blogs

Absolutely Vile
Caroline in NH
Claudia
Crafty Bitch
Daphne the Serial Knitter
Knotology
Moral Fiber
Not Martha
Stasia's Place of Grace
Supergirl
Super Eggplant
Tricoquelicot
Velma in Humbolt

crafty links
fuzzygalore
Laura Lee Fritz
Sew Wrong
Sarah Peasley
Get Crafty

stores
Imagiknit
The Web*sters
Royal Yarn

dead corner
GD Lyrics
GD Lyric & Song Finder

finished projects

Vintage Knits
Lacy Cami

Rowan #25 Alice
Lacy Cardie

Cheesylove

Regia Paris Socks

Double Flower Dishcloth

Lorna's Laces Sherbet
Straight Laced Socks

Sunset Socks

Fuzzy Feet


Julia's Sweater

Oak Leaves & Acorns Lace Scarf

Julia's Strawberry Hat

contact...Stella
Tell her how much you like her blog. Be kind... she doesn't take rejection well.

Sunday, August 30, 2003

The ride was excellent. According to the map it was 30.1 miles. If you have heard of runner's high, I had biker's delirium. It is sooo great to be riding along, feeling the sun and the air, especially when you build up some speed and just fly along. It's called the Nicasio loop. It starts in Fairfax, CA, where they invented mountain biking. The first challenge of the ride is a 600' incline. It sucks when people pass you while you are working really hard just to make it. But I made it without getting off the bike and the sweet reward is the long downhill. The ride continues for a while along Sir Francis Drake Blvd to Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Curvy shady road through the redwood trees, just awesome. I turned off onto Platform Ridge Road, which leads to Petaluma. There is 1280' Black Mountain on the way, but luckily, the road goes around it! It's beautiful, not black at all, just golden. Then I got to the reservoir, which is of course, all even & flat road. Riding around it was just fun, fast and sunny. I was so psyched. Nicasio is next. It's a tiny little town with a one-room schoolhouse, so cute. Beyond Nicasio, I started to get tired. I had to work and it was slow going. I had to get over another 500' surprise mountain, oh, that was hard! Once I got over it, another awesome downhill back to SFD. Then I got to do an other 4 miles of restfull, flat road until I got back to that mountain from the beginning. I had a few moments of doubt that I would make it, but I did, without getting off the bike, though I was in the lowest gear possible. When you go up a curvy mountain, the best moment is when you see the horizon. That's the peak, and you know after that, you get speed!! I love speed.

I got back to the Fairfax town park and just crashed for a while. I found a cute Mexican restaurant which old burritos named after famous Mexicans - La Frida Kahlo, El Diego Rivera, El Che, El Carlos Santana just to name a few. Then I bought a cute sundress.

I wore the lucky bike socks! Yes, I finished them the night before. Today, I spoke to my SIL Angelina who says my niece Julia might like a Winnie the Pooh sweater. With 3D ears, please. Awwww. Won't that be cute. I'll have to do that for Christmas. Today, I'll go the yarn store and meet some other Urban Knitters, and if I get with it, I might even make it to Japantown for a Winnie the Pooh pattern. Something tells me, the Japanese have them.

posted by Stella 10:56 AM

Friday, August 28, 2003

Sleeve is done. But no picture, sorry, it's pretty boring and pretty much the same as what I posted below. The second sock is proceeding, too. I turned the heel yesterday and got very irritated. I thought I would remember how I did the first one, but not so. I had to try about 5 times but then it was ok. And I did it at work, (secretely and under my desk) because it was sooo boring here.

This weekend, I'm going to do that bike ride I've been talking about. It starts in Fairfax, goes through Samuel P. Taylor State Park, turns right and goes over the mountain to Nicasio reservoir, around it, back to Nicasio, San Geronimo and back to Fairfax. I will take my camera and I will post pictures of beautiful NoCal nature. Got my Odwalla bars, water bottle & map ready. And if I keep working at them tonight, I can wear my lucky bike socks!!!

Sunday is Urban Knitters, and Monday is the A La Carte, A La Park festival in Golden Gate Park. I like Susan Tedeschi. She reminds me of Janis Joplin, only less dysfunctional. Sounds cool, don't it? Sometimes I feel lonely on holidays because I don't have family here but when I remember to keep busy, it's ok.

posted by Stella 12:12 PM

Wednesday, August 27, 2003

Well, I bounced back from that pretty fast. After all, it was just a one date situation.

I'm knitting the heel flap on the second Koigu sock. I totally got into the zone last night, working that K2, P2 cuff. It's too cool when my hands start moving automatically. It's pretty interesting the way our brains retain this memory, considering that I didn't knit for about 10 years. I'm able to pick it up pretty much where I left off. I took the socks to work today and got plenty of strokes. Hopefully, I inspired my students as well!

