Blast from the past

As you can see, this blog has undergone a little change. It used to be called Crash Test Dummies, but I've changed it to reflect my business name, PlyCurious, to make it easier for people to find. I haven't blogged in a long time and I probably won't post more than once or twice a month now that I've started this up again, but we'll see how things go. Starting this blog up happened when I simply regained access to it in order to remove a few pattern posts since those patterns are now modified and for sale on Ravelry. Pattern design has been my new focus for a while now, but I'm not a super fast knitter and I have a ton of responsibility lately what with a very high energy working dog and a disabled mother who I act as Caretaker for.

Hydrangea Hat crown detail

The designs I'm working on right now make for good holiday gifts since they're smaller accessories. Everything has been test knit by knitters of varying skill levels to make sure they're approachable and easy for all. You can now follow the pattern links on the sidebar and be redirected to that pattern page on Ravelry. I'll be posting new patterns as soon as my old patterns are updated. As of right now I'm editing my Ribbed Armwarmers, now under the name Slink, and my Super Simple Wristers. 

Grandma's Kickass Mittens

My Grandma's Mitten pattern underwent a serious edit and is now known as Grandma's Kickass Mittens. I've reworked the numbers and added a neat mitten flap option which is simple once you understand slip stitches and double knitting and has the added advantage of being much more durable than other mitten flap ideas I've tried. There may be a video tutorial of the mitten flap being worked and separated for those that have trouble with it, but I'm still debating that because I haven't seen any other mitten flaps worked this way and I don't want to give my technique away for free. Maybe a video in exchange for a small dollar amount such as the author of the Fish Lips Kiss Heel offers? We shall see. 

Slink in progress

Slink is knit using a single luxurious skein of Yaksi by Blue Moon Fiber Arts, colorway: Sea Spots. All of my patterns edits and patterns to come are being worked using yarns from artists that I adore such as Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Tempting Ewe Yarns, Fibretown Handspun, Dragonfly Fibers, and many more. 

Just keep knitting!

Tricote en Bresse

I'd write this post in French except it would be a disgrace to the language. I can barely get by in English most of the time so pushing my piddling high school French would only make you shudder. Lots of knitting going on here (see? Fragmentation - tres mal!), but only on simple things. I've dropped the sweaters for now, my brain is rebelling against Gull stitch, and I've picked up a pair of languishing socks. Knit with bamboo/Merino Opal and a vanilla sock pattern - memorized, of course - they're a joy to knit. Waiting for the bus, riding the bus, during my breaks and lunch at work, while watching The Office (my manager lent me the DVD - total addict!) - perfect knitting anytime. Despite my recent addiction to anthropology (specifically paleo-), I'm still reading some of my favorites: Terry Pratchett as always and a book I purcased last week by Peter Mayle. French Lessons, one of his books I hadn't delved into, is a delightful exploration into the French culture. Poulet appellation, the Provencal locals, and Bugandy galore. Always a pleasure.
I'm over whatever little sniffle I had. My illnesses never last long although I try to make a big deal of them. People know me too well: "She'll be back on her feet tomorrow. Don't worry." The sympathy I receive is overwhelming. At least Mutti made me some soup. What are mothers for except to coddle their chicks, no matter how old they are.

I finished my gigantic garter stitch kerchief. I used two skeins of Manos del Uruguay. The skeins were purchased impulsively last year (autumn, I think) purely for their color: bright, joyful, distinctly not flowing with the weather at the time. Now that it's done it reminds me of something a Punjabi grandmother would wear in a Washington winter. A bright flash of color in an otherwise grey environment. It's too hot to model now, but come fall I'll have plenty of pictures for you. By the way, that's Mutti's Homemade Chicken Soup in the background. It's all gone now, but you can drink in a smidgen with your eyes. Favorite tapestry needle given to my by my sister - excellent for bulky yarns.

The best things for sickos

Blueberry lemon corn muffins are now in the number two spot on my list of The Best Things to Eat/Drink When You Are Sick. Number one has always been and will still be occupied by Tea with Honey and Lemon. Nothing finer. These muffins come close though. Real close. The recipe was sent to me by DJ a few months ago. I just made them today and I regret not making them sooner. Blueberries, lemon zest, and cornmeal are a match made in Muffin Heaven. I'd post the recipe, but I'd be breaking copyright law, I'm sure. Just take a basic muffin recipe and add the best bits. Voila. You'll probably get it right after the first few tries.
I also made Mushroom Soup, take two. The first time I fell in love with it and, as it turns out, that was not just beginners luck because this time it's just as good. Every time I make it I get further away from the original recipe, but who cares! That's what recipes are for: not following. I haven't found a way to successfully photograph mushroom soup in order to make it look appetizing. You'll just have to take my word for it. Delish.
Mutti made spectacular chicken noodle soup - number three on the list. Homemade stock, roasted chicken, lovingly sauteed onions, various herbs... as the Campbell's kids would say: MmmMmm. I've been living on soup and muffins and tea. Plenty of sleep as well.
There has been knitting! I'm working on a boring hand spun scarf (how can it be!? Boring? Hand spun? Can the two ever be found together? YES.), and monstrous Manos garter stitch scarf, and my FLS. The body is done - phew - and most of the first sleeve is knitted. I still haven't decided if I want 3/4-length sleeves or full length sleeves. I'm really sick of the gull stitch pattern. Really. Sick. Of. It. It's wearing on me like size 7 stilettos on a size 10 foot. Like cheap pine by heavy duty sand paper. Like the yappy dog next door who decides 3 am really is a good time to let you know who's boss. Not fun. I really just want to finish this. Quickly. Painlessly.

