Keep forgetting

To take pictures of my paintings.

I'm also finding it difficult to find a few moments to create them.  Yesterday's was one I am sort of disappointed in.... It seemed like a good idea when I conceived of it, but in execution, it turned out - very juvenile...

I have found (or did I say this already? Sometimes I plan a post in my head, then never get it down on paper/typed here) that if I compose the picture strictly with paint and brush, that it tends toward landscape type things.  If I want to create an object, I sketch it first.

Oh, and I've done a couple experiments with using a black ink pen instead of black paint to highlight or add to the painting.... sort of a "mixed media" approach.

I'll take pictures soon... promise.

What I did snap a quick shot of was the sweater I'm working on.

I took this picture last night, just before my knitting session.  Hard to see, I know, because of the poorer evening lighting, and the dark colour of yarn.   So, I did try to lighten it up a bit with editing...

Not sure if it really helped much... but I tried.  You can see in this shot, sort of, if you look close and kind of use your imagination a little (in real life it is there, and maybe in a future shot you can see it better) there is a U shaped seed-stitch filled cable - called "seed stitch wishbone" in the pattern.  I now have two of them - to give an idea how much more I knit last night.  I didn't knit any the night before last - just couldn't get into it for some reason.  But I really made progress last night, getting into the flow of things, getting enough done to read the knit to see where I'm up to, so I spend less time staring at a screen or piece of paper....

Otherwise, not much exciting has been happening.  Hopefully, that will change soon.  And I'll get those painting pictures taken and uploaded soon!

Sweater and painting

So, I managed to do two rows last night - I'm getting into a rhythm.  Still slow going, and having trouble getting back into knitting some every evening.  I had to clear out some space and get a few things organized due to some crazy events this summer, and I boxed up some stuff, thinking and expecting it to be temporary - that by now I'd be unpacking those boxes again.... Instead, they got moved from place to place a few times, so I don't know what is in them or where they are anymore.  Which is frustrating, because now I don't know where my stitch markers are.  But, I thought, that is fine - I have some cool arrow shaped paper clips that would work great!!  *sigh*.  They work, but not great.  They don't slide so well....

As for the painting -- Here are Days 4 and 5 - my "still life" efforts :)

Neither of those reflect my real home or anything... Just some ideas in my head.  Oh, and the two round dark splotches on the bottom picture - just about center near the top - those were wet spots caused by a cat paw... now that it is dry today, the "wall" is a more uniform blue with the dark blue tiles...

And here is that moth picture I promised - I haven't previewed the video yet, nor checked how many megs it is (for sharing purposes).  I know I did share a video on my blog once before, but I do  like to check them out myself, to make sure it is worth sharing!

So, hopefully, I'll be able to share a picture of the sweater, and the video of the moth, tomorrow.  And maybe even a painting or two...

Interruptions

Please excuse the interruptions...

Or at least, I am being asked that today it seems.

Laundry day always stresses me out, makes me crazy, frustrates me, interrupts with changing loads, etc.  So it isn't the best of days.  Add to that, the in-out requests from the dogs, and the husband on holidays, and I find it difficult to finish what I start, and I tend to take the easy way out and not start anything.

Ok, I did do some stuff today, and accomplished some things.  But I was rather lazy about some others.  I took pictures, just haven't downloaded them.  Of my painting, and of a bug.

Last week some time, or maybe even more than a week ago, I saw a bug in my flowers.  At first, I thought it was a hummingbird, but it slowed down to drink from the flower, and I realized it wasn't a bird, but a moth.  Very briefly, I wondered if it were a butterfly, but before the thought of the word finished, I realized it had moth characteristics, not butterfly.  Surprisingly, I was able to identify it via google immediately.  A hummingbird moth!  Or, white striped hawk moth... Within a couple of days, my email newsletter from a local garden expert arrived, with information about - hummingbird moths!

I've never seen them before (or if I did, I likely mistook them for the bird or a butterfly, or perhaps even a small bat, since it was near dusk when I saw this one) then suddenly a sighting and information.  Why am I telling you this?  Because, when I get around to downloading from the camera, I'll show you the picture and maybe even the video of the bug that was here again late yesterday afternoon!!

