tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57072162011-04-21T13:16:36.551-07:00The life and times of a hooker...Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.comBlogger2601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-38493288822544964082007-06-27T14:56:00.001-07:002007-06-27T15:02:37.842-07:00

No, not to San Francisco ;) Not yet anyway!I've moved from Blogger over to Wordpress. I like the features and templates a bit better. Make sure to change your RSS feeds if you use a blog reader.Here's the new blog address: http://themarieke.wordpress.comAnd don't forget about our other blogs:* http://raininggrace.wordpress.com* http://nathanandmarieke.wordpress.com

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-82763358296790231062007-06-11T21:07:00.000-07:002007-06-11T21:42:49.331-07:00

I officially love Fetching! As I was working this pattern, I realized that working on DPNs is my favorite way to knit. I definitely need to learn how to knit socks.In the meantime, I learned the cable cast-on, how to make a thumb (using waste yarn, pulling it out, then picking up stitches), and do a knit picot bind-off with this pattern.AND, this is a feat for me. I finished it in TWO DAYS! I

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-91287908354197798232007-06-05T16:56:00.000-07:002007-06-05T17:00:16.691-07:00

I feel like it went REALLY well. We'll see what the outcome is in a week or two (or however long it takes them to deliberate).I went in feeling confident and it turns out that I knew two of the panelists. One was my voice teacher when I was in the Applied Music program at SBCC (which you have to audition to get into), and the other was a faculty member that Nathan was close to and has heard me

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-7865259113472450562007-06-05T13:36:00.000-07:002007-06-05T17:02:11.739-07:00

Disclaimer: Depending on your definition and comfort level, part of this post may be considered over-sharing. Don't say I didn't warn you.So I've been on a journey lately to simplify my life and my home, and be a bit more purposeful in how I live. Part of this has been de-cluttering (motivated largely by the impending move), part of it is making more earth-friendly choices, and part of it is

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-82844338164499702732007-06-04T11:48:00.000-07:002007-06-04T11:53:12.786-07:00

I'm just about to head home to eat lunch, change and spruce myself up a bit, warm up my voice, and then head to the Music Academy for the scholarship audition for the Santa Barbara Foundation music scholarship.I am SOO NERVOUS right now! Hopefully once I start warming up I'll relax a bit.I might end up taking the rest of the afternoon off too.

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-24305076201977331272007-05-31T11:20:00.000-07:002007-05-31T11:34:14.153-07:00

I picked this up off Suzanne's blog and thought it'd be fun to see.Bold for stuff you've done,Italics for stuff you plan to do one day (or will maybe do in my case),andNormal for stuff you're not planning on doing.AfghanI-cordGarter StitchKnitting with Metal WireShawlStockinette StitchSocks: top-downSocks: toe-upKnitting with Camel YarnMittens: cuff-upMittens: tip-downHat (in progress)Knitting

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-59731247171109244032007-05-30T13:50:00.001-07:002007-05-30T15:52:51.340-07:00

Evidence of my newfound addiction. I saw the update on K&P's blog yesterday, stopped by after picking up Nathan from work and bought a hank, once I got home, I cast-on for a skinny Clapotis. PS: It is actually "Indigo"I've also had some other projects going on lately. This is a puzzle version of The Kiss by Gustav Klimt. We bought it over a year ago (maybe even two years now) and never got

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-61808438705843162272007-05-30T08:31:00.000-07:002007-05-30T10:29:53.794-07:00

Yes, that is right folks, I am now the proud owner of my first hank of what is affectionately known as "Crack Yarn" around these parts. I got a pretty purpley-blue kettle-dyed color (I think it's Marine, but I'll have to check later) from Knit & Pearl for $12.50. Julie wound it into a ball for me using the ball winder and swift, and Nathan was positively fascinated. He turns to me and says "Why

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-63132531550756031242007-05-18T14:37:00.000-07:002007-05-18T14:47:52.835-07:00

Yup, I have created another blog on top of the two I update regularly.http://nathanandmarieke.wordpress.comI designed it to keep family and friends updated on what's up as Nathan and I get ready and move to San Francisco. I'm gonna start by giving info on our preparations (apartment hunting, visiting the schools and whatnot) and then what comes up after we move. Hopefully both of us will update

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-11915825463618941592007-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:002007-05-10T12:09:31.108-07:00

I feel like all my posts lately have been "updates". This one is a long time coming (I can't tell you how many posts I've started over the last couple weeks, but then not managed to finish and get posted).There's so much going on, I'm finding it hard to limit what I say without getting overwhelmed by all the details. I'll try to make this short (HA! Who am I kidding?!).SchoolI finally got my

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-83236041064332529892007-04-27T10:23:00.000-07:002007-04-27T10:51:33.199-07:00

So...things have been a little nuts lately. The last two Thursdays were, um, *interesting* to say the least and unfortunately made me miss knit group.Last weekLast Thursday, I got a call from my stepmother-in-law saying that she and Nathan's dad wanted to come up for a visit THAT WEEKEND! Mind you, this was their FIRST visit to see us since we got married and since we've been living together, so

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-33020244087016170362007-04-27T09:10:00.000-07:002007-04-27T09:13:49.221-07:00

