tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107980092011-10-14T08:55:33.278-06:00Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.comBlogger1211100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-42143303478547314222009-08-16T13:07:00.009-06:002009-08-17T19:53:51.872-06:00

I love old Pyrex, so I was somewhat thrilled to stumble across Pyrex Love few months ago. Browsing the different patterns on this website sure makes me want more Pyrex.Here's some of the Pyrex that I own.I have a 2 casserole dishes with the Butterfly Gold 2 pattern:I have 3 refrigerator dishes with the Butterprint pattern:And my favorite Pyrex dish (that I own) is this divided casserole dish, 

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-81283673348561681812009-08-13T11:01:00.002-06:002009-08-13T11:08:54.042-06:00

My food dehydrator is being put to good use these days. Ripe cherries, there were too many for E and I to eat by ourselves before they would spoil.Nebraska tomatoes with marjoram from the California garden.Nebraska cucumbers that were too numerous to eat before they'd spoil. I have some ideas brewing about how to best use dried cucumbers.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-38650150039332016012009-08-02T14:59:00.003-06:002009-08-02T15:16:03.380-06:00

Garden on 10 July.Here's what I've planted:Bed one: thyme, chives, oregano, onions, eggplant, brussel sprouts, bok choy, flowersBed two: broccoli, cucumbers, tomatillos, green onions, flowersBed three: hot peppers, leeks, tomatoes, basil, flowersNear the fence: butternut squash, acorn squash, flowersHere's what's happened:Broccoli, mostly harvested and eatenCucumbers, seeds aren't sproutingBok

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-83866819255868868822009-04-26T20:18:00.002-06:002009-04-26T20:22:47.585-06:00

Just after planting some starts and seeds in our new garden it snowed.That's some cold bok choy.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-71047872847500991122009-04-04T20:17:00.004-06:002009-04-04T20:37:44.021-06:00

I'm currently reading The Creative Family by Amanda Soule and I absolutely love it. It's all about bringing creativity in to every day family life, in a thrifty sort of way. Now that's a parenting style I can get behind! We really liked the idea of a banging wall (check it out here), and decided we ought to make something like it for E. We went to Goodwill this morning to pick out some things,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-57331379806979773102009-04-01T23:42:00.004-06:002009-04-01T23:53:13.129-06:00

Ever heard of Freecycle? Thanks to Freecycle, we got a swing set for the kiddo for $0. It needs a bit of love, but we're not complaining. Amazingly, it only took one trip in Gertie to get it home! (We'd already taken the swing and ladder out of the back before we remembered to get a photo.)We had to disassemble it and put it back together. I was surprised at how fast we did it though. It only

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-15931352986974508682009-03-27T12:10:00.004-06:002009-03-27T12:22:33.027-06:00

The Spring weather left as quickly as it came. Snow has been falling regularly, although it doesn't seem to stick around for very long, the past week or so. Yesterday morning was very Nebraska-like, cold temperatures and windy. No wind today, so we went on a nice walk this morning.E and Molly the dolly.Molly the dolly is based on a free pattern, Sally the eco fairy, from Knitty. It took quite a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-87179530323554124802009-03-22T19:36:00.004-06:002009-03-22T21:30:17.796-06:00

There are quite a lot of gardens in our part of town, and I'm really looking forward to watching them grow. Here are a few we strolled by today.I'm not sure if this garden is a tribute to bicycles or a bicycle graveyard.This is the community garden in a nearby neighborhood, Northside.Northside community garden plotsFuture home of the Lowell School gardenWe squeezed in some more yard work today. I

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-11577182524997201072009-03-21T19:46:00.003-06:002009-03-21T20:00:33.221-06:00

Next to the garage behind our house is a bunch of random odds and ends. We decided to give some old things new life, and here's what we came up with:This white plastic drum will be work as a rain barrel for us. Here it's collecting water from the garage roof. Here's our compost pile: a half-pallet and two composting bins made from old fencing. I also fashioned a few cold frames on the cheap from

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-51407342517435089492009-03-20T11:46:00.007-06:002009-03-20T12:13:30.303-06:00

We often stroll to our local Safeway to pick up our groceries every week. We both love to get outside as much as possible, especially now that the ice is off the sidewalks.  It also happens to be a great pre-nap activity. No part of this town is without spectacular mountain views! The longer we live in this house, the more I'm falling in love with our neighborhood. Westside is the exact opposite

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-92159396522827900832009-03-05T12:07:00.004-07:002009-03-05T12:27:18.891-07:00

