tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-171046352024-03-08T15:15:38.014-05:00madhatressI had the nickname first!
My musing on knitting, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and music among other things....madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-22608455615171629372008-07-14T22:54:00.004-04:002008-07-14T23:02:56.617-04:00FO Alert!<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nswaby/Madhatress/photo#5223061161167212738"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/nswaby/SHwKc_-C0MI/AAAAAAAAABE/6d8VjUIvr44/s400/Lil_Daisy.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Finished the baby sweater for my BF's niece (ETA August 21st). Currently working on a matching hat and booties. The pattern for the sweater is <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/PATTdaisy.html">Daisy</a> by the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog">Yarn Harlot</a>. It's from the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitty-summer-2003">Summer 2003 Knitty</a>.<br /><br /><br /></span>madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-35853646942127834522007-04-16T21:57:00.000-04:002007-04-16T22:10:07.526-04:00Mission Accomplished (not so ill-fated project)It was completed....and on time to boot!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3GMdC6ha6h8/RiQp9TC4f_I/AAAAAAAAAAM/sA9Fa3Sx3Tg/s1600-h/Munro+Caplet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3GMdC6ha6h8/RiQp9TC4f_I/AAAAAAAAAAM/sA9Fa3Sx3Tg/s320/Munro+Caplet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5054210814877663218" border="0" /></a>I crocheted this caplet for Chris' mom for her birthday. The actual b-day is not until next Saturday, but we had to have her birthday this Saturday cause his parents are going on a 21 day cruise through the Panama Canal. She'll be spending most of her birthday on a plane or boarding a ship.<br /><br />The pattern I used was <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Wrap_Style/chanson_crochet.asp">Chanson en Crochet</a> from the Interweave Press <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/books/Wrap_Style/default.asp">Wrap Style</a> book, but it is available for free on the Interweave website. I used 4 skeins of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Berroco</span> Cotton Twist and a size 6mm crochet hook. I didn't know her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fav</span> colour, but she said she loved it! So happy and relieved! This is the first time I have made something for someone in Chris' family.<br /><br />Here is why this was supposed to be ill-fated: I bought the yarn Tuesday after work and started Tuesday night. Did more Wednesday, Thursday I did 2 rows that I had to frog cause I f*<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cked</span> it up (damn!). Redid the 2 rows Friday at work, did a boatload more Friday night, then finished, blocked, and sewed on button Saturday.<br /><br />I am so glad I can crochet. Had I knitted something (which was the original plan), I would have a) still been working on it or b) developed a severe stress injury.<br /><br />One more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">FO</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">woot</span>!madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-75810532117941988672007-04-09T22:07:00.000-04:002007-04-09T22:13:13.269-04:00Ill-fated ProjectNad is about to embark on an ill-fated project. She's is seriously thinking of attempting to knit/crochet a shawl/caplet/shoulder-warmer-thingee in less than a week. Let it be known that the aforementioned unnamed object is <span style="font-style: italic;">not on needles yet, and may not be created out of stash yarn!</span><br /><br />Here are your options:<br />1) Press 1 to talk her out of this foulhardy venture, and remind her about the power of a gift certificate<br />2) Encourage her to carry on! Sleep is overrated anyway, and her co-workers will make sure no planes fall out of the sky, due to overweight engines...<br />3) Two words: sick days *cough, cough*<br />4) Curl up in a ball in the corner, rock back and forth, and try to block out those horrid Christmas Eve flashbacks....<br /><br />There would be more options, but I have to rip apart the stash again in a desparate attempt to find something suitable.....madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-91873228432400119092007-03-27T21:32:00.000-04:002007-03-27T21:46:23.239-04:00The AMAZING RazrI know, haven't posted in too long but I had to now.....<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Razr</span> is the hardiest cell out there today.<br /><br />I know, it looks all fragile and thin, especially when you got the pale pink, but here is my story of woe and amazement.<br /><br />I late January, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Razr</span> up and disappeared. I was at the 'rents when I noticed it wasn't in my purse. I tore about their house, my purse, my car, drove all the way to my apartment and looked there, drove back to their house and looked, and called <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fortinos</span> to see if I dropped it there. Nothing. That was a cold Saturday, with an even colder Saturday night, and Sunday.......