I discovered that today is National Poetry Day via a friend's email. So in honor of this event, I give you my favorite poem: The Silken Tentby Robert Frost She is as in a field a silken tentAt midday when a sunny summer breezeHas dried the dew and all its ropes relentSo that in guys it gently sways at easeAnd its supporting central cedar pole,That is its pinnacle to heavenwardAnd signifies the

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-27857173597035134492007-04-24T16:09:00.000-07:002007-04-24T16:55:25.924-07:00

Thoughts on Food:Part of my thought process lately has encouraged me to incorporate more healthy foods into my diet, focusing on organic and local produce, bulk foods (although I haven't officially bought anything bulk yet since I've been going through what we currently have first), other organic food (chicken, tofu, etc), etc. So I thought I'd share some pictures of meals I've made using fresher

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-84483398985341722452007-04-20T10:00:00.000-07:002007-04-20T10:06:47.889-07:00

This was taken at about 10:00am from my office downtown (1500 block of Anacapa). This picture isn't the greatest since it doesn't zoom very far, but there's quite a bit up there.And to think I was wearing a tank top earlier this week! That's Santa Barbara for ya, haha!

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-50748554643135219462007-04-19T13:57:00.000-07:002007-04-19T16:05:53.637-07:00

Lately I've been researching and starting to put my hands and feet where my mouth is (more like where my brain is...I don't really talk about this stuff much, but it's been niggling the back of my mind for a long time) and simplify my ways of living, and start being conscientious about what my money supports (fair trade? sweat shops? local business and farms? the environment?) in terms of regular

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-54289411542927005142007-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:002007-04-10T11:55:14.388-07:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I'm working on simplifying and streamlining my life at the moment. That's translated to my blog here as well.I'm most likely going to do a series of posts on my other blog, and since some of my readers here might want to see what's up on my other blog, I added a feed under "about me" to you can see what's going on over there. There might be some posts

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-2259775538144026182007-04-03T16:09:00.000-07:002007-04-09T09:42:22.737-07:00

This week is spring break for me and I am OH SO HAPPY about that. Although I can't really sit back and chill *too* much since I still have plenty of homework to do, scholarships to apply for, life to catch up on, yadayadayada. But at least I don't have to go anywhere in the evenings.This past weekend was a bit of a break, though, since we went down to San Diego and just hung out for the weekend

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-76650968307142210452007-03-28T13:17:00.000-07:002007-03-28T15:09:45.685-07:00

For some reason, today on my way home for lunch I was imagining what my life might be like at different points in the future. Where Nathan and I will be, what kind of house we'll have, how many kids, what I'll be doing, etc. I think part of what prompts this thinking in my mind is admiring all the nice houses along upper Santa Barbara and Anacapa Streets that I see every day on my way to and from

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-91549769891422712702007-03-27T15:14:00.000-07:002007-03-27T15:59:35.555-07:00

~2440 stitches down, 1 million to goWhat I've done so far (I cast on 244 st and I've done about 10 rows to equal about 1.5 inches of work - this is gonna take a while!!). Underneath is the sketch.The designAnd this is the design! Up close and personal! Like I mentioned before, it's loosely based on the Shapely Tank by Joan McGowan-Michael, but I essentially just took the short-row shaping

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-60746783251248261632007-03-27T11:37:00.000-07:002007-03-27T11:39:52.041-07:00

So, I took pictures of the pattern and what I've worked on so far. And then the camera died. And the extra batteries were dead.Now I am not-so-patiently waiting for the batteries to re-charge so I can transfer the pics to the computer and then share them. *sigh*Keep an eye out for them later!

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-55272143439330354612007-03-26T16:18:00.000-07:002007-03-27T11:37:32.673-07:00

I am officially addicted to yarn.I needed to switch a project to circ's from DPNs and so I went to Craft Essentials, since they have a wider variety of lower-priced knitting needles. I went in determined to only get the circs.I walked out with two pairs of circs and three skeins of Red Heart Casual Cot'n yarn in Black Grape. It was 30% off! Cotton blend! And an awesome colorway of purple, black,

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-41711051829260109502007-03-15T09:25:00.000-07:002007-03-15T10:17:00.803-07:00

Yesterday afternoon, there was a fatal stabbing (gang-related) right new Nathan's work.http://www.independent.com/online_onlys/2007/03/stabbing_on_state_street.htmlOne kid (15 yo) died and a 14 yo allegedly killed him. Another kid went to the hospital after getting hit with a bat, but was released.When I went to drop off the car and drop in to say hi before I took the bus up to school, but I

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-4241335248243631042007-03-14T14:31:00.000-07:002007-03-14T15:31:00.446-07:00

(Warning: This is another "stream of consciousness" kind of post.)Yesterday was not such a good day (if you couldn't tell by my somewhat depressing post), but today has been MUCH better! Last night I pretty much took it easy (I skipped out on choir! *Gasp*), even though I ended up staying up late to finish studying for my test today. But mostly I just chilled and "watched TV" (in our home, that

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-31908739954163804192007-03-13T13:07:00.000-07:002007-03-13T15:19:30.515-07:00

That my life is kinda out of control at the moment. And I don't like that.I've been really melancholy lately for some reason (Ok, part of it at least has to do with dear ole Aunt Flo, but I think it's more than just that) and I think part of it is feeling overwhelmed.I haven't had much of a break over the past few weeks to just stop and think about all that's happened. I think the realization of

