Spare Room Knits

Who's Ready for a Frozen Treat?

2010-03-03T22:46:00.006-06:00

I saw this the other night at the Byerly's grocery store. I was befuddled and tickled at the same time.

The Little Leak that Could ( Did I Say it was Over?)

2010-02-15T23:01:00.014-06:00

Ok so, the Steamatic guys came back today and unfortunately the loud machine didn't get rid of all the water.

Since the walls were still wet, they resorted to cutting to expose the damaged areas. And once they started cutting it seemed like it just kept going.

Apparently, the problem was the newspaper that someone so brilliantly insulated my house with. The newspaper was wet; in some places it was soaking wet.

First it was the ceiling and the portion of the wall over the window (and around the window too).

Then it was a little bit of the wall to the left of the window, and finally it was all the way to the floor.

Kobe came in once in a while to check on their progress and, once satisfied he went back to his post in the living room.

So, when they finally opened up all the affected areas, they installed fans, connected it to a dehumidifier, and put plastic sheeting over it. I am not going to say this is the end of; I learned my lesson. But I must say this was one industrious leak!

Eryka

Best Ear Plugs Ever! (the Leak Saga Continues)

2010-02-14T19:40:00.019-06:00

Hey,

Remember that "little leak" I mentioned. Said it stopped once they removed the ice dam on the roof, no problem. Yeah, well I was wrong.

First, let me say how glad I am that I DID call the insurance company instead of considering it a "done deal" when the water stopped coming through the ceiling.

My insurance company sent out Steamatic, to check for water damage. Anyway, after a careful inspection, they said there is still water in the ceiling and in the wall over the window. The water also ran into the light fixture which caused electrical issues.

So, rather than pulling out the wall and part of the ceiling, they would make some small holes and use a machine that dries inside the wall etc. And the machine would have to run 24 hours a-day, all weekend, to work effectively.

Well the funny thing is that the machine is loud. I mean a special kind of loudness. Like VERY LOUD. It is like listening to a serenade from a vacuum and a steam whistle brought to you by the awesome power of THX. 24-hours a day.

They suggested that I check into a hotel for the weekend, but I found a more cost effective method to deal with it. Ear plugs.

Not just any ear plugs though, the pharmacist recommended Mack's Ultra. And I have to tell you, these things are amazing! They blocked out everything! I slept through the night every night and was able to clean the kitchen while the thing was going. I also tried to stuff cotton in Kobe's ears, but he was having none of it. And after a while I figured he would let me know if his ears were bothering him. Any way, they should be here to pick up the stuff tomorrow. So that should be the end of it.

Eryka

Got a Real Surprise Yesterday!

2010-02-11T22:13:00.002-06:00

Hi all,

Yesterday, I had just finished mopping the kitchen floor, when I felt water dropping on my shoulder. Yep, my roof was leaking. It wasn't a huge leak, but any leak is a bad news.

Instead of panicking, I lept into action. I put a bucket under the leak and went to the Service Magic website to find a roofing contractor who could handle emergency repairs. The first guy wanted a ridiculous sum of money to "come out and look at it" then he want an even more ridiculous sum to "come back and fix it!" During that conversation, another contractor was calling me. After a bit of discussion and a call back, he said he had a guy in the area who could be there in 10 minutes.

According to the guys that arrived, I had ice dams on the edge of the roof--I thought they were just icicles-- and they melted, thus getting water under the shingles and stuff. So while the guys were up on my roof shoveling off the snow and removing the ice, I went into the attic space to see where the water was coming in. By the way, these guys charged less that the first guy wanted to "come out and look at it" and they stopped the leak with in 2 hours!

Any way, back to the attic. During my inspection, I discovered that my house is insulated with newspaper from the early 1900s. Yep, that is right, I found out that 80 and 95-year-old copies of the local paper, business journals, etc. are lining the inside of my roof (and nothing else). The contractor said that was what was causing excessive heat loss, which leads to the ice dams. But still newspapers!!

