(Caution: no knitting content whatsoever. Proceed at your own risk.)
I went shopping at that big popular box store today. Had to get the usual things:
paper plates, OJ, milk, toothpaste, TP
Normally this is not anything I spend time thinking about, since my mind is busy thinking of ways to keep kidster #2 from having a major meltdown. Usually we make our way through the store at a pretty good clip, and most of the time I can grab what we want off the shelf without having to really stop. We make car and truck sounds, rev our engines, and often times put on the brakes quick so we don't run anyone over. Sometimes we do this because I just want to get out of there quick, and other times we do it just to have fun (and get out of there quick). Yes, we must be a sight to see but at least it works and we both have a little fun doing something completely mundane.
Well, the problem came in with the last item on the list. Arrived in the toilet paper aisle and our usual brand was gone. Big, empty space. I hate it when that happens because now I have to stop and compare, and keep kidster interested in what is going on. And I have to at least look around a little because I'm not going to spend $12 on something that gets, well, you know.
Do you know how many thing there are to compare on TP? Besides the usuals like cost and quantity, there is softness, quilting, doubly ply, triple ply, cushiness ("don't squeeze the Charmin!") and then the real kicker....
double rolls, triple rolls, mega rolls!
And don't forget the toilet paper accessories that you have to buy if you want to use these souped up TP's. You can have Mega Rolls that are like 18 rolls in one, but not unless you buy the $5 roll-holder-extender. Or I guess you could just leave the roll on the top of the tank. But in my house, with the 3 boys, well, I was having visions of what would happen to that. Plus I figured having a Mega Roll in the bathroom with an almost potty training 2-1/2 year old (we want him to, he doesn't want to...another post I guess) probably wasn't a good idea unless we wanted to put a plumber on contract. Which we don't.
And then I have to decide on buying a four pack, 6 pack, 12 pack, or 24 pack. If I was in a different kind of store I could easily decide between a six pack or a 12 pack, but this is TP for pete's sake! Geez, I wasn't prepared for this. I didn't pack a lunch.
So here we are, the two of us in the TP aisle. My auto-pilot brain awakened to do some super fast math and figure out what to buy all the while answering the very cute (to someone else) questions of a curious toddler.
"Why'd we stop?"
"What does the blue one say?"
"Why's that baby on a cloud?"
"Why don't we have toilet paper at home?"
"Wow, look at that big one!"
I'll talk about knitting next time, promise.
Hope I'm leaving you with a smile on your face:)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Everyone is safe
I am happy to report that there were no knitting under the influence incidents last night and that all people, pets, and fibers are safe. 
I have "turned the corner" (so to speak) and joined my sides so now I can just knit, knit, (purl a little), knit and make happy cables!
I have "turned the corner" (so to speak) and joined my sides so now I can just knit, knit, (purl a little), knit and make happy cables!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Around About Free Pattern
It's finished! Also available as a free Ravelry download, or a printer friendly link is provided at the bottom.
Around About
A round bag, knit in the round,
perfect for hauling your stuff about!
Skill Level: Easy
Gauge:
Not extremely important since this will be felted.
Yarn: about 450 yards of worsted weight
feltable wool
as pictured: "Chocolate Covered Raspberries"
Patons Classic Wool
1 skein Petal Pink
1 skein Rosewood
feltable wool
as pictured: "Chocolate Covered Raspberries"
Patons Classic Wool
1 skein Petal Pink
1 skein Rosewood
Materials:
US 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needle
US 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles
Markers in two colors
Stitches/abbreviations:
dpn(s) double pointed needle(s)
k2tog knit two stitches together
ss stockinette stitch (knit every round)
sts stitches
US 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needle
US 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles
Markers in two colors
Stitches/abbreviations:
dpn(s) double pointed needle(s)
k2tog knit two stitches together
ss stockinette stitch (knit every round)
sts stitches
Finished Size:
Approximately 8” diameter by 9” tall.
Bag Body
Using solid color yarn, cast on 136 stitches.
Place marker to indicate beginning of the round.
Join to work in rounds.
Rounds 1-6: knit in ss
Round 7: knit 32, cast off next 36 sts, knit 32, cast off next 36 sts.
Round 8: knit 32, cast on 36 sts, knit 32, cast on 36 sts.
Rounds 9-14 knit in ss
Change to contrasting color or variegated yarn.
Continue knitting in rounds until yarn is used up (or until bag measures between 10” and 12”).
Change back to solid color yarn.
Knit 5 rounds.
Bag Base
Setup round for decreases: *knit 34 sts, place alternate color marker*, repeat two more times, knit 34 sts.
Decrease round 1: *k2tog, knit to next marker, pass marker*. Repeat three times.
Continue decreasing per round 1, until there are 12 sts remaining, switching to dpns (or Magic Loop) as required.
Finishing
Cut a long tail from yarn and thread onto needle. Pull needle through remaining sts as they are dropped off the needle and pull tight. Sew in securely in the inside of bag.
Sew in any ends from cast on and color changes.
Felt. There are lots of tutorials out in cyberspace. I would be happy to help, so drop me a line if you have any questions!
Find a nice big plastic container or plate to put in bottom of bag for shaping while drying. Use it to draw a circle on some sturdy cardboard or plastic canvas for your base. Cover in pretty fabric or leave it out for a more natural appearance.
