Birdy's Knits, a blog

Extreme Knitting Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:04:00 +0000

My heart did drop to my feet and I did gasp when I saw this blog entry from TurtleGirl.

Oh my GOD--49 rows!!!

This folks IS extreme Knitting Surgery.

Knitting Group

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:44:00 +0000

Okay, so folks have been clamouring for pictures of the recent Knit Meet Ups. Life's been nuts...so I am just now finished with all the editing and uploading.

This is from our wonderful pot luck in July (a bit before we left on vacation).

And from our August pot luck this past Saturday. It was a small affair due to all the rain and storms. But still full of good food and fun.

We're BACK!!

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:21:00 +0000

We just got back from our trip. It was a very productive trip knitting wise. One of my super secret projects was finished and delivered--however--it will remain a secret until November. Sorry guys.

I visited my favourite yarn shop in the world and stocked up on some more malabrigo lace weight. Woot!! Ooo the plans I have for it.

More tales and pictures tomorrow. We drove straight for 24 hours and I am cramped and tired.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:40:00 +0000

Okay fellow Knutters, I am leaving on our annual vacation. But as I can not stay totally unplugged from the internet for long. I will check email and may even post to the blog (once or twice). I am planning on visiting several yarn shops and doing other knitterly things...so at the very least expect a nice long fun post in two weeks.

Wish us luck (Murphy tends to follow us on vacation too...)!

A Bit Stretched...

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:52:00 +0000

I've not been feeling the knitting lately--basically going through the motions. I am rushing to finish up my Super Secret Projects. I also have a few days till we leave for vacation. We'll be in Virginia for two weeks--posting here will definitely be spotty, at best.

Like I said, I am feeling stretched. I think it's a collusion of things. Family fun stuff (not the one I made, but the one I was put into) mainly--with other stresses sprinkled in. So I found something to put myself in a better mood. While it DID put me in a grand (grand) mood, I was tethered to the couch for a bit.

I chronicled my tethering (smirk) on The other Blog. Really I don't want to have to re-write the post here as well--so go!!

Lot's of pics of Socks

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:32:00 +0000

I finally finished one of Micci's socks. Only took a few months--sigh.

I had a lot of questions about how I do my stretchy bind off. I used Peggy's Stretchy Bind Off. But a lot of people were confused about the half hitch loop. So I took pictures of the process. (Some are blurry, I apologise.)

With your right thumb loops yarn as shown, tail in your hand.

Slip working needle into the loop on your thumb from the bottom.

Slip thumb out of loop, leaving loop on the needle.

Pull the yarn by the tail.

Pull tight.

All done! There's the half hitch loop.

In any case this is the bind off I used in my knee high socks. Works like a treat.

I also took some videos. I'll post those later.

Later, here's one!

Half Hitch in Action from Birdy Evans on Vimeo.

A Tinking I Will Go

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Sigh.

This is something I can not fix. I tried to fix it--I started out with two less stitches than I was supposed to have--and it just opened up a can of words. I am not sure what I did. So I must tink...all the way down to that 3rd nub. I am NOT looking forward to this. I figured out how to fix lace mistakes so I wouldn't have to tink, but sometimes...it must be done.

It's too late tonight to tink tonight, so I'll have to do it tomorrow.

Sigh.

I am also goign through some knitting blahs...and this is definitely NOT helping.

Birdy's Knits is Famouz!

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:39:00 +0000

One of my good knitting friends, Brenda dropped me a line last night, telling me that my swiffer cloths was mentioned on a podcast on Sunday. Moi? Little ol' me? (I have to say that Brenda did email me as soon as she heard it and some how that email either didn't get to me or my brain lost it--it's been known to happen! So she emailed me again about it last night).

Any hoo the pod cast is here, at Knitting at Night episode 35 (corresponding blog with links). Sweet sweet Casey lovingly mentioned them toward the end of the podcast.

This was actually the first time I ever listened to a podcast and I have to thank Brenda and Casey for potentially starting a new obsession. While listening to the podcast I found my self wondering...hmmm, could I do one too? Nah...actually I hate my speaking voice and I would be worried about my speech fluency--lately it's been really bothering me. AND REALLY do I need one more thing on my plate?? I _don't_think_so.

