yarn on the rocks

French Dessert

2010-03-05T13:55:00.002-07:00

Those are little clafoutis, some with mango and banana and some with apples. My French professor had my class of three students over her house one night for dinner. Yummy cheese bread, quiche, and an African dish were had.

Oh, I'm taking guitar lessons, finally. And my fingertips hurt, but I enjoy practicing.

Of Sad Ghosties and Cyclops Owls

2009-10-05T10:13:00.004-06:00

Just tried sugar cookies for the first time ever last night, and they're so much fun (and time consuming to decorate).

That evil orange kitty probably bit off the poor ghosty's arm. Sad day.

Woot for owls. So cute. We will definitely by making more of these for Halloween.

What are you going to be?

Vintage Musings

2009-04-14T17:41:00.005-06:00

. . . Ok, not musings, but I do want to share with you one of my new subscriptions on YouTube.

I just found superkawaiimama on YouTube. She has some hair tutorials there, and she's beautiful!

Instead of doing my homework of reading and workshopping papers, I did my hair. Yeah. There are only three and a half weeks of school left, and I'm watching YouTube videos . . .

So, here's my attempt and one of superkawaiimama's styles:

What do you think?

I know I need to get some knitting and such done, but damn YouTube and homework!

Oh, I've also been a bit obsessed with Repo! The Genetic Opera. It's fantastic. You should really check it out. It's a rock opera about repossessing organs in the not too distant future. There's Alexa Vega, Sarah Brightman, Paris Hilton, and Anthony Head (Giles from Buffy!), to mention a few. They all sing wonderfully, and it's just amazing and addicting.

Off to a meeting . . .

Amazon Rank

2009-04-12T22:06:00.003-06:00

I cannot believe what Amazon just recently did:
They removed many LGBTQ (basically gay) titles/books with "adult" content from their rankings which makes it virtually impossible to search for those titles which have been removed. Please read more about Amazon Rank.

You can also visit Violet Blue's last blog post about this: "What the F*ck, Amazon?"

(Warning: Both sites linked above are adult in nature.)

In other news, I only have four more weeks of school. Mark and I are looking for an apartment here for the summer. I feel the need to knit but cannot find the time. I should be doing my homework instead of reading blogs...

So here I go! Good night, please read about the Amazon thing, and Googlebomb the phrase "Amazon Rank!"

What do you think?

2009-03-14T18:51:00.004-06:00

I tried doing my hair like they did in the 40s/50s. I went to YouTube, and used this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljLqBWXMv4M&feature=related. It really helped, and I can't wait to try out more looks!

Of Bubbles and Music

2009-03-14T13:47:00.002-06:00

Yesterday when Mark and I went out walking to the grocery store, there were a couple of girls just sitting outside on the grass. One played the guitar and sang beautifully while the other blew bubbles. It looked like the perfect thing to do on the perfectly beautiful day it was.

I cannot wait for the summer here. Everyone says that it makes up for the winter. I want to wear skirts again and prance around outside. I want to learn to play my guitar and blow bubbles. I want to go out and have a nice little picnic then take a nap in the shade.

Have you checked out our Etsy store? Please tell us what you like, don't like, and what you would add/change. Thank you!

Ooh. You know what else? The Decemberists are coming to Denver in May. We really want to go. Anyone want to give us a lift? Their new album, The Hazards of Love, is super amazing. I love hearing more of the girl's voice. So pretty. Lovely music.

Well, I'll leave you to your Saturday. Go out and have fun. I'm going to go put up my hair pin up girl style.

So . . .

2009-02-27T12:31:00.002-07:00

Mark and I finally started up our Etsy store: SandMstore.Etsy.com. I have a little box on the side of this blog somewhere for it. Check it out. Constructive criticism is welcome. Any ideas on what else to make and sell? Mark is getting into chainmailling - it's really neat!

What else? . . .
Not too much other stuff. We've been sick on and off. I think I've missed more days of class this semester due to illness than any in the past. Ah, well.

What's everyone doing for Spring Break? I'm fairly sure I'm staying here, but what to do?! Relax. Yes. Don't we all need that.

Ok, back to bed. Or making things for Etsy.