Tater Tot is really excited about her stroller and often asks for rides. And we are easily convinced. Now that sidewalks are free of ice and snow, I try to take her on one or two walks a day, often running errands or swinging by the park en-route. Plus the forecast says snow and rain is soon to come, so we need to get as many pre-Spring walks and bike-rides in as possible. Yesterday, we all went

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-88977061168184438492009-03-03T20:21:00.004-07:002009-03-03T20:52:49.398-07:00

Last Autumn, I was lucky enough to find a pre-1990s Burley bicycle trailer for the whopping good deal of $7 at a local yard sale. It was a pretty thrilling moment for me, as even trailers this old usually sell for upwards of $100 in these parts. It's a really good brand, even if it's sort of vintage-y as far as bike trailers go. Anyway, we've been working really hard the past couple of weeks to

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-15011381348048325702008-10-01T11:19:00.002-06:002008-10-01T11:26:01.744-06:00

E's newest knitwear:Doesn't she look dignified?Details to come...

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-64413962948788832472008-08-27T08:24:00.007-06:002008-08-27T16:22:06.227-06:00

I'm finally getting my knitting mojo back. I think it was lost sometime between the morning sickness (read: constant vomiting) that started sometime last summer and the exhaustion of adjusting to a new baby. It was the Resurrected Toddler Sweater that brought it back to me. I just love knitting without a pattern. The sweater is "resurrected" because a few weeks ago I found several inches of the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1115915855241112812008-08-22T14:29:00.001-06:002009-03-03T20:59:26.127-07:00

Here's an old post I've decided to put back on the blog. You'll notice the photos were taken when we lived in California. (Originally posted 5/12/05)I've been a part-time bicycle commuter since I was 18. Back in the day, I would carry what I needed in a backpack. Well, books are heavy, and since most of my classes were literature classes and science classes, I was hauling a lot of books. I would

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-47898315538344833902008-07-23T18:03:00.006-06:002008-07-23T22:40:35.114-06:00

For months I've been scouring ebay for the perfect high chair. Five days ago I found it. And today we have it.One of these in new condition in the original box recently sold for about $143. This one was listed with a "buy it now" price for less than one-third of that. Needless to say, we snatched it up immediately.It's old school, so there's no fancy 5-point harness. But my Mom's method of using

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-73283362485311875522008-07-21T20:54:00.002-06:002008-07-21T20:57:50.189-06:00

my first quilt square ever.I'm embarrassed that the picture is so blurry, but I was just too excited to show this to my sisters to take more than one photo.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-78632963364366342742008-07-20T20:38:00.003-06:002008-07-21T10:50:51.324-06:00

One afternoon with Jen+$2.64+30 minutes of craftiness=One frolicking tutu &One stompin' tutu

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-41896607032247331342008-07-15T14:00:00.004-06:002008-07-15T14:17:46.425-06:00

Help!I need to repair these socks. They were knit by my aunt's friend, and I was given these socks to repair while I was still pregnant. I completely forgot about them and by now I think I may have had them close to a year. So...I'd like to get them mailed off pretty soon if I can figure out the best way to fix them.They were knit top down, and a few stitches pulled out of each cast-on edge. It

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-80260835401322003082008-07-08T18:42:00.005-06:002008-07-08T19:27:57.190-06:00

I have been knitting, barely, since the babe was born. But this is probably the first really eventful craftiness I've undertaken post-pregnancy.So, this past week we went camping with some friends we met in Maupin. The 7-year-old lost her cat, Scruffy, when they were in Missoula. Luckily, Scruffy was found at Fort Missoula, and I was able to pick her up today.We were introduced to Scruffy by the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-48469267575777084422008-02-13T15:26:00.004-07:002008-02-13T15:34:34.431-07:00

I finally finished these socks I started about a year ago as a gift for my mom. I used mill ends from Mountain Colors in Corvallis, but I ran out of yarn after the instep of the second sock. It took me some time to get back to Corvallis to get more yarn, and a bit longer to finally finish knitting them. But now they are done and I really like how they turned out.2 sockscables cablesPattern: Best

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-29780064120642819012008-02-01T11:33:00.000-07:002008-02-01T12:54:33.633-07:00

I've been slightly obsessive about sewing lately, which is why I haven't been a very productive knitter. Actually, most of the things I've been obsessed about sewing are things we actually need before the baby arrives. I'm not sure, but I think this is called "nesting". Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the results since all these items probably cost less than $7 to make.We really needed burp rags

