Houston, We Have A Problem (Again)

*sigh*

Not long after my last post, my computer upped and died.

Yeah, I know. It's always something, isn't it? And I remain computerless for the next while so unfortunately there won't be too many posts popping up over the next while either.

*sigh*

On to recent events:

Torbay250 was absolutley amazing :) We witnessed the return of Darrell Power to the stage with his GBS buddies :) Jimmy Rankin took time to joke with some fans :) The Trews blew us away :) And Great Big Sea completely ruled the night :) What an awesome weekend :) Well worth working 8 days in a row before and 7 days in a row after to make my schedule fit.

September 16th saw me & Roomie back in St. John's to see Sean McCann & Jeremy Fisher at the Ship. That was fun :) And if McCann ever claims he can't banter, he's lying through those gorgeous dimples. I got to have a picture with him after the show too :) It's framed and on my wall. He also signed my "Son of a Sailor" cd :) He thought it was cool that we both have accents in our names and stated "There aren't many of us; we need our own typewriters." I agreed whole-heartedly.

Unfortunately somewhere along the way this summer/fall, I've misplaced my knitting mojo :( I can't get interested in actually knitting anything. The pain in my wrist has gone away as mysteriously as it started, so it's not that. I look at my beautiful WIPs (the Wingspan, the Daydreams in Lace, etc) and I do want to finish them but I just can't pick them up. I even started a quick and easy project (Knotted Leaf Bag from Veronik Avery's book "Knitting 24/7") and am bogged at the handles; it's sitting with the others. This hasn't stopped me from queuing things on Rav of course and when I was at Mercer's a few weeks ago I bought a Paton's booklet (as well as the yarn for the ill-fated bag) *sigh*

Somewhere along the way I've lost my get up and go. This sounds weird considering I walk 6kms to work and am on my feet for 8 hours and then turn around and walk home. But the fact remains, I'm not knitting and still not dancing and I'm just not myself somehow. I'm actually a little scared I might never be. The quick and easy project that was supposed to help getting my knitting mojo back, tanked. I have no idea how to replace dancing. It seems I'm stuck in this weird limbo. *sigh* I have recently been trying to get my weight back under control. It went well for about three or four days; today so far, so good. I guess that's something.

Well that's it for now dear readers, if I still have any.

TTFN

Read All About It!

So, I noticed that there's a new tool on blogger: a translation bar. I've added it just above my twitter updates and tags list. Now my blathering can be read in many languages!

On to more interesting news: Alan Doyle (GBS frontman and all-round nice guy) saw the release of his solo album, "Boy on Bridge" yesterday. May I just add my own congrats on top of all the others? It's really good and available on iTunes. He tweeted last night that it reached the iTunes Canada third spot :) Awesome job. Have to say there are certain songs that have really caught my ear, so I recommend checking out: "I've Seen a Little" (it's a rocker), "My Day" (a reggae feel), "Perfect Excuse" (another rocker), "Where the Nightingales Sing" (beautiful waltz), "Belong" (accapella OMG!)... Okay, just check out the whole album and decide for yourself what you like. I firmly believe that you'll like at least one song on this album, unless the only thing you listen to is rap. Then you're out of luck.

On the knitting front: Roomie's Sis liked the sweater and booties knit by moi :) So glad she did; I really wasn't sure how they'd be recieved even though Roomie assured my her Sis would like them. But I'm a worrier. Anyway, no cause to worry; gift received and liked :)
Back to my own knitting: the Aquaphobia socks and the Daydreams in Lace jacket. And getting my Ravelympics projects queued, tagged and put in order. I've decided to lead off with the "Wingspan" (project to be named Wings of Victory) for TeamBob (Group: For the Love of Bob). I have some lovely KnitPicks Shadow that I think will look fabulous. Or maybe I'll get to a yarnstore when me and Roomie head into Town in June. Probably not though as time is a little pressed. I digress. The second project I have lined up is "Square Feet" (haven't come up with a name yet) for TeamNL2012 (Group: Newfoundland and Labrador Crafters). It's a cute pair of socks.

Now how's this for tying together two things I love: the Ravelympics start on July 27 at 4pm NDT and end on August 12. Me and Roomie will be heading to Torbay, NL on August 4th to see Jimmy Rankin, The Trews and Great Big Sea in concert for the Torbay250 celebrations. Who is going to be KIPing as close to the front of the audience as she can get? I'll let you figure that out...

That's all the news,

TTFN!!

Hello from the East Coast!!!

