freak in sheep's clothing

Jaywalker collage

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:50:24 GMT

Jaywalker collage, originally uploaded by Bee Plus.

Super fun knit! I think I love knitting socks, although I will not get much use of them over the next several months. Boo.

Eye Candy Friday: Colour Pencils

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 07:19:57 GMT

color me, originally uploaded by Joits.

Until I properly learn to use my camera, I shall steal/borrow photos my camera-enthusiast brother shoots. He borrowed my pencils and tripod to take this photos, so I think I'm in the clear to post about this for Eye Candy Friday...which I've been a very poor participant.

Colours have taken on another meaning with knitting. I will rarely knit in black, despite loving that colour in my wardrobe. However, ever since I've started knitting, I've become more daring with my colour choices, especially with sock yarn, and even my wardrobe now. It's definitely opened my mind to other options. With Project Spectrum v2.0 full steam ahead, it's also helped inspire me seeing all the other knitters/crafters/artists explore and create different items using all the shades of the rainbow.

Seeing colour definitely affects my mood and I'm trying to use it to help inspire and lift me during difficult and exhausting times. I don't know if it's turning 30 that is making this all come to head but I guess this dour, slightly introspective mood makes sense. I'm not bumming about turning the big 3-0, I suppose it's just coming to terms with what I've done and want to do that tends to happen before/during birthdays that help set my head straight.

Happy Friday! (Soon).

Beard Papa's Yay!

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:29:58 GMT

Beard Papa's Yay!, originally uploaded by Bee Plus.

Ever been to Beard Papa's?

My new favourite dessert. So delicious and delectable. I can prolly eat the entire box in one sitting but I restrain myself. So YUM!

I've stopped posting almost entirely here, but I do still read LJ on almost a daily basis. The knitting blog has been kept up to date but with the rest going on, work, school, downtime...there's not much time for anything else. I'll try...I promise.

nuts

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:26:39 GMT

things are pretty crazy lately with the new job. i barely have time to type anything online. and i'm getting sick. ugh.

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 22:12:19 GMT

I weighed myself last week and today. The scale tells me I've lost 7 lbs. WTF?!! I should be pleased...but man, I think I must be depressed. I admit, I've totally lost my appetite. But really...why eat when you're not hungry? and sitting at home doing nothing? If I just ate and ate, I'd be a whale by now. And I do eat...I actually eat every three hours. =)

Things looking up on the workfront. Yay.

taking it outdoors

Mon, 29 May 2006 22:00:19 GMT

taking it outdoors, originally uploaded by Bee Plus.

It's a beautiful day outside...and since I don't really want to go anywhere today...here is where I am for the day. Just yearning for the outdoorsy life I guess. Too bad it gets too hot in the summer...but today is perfect.

Tribute to Douglas Adams...wear one

Wed, 24 May 2006 22:55:37 GMT

Read this on Boing Boing.

Lack thereof

Tue, 09 May 2006 16:08:18 GMT

I don't mind NOT working at all. But I'm also starting to get worried. Substitute teaching has been soooo slow, I'm not sure what's going on but I felt blacklisted from some paranoid reason. Anyway, been left here untethered and to my own devices and worrying about the next paycheck and where that's even going to come from. Sigh. Mostly it's worrying about money and I hate that. Makes me sad.

Item #8 in EveryGirls Emergency Disaster Kit

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 03:57:37 GMT

A must! It will help me get through todays blahs and blues. An important note to remember, I will ~~try~~ not eat the ENTIRE pint!

In retrospect...

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 08:10:07 GMT

Now that's it's been days away from the drama that happened at the end of my trip (last week)...looking back at the photos, it was good. I learned that sometimes, you just don't need to try that hard. It's exhausting. Ironically, the hardest thing to do sometimes, is just be yourself. Cos, really...how often do we like ourselves?

This is a special person to me, who's made me giggle, laugh, cry, scream and most of all, experience. He's very talented, very frustrating, and very silly. He makes good music too @ PBS.

Lasse Hyperactive

Sat, 22 Apr 2006 07:40:34 GMT

Pretty fun stuff.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9wlmx8qQHiA&search=Lasse%20owns%21

My One Skein Wonder

Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:45:25 GMT

Project: One skein Wonder
Level: Easy
Pattern: Glampyre's Stefanie Japel (a wonderful designer) @ http://www.glampyre.com
Materials: Size 8 circs, size g crochet hook, darning needle.
Yarn: One skein of Cascade Sierra (80% Pima Cotton, 20% wool)about 190 yards
Notes: This was a very, very simple pattern. Although I'm a very slow knitter, it was fairly quick. I learned to crochet using a simple Double Crochet shell pattern to add to the edging rather than do the ribbing that was called for in this pattern. It was very versatile to adjust and make any modifications, in terms of edging.

