Red Scarf update

My knitting group at work has dwindled. One member is going to be telecommuting from several states away. Another member has left altogether. And as you can see, my own progress is not much to write about. Still, one scarf has been completed by one member - our only crocheter!

Book Mooch

A couple of weeks ago, I cleaned out my book shelves (asking myself - and Max - are you really ever going to read this?) and made a pile of all the books to give away, donate, etc. Then I read about Book Mooch in Vegetarian Times magazine. Perfect!

I listed a bunch of books yesterday and immediately received several requests. So far I've given away four books and have three on their way to me. You can check out my inventory of books.

Knitting Badges

I was never a Brownie or a Girl Scout but with the new series of Cast On, here's my chance to earn badges!


The “Knitting Whilst Under the Influence” Badge: As a new knitter, I went to my friend Erin's house for a Stitch n' Bitch. There was knitting, but also lots of talking, snacking, and of course, drinking. Did I have to frog what I had knitted because I drank too much? Nah, what I had knit was "close enough" and I was still a beginner knitter (and the very though of undoing a stitch was painful). Fun times!


The “MacGyver” Badge (Level One): I have used paper clips, hair ties, rubber bands, and miscellaneous circular objects as stitch markers; bamboo skewers with beads on the end and pine dowels with buttons on the end as knitting needles; and safety pins as stitch holders.


The “Proselytize Knitting” Badge: Talking about knitting in a positive light is a no brainer... I usually find a way to work it into most conversations, whatever the situation.


The “I’ve Been Rejected by a Knitting Magazine” Badge: Pattern rejected from Knitty? Check. I don't want to say what because I'm going to try again.

Wizard robe

No pictures today... all the pieces just look like black blobs... but the back, two fronts, and two sleeves are done! Tonight I need to start seaming the shoulders and whatever comes next. I have just over a week to get it done. Good thing he's only turning 2!

Mail!

From Cara:


From Nikki:


Thanks guys! I love getting mail (real mail, not bills) and something homemade is extra special!

Refinishing the kitchen table

I (mostly) take no credit for this project, aside from making the suggestion to Max, because he did almost all the work... Here's all the stages.

Before


After sanding with power tools


After first coat


After the third coat and applying the fourth


And done!

Ladies night

Last night I went out with a bunch of women from my department. We had dinner at Bone Fish Grill. I had the grilled scallops and shrimp with lemon butter sauce and steamed vegetables. It was really good. Lots of talking over dinner... what books we were reading, vacations, and tons of other stuff.

After dinner we went to the movies to see Becoming Jane. The movie was fantastic and I found myself wrapped up in the story, real or not. Anne Hathaway was very engaging and James McAvoy was arresting - those eyes! It was a fun evening out... not bad for a Monday.

Love it, like it, absolutely no way!

From Bella Knitting, via Grumperina, a most interesting meme! What are your limits when it comes to creative pursuits? Mine:

4. Love it! This is my thing:

Knitting, Cooking, Entertaining, Photography

3. I do or have dabbled in it:

• Crochet (when called for in a knitting pattern)
  
• Quilting (highschool)
  
• Sewing (highschool)
  
• Jewelry Making (mostly earrings for me)
  
• Painting or Drawing (college)
• Calligraphy (middle school)
  
• Gardening (childhood)
  
• Flower Arranging (middle school)
  
• Gift Wrapping (college)
  
• Writing (college)
  
• Poetry (college)
  
• Decorating (from time to time)
  
• Graphic Design (card making as a passing fancy)
  

2. I'll give it a try.

• Spinning
• Dyeing
• Scrap Booking

1. I've got absolutely no interest:

• Cross-stitch
• Needlepoint
• Macramé
• Shibori
• Stamping
• Beading
• Paper Making
• Cartooning
• Candle Making
• Doll or Toy Making
• Inventing
• Story Telling, Acting, Stage work
• Video / Film Making
• Music

Red scarf Wednesday

On a day with a forecasted high of 95 degrees, I was not surprised when only one other coworker showed up at lunch today with her stuff, and that the third who joined us had forgotten again. It's difficult for alot of people to think about knitting (or crocheted) in the summer - let alone making scarves in the heat and humidity of August - so I try not to be a nag and just hope that they show up eventually in September when the temperatures start to go down a little.