I am chucking away at the Swallowtail shawl--about thirty more rows left--woot!! I am tired of it being a work in progress (WIP) and I have to admit I am using it to procrastinate a certain super secret project.

Today I also worked on a video for some lace surgery. Sadly my heart wasn't really in to it and consequently my head wasn't there either. The repair is on a very lacy bit, so it's gonna take more brain cells than I had available today.

Here's to brain cells speaking to each other tomorrow!!

How I Learned How to Love Stockinette

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 23:12:00 +0000

I've been feeling pretty blah and tired these past few days. But I did manage to knit a bit. Not much though, however I do have lot's of pictures: go figure!

I got myself another knitting bag. Like my husband said, I don't need another one, but I saw it and it was pretty. I didn't think I'd be able to find another one like it again. Grin.

I got lot's more done on the scarf...well...a few rows at least. I also have enough know to show y'all the scale pattern I am knitting on the flip side.

I really love the color and the pattern. This scarf really is teaching me the loveliness of stockinette. I am now looking forward to the straight knit bits rather than the pattern.

And it's so utterly soft.

Anne dropped off her Dem Fischer again...she needs my lace surgery skills once again.

From how she went on I thought it was a huge mistake. But it's very small. An easy fix.

I could repair it now in five minutes, but I want to try doing another lace surgery video so tomorrow I am going to work on both.

I've been feeling pretty sucky for a few days. I haven't been sleeping right...going to bed very late and waking up very late. It had me very drained. Even so, going to bed at a "decent" hour was incredibly hard. I tossed and turned for over an hour and a half. But managed to drag my arse out of bed before 9 am.

I think these helped.

Twelve beautiful things from my dear husband.

Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:26:00 +0000

Look at all the sock progress! Courtesy of my sister Kim. Every so often she'll tag along to a knitting group or beg me for some knitting during a Silver Stars game. She's a knitter, but not a Knitter--ya know obsessed. She's made quite a bit of progress. But.

Yes there is a "but" because this is Birdy's blog--and Birdy is short for Birdwell and Birdwell is anal--especially about things she makes.

Can YOU tell what is driving me mad?

Yes, gauge. As I told you last post. I am a tight sock knitter and well Kim is not. It's not that big of a difference. But it is bothering me. And I want to tear out that inch that Kim knit. (She incidentally knit that inch quite quickly--which is totally unfair).

Where's Birdy?

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:36:00 +0000

Yeah, I have been incommunicado this week. I took a lot of knitting pictures, but kept them hostage in the camera. I wanted to just take one_more_picture. So I have several different subjects today.

Last Monday (gee the last time I blogged), I helped Anne cast on her toe up socks. Judy's Magic Cast On can be finicky for average fingers, but when one has RA--it can be nearly impossible. I knit the toe, increases and all and handed it off to her once the straight knitting started. I am a tight sock knitter and so the toes were very much cast iron toes. She couldn't poke her needle through my toes, but she could once she had knitted enough. Grin.

I just love the color.

I also started my crayzee scarf inspired by Amy Singer from Knitty. She's started hers back in the beginning of the year and I am sure you remember me ranting about how crazy she was and how if I ever even expressed interest in doing it too--to make sure my husband carted me off to the looney bin. Well...I went off the deep end and started one of my own. (Although I didn't stash dive, but had to BUY some new lace weight)

It's so beautiful. I found the yarn, Claudia's Hand Painted Silk Lace) at Hill Country Weavers. And it inspired me to move past pure stockinette and do a solid pattern on one side. The dark teal just screams scales, so I modified a dragon scale pattern for the other side of the scarf. So one side stockinette, with two faux seams (p1, k1, p1) and the dragon scale. It's maddening.

I love it. Yep that's a penny. And I am about an inch into it now. I hope to show you the other patterned side once I get some more repeats of the dragon scale.

Yes, this is meant to be a long term project.

Speaking of which--I started knitting on the Swallowtail shawl again.

I have finished the main bud pattern and am working my way through the first lily of the valley edge border. I must say I am loving the nupps.