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-72465872061982132372008-01-28T17:47:00.000-07:002008-01-28T18:32:43.899-07:00

Even though I've gotten some other WIPs on the needles, I felt the need for instant gratification so I knit some items for the baby.This hat is pretty little, but it has a lot of stretch to it. I'm hoping it will be somewhat big when she's born (but still stay on her head), and that she'll be able to wear it for quite awhile.Basic Baby HatPattern: My ownYarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride BulkyNeedles

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-74883735222441047482008-01-23T17:06:00.000-07:002008-01-23T17:23:14.011-07:00

Finally, here are some photos of the finished Bump Sweater. My bump is getting pretty big, and I'm starting to feel pretty squeezed into some of my maternity shirts. But as you can see, this sweater is still loose enough to be comfortable. And the yarn is so soft that it doesn't make my skin itchy. With the single-digit and sub-zero temperatures we've been having lately, I think I'll be getting

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-21404510163975257442008-01-05T09:14:00.000-07:002008-01-05T09:28:25.191-07:00

I was planning on crocheting valances for our kitchen windows in our old apartment. But since we moved I no longer have a need for the valances. The windows in our new apartment are considerably different than the last place we lived. So I've frogged the valance and I'm using the thread for something else (a wedding garter for my cousin)!bat valance beginningsjust a batPattern: Filet Crochet Bat

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-8072906396447655822007-11-28T08:19:00.000-07:002007-11-28T08:26:02.476-07:00

All the knitting is complete! All I have left to do is block the pieces, sew them together, and go shopping for some ribbon.Oh, and I'll get to return that extra ball of yarn to Joseph's Coat since I didn't need it after all.I'm going to check out Selvedge Studio for the ribbon, which should be fun since I've never been there before.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-87526222220059995812007-11-17T12:05:00.001-07:002007-11-17T12:17:54.341-07:00

I've finished knitting the front and back of the Bump Sweater from Natural Knits.I started with 9 balls of yarn and have 3 left. I'm completely terrified that I'm going to run out of yarn before I finish the sleeves. I've opted to knit both sleeves at once, to make sure the sleeves are exactly the same. It seems like I'm always ridiculously worried about running out of yarn at this point of a

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-48208327437776656552007-11-14T12:55:00.000-07:002007-11-14T13:59:45.296-07:00

This post is all about things we've acquired for our unborn daughter. Two blankets made by my mom for the girl.A sweater my sister whipped up in no time as soon as she found out we were having a girl. It's the first baby girl in the family since she's been a knitter, so she's pretty stoked about knitting girl things. I'm totally enamored with the buttons.Some shirts my mom bought and embellished

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-21214531995236601232007-11-06T16:04:00.000-07:002007-11-06T16:08:48.640-07:00

Okay, now I see what all the fuss is about. So far, Ravelry is proving to be quite awesome. I've found & friended some of you already. I'm "flatlander". Please leave comment with your Ravelry name and I'll look for you. I want to spy in all your stashes :)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-56616083690624261492007-11-04T19:18:00.000-07:002007-11-04T19:22:59.345-07:00

I'm pretty close now! I already have a mental list of yarns and patterns I plan on searching. I sure hope Ravelry is all it's as great as everyone keeps saying it is.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-38896257539288197472007-10-16T21:42:00.000-06:002007-10-16T21:51:57.681-06:00

I'm pretty sure I gasped when I saw what the husband brought home from work tonight. Here it is, a present from the husband's boss intended for the girl:I absolutely LOVE them!

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-44285043250332043422007-10-16T17:33:00.000-06:002007-10-16T17:36:08.631-06:00

I imagine I will be preoccupied with this website for quite some time.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-80607874313816088282007-10-11T09:50:00.000-06:002007-10-11T10:25:56.221-06:00

Are you thinking, "ANOTHER stroller blanket?" Well, in all fairness, this one is more special (no offense to those other blankets) because this one is destined to keep my kid warm. I didn't stick to the pattern this time. Instead of finishing the edging with single crochet rounds and a round with loops built in to hold a braided cord, I chose to single crochet two rounds and end with a round of

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-86913469999387133272007-10-07T19:51:00.000-06:002007-10-07T19:55:55.936-06:00

I keep hearing about how great Ravelry is, so I decided to get my name on the list. How long do you think it will be before I'm in?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-42394659647788753002007-09-22T08:20:00.000-06:002007-09-22T08:29:18.492-06:00

