tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46695506043504829432012-02-17T11:47:22.649+09:00Just another knitter's blog. And some bits and pieces about felting, spinning and leaving TX to Kyoto, Japan.O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.comBlogger1701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-1759281323005436682012-02-13T10:37:00.000+09:002012-02-13T10:42:29.956+09:00

After all the classes in the fall semester and related paperwork is done, I was in no mood for anything classified as "obligation. "  I knit, knit, knit, cutting housework time and sleep, on these. Two pairs of Kitten MIttens by Alyssa Lynough, using stashed Hamanaka Wanpaku Dennis double-stranded.  Yellow/brown stripe brothers for me, white/brown stripe with colorful ears and tail brothers for

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-4645484888905832062012-01-19T12:39:00.000+09:002012-01-19T12:39:56.557+09:00

I've done all my classes on this Tuesday.  A little paper work (PC work, actually) is left but I got 10 weeks' off before starting to be ready for the coming school year. Now I can catch up with my neglected knitting projects and, of course, start new projects. First, I concentrated on finishing these socks; Pattern; Maple Sugar Socks by Karin Bole Yarn; ONline Supersocke 100 Sierra color,

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-59264796031385575912012-01-13T12:55:00.001+09:002012-01-13T13:22:37.697+09:00

It's almost two weeks into new 2012, and those "new year" feelings is behind me.  You know, a blank-paper like, fresh "I can do anything" ambition.  I didn't find it at all in the first place, if I think back.  I'm in this burnt-out, post-holiday, flattened mind, sort of.  It's about time for me to make a resolution for this year if I want any reality to it. A month ago, I was in the middle of

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-13960007597354818172011-12-31T00:25:00.001+09:002011-12-31T00:25:56.066+09:00

What a year it was. After the earthquake and the successive nuclear power plant disaster, I found much of my belief  destroyed, too. The people I believed to be professional look like not so. The people I believed who know what they were doing, actually didn't. My knowledge and understanding about what happened was limited.  I knew that and wasn't surprised nor disappointed by that.  But that's

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-49301157506479552052011-12-09T22:22:00.001+09:002011-12-11T01:02:44.205+09:00

The other day, it hit me that I am about as the same age as my mother was when I recognize how old she was for the first time in my life, like, when I was in the 1st grade.  I vaguely remember talking with my classmates how old our mothers were.  My mom was at the older end, and I remember feeling not-so-happy to have "old" mother. So, I guess, me right now would be the first image of me for my

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-6777965170868222332011-11-25T08:53:00.001+09:002011-11-25T09:44:09.213+09:00

My husband is on the road (in India, to be exact).  We made a small but good Thanksgiving dinner for just mother and daughter. A huge piece of chicken thigh (boneless but skin-on, over 12oz., just enough for us two), marinated in basil dressing for 30 minutes, and spent just 15 minutes in the 190C (I aimed 375F) oven side by side with broccoli. Green salad with canned corn tossed with soy sauce

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-45562250097154596912011-11-09T12:12:00.001+09:002011-11-09T12:15:44.229+09:00

Thank you, my friends, to send me warm comments about my migraine.  I have not been attacked by any severe headaches.  Just a bit of throbbing in the back of eyes and "heavy head".  I feel I'm blessed.  SO FAR. This morning, I checked my past posts and noticed I had posted about that pink socks on the one before last.  Apparently, my brain is not working properly. Rather than I edit out the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-42655315127365384662011-11-06T10:18:00.001+09:002011-11-07T06:49:39.662+09:00

At this age of 42, I am just diagnosed with migraine. Three weeks ago, I had a strange vision.  A part of my sight was mosaicked... and it didn't go whatever I do; see only with one eye (both left and right), close my eyes, cover my eyes with hands.  Scary.  Am I having a stroke?  Or is this the first symptom of something horrible, and am I gonna lose my sight?.. After 20 minutes or so, the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-33498110553977049592011-10-18T15:25:00.000+09:002011-11-09T12:09:32.752+09:00

I realized that it's two years since I bought my Kindle, when I got an E-mail noticing me of the release of YarnHarlot's new book. (OK, I think I should use "publish" for the word "release", but Kindle book looks more like music downloads than real book.  Hmm.) I accidentally arranged my "library" in "Oldest 1st" order, and there was the first download, anti-dramatic "Kindle's User's Guide, 1st

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-55380896777918920742011-10-06T10:44:00.001+09:002011-10-06T10:47:29.715+09:00

It's 21 years since my father passed away. There was a year I totally forgot the date, just called my mother on a whim (or so I thought) and found out it was the anniversary day.  There was also a year I couldn't think about anything but about him. The dead is unchanged. The livings change.  Improve, decline, up and downs, wonder about. This year, I noticed the date didn't call to my mother.  

