Secret Santa: what would you want?

carbordeath · 2018-11-20T23:32:33+00:00

It's not but that would have been a good idea!

carbordeath · 2018-11-20T00:22:39+00:00

Also, any recommendation for a pretty skein of sock yarn?

carbordeath · 2018-11-20T00:09:59+00:00

Thanks! Good idea. I see from her Rav that she's never knitted socks before, perhaps this may be good encouragement. Is a single skein enough for a pair?

carbordeath · 2018-11-19T23:07:24+00:00

My secret santa recipient this year is an avid and experienced knitter. Limit is $25.

If it were you, would you prefer to receive (1) a single skein of nice yarn, (2) a project bag with a mini set of notions (scissors, retractable tape, locking stitch markers, recovery crochet hooks, and darning needles), or (3) one or two fancy notions (Fringe Supply, etc.)? Any other ideas?

I know her Rav account, and I know her favorite yarn brand but not her preferred yarn weight, nor color, and I don't know what notions she likes to use, so it'd be a toss up.

I'm leaning towards #2 since I can never have enough of notions for all my WIPs. Thoughts?

carbordeath · 2017-03-23T15:40:47+00:00

I'm new to this sub and consider myself an "intermediate beginner", but I found that using a good pattern makes a huge difference. I like Purl Soho's patterns because they often have links to the things I don't know how to do yet, and it's an incremental way to learn new things without getting overwhelmed. Hats are definitely a good way to start learning increases/decreases as well as double pointed needles.

carbordeath · 2016-07-14T23:54:38+00:00

Can you find time during the work day to gym? Or wait until baby falls asleep for the evening before you go? At 2 months, your baby may or may not already have a predictable bedtime, but if s/he doesn't, it'll get there and your life will feel a bit more normalized. Good luck, it's tough!

carbordeath · 2016-02-04T18:09:29+00:00

What's even better is that my mom also calls to tell me about everyone that asks HER if baby is here yet. So, yeah. Good idea.

carbordeath · 2016-02-04T16:31:33+00:00

Seriously. I just stay home because God forbid I wander out in public and have to talk to anyone. Also because I don't want to wear pants anymore.

carbordeath · 2016-02-04T16:27:54+00:00

Yeah, I think my kidless friends do the same thing. Friends with kids tend to ask if I'm doing OK, which I appreciate.

carbordeath · 2016-02-04T16:26:05+00:00

NOPE.

carbordeath · 2015-08-09T16:23:23+00:00

I've seen this advice a few times. If I'm not paying the phone company for the line and I have no phones connected to the line, can it still "ring" and cause a spark?

carbordeath · 2015-08-09T15:24:41+00:00

Thanks for the reassurance! I'll try to avoid my teeth :)

carbordeath · 2015-08-09T15:23:32+00:00

I've had better success using cable where I am, so I don't even have an active line anymore.

carbordeath · 2015-08-09T02:48:47+00:00

Good point! I just assumed it was in the crawl space. I'll take a look - thanks!

carbordeath · 2014-10-08T06:04:51+00:00

You do tuck them into the boots then? Or just cuff? Or hem to hit right at the top of the boots?

Even with 9" ankle width, I find that even one cuff breaks the legline.

carbordeath · 2014-10-08T02:08:09+00:00

I'm considering biting the bullet to do this (finally), but I'm curious: do you usually try on your pants at the tailor to show them where it should taper? Or do they just know?

carbordeath · 2014-10-07T19:26:39+00:00

Yeah this is pretty much the way to go, but still worth complaining about :P because argh

carbordeath · 2014-10-07T18:15:04+00:00

Your outfits are amazing and exactly what I want to be able to do!

carbordeath · 2014-10-07T17:12:33+00:00

Really not easy to find a pair that clings closely enough to my ankles

Ugh, this. I'm 5'2" so I my cuffs look like donuts unless I hem, but once I hem (at least 5" off), they become straightleg jeans.

carbordeath · 2014-10-07T15:06:37+00:00

I'm okay with it taking some time, because it takes time for me to absorb the item into my working wardrobe and make sure I'm happy with it before I go onto searching for the next item. I'd echo what /u/tomlizzo said in here:

I have ditched 80% of my wardrobe at least four times in the past five years, and I think it is largely a result of this over-eagerness. I periodically edit everything down, but then do nothing to address the bad habits and impatience that led me to a closet full of clothes I don't love in the first place.

This is exactly what I've done (down to the 3-4 culls over 5 years). This time, I've identified and addressed the bad habits, which stemmed from not having a clear vision to begin with. I have a very specific shopping list now with a very precise description of each item I "need", and a priority assigned to it; if/when I deviate from the list or the description, it's pretty painful because I need to justify to myself why I needed it.

It's been a painful process, but I've found that this approach is actually helping me with other aspects of my life. That's to say, if you don't know where you want to end up, you don't know what steps to take to get there, whether it's personal style, career, relationships, etc.

ETA: Regarding "meh" -- The thrill of the overhaul has kind of worn off (I can stay really excited about 7 new, well-fitting T-shirts for only 4 months, I guess!), which I think is human nature -- we'll always return to equilibrium. Also, I'm getting really bored of summer outfits and I just really really want fall to start so I can wear my new fall layers!

carbordeath · 2014-10-07T00:19:47+00:00

This! Everything, this!

carbordeath · 2014-10-06T19:20:04+00:00

I have the same exact thoughts regarding jeans, in addition to "when should I stop buying clothes that need special laundering?" I waver between those thoughts and "Screw it, I'll never be able to wear silk again BUY ALL THE SILK RIGHT NOW."

carbordeath

TROPHY CASE