<br /><br />Monday I got thee to the Bell store and got myself an new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Samsung</span> m500 with my $200 credit. I still had to fork out $100, and Bell later dinged me $35 "upgrade fee" (which they don't TELL you about. Bastards! I called and complained and we worked it out. Still don't like 'em).<br /><br />I got used to the new phone, it's tiny size, even smaller memory card, and it's cool features, but I stilled pined for my little pink friend (esp. since it sync so nice with my PC. Damn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Samsung</span> for not making sync software!).<br /><br />One day to weekends ago, the parents called. Dad pulled into the driveway and saw a pink cell phone! He didn't know who it belonged to, but my brother told him my tale of way. I said I'd get it Monday. No rush, I thought, it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">prolly</span> dead anyway.<br /><br />My pink friend came home with me last week Monday. I plugged it into the charger to see what would happen......it started charging! I got excited. I decided to turn it on and it came on and found the Bell network. I made a call to see what would happen......a Bell automated message telling me to phone them!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">SSSSSSSSWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT</span>!!!<br /><br />It still syncs, takes pics, holds a charge for more than an week, the mic works as it recognizes voice commands, it's ALL there baby!<br /><br />I thought about keeping it, but aside from the syncing annoyance, it's got more features and I prefer the size.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SOOOOOO</span>.....as much as I love my pink <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Razr</span>, I think it will find a new life with a new owner after an eBay auction. I say this now but I could change my mind.........<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Samsung</span> is an awesome phone.......but the pink is so cute........<br /><br />Damn.madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-55615108754917583472007-01-08T22:04:00.000-05:002007-01-08T22:06:21.096-05:00SexybackHere is a question that was brought up by one of my cousins over the holidays (I'm parapharsing a bit 'cause I don't remember the exact wording):<br /><br />Where did sexy go, and who designated Justin Timberlake to bring it back?<br /><br />If you have the answer, just throw it in the comments sections. If we put our heads together, we can figure it out.madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-25248055358807467662007-01-08T21:56:00.000-05:002007-01-08T22:03:39.290-05:00Happy New Year!Yes, I know it's a week late, but better late then never.....<br /><br />So I'm back from Jamaica! It was fun...and hot. I went to spend Christmas with the family, and the added bonus was my cousin got married on December 23rd. The wedding was good, the reception OK, the food poisoning the next day....not good at all. I didn't get it, but I know quite a few people that were suffering. I have a lot of pics of the big day, that (hopefully) I will get around to posting soon. I also have drunken New Year's pics. Well actually, at the time the pics were taken, no one was drunk. In fact only one person got drunk (10+ drinks in 2 hours will do that). Anyway, must post pics!<br /><br />New Years Resolutions (Don't know why I bother)<br /><ol><li>Lose weight: just a little, don't want to be all Nicole Ritchie-like</li><li>Work out at least 3 nights a week</li><li>STOP BUYING YARN!!!</li><li>Go through yarn bins and get rid of stuff that has absolutely no plan, nor any hope of a plan.</li><li>Sew more, quilt more</li></ol>I think that's it. Five is often enough. Oh wait, there is one more:<br />Post on blog more oftenmadhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1163260221539946182006-11-11T10:36:00.001-05:002006-11-11T10:50:21.553-05:00One Big-Ass updateAs I haven't posted in a while, I figure I'll stuff a bunch of items into one post!<br /><br />1) I went on the <a href="http://ttcknit.blogspot.com/">TTC Knit-A-Long</a> on October 28th. I was on the North team and we hit AlterKnits (awesome new store at St.Clair W and Oakdale. They even serve food!), Knitomatic (Where Haley was kind enough to give us a goody bag of sock yarn and Reese Peanut butter cups), and Lettuce Knit (where our Sophie went nuts on the Lorna's Laces......again).<br /><br />As for my swag, I didn't spend too much, just enough. And I bought no "random yarn" (def: yarn that you buy with no project in mind, just cause 'it's pretty' or 'it's on sale'. this yarn usually spends a LOT of time in your stash).<br /><br />Check out the picks of my coat, Elvis (yes he knits!), and Sophie's mountain on <a href="http://unplumbedshallows.blogspot.com/2006/10/me-buy-yarn-on-ttc-knitalong-thats-as.html">Sophie's blog</a>.<br /><br />2) Socks are done! YAY my first pair of socks for me. I promise to post a pic later.