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-64841876273348099662011-09-22T08:50:00.004+09:002011-09-22T10:24:13.440+09:00

A slide show. Sort of.This summer was the first after my daughter goes to the elementary school. Three months of school life have add more to her already-good ability to enjoy, learn and learn more in new situations. We are very happy parents to have a smart and active daughter, and good teachers for her.First half of her summer break was rather slow, made mostly with swimming class at her

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-90801176754409526912011-08-29T14:11:00.004+09:002011-08-30T14:23:09.396+09:00

It's more than three month since I posted here last time. This is the place I correspond to my friend, on a not-so-regular basis, so followings are (pretty random) messages to y'all, guys. 1. My mother is doing OK. Considering her kidney condition and age, it's more like "well" than "OK", but, well, whatever. I had a text message this morning from her and I almost prepared myself to rush to

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-57864689052099322362011-05-06T10:17:00.003+09:002011-05-06T11:43:43.415+09:00

We had a good time at my in-law's this "Golden Week" (end of April - first week of May holidays). My mother's kidneys had changed their minds and start working again (rather slowly though), the medicines began to kick in, so we had not so much worry to leave behind.My husband's stay was only for 3 days because his company moved some non-working days in this month to lengthen summer "Obon"

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-34497945259566270862011-04-25T09:30:00.004+09:002011-04-25T09:48:35.063+09:00

To all who kindly asked about my mother this week.... She's doing OK. Her kidneys are giving up doing their jobs, but she found a new friend named dialysis. My sister, aunt (my mom's youngest sister) and me, and sometimes my brother (he is living a bit farther from the hospital than me and sis) , my sister's grown-up son and daughter are visiting her, doing errands for her. Thank you, my

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-64882944189891217692011-04-15T08:51:00.005+09:002011-04-15T10:08:17.581+09:00

What a hectic week.Monday, my mother was hospitalized. She had been having "a prolonged session of coughs after a cold or pollen allergy or whatever" for a couple of weeks or so. She knew her already weakened kidneys decided "to cut another level of their works" over last weekend, went to see her doctor first thing in the Monday morning, and he didn't let her go home. Her heart isn't working

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-89909800454053007072011-04-09T22:41:00.006+09:002011-04-09T23:28:13.099+09:00

It's not my old unblogged project. A new one.Pattern; Siren Sleeves by Kelly McClure (free download from Ravelry)Yarn; Nikke Victor Solfa, colorway; 401, 2 balls = 1 for each sleeveNeedles; KnitPicks Harmony socks DPN #US 2 1/2 Note; I wanted to use up whole ball to knit one sleeve. So, I made a short one (from garter band to knuckle), picked up at CO edge, knit in stockinette stitch for 40

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-11598063506990971742011-04-02T08:18:00.004+09:002011-04-04T00:51:56.538+09:00

I started this blog to talk about my finished knitting project, basically. "Basically" because I was going to talk about not-yet-projects, mere thoughts and anything gives me inspirations & motivations to my knitting.On the other hand, I'm keeping track of my knitting on Ravelry. The record there is more precise and whole, naturally. Ravelry is a database (and some more, of course). This is a

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-30694089152140424222011-03-21T10:54:00.004+09:002011-03-21T12:26:21.578+09:00

Thank you for the supportive messages to my last post. What happened nor what's going on do not allow us to be optimistic. But reconstructions are beginning. Nuclear reactors are getting cooled down. I'm not panicked.Thank you for your kind heart and rational mind, fellow knitters.Please, read this.And send money to MSF and Red Cross / Red Crescent of your country.They know who needs help the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-36102180623011299132011-03-15T08:53:00.010+09:002011-03-23T22:57:33.524+09:00

I was thinking of posting about the wonderful gift package (this for my daughter and this for me) from Janet. But before that, I think I need to talk about the earthquake.As everybody knows, on March 11, 2011, a mega-size earthquake hit the Northeastern to Eastern part of Japan. Its magnitude was 9.0. In less than 10 minutes, tsunami, more than 10 meters high, hit the coastal area. I was

