustrated with finding the gauge for her Happy Daisy Kyoto. Please provide her with some words of encouragement so that she will have the strength to continue!

Bate and Switch

In an effort to reduce the pain and suffering that accompanies serious frogging and at Whirlypurly's suggestion, we have decided to frog each other's Kyoto parts. We will thank FedEx for the ability to bring this idea to fruition.

Can't win

Far be it from me to assume that if I follow directions, I will actually achieve the desired result. For once, careful attention to detail was paid to following the pattern recommendations to a tee, so as to avoid this kind of disaster. The reward? A sweater that, if it had been seen to completion, would be large enough to fit Lindsay Lohan, on a chubby day. How could this happen? Am I that deranged of a knitter that I could use the right yarn and the right sized needles according to the pattern instructions and still end up with a piece that is completely the wrong size? What the heck? Not that it matters much now. What matters is, our careful planning was all for naught. I am still in shock...and yet, I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised! :p Wonky knitters unite!

Happy Birthday!

K with Bubbles
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

Today is my niece's 4th birthday. She is many, many miles away and we are unable to spend her special day with her. So, in honor of her birthday, I thought I would share a cute picture of her that we took last February when she was in the States.

This was taken during a particularly difficult time for our family but fortunately it was also an opportunity to spend some time with our niece and nephew. The kids helped to keep things in perspective and remind us that with the passing of cherished members of our family, the next generation is full of promise for the future.

So, Happy Birthday, K! Aunt J and Uncle B miss your terribly and we can't wait to see you again!

"Whaz Happaneening?"

Doing the Happy Dance

In non-knitting news, I have reached a major milestone in a project I have been working on for quite some time. For the last two years, I have been trying to write a business plan focused on getting money so that my Dad can launch a new technology business. I finished business school in August of 2003 and immediately started working on the business plan - something that should have only taken 6 months or so to do and yet, here I am today. I have been meeting weekly with a business advisor who has a ton and a half years of experience and a financial advisor to help round out those skills I so strategically avoided in school. For the last year or so, we have been on a circular path that felt never ending and probably was. Fortunately, we have stumbled apon a potential partnership arrangement that has pushed us into completing the plan so that the investing company has something to look over before their trip out to see us in a week or so.

As of this afternoon, I have a final version of my business plan in hand and a huge weight off my sholders. Of course, the idea is that this is really just the beginning. But that's fine because I'm not scared of more work - just working around and around and around. So, I'd greatly appreciate if everyone who reads this crosses their mental fingers for me as we get ready to meet with this potential investor.

To Frog or Not to Frog

I have had a tendency to like most of the "nicer" projects I have worked on. They've turned out the best and they are things that I actually wear (or the people I have given them to actually wear). I think it's because for each of these projects, I have really taken the time to pick out the right yarn and the right project, since they represent a significantly larger dollar investment than those that I have just thrown together. The problem is that these other projects still represent a decent sized dollar investment that are now lying piled on my dining room chair or the coffee table. I have made a truly hideous scarf, a shrug that I can't seem to get comfortable wearing because I am always worried about how it is sitting against my back and a dead muppet poncho that I'm still not sure I will ever wear.

I think I am finally coming to the conclusion that these projects may be better off in the frog pond. I think each of the bigger projects still represent about $35 to $40 in yarn that could possibly have a better life made into something else. Besides, I'm not rich and that's a lot of money to throw away. I wouldn't have a problem giving them away, except I really don't think anyone would want them. So, one day when I have enough strength, I think I will sit down and rip them apart. Actually, now that I think about it, I get a secret joy out of destruction sometimes, so it may turn out to be kinda fun.

Stress Shrunk?

I've been happily knitting along on my Starry Night Kyoto excited that I am finally using the yarn that a pattern calls for and thinking that at last I won't have any gauge battles to worry about. Right? Wrong.

It turns out that I have been knitting so tight (even though it feels totally normal and NOT tight while knitting) that I am working at 6 sts/inch instead of the 5 sts/inch the pattern references. Well, that's just great. I guess its all that extra stress I've been under lately - apparently my body has decided to take my stress out on my knitting, so that not only am I broken out and cracking my teeth by clenching my jaw too tight, I am shrinking my sweater, too.

