The cap shawl is coming along nicely. It was taking me a little over an hour to do the 30-row repeat, but now it's going faster. Because of its structure, I don't keep the stitch counter on the needle, but on a table nearby. I change it every other row because they are so short. Purling backwards is fun! It goes much faster. I wonder why I don't do this stitch regularly... I may try to knit/purl backwards more in the future. Not only is it beneficial for short rows like these, but also for entrelac, so I understand. I have wanted to attempt entrelac for years, but have not found the time. I learned how to do it once. The tricky part was knitting backwards and picking up stitches, but now that I can knit backwards and read my knitting better, I think it would be easier.

The 30-row repeat is going faster for the border: I can do it in about 45 minutes now. I still find it relaxing, but I'm only about a third of the way through. If I do one repeat a day, I should be done by the end of March. Luckily I have spring break, so hopefully I can finish this shawl sooner. Once I'm done, I plan to blog more about spinning yarn. I also want to work on some projects that I've had on my mind for years, but other projects keep interrupting them!

Happy knitting!

I need to get better about posting more regularly!

The cap shawl, in Victorian Lace Today, is a huge project and is taking me forever! It doesn't help that I am in graduate school with a part-time job, but still, an hour a day--if I'm lucky--hardly makes a dent!

I started the project in early August, around the 5th. I only just finished the body of the shawl on Friday, February 13th. The complexity doesn't make this project so time consuming: it's the sheer number of stitches! It's knit in the round, so it's only knitting, knitting two together, and yarn overs--you don't even purl until the outer edge of the body! Yet towards the end, with 738 stitches, it's about an hour to knit a lace row and 45 minutes to do the knit row.

I went to Grandma's Spinning Wheel in Tucson to get help on starting the knitted-on border. Jimmy was a lot of help, and he was really friendly. You have to break the yarn, cast on eleven stitches, and start working on the chart, which I didn't have to write out because it's so much shorter. I did have to learn a new skill, which is purling backwards. It's so much faster than turning my work for each short row. It makes me want to knit/purl backwards for any short project, like scarves. I LOVE learning new skills in knitting, and I know I have a lot more to learn, which just makes me excited.

The border is going well so far. Since it's a 30-row repeat, one repeat is taking me about one hour, especially since I'm still going a bit slowly on purling backwards. The pattern is so easy, though, that it's very relaxing to work on, and soon I may be able to have a conversation while working on it. I hope that my feelings toward the border will continue to be positive and not transition to a purgatory-like state.

This shawl is going to be my wedding veil, and now that I'm so close to being finished, I cannot wait to see how it expands. My non-knitting friends and family don't understand what a knitted veil will look like (sweater on my head is what they envision). However when I go to a knitting store, everyone sees the project as I do. Regardless, it's not going to be a modern-traditional veil that is completely see-through. I will use it to cover my face when I walk down the aisle. I am NOT doing this traditional covering because I am traditional. I am insisting on covering my face because I spent so much time on the project that everyone should look at the veil for at least one minute. I'm hoping it's impressive.

More updates soon to come...I hope!

Happy knitting!

This summer was spent working on one project: my cousin's wedding blanket. I started working on it in the beginning of May. I designed it myself (wasn't that difficult), and I finished it August 1, a few days before the wedding.

Things I learned, but should have already known:

1. never knit a blanket in the summer! I was sweating SO much under the blanket--even with air conditioning!

2. Blocking it takes longer than you expect, even in the desert.

3. Never buy yarn that has been returned to a store. I bought Caron One Pound Yarn, which has no color variation--supposedly. I stupidly got one without an official label on it. I guess it had been returned because when I blocked the blanket, I noticed a slight color variation, which should not have been there. So even if there is no dye lot, make sure they all have the official label.

I will post my pattern soon (it's free!), but here are some pictures:

DIY Yarn Chandelier | HGTV Design Blog – Design Happens



I may do this! It looks easy and could be a great addition to a craft room, should I ever get one.

I was not the first person to jump on the HIMYM bandwagon. Based on the title, I didn't see how a long or successful series could be made. After all, how long could it take to tell a story about meeting someone? Obviously I had not yet met the long winded Ted Mosby.

So I started watching the series around Season 3. I loved the characters and how they dealt with issues that I had encountered. I really enjoyed a show that spoke directly to people in their 20s, 30s, and early adult lives. I tried to see myself in one of the characters, and though I do not fit any character exactly, I still related to all of them (Once I met the mother, Tracy, she and I did seem to be similar, and my boyfriend is closest to Ted, which is odd). I am sure that many of the other fans thought Robin was perfect for Ted, like I did, and really wanted the relationship to work out, though we knew it couldn't be possible.