I haven't the patience yet to knit anything bigger than all these teeny shrugs and sweaters. It just seems so daunting to go into a giant sweater that I know will take me months. I do have one sweater project lined up...but taking my time since I won't even be able to wear til next winter.

How to become a Ninja!

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 07:24:48 GMT

I've been fairly fascinated by Ninjas for a while. This is a must for every Ninja-lover.

{Taken from Rossman's Digest}

Things to do...

Step 1) First things first. You must understand the ninja and all things ninjitsuie.

Find a Ma and Pa video store that rents ninja movies. The crappier and more laughable the movies the better. Also, do not go to a Blockbuster or a Hollywood Video store for step one. The only ninja movies that they will have will be shit like American Ninja IV and Mortal Kombat II. Those are the exceptions to the crap-rule. These American made ninja movies are so craptastic that they will go beyond the "good crappy" and into "bad touch" crappy territory. Plus they will teach you nothing of what it means to be a ninja. They will only educate you on how to waste several million dollars on a shitonic script and bad effects.

Also, when choosing your ninja movies, you must make sure that you do not accidentally rent any "samurai" movies. Sure, they may be good flicks, but the samurai are honorable creatures. Samurai do not stab people in the back, poison drinks while hanging from the ceiling, or wear masks to keep from laughing while they slit open throats. If you mistakenly watch a samurai movie and learn "honor" and "bushido", then you might grow a conscience, and then I would have to kill you in order to keep you from turning into a hated respectful warrior, and an enemy to my teachings. You assbrick.

For the rest....Rossman's How to Guide on How to Become a Ninja

Panta-tastic

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 22:50:59 GMT

Okay, I've been on this tear lately. I made this panta...and also fingerless mittens (no photos) in the space of two days. I've been off work, and hence the free time. I made the items above with two skeins of matching Noro Kureyon yarn...where the colorway comes out oh so lovely. I don't think the photos do justice to the yarn but close enough. It's so hippie-licious. The panta design came from Brazil, and is cooler weather wear. I am gonna knit more I think.

Spent the day wrastling with this computer...bleh, thankgod it's not mine. We've been having major virus issues and so our service was shut down...I really don't know what's up as it isn't *my computer that's having issues. Can I just say...I hate Windows, Dell and Adelphia!!!! There...GRRRRRRR!

Hooray

Sun, 09 Apr 2006 03:36:17 GMT

My second attempt at Glampyre's Minisweater aka Boobholder. I even put a button in this time! I'm trying to finish up loose ends better or else I never end up doing it. This was an easy knit...I am not really excited about it yet cos I can't wear it but soon, soon. Check it out!

Happy, happy, joy joy

Fri, 07 Apr 2006 21:42:31 GMT

Glad to say that ties are finally over with UOP. Yes, it's cost me a pretty penny but I'm done and hopefully will never have to deal with them again. They weren't so bad but today just marks the day that I can move forward AND hopefully on to better things. Yes, I can now say I have my masters degree and credential. I did it!

It's official...

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 21:27:58 GMT

I'm a yarn addict. Today I just purchased 6 balls of Knitpicks sock yarn AND a bag (ten balls) of Polar Rowan. I admit it...this is going a little crazy but I did make good business decisions. I decided that I was no longer going to yarn stores and impulse buy as I spend WAY TOO much money without planning. Buying online saves me a ton, for instance ten balls of Rowan would have originally cost AT LEAST $120 since they are about $12.50 each. I got them for half the price at $6.50 per ball and free shipping. And sock yarn from knitpicks...cheaper than anywhere online or offline. Okay...so I'm being defensive...and guilt tripping now...but trust me, when I get the yarn, I won't! =)

I will be making Ysolda's Apocalypse Hoodie Cardi. She's a fabulous (and young) and talented designer.

It seems like Spring break's started early for me. Whee....I am looking forward to a lil time for some R&R.

The new headgear

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 05:49:07 GMT

So, I can't stop. I get bored easily and knitting hats are quick and easy. Here is the latest...a learning experience as it was the first hat I knit top down. There are loads more I'd like to make in general..but keep moving on to the next one...sigh.

Finally, some pics...

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 22:05:49 GMT

Just wanted to post a couple finished FOs I've recently completed in March. Now waiting for the rains to go away (yes, it's pouring here in Southern Cali) so that I can wear them around.

The first is the Lelah top, made with Rowan Calmer in Joy. I loved working with Calmer and thought it would be perfect with this top, especially for the summer. This yarn is so soft and bouncy. I think I miscalculated the stitch count because it's huge across my chest...but I swear, I did it right!!! I sure hope once I sew the elastic in, that it will work out alright. It's in the process of being blocked right now. This was also my first lace knitted item and was quite simple. A great beginner pattern overall.