People keep telling me that I might find some valuable pieces in there. I did find a mention about the pending release of "Birth of A Nation," it was really fascinating. So I will be careful with the removal.

So now, I'm working with the insurance company to get the area fully dried and eliminate any mold. But that should go pretty smoothly. Of course, now I have to figure out how I am going to get the attic spaces insulated (there are three of them). The Owens-Corning website said installing insulation would be an easy weekend project, but I think I will take a class at the Home Depot first.

Ah well, at least the roof isn't leaking anymore!

Eryka

P.S. Kobe helped to: He tried to inspect everything that fell off the roof.

Knit Out & Crochet at MOA has been Cancelled!!!

2010-02-10T17:00:00.005-06:00

This just in: Knit Out & Crochet 2010 has been cancelled. I repeat, it has been cancelled!

Like many Minnesota knitters, I have been looking for information on Knit Out & Crochet with no results. We get a bit of heresy here and there, but nothing concrete. Well I just confirmed it with Lion Brand via the Lion Brand Facebook page:

"Lion Brand Yarn: Hi Eryka, Unfortunately there will not be a Knit Out & Crochet at the Mall of America this year. Additionally, if you would like to inquire about other Knit Out & Crochet events, contact the Craft Yarn Council of America." ( I re-typed this since I couldn't paste it, but you can go to their Facebook page to see the original.)

So there you have it. No Knit Out & Crochet this year. We will just have to hold on tightly to our memories of 2009. Of course, there is Yarn Over 2010, sponsored by the Minnesota Knitters Guild. I have never been, but I think I will attend this year. Let me dig up a bit more information on Yarn Over and I'll share it later.

Eryka

Ready to Go?

2010-02-09T21:17:00.010-06:00

Hi, all

This was the sight that greeted me when I opened the door to let Kobe back in from going potty this morning. Yes Kobe is sitting at the foot of the back porch stairs in the snow, WHILE its snowing and he STILL wants to go for his walk.

This was after a snow storm that lasted two days. The roads hadn't been fully plowed yet...people still hadn't shoveled their sidewalks.

But how could I resist? I had to take him. Just around the block, but I couldn't resist that face.

The Perils of Broken Promises

2010-02-05T14:40:00.015-06:00

All week, I have been promising Kobe I would take him for a walk. Unfortunately, everyday, I found something else that I needed to do instead, so the promise rolled over into the next day and the next. But not today. Today Kobe took matters into his own hands (or paws if you will).

First, I must say that Kobe is a good dog and responds well to commands off-leash. So I felt completely comfortable letting him out (off-leash) in the front yard with me while I shoveled the front walk and stairs. And he was cool for a good long while too.

Then, he suddenly started trotting down the sidewalk in the same direction we start our regular walks...I thought he would come back when I called, but he didn't. Kobe trotted down one block, then another, turned the corner and was on his way back up the other side of the block by the time I caught up with him!

The funny thing is, he wasn't running from me. He waited for me when I asked him to, stopped at every corner and checked for cars...the works! When I got him back home, I promised him I would take him out later today. This time I kept my promise for fear he would just take himself for a walk again!

Eryka

Spreading the Yarn... and the Love

2010-02-04T20:38:00.003-06:00

Hi all,

About a week ago I started teaching a few friends how to knit. To my surprise, my friend Lyneys really took to it. Here she is with her first scarf. Finished in just one week!!

I taught her the knit stitch and how to cast off. This weekend, we are going to practice the purl stitch and casting on. She is going to do another scarf in stockinette stitch.

Eryka

Best Thing about a Minnesota Winter

2010-01-30T20:17:00.007-06:00

During my 5+ years here in Minnesota, I have found that there is something special about the winters--something I treasure above all else. Known to be bitterly cold, unpredictable, and a bit too long, Minnesota winters remind us to hope. Yes, that is right: HOPE.