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-32917697055624052392007-03-09T14:21:00.000-08:002007-03-09T14:47:14.340-08:00

I don't talk about the method of birth control that Nathan and I use often (who wants to be around the crazy lady that's always talking about taking her temperature in the morning? or checking her "fertility signs"?), but I just had to post this article that was on MSNBC.com: Tracking fertility signs as effective as the Pill:When done correctly ‘symptothermal’ method reliably prevents

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-73421695287209030952007-03-09T10:56:00.000-08:002007-03-09T11:22:23.410-08:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted till Tracy asked me what was up with the lack of posting. Oops.I am SO tired of having so much to do. And being out of town two weekends in a row means all the stuff I normally do on the weekends has gotten smooshed into the rest of the week (mainly Monday night since Tues is Choir, Wed is Sociology, Thurs is Knit Group, and Friday is Date Night

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-80189810683866070142007-02-26T13:42:00.000-08:002007-02-28T13:15:10.188-08:00

Disclaimer: I actually started writing this on Monday, but didn't get around to finishing it till now. So here ya go...it might still be a little half-baked)[img]http://by.lilypie.com/9F4jm7/.png[/img]What a crazy time it has been lately! On top of everything else...Nathan and I are now halfway through our first year of marriage! It's been a joyful, stressful, overwhelming, exciting, and overall

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-62807502549301703622007-02-25T18:40:00.000-08:002007-02-25T19:22:24.899-08:00

We just got home from SF and when I checked my email this is what I found!!Hi Marieke,Congratulations on a strong audition on Thursday. We are excited to offer you a spot in the vocal performance program, which is our most selective degree track. I have asked the department chair to formulate a letter for admissions in support of your application. After that it’s up to them, and of course we’re

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-16186519366608678082007-02-23T12:08:00.000-08:002007-02-23T12:13:01.637-08:00

So, now I can finally RELAX! I don't know yet whether I'll get in...I'll hopefully know sometime next week. Here's a rundown of the happenings so far...Our drive up Tuesday night was pretty uneventful, although I found out that my jeans had ripped at the pockets (so NOT what I needed!!) and I needed to get a new pair. The good news is that I found a nice pair for only $10 at Ross... So, yes, I

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-61803687106078554362007-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:002007-02-22T18:32:55.359-08:00

*collapse*Whew, I am so glad that is over! However, I still don't know whether I will get in or not. I feel that I did pretty well, especially for the audition, but not as well as I wish I could have done. I should know next week whether the music dept is going to support me for an exception or not.I'll give a more detailed update later (I'm on our friend's computer). But I just wanted to let you

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-73602265475138503962007-02-21T17:36:00.000-08:002007-02-21T17:38:00.348-08:00

Hey everyone, just a quick pop in to say that we're in SF! I stopped by the school to check out the music dept and get a little more familiar with it. I also met with Dr. Habermann (choir director that I've been emailing) and I ended up having lunch with him. He's a really nice man and I felt totally comfortable talking with him and I'm looking forward to being at SFSU and singing in his choirs

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-73536319782046110832007-02-19T14:52:00.000-08:002007-02-19T19:42:29.059-08:00

(in more ways than one!)I am really freaked out. The more I'm studying, the more I'm realizing how much I DON'T remember of musicianship and theory. It's overwhelming.I really hope I can at least test out of the first semester. And if I can't that it won't affect the Music Dept Director's decision.Please, please, PLEASE pray for me over the next few days that I don't give myself an anxiety attack

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-31684995905311311432007-02-16T09:29:00.000-08:002007-02-16T12:03:01.306-08:00

About the AuditionHopefully, one week from now I will know whether I will be able to attend SF State in the Fall! We're leaving for SF in only FOUR DAYS!!! Ack! I am both nervous and excited. I feel pretty well prepared (as prepared as I can be considering everything) and have a plan for finishing my preparations as best I can.Preparations so far:Audition songs are chosen (Obstination by

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-91547293179624296122007-02-13T15:37:00.000-08:002007-02-11T18:06:06.408-08:00

I came across this picture today and just had to share. This was taken Christmas 2005 (we had gotten engaged a month and a half prior).Nathan was just figuring out what he was getting himself into, hahaha!!

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-10876503869437894002007-02-11T17:00:00.000-08:002007-02-08T17:18:43.037-08:00

I just finished the back piece of the "Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits" sweater I've been working on! I managed to sneak in a fair amount of knitting Friday and Saturday, and finished it at Knit & Pearl's "Sit & Knit" (2-5pm on Sundays). Most of the gals were working on baby hats or cat "blankets" for Cottage Hospital and the cat rescue place (ASAP, I think?), respectively.Also, in K&P news,

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-34854035585215839752007-02-08T08:46:00.000-08:002007-02-08T08:56:12.690-08:00

Thursday: Managed to knit a few inches on sweater at knit group. Yay!Friday: Thought about knitting. Spent time with hubby instead of knitting.Saturday: Ran around like a chicken with my head cut off, wishing I could be knitting. I got a haircut, found a top for my audition, and had a voice lesson instead.Sunday: Ran around like a chicken with my head cut off, wishing I could be knitting. The

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-83166533880667878562007-02-06T14:23:00.000-08:002007-02-06T15:10:14.700-08:00