Alright, I know it's probably not really a cowl, but I didn't know what else to call it.Pattern: Adapted from Fickle Fingers ScarfBook: Interweave Knits Winter 2005Yarn: Red Heart Amore - celery(This post is personally dedicated to Nutty Knitter. Without her constant nagging support, this post would not have come to fruitition. But in all fairness, it's fair since I nagged her first.)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-15642481306353792772007-04-29T13:31:00.000-06:002007-04-29T14:26:17.014-06:00

I made this quite awhile ago. It's a bit larger than the typical head hugging beanie, but I'm a fan. It's a good style, good fiber, good color, and good fit. But since I can only seem to wear the bias hat, I'll be gifting this hat to some lucky person.Look at the green green grass! Spring is here! Spring is here!Needles: US 10.5 (I think)Yarn: Chelsea Silk (Tahki) 65% Silk 35% Wool (Color 189)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-61922724987333370432007-04-16T17:11:00.000-06:002007-04-16T17:14:04.115-06:00

Hat #12Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-24557977358677372782007-04-15T14:21:00.000-06:002007-04-15T14:26:15.394-06:00

Hat #9Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ?Hat #10Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ?Hat #11Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-5505411267173734122007-04-05T20:47:00.000-06:002007-04-05T20:49:20.293-06:00

Hat #8Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ?

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-9978280699578742132007-04-02T16:37:00.000-06:002007-04-02T16:45:23.195-06:00

(Sorry about the lack of yarn details. I'll see if I can find the info and edit this post later.)Hat #3Needles: US 10.5Yarn: Patons TBAHat #4Needles: US 10.5Yarn: Woolease TBAHat #5Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ?Hat #6Needles: US 10.5Yarn: Lions Brand Cool Wool TBAHat #7Needles: US 10.5Yarn: ? from Jen's stash

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-60211455779027908012007-03-30T17:17:00.000-06:002007-03-30T17:21:03.472-06:00

Baby hat #2Needles: US 10.5Yarn: Patons Beehive Shetland Chunky (Color 2135)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-4586695076306657392007-03-29T18:29:00.000-06:002007-03-30T17:17:25.583-06:00

Last weekend at weekend at the local Stitch 'n' Bitch meeting, a fellow knitter was sharing the horrors of the local hospital nursery's newborn hat collection. (For all the details read this.) Apparently, the hats are quite craptastic. In an effort to improve the head comfort and fashion of the youngest of Missoulians, a plea for charity knitting was made at the last S'n'B meeting. And for some

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-15638716220612032772007-02-21T17:14:00.000-07:002007-03-26T17:29:04.483-06:00

Woa, that was some hiatus. Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging about knitting. I'm still taking a vacation from the Demi. Here's what I've been up to in the meantime:Pattern: CalorimetryNeedles: US 6Yarn: Magallanes (color 301)This knitted up gianormous when I followed the pattern; so I frogged the whole thing and went down two needle sizes. Now it's great. Pattern: Mason Dixon

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-2607883747371915892007-01-20T12:42:00.000-07:002007-03-26T17:30:12.320-06:00

I knit the shoulder and neck shaping for the front and back of the Demi over last weekend, and I was pretty disappointed with the result. Well, I wasn't brought to tears, but I did stuff the sweater and yarn into the bottom of my knitting back and ignored it for a few days. Notice what I dislike?First, I'm totally not a fan of how the last repeat stops abruptly after the bobbles. (I knit to the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-45402939205784360412007-01-14T11:13:00.000-07:002007-01-14T12:00:30.815-07:00

Thanks for all the nice comments about the baby shower gift I knit. I was a little worried if the mom to be would like the hat and mittens since I'm still getting to know everyone's knitting/yarn preferences in the knitting group. Luckily, when she saw what I knit she looked at me and said, "I told you we had the same taste in colors!" Then she attempted to put the baby hat on her own head, which

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-67343560719565776112007-01-09T19:04:00.000-07:002007-01-09T19:25:55.837-07:00

One of the women in the knitting group is having a baby shower so I thought it would be appropriate to knit something for her baby.Pattern: Thumbless mittensBook: Creature comforts : cozy knits for wee ones by Amy BahrtPattern: Striped stocking capBook: Knit baby : head & toes! edited by Gwen SteegeYarn: Some mercerized cotton donated to my stash from a Santa Barbara knitter, but I'm not sure of

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-88253730665454023672006-12-17T18:04:00.000-07:002006-12-17T19:04:25.135-07:00

