Gymnasts are forces of EVIL

LeeLuu: So Mommy, we're going to the Olympics?

Me: No, LeeLuu. We're doing the Ravelympics?

LeeLuu: Is Poppy coming? Because he has peanut butter and you never give me peanut butter.

Me: I give you peanut butter all the time

LeeLuu: Poppy's tastes better. The Olympics are filled with forces of evil.

Me: No, there are no forces of evil in the Olympics, just gymnasts.

LeeLuu: They Kung fu fight.

Me: Gymnasts are not kung fu fighters. Can I knit please?

LeeLuu: I don't like knitting. You should stop and give me peanut butter. You never give me peanut butter.

Me: Yes LeeLuu.

LeeLuu's Big Adventure

LeeLuu and I went to visit Nana and Poppy for July 4th. LeeLuu was quite excited about the prospect because, well frankly, Poppy sneaks her unlimited treats and Nana lets her sleep on her head. Really, in the Pugiverse, you can't beat that. She was excited. WAS. Until the seatbelt appeared. You see, after LeeLuu decided that she could drive and shifted the car into neutral one too many time, I decided it was safer all the way around if seatbelts were involved. After all I have to wear a seatbelt. I can't go all loosy and fancy free while operating a motor vehicle. It only makes sense that the pug passangers wear seatbelts too.

LeeLuu did not agree.

She whined and wiggled but finally got buckled in and endured the ride to the Isle of Long.

Then commenced three whole days of puppy bliss. LeeLuu made it very clear to all those present that she does not adhere to Halal customs nor does she keep kosher by eating all the ham she could possibly get. She was rather put off that she did not get any lobster. Finally the dreaded seatbelt made another appearance and it was time to drive home. LeeLuu protested and said she wanted to stay and have more fun (eg. eat more ham) but within moments, it was very clear, she was tired.

She could not even appreciate the truckstop sunset.

Have you ever seen a more tired pug?

Thankfully, I had to work the next day. I assume she had herself a wee (8-hour) nap.

Quality Tools

leeluu's needles
Originally uploaded by amynowacoski

Looking over this photo of LeeLuu snacking on a pair of circular needles reminded me of a topic I wanted to write about - You should always buy quality tools.

In general, I do prefer to work with bamboo needles. They are a bit pricer than your standard craft store buys but they are lighter and "stickier" than metal needles. By "stickier" I mean that they don't slide out of your work as easy.

Another problem I've been having recently is the unbendyness of inexpensive circular needles. I have discovered the Magic Loop Technique. With this technique you can do a way with double pointed needles (dpns) when working in the round. Basically, you pull part of the bendy connector through half the work and well, its complicated to explain. Just watch the video ok? The key to making this work is using a longer than usual circular needle AND the connecting bendy bit needs to be VERY bendy. I've found that the needles I've bought on the cheap did not do a good job. The bendy bit is just not bendy enough.

At Purl Soho, I got a pair of Skacel Addi Turbo Circular Needles. They are a dream to work with. They are nickel plated I think. The metal glides through your yarn AND they don't have that slight grinding feel that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up at time. The only problem is the cost, I think they were over $12. Ouch.

But all this has taught me a powerful lesson - buy quality tools.

I'm saving up to reward myself with a set of interchangeable needles. Such a brilliant idea! you get a circular needle cable that has screw on the end that you can change the size of the needles. Very Neat. Knit Picks has them in both metal and multicolored wood. The wood are SUPER pretty but as knitting needles seem to be a tasty treat for some pampered pooch who shall remain nameless, I think I'll go for the metal.

The Cast of Characters

My dream is to get the whole Gang involved in this little blog project so I thought I'd introduce the Cast of Characters to you.

May I present....

The Mamajama. Matriarch, Enabler. The Mamajama is the driving force behind GlassNeedleArts. It is her dream to have a shop and share her obsessions (and nuttiness) with the world! The Mamajama's current obsessions are: Knitting, quilting, tatting, just about anything that gives her an excuse to go to a craft store.

Poppy. Patriarch, Driver. Poppy begrudgingly humors our crafting madness and is ever so kind to drive the Mamajama on said craft store adventures. Oh yeah, and he makes the most fabulous stained glass creations you could ever imagine.

Claire. Crocheter, Mensa Brat. Claire is the hipster in the group, keeping tabs on the fashion trends and what the cool kids are doing. And yes, she really is a member of Mensa. Brat.

The Russians. We may on occasion make reference to "The Russians". You see, we are not a normal family. The Bro, his wife and the neices now live in Russia. I could tell you why they are there but then I'd have to kill you. Loose lips sink ships.

LeeLuu. Pug Monster, Direction Eater. Ah, the joys of the pug. LeeLuu loves to help with crafty adventures by getting her curly tail tangled in the yarn you're working, or eating directions, laying on your freshly washed fabric, or getting scrapbook paper stuck to her feets. She's very helpful. Bonus points if you can tell me where her name comes from!

Amy. Action Plan Girl, Tinkerer. Yup this is me. I do a little bit of everything. From knitting to origami.

Now, on with the show!!