Firey Computer Death

My laptop may be on its last leg these days, and I am trying my hardest to transfer my 26GB of music onto my external hard drive before the whole thing explodes into pieces of angry, molten laptop. The problem lies within the fact that my computer likes to transfer about two gigs of music, then shut down in the middle of the transfer. Without warning or blue screen of death, there will just be sudden black nothingness. The best part is how it likes to transfer the folders randomly, instead of alphabetically, so I get to search for the remaining folders! Yay!

J thinks he may have found a trojan, and we found a mysterious file that I did not install. We're both crossing our fingers that it just snuck in with something else I did instal, and not that someone is remotely accessing my computer and gathering identity theft material.

While there are plenty of updates, I've spent most of my free time knitting instead of updating this blog. I started a knitting blog, just in case that's what you're interested in, and you probably won't be finding much of it here, anymore.

Fiery Bolero

I finished the fiery bolero last night. Even though it doesn't fit me, I'm still pretty happy with the way it turned out. The seaming was a little bit touch and go, and was maybe a bit messy in places, but after I got the hang of picking up stitches for the collar, I realized that this knitting thing...it isn't so hard with enough practice.

So now I need to find someone just a little bit bigger than me to wear it. I want one for myself oh so badly...but not badly enough to rip this one out.

Mulesing and Circumcision

I was reading up on mulesing on Wikipedia today because I keep hearing about it in the knitting and animal rights worlds. There was an interesting thread on ravelry, so I decided to do a little research (emphasis on a little).

My first thought was that it sounds absolutely horrible. Then again, so can circumcision and it sounded a little bit like circumcision.

The non-wooled skin which is around the anus (and vulva in ewes) is pulled tight as the cut heals and results in a smooth area that does not get fouled by fæces or urine.

When managed according to the standards, policies and procedures developed by the CSIRO, lambs are normally mulesed a few weeks after birth. The operation takes one to two minutes. Standard practice is to do this operation simultaneously with other procedures such as ear marking, tail docking, and vaccination. Because the procedure removes skin, not any underlying flesh or structure, there is little blood loss from the cut other than a minor oozing on the edges of the cut skin.

but I hadn't seen it paralleled to circumcision anywhere, yet. I wondered if that was incredibly ignorant of me.

I wrote a paper in college that began as an FGM paper, but by the time I researched and edited, and re-researched and re-edited, it had turned into a paper about male circumcision: the unknown horrors. In all of the cases I have been familiar with, circumcision didn't leave a physical impact or, to my knowledge, an emotional one, but I have to admit that my sample size is small. Very small. Is it really a matter of hygeine? Or is it about cosmetics, or Victorian views on masturbation? Can it traumatize the baby? Is it worth it? The research I did raised more questions than it answered, and I could only address so many in the paper -- I wasn't answering them, anyway, I was so confused.

I guess my question was, am I crazy for comparing mulesing to circumcision, and going further, is either one inhumane enough to call for the eradication of the practice?

It seems that there is a resounding assertion that museling is just plain wrong. However, after doing a quick Google search on circumcision and museling, I found that I just haven't been reading closely enough, because a lot of people seem to draw on the parallel.

I haven't come to a conclusion on either topic at the moment. More research than I genuinely care to do right now would be required, but I think both are interesting.

I also wanted to post this comment found at treehugger.com:

I believe Ethan [a previous poster] is comparing muesling to his own circumcision... I wonder if [he] realizes that lambs are born far more physically advanced than humans - that is to say baby sheep are at par developmentally with beginning school aged children (I know that sheep don't do the whole spoken language thing, so spare me. I mean that they walk, explore, have the capacity to learn, etc. - something which took Ethan a year or three to warm up to). So, Ethan, if your first day of school commenced with being circumcised sans anaesthesia, would you still have graduated?