Ok, I know it's only our first Christmas here in Montana so maybe it's a little early to be speaking of "traditions". But what we did today seems like it will be a really fun thing to do each winter. For $5 a permit can be purchased from the Forest Service Headquarters allowing the permit holder to cut down one tree (*certain restrictions apply). It was a short drive to Bitterroot National Forest

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-65638838409211897432006-12-12T17:11:00.000-07:002006-12-12T17:20:39.019-07:00

This is Kitty Pi #2 after 3 or 4 washes. I only washed Kitty Pi #1 once and it felted completely, maybe even a little too much. Kitty Pi #2 doesn't have the densest feel to the knit fabric, but it's a really nice size (better than Kitty Pi #1). Isabella reluctantly poses with Kitty Pi #2(Sorry about the poor photo quality; it's hard to get a decent photo without natural lighting.)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-72478138445717494782006-12-07T17:25:00.000-07:002006-12-07T17:49:40.877-07:00

This is some Jo Sharp yarn I bought at a thrift store in Goleta. I can't seem to finish a project with this yarn.First, I started knitting a button up cardigan. I don't even remember the name of the pattern anymore, but I remember it was a Jo Sharp pattern. Before the cardigan was finished, I came to the the conclusion that a short sleeve sweater would be much more practical for the southern

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-58492561452580253022006-11-05T20:03:00.000-07:002006-11-05T20:25:34.275-07:00

I've tried knitting short row heels with wrapped stitches many many times, and the result is always a row of gaping holes on one side of the heel. Six of the times I tried were this weekend with the striped socks I'm currently knitting. Just when I was about to give up on every knitting a nice short row heel, I remembered that there are knitting videos online. I adapted the Pom Squad heel pattern

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-88717800071444242512006-11-03T13:42:00.000-07:002007-03-26T17:31:38.139-06:00

At the first Stitch'n'Bitch meeting I attended here in Montana, I heard that Mountain Colors was made just down the road and I've been eager for a road trip to see it ever since. Yesterday, two fellow knitters and I headed down to Corvallis, Montana to Mountain Colors to check it out first hand.They get yarn from all over the world and it's hand dyed in a sort of assembly line. There were about 5

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-21178232111694896442006-11-02T09:29:00.000-07:002006-11-02T09:33:27.705-07:00

The stripe pattern is not exactly like I had planned, but I still like it. Since we have returned to apartment living, we have also returned to coin operated washing machines. Felting will have to wait for laundry day.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-80955131310691887262006-11-01T13:02:00.000-07:002006-11-01T16:59:08.537-07:00

natural light, actual colorsI'm still experimenting with different sock techniques to determine which styles I like best. I knit these socks to learn a new cast on method, learn a new cast off method and see how long the socks would be if I knit as much of the yarn as possible. I didn't use a written pattern, but I tried to be descriptive when describing how I knit these (which should come in

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-25383601476589486022006-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:002006-10-31T21:08:15.130-07:00

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-66281377315780374482006-10-25T08:35:00.000-06:002006-10-25T09:23:27.659-06:00

144 stitches per roundMost of the blogging knitting world probably already knows about the Random Stripe Generator. It's a great tool that makes stripe patterns of the colors and widths of stripes selected. Just refreshing the webpage gives a new stripe pattern with the same color/stripe width information. If you haven't played around with it yet, it's worth checking out.I used it to plan the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-51329995155065003002006-10-21T20:53:00.000-06:002006-10-22T12:01:28.164-06:00

Thanks for all of your suggestions on lace scarf patterns! I had never even heard of some patterns that were suggested, so I will definitely bookmark these for myself. Behold, my favorite winter hat:This hat fit like a glove, didn't make my head or hair itch, wasn't too tight and was soft and comfortable. Also, the yarn was very pleasant to knit because the thick and thin and subtle color

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-54619284313616519252006-10-19T13:43:00.000-06:002006-10-19T13:55:10.258-06:00

Here's a scarf I started knitting months ago when we still lived in California. The pattern is called "Touch Scarf" from Plymouth Yarn Company. It's a pretty simple pattern, but so far I like the outcome.My mom was "gifted" some yarn and she's looking for a nice (and relatively simple) lacy scarf pattern. What would you suggest for a newish lace knitter?Did I mention that autumn is my favorite

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-25204056474243077202006-10-18T15:24:00.000-06:002006-10-18T16:05:20.070-06:00

Thanks to everyone who gave me some feedback on why they visit. I thought it was good timing that some of the Santa Barbara knitters were thinking similar thoughts.Check out these posts to see what I mean:Expanding commentsI love it when you read my blogAnd to the anonymous visitors please feel free to comment! Ok, on with the Kitty Pi. This was a fun and easy pattern to knit. I especially like

