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Ive found the Fish Source

But, alas, it is from an unavailable Knitters Magazine, Issue 51 (summer 1998) and created by Paula Levy.

Available link for download

Ive just had my Viva Im a quasi doctor now

Hello! Ive not been posting lately because Ive been preparing for the Viva for my PhD. This is where scarily bright people quiz you about your Thesis and all the work youve been doing over the last 3+ years. If you pass it then youve basically passed your PhD.

And I passed!

Ive got some minor corrections, which is normal, and they dont seem too bad. Mainly typos (which readers of this blog will understand), and a couple of extra columns in a table, and an extra figure. In fact they are actually quite interesting additions, so barring any major cock ups, Ill be graduating next year.

Now I know there has been some rumours about who the next Doctor is and all the smart money is on the excellent Patterson Joseph, but Its not for me to put myself forward. Still A Doctor of Astrophysics. Surely thats enough for them to at least consider me right?


Could I be the next Doctor? That is not for me to say. Because the answers is no. No matter how many Sonic Screwdriver Oystercards I make.

Normal service will resume after Ive stopped walking around in a daze, not being able to believe it is done.

Available link for download

Ive been a bad blogger

.... a bad, bad blogger!

However, I feel blessed that too many exciting happenings have been going on lately for me to even think about blogging! And now that I have some spare time, I shall share all the excitement with you. One thing today, more later.


PRESCHOOL! That means I almost have a school-aged child.


I never thought of myself having actual kids. Only babies. Kids are only for old people, right? One of the most shocking "hes growing up" moments for me, was the fact that he has a list of supplies to bring for the classroom on the first day. I know, it doesnt make sense why that makes me go, "awwww!!" This is only preschool, for goodness sakes! Someone needs to slap me or something. I can see myself swirling uncontrollably into the life that is homework, show and tell, bullies, lunch money, girlfriends, sports, and book reports. Suddenly it feels like high school graduation is not that far off.

And it all starts with this piece of paper before me, asking for 10 glue sticks, a box of kleenex, and a sack of gummy bears.

I can see you shaking your head at me right now. Go ahead, I know Im crazy. I probably need help of some sort. Just feel free to laugh at me, I can take it! At this rate, Im going to need an ambulance standing by for me when I have a heart attack the first time he rides a school bus.

But, Ill be fine, I just need to take it one box of smelly washable markers at a time.

Available link for download

Ive Made Yarn!

Yes, I did! Really and truly!

All 12 yards! Stapler added to get white balance so the colors wouldnt wash out as badly.


Here you can see the over twist-y areas better - as well as the under twist-y areas.

Made on a CD spindle.

Available link for download

Ive been tagged! 13 Halloween Questions Tag

Its been a while since Ive done a good old-fashioned tag post but there are pretty fun so why not? I was tagged to answer some Halloween questions by the delightful Sylvie of Little Corp Goth Girl (who you all should definitely check out!)



My nominees are:

1. Cafe LaStrange
2. Goth It Yourself
3. Goth Gardening
4. Domesticated Goth
5. The Mutant Stomp Friends

1. Favorite Halloween song?

Have you heard Spooky Scary Skeletons by The Living Tombstone? Well, you should listen to it. Ive been enjoying it a lot lately.

2. Witch or Vampire?

Any other year I probably would have said Vampire but I think this year its gotta be Witch! Im loving witchy fashion this time of year, Ive been connecting with some of my friends over witchcraft, Im still reeling from my recent trip to Salem, Ive been falling back in love with tarot, and Ive been basing a lot of my historical independent research on witchcraft in early modern Europe... so definitely witches.

3. Favorite thing about Halloween?

The build up to Halloween is definitely my favorite part. Hearing everyone get excited about it, watching Halloween stuff crop up in storms, watching people start to decorate, hearing my little siblings jabber excitedly about what theyre going to wear. Just soaking up the season is great.

4. Halloween party or scary movie marathon?

Movie marathon! Im not much of a hardcore party person, Id rather just enjoy the spook with some close friends and watch movies (Scary or just Halloween themed.)

5. Skeletons or Zombies?

Skeletons! Although Ive re-fallen in love with The Walking Dead I think thats about the only Zombie-related thing Ive been into for years. Skeletons, on the other hand, are always fun.

6. Favorite Halloween candy?

Mmmmmmm... Butterfingers probably!

7. Favorite Halloween movie?

Tough one! A lot of movies that people think of as specifically Halloween movies I watch year round, though... I think The Craft, while not specifically one about Halloween, would probably be my favorite these days.

8. Favorite Halloween costume?

I love putting together Vampire costumes, its usually just an excuse to look extra spooky and wear my fangs and it always gets a good reaction!

9. Favorite Halloween store?

Michaels! I find the best of my Halloween stuff at Michaels every year and I usually make multiple trips (which I need to do soon...)

10. Jack-o-lanterns, yes or no?

I absolutely love jack-o-lanterns as a decorative piece and seeing them around but I dont get a lot of joy out of carving my own pumpkins (Im clumsy with a knife and prone to accidental injury.) Id rather just have a small decorative gourd and enjoy everyone elses masterpieces. Speaking of, have you seen this guy? Wild.

11. Bats or Black Cats?

Black cats! Really just because I cant cuddle a bat under normal circumstances and because Im slightly nostalgic for my cat Zoot back home in Maryland. Bats still hold a special place in my heart, though.

12. Is Halloween your favorite holiday?

Unquestionably yes! Its been since I was a little kid. Everything about it thrills me.

13. Pumpkin spice latte or hot chocolate?

Pumpkin spice latte! Im not much of a fan of hot chocolate these days. When I can I add a little bit of pumpkin spice mix (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc) to my regular coffee grounds to make pumpkin spiced coffee on my own.

Again, thanks so much Sylvie for tagging me! Be sure to let me know if youre posting this tag, even if I wasnt the one to tag you! Id love to read your responses.

Available link for download

Ive Been a Little Busy Lately

I remember a time when I didnt write most of my posts while sitting in airports. But heres another one. Im in Chicago, waiting for a flight to Boston. From Boston, I go to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Ive never been to Iceland; but I hear tell that they sell yarn at the grocery store, so Im expecting it to be an Earthly Paradise. Albeit a slightly chilly Paradise, which would explain the omnipresence of yarn.

I was packing for the trip when I realized, last night, that I dont have a winter hat for myself. Not one. Ive knit tons of them, but theyve all gone off into the world on other heads.

Its in such a situation that Knitters and Those Who Do Not Knit part company. Those who knit not would go out and buy a hat. Knitters, or at least this knitter, reach a point where buying a winter hat feels like cheating (at worst) or giving up (at best).

There is simply no way I can show up in Iceland with a four-dollar hat from Target.

So Im knitting one en route.



I have until I get there to figure out and finish the brim treatment. Ribbing is out. Too pedestrian. This should be a Project Runway challenge: finish your garment by the time the plane lands, or get frostbite.

Off we go.

Available link for download