I need a makeover

And not in the “desperate for a haircut and wardrobe” kind of way. (Although I am that, too.)

I mean in the “blog overhaul” kind of way.

I recently posted about the various ways I’m feeling scattered these days, on the various thoughts I’ve got mixed in my mind and subjects I’d like to try to write on, but don’t feel are entirely “right” within this blog. I think what I’d really like to do would be to expand the blog so that things could be RSS’ed (is tat even a term?) all together, or just under a one of a few headings, like “Crafts” or “Parenting” or “Yoga” and so on. (As with fancier sites like Pioneer Woman, only nothing so “pro” as all that.)

Does anyone know how this is done, and would be willing to coach me? Does good ol’ free WordPress.com have a template I don’t know about, or will I have to upgrade to a paid hosting provider?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Toy Crafting Bug

Even though my daughter is not even 1 1/2 years old yet, even though she goes to a rather corporate daycare for 9+hours/workday, even though I’m working full time until mat. leave #2 (after that, who knows?!?), I’ve been finding more an more homeschooling blogs being added to my Google Reader lately. And with these for inspiration, I’ve been completely bitten by the toy-crafting bug!

Of course, Ive got nothing much to show for this than a pile of bookmarked links and a few squares of not-yet-used craft felt*, but I hope there will be some finished toys soon enough! Maybe they’ll even get played with…

I really, really want to make one of these Waldorf-style silk “Cuddle dolls”. So much that I even bought a silk scarf — and forgot to check the dimensions (it’s a long rectangle, but oh well, I’ll just turn it into a play silk instead). This “doll” may be incredibly simple, but I love the idea of really open-ended playthings to encourage growing imaginations, and appreciate the all-natural-materials aspect. I think I need to read more about Waldorf-style learning, it seems really interesting to me.

I also have been wanting to make a “quiet book”. There’s a lot of resources online, this one and this one seem like great starting points. I like the idea that you can make ones with different themes (like “the seasons”, or “letters and numbers”), or with various levels of difficulty to interest different ages. I might start small, and make something with only a few pages that has everything attached somehow, with a tether for a stroller-toy…

I would love to make her some soft toys, too, but there’s not a lot of point. She just doesn’t really care for them! Blocks, books, and noisy musical toys are her favorites these days. Too bad I don’t have a basement or garage, I bet I could have fun making her wooden toys!

* the “felt” squares I’ve found don’t feel like they’re actually made of wool to me (I’ll have to try a burn test). Do I have to order online to get real-wool crafting felt?

Ada Lovelace Day

image (C)Sidney Padua at 2D Goggles

I took the pledge over at http://findingada.com/ to blog about Women in Science on March 24th. I think this is a fabulous venture to raise awareness for just how much women have contributed to the pursuit of knowledge.

And just who was Ada Lovelace? Not only the daughter of the infamous Romantic poet Lord Byron, but a very interesting woman in her own right! Many credit her as being the first author of a computer program. She was a good friend and close collaborator with Charles Babbage, inventor of computer-precursors the Analytical Engine and Difference Engine — he thought them up, but it was Ada’s keen mathematical mind that went about the task of making these machines programmable. (They also fought crime, according to this reputable source.)

Ada also had style — check out her enigmatic calling card left once for Babbage over here: Very Interesting indeed! I wish I warranted stationary like that, but am sadly not of the aristocracy. Nor, I suppose, of the Victorian era…

As a woman with a Humanities background, I am well aware of how under-represented women’s contributions are in the face of standard Western history. More frequently, though, more attention is being drawn to the disparities and to the women who have made valuable contributions to art, music, literature, war, medicine, natural history, and so on. This academic trend needs to continue, and to work its way into the daily mindset of Western culture. Blogs can help with this!

Do you know of a woman who is a “hero” to science or knowledge? Blog about her today!

Homemade Fail: Yogurt

All the other knit-bloggers are doing it. Urban homesteaders all over are doing it.

Considering we’ve got a teething toddler who has only 2 foods she’s guaranteed to eat at any given time (bananas and, you guessed it, yogurt), a dairy-crazy pregnant lady, and a health-conscious yogi/husband/daddy in our house, having a cheaper, reliable, and ready source of more yogurt would be a great thing for us. It really doesn’t look that hard, so I thought I’d give it a try.

Ok, so we don’t have a crock-pot. We certainly don’t have a fancy (or even thrifted) yogurt-making device. We don’t even have a cooler (a la the Urban Homestead book). But I have a stove and decent pots and bathtowels for insulation, so I figured I was good to go. I heated up 1 bag’s worth of milk (for you Americans, that’s 1/3 gallon) to the right temp (used the meat thermometer), and then let it cool down sufficiently. I mixed in about 1/3c. plain yogurt as the “starter” and wrapped the pot up in a big towel and stuck it in the pre-warmed stove. And waited.