All of the above aside, here's a bit of background not covered by the wiki link:
1.) Sheep's posteriors have been covered with wool for thousands of years.
2.) Feces and urine have probably been getting stuck there for just as long.
3.) Flies have been around for even longer than that.
4.) Two world wars in the first half of the last century, and the amassing of armies to fight them, created an unprecedented demand for wool for uniforms. This demand led to a new manner of raising livestock, and the acceptance of the practice of mulesing.

The issue isn't so much flystrike, it's that the animals are now raised in conditions which cause it. All you have to do is keep their bums clean! With one ranch-hand per hundred sheep this was not a problem, but with one per a thousand you have a bunch of dirty animals... If you take out the animal equation, mulesing is to wool what pesticides and preservatives are to food. Do you only buy organic vegetables? Then do the same with your next sweater and support companies like SmartWool.

Maybe no more educational than everything else I've read today, but I thought it was interesting.

Blogging because I have too much time on my hands

Okay, I'm going to do what I do best and turn this Nov. 1^st blog post into a bitch fest (I'm participating in NaBloPoMo), because today I have a rant.

I've been fielding comments over on flickr due to J's recent Internet fame. I shouldn't. Field the comments, I mean. Especially after we Googled it and had a riotous laugh about some of the comments on other blogs that I have zero control over:

I think its unique even though its ugly.

Is it me or wearing a social site costume is the best way to tell everybody around that you don't have a social life ?

Photoshop.

Where are the ads?
Obviously, the party has Firefox with Adblock.

Yes. HILARIOUS. And somewhat ironically hilarious given the spoof comments J came up with.

The vast majority of the comments have been nice. Some guy on digg was tickled by the "easter eggs," and the gearfuse guy was the first to point out that J didn't have enough stars.

Some people were just downright OFFENDED that they came up with the idea first but weren't plastered all over the Internet. I'm sorry that just because he didn't do it first, J happened to do it right. I'm sorry your fragile little egos were so bruised you had to be offended at all (although some of you were just sharing for sharing's sake, so I'm not speaking at y'all). I mean honestly, guys. I just posted a picture I took to flickr. Panties, unbunch.

Then, along the same vein, there are the people who felt compelled to link to their similar, yet less creative, costumes that "only took 15 minutes to make and were better." Seriously? It's not a contest. But if it were, shouldn't you have a little bit more pride in your work? First of all, don't tell me it took 15 minutes because I saw the link you posted and I know roughly how long it takes to make poster boards. You, unfortunately, invested more than 15 minutes in that. Add time for not actually thinking of witty comments, but instead just printing your costume off the Internet. Awesome! You can use a glue stick! Don't you have more dignity than that? Are you twelve?*

But there's one that really burns my butt, and it has come up with regards to my knitting so I felt it deserved an entry because it makes me want to stab people in the eye. This is the, "You must have so much time on your hands," comment.

Too. Much. Time. On my hands. On the Internet, I am incapable of giving the withering stare that I have perfected for just such occasions. Are you seriously telling me that because I made time to do something that makes me happy, that it is more frivolous than the time you spend farting around doing whatever it is that you do that does not interest me at all? Next time it happens I'm going to say something about the new 26 hour day I've converted to, and how they should try it.

I know that I am judgmental, but christ. Do people even think when they open their mouths anymore?

*There's no piggy-backing on my flickr page. If your comment was deleted, it was because you're a dick, because you had the audacity to post a link to your costume while calling someone who had the EXACT SAME IDEA AS YOU lame (you want some of those hits? Stop being a dick and maybe I'd allow the referral from my page), or because you annoyed me. It's my photo, my paid space on flickr, my rules. Post your links elsewhere. Be idiots elsewhere. Digg might be a good place for that.

Yarn I stole doesn't count towards the budget, right?

I bought some knitpicks yarn recently; I sincerely needed one more skein of the Iris Alpaca Cloud to finish Muir, and while I was there...



knitpicks alpaca cloud in peppermint
So last night, due to my recent (just prior to this order, but I want to point out that I qualified this order!) promise to J not to buy any more yarn, at least until all of the projects currently on my needles have been completed:

"Look at this yarn! I want to sleep in a bed of this yarn. Isn't it beautiful?"
"...Did you buy that yarn in the past few days?"
"Well, yes, but...