Yes, it does look a bit like cat sick, but once it's finished and blocked--it'll be exquisite. And I am not sure who the recipient is going to be...

I am still working on several projects I am not at liberty to discuss---which probably explains my bloggy silence. I kept some knitting updates under my belt so I can blog again tomorrow with something fresh...grin.

Monday Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:54:00 +0000

Today was fun--lot's of knitterly fun.

First, one of my wonderful readers sent in a picture of one of Birdy's Knits stitch markers in action.

You can get your set here
When Jamey and I came up with these stitch markers we only thought about knitting and perhaps earrings (where do YOU store your stitch markers when you aren't using them in your knitting?) Because I don't crochet (I can handle 2, 4,5 needles, but one hook it's beyond me), I didn't even think how useful these are for crocheters. Most of our stitch markers can also be used for for either crochet or knitting.

THEN, I got my Knit Picks order in the mail. It was sent on Tuesday and came today--woot! I guess I can't read because I didn't realise that the Knit Picks interchangeable cables come in sets of two. I bought 4 set of cables (8 cables) and 3 needle tips. That's like 72 needles for like 30 bucks!! (Right?) I also got my size 0 16 inch circular needle--I get to start my crayzee scarf. Woot woot!

Lastly, Anne came over to knit. Her husband is between jobs and he's driving her nuts. I didn't get to start my crayzee scarf, but I did help her start some toe up socks. (I am a very nice friend.)

After a very late dinner--I am finally starting my trip to the funny farm. I have decided though to do one side in dragon scales because between the color and the sheen of the yarn it just screams scales. So: is a patterned scarf on size 0 needles on lace weight crazier than a pure stockinette one?? Smirk.

Oh and I highly recommend to all those on a yarn diet, but seriously loving the new Knit Picks yarns--buy your self a color card. It gives you a taste and a way to fondle the yarn. I, myself, spent a few minutes stroking the swatches on my Shimmer color card.

Whot Happened??

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Seriously this week flew by and although I actually had knitting content--I just couldn't seem to blog about any of it. And although I am suffering from a sinus infection right now (and am pondering just how much snot the human head can hold before it explodes), I must keep my lovely readers updated.

Hmmm, knitting progress or new toys--hmmmm. Eeny Meeny Moe...which one?

KNITTING!

Anne suggested I purl the black to add interest (esp for me since I tend to shy away from pure stockinette). So I tried it.

Eh.

It looks better in the photograph than it did in person. It seemed that the purl made the black too dominant--it threw things off for me. So I ripped it back to the marker (which if you like you can get at the shop) and have since knitted it past the point where I frogged it. I have learned doing socks that sometimes boring stockinette can be relaxing and necessary.

I have been working on my skinny scarves intermittently. I am about half way done--3 feet along. They are getting to the point where doing two at a time is becoming cumbersome. I had hoped buying two wee bags to keep the yarn in would help. I might try tucking the scarf ends in the bags as well--see if that will help.

Now the toys.

I have been looking for a bound graph paper note book (with little teeny squares 10 to an inch). I finally gave up and bought a tablet and a portfolio case to hold it in.

I like the polka dots. It's bigger than I had in mind, but it'll work. And it's already in use and have proven very handy.

I also got something I had my eye on for a while now.

And it's red.

I also ordered (much to the dismay of Jamey--but I had to celebrate a large BK order!!) some needles from Knit Picks. One set is for Super Secret Project 3 and of course a set of 16 inch size 0 circulars for my crazee scarf. I even dreamed about getting them last night, I am THAT excited. I was a tad disappointed they didn't come today. LOL. They only shipped on Tuesday. I ordered enough needles for some upcoming projects. Woot.

Special Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:36:00 +0000

My friend Lei Lani casually mentioned she had something for me--so keep an eye on the mail box. Well, I promptly forgot and my husband overlooked it in the incoming mail--and I found her envelope a week after she sent it. Then I remembered!

I love the cute little cat playing with yarn (thank god my cats completely ignore MY yarn). And inside:

I could have cried, it is the sweetest most un-silly thing any one has ever done.