And waited.

And checked it, 2.5 hours later, found it was very runny but smelled kind-of yogurtly, so I let it go.

And waited.

And waited.

And… you get the picture. More that 8 hours later, it still wasn’t very thick at all, by most yogurt standards — and I prefer my yogurt “Balkan style”, very thick. But it was bedtime, and I figured I could try draining some.

So yeah, not as successful as I hoped. The draining went awfully — I had to pitch that part. The rest of the batch will probably get thrown in to the blender for smoothies — it has a very mild, yogurty-like flavour, but not much body at all.

I will try this again, but next time I will use: a) organic yogurt for the starter and v) organic whole milk for the base.

Oh, and there’s no pictures, not because of the lack-of-camera (yay, it has been unearthed!) but because who wants to see photos of runny yogurt? Eww.

Scattered

I think one of the reasons I don’t blog half as often as I used to it because my thoughts/interests are incredibly scattered these days. There are so many diverse and not-immediately-relevant-to-each-other things that are dividing my time and mental energy.

Among these are:
– Parenting and Pregnancy
Between raising a toddler (!) and preparing for a 2nd child, I’m bouncing between everything from cloth-diaper sewing to feeding nutritious things to picky 16-month-olds to birth preparation. There are several parenting blogs in my Google Reader, and I follow multiple Ravelry theme-groups along these lines.

– Sustainable Living / Intentional Community-Building / Frugal Living /etc.
Dusting ourselves off from a failed community-living venture has been rough on Dru & I lately, but it hasn’t changed our fundamental belief in these things. Now that we’re back as apartment dwellers, fatiguing out what sorts of “urban homesteading” projects we can undertake (in the heart of the city; in an 800sq. ft. apt; while paying for daycare) has come to the fore. So has financial planning — figuring out how to build and save at the same time (better spending; meal planning), how to foster community now, and looking ahead to how to build an intentional community in the future.

- Yoga
I’m currently taking an wonderful, intense Yoga Teacher Training program through a great studio downtown. This program has been incredibly transformative so far, both physically (as any serious increase in physical regime would) and mentally/spiritually. I lost all the previous baby-weight, and then a bit more. I’m stronger, and more flexible (even now that pregnancy has me having to “back off” in my practice). I’ve had to learn anatomy, and despite my dislike have really taken in a lot. I’ve become a huge fan of kirtan chanting (check out this fab podcast!), am internalizing some new perspectives from yoga philosophy, and as a literature geek am really interested in learning more about Hindu mythologies. I even had the disorienting moment of realizing that when this is completed I could call myself a “fitness instructor”, and boy did that ever shift my self-view!

Compared with this stuff, some days fibercrafts seem like a drop in a bucket. But of course, knitting and spinning are still on my mind! I just can’t seem to think of what to post about them lately. Also, my camera has been missing since January, which makes craft-blogging a lot less interesting for you readers!

In Progress

WIPs. “Works In Progress.” I really do have some!

I’ve been knitting, a little. The double-knitting “potholder” swatch from EZ’s Almanac has made me definitely want to knit up a baby-blanket in this technique. So yay, I’ve officially started the Miko Challenge!

I’ve also got most of a Koolhaus hat worked up for my Yukon-dwelling brother, but ran out of yarn 1 pattern repeat before the crown, boo. Do I buy another skein (Berocco’s Ultra Alpaca, pretty awesome) or fake it with some basic black merino?

Many false starts on other hats for myself have been made, and frogged, and tried again, and frogged again. I think I’ve given up for now, but will hopefully get a hat or two for my own head when I work up some of the EZ patterns.

And there’s been genuine spinning! I finally broke out the Joy wheel, and have spun up some lovely Enchanted Knoll batts in “Chai” (a decent, if ‘wobbly’ 2-ply) and some CopperPot Woolies batts in an indigo/blue/orange colourway called “Summer Iris” or something like that (DK/worsted singles, yay me!). It’s been fun getting back to spinning, and I think I need to make more time to sit in front of the wheel.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find my digital camera since we moved (in January, arrgh), so photographic evidence of all these things I’ve been working on has been nil. *sigh*

But I can leave you with one photo of another project I’ve been working on lately…

Baby #2, due sometime in August. Better get knitting on “some baby’s things” from the Almanac!

Cocoa Swap 3: Questionnaire

I’m really happy to be in this year’s Hot Cocoa swap, even if it’s a tiny group! I will, however, cheat and mostly use last year’s answers, with new commentary [in brackets]!