Hi!!!
I survived the move and am semi-settled here in Clarenville. Today is the second time I've been to the library; last round I updated a few things here and there.
In knitting news, I'm still working on my Peasy-easy. I started a hat that is boring me to tears; reverse stockinette in the rnd for 4" is evil :P But I started a lovely lace jacket ("Daydreams in Lace" by Brooke Nico, in Knitter's issue 100) using Knit Picks Palette in "majestic" a lovely purple shade. that is going quite well :)
In more exciting news, we learned last week that GBS (awesomest band in the universe) will be playing one show this summer in Torbay :) Me and my roomie are bound and determined to attend; we're making plans as we speak :)
That's all my news for now; hope everyone out there is well :)
TTFN

I *Was* Doing Well...

Until my computer caught a virus and has been off for the passed bit. But I have lots of knitting finished :)
First off, both the Sparkle Sparkle Wings and the Shimmering Leaves were well received by H and S respectively :) I also started and finished another "Pimpeliesse" (entitled "Ocean's 11 Peasy-easy Scarfy-dealy"  on Rav) for this year's GBS WinterAngels Gift Swap :) It turned out fabulous :) I used Zitron Trekking HandArt Flame in "sanisbar"; blues and greens, very oceany.
On a sad note, I've lost my Peasy-easy Scarfy-dealy :( Wore it to work Monday and it's disappeared no-one has seen it and I've checked the lost & founds of the mall, bus and library :( 
On to happier events: I finished "Twisted Leaves" (knitty.com/Twisted by Jodie Gordon Lucas) :) I now have a properly fitting pair of my own handknit socks to enjoy this winter :)
Progress is slow but steady on both "Galaxy 660" (pattern: In The Pink) and "Kinelea Lace" (pattern: Ardrum) and I'm happy to say I'm taking a break from lace by knitting a sweater for myself. Currently titled "Teal Sweater" on my projects page, it's the "Dahlia" from knitty.com (designer: Mary Weaver) not sure which issue but it was 2007. It's a lovely top-down raglan with cabling in the 'skirt'. Am using Bernat Natural Blends Wool Blend in "New Teal" which is a lovely rich tone :)
I have 3 minutes left in my library time so I will tag this the next time I get a chance.
TTFN

30 Days of GBS Challenge: Days 15 - 26

Day 15 - A song you prefer live: Besides all of them?!?! Ummm, "Mari-Mac" because they always insist on the audience getting involved.
Day 16 - Favourite Itunes sessions song: I don't have iTunes so I haven't heard any of these.
Day 17 - A song that is "yours": Easy one!!! "Fast As I Can" I am a fool; I admit it freely.
Day 18 - Favorite cover song: "End of the World as We Know it" because I love how fast Alan can sing those lines!!
Day 19 - A favorite acoustic version: the "living room" version of "Sea of No Cares'
Day 20 - A song that reminds you of someone: Hmmm... this may seem odd but "Old Black Rum" reminds me of my friend Heather. That's actually the ringtone for her on my cellphone!! lol
Day 21 - A song you would like to know how to play: I'd like to actually be able to play an instrument lol Hmmm, "Dear Home Town" would be appropriate I think.
Day 22 - A song to cheer you up: Any of them, other than the noted tear-jerkers!! Ah, specifically though... ok, I never fail to smile when I hear "Ordinary Day" no matter my mood. I often hum it at work to keep calm lol
Day 23 - A song that makes you dance: This is on the list twice lol And there are so many great ones! What to choose? What to choose? What to choose?... The song I'm listening to right now!!  "Jack Hinks" lol Great song for bopping about :)
Day 24 - A song to sing in the shower: Not that I sing in the shower, mind you... but if I did I would most likely be singing "French Perfume"
Day 25 - A song that makes you laugh.: Oooh, so many to choose from... latest gut-buster though "Hit the Ground & Run"
Day 26 - A song that reminds you of somewhere: "Dear Hometown" 'nuff said

Had got a little behind here but all caught up now :) There is no video for French Perfume on youtube that has the b'ys singing :( It's on the "Sea of No Cares" album. Enjoy.

30 Days of GBS: Days 11, 12 & 13

And the challenge continues :) Have been good about putting my picks on fb both on my wall & in the note I created, but have gotten a couple days behind over here. Oh well. Be sure to check the girls' picks over at greatbigseaoffans as well.

Day11: song that calms you- fairly easy pick: "Let It Go" I think it speaks for itself.

Day 12 - Favorite music video: This was hard to narrow down!! I have always loved the video for "Lukey" but then I found the video for "Captain Kidd" with all the family members playing & singing along with the b'ys... Sorry "Lukey", ya've been replaced.

