Saturday, September 20, 2008

Random fragments from my alleged mind

Just a bit of this and that today.

First up, slow learner that I am, I have just stumbled on the neatest knitting tools!

So the background of this is that I decided to try to knit my next Farm Fresh Christmas stocking (an eggplant) on a circular needle to eliminate the seam. Never having done this, I did not know that not only do the needles come in sizes, but different cable lengths. I was thrilled to find the needle size I needed on the third stop, but not knowing the above information, didn't notice that the cable between the needle heads was 29 inches long. Once I cast on the stitches, I was stumped as to what to do with the enormous coil of nylon cable that refused to contain itself to the 50 or so stitches.

Help!

Frustrated, I headed back to town the next day, fuming that I would never find a size 11 needle with a short 12" cable, and that if I could invent an interchangeable system of needles and cables, I could retire... yesterday! Imagine my surprised (and dismay, sort of) to discover that the folks at Boye have beaten me to it with their KnitMates system.

Okay, this is the instruction pamphlet and since my needles are in use, I can't show you the parts!

You can see a picture of the needles here, and the cables here. Well, you can't actually "see" the cables, but what you do is pick the size of each you need and screw them together! Neato!

And here I go! Since I am just making all of this as I go along, you will be bored interested to know that I am using two strands of yarn at the same time and cast on about 55 stitches.



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Did you know that if long-term used Prednisone wouldn't cause your liver to explode or your ears to drop off or your boobs to bang on your knees, they could definitely sell it as an energy pill!!

I am on day 3 of a 5 day course for my pinching spine, and I'm getting so much done!! Of course, sleeping at night is a b*tch, but at least this time, I'm not eating everything that can't outrun me!!

Plus, since Prednisone is an anti-inflammatory, ALL your aches and pains go away... but it won't shrink your caboose, darn it!

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With my drug-induced energy, I've been busy in my studio making log carriers. One for the girls, who we all know, do all the work no matter what "they" say!



And one for the boys, so they can sneak up on the firewood with their Mossy Oak Duck Blinds camo print log carrier.





Stud Muffin has promised to be my "hand model" for pictures for the Etsy listings, but I won't make him hold the pink one!!

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The Wiener Collection has been added to the shop!



It took forever to find packaging for them, since they are large (18" long) and weigh about a pound apiece! I decided to wrap them in bubble wrap and then put them in the most enormous bubble mailer I've ever seen!!! This way, I can hold the outrageous postage down to reasonable.

Now, I need some friendly person to order one, and help me make sure that this packaging is protective enough! With the understanding that I would make everything right if it came by way of a trip through a pasta machine or stomped on by renegade pachyderms!

Guess that's all the brain flashes I have for right now. Hope everyone has a good weekend!!

7 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

I've had a boye circular needle system for years. I used to use it all the time, but I don't use it quite as much anymore. I prefer either double pointed needles or if I have a circ that's to long, I just pull the extra cable out between stiteches every so often. It sounds like a pain, but you get used to it. It's all in what you get used to I guess!

Anonymous said...

Did you know that we prescribe prednisone to animals at the clinic? I didn't realize it was something that mommies could take too. Interesting!

MarmiteToasty said...

Im using a needle thingie like that but to make a beautiful baby blanket.... obviously its not round and round LOL.....

x

Marcia said...

Hope your back is feeling much better. I'm jealous that the aches and pains are gone and the amount of energy you have...Wow! You go girl!

Anonymous said...

ok------I tried to buy the chili dog on etsy and as usual I screwed up. since I don't speak computer very well,(if at all) I am very!!!frustrated! I will gladly be your "testcase" and happily pay you but how in the hedoubleltoothpicks do I do it???????

Anonymous said...

that should be grammatoni

Anonymous said...

I was looking at your esty shop, Mommy! You've sold lots of stuff since I was at home last. Good job!! I miss you mucho!! xoxo

Almost Grown