I haven't knit a single stitch (other than at Knit Group on Thursday) for a week. I am having knitting withdrawals I think. I keep toting it around with me, in the hopes that I'll catch a few moments to be able to knit.I had to go to a meeting thing at SBCC in order to get a student loan, and I was SOOOOOO itching to pull out my knitting, but I refrained since it was a smaller group of people

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-17895777796789443432007-02-01T09:14:00.000-08:002007-02-01T09:22:43.319-08:00

ACK!Three weeks from this moment I will be at the beginning of my Theory Placement test for SFSU....the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a CRAZY day.SO much to do, SO little time.Thursdays look like they're becoming my "safe" day of the week. Today I'm having lunch with Tracy and Chauntel may join us also, and then knit group tonight (which will be my only non-bus knitting for the week),

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-32144547758807411712007-01-30T11:14:00.000-08:002007-01-30T11:43:22.034-08:00

I have a small confession.When I am either very stressed out or am in deep concentration, I forget to breathe. I don't know why I do this...it's totally subconscious. I don't pass out or anything, but it does often give me the hiccups. So I know I'm stressed out when I get the hiccups a lot!Suffice it to say, the reason I'm posting this is because I keep getting the hiccups lately! It's kind of

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-63636672531541835492007-01-29T15:25:00.000-08:002007-01-29T15:26:53.967-08:00

Psalm 57Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection.I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. InterludeMy God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.I am

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-78304488146844133102007-01-24T16:46:00.000-08:002007-01-24T16:59:06.429-08:00

I knit on the bus for the first time yesterday on the way to school - I actually had a fellow passenger ask me if she could watch! :)I started school last night and choir was awesome - and my sister is in it with me, which is even awesomer (I say that's a word, therefore it is).Sociology of Sex Roles begins tonight - this should be interesting!It will be a small (or big!) miracle if I can get

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-39671404385166256962007-01-22T16:34:00.000-08:002007-01-22T16:37:45.822-08:00

Nathan and I have decided to move up to San Francisco and BOTH go to school fulltime next Fall. We're probably going to be moving sometime in August. I am SO excited, but its a leap of faith because we're gonna have to rely on a lot of financial aid, and probably some student loans in order for us to both be in school.I've posted more details on my other blog.

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-22650434794759944012007-01-22T16:00:00.000-08:002007-01-22T16:34:43.074-08:00

I have gotten caught up with my project picture taking, so be prepared for an inundation!Firstly, in the spirit of the origins of this blog, I present to you my first crocheted blanket. It is still not "finished" because I never got around to weaving in the ends (bad Marieke!), but it was "mostly finished" a couple years ago. I love it in all it's purpley, lacey, coziness.Secondly, on to some

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-44711574782162064452007-01-19T15:34:00.000-08:002007-01-19T16:23:28.930-08:00

I want to be home, snuggling with Nathan and/or knitting. I am so ready for the weekend right now.In other news, I have successfully conquered DPNs! I am behind on picture-taking (sorry), but I was working away on them last night at knit group anyway, so you've all seen me in action. The hat is turning out to be really cute and I really enjoy using DPNs...and making stockinette in the round (no

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-76456779471076628632007-01-18T10:45:00.000-08:002007-01-18T10:51:03.360-08:00

Ryan tagged me, so here goes!1. I went to a Catholic school K-4th grade, then was homeschooled after that.2. When I was a baby, I gave my parents a cancer scare (turns out one of my kidneys has a cyst and doesn't function, but it wasn't a problem and doesn't affect me other than not being able to play contact sports and stuff like that)3. I started Civil War Re-Enacting when I was 13 and got my

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-79110816163778374232007-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:002007-01-10T13:17:43.975-08:00

My sister sent me this. It's from a chain email, but I like the sentiment, especially as a newlywed. It's a good reminder!A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-57215715056832549082007-01-10T11:16:00.000-08:002007-01-10T11:31:26.322-08:00

How appropriate that I got this result as I recently started working on my first project using Merino! haha! The quiz even got the color right ;)What kind of yarn are you?You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes. Take this quiz!The Dream Swatch is coming

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-41639768328807598132007-01-09T13:17:00.000-08:002007-01-09T15:24:24.616-08:00

I finally got around to buying some yarn from Knit & Pearl Boutique downtown when Chauntel, Tracy, and I went there to shop and knit on Sunday.There were single skeins of 100% Merino wool by Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in "Blue Fields"and "Oops "I LUUUUURRRVVE these colorways! AND, they were ON SALE! (cause they were single hanks) Woot!I decided to make a Dream Swatch Headscarf with Oops, and I'm

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-80437934388648674592007-01-08T11:57:00.000-08:002007-01-08T16:48:48.278-08:00

Yesterday, I was driving downtown and wanted to park on the street since I knew I'd be out and about for more than 75 minutes, so I pulled up to back into a spot on Anacapa (one-way, 2 lane street). I didn't make any fast moves, just turned on my blinker and slowed down - it should have been obvious what I wanted to do).A woman in an SUV was behind me and pulled up too close for me to be able to

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-75071090720014228052007-01-04T11:25:00.000-08:002007-01-04T11:33:56.944-08:00

