Tag Archives: cleaning

Lost with pictures

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My computer is in the computer hospital hoping to make a full recovery.  Unfortunately this recovery won’t be until sometime next week.  More like Thursday.  The computer doctor said he can get all my data and email addresses and messages so not all is lost.  I just feel lost. 

I tried to use an old laptop last night.  It took F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to boot up.  It uses Windows 98.  Yes, 98.  That’s 12 years old or 120 in computer years. 

So I used Mr. Aitch’s computer while he was out.  He doesn’t have all the crafty sites bookmarked and it took me awhile to find some things.  Like my blog.  Funny how we get used to shortcuts and forget how to do something the “normal” way.  I used to type in everyone’s email address instead of using an address book.  So now I can’t remember anyone’s address.  Same with phone numbers. 

Enough lamenting. 

Toddlers and dogs are coming today.  I managed to get most of the stuff out of reach.  Unfortunately it’s not out of sight.  Good intentions. 

I do have two pictures from my phone on the progress of the Ms Ida Chain Link mittens.  I decided to make them flip top mittens so you can see the gold yarn where that slit will be. 

Ms Ida CLM right palm

 

MS Ida CLM right back

 

I would be a terrible test knitter as I usually alter a pattern. 

I won’t be ignoring you.  I just won’t be able to do much on-line until I get my computer back.  Maybe Mr. Aitch will share. 

Have a great weekend!

FO: Lace Hem Topping

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I finally finished the Lace Hem Topping as shown on the July 2008 cover of Creative Magazine.  It took several tries to get the crochet edging so it looked good and laid flat.  I should block it again but it can now go into my FO folder!  

FO- Lace Hem Topping

 

FO - Lace Hem detail

 

Yarn: Cascade Ultra Pima in heathered pansy  

Needles: US 6  

Crochet hook: E  

Size: 38 (medium)  

Modifications: Many.  I used a lighter weight yarn (DK) instead of the worsted weight the pattern called for and also a smaller needle to get a gauge that would relate to one of the sizes.  I used the size 46 (X-Large) directions for everything but the size 38 (medium) for the length.  

It was a great knit even though I got frustrated and had to rip back to the armhole shaping and reknit both the front and back.  I made the armholes too long and couldn’t live with them that way.  I think it took longer to reknit the second time and learn how to do the crochet edging than knitting it in the first place. 

As much as I’d like to knit on the Ms Ida Chain Link mittens or start one of the five baby sweaters in my queue or start two secret projects, I really need to declutter and straighten up the house.  Mr. & Mrs. Aitch’s B&B will have guests (even though they are family) coming this Friday night: 

  • Beds need to be made.
  • Floors need to be scrubbed or vacuumed.
  • Islands and counters need to be cleared.
  • Bathrooms need to be refreshed.
  • Laundry needs done.
  • Knitting needs to be out of reach from toddlers and dogs. 

OK, maybe moving the knitting will be the last thing I do Friday evening but I want to do the rest of my list this morning so I can devote the rest of  the day and upcoming evenings to knitting.

Goodwill, scissors, craziness, and knitting

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Yes, I did it.  I took the bags of clothes to Goodwill.  All 14 bags.

The next questions is: Do I want to have a yard sale or just take the stuff to Goodwill?  Most of the stuff I have is not worth much but I don’t want to throw it away.  It’s still good/usable, just not for our lives/house anymore.

Maybe the “good” stuff will make it to Craigslist.

Mr. Aitch and I did not go the farmer’s market on Saturday to seek out the scissors repair man.  It was just too darn hot.  I did go into town (18 miles round trip) to my LYS for some knitting needles and the market for few things we needed for dinner.  Mr. Aitch said I was crazy for taking the motorcycle.  A good part of the ride is fairly shaded.  I did have to wait for a train to pass and it seemed like it took FOREVER.  I managed to get in the shade of the telephone pole (yeah, I was that desperate) so I didn’t totally melt into the pavement.

Mr. Aitch was right.  I was crazy.  99 degrees with a heat index of 103, a mesh jacket, helmet and black leather pants don’t play well together.  I was glad to get home and into air-conditioned bliss.

I’m into the neck shaping on the Lace Hem Topping shell.  I’m not as into it as I should be.  I guess the fitting disaster has toned down my enthusiasm for finishing it.  But I will persevere.

Water in the basement

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We had a line of thunderstorms roll through yesterday afternoon which forced allowed Mr. Aitch and me to do some water removal or rather water squeegee-ing.  Is that even a word?  Anyway the drain outside our basement door was shut (defective, more likely) and the door just wouldn’t hold the EIGHT inches of water that accumulated outside.

The concrete stairs outside act like a waterfall and channel the rain to the drain.  I braved the torrential downpour with a screwdriver and released the drain cover.  I understand the concept behind this drain cover so stuff doesn’t go down it and clog the drain but anything more than a nice gentle rain, and the thing acts like a plug.  Poor design.  Or maybe it wasn’t designed for where it is at my house.  We really need to get this issue resolved if I want to turn part of the basement into a craft/sewing/knitting/painting area.  Water has its place in the world but not running across my floor.

Whatever.

Fortunately I had the foresight to place all the “good” junk up off the floor by using those foam-type shipping supports (that come around various computers, monitors, TVs, aquarium supplies, and furniture) under everything to keep it dry.  It was still a mess and some things were not on said foam-type supports.  So some things got wet.

Because of this wet mess, I decided I’m taking all the old but still wearable clothes that have been in a holding pattern in the basement to Goodwill today.  They were in plastic bags and protected.  It’s something I’ve been meaning to do but never got around to it yet.

And what does one do with old motorcycle helmets?  Is there a motorcycle helmet grave yard?

The Lace Hem Topping is slowly but surely coming along.  I have the back finished to where I think I need to start the shoulder shaping but I’m not going to do any more until I get the front done to the same place.  This way I try it on (sort of) and get an idea if the armholes are too short, too long or just right.  Then I will finish it.