Toward the end of January, when we Minnesotans have resigned ourselves to driving down smaller roads and tolerating the thick scab of salt covers cars, buildings, clothes and the mountains of dirty snow that litter the sidewalks, retail shops begin switching from winter to spring merchandise....HOPE.

After a long stretch of freezing cold, we get several days in the low 30's (ecstasy)! and the HOPE that winter might be over sooner than we thought. Or, when the big blizzard finally stops blowing, there is the glimmer of HOPE that it will one will be the last one of the season.

Family and friends work extra hard to find activities that HOPEfully will keep our spirits up during the long slumber--even if it is just sliding down a frozen mountain on a piece of cardboard. Huddling together over hot bowls of soup or stew afterwards to enjoy a brief moment of fun and joy during an otherwise challenging time.

And Knitters, we busily feather our nests with with the softest, finest, plushest yarns to keep our hands busy and families warm. We just HOPE we have enough yarn to last until spring.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. Winter sets up up to fully appreciate the rest of our seasons here. I think this officially makes me a Minnesotan.

Eryka

P.S. My friend Lyneys says she likes winter because there are no bugs. I forgot that one.

Details on Knit Out & Crochet 2010?

2010-01-28T20:08:00.003-06:00

Does anyone know the dates for KnitOut 2010 in Minneapolis? Is the event still happening? I looked on various websites and I can find any. Any information would be greatly appreciated. I love this event...

Eryka

Know when to hold em, know when to fold em...

2010-01-09T12:55:00.003-06:00

Last night, Lyneys, my friend from church invited me to play in a Texas Hold 'em Poker tournament (we weren't playing with real money, the final prize was a gift card).

Now, I have never played, but since I hadn't been out in a while, I went. Everyone was very patient with me and taught me the rules as we went along, which was nice. Eventually, I won three hands, which was really exciting.

Lyneys was a wiz at the game. In fact, she was like at the last table still playing when I left (it was getting late and I had been out for like an hour). I did have a good time, but I don't know if this will be part of my regular routine. Truth be told, I wish I had taken some knitting with me so I would have something to do all those times I folded!

Eryka

Christmas Eve Gift

2009-12-31T13:19:00.007-06:00

Hi all,

I received a special gift during my flight to San Francisco to spend Christmas with my family. On the flight from Chicago out to California, I had the pleasure of sitting next to John Doyle and his wife. They told me of their travels throughout the world and John shared a bit of his personal philosophy with me.

But what was really special, was that John wrote the poem below for me. He said he writes poems all the time, mostly on napkins, and never for publication. Well, I could not resist sharing this one with you all, since it touched me so much. I included a photo of the napkin on which it was originally written. I hope you enjoy it!

Christmas Eve Gift

by John Doyle

In the one moment Spirit touches the creation,

Every ounce of the tapestry blows in the Wind.

a light butterfly is felt in resonance all about,

and there is no place unequal or doubtful in essence.

This present Nativity is born out of God,

and in Spirit is God to the perfect Love of Life.

Life is edified as the gift, that transforming.

The Beauty is in everything, in dimensions.

Gift of God with no other reason to accept,

The receipt changes all as it is a Peace called Shalom.

Where we go or where we have been is Known

Inside of the moment is great and Lovely and Light.

Finished: Summer Shawl (Better Late than Never!)

2009-10-12T21:35:00.006-05:00

Hi,

I finally finished a project! In an earlier post, I said all I had to do was put the fringe on the shawl and I would have that finished by the end of the week--wrong! I messed around for like two weeks, but I finally got it done. To bad the summer is over now. I guess there is always next year!

Eryka

Trail Expose! Has This Ever Happened to You?

2009-10-08T10:55:00.013-05:00

First, I want to note that I am writing this post for the following reasons:

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a strong-mind.