...No, I stole it."

Dashing to the finish line

Last night, I finally finished J's pair of Dashing fingerless mitts. A few months ago, I started making him socks, which any knitter in a "new" relationship will tell you, is a big gamble (he seemed "excited" about my knitting...but how far does the boyfriend sweater curse extend?...and by "excited" I mean teases me mercilessly and continuously about what he refers to as my yarn "problem," and conjecturing that every time he goes out of town, I find ways to hide yarn under the floorboards and in the attic. I would never hide yarn in the attic).

In the end my concerns were moot because he was excited! And then the first sock didn't fit! So, mostly out of frustration and disappointment, I decided to put the socks on the shelf for a bit. As a consolation prize for being such a Rockstar Boyfriend, I decided I would make these fingerless mitts since mine turned out so well (ha!). I ended up tearing his back a few times because they had to be absolutely perfect, but it was worth it in the end. Two perfect fingerless mitts. The first project I've ever taken off the needles without worrying where I would find those hidden mistakes I didn't catch the first time.

Besides, with some manipulation (like J losing five pounds in one of his legs), the first sock may fit - albeit tightly. I made the second sock bigger by six more stitches a round, so that should fix things, right?

Swatch? What's that?

Anyway...Without further ado, here they are!

Barnes & Noble just doesn't like my face

I ordered this book from Barnes & Noble.com the other day because I had a gift card and it was on sale.

I was given a shipping estimate of October 1st. You can imagine the rageahol that ensued, but fortunately, the package shipped today. I figured their estimate was a little bit generous, but maybe it's kind of like when the hostess tells you it's going to be an hour, just because you're pissing her off and she doesn't like your attitude or your face (why yes, I was a hostess in high school).

I am going to knit so many cables when I get this book. Or I'm going to let it sit on my shelf for a year before I put it to any use. Either way --because it was on sale.

Aside from B&N's LIES, last week was a really rough week for me. Remind me what that was like next time I forget several doses of my meds in one week because the concept of preventative medication, like so many other concepts, has always been a difficult one for me to grasp.

One Thumb Up

J gave my pair of Dashing mitts one thumb up. He wasn't a fan of the fingers. So I will be making his without fingers.

My ANTM Submission

I am having the time of my life over at Ravelry. Being the uber-geek I am, I positively DROOL all over things that categorize and organize other things for me. Nevermind that I had to turn my room upside down to take pictures of yarn, or that I haven't really made time to do anything else (hello, laundry?). It is such an inspiration to see all the beautiful knitting other people are doing, and to share my own work in a forum that is designed for just that. Even though I read an article about how bad the Internet is for allowing people to form "friendships" without getting close, rendering our generation incapable of having real friends -- well, I like the community.

The only completed project I hadn't yet photographed was my latest, which is a pair of dashing mitts. I was going to do some fancy Photoshop work, and I used my air conditioner as a tripod (yes, I do have a tripod, but I am also extraordinarily lazy), but I think that the un-Photoshopped photo is just fine (did I mention how I'm extraordinarily lazy?). The photo above is the result, and I'm so proud of the way it shows off my fingerless mitts, my new favorite earrings, and the fact that I am sexy as all hell. Also, that I am a dweeb.

Sock Wars 2007

I have decided to do something utterly nerdy (and awesome) and participate in Sock Wars 2007!

Even though I have a terrible track record when it comes to knitting socks, and tend to be a slow knitter, maybe having a real goal to work towards will give me the oomph I need to finish a pair of socks in a reasonable and timely fashion.

Then again, maybe I'll get shot down in the first round.

A Fibery X-Mas

I've decided to knit all of my family's Christmas presents this year, which is a pretty easy promise given that I've finished my mom's present (actually, two. I either have a choice, or she's getting spoiled), have started my sister's, and well...by God, will have knit my dad his scarf this year, because I am a horrible daughter who has not yet knit him his double thickness, 6' long scarf yet. Even though he's the only person in the world who has ever gotten excited about my knitting (yes, maybe so he could get a present. So what? He's still excited, y'all. Excited.)