Questionnaire
The Yarn…

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
Just knit.
[Mostly. I can crochet, I just don't use it for anything other than edges and dishcloths!]

2. What is your favorite one-skein project? What item do you find you knit the most of?
Probably socks — I love sock yarn for a one-skein hit! I do think I knit a lot of hats, though, too, but most of those get given away!
[Yep - love me some socks!]

3. Do you like using a particular type of needle or hook? (wood, metal, straight, circular) Is there something you’ve been wanting to try, or a particular size you always seem to be short on?
I have come around to be a total circular-needle-lover! Addis are, of course, primo needles, but I’ve also had a taste of the KnitPicks Harmony wooden ones and they’re pretty sweet too. As for sizes, I love 2.25 for socks, which sadly Addi doesn’t make! I tend to buy all my circs. in 34″ or longer, too, since I magic loop most things.
[Am starting to get into the little circs, too, like 16" ones. Good for the aforementioned hats.]

4. What’s on your needles\hook right now? What’s your oldest UFO (unfinished object)?
Right now I have a hat and a lace shawl in progress, and a February Lady Sweater languishing in the wings. [a sock and a twice-ripped "hat" on the go. Soon will be casting-on for my 1Y1B projects!] As far as UFOs go, I’m not sure which is the eldest but I’d bet it’s a lone sock…

5. What are your favorite types of yarns? Are you allergic to any yarns, or just hate working with something? Anything type/brand of yarn you’ve been dying to try?
I’m all about little luxuries these days! (With the baby I have little knitting time, so when I take up yarn I want it to be lovely.) Pretty, soft, natural fibers are my #1 choice, hands down — life’s too short for acrylic! I am interested in branching into working with plant fibers (hemp, linen, even soft cottons?), and as far as “brands” go I’m a huge fan of Handmaiden/Fleece Artist, would love to someday try the mythical Wollmise, and am always interested in local/indie yarns!!

Shouldn’t there be a question #6??
[Where is this question?]

7. What are your favorite colors? Brights? Pastels? More muted colors? Variegated? Are there that make you want to stab yourself in the eye with your needles?
Love jewel tones (purples, burgundies, greens) and autumnal reds/browns. Hate fluorescents and not usually fond of pastels. Am not a blue or yellow girl.
[Lately I've been more into the semi-solids than the variegates. Don't really know why, but noticed it when looking through the stash yesterday.]

8. What is your favorite knit accessory, your fancy needles? stitch markers? your yarn cutter? What do you have TOO many of? What do you wish you had?
Probably fancy needles (e.g. Addis). I enjoy using my hand-made stitch markers from previous swap-pals, but otherwise don’t actually use/have many knitting accessories. I’ve seen some really nice yarn cutters & cable “needles” as necklaces, though…

The Chocolate

1. Do you prefer boxed/packets, or something homemade?
I’m always up for handmade treats! I don’t have much attachment to any one brand, but organic chocolate is almost always way better than non when it comes to bars, so I’d assume the same for cocoa (but haven’t tested any yet!).

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
Mmmmmarshmallows! :)

3. Do you use any ‘add ins’
Not really. Maybe a splash of Kaluah or Frangelico on rare occasions.

4. Are you a year round cocoa drinker or just in the winter months?
Year round, but still usually on colder days. Nothing like a hot cup of cocoa on a cold night’s camping, even in August!

5. Do you like flavored cocoas or are you just a ’straight chocolate’ kind of person?
Straight up.

6. Do you enjoy cocoa from restaurants or shops like Starbucks? What are some of your favorites?
I have a strong addiction to the Starbucks “Signature Hot Chocolate” these days. It’s reminiscent of their long-defunct Drinking Chocolate.
[Oh, Drinking Chocolate, how I miss you so!]

7. You’ve just made the perfect cup of cocoa – is it in a thick mug, or a thinner cup? Where would you sit to drink it?
Oversized thick mug! Time to curl up in an armchair with a book :)

8. You’re enjoying that perfect cup, what treats will you enjoy with it? Are they sweet or salty? Crunchy? Soft and flaky?
Probably sweet and crunchy (i.e. cookies!!)

It’s all YOU!

1. Do you have other hobbies like spinning or scrapbooking?
I spin, both spindle and wheel.

2. Do you collect anything?
Other than yarn and fluff? ;) Spindles. Books with faerie art (e.g. Brian Froud). Pretty blank journals; also stationary and non-refillable (read:cheap) fountain pens.

3. What is your favorite part of Winter?
Quiet nighttime walks in fluffy snowfalls.

4. What sort of scents do you enjoy? Any difference in what you like for your house versus what you like for your body?
I like woodsy, musky scents and bright citrusy ones. I don’t usually scent myself (sensitive skin and asthmatic husband) but sometimes indulge in light scented creams or quality incenses.