This blog is kind of my "fun" blog. I post here most often (partly since I have more readers, haha!), and because it's fun to share the little things of life (namely knitting and crocheting).But, I also have a blog where I post more about my deeper thoughts, many of them related to God or my relationship with Him.You can find it here: RainingGraceI just wanted to share in case anyone wants to

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-82817992026958588442007-01-03T11:19:00.000-08:002007-01-03T11:54:48.440-08:00

First, I abandon my crochet hooks, and now my straight needles have been abandoned to my Knit Knook (as I now affectionately refer to it as). So they got angry.Behold, Needles of Death!!And, the Knit Knook:(Yes, it's a mess, and there is more yarn under the surface. And more in storage. But not nearly as much as Chauntel's stash!)Lastly, I finally got around to taking some pictures of the sweater

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-73134350666100842452007-01-02T16:45:00.000-08:002007-01-02T16:46:54.286-08:00

Black is the theme today. My New Wristies are black (and therefore make me feel slightly badass when I wear them, especially with the black long-sleeved shirt I've got on....though I am completely aware that I could never be 100% badass). My poor crochet hooks are crying. The poor lonely, abandoned hooks.In other news, we have a new kitchen table and chairs (read: we have a REAL kitchen table and

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-198634092011822342007-01-02T15:07:00.000-08:002007-01-02T15:17:55.827-08:00

A new pattern has been born!This one is super easy and could probably be knit up in an hour or two by a fast knitter. It's a great pattern for using up leftover yarn since they are pretty small. I don't know the exact yardage, but both of them barely put a dent in my 7 oz skein of Caron Simply Soft.You can find the pattern link in the sidebar if you want to go print off a copy!I'll probably come

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-35684965951755292612007-01-01T17:59:00.000-08:002007-01-01T18:09:56.148-08:00

Unfortunately, I spent the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007 sick. Blah. I suspect it might be strep throat, but the rapid test came up negative, so I'm waiting on the culture to see whether I've actually got strep. Otherwise, I've just got a really weird sore throat (no stuffiness or cold symptoms) and major tiredness.At midnight, Nathan woke me up to wish me a Happy New Year and give me a

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-62183310234220319792006-12-28T13:50:00.000-08:002006-12-28T15:31:20.138-08:00

But I least I figured it out in time!Sooo, even after all that swatching I did, I realized as I was sitting down to start in on the pattern for the Rebecca sweater that I had done ALL of my wrong side rows BACKWARDS! Duh! *smacks head*. So instead of having twisted stitches neatly stacked on top of each other (K tbl on RS, P tbl on WS), they were offset because I wrote the WS stitch pattern out

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-63613965405743830152006-12-27T08:16:00.000-08:002006-12-27T08:29:02.965-08:00

...my marriage is 4 months old! We're 1/3 of the way through our first year and we haven't killed each other yet (teehee). There have been some challenges and some difficult situations, but overall, we've had a GREAT marriage so far!I feel like we're really "settling in". The New-Newness has worn off a bit and we're just in regular Newness. We have our routines, and are working out the kinks more

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-15279315532976453472006-12-26T16:40:00.000-08:002006-12-26T17:05:43.858-08:00

I got a set of circulars thanks to my dear hubby!I LOOOVE these needles! I switched the sweater over to the Boye needles so I can see all my work stretched out as I work on the sweater.I'm still getting used to having the wires attached, but I like that the actual needle part is shorter and doesn't get caught on blankets/pillows/couches/husband/person that are near my elbows.Speaking of the

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-44518236621453879412006-12-26T11:16:00.000-08:002006-12-26T11:48:23.506-08:00

I've been tweaking with my sidebar (so easy in the new Blogger!) and notice that there is now a FREEPATTERN section!Which means.....*drum roll please*I finished writing the pattern for the purse!Also, I've been meaning to check out Google's relatively new Document & Spreadsheet thingy, but I haven't really had a reason to. Turns out that it's very handy for publishing patterns or other documents

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-30310823277118489472006-12-22T08:52:00.000-08:002006-12-22T09:06:38.417-08:00

Here it is! Happiness!I love how well the crocheted scallop edge adds the perfect feminine touch, but the wide ribs give it structure. I am kinda amazed that I actually made this!Everyone really liked it at knit group, so I will post the pattern for everyone! (I've got a good chunk written out already).This was SOOO much fun to make, it went pretty quickly (it's a really nice yarn to work with),

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-59667587069933703662006-12-21T16:33:00.000-08:002006-12-21T17:03:11.543-08:00

Here is my swatch for the Rebecca 32 Hooded Sweater.The swatch is two motifs in a row and there are three on top of each other (so a total of 6, if I'm making sense). Anyway the motifs SHOULD be symmetrical from side to side, but for some reason, I am getting big holes on the left of each motif (the top part of the top left motif has a dropped stitch, so don't mind that bit of crazyness - oops!).

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-27319300812765604892006-12-20T19:54:00.000-08:002006-12-20T20:02:56.522-08:00

It's done! The purse (aka: blocked item) is DONE!! I am so pleased with how it turned out. But, I'm gonna be mean and not post pictures until after knit group. I want to show it to you all in person if possible. I am too proud of it to not see initial reactions in person. Ha!I did take some pictures and will post them Thursday night or Friday.I've had a pretty productive evening so far. I bound

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-58334384923750717482006-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:002006-12-19T10:14:12.495-08:00

Now for the promised pictures!First off, I am jumping on the fan bandwagon and posting my signed "Knit 2 Together" book. I LOOOVE this book! I'm so glad I got it as my first real knitting book. I can't wait to get started on a project from the book...although it's gonna be probably a month till I do. *sigh*Now on to the meat of this post: I did my first blocking! And I took pictures to prove it.