No fresh pictures of the sweater, though.  I finally was able to sort through the directions, set up an easy way to keep track of where I am, and knit the second pattern row.  Now I should be able to whip right through the next several rows... I hope!!  There is a bit of a tricky bit, a strange sort of direction on one of the cables.    And it wants me to stop at 5 inches from the beginning to do some shaping.... The ribbing is 3 inches, and it is bulky yarn, so I'm guessing I won't be doing too many more rows before I stop.  (thinking about overall length and quantity of yarn purchased - wondering about making it a little longer than they say to...need to look at the picture again, plus with the cable patterning, I could throw everything off)  Oh, and I need to make a mental note:  When selecting pattern and yarn for a cable project, think twice about using a dark coloured yarn for directions that say to "knit the knits and purl the purls".  They aren't so easy to see!

Lack of progress

I couldn't concentrate well last night, so I didn't get much done on Aidez.  I did the knit row, and the first row of the cable patterns.  I need to do something different, until I get the patterns established, for seeing what it what.  I have a few files, with the directions for the sweater, and for each type of cable pattern, and for the abbreviations used -- I found it difficult to keep flipping back and forth, trying to keep track of each one.... This is just "start up" frustration - once I get a rhythm going and familiarize myself with what is being asked, I'll be fine.  In the  meantime.... Yuck.

I also haven't done my painting yet today - I will soon.  I know what I want to do, though, so it is just a matter of doing it.

I have done a lot today, though.  I worked on some dishes, before I even had my morning tea!!  Swept the main floor, washed part of the bathroom (the tub didn't look like it truly needed a washing), tidied some stuff in the livingroom, and I plan to tidy some more.  I've let the flyers/advertising supplements/newspapers get a bit piled... I save the newspapers to take over to one of the animal shelters, but the flyers should go into the blue box... Just need to do it.  I will - soon as I'm done here ;)  Then I'll paint, then do some more tidying.  I also worked on another project, one that I am in no rush to do, but it still needs doing.

Speaking of the blue box - back in June we got our new big wheeled bin for recycling - but we aren't allowed to use it until October!!  So, we're using the time to work out a newer system.  Instead of all stuff going straight to the basement where we store the current box (right at the bottom of the stairs, where we would toss stuff - if it were upstairs, the dogs would keep emptying it for us) we've set up a smaller blue plastic bin in the kitchen, and we empty it every couple days or so.  This change caused me to have a meltdown about two (or was it three?) weeks ago.

This house is getting to me.... a recurring theme in my posts how much I hate many aspects of the house.  Well, back in the spring, we had to have the sewer line cleared.  The annoying trees in the front send their roots down every so often, especially in the spring when they start their fresh growth.  Well, the guy didn't spend a lot of time here; he was saying how ours was the last call of the evening, then he was back to days, which he preferred.... So, a few weeks back (it was a Monday) I was having a good day - several things were going well for a change, and I was in a good mood.... So, when I went to go to the basement to empty the bucket, I discovered that the sewer was again plugged.... and there was some water in the hole, as well as evidence on the floor that it had been happening for a couple of days.... I was not impressed, in fact, I broke down completely into a puddle of tears.....

All of this had happened just after getting our vehicle fixed yet again, after it not working for a couple of weeks... which had been an on-again-off-again problem since early in the spring.  So I fell apart....

We did get another guy in, same company, but a different guy.  He did a much better job, and in fact, confided that the other (young) guy was probably going to be fired, because there was a pattern forming, and he is often complained about for not doing an adequate job.

I also am glad that I blog about stuff.... I was unable to figure out where the heck I'd put the receipt from the last time (improperly filed) to figure out when the sewer was last done.  BUT, a quick search of the blog - when I posted about Delko being very protective, and nearly coming through my kitchen window.  This time, the new guy who came was much more respectful of my cautions about the dog.  Who, it just so happens, still tried to come through the kitchen window, even though DH was trying to keep him calm outside.... Finally gave up and dragged him into the garage, but he still tried to get out and "save" me.  Gave the house a full inspection again after the guy left, too.

So, no pictures today, but tomorrow I'll try to do some more. :)

Knitting up a storm.

