Monday, November 19, 2007

Ravelry Revelry...

I guess I've been in Ravelry for about a month. I've cataloged my library, I've owned up to my stash, I've carefully documented plans for upcoming projects and I've scoured hundreds of patterns and profiles for tips and hints, hoping to benefit from the experience of those who've knitted before me... I never imagined how utterly cool and useful it would be. It is networking to the nth degree. Like a pattern? A little click here will give you info on the materials and sizing, another little click will present you with an option to download patterns and get on the stick(s).... Thinking of buying a book but can't make up your mind without learning more? Sure, just click over there and *poof* photos and descriptions of all the patterns therein.... and don't forget those will all be linked to Raveler's projects with notes on their experience with it... very very often, I must actually say to myself "stop browsing about thinking of knitting and.go.knit."

There are countless forums of varying interest types and value...in one recently there was a general bemoaning of the lack of supply for long-ish double point needles. A lovely Raveler said, "oh, in Japan, not so! In fact, you can get them at the 100 yen [dollar] store." She further offered to buy them for anyone who wanted them and ship them to us...!!! I've said it many times---knitters are knice. I think there's just a serenity about handling wool and quietly working through projects, sharing your experience with the craft with others. It just makes you nice.
So--here's a shoutout to Raveler JillRachele, in Japan, who not only sent me a pile of knitting needle bliss right out of a dollar store, but who also sent a lovely note with an offer to always think of her should I need anything from Japan (!!) as well, as the most adorable prototypically cute 2008 pocket calendar with a knitting theme---you've gotta love the kindness of strangers! So count this as a deposit in JillRachele's karma bank; she's a good egg. I will endeavor to be a similarly kind person...

Mi Casa es... mi casa!
Oh, my pretty walls! Oh my lovely new wall thingies! Look at the girls'/guest bath:

Do we know how to have fun around here or what? I seriously adore this room. Definitely a girls' room but not too girlie... by the way---this stuff replaces some really cute blue/yellow rubber duckie theme bath elements. First person to say their kids' bath would benefit from shower curtain, prints, rug, etc gets them delivered to their house....

My boyfriend's back
Rob was out of town most of last week at his organization's annual convention. His absences are less challenging from a parental standpoint now that the girls are older and I'm not working outside the home; still, we missed the man and we're so glad to have him back. His organization always has these meetings the week before Thanksgiving so his return always launches us right into weeks of holiday cheer. This year is especially grand, though, as he now will be working at home for three weeks as his organization moves from its present location to a brand new building much closer to home. We've anchored a piece of string between our desks and we zip notes to one another on little clips... Let the good times roll!

Knitting Update
I have too many projects going. Daniel's sweater is not assembled because I found a tiny error I'd like to correct before moving forward---haven't done that. I ran out of yarn on the Traveler's Stocking just after the heel turn and so it had to go on hold while I got another skein (I've recovered now and I've got just an inch or so of foot before shaping the toe...). Anna's sweatshirt is standing by and I often pick it up for a row or two but I'm really really bored with all the stockinette... I cast on some socks for Mom but then the additional Jitterbug for the TS hit the inventory, and, well.... there you go. Its quite the delightful dilemma.

I've decided to knit through the tingly hand crap. My physician thinks my ulnar nerve is "entrapped" and I should see a neurologist. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks with some anti-inflammatory support before I go see the man. I don't wanna....

Where my bloggers at?
None of ya'll are posting. Whatup?

BethyDay
Saturday. Three years.

6 comments:

Special K said...

Zing! Love that bathroom! Oh, I'd love to spend a couple hours in a Japanese Dollar (Yen) store, wouldn't you?

Drew said...

Cute bathroom.

I posted every day last week except Friday. I'll try to do better this week.

Why didn't you come back and take part in the Name That Tune?

Anonymous said...

lovely pics!!

KHM said...

Sorry 'bout that, Drew. Truth is, I didn't know the Shania Twain tune and its beginning to make me feel like a dumbass---or worse, old.

Marietta said...

i am jealous of your package from japan! that is so cool that they have knitting needles at the dollar store!

KHM said...

somehow your envy makes it more valuable to me!!!