<br /><br />3) Work is busy. TOO BUSY. At least I am getting overtime pay so I can cover my aforementioned knit-a-long swag.<br /><br />4) Just started a shawl to wear to my cousin Trevor's wedding next month. I still have to start <span style="font-style: italic;">sewing </span>the dress (no, I am not <span style="font-style: italic;">knitting </span>a dress. That would be extra stupid crazy).<br /><br />That's it for now! Off to Queen Street to get rattail cord for my dress (thou shall not go to Romni, thou shall not go to Romni....)madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1162267835171766522006-10-30T23:03:00.000-05:002006-11-11T10:35:21.543-05:00Creativ Festival GoodnessThe Creativ Festival was many weekends ago (I know, extra-slow blogger. I try). I went on a Saturday, which is unusual for me. I usually go on a Thursday or Friday night to avoid fabric-snatching old ladies, but I took 2 classes. The first was on machine knitting, which was very good. Makes me want to get a decent knitting machine, but I think I will master the $2-garage-sale Classic Bond first. The second class was continental knitting (I'm a right-handed thrower, like most in these parts). It takes a while to get the tension sorted out, but once you do, knitting is a breeze. Purling, however, leaves something to be desired.<br /><br />As for the "show" itself: almost no knitting stuff. As usual, quilter's stuff was out in full force. So I loaded up on quilting and sewing stuff, and only got 3 knitting-related items: Addi Turbos (for $12 from Headwaters Wool) and 2 magazines. <br /><br />OOOOHHHH!! And I was under budget to boot!madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1159593506471255242006-09-30T01:03:00.000-04:002006-09-30T01:18:26.483-04:00A little Gauging SnafuFirst off, I want to say that <a href="http://www.toolband.com">Tool</a> at the Molson Ampitheatre last Saturday was AWESOME!! If any of you get a chance to see them live, TAKE IT!!<br /><br />On to the snafu...<br />When I first saw the Gatsby Girl Pullover in the <a href="http://www.interweave.com/knit/interweave_knits/Default.asp">Fall 2006 Interweave knits</a>, I knew I had to knit it.<br /><br />So I bought the yarn (a substitute, too poor for Rowan), got out my needles (3.5 mm) and set out to gauge this sucker. The pattern says 28 sts and 36 rows = 4" on larger (3.5 mm) needles. So I cast on about 30 sts and knit a few rows in stockinette stitich.<br /><br />WAY to few stitches per inch.<br /><br />So I tried 3.25 mm. Same result. As 3.25 was my smallest single point needles, I went to the <a href="http://www.headwaterwool.com/WebStore/hw_home.aspx">Headwater Wool</a> site to look into getting some smaller Addi straights. I decided to look at my LYS instead because Headwater doesn't carry quarter sizes (at least on their website they don't). The Addi straights there were too pricey, so I went to Wal-Mart and got Boye 2.75mm.<br /><br />Still too few stitches per inch.<br /><br />Then I took a good look at the pattern and realized something: the pattern only has a small stockinette section at the bottom of the pullover. The rest is mostly rib stitch (k1, p1).<br /><br />So again with the 3.5 mm, using the right stitch. In the end, the right needle size was 3.75 (another trip to Wally's for some Boye's).<br /><br />So the moral of the story is: Read the pattern first! (Especially if the stitch type isn't clearly stated in the gauge section).<br /><br />Now if only I can make this pullover in less than a year....madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1158806461068801552006-09-20T22:27:00.000-04:002006-09-20T22:46:51.186-04:00...And nobody lost an eye!But someone picked up extra stitches (10!) making a scarf, but we won't talk about it. After all, it was the yarn, not the six Coors light! But I digress...<br /><br />Last Friday, I hung out with <a href="http://teamcanada2006.blogspot.com/">drunken knitters</a> (because, you know, sober knitters are WAAAAY too normal!). When I told a certain redhead, he said "Someone's gonna lose an eye." No eyes or other body parts were lost, but fun was had! And I have 2 pictures to prove it.<br /><br />Here is one of Sophie's super-neat skeleton, chillaxing in a sock designed and made by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/600740">rocketbride</a>. Look for it (hopefully, fingers crossed) in a <a href="http://www.knitty.com">knitty</a> near you (if she can find a suitable photographer).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/885/1641/1600/15-09-06_2124.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/885/1641/320/15-09-06_2124.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>NOTE: Sock pattern does not include skeleton.<br /><br />Here is another awesome pic. Yours truly forgot her tape measure (and this is before the drinking started!) and I had to borrow one. Sophie's tape measure came with a few extras...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/885/1641/1600/15-09-06_2214.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/885/1641/320/15-09-06_2214.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>There's an arm-warmer and a few other objects I can't identify. Oh, and if you look closely, you can actually see the tape measure.