2. I will not let this incident keep me from a place I love.

3. Secrets often have great power over the secret-keeper.

4. I refuse to let this incident have power over me.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday, Kobe and I went on our regular walk down our favorite trail in the park. I have taken to calling it the Prayer Road, since I spend most of my time talking to God. Round trip, it is a two-mile walk through a canopy of trees - pure loveliness. Even the concrete supports and the railroad tracks sprinkled along the way add something special to the experience.

On our way back, we were past by a man smoking a cigarette walking in the opposite direction. This is pretty standard; we have encountered many neighbors and strangers alike on this trail.

About 10 minutes later, he walked past us again (going in the same direction) only this time he was only wearing shorts, his Minnesota Wild sweatshirt was stuffed in his backpack. Now, I thought this was really weird, but Kobe and I continued to putter about: Kobe was eating grass and tinkling on things, while I gathered leaves for a collage.

As we walked on, Kobe was walking ahead of me. He continued until he got to the concrete pillars then stopped, squared his shoulders, perked up his ears and ruffed up his fur a bit. He was looking at a man sitting on the concrete.

I could see the man's head from where I stood. But as I got closer, I quickly realized that he was completely naked and he was diddling himself. I was stunned! Now I have seen teenagers, making out or smoking "funny-smelling" cigarettes, but I had never seen anything like this. ANYWHERE!

He noticed the look on my face and said, " I don't mean any harm, I am just an exhibitionist."

To which I said, " I don't care what you are, don't nobody want to see that. Put you gotdamn clothes back on!" Yes, I used the vernacular forms and Yes he put his clothes back on.

He went on to explain that he has always like exposing himself to women, even when he was a kid. I told him his behavior was incredibly disrespectful. I asked him, "Would you do that in front of your mother? He said God No!

"But it is OK to disrespect me? Hell, my dog didn't need to see that!" I said. I went on to add the following. " You need two things: therapy and Jesus!" I asked him if he went to church, he said not in a long time, so I suggested he go back. And when he gets there, he should tell the pastor what he does.

To which he replied, "Yeah, they sent me to one of those men's groups, but they don't focus on things from a spiritual aspect." I told him to keep going to those meetings too.

Finally I told him this: "I don't ever want to see you in this park again. And I mean it!" and with that, he put back on his sweatshirt, socks, shoes and left the trail. Kobe and I also made our way home.

Now this may seem like a long conversation to have with a pervert, but is was actually quite useful. When I got home I called the police and the park police. I was able to describe him in complete detail as well as add that he had been in therapy for this behavior before. I asked the park police to increase patrol in the area and they said they would.

I really don't want to see him in the park again. I know a lot of women who run on that trail, and plenty of children play there as well and they have a right to use the park unmolested. I too will continue to go to the park, but I will have my cell phone with me from now on!

I hope this will inspire other women to feel empowered. These men are cowards who get off on hearing women scream. Don't give them the satisfaction. This is not to say you should expose yourself to danger - safety is the highest priority.

Don't let these coward make you feel like a victim. I refuse to be a victim.

Love,

Eryka

This is So Perfect: God and Dog!

2009-10-01T19:57:00.006-05:00

I saw this video, "GoD and DoG" on Facebook and it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Thanks to Wendy Francisco for making it. It really captures the pure love one feels from GOD and from Dogs. I have always considered GOD's greatest ambassadors here on earth. They don't lie, they don't judge, and they love unconditionally. I just hugged my own heavenly ambassador Kobe! Check out the video below. If it is loading slowly, you can see it on YouTube as well.

New Painting: What do you See/ Feel?

2009-09-25T21:56:00.007-05:00

Hi,

Here is a piece I did on Wednesday. What do you see in it? Does it evoke any specific emotions? I would really appreciate any feedback you have to offer. Thanks!

P.S. I am putting the finishing touches on the blue summer shawl. I am currently weaving in the ends and will attach the fringe to tomorrow. I should be posting that one soon.

