inkyblack.net

…the 80s called…they want their dystopia back…

Heat would be good…

Stove of Doom Okay…we lost heat a couple of weekends ago.  A little investigation showed that our furnace had blown its compressor belt.  A little advice from co-workers (both mine & his) and a trip to Crappy Tyre, and we were back in business.  Bout time too…it was starting to get chilly in here.

We thought we were safe, but no…not quite.  The Harvest Gold monstrosity we call a Stove decided to take a holiday.  Oh, the elements work, but the oven seems to be kaput.  Robin spent a good part of the morning pulling it out from the wall, turning off breakers & pulling the metal cover from the back.  We figured that there was a blown fuse, but had no idea where to find it.

While he was asleep, I decided to take a stab at it.  Something told me it was around the front of the stove, but I couldn’t be sure.  I managed to find the user manual (amazingly…since we didn’t buy the oven; it came with the house).  Of course, it didn’t have specific directions, but gave me a rough idea where to find the fuse panel.

We have confirmation of a blown fuse.  I guess I’ll be making another trip to the Tyre tomorrow…

Getting Organized on the Web.

o noes! Back in the day, you had an instant messenger program (usually ICQ) and a web browser, and you thought that was all you needed to keep track of your friends.  Maybe you had a website that you manually updated, or maybe you gravitated to livejournal (because you could also keep track of everything your friends were writing).

Then another 3 instant messengers come on the scene and after fighting to get a program that will let you use all of them at once (because, while this is no reflection on them personally…your friends have NO standards…ha ha), you give up.  You find that trying to update both the website AND livejournal gets really exhausting, and you don’t have enough time to read everyone’s journal entries because you’ve been spending the day reading everyone’s status on Facebook.  And dividing your attention between that, three webcomics, everyone’s deviantart account….

Finally, someone introduces you to the downward spiral of Plurk, delicious, twitter, digg…the list goes on.  What’s a girl to do? Particularly when she’s trying to raid in Warcrack AND trying to find the time to re-activate her podcast??

Well…I’m working on it.  I realized quickly that I really got out of touch with a group of friends that I’ve known for years.  Particularly when Robin mentioned that he’d been dragged to a LARP evening and mentioned who-all were there.

Eventually I’ll be back on a Mac and can use Adium or whatever the kids these days are using for IM.  Until then, I’m trying to figure out what’s out there for PC.  My computer became a dual-monitor setup in the past year, so there’s no reason why I shouldn’t be able to get the IM going again.

All the social networking crap?  Well, I signed up for FriendFeed, and if nothing else, it gives me a quick & dirty on who says or does what.  Essentially, you link in all your stuff like Plurk, delicious, twitter, digg, etc, and it keeps a running stream of what you say & do.  If your friends sign up, you get to see their stuff.  Because none of my friends use this site (yet?), I’ve set up a bunch of “imaginary” friends (yes, that’s what the site calls ‘em), and have plunked in the social networking junk for a bunch of people I want to keep track of.   If they decide to join, all I have to do is have them add me as a friend, and get rid of the “imaginary” entry.  Not too shabby, particularly if I want to see if someone is plurking or updating flickr.  If I want to comment?  I can click the link to go to the appropriate site & respond. Downfall?  When you realize that folks are using “LibraryThing” or “Tumblr” or whatever…you wanna be a joiner and play too, damnit!

Ping.fm makes it so I can post to all these stupid social status updater things at once.  Yay for syndication.

The last step?  RSS feeds for sites that I read often, or would like to read more often.  After looking through a bunch of news aggregators, the one I keep coming back to is Google Reader.  You can view things by subscription, or you can  see things in chronological order.  I like the latter.  I don’t want to read everything from one site all at once…I’m odd, I guess, and like to mix it up.

