Month: March 2006

  • sleepy wednesday

    First of all, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! I’ve gotten loads of fabulous responses to my survey. I’m going to keep it up for a little while more, so if you haven’t answered it, scroll and down help me out! Yes, I’ll post some of my results when it’s all done ; )

    I actually have REAL knitting progress to show. I finally blocked the black v-neck sweater. Unfortunately…the photos didn’t come out so well. Night time, and my nice new camera is away on vacation.

    It’s black. It’s a top down v neck. It’s cozy. And not as large/frumpy as I thought it was going to be, which is a good thing!

    black v-neck pulli
    Pattern: my own
    Yarn: Louet Gems Topaz (worsted weight), 2 cones and a bit
    Needles: Denise US 7
    Finished: hmm…a few days ago.

    Unlike a lot of sweaters where the first wash/block results in a more drapey, looser fabric, this one actually tightened up a bit – not sure if it’s because I spun it in the washer, or what, but it’s great. Feels more substantial. Love the yarn, it’s the same one I used for my Olympic sweater, only worsted weight. And since I used the 1/2 pound cones, very few ends!

    Cable/rib pieces are all done.

    I had a bit of a panic attack when I soaked the sleeves – they grew, and grew, and GREW. Ridiculously long. So I threw the pieces in the dryer for about 15 minutes – the yarn is superwash, so I suspect that’s why it went funny. We’ll see what happens when I block the back and fronts. I expect the fronts won’t grow quite as much because of the cables, but I could be wrong. Just some sewing and a collar, and some sort of fasteners, and we’re done! Of course, that’s all some time and energy consuming work that I might not be up to for awhile.

    FBS continues. I’m done 8 repeats of the main pattern (calls for 7, but I’m using smaller yarn) and I think I’ll do…one or two more repeats before going onto the edging. I’m getting a bit bored of it, actually. Should be done tomorrow at SnB, maybe.

    Finally, since some projects are coming off the needles, I need a fresh one! I’ve actually already started this: the dreamcatcher medallion cardigan from loop-d-loop.

    I’m using elann Highland Silk in “oxblood”, and it’s working up really, really nicely. Soft and smooth, with that dryness from the silk. It’s really a rich colour as well. Love it!

    I think I’m going to need to started some more projects soon…I need some inspiration.

  • help a gal out

    Survey is closed. Thanks to everyone that participated!

    So. As most (or all) of you know, I’m a university student at the moment – I go to the University of Toronto, and am double majoring in biology and linguistics (yeah, I know). One of the courses I’m taking right now is “Canadian English”, a linguistics course taught by Jack Chambers – he’s THE GUY where Canadian linguistics is concerned.

    When I spoke to him about my research paper topic, I said I had a knitting blog (he said: “wow! really?”) and suggested that it might be a good way to get some data.

    So here we are! Please please PLEASE help me out and take my survey! It’s a bit long looking, but the questions are easy, I swear. Canadians and Americans are welcome, although I really to want to emphasize native Canadian English speakers. None of your identifying information will be used.

    You can copy and paste this into an email to me, or answer in the comments!

    THANKS! And get the word out if you can!

    …oh, and did I mention, there might even be a random draw for tokens of my appreciation…but that’s not why you’ll help out, right? ;)

    Please answer all questions as you would speak in casual conversation.

    LIN201 Survey
    ABOUT YOU:

    Sex: __________________

    Education (all that apply): ___________________________
    grades 1-8
    grades 9-12
    university
    community college
    (Quebec) Grades 1-6
    (Quebec) sec 1-5
    (Quebec) CEGEP 1-3

    Age: _________
    14-19
    20-29
    30-39
    40-49
    50-59
    60-69
    70-79
    over 80

    Your Occupation: __________________________
    Your birthplace: Where were you born? _____________
    Where do you live now? ______________________
    Where were you raised from ages 8 to 18? _______________
    Where was your father born? _____________________
    What is/was your father’s occupation? _______________
    Where was your mother born? ____________________
    What is/was your mother’s occupation? ________________

    How often do you use English? Choose from: always, often, seldom, never

    At home: ___________
    At work: ___________
    With your friends: ___________
    With your relatives: ___________

    QUESTIONS:

    For the following question, please look at the picture and write down your response. Please answer this question before continuing onto the rest of the survey. Please answer with what you would normally use in casual conversation, NOT what you think you “should” say.
    1. What would you call this: _______________________________

    (Photo from http://www.ssa.gov/deposit/)

    2. With regards to the picture above, how would you rate your use of the following:
    always, often, sometimes, rarely, never

    line: ___________
    lineup (line-up): ___________
    queue: ___________
    checkout: ___________
    cash: ___________
    other (please specify): _______________________________

    3. Please fill in the following, using what you would normally use, NOT what you think you “should” use:

    a. We were _______ line for fifteen minutes.
    b. We had to ____________ in line to talk to the administrator.
    c. There was a huge ________________ at the bank. (any of the choices from question 2)
    d. There was a huge ________________ at the grocery store. (any of the choices from question 2)

    4. What would you call this: _______________________

    (Photo from http://www.fotosearch.com)

    THAT’S IT!

    Email me with your answers or leave it in the comments!

    Thanks again!

  • a spot o’ spinning ‘n’ knittin’

    I’ve only a bit of business to report today – seems the last couple days have gotten away from me! Above is my “in progress” spinning basket. On the left is some beauuuuutiful fleece artist wool/silk, one bobbin done (will be 2ply); on the right is some of my dyed bfl, one bobbin done (also 2ply). After I’m done these I think I’ll try to finish up the soy silk/wool that I was working on before, and then back to more bfl…and merino…and I need to find some time to dye some more merino. Hm. Big heap of spinning!

    In knitting, I’m still working on the back of the cable/rib. Bor-ing, but it’s going fairly fast. I should block the finished sleeves now so I don’t have to do it later! Oh, and I finally blocked the black vneck, so photos of that should be up soon. I feel like I’m stagnating on the knitting projects lately, it’s not that I’m not inspired, but there is the push of schoolwork to get in the way.

    Speaking of which, check back later today (or check your bloglines) and I’ll have something up that I need your collective help with!