So, I guess I'm going to end up with a midi-top after all. I'm hoping that blocking will help with the size a bit, but I kind of feel like that's asking a lot. Fortunately, my sleeve seems an appropriate size, but I am worried about my back - especially since its supposed to be fairly generous through the sholders. But I figure I can't change anything now, because I want to keep all of the pieces proportional to each other. That way at least if blocking doesn't fix it, someone else will be able to wear it if I can't.

I will chalk this up to another learning experience. I've got quite a few of these under my belt already, so maybe one day, if the stars are in alignment, I cross my fingers, and wish upon a falling star, I will be able to make something that fits.

Creeky

Ever since I helped my brother move over the forth of July weekend, I have had trouble with my knee. This is something new for me because I've never really had aches and pains before. I went to my spin class last night and while it didn't bother me during class, when I did a stretch afterward it didn't feel right. It hurt all night and now unless I keep it bent its pretty painful. What the heck? I'm only 30. Why am I breaking?

The First Office Sit & Knit

So, here we have the first of my office Sit & Knits. I am hoping that this will keep going and there will be regular meetings each week on Tuesdays. In order to entice people to come along, I offered up lunch and a prize to see if anyone could guess which man in our office had knitted sweaters in the past. The guesses ranged to pretty much all of the men, until D finally got the prize for the right answer - someone, people usually don't think to guess. So here's the crew and that's Nasus with her back to the camera. Also, featured prominently at the center of the table for the event is Pol - Nasus' Pound of Love.

Here S shows off the baby blanket she is working on.
Our long departed member of the "crew" came back for a visit - she came across three states for the Sit & Knit and happened to wish her friend Mercedes a bon voyage to Japan at the same time. This is her first attempt at casting on - and did a smashing job, I might add! She resisted knitting before, but we had her cornered and threatened not to let her on her plane tomorrow night if she didn't pick up some sticks. Now her Elocin bag can be put to its proper use ;-)
Mercedes is winding a ball out of her pretty furry yarn she will be making into a scarf. Mercedes started knitting a couple weeks ago and she is already a pro. Hopefully, she will be able to indulge in some of that great Japanese yarn once she's there. We will miss her terrible, but we are happy that she was able to come on her last week in the States to our little shindig. You can follow her adventures in Japan on her blog.
Here is our "winner" of the day, D showing off her prize. She got a new pair of bamboo needles and some "Bling, Bling" - hopefully the perfect amount for her first scarf. D is a born again knitter and almost finished her first project - the wonky bookmark - in one sitting.

Overall, I say it was a success and everyone seemed to have a good time and I can't wait until next week to Sit & Knit again. Thank you all for such a fun day at work :-)

The Beauty of a Secret Pal

Secret Pal Goodies #2
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

I whole heartedly declare - everyone should have a Secret Pal! I have had so much fun through this whole experience. Needless to say I was delighted when I saw the note in my mailbox saying that I had a package waiting for me at the post office. Unfortunately, I didn't see the note until after the post office closed on Saturday, so I had to wait until today to pick it up (ok - time to give credit where credit is due: my husband made that exciting trek to the post office for me :-)

I opened this fun box to find a cute poncho pattern that goes with the pretty linen yarn she previously sent. Also, included were some treats, a little notebook, and a rubber stamp featuring an unwinding ball of yarn. But purhapse, no definitely, the part I am most exited about is the beautiful skein of koigu yarn enclosed! I have been wanting to try this yarn ever since I saw the skein my sister-in-law was making socks out of. Its so colorful, soft and amazingly perfect. My Secret Pal also enclosed a pattern for a neck cozy, so I don't have to rack my brain to try and decide what to make out of it. What I love even more about this little project, is that it will be a perfect in-the-middle-of-a-17-inch-long-Kyoto- sleeve diversion.

So, thank you once again Secret Pal! I love the thoughtfulness and care you have put into both of my great packages!

The Feast

The Feast
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

I haven't posted in a while because frankly I've been feeling somewhat poopy. I haven't gotten a ton of knitting done and this last week pretty much sucked. I had to work 6 to 5 shifts until Thursday, which although I got Friday off, they seemed especially long this time. I have also been in the dumps about a side project I am working on but seem like I will never, ever finish.

But the good news is that the week culminated in our little rib-athon Friday night hosted by the author of our inspirational quote to the left. We had a blast complete with regular and spicy ribs, grilled corn and beer. And no, I'm not going to post the picture of me with the BBQ sauce all over my face - the power you hold when you take the pictures! We love that Whirlypurly is able to come down to visit as much as she does, but a trip to LA is warrented since half of us still haven't seen her new pad.