Next, the Anthropologie inspired capelet pattern was found on a thread via Craftster. I used some wool purchased online by dreamcometruefarm. It was lovely working with that handspun, hand-dyed wool and this was a very quick knit....

And finally, I just had to show this one off. It came in the mail yesterday from kpixie.com. Pattern for the fitted tank and Blue Sky Alpaca yarn in Expresso. Mmmmmmm....

And a current WIP, a hat from Hip Knits Hats knitted from Cascade Ecological Wool in Mocha. Am loving this yarn. See that GIGANTIC BALL of yarn? That's what happens when you don't have a yarn ball winder!!! Yes, I had to wind all 400 plus yards of yarn myself. Bleh. =)

Grand Canyon: A Lonely Sentry

Mon, 03 Apr 2006 07:44:51 GMT

Grand Canyon: A Lonely Sentry, originally uploaded by Joits.

This pic was taken by my brother and barely even touched up...what an amazing pic. I have to give him big compliments over this photo. He went on a trip to Grand Canyon early March and took hundreds of photos, literally. Beautiful phot.

Things have been busy. I caught a pretty bad cold a couple days ago and still attempted to party this weekend. Not a really good idea and now I'm paying for it. Been congested, all boogery...and it's all nasty. Ugh. Been suffering the blues today...do not feel like showing my face but this photo cheered me up.

*Sigh.

Current project

Mon, 27 Mar 2006 01:34:57 GMT

medium_lelah, originally uploaded by Bee Plus.

This is the Lelah top by Christine over at Knittingforboozehags.com. I'm in the process of knitting this using Rowan Calmer in the color Joy which is a bluish indigo color. Working with Rowan Calmer is amazing, it feels so bouncy for a cotton mix, definitely worth the purchase especially with eBay prices. This is my first lace knitting project and so far so good. It took a little bit getting used and I had to restart the project three times because I kept messing up but fourth time's the charm. I'll take more photos as I progress...once I find a digital camera. I don't have one anymore. I really would like to learn sock knitting...the current project I have is on hold. I'm horrible at finishing stuff!!! Bleh.

Oh twas my birthday last week...time flies...already. I got some really cool presents from Dan. Two Ayurveda cook books and one hat knitting book, and lots and lots of kisses. =) It was good and I'm hoping this year will be a good one.

muah!

monday workday

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 23:21:08 GMT

I really enjoy teaching. I also very much like working with kids because for the most part they are eager, excited and genuine. I've been tutoring alot too but it's burning me out a little just because I also have to drive from home to home. And I very much prefer, the classroom setting. I'm learning that I enjoy the upper grade level alot more. I like the interaction with the students and the fact that if taught correctly, they can pretty much self-manage. That part I love the most because it can leave me teaching them the academics. So far, so good, in the work department. I worked with a 4th/5th grade combo class today. Wow, they were great.

I need to get an early night though, I am pooped and my day is only half over. Bleh.

I would also post more pics but my digital is out of order. Huge bummer. I have quite a bit of finished objects for knitting.

Haha. I like it!

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:15:16 GMT

<td align="center"> BELINDA --
[adjective]:

Like in nature to a train-riding hobo

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com</td>

not alot goin on

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 09:24:14 GMT

It feels like I've been on the road the last few weeks. No matter what, constant commuter and I feel like I'm about to have a nervous breakdown. Trying to keep busy with work, meaning tutoring as much as possible and trying to get any and as much Substitute teaching work whenever I can. It's alot harder to manage than I thought, just because my schedule's totally off. I'm fond of late late nights and sleeping through mornings, so well, you can say me and part-time teaching don't always mix. It also doesn't help having a boyfriend who keeps weird hours too. Right now, I need to focus on working, paying bills (bleh!!!) and keeping an eye on my car. (Possible maintenance due...meaning more bills) Sigh. Need more time...and some luck to come by my way! Well, gonna keep my head down and focus making it through this week.

Finished!

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 22:19:32 GMT

cloche hat, originally uploaded by Bee Plus.

This hat was my first felted project. It was a really quick knit, that resulted in a massive hat (see pic) but when felted turns out beautifully. It was really fun doing it too...I basically put in the wash on hot and shrunk it til it was the desired length. I really loved the way it turned out. I think I will make more too...but use different colors, I'm thinking ahead so prolly will use lighter more spring/summer colors. I am currently working on a felted handbag project, I think that will look awesome too. =)
Oh, Stats on this hat...I used Cascade 220 yarn in Galaxy for the main color and Charcoal for the contrast trim. I got the pattern from pickupsticksonline.com. It took me about a weekend to knit it up on US 10 1/2 circular needles. It was a pain doing the brim but looking back on it, totally worth it. Wheeee