Hyperbolic Coral Reef

We sent the day at the Natural History Museum today. Hands down our favorite museum. This was the first time we got to see the new human origins exhibit. While I miss the old dioramas, this one is really well done. Lots of interactive stuff for the kiddos and lots for the husband to read. I even got the heel flap on my sock done while they were all doing their thing.

This is a must see: it is a giant crocheted coral reef. I'm on my iTouch (free wiFi- thanks Smithsonian!) so I'll try to add more photos tomorrow. This thing is incredible. All sorts of materials were used. I spotted cassette tape and Noro in the mix. Huge hit.

Edited to add photo:

Yarn vs. Urn

I love this, but I'm saving up for yarn.

Dyeing

Next week is Spring Break, and my birthday. My gift to myself this year is to do some dyeing over break.

Some references for dyeing yarn

• Great Inspiration - they have beutiful colors and lots of information about the yarns they use: Sunshine Yarns
• Blank Yarn for Socks - this cone has 5500 yards!! That's enough for over 12 skeins at 450 yards each: Yarn Workshop
• Color and Style trends Cosmo Worlds 
• Color trends for clothing and household - lots of great ideas: Design Options

Links to Sock Sizes

Purely Utilitarian. I am doing some sock design and needed sock sizes:

• http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/footsize.html
• http://myjewelthief.typepad.com/myjewelthief_knits/2009/11/shoe-size-charts-for-knitting-socks.html
• http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/FEATsocks101.html
• http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/footsize.html

Wants and Needs

So lets be honest - I have NO extra time right now. My work pile is ridiculous. I even forgot about sending in cupcakes for little-sis' birthday last week. Don't even try peeking at my UFO pile, it might eat you.

I do not need one more thing to do/knit/plan for/shop for...

And I still want this book. Saw it last week at the bookstore. I don't really care much for royal weddings, but you can knit the Queen and her Corgies.

Zip - it

So March is proving to be wacky busy around here. Soccer has started, but we are not at the point where the weather is nice enough to sit and knit while the kiddos run around. More huddle and try to stay dry.

So I am behind on the knitting. And the grading, but frankly that is less important. Not that grades are due Friday or anything.

So next in the queue I need to finish up little-sis' monkey cardigan. Part of why I am stalled is the idea of doing the zipper. It sort of makes sense...anyway, here's a tutorial that seems to make it look much easier than I was thinking. We'll see.

Easiest Knitted Zipper Tutorial

If I don't get this done soon I am going to be in big trouble. I finished Big-Sis' Owlet over Winter Break. It goes faster when the kid involved doesn't want sleeves. And the pattern is all worked out for you.

Owlet Pattern by Kate Davies

Owlet Ravelry Page



Algebraic Anklets

OK, I realize that as a math major I have a bias to such things. This is the coolest thing ever - an algebraic formula for socks.

Expressed in terms of x. Heaven.

Algebraic Universal Sock Pattern

Dallas

Inspiration:

This is the view from my hotel room. I am thinking sock pattern.

Everything is bigger in Texas

I'm in Dallas for the week for the SIGCSE conference. A computer science thing.
I have two passions when I travel. I always try out the public transportation. It's my trip and I like trains, so sue me. You want to really get the feel of a city- try the trains.
I also make sure I track down the local yarn store.
So about a 20 minute walk from the hotel I arrived at the Shabby Sheep.
This store is great. Cute dog, great selection, lots of light. Seriously worth the trek.

March of the penguins

I just got this link from a student...she's in the process of applying for a knitting scholarship and is working on penguins. Isn't this cute??

Here's the pattern. The site has great pictures and directions.

Must not start new project....if I repeat it often enough it might sink in.