2009-01-19T11:38:00.010-07:00

Yeah, I know it's been a while since an update, so here:
For the Christmas Knitting category:
Dad's Peekaboo mittens,

Mom's Silver's Sock Class sock number 1,

Amy's Pretty Puffs slouchy hat,

And now I'm working on my mom's other sock, the Thorpe hat, and Riverwalk - an open beaded scarf:

And Mark and I are going to start our Etsy store soon. So far, we have ideas of making jewelry, crocheted Java Jackets, stitch markers, belts made out of neckties, and some knitted hairbows. He's the one making jewelry and he's more into crocheting than I am. I do have my mom's sewing machine here with me, so I can make other stuff like wallets and I don't know what else. We need to come up with a style for the store. So, if you have any ideas on what that style should be or what else we could sell, post a comment here or find me on Facebook. I'm really into recycling/upcycling stuff.

Other than the knitting and the store, I've been a little gardener - sort of:

The first picture is chamomile. The three from the left are lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm. My brother gave me the kit for Christmas. Thank you! So far, so good.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Let us celebrate what that wonderful man has done for our world.

Oh-So-Comfy Socks and Reading

2008-10-15T15:03:00.005-06:00

So there they are. One is more tightly knit than the other, but OMG are they comfortable! (See previous post for link to pattern.) I used Plymouth: Encore: Worsted: Dark or Forest Green. Socks are so much easier than what I thought. Now I will try a more complicated pattern soon!

Hmm, so are you all registered to vote?! Watching the debates? Tonight is Pres Debate #3 - can't wait to see what Obama and McCain say. Ooh, and it's one of the final (or The final) episodes of Project Runway. Yay.

On another note, for my French Literature class, I have to choose a short novel by a french author. I went to the library today and picked out:
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
Les Fleurs du Mal by Baudelaire
Dreams of my Russian Summers by Andrei Makine

Which one should I read? (I think I may just read Twenty Thousand Leagues for fun.)

Then today I am going to read the short story of The Passer Through Walls by Marcel Ayme. Sounds great to read - yay, reading.

Anyway, maybe I should get to that and some other homework before my *busy* night ahead of me.

Good day.

Not Much in a While

2008-09-29T16:05:00.002-06:00

Well, my camera seems to not be working. This is most of the reason why I haven't been posting.

Anyway, I've finished my first sock using Silvers Sock Class. Easy, easy, easy - why haven't I knit socks until now?

Last weekend I went to Boulder. Saw Choke - amazing movie. Then saw Sigur Ros at Red Rocks. What a fantastic concert!

Um, not much else. I'll try to post pics using the boyfriend's phone a bit later.

My Mary-Janes

2008-08-25T08:06:00.002-06:00

maryjanes2
Originally uploaded by rockiegirl

Well, after a year or so, I decided to finished a ridiculously easy pair of house slippers. These are sure to keep my toesies warm this winter.

I have been spinning a little. I'm about done with one of the three singles in my next drop spindle project.

Other news: I start classes today. I'm a little nervous but pretty excited.

Oh, did you want to know the pattern for the slippers? Here you go:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=12662.msg99925
It's from my beloved Craftster.org, and it's super simple to follow. Have fun!

Getting dizzy?

2008-08-14T11:18:00.002-06:00

100_0144[1]
Originally uploaded by rockiegirl

So I've been spinning!

Here is my turquoise/gray hank.

I'm now working on something for the Ravelympics 2008. It'll be three different shades of pink. I will show photos after a while.

Have a great day!

Rainy Days Make for Fantastic Spinning

2008-08-11T12:35:00.010-06:00

Well, I've got a lot to tell!

Firstly, Here are some pictures from a spin-in at a local coffee shop. There were six of us spinning. All of the yarn was beautiful. I worked on some light gray merino to ply with that turquoise. Luci was learning some more from Rosemary. Julie was spinning some fantastic black/white/gray alpaca. Erin started a new project and was plying on the fly! Rosemary's daughter jumped in, and before we knew it, we were spinning devils!

Here's Julie and Erin spinning up a storm!

That day was fantastic! After a while of spinning, it started to rain. Hard. And then I had to drive in it. That was a wee bit terrifying.

So, I did finish that turquoise/gray yarn. I shall post photos soon.

My parents got me a gift certificate to the LYS at home, so before I left the last knit night, I stocked up on some roving and yarn. I actually picked up some dpn's, and I'm finally going to make socks!!! Wish me luck!

Then . . .

I moved back to college yesterday! YAY! It's so wonderful here. The weather is beautiful, my best friends are here, . . . it's just fantastic.

Now I'm off to take some photos of my room, the campus, and other knitting/spinning projects; going to sew a papasan chair cushion; and just mosey around town.

July! July!