Ta,

Eryka

Knitting Meme: I’ve Come to Realize...

2009-09-23T00:23:00.012-05:00

I just saw this on post on Karen’s Blog, and I felt obligated to complete it. I have been inactive in the knitosphere for so long, I feel like I need to do something to rebuild my "stick-cred". So here are my responses. Like Karen, I included cute pictures to entice you to read to the end. Enjoy.

I've Come to Realize....

1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size…Ok just as it is.

2. I’ve come to realize that my job…is what ever I decide it is.

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving…I am talking to myself about random things.

4. I’ve come to realize that I need…Continue exploring my creative self!

5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost…My belief that most of our political leaders are committed to solving community issues.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when…The world is too much with me.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk…I will be on the floor after a glass of wine or two so…let’s not get me drunk.

8. I’ve come to realize that money…Pays the bills but it cannot make you a better person.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people…Are too emotionally-damaged to experience real love.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always …Be an emotional person.

11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings…That my brother is a great father.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…Had a pretty rough road to walk, but she did it successfully.

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone…Is a lifeline.

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning…That I love my dog.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep…There is so much great information in the Bible I wish I could absorb it instantly. But I can only do it one verse at a time.

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking…I should be going to bed, I can only watch so much King of the Hill.

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad…Is my dad.

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook…I am looking for a sip of companionship.

19. I’ve come to realize that today…Was challenging but important. Growth cannot come without doing the work.

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight…Has been an accomplishment!

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow…Will involve more hard work!

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to…Have a happy, healthy and successful life.

23. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is…Another knitting blogger or a friend on Facebook.

24. I’ve come to realize that life…Is about being a perpetual learner.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend…I haven’t thought that far ahead!

26. I’ve come to realize that marriage…Is hard.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends…Are few but good!

28. I’ve come to realize that this year…Has been a life changing experience.

29. I’ve come to realize that my ex is…In need of prayer…a lot of serious prayer.

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should…Live with fewer rules.

31. I’ve come to realize that I love…GOD, my family, my dog, knitting, and painting.

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand…What motivates people to act in unjust ways.

33. I’ve come to realize my past…Made me who I am.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties…Are fun with the right people and costumes!!

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified…Of banality.

Confessions of a Wayward Knitter

2009-09-21T20:15:00.028-05:00

I have a confession to make... I have at least five active, incomplete knitting projects. That's right: incomplete. Most of them are nearly complete, but they are still incomplete. In fact, I have not completed a knitting project since June 1.

During the past few months, I have been knitting, and it has been a true balm for my soul. But my energies have been so unfocused, completion fiber-wise seems to elude me.

My unfinished Spencer sweater sits patiently on the work table in my studio; a light summer shawl hangs lazily on the back of a rocking chair.

A fabulous grey bag sits bundled by my bed awaiting its final decrease rows and shaping; and the feather & fan shawl that taught me the limits of knitting in church is tucked inside my tote bag for knitting on the go.

We all know that the creative arts are healing. And in my quest to rebuild, it seems as if I have been searching for an artistic quick-fix, something that I can do in a few short hours and achieve the endorphin rush that comes with completing something created by your own hand. A pick me up as it were.

So to that end, I started sewing, drawing, decoupaging and watercoloring. I even contemplated sculpture.

I joined a sewing class and finished my very first project...a tote bag! Unfortunately, the teacher went on vacation, and won't be back until October. I was supposed to be working on a quilting project in the meantime, but I got started drawing, and got distracted.

I found that I enjoy drawing, and I did some rather creative images, but a friend of my was extolling the virtues of watercolor pencils and as you can guess I jumped on that bandwagon!

I enjoy watercoloring with the pencils, but I want to learn how to do it "for real" like with brushes and everything. So I am trying to find an affordable class that works with my schedule otherwise, I will have to watch the videos on the Internet, but I dont think that will be the same.