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-43171758823204941012006-10-13T21:24:00.000-06:002006-10-13T22:47:49.984-06:00

I like that Blogger beta allows "labels" (sometimes referred to as "tags") for posts. That way, I can label and organize posts according to the topic. This was probably my biggest complaint with the older Blogger, so I'm glad for the update. (The labels are off to the right.)I've noticed that most of my posts generally seem to be more about keeping my friends and family (scattered across the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1160535060116559812006-10-10T20:42:00.000-06:002006-10-15T17:40:58.140-06:00

view from our front porchMore about our Death Valley trip has been posted.Part II: Ubehebe CraterPart III: The Racetrack Valley Road

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1159316557262553462006-09-26T17:40:00.000-06:002006-10-15T17:41:22.442-06:00

Last weekend, we walked down the river to the Missoula Skatepark to see some professional and amateur skateboarders. We waited over an hour for the skating to begin, but it was completely worth the wait. The cast included Tony Hawk, Mike Vallely and Kevin Staab (some important professional skaters, or so I'm told). The ages of the skaters performing ranged from 40 to 12. There was even a BMX

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1158468171638809452006-09-16T22:28:00.000-06:002006-10-15T17:42:13.990-06:00

It snowed in the mountains while it rained here in town. The high temperature today was about 50 degrees, and the low tonight is predicted to be near freezing. I was worried that these cooler temperatures would feel painfully cold to me after living in Southern California for the past couple years, but so far I'm loving it (and not at all in pain).Garnet Range (from the sidewalk in front of our

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1158367164511037672006-09-15T18:21:00.000-06:002006-10-15T17:44:12.357-06:00

This is the view from our apartment. This is Mount Sentinel, marked with an "M". The top of the mountain is obscured by clouds because it's been raining all day. Mount Sentinel and neighboring housesAfter a bit of research at the public library, I learned that our apartment building was built between 1902 and 1912. It still has many of the original fixtures (light fixtures, light switches,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1158030248167619022006-09-11T20:30:00.000-06:002006-10-15T17:44:54.548-06:00

One of the first places we explored after moving here was a local yarn shop near our house, Joseph's Coat. The store had a pretty good selection of spinning supplies, quite a bit of yarn for dying, and a variety of high-end yarn.store frontI attended the local Stitch'n'Bitch group last week and started knitting the Kitty Pi. About eight people attended (including me), and they were a very

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1157084754130444772006-08-31T22:06:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.795-06:00

Day 3:We departed from Cedar City, Utah at 10:30 am PDT and arrived in Pocatello, Idaho at about 8 pm PDT. northern UtahThen we ran into horrible traffic in Salt Lake City, in addition to some road construction.a blowout near Downey, Idahofixed by Popeye'ssunset south of Pocatello

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1157032255326929422006-08-31T08:31:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.716-06:00

Day one:We left Goleta, California at about 10:30 pm PDT so we could drive through southern California when we were sure to avoid traffic. We arrived in Barstow, California at about 4:00 am PDT. Day two:We left Barstow, California around 12 noon PDT or so (to maximize sleeping time). We ended our day in Cedar City, Utah at about 8 pm MDT. (where I currently am typing this). It was a beautiful

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1156606764405328582006-08-26T09:23:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.625-06:00

In just a few days our 1,300+ mile move will begin. I'm really excited about being there, but the packing and hauling of boxes is less than fun. Also, the tenant that will be renting our current place doesn't want the garden, so I'm spending this morning disassembling the garden. (I just spent an hour taking out all the tomatoes.)Anyway, here's a little bit about how we've spent our final days as

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1156093841725797502006-08-20T11:06:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.544-06:00

The Goleta pier is one of my favorite places to take family and friends that are visiting.under the pierSome interesting inforomation on the pier and Goleta.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1155613211034588302006-08-14T21:20:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.465-06:00

This gopher was so daring, that it when it was discovered by my husband it continued to pop its head out of the hole and continue eating some succulents in the yard. Then we both stood over the hole, and the gopher continued to munch away glancing at us nonchalantly. After the cats realized what we were staring at, and they were plotting their attack*, the gopher still didn't budge. Since the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1155415798092419832006-08-12T14:45:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.356-06:00

I was looking at my growing tomatoes this morning, and I stumbled across a half eating unripe fruit still on the vine. click for bigI thought, what in the world could do that?Meet the hornworm.click for bigSo far, I've found two.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1155306956940191752006-08-11T08:32:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.279-06:00