So, I got the ribbing done on Aidez.  I'm updating my Ravelry page with it, too, since I'm part of that KAL on Ravelry.  But, since not everyone is on Rav, I'm sharing here, too. :)

This picture shows how I'm doing the front side pieces as well as the back, like I did with the sweater from last summer.  I really don't like sewing all the pieces at the end, so I'm going to join as I go again.  I'll start seaming after I establish some more of the body.

I did some more painting.  Yesterday, I did a tree with fall colours.  I'm starting to think I'm way out of practice on painting, and that it looks rather "juvenile".  But, honestly, when you are working with cheap brushes, paint, and paper, sometimes you just can't really get quality... For example, I have two blues, but only one green... I did try a bit of mixing of colours.  I remember going through those classes at University, and it is amazing what you can do with tempera paints in only black, white, red, blue and yellow.  I've applied a lot of that learning to the dyeing of wool.  But cheap acrylic dollar store paints don't mix as well...

So, today, I mostly tried some experimenting with water colour washing.  You start by wetting down the whole paper with plain clear water, then add the paint.  I didn't plan to do a landscape, but that is what happened... but when I was done, I think it looks more like a sea scape... And I think I should have let it partly dry before I tried to add birds to the sky, or maybe tried drawing them on after with an ink pen (just a regular pen with black ink).

Tomorrow, I think I'll try some form of still like, and/or maybe (though I've got 27 more days to play) sketching something in pencil, then filling in with paint, and/or adding features to a background with pen or pencil.... I recall that some of the things Trish did with hers was not really painting a specific object/subject, but just doing some random designs/patterns.  I need to remember that those are valid things to paint, too.  I don't always need a "model" or a "theme" or an object.... Abstract is good.

Anyway, here's the pictures...

Hm.  Seems that this new interface or whatever it is called for blogger is taking some getting used to.  In some ways, it is better than the old way, in others, it is confusing!!  

I'm now typing centered text, when all I wanted to try to do was to get the pictures to show up side by side...

Anyway, I hope to start talking about some other things soon.  Like how crappy my summer has been, as well as the few good highlights through out.  And maybe start talking about the new TV season.  I know, I was only ever really talking about some TV shows before, but since I've started a trend....  One of the shows I like started the new season mid-August.  Very early... but since some of the shows last year started late, or started then took a break, I guess the "normal" rules are now totally out the window.  Grimm has now gotten three new shows off to a second season... though, even those are confusing.  They seem to be offered on three different nights/times, and I keep looking at each one trying to figure out whether I've seen it or not.  I'm not too happy with the direction it is going at the moment, though... 

Next up is Once Upon a Time.  For a couple weeks now, they've been showing selected episodes, working up to the new season.  I missed the final of last season, and don't want to risk missing it again - especially as the way it is going right now - the "guide" on the TV says it is on at 8pm on Friday on one channel, but at 7 on another... my DVR is set to record the first channel (8 pm) BUT - the guide is wrong, and it is actually shown at 7, and the show that is slated to be on at 7 comes on at 8 and gets recorded... No big deal, as they are episodes I don't feel the need to rewatch, but scarey at the possibilities... HOWEVER!  My local library purchased the DVD of all of season 1, and I think I just might get a chance to borrow it before the new season starts :)

The Walking Dead is another series I'm looking forward to.  Along with the regulars - Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds, NCIS and NCIS LA, Hawaii 5-0, though I really only watch that one as background - good knitting show.  Along with Blue Bloods.  I pay enough attention to keep track of the running storyline about the various characters, but not much more than that...

And Survivor!  I'm not sure if there will be a lot to get excited about yet, but we'll see.... I've always said that I felt sorry for the contestants who got medevac'ed out, that I would like to see them get another chance, and here we are with three of them coming back for another chance! :)  Haven't decided who I'm rooting for, or who will be the one to hate.... 

So, that's the post for now. 

Pictures.