For me the series started to decline in Season 8. I was anxious to meet the mother, and it shouldn't take two seasons for two people to get married. How long did that weekend last? While there was some funny backstory and interesting obstacles, Barney and Robin should have been married at the end of Season 8. Since I marathon watch my television, the energy really seemed to lag towards the end.

I greatly looked forward to the season finale, and I had many fixed feelings at the end, as did many other fans. I watched it live because I knew my Facebook feed would be littered with spoilers (yes, I realize the irony of this post). Here are my critiques:

1. Lily and Marshall: they're ending is predictable, yet happy. Their argument over careers was confusing, since they made it clear that Italy was not an option, but Marshall still decided against becoming a judge, though he should have still taken that opportunity. They never clarified that, probably to give Marshall some humorous lines about dealing with a difficult boss. Yes, everyone will empathize with Marshall's situation--unless you are very lucky--but that plot should have been cleared up. Lily seems to corroborate Jane Austen's stance, made clear in Emma, that women cannot be friends once they are married. Robin makes a good point that the gang must fragment, one of the reasons being that Lily and Marshall have kids and are busy and have different priorities and responsibilities. This argument makes sense, except that Lily and Marshall had been making an effort to be part of the gang with their first child. Although spending time with a family may not be ideal for the single career woman, they are her surrogate family, so I don't buy Robin's argument for distancing herself. Lily, very attached to Robin, would not let her go so easily either.

2. Robin and Barney: Although I was skeptical about their relationship initially, they did seem to work well together and shared many personality traits. I may have had them divorce, but I definitely saw them reuniting in the future, perhaps adopting a child as well. Yes, I imagine it is difficult to have a spouse who travels frequently for work, but the end result does not have to be a divorce. I must say that I respect Barney's honesty with Robin, though I expected him to make more of an effort to keep his marriage together. Same goes for Robin. She could have been successful and request to travel less.

3. Barney: After breaking up with Robin, I did not see him acting like his pre-Robin, player self. I suppose he might have done so for a period of time, but not indefinitely, at least, not until he first laid eyes on his daughter. I know the writers were trying to make a point that becoming a parent can change people for the best, but it is too idealistic to say that the change is instantaneous. Of course, I am not a parent, so perhaps this quick personality change is frequent.

4. Ted and the mother: As I previously mentioned, I couldn't envision a better match for Ted other than Robin, that is, until I started seeing glimpses of the mother. Tracy so perfectly compliments Ted. I appreciated the flash-forwards, but I would have liked their relationship to develop more through Season 9. I see the necessity of ending the series the moment Ted meets her, but there could have been a many more scenes of their lives together. After waiting SO long to meet her, it seems unfortunate that they waited so long to get married and that she died so young. Ted could still outlive her, but maybe when he was even older.

5. Children: According to another article, People, the children's responses were filmed nine years ago and that the series was always headed in the direction of Ted's and Robin's eventual union. It makes sense that so much time was dedicated to their romance, but still upsetting that the fans had so little time with the mother, who was an even more perfect fit with Ted. Their reaction bothered me and many other fans. I understand their conclusion that Ted is asking their permission to date "Aunt Robin," but if that was the whole premise of the show, then it should have been "How I Fell in Love," or "How I Learned that You Can Have More Than One Great Love," or "How to Tell Your Children You Love Someone Other Than Their Mother," or "The Incestuous Nature of Friendships." However the series was not called any of my titles, so the conclusion should end in marital bliss for Ted and the Mother, however realistic or unrealistic that may be (after reading a lot of literature, you change your mind about marriage...many times).

Yet all of my critiques may be for nothing: like a book, HIMYM is just a TV show with characters made to emulate people. Therefore perhaps we should not complain about the series finale as if we were speaking about real people. The series showed us vignettes from the lives of twenty-somethings and displayed the nuances of friendship. That should be enough, right?

In no particular order...

1. A damp towel when you've just showered
2. Damp clothes out of the dryer
3. Knitting patterns in booklets that are unavailable 
4. Plane tickets that are ridiculously over-priced
5. Drivers in the fast lane that go below the speeding limit
6. When the internet loads slowly--and I remember the dial up days!
7. People who lack the ability to follow directions
8. burning your tongue on food or drink
9. Knitting with a cut on your finger
10. The dry part of lotion.

This is your brain on knitting - CNN.com



This is a really great article. I have always enjoyed knitting. Sometimes it's frustrating when you are learning a new technique, but you feel so proud once you do master it. Of course it takes perseverance, but it is worth the effort. Now that I've read many articles on health benefits from knitting/crocheting, I know I will continue this hobby for as long as I am able.