Miss Gina reminded me that I was Miss Group Organizer and that we are supposed to knit on Sunday afternoon. So I sent out my friendly reminder for Urban Knitters, posted an ad on CL and answered a nice girl's ad who was looking for knitting buds.

In keeping with Anna's thoughts today, I definitely agree. I totally don't do groups. In a group situation, I'm a wall flower. I look friendly and smile a lot but I don't make eye contact or initiate conversation. People often think I'm arrogant or stuckup. I'm not, I just don't know what to say! I went to City Spinners because I really wanted to learn how to spin - and they turned out to be so friendly & welcoming. I started my own knitting group mostly because it's too difficult to get home from the other group I knew about. But I procrastinate doing the work it takes to keep it going. I don't want to be alone all the time, but I'm extremely uncomfortable dealing with people I don't know very well either, so it's a vicious cycle.

That brings me to the next topic - Amy's thoughts. Right above are all the reasons why I like to blog. Writing it is therapeutic. I can sort out my thoughts. It's at a safe distance to other people, and yet, friendly people who relate to my odd thoughts keep coming back. I love my readers and I love "me too" comments - it makes me feel less alone. Compared to email lists, blogs are way better - no flames, no repetitous topics, and if noone responds, oh well, I'm writing this page mostly for myself anyway...

posted by Stella 5:40 PM

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Oh, I am soooo bummed... I had not even mentioned it here for fear of jinxing it but I went out with a guy I was really interested in. I had a great time, we shared the same interests, he had excellent manners, we were supposed to have a second date tonight, but he has to cancel cause he has to resolve issues from the past first, in other words, his exgirlfriend called him up last night. Aaaarrrrgh. I'm going to have to do a reeeally loooong bike ride now.

Here is the sleeve, just to make this a knitting related entry:

posted by Stella 10:23 AM

Sunday, August 24, 2003

Yay weekend! It's hot and sunny already. Where is the fog, my friend? I took pictures yesterday of the furniture for sale in the garage, washed the car & cleaned the garage. I think the construction upstairs is finally finished so no more construction junk next to my car - and no more gypboard dust on my car's paint. Can you tell I'm anal about the car? Yes, I am. Build your own here.

I'm very relieved this morning. There was an icky smell in my apartment but thank God, it's gone. It reminded me of Bridget Jones. But I haven't visited my Mom lately, and she hasn't put any little steaks in my suitcase. The cats would proudly show me any dead mice, it's not the garbage, it consists of coffee grounds. It was not the kitty litter - I wish, I could clean that.
Anyway, things are much better now. Y'all can come visit again.

Miss Emma's comment was a self-fulfilling prophesy. Thanks, Emma! The sleeves are indeed flying! It is so much easier to knit a piece with only one of those super-complicated cables. I'm less headachy, too. I found that doing the downward dog / upward dog/ child's pose helps stretch the right muscles. And I'm following Claudia's rule of second sock syndrome prevention - I started the second Koigu sock right away.

So we are having a groovy weekend out here. I bought a new book, The Fingersmith by Sarah Waters yesterday and I can already tell I'm going to love it. I think I'll take it to the park along with some lemonade and my knitting and catch some rays.

We won the bathroom battle at work. We had a problem with the boys using the Ladies' Room - and leaving a mess on the floor. So we decorated it in pink, made a nice basket with feminine hygiene products, we have all kinds of perfume & lotions everywhere, a unicorn, silk flowers, etc. We mentioned it in the status meeting which started the same old discussion until the new boss got it, looked around with a look of consternation and said, come on guys, everyone use their own bathroom. That was it. Yeah, new boss!!!

posted by Stella 10:01 AM

 

Friday, August 22, 2003

Progress & Yard Sale! I guess my readers lead full and satisfying lives and don't need to bother with silly little interview games. But, that's ok, at least I don't have to come up with the questions.

So there's knitting progress! I finished the first Koigu sock, and I even learned that mysterious kitchener stitch. I can share the instructions, if you are interested.

Last night, I also finished the back of the cabled jacket. Yay! On to the sleeves. Sleeves are boring - does anyone else think so? I have 3 and a half on my to-do list. But I'll finish one of these sweaters before I start the next one. Miss Helen is ordering my celery color Cascade 220 at the end of the month, so we have a good schedule going here.

(click for larger view)

I'm selling the following items:

1. The green bike, women's size M (great for someone 5'2", like me) - specs & pic ($150)
2. Antique, "as-is condition" folding leaves table ($30)
3. Antique, "as-is condition" sheet music cabinet ($40)
4. Cool computer desk from BusVan ($60)
5. Wedding ring set
6. Messenger bag ($20)
7. $35 commuter check or Fast Pass ($30)
8. (4) prescription pills, legally obtained, for the male interest
9. 1 pair of 5" stiletto heels, black, ankle straps, great for dancing, size 7

More pictures, prices, and links to follow this weekend.

posted by Stella 11:59 AM

Tuesday, August 18, 2003

The Interview Game.