Always a scarf behind

The Prisoner of Azkaban scarf is growing at an alarming rate. This isn't atypical when you start an endless garter stitch project, because you can still observe growth. Once it's four feet long, five feet long...nearly six feet long...it starts to look like it's not growing at all. Hopefully I can complete this scarf before I reach my breaking point. Before the scarf starts to look like it's never going to grow. I'm not quite that bored with this scarf yet. It's growing, it's kind of fun, the yarn is nice. I'm not about to poke my eyes out. But I do have to admit something. While I sit here, slaving away to complete this scarf, I dream of the other scarf. The Goblet of Fire scarf. You know the one. The one that practically broke my spine when I tried to twist every which way to see it in the movie (it was tough, there were only a few scenes with the scarf). I found an image (the one on the right) on the WB website. This is their cheapy version (No matter how much I tried to be jealous of the store bought scarves when we went to see Goblet of Fire, I was very proud of my handiwork on the old scarf. I think the hand knit ones always look more real than the store bought kind, which makes a special sort of sense, right?). Coupled with the lone still on the webernet, and the DVD, I think I can reproduce this scarf. The pattern may even be on atypically.knit someday. But until then, or until I can come up with my own pattern, I have to finish the PofA scarf, anyway. And while she's doing miles upon miles of garter stitch, a girl can dream, can't she?

I might even be done before the next movie...

I Told You I Liked the Hat

So I made one of my own.

Last night, I decided I wanted a Gryffindor scarf. A la Goblet of Fire. This time, I'm looking to make it using Plymouth Encore yarn instead of good old bargain bin Red Heart yarn. This is for two reasons. One is that since I made my last Potter scarf, I've stopped using bargain bin acrylic. Once the whole scarf was finished, it did feel nice, but it can't be blocked, and I'm pretty sure that over time it won't wear as well as it could. Now, I don't know this. Only time will tell, and the scarf is no longer in my posession (I guess that's reason number one and a half).

Reason the second is that the colors on the Azkaban/Goblet scarf are actually a little daker and a little deeper than the earlier scarves. It seems a little bit more sophisticated, and I want it to look accurate. Thus, even if I wanted them to, Red Heart colors just won't cut it -- not if accuracy is an issue.

However, the reason that I've had a browser open with all the yarn (plus Addi Turbos with which to knit this baby) in my cart all night long, was because I wanted to wake up, see the price one last time, and say "Okay. It's worth it," or "What?! Are you crazy?!" Because the other scarf was about the price you'd pay for a scarf at a store, even using discounted yarn, and this scarf...well...jeez.

The solution? I'm heading down to Windsor Button later today. If they have the yarn I need, I'll take it as a sign that it was meant to be. If they don't have it, I'll hem and haw here for a while, and probably end up with a box of yarn and supplies on its way to my doorstep before I go to sleep tonight.

Yarn Conundrum

I have many items of knitterly news to report. Yarn news. Project news. And Questions.

First, I have...Well, the best one skein secret pal, ever. She puts me to shame (except I think the package I put together this month is pretty nice, too ;) I got this in the mail today:



Lorna's Laces (!!!), Regia sock yarn, and some stuff from her home: a postcard, a magnet not pictured because it's on my fridge already, and one of those really cool pencils that have the little plastic lead train inside them! Remember those?