O Happy Day!

After several frogging sessions, numerous frantic calls for help, and one nervous breakdown, I am extremely happy to report that the first piece of the puzzle is finally finished...the Happy Daisy has back!

I'll post a picture soon. I was too physically and emotionally drained last night to do anything but quietly rejoice and then fall asleep.

And this is a really happy day, because I noticed the countdown- less than a month until the S&B Retreat!! :)

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

At my office we have this thing called the Office 15. Pretty much anyone who starts here puts on about 15 pounds within the first year. The reason being is that we are regularly provided with various gifts from clients as well as goodies from people's trips and vacations abroad. There's almost always some sort of food in the breakroom that is about 1000 calories. This week, we had 3 people returning from Hawaii, so there have been chocolate covered Macadamia nuts each day - ugh.

I managed not to put on my 15 pounds for 3 years. I thought I was immune to the curse, but not so, especially as I crept toward 30. The loss of my waist almost entirely got me back to the gym where I have discovered the beauty of the spin class (and pilates about a month ago). I have also restricted my enjoyment of the goodies. I still take them - I mean enjoy life, right? - but only one, not 5. My weight didn't change for quite a long time because although I did start trimming down and loosing some fat, I was gaining muscle that I hadn't really ever had before (I didn't come from an athletic family, so physical activity is not second nature to me). So, its taken me about a year, but I am now down 10 of my 15 pounds. (Yippy!)

The problem is this: I no longer fit into the larger sized pants I had to buy - I had literally outgrown everything in my closet but about 4 outfits and you could tell they were the "fat" clothes. But, I still don't fit into my old pants either! I am literally in between sizes. So, I have been wearing my big pants, cinched way in with my belt - this is very attractive BTW, especially since they are cut to sit just at your hip, which mine don't anymore. Fortunately, with it being summer and the fact that my larger sized skirts are more forgiving, I should be ok for a while. But, I have no idea what I am going to do come winter, because I think it would be highly unrealistic to think that I would be able to get back into the old pants in the next few months - especially taking into account my 3 week vacation that's coming up. I know I shouldn't complain, but the pant thing is really pissing me off.

Its Baby Time! ...Again

My oldest friend has recently found out she is pregnant with her third. And the fun part was, she used knitting as a segue to telling me about it :-) She had come over to my place for a scrapbooking session when she saw the finished baby blanket I made for our other friends on the coffee table. She said, "Well, I have a job for you..."

She already has two great sons, the oldest who is 5 1/2 and dreading the start of kindergarten in the fall and the soon-to-be middle child who is going to be turning 3 at the beginning of September. She is due around her oldest son's birthday in February. I think they are all hoping for a girl, although I know they will love that child no matter what. I was really surprised to find out she was pregnant. She had been ready for another one for about a year, but her husband wasn't. Then when we had gotten together a couple weeks before she found out, she made a comment about being done with the crib and baby stuff. So, I thought she had meant, done with babies entirely. We were at a party, so I didn't have a chance to ask her about it. Turns out she was talking about her youngest son being done with all the baby stuff and she had even thought that it came out weird at the time. I'm just glad everything worked out for them, because I knew she really wanted another one and wasn't ready for that part of her life to be over with yet.

So, now I need to figure out what to make... The clothing options are much better given that the baby will come in the winter. She'll find out what the baby is in a few weeks, so I guess I should wait until then to decide. I still have another baby blanket pattern to try out if I'm not inspired otherwise. But, somehow I have a feeling I will make a hat or something of that nature. Maybe even one of those cute stuffed bears...

Sleeve or Toy?

Also as an aside, an unfinished Kyoto sleeve apparently is very enticing to little doggies. After returning home from an errand expedition on Sunday, Jenny had pulled this off the coffee table and started chomping away on my row counter. I think she likes to do that now and then just to remind us not to take her for granted. She maybe 7 1/2, but she's still a puppy inside.

BTW this isn't an advertisement for PetSmart. Its just that she really likes those bandanas. They made her feel pretty, oh so pretty...