5. Are you allergic to anything?
Just dust/smoke/etc.

6. Are you on Ravelry? What’s your ID?
“aemmeleia”

7. How would you spend an ideal winter afternoon/day?
Snuggled down in warm PJs with good books and lots of treats, watching the snow.

8. What’s your favorite animal?
Foxes, cats, and ferrets.

1 year, 1 book

“All Aboard the Crazy Train!”

That was what Jennifer said to me at the Purple Purl‘s knitnight on Tuesday. Now, I hadn’t been to the Purl in a long time, so I’d missed out on the beginnings of this new madness, but it didn’t take long to fill me in (or get me aboard).

Miko has dreamed up a new challenge: can you, in one year (Feb. 1, 2010 to Jan. 31, 2011) knit each and every pattern from a single book or magazine?

A few brave souls have chose The Knitter’s Book of Wool. Others are picking an issue of Interweave Knits, or an e-book like Whimsical Little Knits.

And for me? I’m going with a classic: Knitter’s Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman. Apart from just loving the was that woman wrote, it’s got a good mix of patterns, from little things like mittens to large projects such as blankets and shawls. I might cheat a bit, and make the sweaters all toddler-sized. I might not make it at all. But I’m up for the challenge!

So, anyone else joining us on the Crazy Train? 1 book, 1 year, all the patterns. We can do it.

A Bloggers (Silent) Poetry Reading

Frank Cadogan Cowper, 1926

La Belle Dame Sans Merci
John Keats (1795-1821)

Ah, what can ail thee, wretched wight,
Alone and palely loitering?
The sedge is withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.

Ah, what can ail thee, wretched wight,
So haggard and so woe-begone
The squirrel’s granary is full,
And the harvest’s done.

I see a lily on thy brow
With anguish moist and fever dew,
And on thy cheek a fading rose
Fast withereth too.

I met a lady in the meads,
Full beautiful, a faery’s child:
Her hair was long, her foot was light,
And her eyes were wild.

I set her on my pacing steed,
And nothing else saw all day long;
For sideways would she lean, and sing
A faery’s song.

I made a garland for her head,
And bracelets too, and fragrant zone;
She looked at me as she did love,
And made sweet moan.

She found me roots of relish sweet,
And honey wild, and manna dew,
And sure in language strange she said,
“I love thee true!”

She took me to her elfin grot,
And there she gazed and sighed deep,
And there I shut her wild, sad eyes–
So kissed to sleep.

And there we slumbered on the moss,
And there I dreamed, ah! woe betide,
The latest dream I ever dreamed
On the cold hill side.

I saw pale kings, and princes too,
Pale warriors, death-pale were they all;
Who cried–”La belle Dame sans merci
Hath thee in thrall!”

I saw their starved lips in the gloam,
With horrid warning gaped wide,
And I awoke and found me here,
On the cold hill side.

And that is why I sojourn here,
Alone and palely loitering,
Though the sedge is withered from the lake,
And no birds sing.

* * * *

The Bloggers’ (Silent) Poetry Reading invitation/information can be found here. This year I offer a ballad, my personal favorite poetic form. Thanks, Jodi, for reminding me of it today.

Delurker Day

Hey Everyone, it’s Delurker Day!!

I figured that probably the best place or start would be right at home, as it were, here on my own blog. I’ve been pretty absent from here lately, and I don’t know if there’s any one reason: life with a baby — now a toddler! — certainly makes things busy, or lack of knitting time in general, or a lack of photos when knitting does occur, or the ease of Twitter, or any number of other things… Yet in spite of all of these detractors I still think often about posting, and am a regular reader of blogs via my Google Reader.

So I think it’s time to return to why I started this blog in the first place: to reciprocate. To allow the blog-authors I read to have somewhere to check in on one of their readership, should they be interested. To contribute to the dialogue of bloggers with the occasional post. To link-share, to help get the word out about other neat things I’m finding around the aether.

In that vein, then, I urge you, dear reader, to delurk youreslf — leave a comment to say “hi”, whether to me here or to the other blogs you might be lurking around. Maybe even post some stuff of your own!

******************************

Hey, here’s another nifty thing happening in the blog community! I love swaps — getting things in the mail that isn’t another bill or your neighbour’s tax statement makes your whole day brighter, plus it’s fun to shop for your pal. Swaps are also a great way to connect with some of the bloggers you may not have heard of before! So check it out: this year’s Hot Cocoa Swap has just started sign-ups! I’ve participated in this one before, and it’s always been tons of fun.