This river is approximately one block from the new apartment.click for big imageI'm curious about that windmill.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1155219011842016122006-08-10T08:01:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.199-06:00

The first time I'd seen or heard of Agapanthus was when we moved into our Goleta home. We have purple in the backyard and white off our bedroom patio. These plants are really common in perennial beds around these parts. They are incredibly easy to care for, require minimal watering, and I think they look great during and after flowering.Agapanthus bloomAgapanthus seed pods

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1155133055907942182006-08-09T08:10:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.120-06:00

edit: Oops. I may have forgot to mention that this is in Montana. It's a photo of scenery, as requested. This is within one of the many parks in town.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1155055346732263042006-08-08T10:10:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:52.029-06:00

Since we're entering the official countdown to the move, I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorite things about southern California. Actual lemon groves occur within city limits in Goleta! near a freeway entrance rampgrove rows

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1154983474504276342006-08-07T08:35:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.930-06:00

Not much time for blogging lately, seeing as how we're getting ready for a big move (1,322 miles according to google maps). Where are we off to next? Big Sky Country (also known as Montana). Yipee-hee-haw-ki-yay! I couldn't be more excited, especially now that we have this fabulous apartment in the perfect location waiting for us!sweet new digs

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1153894218380559172006-07-26T00:01:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.848-06:00

As you can see, the roma tomato (front and center) is alarmingly tiny. Small fruit is one symptom of verticillium wilt, along with the plants lower leaves yellowing and dying back, plants appearing wilted during the day (as if they were underwatered), perking up in the morning or evening and other symptoms I don't remember at the moment.1 roma + 3 grapesThe grape tomatoes were much larger than

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1153840823822817682006-07-25T09:15:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.762-06:00

This is what I call good customer service.Apple traded me this:iBook (2002)For this:macBook (2006)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1153421130582216862006-07-20T12:27:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.684-06:00

Here's a link from one point of view regarding one of UCSB's housing developments. The page lists some concerns of the opponents.The proposed plan (This is a large PDF document; depending on your computer it might take awhile to load.)Environmentally sensitive?My other posts regarding the topic:Pt 1Pt 2Pt 3Pt 4Also, if you're interested in knowing how Ludwig is doing, check out the update on VW

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152886496952606742006-07-14T08:12:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.605-06:00

A few of the tomato plants have not been looking good at all. sad tomatoesAnd blossom drop is never a good sign.evidence of blossom dropI suspect some of the plants contracted Verticillium wilt.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152629128105931292006-07-11T08:36:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.519-06:00

Just like carnies, the construction markers disappeared without a trace. Interesting that there were over 30 markers scattered behind my house just a few days ago. Note the heavy gray sky in this photo. That is the marine layer.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152544068014504912006-07-10T08:37:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.425-06:00

Saturday morning it appeared the overnight surveillance continued.surveillanceSaturday we had our annual 4th of July grill-out (but this year, not on the 4th). The wooden markers were clearly in view, so our guests inquired what they were and we reiterated ensuing hubbub of (some members of) the community. Amicable discussions followed, pondering the university housing developments, the need for

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152283530466620732006-07-07T08:40:00.000-06:002006-10-13T20:18:10.600-06:00

I used over one-skein (50g) for this crocheted scarf, but the hanks are somewhat small. I really like the lacy looking effect of the cotton yarn, and I think scallops are nice too. I'll definitely make this scarf again.yellow one-skein + a littleBook: The Happy HookerAuthor: Debbie StollerPattern: One-skein scarfYarn: Tahki 100% mercerised cotton

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152283165530639462006-07-07T08:21:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.257-06:00

A few days ago, I noticed three of these wooden structures conspicuously sprouted up on the empty lot behind our house. By morning, they had disappeared. I'd been wondering if they were disassembled or removed by protesters. I still don't know for sure. Yesterday, I told you about the 20 or so that were built, but I neglected to mention my speculations about the markers that disappeared because I

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152197685583253072006-07-06T08:29:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.140-06:00

The sweet peppers are doing pretty well, over half the plants have peppers growing on them. bell pepper (with hand for size comparison)There has been grumbling about UCSB building faculty housing on the lot behind our condo, literally, since the day we moved in. Since we've lived here we've listened to a barrage of complaints about how this faculty housing will negatively impact the wetland

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1152076479709370072006-07-04T22:49:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:51.059-06:00

The tomatoes suffered a serious case of blossom drop. Blossom drop occurs when the flowers aren't pollinated, so the flowers just fall off instead of fruiting. Although there are many causes, the most likely reason for lack of pollination in this climate is the cool and overcast weather common during the spring. Cool temperatures, humid air and overcast skies are an effect of the marine layer and

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1151936175549747142006-07-03T08:11:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.946-06:00

Visit VW Diaries to see the brand new journal all about our Volkswagen adventures.There will also be a link on the side bar (over there to the right).

