Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Post-Holidays, but still busy

I wanted to put up pics of all the Christmas presents I made for friends and family, but....
I forgot to take pictures before I gave the things away. Moron.
So, instead, you'll have to be satisfied with a list of what I made:
1) a lovely RagTime scarf, which turned out loads better than my first one did.
2) Pink Purse, which I almost wish I'd made into a felt project. Felting = fun. But I really adore how this came out and hope the recipient does too.
3) another Dia scarf, for mum this time.
4) Big Pimpin' Hat for buddy Josh.
5) Chunky Monkey scarf (it's very warm).
6) Shut yo' Keyhole scarf - a 'keyhole' scarf for my brother.
And here's one that didn't make it in time for Christmas, but was still made with lots of love:
Grandma's Head Cozy

This progress shot ain't great but shows the diagonal rib stitch pretty well - I loved it! It looks quite elegant, but was so damned easy that it felt like I was cheating. I couldn't knit in the round, sadly, because I lacked the funds to buy new circular and DP needles. So I had to settle for flat knitting.


And done! This is my stupid test shot, but then the camera batteries died, and I had to present the hat to Grandma shortly after. No time for a photographic fashion show!

The pattern is from Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Knitting, by the way. I substituted the suggested superwash yarn with Lamb's Pride Worsted because that's what I had, but I think the superwash wool would have looked much better.
That's all I have right now. I have several projects going, but I can't seem to focus on one main one. I keep bobbing from one to another in a bored fashion, but I'm not bored! I can't stand the thought of putting any of these projects into hibernation!

Saturday, January 01, 2005

List Mania

Is it just me, or does 2005 have a sort of blase feel to it? I'm not getting very good vibes here.
It's the time of year for a very special event: "Nemo's 2004 in Review," a.k.a: "My Look Back at 2004 is better and shorter than all those craptabulous ones on the telly."
Top 5 Music Albums This Year
1) Franz Ferdinand - [self-titled]. Fun, quirky Scottish retro-Brit-sounding rockers in argyle jumpers. I adore this album to pieces. This passion has become slightly tainted since the band's announcement that they are re-releasing the album with eight new tracks. Those of us who bought the first release are, presumably, fuck out of luck.
2) The Killers - "Hot Fuss." Though the second half of the album is mediocre, the first half is so awesome that you won't much care.
3) Muse - "Absolution." Deliciously dark and brooding, this album is excellent from beginning to end.
4) Erasure - "Hits: The Very Best of Erasure." Okay, I think this came out in 2003, but I got it this year so it makes the list. Erasure kicks the snot out of all other 80's bands. They have sythesizers and they're not afraid to use them!
5) I don't think there's a #5. I lied.
6) Green Day - "American Idiot." Can't believe I almost forgot these guys, but they're too awesome to leave off the list.
Worst news of 2004: Bush is back for a second attack.
Best news: The next HP book is done and will be relesed in July 2005. Also, Mars Volta is coming out with a new CD in February 2005. Did anything else happen? My life is so sad.
Most amusing news: Martha Stupid got put in the slammer. Maybe she'll shut up for awhile.
Best DVD release: "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Platnium extended edition."
I can't remember anything else.
Ya know, I usually don't make new year's resolutions, but this year I've got a whole slew of 'em:
1) Learn to crochet
2) Finish all abandoned knitting projects (I have at least 5 going right now).
3) Drink more water, and cut back further on soda.
4) Start experimenting with dying yarn at home.
5) Work on my sewing skills (they're really pathetic as of now, so this one won't be too difficult).
6) Eat more fruits and veggies (obligatory health-related resolution).
7) Acquire permanent job.
Let's see how well I keep these, yeah?


Enjoy the new year, folks!