<br /><br />Good times, good times. I think I'll do it again next month!madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1144370586129560952006-04-06T20:34:00.000-04:002006-04-06T20:43:06.183-04:00Times they are A-Changing.....New Year, New life. Including new boyfriend, which may shock some of you. <br /><br />Truth be told, there were three things that were keeping me in my old relationship: Love, fear, and obligation. I think that towards the end, there was way more fear and a ton more obligation than there was love. And there was a bit of resentment thrown in for good measure. I mean, here I am at 27 and I kinda feel like I squandered my youth. And I ain't getting any younger. I just settled down to young because I was extremely afraid of ending up alone. Now I am alone (well at least living alone) and it isn't so bad. I am trying new things, and I intend to move back to Toronto by June 1st. Woohoo!<br /><br />In other news: I am current destashing books, yarn and fabric on ebay. Just search for user <span style="font-weight: bold;">madhatress.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span>So, if anyone know of an apartment available in the West end of Toronto, let me know!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span>madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1129687208925812462005-10-18T21:46:00.000-04:002005-10-18T22:00:08.933-04:00CSNF GoodnessLong time no post!<br /><br />So I went to the <a href="http://www.csnf.com">Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival</a> last Thursday afternoon. Lots of quilting cotton goodness, with some yarn goodness on the side. My poor VISA is still in recovery...<br /><br />I enjoyed the show, but I found that most yarn crafters (knitters, etc) did not because of the lack of knitting wares. There was a crap load of scrapbooking stuff, which is weird cause it is a NEEDLEWORK festival. Not that there is anything wrong with scrapbooking....<br /><br />Anyway, now I got MORE crafting stuff to pack! Good thing I bought a lot of bins this weekend!<br /><br />In other crafting news, after I get moved I will start posting picks of my WIPs and FOs for all you crafters out there.madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1128638562495856082005-10-06T18:33:00.000-04:002005-10-06T18:42:42.500-04:00Movin' on upSo we got a place in Georgetown. Nice 2 bedroom, basically half of a house. Recently renovated, nice looking. A little more then I wanted to spend, but after seeing a "cheap" apartment in Acton, I was scared straight!<br /><br />If anyone has a washer/dryer for sale, let me know!<br /><br />It is almost Thanksgiving! This year I get 2 dinners, one at BF's aunt, one with the 'rents. As usually I will be making 4 pumpkin pies (2 for each shindig). I'll do the first two tonight. Mmm...pumpkin pie....<br /><br />Only one week to the <a href="http://www.csnf.com/">Creative Sewing and Needlework Festival</a>! I am going to doff half a day and go early this year. <br /><br />Note to the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/10/03/weenies.html">weenie </a>(and any other flyers "scared" of knitting needles): The damn things are DULL anyway! I mean, you would need a sledge hammer to break any skin, and I think you would bend the needle first anyway! And beside, and knitter worth their salt would <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> give up a needle to a terrorist!<br /><br />Some people's kids....madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1128043016361129312005-09-29T21:15:00.000-04:002005-09-29T21:16:56.366-04:00The Hunt is on...I hate looking for a place to live. Usually most places are either a) uber-expensive or b) cheap but crap. There are very few that are just right, but they get snapped up fast. I'd better make some <a href="http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/CNBCTV/TV_Info/P108231.asp">Mad Money</a> fast, so I can get a house! Wish me luck in the hunt!<br /><br />Hey knitters! Dial this number for support: <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2005/09/26/burt_its_been_a_slice.html">1-877-SOS-KNIT</a> (toll free in Canada and the US)madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1127957120428815142005-09-28T21:15:00.000-04:002005-09-28T21:25:20.433-04:00MW ReunionWoot! My old high school is having a <a href="http://maryward.myevent.com/">20 year reunion</a> (Note: It's 20 years since the school has been around, not my 20 year class reunion! I'm a young'in!) I'm not sure if I am going yet, as it is 30 bones, and I'm not so sure about the "Home-grown" talent thing.... I will have to consult with other people I know and see if anyone else will be there.<br /><br />Fav quote: "i am behind in a self-paced program" -david payumo<br /><br />HAHA! Wonder what ever happened to him?madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17104635.post-1127656053881207732005-09-25T09:46:00.000-04:002005-09-25T09:47:33.886-04:00I have a blog!Guess I have crossed over to the dark side....madhatresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13277666019438274407noreply@blogger.com0