I was horribly disappointed I couldn't go to the 1000 Knitters photo shot and meet Franklin (ya'll have to know by now that I desperately want to be famouz--grin). I was a mite disappointed only 67 showed--with this big state of knitters you would have though there were more knitters that weren't camera shy. I think there we many like me that just could not arrange it with their schedules. I WAS able to go to Austin 13 days later and see the art work Franklin left on the walls of The Knitting Nest.

A Week Late; A Dollar Short

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:49:00 +0000

Last night (Saturday) we had our monthly Knitting potluck. However, I was too out of it to take pictures...we even had two new gals come! Our hostess also had scheduled a birthday party for her two sons earlier in the afternoon, so not only was it a very long (but fun day), I had the kids with me.

I've been super busy this week--hence why this post is dated for Sunday the 22nd but being posted on the 27. And I haven't made much progress on any knitting that I can actually show you.

On top of that I think I am coming down with something, me, Micci and Lori. It's been a little over a week since the kids had their annual physical: so we're on schedule for some sort of sickness!! Ask me why I hadn't taken the kids to the sick in two years... because I was fed up catching the latest disease from the office. Argh. I haven't been able to sleep because of the sore throat and Lori cried herself to sleep last night because she was in pain (wouldn't touch the sore throat drops).

Socks--Some Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:00:00 +0000

The picture drought is over! I finally made enough progress on Mic's tiger socks to show you a picture.

Mic is really excited that his socks resemble socks now.

I took some time deciding what should be the top and bottom of the sock.

Unfortunately my favourite part of the sock (if you remember is two stitches in the middle of the first tan stripe--in the whiter part between the tan) is on the same side of the weird zebra toes. So my favourite two stitches will be on the bottom of the sock.

Yes, anal and weird, but you've been reading long enough to know that already. I am also good at pointing out the obvious.

I am not about an inch after the heel and I am following some advice from Anne. I am purling the back parts to add some interest. I am only a few rows into it--so we'll see if it looks okay. It's too early to know if I like it or not.

Completely Useless

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Okay so--I bought some yarn for a crayzee scarf when I was in Austin. Didn't bother buying a size 0, 16 inch circular needle because I had one at home. I was so excited, that when JoAn broke out the winder and swift at the Knit 'n Eat--I asked her to wind up the silk for me too. And as soon as I got home I cast on! Woot! Crayzee Scarf here I come!!

I cast on twenty or thirty stitches and ran into a "snag." Huh, the stitches wouldn't fit over the JOIN!

For some reason the makers of these Boye needles thought that having a size 0 needle with size 2 joins would make a useable knitting device. Argh.

What morons! After cursing... I cast on using some dpns while I order myself some circs from Knit Picks. Then the next day I realised I twisted the cast on. Doh!! So I am waiting to restart until I get my new circ. Lovely just lovely.

Now that am having time to think and now that I have knitted the scarf a bit--I thought after I start again--maybe I should knit one side in stockinette and the other side in a modified dragon scale pattern. How pretty that would be (the silk is a tonally variegated dark teal)! But--is that crazy enough--this makes a nice mindless project--but really DO I do mindless very well? I still need to order the knit picks so I will have time to mull this over...

Austin Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:07:00 +0000

Well we made it to and from Austin in one piece, much knitting hilarity ensured and I didn't buy that much yarn AND I made some contacts for our stitch markers. We also rescued a kitten.

And we got to see the famous SABLE (Stash Above and Beyond Life Expectancy) of JoAn, our hostess.

We got a late start on our road trip to Austin and got lost trying to find Hill Country Weavers. Apparently Yahoo Maps doesn't know there is a difference between 1701 S. Congress and 1701 Congress. We're talking abut MILES here. Anyhoo I lost my marbles and bought something so I could make a Crayzee Scarf. Yep lace, stockinette, and size 0 circs...oh yeah! I am so excited!

Once at the Knit and Eat--great fun and hilarities ensued and Leah rescued a poor starving stray kitten from our hostesses' back yard. As you can see it's a mouser--with thought huge ears! It's the sweetest thing ever.

After the luncheon we stopped by The Knitting Nest and saw the evidence (make sure you look at my entire slide show above) Franklin left when he came for the 1000 Knitters event (I wish I could have gone!!). I also bought some Malabrigo lace--because the factory burned down dude!! That and the owner bought some of our stitch markers so I felt that I had to reciprocate.