So, in order to make things better, I started another one. This one's for DJ's baby-to-be. Granted it is knit with cotton instead of wool and the color is a vast improvement, but surprise, surprise, it's still causing me grief. The body is almost done and I'm afraid that's as far as I can push it. Let us pray that I never have to give birth.Say good-bye to my wheel! It's going to a new home next week and I wish it the best of luck. I'm getting a Majacraft Rose and I really don't think I'll miss my Ashford at all after the Rose arrives. What Ashford? Did I have one? Really? Right now I'm just finishing up a three ply to clear off the bobbins and then it's Sayonara, good riddance, don't let the door hit your treadle on the way out.

Maybe that's a bit cruel.

Okay, we had some good times. That merino/silk was great, but I don't think it's going to work out. It's not you, it's me.

In good company

We are finally moved and quite happy. The apartment is roomy and fits all of our possessions, the neighbors are friendly, but not nosy, and everything is falling nicely into place. I'm still working and Mutti is looking for work. The kittehs could care less about all the unpacking and organizing business, and I am thinking about getting a puppy. Just thought I'd throw that last bit out there for comments and suggestions.
Mutti and I recently visited Alisha's home where we met her two daughters, Aubrey and Jade (Aubrey is the Victorian-looking blonde, and Jade is the one who could be a beat poet); her husband, Jim; her son, Tanner; and her puppikins, Sweetie. We had the most wonderful time just sitting, knitting, chatting, drinking tea or in my hungover case - coffee, and nibbling breakfast fodder. Her home is so relaxed and charming that I should be using phrases like "the most delightful occasion" and "nary a worry aside from the disreputable neighbors" except I'm afraid a Jane Austen book will come thundering down from nowhere onto my head. Ker-thunk.
Anyway, we had a splendid (there I go again) time and I really hated to leave. Damn work.
Last week we celebrated Teener's sixty-fourth (64) birthday. I almost bought her an over-the-hill card, but I realized I was 14 years too late. Happy Birthday again, Teener! Mutti made her a delicious cake (surprise!) and she showed off the bracelet her grandson made for her. A very classy piece, Mother of Pearl buttons and all. She had us over the next day for wine and nibblies and knitting. Lots of fun.
I meant to share my bread making with you, but this was around the last of the month and I wasn't posting. I switched our bread recipe from all white wheat to half white wheat/ half whole wheat. It makes the bread yummy, light, and healthy. A nice change. Mutti was convinced she wouldn't like it, but of course she loves it. Silly.
My schedule is being switched around a bit at work which means that I now have Monday afternoons off which means I can go to Monday night knitting. It's usually held in the dining area in Bayview Thriftway downtown unless the space is otherwise occupied. This week we'll be at Marathon Park soaking up the sun.

I have been knitting, really. Julep is done done done and I've even worn it a few times. Just haven't managed to take pictures. The body of FLS is done and I'm almost done with the first sleeve. The lace pattern is kind of wearing me down a bit (sandpaper, grand rapids, screaming children might be better) so I had to put it down for a bit. I picked up a hand spun scarf and just last night I knit a few rows on my Selbu Mittens. Color work is in the air.

We bees moving

This is the scene in our house this week. Mutti and I are moving to an apartment down the street. Our rental house costs too much and they don't do a lick of work around the place. Pooh-pooh to them. The apartment is very nice; three bedrooms and two bathrooms. An open kitchen (none of that awful galley business), and the typical closet set-up for washer and dryer. I'll post pictures when we move in, of course. One of the managers who works at the apartment complex is a crochetting Irish Bostonian. We were sold. Or rented, at least.
There has been knitting, but not a lot. I'm mainly working on Julep and FLS. The body of the FLS is almost done. Julep would be done if I can ever get a minute to sit down and finish the sideways garter stitch collar - 4 sts, back and forth, knitted on. Mindless, all-time consuming. Did I mention that we were watching Toby this month? My sister and BIL are busy getting their house fixed up so they, too, can move. Instead of down the street they're moving to Colorado. Much sadness, but it'll give me a reason to travel.
I'm exhausted right now so I'll distract you with some bee pictures while I slip away to pack boxes/ have a cup of tea/ sneak outside to knit. This bee was on our Salvia last week being as busy as a you-know-what. She even climbed on our hands. Very contented. She must have been receiving the bee love we were sending her. Bzzz!
If you want more bee love go see Pinneguri's Socks Bumblebee. Sweet!