In the meantime I turned to decoupage. I found a box of 2-inch square tiles by a neighbors house and thought they would be great to decoupage and turn into magnets. What fun! ...now what do I do with them?

Then I realized that the third anniversary of my Quit date is coming up. As of December 10, 2009, I would have NOT smoked 21,000 cigarettes. Can you believe it! Can you imagine what 21,000 cigarettes would look like?

Well I wanted to create that visual. So I set out to collect 21,000 cigarette butts to create a sculpture. OK, now while it seemed intriguing conceptually, it presented several challenges practically. First, picking up other peoples cigarette butts is nasty. Second, they stink to high heaven even if you keep them in a Ziploc bag in the garage. And can you imagine how long it will take to collect 21,000 cigarette butts!!!

No, in the end, I realized that I have been multitasking, which of course translates to not getting very much done over a long period of time. So I here and now, I am committing myself to finishing the aforementioned knitting projects first. And once I have done so, I will then move on to some of the other activities.

I think I will continue to pursue the sewing, drawing and watercoloring though, but with proper training and the appropriate amount of time dedicated to each craft.

Ta,

Eryka

Yard Work: Great Therapy!

2009-09-19T16:54:00.010-05:00

Hi all,

A few months ago, the city started a "street enhancement" project. It involved removing the curve in the street in front of my house, widening the sidewalks and repaving the road. As a result, my front yard nearly doubled in size! They also put down new sod, which is absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, it made my existing grass look rather sad. So over the past few days, I have been putting my efforts to get my old grass to look like the new grass.

When I went out this morning, my next door neighbor was having a birthday party for her niece. And as the cousins and friends started to gather, they became instantly enamored with Kobe Jackson! And oddly enough, he was equally as taken with them! The girls even help me spread some of the grass seed. I had such a good time with them. We played a guessing game while the adults were inside getting the party ready, then they went on with the party....and I got back to work!

I filled in the sections were there was no grass at all. These were planned flower beds, but lets face it, after three years, they have produced nothing but ill-placed, sad looking, flower and a plethora of weeds! Once the seed and fertilizer were down, I covered the areas with the growing mat stuff. When the city waters in the morning, they use a water cannon, which washed away my previous seeds!

With the main body of the yard I raked the dried grass put down seed and starter fertilizer. I hope I get some grass soon! One of the men hired by the city was kind enough to give me a big bucket of the industrial strength fast growing seed they use for the parks and what not.

Here is what it looks like now: I hope it grows. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

PS. I promise to write about knitting soon!

Ta!

Eryka

Found out where I CAN'T Knit: Church!

2009-09-07T17:51:00.007-05:00

As many of you know, I have been known to boldly knit anywhere: in the park, in the library, at a bar, at a concert, etc. Well, this past Sunday, I took a shawl I just started working on with me to church, thinking I could bust out a few rows. It is a simple pattern, a nice feather & fan worked in a lovely yarn variegated yarn.

Unfortunately, I chose that morning to sit in the second row...right next to "Mother Smith" (her first husband designed the existing church, and her current her husband is Reverend Smith). I was also directly in the line of sight of Reverend Reff, our Pastor and Presiding Elder, as he made his way to the pulpit. Well let just say, between the looks from the pulpit and the "gentle direction" from Mother Smith. Knitting in church is definitely out!

Lesson learned!

Slowly Opening the Door

2009-09-05T19:11:00.003-05:00

I haven't been in this room in so long. I thought I would peek my head in and see how it looks. Bit of dust here and there...but my yarn seems ok...several unfinished projects, including the Spencer sweater...Well, I will deal with those later, when I am stronger.