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-52263655833740446532006-12-18T14:38:00.000-08:002006-12-18T17:06:27.650-08:00

I had a really productive weekend, but I ran out of time to finish this post, so this is just a brief update. I have a ton of pictures to post (well, 12 or so), so be prepared for some picture action soon :)Holiday Project status:Mom's Scarf - DONE as of my lunch break today :) (no pic yet, sorry)Mom's Java Cozy - To be started (late gift addition)Sister's Purse - Needs finishingI'm hoping to

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-57633613818500947962006-12-13T09:05:00.000-08:002006-12-13T12:05:06.242-08:00

ProjectsMy original holiday gift plans have been totally turned on its head (thanks to over-estimation and sickness) and last night I had a near panic attack about how I was going to manage getting everything done in time (this unfortunately involved yelling at my husband, but he's much better than I and forgave me and even did the dishes for me when he had already made dinner).So, I have a new

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-51356814187631777502006-12-11T09:11:00.000-08:002006-12-11T11:22:46.244-08:00

Thank God for Chauntel! Seriously, if not for her help (and moral support), I would probably have given up by now.BUT, I have finally figured out what works for me. It's a combination of the "Secret Method" and Chauntel's Beanie Theory. I crochet a bit tightly in my single crochet stitches, apparently, so I had to go up a hook size and add in some all sc rows for the beanie I'm making out of

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-58956999006726628362006-12-10T09:24:00.000-08:002006-12-10T09:27:34.132-08:00

Behold, the blanket is done!I'm really pleased with how it turned out overall. The picot edging is perfect and I'm sure the mom-to-be is gonna love it :)

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-51992581343218536192006-12-07T11:34:00.000-08:002006-12-07T12:16:38.564-08:00

I have to say, unless I have a pattern (with exact yarn weight and hook size), I have a HECK of a time working in rounds. These stupid beanies are gonna be the death of me! I may just cave and do a double-crochet version from Happy Hooker since there's a pattern in there.My little disc started out fine for the first 4 rows or so, but now it's starting to buckle and I hate buckling. I can never

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-48434655169049237902006-12-05T17:00:00.000-08:002006-12-05T17:01:11.621-08:00

Thread-bared Read it. And Laugh. Now.

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-71389213055307071722006-12-05T16:47:00.000-08:002006-12-05T16:48:58.832-08:00

This one I found in the archives and it's a combo knit/crochet project that looks very do-able since the body is just stockinette. I just have to figure out whether the length would work for me and how to change it so it does....Ice-Blue Ribbon (Pullover)

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-62821720366609752132006-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:002006-12-05T13:37:18.906-08:00

I have been having issues finding a beanie/hat pattern I'm happy with, or could alter to do what I wanted it to (because we can all see how many times I change my mind, haha!).Chauntel started giving me a pattern in sc verbally, but I knew there was no way I could remember it (sorry!).Well, Chaun posted that the new issue of Crochet me Mag was out....... LO! and BEHOLD!!Secret Method!! (for

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-60774543080992286552006-12-04T14:29:00.000-08:002006-12-04T16:21:47.304-08:00

I'm worried about getting gifts done on time for the Holidays. This does not make crocheting and knitting more fun.Yesterday, this was the state of the baby blanket when I left for the shower:The mother-to-be will be getting it later! It won't take too much longer to finish, but I was pretty bummed I didn't get it done in time. Actually, I kinda got depressed. I was working so hard to get it done

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-1256133666994304472006-12-04T11:10:00.000-08:002006-12-04T11:48:06.086-08:00

Suzanne posted this quiz and I couldn't resist it myself. I personally think I'm a little closer to a "Dedicated Reader", but I haven't read as many classics as I'd like and I just don't have quite as much time to read anymore (sad!)What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Literate Good Citizen You read to inform or entertain yourself, but you're not nerdy about it. You've read most major

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-49619865626462261742006-11-29T14:33:00.000-08:002006-11-29T15:04:07.293-08:00

(Warning! There are a lot of pictures in this post!)Ok, I swear I took a picture of the blanket square with both pictures, but I have no clue what happened to it! It's not on my camera....I do, however, have pics of my two other VIWIPs (Very Important Work in Progress).Here is the knit scarf:I have definitely got the purl stitch down now. I can do them just as fast as my knit stitches (I think).

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-66370641036401790672006-11-28T08:31:00.000-08:002006-11-28T15:55:06.093-08:00

I am lame and didn't get around to taking progress pictures, so you'll have to just imagine until I put them up.First, non-Holiday gifts:Baby Shower Blanket - The light purple squares are done! (I'm doing 5 squares by 5 squares) I found a pretty raspberry color in Caron Simply Soft that is much nicer than the rougher Red Heart cream color. It's more fun, too. 4 Squares completed with both colors.