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-55915376015679251322011-03-08T14:42:00.002+09:002011-03-08T14:43:01.571+09:00

baby baby babyOriginally uploaded by O'Chica These are for my friend's family. They were expecting a baby boy, who safely came to this world on February 16th.For the baby, a pair of newborn sized booties (with string tie) and a pair of bigger size grown-up-looking socks. Stripe & solid (the yarn is mix of yellow and white, so not-so-solid actually) cloth is a double-knit wash cloth.And a little

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-72196990278605296192011-01-05T10:54:00.005+09:002011-01-05T12:40:52.710+09:00

My last 4 weeks was a combination of rushes (some planned, some not so) and calmness (some planned and pleasant, some not so and kinda tense). Very holiday-like.On the 14th of December, My daughter's kindergarten had the Christmas celebration. She was in the choir and very happy because Daddy was in the audience. I was busy helping the whole management on that day with my PTA comrades, and

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-73479044052829370692010-12-11T19:33:00.006+09:002010-12-11T22:33:30.096+09:00

I knit for my family and friends. Like my mother. My finished projects in these couple of months proof that.four pairs of toe-less socks (Falling in Love by Anni Design, Pretty Petals Socks by Jeanie Townsend, Little Roses by Linda Fisher and Cat's Face Lace Socks by Jennifer Fleury, respectively. All links, after these, too, to Ravelry pages.) for my PTA pals (well, the last one was for me,

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-83347198291201028652010-11-11T22:02:00.008+09:002010-11-18T15:13:59.592+09:00

Although Nov.23 is the holiday called "Labor Thanksgiving Day" in Japan, we don't consider it as a day (or a weekend) to celebrate with family member like in the USA. That means, our modern commercialized life is being filled by those red and green Christmas colors already, instead of brown and orange of turkeys and pumpkins.It's the time of the year I give myself a good thinking about my

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-45563750217140412482010-10-27T11:50:00.002+09:002010-10-27T11:51:34.801+09:00

glove 2010 in and outOriginally uploaded by O'Chica This morning, the low got to 9 degree celsius here in Kyoto. I watched weather forecast last night, and hurried to finish these gloves (one had been done, and the second was just 1/3 of the palm and fingers & thumbs to be done).Pattern; I frankensteined Annemor #11 (cuff) and NHM #10 (palm) from Selbuvotter, and Butterfly sock by Coriander

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-3641579908193946492010-10-20T12:22:00.007+09:002010-10-21T10:05:10.337+09:00

Here's my new partner. Yes. My bike.(The one next to mine is my daughter's.)Thousands, no, tens or hundreds of thousands of mothers who have small children in Japan does her daily running-around on bikes like this, on busy streets like.... (I tried to find a good pic on the net to show how our neighborhood street looks like, but failed. I think this movie comes close enough. First 20 second

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-43916667064016013902010-10-06T09:14:00.006+09:002010-10-06T10:30:23.046+09:00

I had intended to post to this blog AT LEAST once a month. It's a shame I skipped September, and didn't noticed that until today. Anyway.I got some knittings done.Pattern; Ishbel by Ysolda Teague, in Whimsical Little Knits, mine is an autographed copy, gift from my dear knitting friend.Yarn; Dainihon-KeitoUniversal HI STAR (lace weight), colorway 135, 55 g , which used be in my mother's stash

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-17943958469690874172010-08-18T14:25:00.005+09:002010-08-18T14:36:46.275+09:00

These couple of months, I'm trying to lose some weight, not really so successfully. Maybe I set my target too far away, to achieve too slowly (lose 8 kg = 17.6 lb until next spring, means, one kilogram per month). Maybe I'm taking the way too ineffective (No meal replacements, No fasting, No non-anything like non-carb/non-oil diet). Or, maybe it's my life. I have a six-year old, healthy and

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-75870507133048584802010-07-12T15:40:00.005+09:002010-07-12T16:37:55.610+09:00

Since I gave up knitting Watermelon Cardigan, I now have 4,287 yards in total (minus half a 4-yr sized sleeve, but it's usable, too, in need), 13 colors of Knit Picks Palette.This amount of yarn can be a burden. Or a joy.It's simply a joy for me. Naturally.One of my favorite knit designers, spillyjane uses Knit Picks Palette a lot. I did a quick pattern research, and found 23 mittens and socks