We all had such a nice time and we came to the conclusion we need to go to Austin more often ;-) I ain't gonna say no.

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:50:00 +0000

Must_resist_urge_to_buy_more_YARN!!!

I am on a yarn diet. I have plenty of yarn and enough projects in the works that I feel like I am drowning. Because I buy yarn with something in mind for it...stop the excessive Knitting Bunnies by not buying more yarn. Sigh, if only it worked that way. (Can you hear the Knitting Bunnies cackling? They are mocking me.)

Being on a yarn diet is all well and good, but the tempation out there is just overwhelming. Take Knit Picks--tons of beautiful yarn (especially lace weight) at very very affordable prices. I really really want some of the new Shimmer Colors (specifically Lilac Dream and Sherry)--drooool. Never mind tomorrow I am going to Austin for a Knit n Eat luncheon with a stop at Hill Country Weavers A.K.A. Yarn Heaven!! and perhaps a stop at the Knitting Nest. HCW: seriously yarn jumps out at you and INTO your bag!

Sigh. I am also in the doldrums because all my current projects are still stuck in the middle, with no end in sight!!

Speaking of meet ups: last night was our weekly impromptu meet up (yes, the irony is NOT lost on us), we've decided to pare down the extravagant dinners out and had dinner in. Beth made beautiful pot roast...and helped me in an ahem rather personal matter....much to my embarrassment. I took my camera--but pretty much forgot about it entirely. It was great fun.

I will report on tomorrow's road trip (which starts at a ghastly hour!)--on Saturday. And I will NOT forget to take pictures.

I've Been Knitting!!

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:37:00 +0000

Really really I have!

I also have been working on making more videos of my lace surgery. Good news, they are better lit. Bad news, you can't really see any detail. It also affirms just how much I hate my voice...argh it just is horrible. But it also does explain how I do my thang.

So here it is in two parts...a bit under 20 minutes combined. Enjoy. I will try to continue to perfect these videos and have something a lot better.

Knitting Surgery 6.8.08 - Part One from Birdy Evans on Vimeo.

Lace Surgery 6.6.08 - Part Two from Birdy Evans on Vimeo.

Aside from the videos, I have been mired in FOs that seem neverending. BORING. But I have been very good and I have not started any new projects.

Tomorrow I have our weekly Impromptu meet up--we have come to our senses and will restrict our eating out. On Friday, some of the San Antonio gals are truckin' up to Austin for a special Knit and Eat they have up there. And perhaps a stop at Yarn Heaven will be in order (Hill Country Weavers). Grin.

WNBA Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 19:01:00 +0000

Well now that the Silver Stars season has begun...I am knitting in a large public. A few games ago I was even caught on the JumboTron knitting.

Here's my sock! I was actually knitting on a Super Secret Project--but I can't snap a picture to show ya'll --so my sock is a stand in.

Kim arrived on Thursday for her stay--we're not sure if it's temporary (as in she'll move back to D.C.) or permanent (as in she'll stay here until she has enough money to get an apartment here in SA). The kids attacked her when she got here and have been very reluctant to letting her out of their sights.

My mom sent this beauteous necklace--I LOVE it. I put it on as soon as Kim got her luggage (a day after she arrived-looong story).

Detail shot--isn't it fantastic!

Thanks, Mom!

In Which Hubby Gives Me Toys...

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:38:00 +0000

I mentioned to Jamey that I needed a tripod because I had to balance my camera in my bra while I recorded myself repairing lace. And I also mentioned the same to Anne. So she produced a cute portable tripod. Which works GREAT! for recording my knitting.

Want evidence on how terribly slow I knit?

Here ya go!

This is me knitting with kids. Ha!

When I got home from my Wednesday knit meet up Jamey had this for me as well!

You can also see my new wee tripod as well (which fits in my camera bag and is great for small stuff).

Yesterday at Anne's (I typically spend the entire day at Anne's--first we go to the Farmer's Market and then we let our kids play in her back yard then head over to Starbucks for our "Impromptu" meet up and dinner), I managed to knit several inches of the skinny scarves. Woot! I had put it aside for a bit and Jamey guilt tripped me into working on it some more.