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-25881335394138167932006-11-22T13:59:00.000-08:002006-11-22T15:11:26.206-08:00

Just thought I might share these so you can see what my husband looks like (plus, wedding pictures are fun!). If you want to see more, email me and I'll give you the info. (PS: Tracy, this is for you *wink, wink*)

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-24599157621623750992006-11-22T13:53:00.000-08:002006-11-22T13:59:56.056-08:00

Yes ladies and gents, I have crossed over into dual-skill-dom!Thank you to Chauntel and Suzanne for helping me with my purling last night :) Knit group is one of the awesomest group of ladies ever!Behold, I have cast-on for a ribbed scarf! (like my exclamation points?!!!!)Isn't it loverly? I'm using some leftover Bernat Denim Style (blue and white). I'm not following any particular pattern, just

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-48010171950075849842006-11-17T08:45:00.000-08:002006-11-17T09:15:01.429-08:00

Ok, so I keep seeing more and more cool stuff that's made by knitting... It's not fair! I've got too many crochet projects to finish!!I actually need some sweaters, and I think I may just end up caving in and starting one once I learn something beyond the basic knit stitch. Speaking of that....this morning I decided to pull out my knitting stuff and take a look at it. I knew I inherited a bunch

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-79742487677309440152006-11-17T08:24:00.000-08:002006-11-17T08:45:16.297-08:00

How to Stay Married (From Lion Brand Newsletter) A man and a woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-11852839813321507692006-11-16T09:04:00.000-08:002006-11-16T16:38:23.490-08:00

The 2006 Hotel Cafe Tour with Jim Bianco, Rachael Yamagata, White Buffalo, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin, Schuyler Fisk and Sarah BareillesI am SOOOOOO tired, but it was totally worth the long drive (4 and a half freaking hours thanks to awful traffic) and falling into bed at 2am only to get up about 4 hours later.We got there 1/2 hour late, but managed to see everyone we went to see (not too

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-77007832147496683862006-11-15T09:33:00.000-08:002006-11-15T10:00:04.108-08:00

Both DH and I conked out a little after 7pm. Yes, you read that right...SEVEN!! Granted, this was after some *ahem*hankypanky*ahem*, but seriously, what is happening to us?!? I woke up at 10pm and turned off the lights, but other than that, we both slept till we had to get up at 6am.But we're making up for last night by going to a concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim tonight (Hotel Cafe tour

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-25978188939380833262006-11-14T09:19:00.000-08:002006-11-14T09:38:13.999-08:00

So, I brought my new bag to work (to show my co-worker my projects) and went a little crazy with the picture taking...First off....introducing my New Bag!Look at what it can fit inside:The baby blanket in piecesI laid it out so I can get a good eye for how big it will be and see exactly how many I need to make. I'm going to use a cream color (like the cream in the plaid afghan) as an accent and

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-58435012478769393412006-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:002006-11-13T16:09:39.448-08:00

So, I convinced DH that I *needed* the Good to Go Knitter's Tote from Michaels (and I did have a 50% coupon that Chauntel gave me (THANK YOU!) that saved me $20. Yippee! I even justified buying some yarn (Caron Simply Soft in black for the shawl I'm making for my MIL).As Michael's says:You’re going to love this Knitter’s Tote! It’s crafted exclusively to hold everything you need for storing or

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-85541132247165125952006-11-10T14:16:00.000-08:002006-11-10T14:21:37.136-08:00

Here's a two-tone blanket in granny square. I'll use the pattern just as a guide since it uses thicker yarn.(And is it just me, or is this baby a little....wierd looking? He doesn't look normal.)

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-60982710652357434452006-11-10T13:14:00.000-08:002006-11-10T14:10:58.854-08:00

So, last night at knit group, I was just not doing well! Yarn was getting tangled, I kept dropping things, and was just all around discombobulated. Gah.I was also (and still am) at a loss as to what I will do for my friend's up-coming baby shower. Thankfully, I still have a few weeks, but time tends to fly and I have Christmas presents to work on also. (I ended up working on the to-be-plaid

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-68050583049979839572006-11-09T09:53:00.000-08:002006-11-09T11:18:08.805-08:00

(Disclaimer: This post is more of a "life" post than anything)So, DH started working opening shifts this week and will hopefully get an official promotion by the end of the month (although he's getting a bit of a raise, in effect, since it's easier for him to work overtime a few days a week since he gets off at peak time).Anyway, since we only have one car, I've been getting up to take him to

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-65356528632811813512006-11-07T10:20:00.000-08:002006-11-07T10:31:36.094-08:00

Sunday, I finished the "Seija Set" Baby Blanket from Stitch 'n Bitch, the Happy Hooker. Well, I ended up having to alter the edging since I didn't have time to finish it according to pattern, but it looked finished and that's what matters!Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture in my haste to wrap it (yes, I was down to the wire THAT much! I ended up being 15-20 min late). Crap!I basically

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-36619032992821756742006-11-03T09:10:00.000-08:002006-11-03T09:12:31.547-08:00

My Pastor posted this on his blog, and I just had to share!Enjoy the overwhelming cuteness!