2008-07-30T15:14:00.007-06:00

So it's July. Almost August. Wow. It's been a long summer. Over the summer, I have accomplished 7 things:

1. Held a long-distance relationship with the boyfriend and we're still mad for each other
2. Worked a 5-day-a-week job
3. Finally have money (from said job)
4. Learned to knit more advanced things
5. Learned to spin yarn on a drop spindle
6. Wanted to go back to school to see much missed friends and weather
7. Learned even more about myself - I love it when that happens (I think)

Woohoo.

On to knitting, spinning, and such:

I have learned to spin! I have two spindles. The one I love is made by Rosemary from www.rosemaryknits.blogspot.com. Check her out! Oh, and here is the spindle with some turquoise wool 1-ply yarn:

Did you notice? I got a new camera recently! YAY! Now I shall definitely blog more.

Ravelry still rocks. Please go look at it and JOIN! It's fantastic.

Must go spin.

Dracula's Daughter

2008-04-28T10:29:00.005-06:00

I saw Colin Meloy this weekend! My roommate, boyfriend, and I went to Boulder to see him perform in the Fox Theater. Oh my god was he amazing! For those of you who don't know, Mr. Meloy is the lead singer for the band, The Decemberists. Colin had a fantastic opener: Laura Gibson is touring with him, and I absolutely love her folk sound. This weekend was wonderful.

Since the last post, I have made a boob hat for my roommate (it's way better than mine). I'll post some pictures soon. Then I will be crocheting a new one for me and one for my boyfriend.

I've started the Rib Lace Bolero. I have knitted a huge hair bow. I started another hair bow for my roommate.

Only two more weeks of school. Yay finals! (NOT) Well, I will be knitting and crocheting to keep stress levels down. Talk with you all later!

i Palindrome i

2008-03-25T19:40:00.008-06:00

There's the boob hat. It's my first crochet garment. I love it. I will knit more. I've also been crocheting even more owls - it really is becoming a parliament!

Other than crocheting, I've realized I have homework I should be doing. So, yeah. Trying not to procrastinate.

Alas - HOMEWORK! Must get to it.

Be seeing you!

Hou Hou Hou

2008-03-21T13:24:00.005-06:00

Le Hibou dit bonjour! Hou hou hou

I am so excited to have finished a crochet project! Oh, besides the Boob Hat - I need to put that up. Anyway, isn't Owlie adorable?! I can't wait to finish a whole family. For more about this project, see me on Ravelry.

Other fiber news: The boyfriend bought us yarn over Spring Break. And yesterday he asked me to start a circle crochet for him in one of the yarns . . . OH MY GOD is that yarn the BEST to work with! It's di.ve Autunno from Vergnasco, Italy. It is just gorgeous! It's 100% fine merino, and AH! I must get more. He also got a couple little rolls of a nice novelty-looking yarn. It's really soft and furry and definitely will be used. THANK YOU!!!

Well, I've been catching up on knitting podcasts for the last month or so. I listen to Cast On and Stash and Burn. I just listened to the newest Stash and Burn episode, learned there was a new Knitty out, and I just love working on a project or browsing Ravelry (or working) and just listen to what other knitters are up to.

Tonight and tomorrow the boyfriend and the roommate and I are going to dye eggs, paint eggs, have and Easter egg hunt, and celebrate the candy and hard-boiled goodness of Zombie Jesus Day.

I will be sure to post the Boob Hat very soon. I leave you with Owlie hanging out with Batman, Edgar Allen Poe, Captain Jack Harkness, and Jamie on the window sill.

Une Semence

2008-02-24T17:17:00.004-07:00

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

There is my first crocheted FO!!! (left) I was making a granny square and I started making a tube. I like the way it turned out. It is hanging on my bed (as seen in the photo), and now I want to make a bunch of small cutesy things to hang off of it.

I plan on making a crocheted yoga mat bag soon. After all that college homework I must do. Bah.

Good afternoon.

Don't Panic!

2008-01-18T21:40:00.000-07:00

"Don't ever forget your towel . . ."

Sitting here watching HG2G - fantastic!

This semester is starting along greatly. I like most of my classes, I get to see my friends here, and the best part of all, it feels like home. I'm trying to knit more - I really do love it - and instead of just watching many movies, I shall watch many movies while knitting - woot!!!

As I've said, I taught the dear boyfriend how to knit - finally I got a picture:

Other news, I finished a scarf. It's a simple knit-longways-with-many-colors, and I love it.

Thanks to the DB for the use of his cell phone camera!

Back to knitting . . . or Ravelry . . . or knitting. Knitting AND Ravelry? Ta-ta.

I Can See!