To wrap it all in a big bow?  You then take all the little widgets that allow you to “blog this” or “tweet this” or “digg this” and stick those in a folder on your browser’s toolbar (or just in a row on the toolbar if you don’t have a ton of other links up there).  You see something you like in the reader?  You can share it in the reader and it aggregates to friendfeed.  You want to digg it?  You can.  Ping.fm is just a tab away.  I don’t need to have Plurk open unless I want to respond to something, use the “think, feel, wonder, etc” tags, or add an emoticon.  I can conserve the bulk of my tabs for looking up gear on Wowhead and strats on Wowwiki.

Heh…we’ll see how long this stab at productivity lasts ;)

Mail Call!

Llamalady’s parcel is in the mail and on the way to the USA…here’s hoping that customs doesn’t decide to have TOO much fun with it first ;) (for those who weren’t following the podcast, Llamalady won a skein of sock yarn as a part of our little contest-thing)

I have learned, in the past couple of years, that the most important part about sending gifty-type packages is NOT the contents!  Well…they’re important too, but the MOST important part is to have the bubble envelope handy in order to have the name, address, and other pertinent info on it already so that all you need to do is pop round to the post office to fill out the incredible amount of paperwork that it takes to get a skein of yarn and some goodies over the border.

I hate itemized worth, btw.  And I love the fact that even though you declare it as a gift, you have to give away the contents on the form.  Boo!  I fudged my numbers :)

There’s also phrasing to consider.  I sent a swap partner “bath goodies” because, even though there’s a democrat in the white house, I didn’t think it prudent to write the word “bomb” on the package, no matter the context..

A change (will do you good)

My project for this year is to “get stuff done”.  That includes trying to post more, trying to finish projects, etc.  Decided to update the website, give it a fresher look.  No, I did not design it myself.  I may do that later this year, when I can afford to switch to a new computer.  With luck, it will be a Mac.

Hoping to do a Podcast sometime in the next week or so.  For those keeping track of things via the SockTart Ravelry board, you know that  I’m doing a reassessment of the show and content, etc.  Well, this is part of it.  I’ve never really been married to the name “SockTart”, and after looking around, it appears that .knit (ie dotKnit) isn’t in use by anyone.  Hence…name change!  Once this becomes official for the podcast, I’ll alter things on the Ravelry board to reflect that.  I want the site and the podcast to reflect a bit more personality and lifestyle to go along with the knitting.  I’m also discovering that every so often one needs to step away from the socks, as amazing as that sounds.

So yeah…hopefully some more changes will be coming soon.  Let me know what you think!

Episode Twelve: Shut up and Pass the Wasabi

 

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SockTart Episode Twelve: Shut up and Pass the Wasabi

Wrath of the Lich King started.  You have to ask? :)

(forgot to mention that my plurkswap pal has an etsy store…she sent me some gorgeous stitch markers that I’ll talk about next time.  Go!  Now!)

On/Off the needles:

- Aaron’s Scarf: We made it to Ball 2 during a rah-rah industry update at werk
- Goldfinch/Nevermore: Just need to settle down & put some time in finishing this off..
- Swan Song Socks: Have to decide who these are going to be for, as I’m not sure exactly how much yardage I have to play with.
- Noro Scarves!  Cast on 1st scarf well over 6 months ago & now have the urge to not only finish it off, but also start another one.  Found out recently the Harlot’s been on a Striped Scarf kick as well.  Must be something in the air…
- Noro Striped Socks - I cast ‘em on, but I’m not married to ‘em.  May need a do-over

 Talkin’ bout: Holiday Knitting

Who should you knit for?
What kind of things I knit for holiday gifts
When should I get started & plan on finishing?
Where should I knit my goodies?  Will people catch on?
Why should I knit for the Holidays?
How should I present my finished gifts?

New Socks on the Block

We find & comment on a small handful of recently released/published sock patterns on Ravelry.
Please look ‘em up on Ravelry for links!

