"D" for Done

So, the swatches didn't disappear in the bowl of water; it took a gazillion pins to make them look like the shapes in the example pictures; they looked so much better when they were all rolled up like little sausages. Now to sew the loose yarn in. Simple, maybe. I used to just run those threads right up the sides. Not for the class. Nope, they use something called "duplicate stitch" which means I have to make them look invisible, i.e. loop them through the backs of stitches until they disappear.

Okay, what have I done today to make that happen. I put all the swatches in plastic bags, per the instructions. I wrote all the labels for the swatches, but did not attach them yet because the yarn ends are not hidden yet. Then I spent five hours on the computer reading reviews about awesome knitting apps for iPad and iPhone; bought two apps; wrote reviews for one app that was super; organized the app icons on my phone. Did I mention I never touched the swatches again? I also reviewed word processing and note taking apps for my husband to use in his online degree program and learned a little more about Google Docs and iCloud. The last two are so I can help him with his homework. I am his editor and help with his research. Hey, my education has to contribute somewhere!

So last night I got a bit upset. Remember, this blog is for me from me, right? Well all of a sudden it became important to me that my husband should demonstrate his love for me by reading it so he could understand me better. Never mind that he is working two jobs and taking two online classes toward his own four-year degree. He should be finding the time to show me the love, right? Okay, I got over it. So I told my daughter about it today. She will read it just because that is what we do for each other; we show our love for each other by showing respect for our interests and efforts. It's a mother/daughter thing.

And that brings me to the Ellen show. I really want to write to Ellen to be on her show but I haven't figured out exactly what to say. I haven't survived any great traumas, like health issues or financial loss, at least none I want to discuss on a major TV network. I just love Ellen like everyone else that watches her show, and I miss my daughter. I want a trip to California to see Lisa. Not that I wouldn't have a good use for some of the money she finds to give to people. It would be so nice to set up an education fund for Mark, that's my husband, so he could finish his degree without having to work full time; and the same for Lisa, my daughter, so she could immerse herself in a lifetime study of Yoga throughout the world and share her special spirit with all she meets. But for now, I just want to see my BBG (Bouncing Baby Girl)!

Well, that's enough visiting for today. I have to decide on a program and download it for Mark. Then, must hide yarn tales ... must get to post office and mail swatches ... must ... must ...

The dreaded "B" Word - Blocking

So I belong to TKGA, The Knitting Guild of America. But let me digress. I joined TKGA and discovered something called the Master Knitter's Program. I had to be one. Yes, I love all certificates, degrees, etc. I have an AA, BSBA, Certificate in Library Science (almost), and before I die I will be a Master Knitter with one of those little pins to prove it!

Now, on with the blocking thing. I began the TKGA classes with the Master Class, Level 1. As soon as I had the swatches done and it was time to block them, I froze. I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it for two years. Okay, I had to get past this. By this time TKGA offered another class called Basics, Basics, Basics. Okay, I will take that class before I continue the Master Class, Level 1. Maybe  I will have more confidence if I spend another $100 first.

I finished all the swatches for BBB two weeks ago. It was time to block again. OMG. Frozen again. I have to get past this. I read about, watched YouTube videos about, had nightmares about, whined about, you name it ... I did it about it. Finally, I made a notebook about it. That's right, when you can't do it, organize it!

Today, I actually put the pieces in the water to soak, Step 1. That is where I am headed now, to see if they disappeared or some other horrible thing I didn't even imagine. But wait, I have to clean the kitchen first. The blocking board has to go on the table so that table has to be wiped down, and there are dishes from breakfast still on it because I have been busy creating this blog so I would have another place to whine about blocking, so the dishwasher has to be unloaded and loaded again, but I think I can resist doing the floors, I usually do resist a dirty floor.

Must get up. Must turn away from computer. Must block ...

Why I Decided to Blog

I decided to start a blog just for me. It is a place for me to have conversations with myself. It's kind of like a diary, but not nearly so exciting. Mostly it's about knitting right now, although life can take some unexpected twists now and then, so I am leaving myself open to other conversations with myself as well. I have no expectation that anyone will ever read this but me, and I have blocked comments from others. This is strictly a conversation with me and for me.  So here we go; me, myself, and I.

What I Love

I Love my beautiful daughter doing Yoga.

I love Texas.

I love the sheep that make my yarn.

I love to knit.