Speaking of our Impromptu meet up: we typically knit outside Starbucks after we get our assorted iced drinks (I always get a venti Mocha Frap--I really need to broaden my horizons). Yesterday a woman and her two young daughters walked by and we heard her mutter to her kids, "How nice they are learning to knit." In a very condescending manner, by the way. She had already passed so she didn't see the multiple obscene gestures we made with our knitting needles. THEN, a very nice lady walked by and said, "How neat! My mom knits and she tried to teach me, but I just can't do it." So we shanghaied her and Beth showed her her way (left hand continental). She told us her name was Kathy (who is also left handed) and we got her to say she will come back next week. One more knitter for the fold!

As Promised

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:03:00 +0000

I apologise in advance for the bad lighting on the video. I like to do lace surgery after everyone is asleep. I did learn a very important thing while taping this video: I NEED A TRIPOD. I tried several different ways to hold up the camera: balanced in on the couch, the armrest, on some legos, on a tray. I ended up balancing the camera in up my bra. That was interesting.

In any case this lace surgery was very easy and simple. So it's a short video, about 2 and a half minutes.

Enjoy!

Lace Surgery from Birdy Evans on Vimeo.

Clarity

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Happy June y'all. I don't have much to show you knitting wise because half of it is boring (me being a slow knitter and all there's really no new progress shots to show you--they look they same) and half of it is top secret Super Secret Projects (the kind I could show you but then I'd have to kill you type--heh). Because I HATE being bored, I have pretty much exclusively been knitting on the SSP and not on the boring stuff that if had not gotten so bored--they would have been FOs. Smirk.

I also dropped a bunch of stitches on my Swallowtail Shawl--and haven't had clarity of mind to repair it (ha I don't frog!! I do lace surgery!!). But then I figured: I can finally show you how I repair lace! HA! So now I have to wait for quiet. (No one wants to hear the Wiggles or Bunnytown while listening to a knitting video.) Depending on how long it goes--I could easily put it on flickr or if it runs over the 90 second allotment (poot) I'll see about something else--perhaps Vimeo or YouTube (I am leaning toward Vimeo.

So tomorrow you'll have a video!

And in other news: Guess what Micci has???!?!?!

His very FIRST loose tooth!! Isn't that awesome!! We discovered it when he took a bite of pizza at lunch today--he bit and said OW!!

I am looking forward to holding him down and yanking it out in a couple days--although Mic wants to let an apple or a carrot take care of it for him ;-)

In other other news. For fans of my other blog--it's obviously down very down. This weekend--one of the transformers blew at the site of my hosting. And while the data is all there--the electricity is not. So stay tuned and I'll let you know when my personal blog (ya know where I rant and rave about politics and the family) is up.

Knitting for Nerves

noreply@blogger.com (Birdwell) — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:42:00 +0000

Last night I was very tense and anxious. (Don't ask me why--and now I can't blame hormones). My neck was incredibly tense. All I wanted was to relax. For me: the prescription is to knit with some lace weight (weird, yes, but for some reason it makes me relax). The kicker? Could_not_find_it! WTF!?

So I dig out my I-Pod from purse (and wash off all the chocolate that has somehow found their way all over the darn thing--doot doot!) and listen to some Joshua Tree. The GOOD stuff. But I really need my lace.

My neck is still incredibly sore. Oh well.

Yesterday, the kids and I spent the day with Anne (at her house) and then went to our weekly knit meet up at Starbucks (and dinner elsewhere). I bribed the kids with milk shakes and chocolate milk.

It worked. Mostly.

We had a nice time talking and knitting. It was hot sure, but there was a nice breeze. I got to work on both my super secret projects. I am still not totally sure where they will go, but that are both chucking along. And they are admired.

Although, I am pretty sure that THIS might be why I had a head ache.

Both kids were less than stellar at the restaurant. I left a good tip at least.

My neck is still killing me and after I publish this post I am going to try to knit away the stress (I did find my lace--yip yip!).

On some blog related business: thank y'all for commenting in regards to my various questions and queries. Very helpful and makes me feel read. ;-)