Its a sleeve, well - not even close

Kyoto Sleeve WIP
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

As a progress report on the Starry Night Kyoto, I wanted to show where the sleeve is currently. Since I'm using the yarn the pattern calls for, I figure I had to jack with the pattern some how - so sleeves in the round it is! I kept going back and forth with knitting them simultaneously, as called for, or in the round. None of the options really did it for me, but I decided I would much rather knit, knit, knit then flip. I also decided that if I had opted to to knit them simultaneously, I may have given up on the project all together because it would have taken FOREVER.

So far, all I can tell is that my sleeve will be a little wider than if I knitted them flat, since I don't need the seem, but I should be able to ease that into the back and front pieces at the end - not that I am anywhere near the end...

Just when I thought I was done shredding...

Rug WIP 2
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

I wanted to show what my rug is looking like now that it has a stripe or two. I think if I can maintain a similar gauge for all of my "yarn" it will come out nice. This picture is actually after I frogged most of the green stripe. Apparently I decided to cut this ball of green twice as large as any of the others. I was hoping the extra bulk would just work itself out, but no. It ended up started to bulg at the edges so my sides wouldn't have stayed even. So, I took it out and re-shredded the ball down to a size that fit with the other two I had already knit, which means I wasted a lot of good "yarn".

If you look at a larger version of the picture, you will see the stitches change direction. This was my first attempt at picking up stitches from the side of anything and it worked out well. I will also have to keep all the color changes on one side so that all of the changing lines stay on the bottom.

Recent update: Finished the green stripe last night.

H E L P !!

Someone help, please! After painstakingly binding off purlwise for the first time (no easy feat, BTW), I just realized that I binded off the back wrong! I didn't see the part about shaping the shoulders! I just binded off straight across!

What do I do now? That (binding off purlwise) in itself nearly killed me. Can this be salvaged? Please say yes. I may kill myself if it isn't. Can someone help me fix this mess I made? I don't know how to undo this BO row, and then bind according the the pattern! AARRGHH!!! SO frustrated right now!!!!! And so very sad. I'm going to go cry myself to sleep now... :(

The Odyssey

BMW
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

So at long last I have posted a picture of our "new" car. The reason for the delay was a crazy fiasco over our smog certificate and the potential chance that we would have to cancel our sale. In California, the seller of a user vehicle is required to provide the buyer with a smog certification that is less than 90 days old. The buyer needs the smog certificate in order to register the car with the DMV. This is something that a lot of people don't know, especially if you are used to buying your cars from dealers. We learned about this rule because a week before we bought this car, we sold our Jeep and were required to smog it for the new owner.

When we brought this up with the seller of our car, he hadn't been aware of the rule. Once we showed him the print-out from the DMV website, he realized it was his responsibility, no big deal. Well, given that the car had just been smogged in January along with the installation of a new catalytic converter, his desire for us to take the car home that night, as well as our desire to take the car home that night, we agreed to take the cost of the smog certificate and test off the top of the selling price and smog it ourselves, again, no big deal, right? Wrong. Of course the car failed the test the next morning. Fortunately we were blessed with the greatest private party seller that has ever existed on the entire planet. He realized that it was his responsibility to pay for whatever needed to be done in order for the car to pass smog and facilitated the repairs as well. But first, there was a little "business" to take care of with the shop that had initially "fixed" the car back in January. We took it back there and they now said that it was an air flow meter that would cost $900. This part only costs $500 if you buy it directly from BMW and we all know dealers don't give you any breaks on the costs of their parts. So what was going on?

He ended up finding a smog repair facility that agreed to do the repairs at 1/2 the cost of what these other guys were going to charge, not because their work would be cheap, but because that was really how much it was supposed to cost - we called all over and no one else was charging $900 for an air flow meter. When we got the car to the new place, the guy looked at the new catalytic converter that had been put on and realized that it was too small!

So, here's the scam: Person comes in who needs a smog certificate. They are under a time constraint because they are trying to renew their registration. When a car doesn't pass smog the first time (and BTW there is a certain amount of tweaking that can be done to help a car pass, not lie, but help it along, which of course these guys don't do), they put on the new cat for which they charge full price, yet stick you with one too small for your car (and pocket the difference in the price of the part). The new small cat apparently will allow the car to pass the test, but not do its job thereafter. In essence, they force it to pass. They count on not seeing you for 2 years (smog certs are only required at registration time every 2 years), then when you come back (if you come back), they tell you the reason its not passing now is because of the air flow meter. They charge twice as much for the part, which a lot of people pay because they don't know how much it should cost and they are anxious to get it to pass. This allows them to cover the cost of a part you don't need as well as the new cat they have to put in your car to get it to pass smog again. All I know is I hope that the seller reports these guys because what this place is doing is theft.