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-71241021094419172372006-11-02T09:17:00.000-08:002006-11-02T13:35:20.820-08:00

Our professional wedding pics are up! If you'd like to see them, email me at "mariekeluvsjesus at hotmail dot com" and if I know you, I'll send you the info :-) They are so awesome!My toe is feeling a bit better...it's just making my foot a little achey and it's still bruised and swollen, but I can walk on it easier, so that's good!As far as the work stuff, Nathan didn't take the position. We

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-28626353639605043422006-11-01T13:21:00.000-08:002006-11-01T14:55:23.407-08:00

At this very moment, my left pinkie toe is turning lots of pretty colors...even to the point of sharing the joy with the top part of my foot. I daresay, it's broken.I was cleaning up the apartment last night and banged my toe really hard on the wooden edge of the bench I was using as a step-stool. It hurt. A LOT! I figured I just stubbed it and it'd be fine. But then it kept hurting, and I

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-52186537924845915042006-10-31T16:50:00.000-08:002006-10-31T16:53:37.757-08:00

I just got my own copy of Debbie Stoller's new(ish?) book "The Happy Hooker" and I am going to be making a few gifts from it for Christmas, Hanukkah and other events coming up in the near future.I think I may even make a few things for myself, but that might end up happening after the holidays.

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-5684487775634705082006-10-28T17:14:00.000-07:002006-10-28T17:31:20.577-07:00

The shawl has found a new purpose....a scarf for my sister.I was feeling kinda frustrated with it because I was stuck. I couldn't figure out how to keep it from decreasing without the ends looking weird or decrease it fast enough so it wasn't ginormous and/or odd-looking. My husband took one look at it and said it was totally my sister's style as a scarf. I tried it on to see how it looked. He

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-2345489813634093162006-10-28T08:45:00.000-07:002006-10-28T08:48:58.749-07:00

I thought of a name! It's very suiting considering how many projects I often have partially completed at one point in time. Also, more personally and *deep*, I am a work in progress myself, still being shaped and molded into the woman God created me to be, so it fits both me personally and me as a crocheter.*drum roll please*Introducing...Work in ProgressYippee! *clap, clap, clap*

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-69910987186448756542006-10-26T13:24:00.001-07:002006-10-26T13:27:36.769-07:00

In all it's currently-skinny glory:Detail:I really hope it turns out! I'm writing down the pattern as I go, so I don't forget (and can reverse it if I decide to keep the pattern "even" forwards and backwards, if that makes sense).I started off with a 250 st chain, then single-crocheted all the way across, then alternated single- and double-crochet stitches with 1 chain in between, now I'm doing

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-28776393920146909122006-10-26T09:22:00.000-07:002006-10-26T09:47:47.511-07:00

I have posted more in the last week than I've posted in a year, I daresay. I'm on a ROLL!I worked on the shawl a bit more last night and it looks like it's going to be fine (no pulling out hundreds of stitches!). I just hope the finished product looks good! I'm gonna try to take a pic of it's current state on my lunch break. I think if I continue to keep it really open, it will actually be shawl

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-16847418531740169632006-10-25T10:00:00.000-07:002006-10-25T11:52:35.689-07:00

I went in again to Knit & Pearl to buy a few things I needed. One was a Size I crochet hook.I've been wanting to get one made of natural materials (I'd LOVE to get some Brittany crochet hooks) and they carry Clover Bamboo ones. So, I bought one and I LOVE it! It's so much nicer than the metal ones.I also picked up some stitch markers (very handy!) and Crochet Today magazine I've been eyeing every

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-33300166226672522662006-10-25T09:26:00.000-07:002006-10-25T09:43:34.640-07:00

I am free-styling a shawl (if it turns out ok, it will be my step-mother-in-law's Hanukkah present). I only have one skein of the yarn (Red Heart TLC Amore in garnet -pictured below), so hopefully it will be big enough if I do lots of openwork (please God!)I'll post a picture of the project so far, once I take one. I may end up pulling it out to the base chain and re-starting because I think the

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-88939245841247634822006-10-23T10:05:00.000-07:002006-10-23T10:59:28.813-07:00

Saturday, I was picking up the husband from work, but he had a few things to finish up. Knit & Pearl, the new local yarn shop, is right near his work (this could be dangerous), so I popped over to drool over some yarn.I ended up buying a couple notions and this is where my first confession comes in...I bought my first gauge. Yes, my first. I've been crocheting for years and I've never owned (or

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-1161459753227224582006-10-21T12:12:00.000-07:002006-10-23T11:01:51.454-07:00

I just went through all my yarn and I have enough to keep me busy for MONTHS if not years!! Holy moley, I didn't realize just how much I had!!I took some pictures so I can remember it all and catalog my stock of yarn for future projects (quite a bit of the yarn is for two other blankets like the one I'm currently making, but in different accent colors).Here's the home stash (what am I gonna use

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-1161377555787961292006-10-20T13:11:00.000-07:002006-10-23T11:03:06.612-07:00

So, I went to knit/crochet group (ok, I know it's just knit group, but I have crocheter's complex) and it was really fun!! I can't wait for next week :-) It truly is a diverse and dynamic group, but I love that everyone just chats away, sharing life and a love of all things yarn! I didn't feel as out of place as I sometimes do as a a first-timer (plus, I was stoked that Sierra, another

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5707216.post-1161365820661030962006-10-20T10:35:00.000-07:002006-10-21T12:42:32.516-07:00

Ok, so in the overhaulin' of this blog, I'm thinking it needs a new name and I can't think of one.I need suggestions!! If you've got one, please comment!!

Mariekehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09116558356434794689noreply@blogger.com0