Also, even though I've got a lot on my plate (that blasted second pomatomus, the feather and fan stole, and the frostflowers and leaves shawl that I'm probably going to start over -- again), I think I'm ready for my first sweater:

The Somewhat Cowl over at Knit and Tonic. Now here's the big question weighing on my mind: What yarn should I use? The pattern calls for Blue Sky Alpaca & Silk, from which there are many many colors to choose, and I wouldn't be opposed to working with it. The alternative that I'm thinking about, though, is Knitpicks Ambrosia. There are less colors, but instead of alpaca and silk, it's alpaca and cashmere. It's about the same price (the knitpicks might be a little cheaper, and shipping ends up being free because the order will be over $40, but I'm sure I can find some deals on the blue sky alpaca). I want something purple; I like shades like plum or wine (I'm really into the purple hues these days. And pink, but I have like twelve pink sweaters, already).

Has anyone worked with either one of these yarns? Or, if not, what do you think you would do? There isn't a big color selection over at knitpicks, which is unfortunate, but the cashmere appeals to me a little more than the silk (plus it'll be softer, with less sheen, I think). Thoughts? Opinions? Knitting friends and regular folk, both :) chime in as you see fit.

I'm out now, because there is some TV and a cup of tea waiting for me. And maybe a long walk -- or lots of knitting.

The Life of A Perfectionist is Rife With Disappointment

ZOMG!!!!11!! Casting on to Snow Patrol!

Apparently, I haven't heard the latest news on Zach Braff, Snow Patrol, or knitting!:

I can't wait until this DVD comes out. I need to add it to my collection posthaste! With all possible speed! Ahhh!

*Hats off to Steve for this. The Casting On to Snow Patrol DVD cover is brilliant! BRILLIANT!

I Am B-U-M-M-E-D, Bummed, Guys :(

But at least this thing got off to a better start this time:

My friends start coming in tomorrow, starting with Jess, ending with Laura and T-baby on Thursday. It couldn't have come at a better time, y'all.

I want a job. I'm a good worker, I promise. I'm very quiet, and I like to listen to directions, and I don't even take lunch breaks! I like to make my boss happy, and I work late and I don't even mind! Why won't you hire me?

"I just need something to happen. I need a sign that things are gonna change. I need a reason to go on. I need some hope! And in the absence of hope I need to stay in bed and feel like I might die today."

Knitting. And Beer. Let's not forget beer.

The pissy look is completely unintentional, or maybe that's just how I look when I knit.

I love our patio; the table, the chairs...it's my favorite part of the apartment, even if it is also the most under-used. Our new place also has a small balcony/patio. It makes this one look like a football field, but I think I'll be able to fit my dinky table and garden chairs on the inferior balcony. It's the one area that's not completely about space, as long as you can seat two or three people on it. It does make me sad that we never had our poker game with beers and cigars and such, like I had wanted, but hopefully we'll use it a bit when teamawesome (minus a few players) are in town. Yay!

I also decided to photograph the So You Think You Can Hat, even though it wants ear flaps. I might give it to Alisa, though. I can't decide if it's too small for my head, or if it's just small enough. Either way, it will definitely fit Alisa, and I can always make myself another:

Now with pom-pom!

And cables!

I think I know the answer. I just don't want to face it yet.

I dropped a few stitches in the shawl. I have no idea how this happened. Part of me wants to cry, wants to throw a fit, wants to give up. This is a very small part of me, maybe 10%.

A bigger part of me, I'd say 40%, wants to keep going. Pick up the offending stitch like I did the other two (oy vey), and just keep on trucking. I'm on row 37 already.

The remaining 50% wants to start over. From the painful, stupid beginning, with the 5 dpn, the circular cast on, the wanting to cry, and wanting this to just. be. over. Doing a circular cast on is on my list just above poking my eye with a flaming, blunt poker. I ended up just getting to a point where I knew that the needles wouldn't tangle and that took all of my sanity for the evening when I cast on.

This is why, even though the larger part of me knows I've invested a lot of money in this shawl, and it should be perfect by my standards (I can let a few mistakes slide), I also realize I've invested a lot of time in the mess I already have (that isn't so bad, but it's also not blocked. And it's the center. Not some piece in the overall pattern. Unfortunately).

So do I rip it out? Or do I keep going and hope that I won't be really sad when I'm several hundred rows into this shawl instead of a measly 35?

**Edited To Add**