Fair Isle Socks by Dana Berman: two-colour contrast geometric pattern.  Very pretty!
Christmas Socks by Anne Abrahamsen: Plain white socks with fair-isle christmas ornaments hanging from a branch.  Cute!
Bouton D’or Socks by Nicole Masson: Very pretty cable pattern that really does look like rows of golden buttons.
Noro Stripey Socks by Faith AD: Folks have been doing variations on the Noro Striped Sock for awhile.  Someone finally wrote down the pattern.  The fates are trying to tell us something here…

Credits:
- Intro clip from “8 BIT Junkie” by George Wood
- Outro clip: No Outro this week.

Episode Eleven(ish): Knitting for Victory

Goldfinch Nevermore!

SockTart Episode Eleven(ish): Knitting for Victory

Babbling about RockBand, WoW, and why there has been no podcast (we’ve been trying!!!)

On/Off the needles:

- Nevermore are still on the needles, halfway through Sock #2.
- Swan Song socks by  Wendy Johnson.  Pretty toe-up design with lace!

 Knitting for Victory

We talk about Remembrance Day (Poppy Day, Armistice Day, Veteran’s Day), and talk about wartime knitting.  Excerpts are read from Wikipedia and HistoryLink.  An old (very old) 1940’s-era knitting magazine from Lux (like SOAK) is dragged forth & read from, particularly regarding knitting “for our boys”.  The name & publication date are unavailable due to the fact that pages 1 through 6 are (inconveniently) missing.  It does appear to be a British magazine, however.

New Socks on the Block

We find & comment on a small handful of recently released/published sock patterns on Ravelry.
Please look ‘em up on Ravelry for links!
Flower Patch Socks by Terry Morris: a flowery mock-faire-isle look using a solid & a handpaint or variegated yarn to make a mosaic-style pattern.  Perfect for Sockaholics Anonymous November challenge!
Lakeside Kneehighs
by Julia Vaconsin: kneehigh lace socks that are somewhat reminiscent of Cookie A’s “Baudelaire”…only on CRACK!  For very advanced knitters, I would suspect!
Zig-to-the-Zag Socks
by Mandi Coughlin: Very easy beginner pattern with zigzags and lacy flowerettes
Credits:
- Intro clip from “8 BIT Junkie” by George Wood
- Outro clip: No Outro this week.
- Recitation: In Flanders Fields by Lt. Col John McRae

Episode Ten: May Contain Traces of Peanuts

Goldfinch Nevermore!

SockTart Episode Ten: May Contain Traces of Peanuts

What?! Blathering on for a half hour about knitting isn’t enough? :)

Okay, okay…

This week we come to the realization that 2x monthly can be a good thing, and get caught up on what’s been happening in the big old world of “life”…Knitting, Warcrack, fitness, and lots and lots of socks!

On/Off the needles:

- The Nevermore Socks (nicknamed “Goldfinch” by Sherri) are about to have Sock 1 come off the needles.

 Knitty!

We talk about what’s happening with the latest Knitty, and look into all the wonderful sock and “warm your extremity” items that are available this month

New Socks on the Block

We find & comment on a small handful of recently released/published sock patterns on Ravelry.
Please look ‘em up on Ravelry for links!

3 Socks by Nicole Masson (Stefanina):
Sea Waves Socks
: honeycomb-inspired pattern over the top and cuff
Marina Labyrinth Socks: More twisted cable stitches!  This time they wander all over the foot.
Pomme de Pin: Toe up sock with a pattern on the cuff that reminds me of the 3-D cubes in Q-bert

 Others…

Little Roses by Linda Fisher: Delicate little flowers move in rows down the cuff and foot of this sock.  Very pretty!
Knitty Twist Socks by Cylan Gul: a single-stitch cable runs all over the foot in a diamond grid
Boxcar Willie Socks by Anne Podlesak: Very easy beginner patter with knits & purls
O Socks! by Shana Kreikmeier: Inspired by the designer’s home of Omaha, Nebraska, the socks mix ribs with small cables
Boo! Toe-up Socks by Emily B. Miller: The 3rd sock in the Super Sock Scarefest, this sock features little ghosty-faces all over a nice long leg design

.

