Project 365 - Week 4 in 2009

Another freaking cold week here in the T-dot, but lots of fun memoirs nonetheless.


I got this tea cup in the mail. I only vaguely remember sending away for it. I actually remember thinking about it but not actually sending for it. I guess I did!


Kinda defies explanation.


Me looking goofy after being asked when buying a ticket for the film Chandhi Chowk to China if I had my student card. Oh boy.. student card? Do I look that young?


Feb 22 was Oscar nomination day! See detailed lists of noms over at Movie Moxie


Hanging out with Jamie after some fun clothes shopping. Our after shopping spot had a new item on the menu which I tried and it was great! Too bad my soy sauce always wants to fall over, good thing I found a creative solution!


My brother was in town for 2 days! So great to see him! I caught him off caught and made him smile instead of doing a goofy face, hehe!


It was a family-full weekend and so I'm featuring lil Jinx as the cat of the week. Don't tell Mr. Man!

Knitting Challenge

It's been two years (almost to the day) from when I learned how to knit. I had no idea how much of an impact this would be! Jamie & I took a 2 session learn to knit a scarf class and since then I've always had at least one project on the go. I've learned to knit in the round, change colours, read a pattern, make a swatch, do cables and made many many scarves. There always seems to be more to learn, and more projects I want to do. Some are 'just cuz', some are to learn more and some are 'ok, I really have to finish that one'. To keep track of what I want to do I've decided to create a list and work through them there.

Knitting Challenge List:

1. Finish all current projects (multicoloured legwarmers, pink socks, bag to be constructed, burgundy hat)
2. Sort Yarn by weight
3. Pick Pattern for Garment. Bring to Store. Buy yarn, any notions/special items required. Create Garment.
4. Make mitts or gloves
5. Try new scarf pattern
6. Try new sock pattern
7. Try new hat pattern
8. Try something from the 'misc' patterns pile
9. Try a new shrug/poncho pattern
10. Try a new bag pattern
11. Knit a sweater
12. Knit pants, skirt or dress
13. Learn Buttonholes
14. Create a pattern
15. Learn how to read a colour pattern
16. Learn how to read a stitch pattern
17. Find homes for the 4 scarves I've made which are sitting in my inbox
18. Learn how to make buttonholes
19. Learn how to make an i cord
20. Buy a knitting book that I really like

Newly Knitting - Fingerless Mitts 'Dashing'

I finished these last night (and they already have cat hair on them!). They are fingerless mitts called Dashing from Knitty. You can get the pattern here.

I picked the pattern well over a year ago but had just gotten comfortable at that time with knitting in the round so in hindsight I'm glad I waiting. It takes a few skills I hadn't tried at that time, namely cables and making a thumb. Both were way easier than I had expected.

When I try a new pattern, I always follow the instructions and make no alterations (just like baking). I did a test swatch for the gauge and it looked ok. The pattern is actually a mens pattern, but I find it snug on the lower arm so maybe it is for skinny boys! It's really cook how the cables cinch at the wrist for a nice fitted effect. I did find the length a bit long working after the cables to the thumb opening. If I did it again I might revise that part. But, I loved the K4 P1 rib pattern - I think it's beautiful and it's super easy to remember intuitively.

Overall I'm thrilled. It's my 2nd try at cables and first time doing a thumb - both of which were fine. The pattern is really clear and I realize now I picked up stitches in the wrong way for the thumb but you can't tell.

I went with different colours as that is what I had that matched the pattern. I knew each ball wouldn't have been enough for a full mitt, so I just did one of each.

Here are some more pics:

Project 365 - Week 3 for 2009

Ok, kinda fibbing on the week three as I've only done one post so far. But... my wall calenders calls Jan 12-18/09 week 3 so that's my back up. How would you properly reference a calender? Perhaps one week I'll include a pic of it!


Live chatting through the Golden Globes with Andrew from GmanReviews and Ethan from ScreenGeeks. Fun times!


Steak & Eggs for dinner. This was literally all I could come up with from what was in the fridge. It's the first time I've had it... not sure what the fuss is all about.


The oldest, oddest and most secure coffee carafe I've ever seen.


Sweetness! Amazon has some sick deals and I completed not only my collection of Angel, but also Buffy. I went way over budget on my DIY club by $167 though, so I'm going to pay that off before ordering again in February. $45 down ad $122 to go!


The effect of the West End Blackout! Thank goodness I didn't go out that night like I planned, I not only would have been chilly but also had one heck of a time getting home.


I was one of the lucky ones that had power restored early Friday morning.


Noticed this on my Saturday trek out in the freezing weather. Don't know what to do with your old chocolate boxes? Home made outdoor ice cubes! Not suggesting you actually use them.


Mr. Man looking cozy as ever.

365 in 2009! - Week 1 Plus Some

What is a year without picture? After posting a pictures from everyday in 2008 including a video summary of the year, I can't imagine not doing it again. Thanks Jamie for starting the fun trend and the continual inspiration! Feel free to join along and post a picture from every day of the year. I'm hoping to do mine weekly on Sundays but we will see how it goes.


This is one of the very few pics I took that day, most of which were unusable. But, always need a pic of the crazy kitty - he sure is enjoying a relaxing New Year's Day! Now to take more & better pics is resolution for 2009. Actually, it isn't because I love the randomness of odd pictures.


Hanging out with Jamie on a snowy day!


Library pics of the week, made it through all but Unforgiven which I had already seen anyway.


Just cuz it's pretty.


The moon out around 5pm.


Late night coming home after meeting with my film buddies. Was so beautiful and quiet out in th midst of a snowfall.


And then it all melted. I totally got pelted with slush this day - not by that car but some truck like mobile.


Very bright Sun that day. What is with all the 'outdoor' nature-y pics???


Funny name for a corner that doesn't host CityTV anymore.


Current knitting project, fingerless mitts (I think) with cables. I am not sure I did it right as the cables look really odd, but they taper at the wrist which is pretty cool. Oddness as it's a mens pattern and very snug. I guess me have big mitty hands!

A year in pictures

A year in pictures from the 365 project hosted by Jamie. Here is a picture from every day in 2008.It's been a rather snowy year on both ends it seems. Enjoy!

The Last Week in Pictures for 2008

The last weekly(ish) post of for Project 365! Thank you Jamie for putting it together! I can't wait to see all the pictures together... I wonder if it is now I remember the year :).


One of the many snowy days of the year!


Kitty snuggles up to the pressies. He doesn't mind that they aren't for him.


Christmas Dinner coming outta the oven!


Kung Fu and Musical movies for Christmas Day delights.


Continuing movie madness to Boxing Day.


Cozy moment with the Jinx.


Yummy cookies, thank you Jamie!


Chatting with Jamie & Suzie - fun!


1st attempt to get a new calendar for 2009 (I got one, but it wasn't the 'right' one)


2nd attempted to get a new calendar for 2009. 4 calendars of the masses had what I needed (week starting on Monday). These were the 4 options: Surfing, Circus, Cheese and Folk-y Nature Art Creations or something. I bought surfing & circus and the circus one is on my wall right now - welcome to 2009!