Unfortunately, my story doesn't end here. To give you the time line, we bought the car, Monday, June 27th. We messed with the first smog repair place until Thursday. On Friday brought the car to the new place, but the guy who was driving our new cat down to the shop got stuck in the traffic for the last weekend of the San Diego County Fair - formerly known as the Del Mar Fair, a huge traffic problem during June in San Diego. So the car didn't get finished on Friday like it was supposed to. Then on Saturday, as our car was up on the lift, they ran out of welding gas! And because it was Saturday and a holiday weekend we wouldn't get the car back until Tuesday or Wednesday. On Wednesday morning, they ran the smog test again and, guess what? It didn't pass! Apparently, the new repair place was so excited about finding the "problem" with the small cat that he didn't check for other things that could also cause the car to fail, like the oxygen sensor. So, when the car failed again with the new cat, we had to wait while they put a new oxygen sensor in. Basically, what it came down to on Friday morning was that we were either going to have a car all smogged and ready to go to our DMV appointment that was scheduled for 2:00 that afternoon, or we would get all of our money back from the seller and have to start from square one all over again. We really didn't want to have to look because trying to find a good used car, that isn't trashed for about $3500 is not an easy thing to do. Fortunately, the new oxygen sensor did the trick and we were able to pick up the car that we can finally call our own 2 weeks after buying it!

My husband loves it and so do I. And the best part is that we found out we could legally (according to our condo association's rules) tandem park both of our cars in our assigned parking space as long as Wendell is in front since she's so short! This is a definite plus, since the parking can sometimes be an issue in our complex. So, I hope that no one goes through anything close to this, especially since our seller was truly amazing and made this situation much easier to deal with that it could have been. He realized his responsibility and took care of it like he was supposed to. Thank you!

How Fitting!

I was poking around on the website for the Oaks, in anticipation of scheduling a spa service during our up and coming 1st Annual S&B Retreat, when I realized the very appropriate activities scheduled for that weekend. On the weekend of August the 12th, the featured activities are something they are calling the "Writer's Slant." Where we will "learn the basics of writing, from your personal journal to an epic bestseller." How fitting since it is our little journal-writing blog group going on the retreat in the first place!

I know that I personally would love to learn a little bit about writing since I tend to make up my own rules. Its funny, because I more or less write for a living, yet I have never taken a grammer class and I tend to write what "sounds good" even if it isn't correct. In fact, my Partner in Crime (at the office) and I have actually made up our own grammer - a fact that I believe is causing great distress to the new guy I'm training who actually has a masters degree in rhetoric and writing. (Hee, hee)

Although I don't expect to come away from our retreat weekend with a Pulitzer, I still hope to learn at least a little something to help me muddle my way through my work day and my blog entries.

Fun at Work

With the approval of the higher-ups at my office, I am now the official organizer of a (hopefully) weekly knitting group that will meet on Tuesdays during lunch. Ideally once we get going the group will be self-sustaining since there are already 6 knitters in the office and a couple others that have shown interest in learning. I offered to show the newcomers the basics and give them tips about picking up their first supplies. I am really excited to help foster the knitting community at my office, since Nasus and I are really the only ones that ever bring our stuff to work on during the day. I am looking forward to seeing what others have on their needles as well as hopefully getting some newbies into the hobby (although I am a shade older than a newby myself).

In order to get it off the ground, I have resulted to using bribery. I've offered to feed everyone during the first meeting as well as offer a prize for the first person who can successfully guess the guy in our office who has already made a few sweaters. And boy, will they be surprised once they find out! Nasus will of course be ineligible for the prize since she already knows the answer ;-) The only downside is that Whirlypurly won't be able to come down from the OC each week to join us. Maybe we can turn it into an official work function that would quality for mileage reimbursement!

Anyway, wish me luck and I hope this little group will have many weekly meetings ahead of it. I will try to take some pictures during our first meeting to share with everyone.