Credits:
- Intro clip from “8 BIT Junkie” by George Wood
- Outro clip: “Duet with a Klingon” By Carla Ulbrich

Episode Nine: More Generic Goodness!

Revenge of the Mummy Socks

SockTart Episode Nine: More Generic Goodness!

Maire gets together with Lhiabelle (Sherri) and Sukuti (Morgan) for a few drinks, some turkey, and banishment of the husbeasts to the basement.  Join us for a real Canadian Kitchen-party, Socktart-style!
**Warning: We talk briefly, yet frankly, about hormones at one point, particularly regarding birth control**

On/Off the needles:

Morgan:

  • Monkeymen for her husband Wargh, yarn from Dyelots in Eugene OR.
  • Had problems with the Susanna pattern, couldn’t get it working with the BMFA Chapman Springs yarn
  • Is also doing a pair of Monkeys
  • Has cast on Luminiere with the Chapman Springs.

Maire:

  • Done both Mummy socks from Super Sock Scarefest (Gets Sherri to model as the Mummy Socks attack her feet!)
  • Not sure what the Sunstone is going to be.  Possibly Nevermore by Yarnyenta.  Needs to read the errata.  Had been thinking of the SKA Mystery Sock for September, but not sure.

Sherri:

  • Gusset done on Sweetpea socks
  • Muscari sock (by Suzi Anvin) casted on and ripped back.  Pride colourway didn’t work out well with it.
  • Now going to be Pembrokeshire Pathways.

Random Chatter:

  • We discover that none of us are continental knitters, and discuss the Yarn Harlot’s production-style knitting.  All of us are multi-generational knitters.
  • We talk about how WoW interferes with our knitting progress
  • How needle size throws off your gauge
  • Having to think more than usual about knitting.
  • The Yarn Harlot’s Production-style knitting
  • Guilty pleasure movies & Christopher Walken. We’ve been told to check out the Chicken & Pears video on Youtube
  • Warcrack and Evercrack are discussed
  • We fondle yarn, particularly Noro Silk Garden Sock
  • We discuss Noro in general.  Kureyon and Silk Garden sock in particular.
  • We discuss spinning wheels & the proper pronounciation of ‘Louet’ (Canuckistani Grammar Lessons — Zed, Not Zee!)
  • We go over how survival skills have changed into leisure activities.
  • Sherri gushes over Eric at Cables & Lace.com’s dyeing work.
  • Morgan will be sending Maire her alterations of the Monkeymen pattern that includes the purls.  Makes a more stretchy fabric for those with wider ankles & feet.
  • We debate colour names and how sometimes Orange is really Deep Yellow.  What really IS Seafoam?

New Socks on the Block

We find & comment on a small handful of recently released/published sock patterns on Ravelry. Yum!!

We are operating without a computer at the moment!  And the Professor’s phone alarm goes off.

  • Luminiere: (Maire can’t find this pattern quite yet, so will wait til Morgan finds it & gives her the link)
  • Unravelling Ribs by Amy Tyszkiewicz: lovely pattern that travels all over the ankle
  • Sherri gets us talking about Kristin Benecken & bavarian knitting
  • We have some general discussion about the new Knitty
  • Nevermore by YarnYenta (Heatherly Walker): Chart seems confusing, but the socks look beautiful. (Sherri renames Maire’s project as “Goldfinch” instead of “Nevermore”)

Credits:
- Intro clip from “8 BIT Junkie” by George Wood
- Outro clip: “The Table Near The Band” by Power Salad

oh noes!

o noes!

Just a note to let everyone know that the podcast will be going out a bit late this week.  Just wanted to let folks know that their weekly dose of sockitude will be back shortly!  We’re just getting all our ducks in a row for what looks to be a very interesting episode ;)

A very special blog entry.

Specifically for The Professor, and our usual rickroll target, B!

song chart memes
more music charts

(I know it’s generally not polite to rickroll your podcast listeners and/or blogreading friends, but c’mon…it was funny! Thanks to Rycrafty for finding GraphJam in the first place…)