2008-01-05T23:36:00.000-07:00

So, I got a couple pairs of glasses today. My prescription has doubled since three years ago - woah. Went to cookie-making get-together, pie, and philosophical discussions over knitting. Tomorrow shall be more knitting plus girl talk and Torchwood. Only about one more week until I go back "home" - second home that is. I love school.

I suppose I should be going to bed here soon. Yep.

Good night!

Feed Me

2008-01-03T15:21:00.000-07:00

WOOT!

I finally figured out the RSS feed thing for my blog on Ravelry. I have been on that site non-stop. It's amazing. I've started to update my stash. Once I get the use of a camera, this blog and Ravelry shall see more photos of my stuff.

On another note, I can't wait to go back to school - I'm missing my friends there. Did I mention most of my yarn stash is there? But really, I cannot express enough how much miss them all - my friends, that is.

Well, on to knitting? Or more Ravelry. Yeah, Ravelry.

Ta, ta.

Resolution: Knit and Post

2008-01-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

It's 2008, and I suppose my resolution should be to keep up with my blog. I'm crafting more and more, so this shouldn't be a problem . . . maybe. I've decided to frog the HP scarf when I get back to school. The cats peed on it in the summer, and I just might as well throw it - I wasn't that far. So, on the needles currently is a log cabin blanket and a couple scarves. I'm thinking about going to the library and getting some movies to watch while I knit.

Taught the dear boyfriend how to knit - he's taking off with it - I'm so proud. We went into a rather large yarn store the other day, and ah! It was great in there!

Hmm - that red purse I have on the side . . . I don't know exactly where I put it. Hmm.

Have a great new year - Happy Crafting!

You Dropped Your Smile

2007-10-01T20:21:00.000-06:00

. . . There it is!

I've been invited to RAVELRY!!!!!!!!!! This site is soooooooo amazing. I shall be on that site for the next few hours - just admiring. Who needs to study when there's Ravelry?!

Hmm, well, college is good. I think I may major/minor/a combo of English, Environmental Studies, and French.

Sorry so short - off to knitting stuff!

2007-08-24T19:21:00.000-06:00

(((BIG SIGH)))

Well, I'm here - college that is. I'm all moved in, and I'm wiped! Who knew you could fit so much in our SUV?! I've met my roommate, and she's awesome! She, too, is obsessed with Doctor Who. Gotta love it. I rode my bicycle over here to the computers (I don't know where the one in my dorms is). Maybe I should go to the car show on Main. Hmm. Well, classes start Monday (I'M GOING RAFTING TOMORROW!!!), and I have 15 - FIFTEEN!!! - books for my six classes. Most of them are short novels, stories, and plays, but I can still complain, right? I could go read. But I don't know which to read first! Rather, French? Meh. I'm bored and tired and blah.

In other news, I have a mobile - if you want the number, ask someone who has it or comment or e-mail me or something. I'd love to hear from you all!

Brains!

2007-08-15T13:57:00.000-06:00

Ah, the wonders of wireless Internet. I absolutely love this! I'm at the library - on MY computer - on THE Internet. Huh.

In other news, only 9 more days until I move away for college. I'm in single digits. AH! Also, in other new, I am 18! Go ciggies and porn!!! Not really.

I don't have much else to say really. Oh, I have been getting interested in zombies - they're effing awesome. I am going to watch as many zombie movies as possible. I think my roommate watches them? I've tried to draw zombies also. Meh, on that front - I need better drawing skills. I have learned about organized zombie walks - I want to join one.

Well, now, I guess that's it. Ta ta.

(Courtesy of Macteens.com)

Look! Another One Pooped!

2007-07-30T21:28:00.000-06:00

I went to the zoo today with a few friends. I hadn't been in a couple years, and I really like what they've done with the place. Animal exhibits were moved around, (some animals were missing . . .) and the added the "Island of Life" or something like that. Let me just say that I have a new love for bats. These little creatures were so cute just hanging there sleeping. Awe. What else. Oh, the bobcat was tres cute - those big paws and adorable face . . . and the penguins. The birds were cute, but those kids! I guess if it's their first time seeing them it would be okay to scream about them, but oh well. The zoo's really for kids anyway. My other new favourite animals are otters (AKA Hermione's patronus). Very playful. We all wanted to be those otters in this heat - just swimming around saying "look at me, look at me - I'm cute and in water and you are not!"

Man, the heat takes it out of you. After just walking around outside, one get just too exhausted. And look, Ma - no sunburns! I wore sunscreen and a very cute hat.