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1151456259848792562006-06-27T18:53:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.789-06:00

Over the Nebraska plains:before the storm (click for large version)

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1151418685200460412006-06-27T08:15:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.707-06:00

My tomato plants look spindly, some of the hot pepper plants have been dropping leaves, and the eggplant has barely grown at all. Our house is so near the coast that we have extremely mild weather, even compared to other places in town. Yesterday, a co-worker who lives about 3 blocks inland from us told me that her yard reaches temperatures of 80-90 degrees daily. It's usually in the low to mid

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150990681790168102006-06-22T09:25:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.633-06:00

Over the past two years, I've learned that quite a bit about the challenges gardeners in coastal southern California face. If you live in a climate with dramatic seasons, you may be thinking that it's absurd to imagine any real challenges a gardener could face in southern California. Although the growing season is long here, I think overall garden productivity the same here as anywhere. However,

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150813699451607992006-06-20T08:25:00.000-06:002006-10-13T20:19:24.151-06:00

These squares are from about 1 1/2 years ago, evidence one of the many times I've tried to teach myself to crochet. These are the first granny squares I ever made. I will definitely be making many more and combine them to make a big blanket.granny squaresBook: Step-by-step crochet: A complete introduction to the craft of crocheting.Author: Emily WildmanPattern: Granny square motifYarn: Caron

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150728635895921402006-06-19T08:45:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.470-06:00

The pinwheels are attached to small bamboo stakes so they spin at approximately the same height as the growing tomatoes. taller pinwheels

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150691242575855352006-06-18T21:49:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.389-06:00

A couple of weekends ago, I installed these 2 trellises for the tomatoes:tomato trellisLast year, the birds landed on my tomato plants, pecked the tomatoes with their beak, and drank the juice from the tomatoes. I hung tin foil streamers in the garden, in an attempt to frighten the birds away from the ripening tomatoes, but the success was varied. On very windy evenings, the tinfoil fell to the

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150474967905611312006-06-16T10:12:00.000-06:002006-10-13T20:20:23.117-06:00

This blanket unded up being a small lap afghan. I think I'm just going to use this project as a stash buster.granny afghanBook: Step-by-step crochet: A complete introduction to the craft of crocheting.Author: Emily WildmanPattern: Granny afghanYarn: Left-over worsted weight machine washable yarn

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150294851824766402006-06-14T08:17:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.240-06:00

My tomato plants are beginning to bear fruit!I think it's a roma

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1150208708776553692006-06-13T08:20:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.162-06:00

Here's another cool looking garden fungus that I noticed for the first time this past weekend. a spider has made itself at home

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1149796404893890752006-06-08T13:49:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:50.075-06:00

These photo's are from December 2005:mound o' dirt3" holeThis photo is from a couple of days ago:gopher holeThankfully (and shockingly) the gopher didn't ravish my oregano this time. My chosen method of gopher repellent worked in December, and I'm hoping it will work again.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1149792584503889322006-06-08T12:45:00.000-06:002006-10-13T20:21:11.286-06:00

This is the stroller blanket from the Seija set in the Stitch 'n' Bitch Happy Hooker book.Note the hole in the blanket for the seat belt to go though. (It's between the 3rd red and tan stripe from the left.)stroller blanketbraid

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1149283634345778852006-06-02T15:18:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:49.899-06:00

Here's what some of my nasturtium flowers look like.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1149274019139524152006-06-02T12:43:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:49.815-06:00

These are some mushrooms that were in my garden this morning. Most of them will probably be gone by the time I get home from work, but I expect (and hope!) there will be more tomorrow.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10798009.post-1149186540601015052006-06-01T12:23:00.000-06:002006-10-10T20:49:49.624-06:00

flock of dovesThis is flock of mourning doves foraging in the freshly mowed grass the other afternoon. In this photo, there is a piebald cat watching them from the concrete drainage ditch near the fence. The blue object in the background is an Alberton's shopping cart.

Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14022545546007093387noreply@blogger.com3