More people than you realize knit. See if a friend can teach you. Otherwise there is at least one yarn store in every town with people eager to teach you.



Happy  knitting!

I have a few guilty pleasures, and one of them is watching The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. This last season with Juan Pablo inspired the following drinking game.

Drink if you hear the following phrases or statements:

• "It is what it is."
• "At the end of the day..."
• "It's okay." (Now that Juan Pablo is no longer the bachelor, I don't know how often I'll hear this phrase, but we'll see.)
• "I'm here for love." (mostly for The Bachelor shows)
• "dream"
• "I'm just being honest."
• "mature" and variations
• disrespect and variations
• grown-ass woman/man (for VH1 shows)

Friday, 3/7: buy chocolate wine for my friend
Saturday, 3/8: email a friend studying abroad
Sunday, 3/9: respond to student emails sent late for Monday's class
Monday, 3/10: walk to meet my friends rather than drive

Yeah, I know: my "good" deeds are rather lame at this point. I need to spend more time focussing on the good that I can actually do on a daily basis. There are also many good deeds that I do regularly, but should those "count" for Lent?

I will try to do good deeds that I normally don't, but if it is a busy day for me, I may need to fall back to a "common" good deed. However the whole point is to inspire people to do good and love God, so I think I will be okay either way.

It is Lent once again! I feel that I have not posted much since last year's Lent. I have been knitting, but not enough due to graduate school. I hope to include some pictures of my two projects, although one is very boring, during this season.

I used to hate Ash Wednesday services because they were so serious and some appeared hypocritical. The last two years have been a pleasant improvement. Last night the priest reminded us that Lent should not have us wonder what we should give up. Rather we should ask ourselves how we can better bring Christ's message of love into the world. Yes, we should try to avoid our bad habits, but if we place too much pressure on ourselves, we may be doing the opposite and begrudge Christ this season. Therefore, once again, I will try to do one good deed each day, not repeating any, during this Lenten season. I will also attempt to give up one bad habit, which, of course, I will not be posting online because everyone is perfect in their online personas.

March 5: Give money to St. Vincent De Paul
March 6: Take my dog on a long walk during my only break today.

What are you doing for Lent?

As always, Happy Knitting!

Happy New Year! Like last year, let's see how I did before making new goals:

1. Keep getting results from the gym. Rather than lose weight, I'd like a lower BMI number.
              I have been getting results from the gym, and my BMI is lower. So far, so good. I've lost eight pounds as well.
2. Be able to do 5 pull ups.
          I can! not in a row...but I can. Additionally, I'm only displacing 45 pounds when I do assisted dips and chin ups.
3. Stretch out my hamstrings.
          Not really measurable, but I do stretch more
4. Learn to knit socks.
          I made my first pair in spring 2013! There are pictures on this blog.
5. Learn to knit Entrelac.
           Not yet...too many knitting projects in progress
6. Finish the Masters Level 1 Program.
           Again, not yet, but by March.
7. Do and finish the Masters Level 2 Program.
        A 2014/2015 goal
8. Save more money.
          Done, but considering I'm making less, my bank account looks about the same.

So I thought 8 goals was doable. It looks like that number was a bit high. It is interesting to see what my concerns/values were a year ago. This year I would like to...

1. Lose two more pounds (easy, but keeping them off can be hard)
2. Learn to knit Entrelac.
3. Finish the Masters Level 1 Knitting Program.
4. Start the Masters Level 2 Knitting Program.
5. Travel to one new place.
6. Exercise at least three times per week.
7. Be sure to find happiness in everything I do. 

Happy New Year!

Winterhaven is the place to go in Tucson in December. One may think that Tucson is the worst place to celebrate Christmas, but, if you celebrate a religious Christmas, Jesus probably experienced similar weather and environmental conditions. Although snow romanticizes the holiday, we have a pretty sweet set up in the Ol' West.

Winterhaven is a great neighborhood where every house sets up lights and decorations. It does get chilly at night--believe it or not--and people set kettle corn and hot cocoa in the middle of the neighborhood.

My mom's and my tradition is to go to Pastiche. They stay open late, are nearby, but not too close to Winterhaven. They have a great coffee keoke, along with desserts. Check it out if you get a chance!

Hi there!