Methinks I should get at least a disposable camera to show some pictures now and again. Hmph.

'ear 'ear

2007-07-29T21:38:00.000-06:00

Ah, yes. I finished The Deathly Hallows. How wonderful is that book?!

Hmm, what else . . .
1) My head is sunburned - more hats for Sara
2) Book 7 is my favorite by far
3) How am I ever going to fit all I need in one car for college?
4) I must obsess with Doctor Who even more now that Harry Potter is over
5) I must knit more now that HP is over
6) My spotty face needs a break from the stress roller-coaster before it pukes even more spotty nastyness upon itself
7) I am going to the zoo tomorrow - haven't been in a couple years
8) Arizona Green Tea is effing addicting
9) I would like to snog someone soon . . .
10) I never realized how much I fully enjoy making lists

There you have it. You pick the next topic.

The Only Thing Better Than Hairspray . . .

2007-07-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

. . . That's Me!

Not so much.
Still haven't finished HP7, but I should be done in no time! *winks*
Also, not much knitting going on. (insert sad face here)
On the other hand, I saw a great film! Hairspray!

My parents and I ate some yummy Chinese food, I got a new little dress and hat, and we went to the movies. I ALSO saw my second-grade teacher and elementary science teacher there - they're so sweet. The movie rocked. I loved the girl, Nikki Blonsky, as Tracy - she's really a great dancer and an amazing singer. Ooh, and Zac Efron! I just love him. Travolta was hilarious. Everyone was fantastic. This movie is a definite must-see!

Other than personal cinema news, only about a month until I go to college! I don't know if I'm more excited than scared.

The Deathly Hallows

2007-07-23T10:18:00.000-06:00

I will not be online (ok, not much) until I finish Book 7. Ooh, I went to the midnight launch, and it was so much fun!!! Not only did I get to catch up on my friends' summers and lives, I found another couple of people who watch Doctor Who! Can anyone say DW marathon?! Other than that piece of worthy news, I got Book 7 and started reading it that night. I spent the night at a friend's house and we read the book together. We had a blast! And the book! Wow - so much action so early in! Currently, I'm on page 248 out of 759. Happy reading to all of you HP readers!

Happy-Slappy Hoodies with ASBOs and Ringtones

2007-07-18T08:28:00.000-06:00

I finally used a British term today without feeling awkward. I had just come back from the short walk with Kloie and was quite parched. I decided to have water with a wedge of lemon. I got what looked to be a lemon out of the fruit drawer in the fridge and cut a wedge out of it. Alas - it was a "bloody" orange. "Bloody" is indeed the term I am talking about. I think it has to do with all the Harry Potter I've been reading lately. I love Ron. *Sighs*

What else have I been doing with myself besides desperately trying to finish Book 6 before Friday evening? Oh, just seeing Movie 5, knitting a long HP scarf, and renting foreign films from the library. I watched Carnages last night. It was a pretty good movie. I really like the girl, Winnie, and I just loved listening to the French language. The bullfight was rather disturbing, but I really did like the film.

In an attempt to be more fit, I have also started walking often. I walk to the library about twice a week, and if I get up early enough when it's still cool outside, I take Kloie for a short walk. I would love to go to the Nature Center more to walk around and swim against the current of the river - anyone up for a picnic?

Dad said it's supposed to get up to 102ºF today. I can't wait to go to school just for the cooler weather!

Well, I guess I will leave you with my progress on the HP scarf (3 trapped bars done - only 11 more to go!). I need to get a digital camera, but for now I shall use the scanner.

Draw!

2007-06-28T10:06:00.000-06:00

This was my final project for my drawing class. It's done in ink and colored pencil. Just random Nature stuff.

The First Post

2007-06-28T09:37:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! Welcome to my new blog! Here's a little bit about myself:
- I like to knit. I've been knitting on and off since the summer of 2005.
- I like to do other crafts as well.
- I have two cats and a dog who I will miss terribly when I go off to college.
- I like to cook. Right now, and for the past year and a half, I'm a vegetarian.
- I like the cold weather. This heat is killing me.
- Tea is good.
- So are homemade scones. Yum.
- My favorite candy has to be Reeses. Yum, Yum.
- My favorite food is potatoes - any kind and fixed any way. Dill pickles come straight after potatoes.
- Doctor Who is the best television series of all time.
- As of current, I have a slow internet connection. I'm wishing for a much faster one.
- I love the French language.

Enough of that. On to my very first completed knitting project:

It's a drop-stitch scarf with *dun, dun, dun* acrylic yarn! This must've been in August of '05.