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-15701484866453364812010-07-09T06:48:00.005+09:002010-07-09T08:06:01.866+09:00

My daughter has turned to six years old. I still remember the blue clear sky I saw from the hospital room window just before the delivery. She came to this world in the full blast of Texas sun (of course the room was ACed, though).This year, our home baker (my husband) was not available (just couldn't make the day off, didn't have to stay extra-time on his daughter's birthday. Not so bad deal

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-22883852332797161412010-06-22T12:41:00.007+09:002010-06-22T13:21:27.670+09:00

About a month ago, I read this post on YarnHarlot's blog. Since then, I have been thinking about what makes a lace knitting a lace knitting.In one sentence, for me, it goes this way;To knit lace, you have to take care of what you going to have.When I make a yarn-over, it creates; 1) a hole, and, 2) one stitch width of space.When I make a ssk (or sl-k-po, whatever) or k2tog, it creates; 1) a

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-36610759072503818972010-06-19T16:20:00.004+09:002010-06-22T09:48:51.263+09:00

My husband's grandmother, Chiyoka oba-chan, (Gramma Chiyoka) passed away two weeks ago. She lived a long life - Survived the Great Kanto Earthquake, lost her husband in the World War II, lost a son by an accident during climbing. Had three sons (lost one), six grandchildren (three boys, three girls) and four great-grandchildren (two boys, two girls). I only met pretty long after she moved in to

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-44125451734734414692010-05-25T22:07:00.003+09:002010-05-25T23:34:28.865+09:00

Finally. Finally, I got a time to sit down and write here. Write, about this;The care package from Janet, that is. I received these goodies (and some more for my husband) about a month ago, briefly thanked her over twitter and just got caught by a swarm of meetings.I am assigned to a board member of the parents' association at my daughter's kindergarten. Well, I think I am supposed to use the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-71387679337073642962010-04-12T10:15:00.003+09:002010-04-12T11:01:24.105+09:00

We had a pretty cold March this year. Had snow twice, even on 30th.I was so glad to have a light but warm pullover, and wore it every day under my micro-fleece parka from UNIQLO. Yes, I got some pilling around the hip and underarms. That's wool.Morning temperature stayed low even after cherry blossom season has begun. Thanks to that, we had one of the best cherry blossom seasons in years.And,

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-22101855348063542882010-03-07T14:29:00.002+09:002010-03-07T15:09:26.145+09:00

I, can't be more proud of myself right now.I have finished this, my "Raspberry Chocolate Kitten" pullover ;Pattern; Colette Pullover by Veronik Avery, Interweave Knits 2007 Winter.Yarn; 8 balls (1 oz. = 28 g, 100m per ball) of Patons Purple Heather in colorway 75 (brown), and 5.6 skeins (50 g per skein) of Osaka TOA Prism in red. Both were in my mother's stash (now mine), and at least 30 years

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-44631908302962047992010-02-07T22:35:00.003+09:002010-02-07T22:53:12.789+09:00

When my daughter (5 years old) is asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?", she answers "A professional baseball player." These days however, she says she thinks it would be very nice if she can marry to one of her classmates (I'll keep it anonymous). But another girl in her class wants to marry him, too. Uh-oh.The other day, on the way home from the kindergarten, my daughter said,"Mom

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-65623299725368816792010-01-13T12:01:00.005+09:002010-01-14T14:23:22.876+09:00

I bought this bag at H.E.B. grocery store by the Market Street in The Woodlands, TX. It's made by the women in developing countries and sold at "fair price" to support them. I just liked the color, fabric, and the size (though now I feel it's a bit too small) of the bag, and felt the happiness that I can buy it. I used and used and used the bag so the shoulder strap finally started to break

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-38248165527670675852010-01-06T23:15:00.003+09:002010-01-06T23:44:22.568+09:00

My resolution for 2009 wasn't so ambitious, but a little too much for me. This year, I will concentrate only on ... losing weight.No, it's not a joke.As the first step, I signed up for an online (on-cell-phone, more precisely) fitness program. It costs me only 210 yen per month, but it's not free. I think paying money (how little it is) gives me a good motivation not to drop out. I can do

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-85049741260106528222009-12-22T23:05:00.004+09:002009-12-22T23:44:43.627+09:00