Michael Jackson: From Vinyl to iPod

2009-06-28T18:56:00.004-05:00

Like the rest of the world, I can't believe he is gone. I was stunned when I heard the news on Friday the Michael Jackson had passed. I was even more stunned to find out that he was 50- years-old; like his music he was a timeless fixture in my life. I was watching a VH1 special today that chronicled his musical library. Michael Jackson made music for nearly 45 years. Can you believe it! His career started when vinyl was the only media available. He was there for the 8-track, cassette tape, CD and digital. And now he is gone. It would take hours to chronicle all the life events I associate with Michael Jackson. I am grateful for his gift of music.

Eryka

Writing: The Color of Procrastination

2009-06-24T22:39:00.007-05:00

As mentioned in the previous post, I plan to re-engage my creative writing brain. Part of it of course means writing on a regular basis. I had planned on writing every day, but that lofty ambition proved to be too much and I missed writing yesterday. But I promised myself i would keep this commitment, so tonight, I will do my first one. I will write for five straight minutes on the topic " What Color is Procrastination" Since this is free writing, I will not edit it, so here I go:
----------------------------

The Color of Procrastination: Brownie
Procrastination, like a muddy lava of batter with distinct, intricate strands of sienna memories, filling the mind with seductive thoughts of relaxation and days when you didn't have to.

It is a brownie of your sweetest moments: a chunk of satisfaction after the sweater is all finished, a chewy center where there are no more heels to turn, and don't forget the crunch of a nut confirming there are no more stitches to bind-off. It is done... there is nothing more to do. You can relax. You don't have to any more. It is that freedom that is so hard to let go.

But it is that memory, a surprise crumb that hid in the corner of your smile, waiting to jump out and surprise you with its chocolatey goodness as you start your next project, that gets you every time.

-------------------------
Ok, I lied, I did edit it and I feel good about that. So, moving forward, I will be editing the writings so that I am comfortable sharing them with my readers. Also, as you have noticed, I will try to keep each the writings about knitting or crafting related as much as possible. I look forward to your thoughts and comments!

Ta,

Eryka

The Writer Within...

2009-06-22T21:24:00.006-05:00

When I was younger, I wanted to be everything. Specifically, I wanted to be a nun, waitress, doctor, and a writer (in that order please.) And anyone who knows me can see some aspects of those professions in my personality. I took to the writing the most. I even when to Columbia College, an art school in Chicago for a semester, which I LOVED.

But as I have gotten older, the passion seems to have drifted from my writing. I'm sure you know what I mean. Our personal passions drive our professions, but some how, the shine gets rubbed off, so that it is just another skill set, nothing to get excited about.

Now don't get me wrong, I love PR. Especially the thrill of getting it done against the odds, or connecting with a hard-to-reach reporter. But there are limits to how creative one can be. How often do you get to create a whole new world in corporate America? Or explore the essence of the color green? In short, I miss creative writing.

I feel as if I have lost my voice to the confines of corporate speak. So, I have decided to bring it back using a combination of activities from Dorothea Brande's pivotal work "Becoming a Writer" and a wealth of writing prompts from Creative Writing Prompts. And since I have not been keeping up with my blogging the way that I want to, I will use this space to rekindle my love with the English language. More to follow.

Ta,

Eryka

Spence-A-Long Update: on the next sleeve!

2009-06-21T22:08:00.008-05:00

Hi,

I've made a lot of progress on my Spencer--I'm now on the second sleeve. Well in my case it is the fourth sleeve, but it is the only the second one on the garment. But it seems to be coming along nicely. However, I find that I have to be very careful. I had to rip back the second sleeve, when I first started; the decreasing on the second sleeve, didn't match the increasing pattern on the first sleeve. Anyway, I am making progress. I hope to get started on the ribbing soon. Although I do have a question. In the pattern, Annie suggested that we steam iron the body before moving on to doing the waist ribbing, collar, etc. What would happen if I soaked it in wool wash instead? Would that mess it us? Would it come out over blocked?

BTW, here is a picture of Kobe with a mohawk... it was a rainy day. When I dried him off, the fur on his head did interesting things. Enjoy.