Well, as you can see from my absence, graduate school has really affected my ability to write posts and to knit. I normally bring my knitting to my choir practice, but I haven't for a while. My fellow singers started to ask, "Where's your knitting? Are you still knitting?" They seemed to be really concerned and worried about me. Instead I had forgone the yarn for books, since I've had to read two per week (it's not that bad actually). So when I finally brought my knitting this past week, a few of them breathed a sigh of relief, almost as if to say, "Good, she's okay. She's going to make it." Somehow in my life, or knitting career, taking around my projects and knitting during every free second has come to symbolize that I am well-balanced, happy, and sane. I must admit that knitting does relieve stress and it does make me happy, so perhaps bringing my needles around does demonstrate that I'm doing fine. I wonder if everyone has physical symbols to show the world their psyche. I'm sure psychologists would love that. Knitting needles equal sanity, crochet hooks mean low-stress, knives mean...paranoia, violent disposition? Perhaps knitting needles are a more aggressive symbol than I think...I'll have to work on the connections.

Anyhow, here is what I have been working on:

So far graduate school is going really well. I only teach one class this semester, so it is much easier than I am used to! My students were shy today and not too inclined to speak. If they are anything like my former students, that will change quickly. They did not seem enthusiastic to be there, but I know that not everyone loves English or composition. Hopefully I can at least teach them how important it is in any career field. It will also be interesting to see how Arizona students stack up against students from other states. I know the Arizona rating for education is low, but I think we should be higher than we are.

I have only attended one class so far, and we just went over the syllabus. My next class is in two hours. It is reminiscent of undergrad, which is comforting, but there is a considerable amount of work! One of my friends said that I will always have some form of homework, and I am beginning to see that now. However, it does not seem too different from being a teacher. I always had to plan, grade, and create materials. The only difference here is that I will also have to read, write, and research. While that sounds overwhelming, I have much more time at home than I did as a teacher. While working full time, I was out of the house--strictly for work purposes--for nine hours a day, 45 hours per week. This semester I will be out of the house twelve hours per week. That does not include the commute time, which is about 20 minutes per day, round trip, which is an additional hour and 20 minutes. If I continue to have good work ethic, which I will, it shouldn't be too much more work than a regular, full-time job. I wonder if two months from now I will laugh at myself for writing that...we shall see!

It has been a while since my last post because I have been really busy! I decided that I wanted to go back to school for a PhD in English Literature. I have been experiencing a lot of change: moving to a one-bedroom apartment, ending my career as a middle school teacher, and starting a graduate program. Unfortunately, due to all of those changes, I have not had very much time to knit. Hopefully I will be able to make time for it soon. Getting back to graduate school...

I have been in orientation the last few days and I have learned a lot about myself and my new colleagues. The first few days I was timid and did not want to participate in discussions or talk much to people; I was reserved. I was nervous for a few reasons. I haven't been in school for three years. As such, I'm worried that I'm rusty on my essay writing and critical thinking. I'm worried that I won't have enough time to read (at least two books a week!). I'm worried that I'll be the worst PhD candidate in my program when I'm used to being at the top of my class. All summer I have been forgetting the silliest words! What if that were to happen while I was teaching? Or what if my vocabulary left me during a class discussion and I couldn't communicate as eloquently as the others? My list of fears goes on and on.

Now that I've met my colleagues and chatted with them for a few days, I learned that I'm not the only one who feels this way. Many of my colleagues are starting again after a few years of being away from academia. We are all concerned about the work load. We all have been rejected from multiple graduate programs. None of us know the exact trick to getting into graduate school, though all of us have. This makes me more comfortable. It's not that misery loves company, but I am reassured that I am not the only one with doubts. I feel less like the black sheep.

When I was an undergrad, I idolized the graduate students. They were so professional and so intelligent! I had them on a pedestal. Now I'm one of those students. Perhaps I know more than I give myself credit for.

After a few days of being with my colleagues, I am feeling much more confident. We are all starting with worries and doubts, but we are learning together and helping each other. My critical thinking skills are working faster and faster. I am pleased to say that my vocabulary is quickly coming back. Everyday I am becoming more confident, though being accepted into a program should have given me that from the beginning.

Now my knitting has met steep competition: graduate school. Hopefully I will be able to make time for my favorite hobby, especially since reading and writing--my other loves--have become my job!

Happy knitting, reading, and writing!

I have never done a knit-along before. I have always had so many other projects to work on that I kind of ignored this part of the knitting world. Yet when I found out that Laura Nelkin was hosting a knit along on craftsy.com, I had to sign up. Even though it was a mystery pattern until June 1, I knew it had to be something with lace, which I love to knit!

I was right! The pattern is a cowl and I think it could dress up any outfit nicely. It's really easy to work on and repeats frequently. Once you have the pattern down, it is really easy to work on and watch TV or even have a conversation. The beauty of it is that it looks complicated. Hopefully I will be done with it at the end of the week and will have the finished pictures posted.