I have found a good Santa Clause ornament.It was on a pretty expensive side for its size, but we think it will make us remember that it was the year my daughter played "Little Star" for the kindergarten Nativity Play.And, as a knitter, I couldn't resist to make this;He kind of looks like my ob/gyn doctor in the US. I thinks it's because he is wearing a mustache, not a beard.First thing I made

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-6160575123616323472009-11-26T23:25:00.003+09:002009-11-26T23:48:50.979+09:00

I made it a promise to buy one Santa Clause ornament every year when we got our first Christmas tree (imitation) in the US. When we don't buy a tree, that is.So far, I got2004; a tree (~7 ft. tall, from Garden Ridge, which we said "good bye" to before moving back to Japan - it's not practical to have anything taller than my husband inside)2005; a Santa (with cute eyes)2006; a Santa (carrying

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-89883810564125746132009-11-13T10:16:00.002+09:002009-11-16T11:12:39.784+09:00

Recently, I finished two garments for my daughter.Pattern based on; DROPS 112-38 Jacket in "Alpaca" and Kid-Silk" with long sleevesYarn; Omega Sinfonia, in various colors... please see my Ravelry project page Needles; JP 5 bamboo circular, US 3 Knitpicks Harmony circular and 2 1/2 Knitpicks Harmony DPNsPattern; my own, just plain knit-in-round vest.Yarn; SKI yarn fingering, colorway 1786 - one of

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-73033998337755490042009-10-31T23:25:00.002+09:002009-10-31T23:38:38.364+09:00

My Halloween post for 2009.This semi-dry fish is popularly served for breakfast, or as salty treat in Japanese cuisine. We eat this as it is, head and bones and all, after lightly roasting it.It's called mezashi (speared at eyes, literally) or maruboshi (dried whole, literally). It is "dried sardine, held together by a bamboo skewer or string piercing the eye sockets" (by tangorin.com).It's

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-35535523138731350742009-10-27T14:09:00.002+09:002009-10-27T14:14:22.169+09:00

kotatsu completedOriginally uploaded by O'Chica About 3 weeks ago, my daughter, born and spent her first 4 years of life in Texas, was watching TV and asked me, "Mom, what is this stuff?" On the screen was a kotatsu. We have one, but have not been using it as its original form - I mean, it was just a square coffee table for us these years.I had thrown away both of kotatsu futons (shiki-futon

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-68719504358996780912009-10-23T11:14:00.004+09:002009-10-27T14:16:19.460+09:00

I haven't finished any knitting project for a while. I'm working on these;My daughter's jacket/cardigan.Pattern based on; DROPS 112-38 Jacket in "Alpaca" and Kid-Silk" with long sleevesI'm using Omega Synfonia in my stash to use up most of them. It's a mercerized cotton yarn I bought at Hobby Lobby long ago, leftover from this colorful snake.I had such a fun time using this colorful yarns on

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-63175385589685559202009-10-09T10:19:00.003+09:002009-10-09T11:12:31.710+09:00

Here's my dughter's fluffy scarf, "huggie" towel, and a "tail" for her kindergarten bag.Patterns; Noro Striped Scarf by Jared Flood, and Mitered Hanging Towel in Maxon-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines. Both are arranged a bit.Yarn; Chaton (orange) and Chaton Print (mix) from Naska, 100% nylonNeedles; US 11 (8.0mm) plastic single pointsNotes; Scarf is made 2 rows of orange and 4 rows of mixed

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-76896093190853974122009-09-30T15:13:00.005+09:002009-10-01T11:46:11.080+09:00

We have a washing machine. But not a laundry dryer. We have small ACs for our living/dining room and each of two bedrooms. And we turn them on only when we think we need to adjust the room temperature or humidity. OF COURSE we turn them off when we go out, even just for a grocery shopping. They are not a central AC for the whole house which keeps on working even while the house is empty and

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-6998861808658058822009-09-09T07:42:00.005+09:002009-09-09T12:53:55.544+09:00

It's about time to be productive again. The high for today is expected to stay under 30 Celsius (=86 Fahrenheit). As my mom said yesterday (on text message! Hooray for her!), we have survived another summer.I blogged on Aug.3rd that I got a lovely book "Amigurumi sweets"(changed the title translation). The taiyaki pattern was irresistible, so I just started right away at their home.It took

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-3017294998962116352009-08-10T23:20:00.003+09:002009-08-11T00:06:57.781+09:00