1. You do not talk about interview game. Leave a comment, saying you want to be interviewed.
2. I will respond; I'll ask you five (deep, introspective, psychologically challenging) questions.
3. You'll update your website with my five questions, and your five answers.
4. You'll include this explanation.
5. You'll ask other people five questions when they want to be interviewed.

My questions came from Jen over at MonkeyKnits (a cool blog with a totally cute monkey!) who got hers from Paul at funkwit - the guy who need the stuffed giraffe, Clarence.

1. What is your earliest childhood memory?
hmmmmm. I do remember living with my parents in their student housing when my Dad was a college student. I remember my Dad getting me to change the channel or the volume on the TV. This was before there were remote controls. I also remember that the kitchen had no windows, and I closed the door on my Mom. And I remember looking into their closet and finding my Christmas presents. But I didn't know the meaning of Christmas presents yet, so my Mom's reaction was a surprise to me. I must have been 2 or 3.

2. If you could only eat one kind of food for an entire year, what would it be?
Oh man, Jen. Nutritional nightmare. Probably some kind of power bar so I could get my vities & fiber! Am I allowed water?

3. What is your favorite TV show? Why?
But I'm trying to not watch TV! It used to be That 70's Show. LUV that Ashton Kutcher guy - mmmmmmm. Now I like those Whenever-House historial reenactment reality shows on PBS (geeky taste, huh?)

4. Who is your role model and why?
Jackie Kennedy for her sense of fashion and composure in the face of crisis.

5. What is your favorite kind of yarn (brand, fiber, etc.)?
Brand - right now, it's Koigu. In general, most yarn by Debbie Bliss and Rowan. Fiber - wool & microfiber blend. Color - blue and anything variegated.

***

So, if you read my comments, you'll see my little brother made an appearance! Hey, I didn't know he reads this stuff! We better keep it clean.

***

City Spinners meets tonight! I've plied almost all of the Shades of Sky fiber, so when I get done with that, I need a new spinning project. 7PM - Park Branch Library basement in SF.

posted by Stella 12:31 PM

Monday, August 18, 2003

The BIKE, Koigu & The Hours. So you're reading the blog of a new bike owner today! I went back for the third time yesterday to test drive the Specialized Sirrus vs the Bianchi Brava one, last, time. Decided I was definitely not ready for dropped handles. And since I had justified it last week, I finally made the purchase! The really weird thing about it is that I do not remember giving them my credit card, but I do have receipts. So either I have memory problems or they will call me shortly...

Here is the (2nd) beginning of the Koigu socks. I love, love, love this yarn. I had knitted the entire thing last night, but it looked weird, like it would fit a person with a club foot. Too weird and embarrassing to take a picture of, in fact. I think I knitted the heel for too long. I"m using a Plymouth yarn pattern which says to knit the heel (the part where you knit back & forth) like so: Row 1: *K1, Sl1*, Row 2: Sl1, *P* to the end of the row. It makes the back of the heel really padded and I like it. The cuff is K2, P2 ribbing, and I'm doing it for 4" so I can fold it over and have cute little ankle socks.

If you are dedicated reader of Stella Knits, you may remember I gave up on reading The Hours a while ago, on account of no action and too boring. I gave it another try last night and watched the movie - oh, I cried! And I never cry during movies. But this one moved me. When Laura Brown's husband says he had "the idea of happiness" while in the South Pacific, that hit home. If only Virginia and Laura had that idea... and if Laura had only told him how she felt... I will watch this one again, for sure.

posted by Stella 10:23 AM

Saturday, August 16, 2003

Yeah, weekend. Neglected to make plans for anything superexciting, so I'm sitting here, cruising blogs, and found funkwit, by a nice Aussie dude named Paul in Melbourne, via Anna. So Paul's little baby Alice lost her favorite toy, Clarence, in a fire. So sad. And he's trying to find her a new one. Awww. I kinda doubt that they make them around here, and not having kids myself, I'm not up on current toys, but you might be. So check out his site, and if you have one of these, you can make his little girl happy.

posted by Stella 10:40 AM

home

Previous | Next

Taseti & Sunshine

Knitting & Spinning

Cabled Hooded Jacket Saffron Waffle Socks

Cable Jacket

Saffron

Waffle Socks

Koigu Socks

Percentage bars from AnnaKnits

reading

blog archives
Feb 01 - Feb 14, 03
Feb 15 - Feb 28, 03
Mar 01 - Mar 15, 03
Mar 16 - Mar 31, 03
Apr 01 - Apr 15, 03
Apr 15 - Apr 30, 03
May 1 - May 16, 03
May 17 - May 30, 03
June 1 - June 15, 03
June 16 - June 30, 03
July 1 - July 15, 03
July 16 - July 31, 03
Aug 1 - Aug 15, 03