I would be thrilled if you would send me a picture so I can add it to the photo gallery.
Enjoy!
Approximately 8” diameter by 9” tall.
Bag Body
Using solid color yarn, cast on 136 stitches.
Place marker to indicate beginning of the round.
Join to work in rounds.
Rounds 1-6: knit in ss
Round 7: knit 32, cast off next 36 sts, knit 32, cast off next 36 sts.
Round 8: knit 32, cast on 36 sts, knit 32, cast on 36 sts.
Rounds 9-14 knit in ss
Change to contrasting color or variegated yarn.
Continue knitting in rounds until yarn is used up (or until bag measures between 10” and 12”).
Change back to solid color yarn.
Knit 5 rounds.
Bag Base
Setup round for decreases: *knit 34 sts, place alternate color marker*, repeat two more times, knit 34 sts.
Decrease round 1: *k2tog, knit to next marker, pass marker*. Repeat three times.
Continue decreasing per round 1, until there are 12 sts remaining, switching to dpns (or Magic Loop) as required.
Finishing
Cut a long tail from yarn and thread onto needle. Pull needle through remaining sts as they are dropped off the needle and pull tight. Sew in securely in the inside of bag.
Sew in any ends from cast on and color changes.
Felt. There are lots of tutorials out in cyberspace. I would be happy to help, so drop me a line if you have any questions!
Find a nice big plastic container or plate to put in bottom of bag for shaping while drying. Use it to draw a circle on some sturdy cardboard or plastic canvas for your base. Cover in pretty fabric or leave it out for a more natural appearance.
I would be thrilled if you would send me a picture so I can add it to the photo gallery.
Enjoy!
Around Aboutby Amybelbags
amybelbags@gmail.com
This pattern is offered for personal use only. The pattern, photos, and products made from this pattern are not to be used or sold for personal monetary gain without the written consent of the designer. Do not copy, cut, or paste this pattern. Links back to this pattern are always welcomed.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Arrrrgggravated
No, I haven't turned into a pirate (although kidsters would probably get a real kick out of that). I thought knitting was supposed to be relaxing? What happened to my relaxing knitting?
I'm working on my sage cabled purse, that's what. I have knit and frogged the base out at least four times already. I think that I would be almost done with the body by now if I could just keep knitting in a continuous line instead of knit, rip, recalc, cast, knit, rip, recalc. Arrrgggh! I'm not liking this new mantra.
I'm determined to get past it and onto the body of the bag with the designs before Friday night. That gives me about 2 hours to get straightened out. Friday is beer night and beer and knitting go just fine together but add in aggravation and it could be a real problem.
I'm working on my sage cabled purse, that's what. I have knit and frogged the base out at least four times already. I think that I would be almost done with the body by now if I could just keep knitting in a continuous line instead of knit, rip, recalc, cast, knit, rip, recalc. Arrrgggh! I'm not liking this new mantra.
I'm determined to get past it and onto the body of the bag with the designs before Friday night. That gives me about 2 hours to get straightened out. Friday is beer night and beer and knitting go just fine together but add in aggravation and it could be a real problem.
Monday, March 23, 2009
New yarn added to Stash Busting!
I'm doing some yarn spring cleaning and posting yarns for sale. I apologize for my picture taking skills in advance. If you want me to try again just let me know!
If you are interested you can click the pretty Stash Busting link up in the nav bar or visit my Ravelry-stash-trade page. These are the items posted in the Yahoo! group KnitSwap.
If you are interested you can click the pretty Stash Busting link up in the nav bar or visit my Ravelry-stash-trade page. These are the items posted in the Yahoo! group KnitSwap.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Done swatching!
Yes, I am still here. I haven't had much to type about since all I have been doing is swatching. I managed to get the second one just about where I wanted it, 
but wanted more 
definition in the cable. So then came the third swatch, my "hybrid". I made a cable panel and two test patterns for the handles, since I didn't want to be going back to swatching again once I get started. I can finally say that I am done swatching. Yes, it was helpful. Yes, I couldn't have continued without it. But if I ever decide to do it again, please PLEASE try to talk me out of it.
I also took a little time off this week to be with a friend who's father suddenly passed away. Her mother has been ill and it is striking everyone very hard. I just want to remind everyone to give an extra hug and kiss to those around you that are special to you. Call your mom or dad or whomever means the world to you and let them know. I know that I get very wrapped up in my day to day stuff taking care of the two kids, husband, school, groceries, errands, etc. and sometimes forget to stop to take a minute to do just that. I'm off to call my Dad right now.
but wanted more 
definition in the cable. So then came the third swatch, my "hybrid". I made a cable panel and two test patterns for the handles, since I didn't want to be going back to swatching again once I get started. I can finally say that I am done swatching. Yes, it was helpful. Yes, I couldn't have continued without it. But if I ever decide to do it again, please PLEASE try to talk me out of it.I also took a little time off this week to be with a friend who's father suddenly passed away. Her mother has been ill and it is striking everyone very hard. I just want to remind everyone to give an extra hug and kiss to those around you that are special to you. Call your mom or dad or whomever means the world to you and let them know. I know that I get very wrapped up in my day to day stuff taking care of the two kids, husband, school, groceries, errands, etc. and sometimes forget to stop to take a minute to do just that. I'm off to call my Dad right now.
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