Balling the skein

Instead of relying on somebody else's arms, I have decided to use my legs instead - I sit on a couch with pants or shorts, bend my knees to my chest and drape the yarn around my upper thighs and shins. And I can watch TV while I do it :)

Howdy, Neighbor

Having grown up in Los Angeles, saying “Hi” and making eye contact with strangers is not second nature to me. I think that’s why many people from other parts of the country consider Californians weird and self-centered. Its nothing personal, its just how we were raised. I remember when we first moved to Texas, thinking that people must be able to tell we’re from out of town because they are always staring at us. It took me awhile to realize they weren’t staring, they were making eye contact; a term I had to learn the meaning of. Continuing to live in Southern California, I have noticed that people still tend not to say “Hi” or “Have a nice day” when you get off the elevator like they do in Texas and other places.

However, what seems to break the ice with any hard-nosed Californian is knitting – well, as long as they are a knitter themselves. I’ve commented on it in the past about how friendly knitters are as a bunch and its true. Today, I was finishing up my lunch break in the park in front of our building (soon to be torn down by the way – a reality I’m still in denial about) knitting. I happened to look up as a lady I had never seen before walked by. I noticed she was looking right back at me instead of her feet, so I smiled. Then she said, “I came to knit out here, too.” She ended up sitting on the bench next to me and she worked on an open weave bolero, while I finished a couple more rounds of my Starry Night sleeve. So, if only the rest of the world would pick up some sticks and knit instead of hit, we’d all live in a much better place. Pure cheese, I know.

Mercerias en Espana

I realize that yarn shops may be difficult to find in touristy locales in Europe, but I've finally found two - one in Barcelona and the other in Madrid (this one was closed). I ended up buying German yarn at a merceria in Barcelona - oh well, I was just happy that I found a shop after searching high and low in the Netherlands and in Paris. I also found out from dad's housekeeper that "knitting" in Dutch is "brine" (at least it sounds like it - most likely not how it's spelled) :)

My Kyoto has a first name, its S-T-A-R-R-Y

Yippy! My Kyoto finally has a name: Starry Night. Thanks to Whirlypurly for her inspired suggestion! ... and to Van Gogh for painting such an awesome painting.

Six Feet Under, con't.

Another episode, another knitting sighting! Ruth, again, was at her LYS knitting circle, discussing her relationship with her mentally troubled husband George with the group. Even more fun- another actress in the scene was actually knitting (as opposed to pretending to knit)! Too funny.

But, the icing came a little later in the episode, where the term "wonky" was mentioned! Get out! I know! George, Ruth's husband, used the term to describe how the meds he is taking are affecting his mind.

It was such a S&B episode!

One down, six to go...

Kyoto Back
Originally uploaded by Disentangled.

Well, I can finally cross one piece off the to do list. I think it came out pretty good, but apparently I have ADD when it comes to binding off. I only had to count to 10, but I lost count every time! So I ended up with 32 stitches at the end instead of 30. Oh well - its my personalization. I also realized that I HATE binding off purlwize. I found it very difficult to wedge my needle back into the stitch to pull it over the other stitch. I kept stretching everything out and then having to tighten it back down. But, I think it ended up ok.

In other news, I also got my main Secret Pal gift completed. So, I will be able to send it out pretty soon :-) I just want to make another trip to the yarn shop to pick up a couple more goodies.

Hope you all had a nice 4th of July weekend!

A Must Read

I got my new Interweave Knits in the mail this week and like always, I've added about 10 projects to my "to be made one day" list. If you don't already get this magazine, you should. The subscription is only about $20 a year and its worth every penny. My sister-in-law, the Stitchin' Sheep got me this subscription for Christmas and I plan on renewing it once its up. The patterns are classy, beautiful and inspiring. Many of them involve techniques to be learned, which I like because it will force me to expand my skills. There is the absolutely cutest carpet bag pattern, the Weekend Getaway Satchel, that has finally given me the courage to try intarsia since its pretty much something I decided I have to make. Also, through the website, there are free patterns and a subscriber only section each issue. So, check it out!

Field Trip?

I was poking around last night and saw the information for the Southern California Handweavers' Guild "Weaving & Spinning Festival" that is taking place in Torrance this November on the 6th. It is only a $5 admission fee and it looks like there will be all sorts of fun things to look at like: "Yarns, Looms, Spinning Wheels, Books, Fleece, Weaving Tools, Exotic & Unusual Yarns, Handwoven Clothing, Ethnic Weavings, Buttons & Beads, Supplies, Dyes, Kits, Patterns & Trim." So mark your calendars - I propose that we make this the 1st Annual S&B Field Trip.