Day 13 - Favorite live song from Great Big Dvd: But I love the entire dvd!!! There's nothing like the b'ys live in concert *grumble grumble grumble* Ok, since I agreed to the challenge I must pick. "Excursion Around the Bay", one of the few songs that Darrell originally did the lead vocal for. And live, in concert with audience participation it's just more fun :)

And that catches me up to today with 43 mins left in the day lol :)

30 Days of GBS: Day 10

Day 10 is: song that makes you dance. And while much of what the b'ys play is either jig or reel based and I can totally dance to it, there is one song that comes instantly to mind. "Little Beggarman" is the unlisted track on "Play". Why this song above the others? Because a few years back, me & 3 of my dance classmates, and awesome friends, used this song to dance our "Steppin' Out" reel for our school's "Rock Recital". Everytime I hear it now, I think of me, Sionan, Heather & Nat on stage together: good times :)

30 Days of GBS: Day 9

A song that makes you cry. Is there another song as sad as "Safe Upon the Shore"? I don't think so.

30 Days of GBS: Day 8

Day8 is favorite song from "Fortune's Favour". This was actually an easy choice: I wore out a song on the first cd I bought lol. That song is "Straight to Hell". Love it. "Oh Yeah" is the theme song to Republic of Doyle (awesome show!!!) & "Dance Dance" is the first song on this album I learnt all the words to. But its "StH" that has captured my days when I want to flip everyone off & do what I want instead of what I should.
TTFN

30 Days of GBS: Days 5, 6 & 7

A little behind on updating ;) Big shocker, I know lol. Here's the next few days answers:

Day5: favorite song from "Hard & the Easy"- This is such an awesome album :) Not a bad song in the lot. How to choose my favorite... At the concert in November of 2008, Alan was talking about the lake here in Regina & the dog he'd found (he wrote a FTR about the whole adventure) and amidst some teasing from Sean the lead in for a certain song was slipped in. I was one of the first people out of their seat. The song? "Charlie Horse". Love it!!

Day6: favorite song from "Safe Upon the Shore"- The 'new' album ;) So many different sounds on this one :) Love it!! But my heart belongs to the album's finale piece: "Don't Wanna Go Home"It's jazzy. It's bluesy. Fabulous. Also love "Road to Ruin".

Day7: favorite song from "Turn"- turning back the clock a bit ;) Another album that's hard to choose from; aren't they all? lol Ok, my 'favorite' song from this album has got to be "Can't Stop Falling". It just seems to describe everything just so. Perfect.

That's all for this update. Remember: if you love Great Big Sea, check out the blog http://greatbigseaoffans.blogspot.com
TTFN

30 Days of Great Big Sea: a fun challenge

My good friends over at http://greatbigseaoffans.blogspot.com came up with something fun for the month of July to honor our favorite band. I've decided to keep track here as well as on Facebook. We started on July 1, so here's where we're at:

Day1: first song you ever heard- "Great Big Sea"! lol The first song on the first album. A very dear friend had it on cassette in the fall of '93! lol

Day2: your favorite song- Tough one!!!! I'll say "Goin' Up" :) It always makes me sing along and smile :)

Day3: least favorite song- Another tough one!! Hmmm.... I confess: I usually skip "Trois Navires de Ble" because I don't have a clue what's going on in it! I guess that makes it my least favorite. Which is a shame because it's such a pretty tune

Day4: favorite song from "Something Beautiful*" - Such a great album, makes it hard to pick!! But the songs I listen to the most are "Let It Go" & "Sally Anne". I can't narrow it further than that!

It's quite fun :) And it's a challenge to think of all the different albums & the songs you like from each one. Thanks, ladies :) greatbigseaoffans is moderated by Karina, Krista & Sara and they're wonderful :) Check out the blog as they always seem to have something going on over there; I have them listed in my sidebar as well :)
That's it for today!
TTFN

Safe Upon the Shore

Picked up my copy of Great Big Sea's latest album yesterday. It is soo good :) Really like "Road to Ruin" & "Nothing but a Song". Many other gems :) The sound is them with a bit of a jazzy twist, so is fun & quirky. Unfortunately, no instrumentals for the dancers to use. That's my only quibble though and I've been saying that for the last couple albums.

Anchors & Ropes: a hat pattern

Here goes! My first foray into having a pattern available to others.
First the boring bits: please do not sell this pattern or the finished items as your design.
This hat is pretty simple & features an anchor on front & back. I knit the original for the 2008 WinterAngels exchange on greatbigsea.com . Andi was the happy recipient :)
Materials:
1 ball Bernat Wool Blend Natural Blends (I used soft denim)
set of 5 4.5mm dpns

