Wow, time flies when you start your PhD... This has been quite a busy semester. September was devoted to finishing up my MSc thesis requirements, moving to a new lab, and writing a research paper that we still haven't heard back about (still waiting on a reviewer it seems). October was devoted to writing a SSHRC grant proposal - during which I determined some if not most of what I'll be doing for the next few years - more on that in a sec. November was spent writing a paper for a class and learning more about my new research topic. Oh and there was a graduation ceremony in November too. December was a bit of work and a bit of rest. All through this I had class work and a small side project which earned me enough spare cash to buy a spinning wheel. I'll be ordering a Ladybug in the new year. I don't really have time for a new hobby nor the space - but I'll never have a whole lot of time and space... well we'll have that eventually.
I have been very remiss in posting and have contemplated shutting the blog down. I still might. But I'll try to give it a bit more time in the new year and we'll see how it goes. The theoretical goal will be two posts a week - one wordless. If I get busy I might post pictures with captions and call it a day. I hesitate to call it a new years resolution - simply because I don't want it to feel like a chore. I've got enough things that I feel I have to do - no sense adding another one. But if I get into a rhythm and get some comments (hint hint) I think it might prove to be rewarding.
What have I been up to this December? Hibernating. Two days ago was the first time that Calgary went above zero since December 12th - and even then I think we hit 1 Celsius... (34 F). Right now my computer says it is -12 degrees (approximately 10F). I've been knitting, and working too. Here are some pictures of what I've been knitting.
Fetching by Cheryl Niamath - quick and easy.
A very ugly hat is horrible acrylic - a prayer hat of sorts - very well received though so I made him another hat for Christmas. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures so we'll just have to wait for him to send me some.
I finished up some Uh-Ohs from
Anna Hrachovec
I made some Christmas ornaments (I'm in the process of making a different one but I'm lacking the balloon to block it on). These are
Snowflake stars by Judy Gibson.
These are Heel Up and Down Socks by
Amy Swenson. You knit the heel first - then the foot and then the cuff.
So much fun - I immediately cast on for another pair of socks - I can feel a new obsession coming on.
And these are Straight Laced Socks by
Trisha Thibodeau. They are super nice but since the yarn is so fine I need to knit the things on 00 needles. Not a problem in and of itself - I like small needles just fine. But the needles are metal and therefore don't bend like the wooden needles I am used to using. Thus it hurts my hands after awhile.
Tonight I will be swatching the following:
Bird in Hand mittens by Kate Gilbert.
And finally, on Christmas I managed to block something that has been completed since October 12th - it still hasn't been gifted yet so here is just a bit to tantalize
This is long enough for now - next time I will likely tell you about my upcoming research because I'm very excited.