Ok.  I took a picture of the start of the sweater I'm knitting for the KAL.  Knit ALong.  The yarn store I like to shop at now is hosting the KAL for the sweater on Ravelry.  Basically, if you join the KAL, you can get 10% off the price of the yarn if you buy it from them, which I didn't know until I was buying it.  Well, I do have a vague recollection of knowing that bit before hand, but it really wasn't a motivator.  The sweater itself is one that at first, I didn't like.  But the more I looked at it, the more it grew on me.  (let's hope that stays as a figure of speech, lol).  Anyway - I figured, why not?  So I joined the KAL, and I bought the yarn (I know, I have more than enough yarn and projects already that I shouldn't have) and I cast on and managed one row last night.  I did spend some time the other night swatching, and I did spend some time with a new book looking at and playing around with some cast on methods.  So, I really didn't get much progress on the sweater yet.  But, the point is, that I did start!

Yes, it is a dark colour, and it isn't pink.  I do like purple, too... and I figure, I've done so much in pink, that it really is time to move on a little.  Yes, I still love pink, and will still make pink things.  But I do need other colours too.  I was thinking maybe black as a second choice, if the dark purple wasn't what I wanted.  And I still had pink as back-up third choice.

Next up - The granny squares I've been working on.   There have been a lot of hot days this summer, busy busy days, that have left my mind kind of mushy and unable to concentrate properly.  And stress, and TV shows, and distractions, and personal demons.... So, instead of working on the Memories of Mexico shawl like I should be, I've been working on the Granny Squares.  Kind of mindless, more relaxing, easier to put down in the middle of doing them.  I found some yarn on sale, in a variegated, that appealed to me.  And some more solids that co-ordinated nicely.  Dark brown, Tan, (the picture it looks more grey - will see if I can do better next time) and a variegated of dark brown, tan, and turquoise.  I'm going to keep making squares like the one pictured until I run out of the variegated (there was only the one ball left) and then see if I need to use some more solid to make them bigger.  The solid colours were in larger balls than the variegated.

Now, I'll share day one of the painting project.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to do a picture of flowers, to represent the gorgeous hanging baskets we bought this year. I haven't edited a picture of them yet; we have them hanging in our gazebo, and this is the first time I've ever "dead headed" flowers.  What a difference that makes!!  Anyway, there are a lot of pretty pink flowers, some purples, and some reds and whites.  I was thinking of painting a picture of one or more of the baskets... Well, the painting didn't quite turn out like that.... I was also thinking of doing some sort of painting about the fall colours.  I have a bush, it is called cottoneaster, (I may have the spelling wrong - spell check thought I wanted to say, testosterone) pronounced  co  TONE  E  aster and last year, when the leaves were turning from their normal dark blueish green to the red they normally go, there were some other inbetween shades of yellow and orange/rust.  I want to dye some yarn for socks in those colours, too.  Just haven't gotten around to doing that yet.  Anyway, I do think of those often.  So I thought about painting a picture of fall colours maybe.

I have done yesterday's painting, and today's, but haven't taken a photo of today's.  I'm using a cheap paper, and the paper takes up the water of the cheap acrylic paint (not to mention, I'm adding water for appropriate effect) and so the paper curls - later, I'm going to try pressing it with a warm to very warm iron, to see if that does anything interesting... Anyway, I don't have a picture of today's picture to share yet. ;)  Here's the one I painted yesterday.

Titled - Field of flowers.

Don't know what I'll paint tomorrow, if it will be another plant inspired, or maybe another theme, or maybe abstract... Or maybe start as one thing and evolve... Will keep you all posted, though.

September first!

So.  Today is the day that I start my painting project.  I'm kind of excited :)

I must remember to take pictures!!!  And I need to decide on what to paint for day one.  I thought about starting with flowers.  But my thoughts for some reason are turning to fall colours and leaves.  Some of the trees are reacting to the hot dry weather we've been having and are turning and dropping leaves already.

I'll decide later, when I sit down with paint and paper.

Also, I've gone and started a new knitting project.  There is a Ravelry group for a local yarn store, and they are hosting a KAL for the next month or so - Aidez is the project.  I've selected and purchased the yarn, and I did a swatch last night.  Mine will be made in "Purple Jewel Heather"  I'll take pictures of my progress on this, too.

I know, I know, I have to finish the shawl, and I have to take pictures of the granny squares I'm making for a blanket. But, I'm sure that now that September is here, and I go back to my "nesting", I'll be working a lot on these and other projects.

So - short post, but hopefully a bit more coherent than my last one ;)