Abbreviations:
-cn: cable needle
-LC (Left Cable): sl 2 sts to cn at front, K2, K2 from cn
-M1 (Make 1): insert left needle into strand between st just worked and next st, front to back; K into back of loop to twist the new st
-SKP: sl next st k-wise, K next st, pass sl st over & off
-3 from 1: K into back then front of next st. Now K into "bar" at base of this. You've added 2sts to your work
-pm: place marker
-B (bobble): K into (f,b,f) of next st; turn, P1, (P1, yo, P1) in next st, P1; turn, K5; turn, P2tog, P1, P2tog; turn, sl2tog-kwise, K1, P2SSO; done!
-LT (Left Twist): K into 2nd st on left needle through back of loop, K skipped st, sl both sts from needle.
-RT (Right Twist): K2tog but leave both sts on left needle, K first st again & sl both sts from needle.
-5stT (5 st Twist): sl 2 tocn @ F, sl 1 to cn @ B, K2, P1 from B cn, K2 from F cn.
-Dec5: with yarn in back, sl3 to right needle, *pass 2nd st over first st & off needle; sl first st back to left needle; pass 2nd st over first st & off needle**; sl first st to right needle; rep from * to **; K rem st through back of loop.
**A note on my cable notations: I write cables this way a/b BC or a/b FC. a is the # put on hold, b is the # worked straight, BC is Back cable: those held sts go to the back of the work, FC is Front Cable: held sts stay in front. If I've got FPC or BPC, the sts going behind will be purled (these may be the sts on the cable needle or the work straight sts) Make sense? I hope so!

Pattern:
CO 96sts.
Work in rnds of K2, P2 rib for 4".
Set-up Rnd:*K4, P1, P2tog, P1, K4, P3, K4, P3, pm, P23, pm, P3; rep from * once. -94sts.(Instead of pm, it eases the work if you split the work at these points. Then the ropes are on 2 dpns & the anchors are on the other 2; if you're using a circular needle place the markers & move them up every rnd))
Rnd1: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, sl m, P11, M1, 3from 1, M1, P11, sl m, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd2: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, K2, [K1, yo, K1] in next st, K2, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd3: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, 1/3FC, P1tbl, 3/1BC, P10, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd4: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, K9, P10, P3;rep from * once.
Rnd5: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P8, 2/3BPC, K3, 3/2FPC, P8, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd6: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P8, K3, P2, K3, P2, K3, P8, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd7: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P6, 2/3BPC, P2, K3, P2, 3/2FPC, P6, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd8: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P6, K3, P4, K3, P4, K3, P6, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd9: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P4, 2/3BPC, P4, K3, P4, 3/2FPC, P4, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd10: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P4, K3, P6, K3, P6, K3, P4, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd11: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P3, 1/3BPC, P6, K3, P6, 3/1FPC, P3, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd12: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P3, K3, P7, K3, P7, K3, P3, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd13: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P4, K3, P4, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd14: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P4, K3, P4, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd15: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, 1/1FPC, P1, K3, P1, 1/1BPC, P4, K3, P4, 1/1FPC, P1, K3, P1, 1/1BPC, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd16: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P1, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P5, K3, P5, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd17: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P1, 1/1FPC, K3, 1/1BPC, P5, K3, P5, 1/1FPC, K3, 1/1BPC, P1, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd18: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P2, K5, P6, K3, P6, K5, P2, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd19: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P2, 1/1FPC, K1, 1/1BPC, P6, K3, P6, 1/1FPC, K1, 1/1BPC, P2, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd20: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P3, K3, P7, K3, P7, K3, P3, P3;rep from * once.
Rnd21: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P3, 1/1FPC, K1, P7, K3, P7, K1, 1/1BPC, P3, P3; rep from *once.
Rnd22: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P4, K2tog, P7, K3, P7, K2tog, P4, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd23: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P12, K3, P12, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd24: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P12, K3, P12, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd25: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P9, B, P2, K3, P2, B, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd26: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, K1, P2, K3, P2, K1, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd27: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, LT, P1, K3, P1, RT, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd28: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, K2, P1, K3, P1, K2, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd29: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P9, 2/1FPC, K3, 1/2BPC, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd30: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, K7, P10, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd31: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P10, 2/1FPC, K1, 1/2BPC, P10, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd32: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, K5, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd33: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P11, 5stT, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd34: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, K2, P1, K2, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd35: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, 2/2BPC, P1, 2/2FPC, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd36: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P9, K2, P5, K2, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd37: *LC, P3, LC, P3, LC, P3, P9, 2/2FPC, P1, 2/2BPC, P9, P3; rep from * once.
Rnd38: *K4, P3, K4, P3, K4, P3, P11, Dec5, P11, P3; rep from * once.
Work 1 rnd even, maintaining rope cables & purling in the "Anchor" sections.
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 64sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 42sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 28sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 19sts
Next Rnd: *K1, ssk; rep from * arnd - 10sts
Clip yarn leaving a long tail for finishing. Thread tail onto tapestry needle & run through rem sts a couple times to secure. Fasten off and finish in ends.

That's it! It was quick & easy. Even better my exchange pal loved it! :)