This year, I got a pretty large plant pot, a bag of gardening soil, and a cherry tomato seedling from nearby home center. Later, I got a bag of fertilizer which says "for tomatoes", too.Today, I harvested eight tomatoes as the last crop and cut down all the vines, packed them in a plastic bag and put out as garbage. The tree was tired and lost almost all the leaves. I could have saved several

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-19210663904673717562009-08-03T07:31:00.006+09:002009-09-09T12:51:01.398+09:00

Now the rainy season is officially over. Summer. Is. Here.My daughter and I spent 6 days at my husband's parents'. We had really good time. My husband (who couldn't make it this time due to business schedule) laughs at me, saying "you're more relaxed there than at your mom's!" He's got a point. At my mother's, I am supposed to take care of her. At in-law's, I can be one of mom-in-law's "

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-69088462932025805792009-07-24T10:42:00.004+09:002009-07-24T11:08:06.164+09:00

beauty beutyOriginally uploaded by O'Chica I think I'm having a sort of whiplash (in Yarn Harlot's way of description).I can't gather up enough mental energy (which is not so much) to knit a sock.Instead, I'm eating tomatoes. Off the vines on my balcony, and even though I counted 119 so far from my crop, I'm buying bigger (means regular) ones at stores every week.Since I learned that the cold of

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-89628897420150863472009-07-04T07:29:00.004+09:002009-07-04T17:49:56.711+09:00

Summer.Slows down blogging. Slows down knitting & crocheting. I just joined worldwide mom's band of "summer break, what the xxxx." My daughter's summer break is not here yet (Spring, or 1st term ends on July 16th), but I can feel IT already.I have finished HÉLÈNE SOCKS;Pattern; Hélène Socks by Tuulia SalmelaPattYarn; Osaka TOA Prism light fingering (from a company long ago gone. one of the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-2333430687859884542009-06-30T07:31:00.003+09:002009-06-30T07:44:26.361+09:00

I've been working on Hélène Socks by Tuulia Salmela these two month. It's a challenge, to say the least. I'm doing this for a May challenge at Sock Knitters Anonymous group on Ravelry, means, I cast on between 5/1/09 and 5/31/09, to complete adult size pair before 6/30/09 (all the date in EST).The pattern is very intricate, and I had somewhat busy days. I'm having fun knitting them, but the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-10386578540731367162009-06-09T10:35:00.010+09:002009-06-11T11:29:20.820+09:00

On the second&last day of a weekend trip to onsen, in the big outside bath tub stretching out my arms, I had that usual mixed thoughts.  It was a good trip - good food, nice room, fun family time together and quiet time alone.Where did my sock knitting mojo go?  I ended up knitting 40 cm of garter stitch scarf.It's OK. variegated + double stranded + garter stitch = therapeutic. Was true with

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-34218750409391235392009-05-30T21:14:00.011+09:002009-06-02T13:26:29.238+09:00

My daughter's kindergarten was closed only on Friday and Monday, and her swimming club was closed for a week that she missed her class on Saturday.Just that, and I feel I'm still dealing with the messed-up schedule.  I'm not, but I feel I can't keep up with the everyday stuff like cooking, bathing my daughter, or knitting.I doubt the culprit is this;Hélène Socks by Tuulia Salmela.I chose this

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-52003262656949485342009-05-22T07:44:00.003+09:002009-05-22T09:50:07.718+09:00

Kyoto city now has it's first swine flu (novel H1N1 flu, officially?) case.  A boy (10), who has not been out of the city for more than a week, was confirmed to have it.  That means, the virus is here in Kyoto area for a while.  Now all the high schools in the city, along with some elementary schools and kindergartens, which includes the one my daughter goes, are closed for one week.  We have

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-68022919043764543452009-05-20T07:33:00.004+09:002009-05-20T11:16:19.052+09:00

Some 10 years ago. It was when my grandmother was still active enough to go to a nearby Shinto shrine to meet her friends and do some exercise every morning.  She saw ginkgo trees over there having lots of nuts and thought it's a shame not to share them with families.There're mixed info about what she actually did.  I heard she picked up some nuts right there (carefully, as the fruits is stinky

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-90125162153897653442009-05-12T07:33:00.005+09:002009-05-12T10:39:48.956+09:00

I can't believe it's five years since I made this.I don't quilt often.  It's like scrapbooking for me; I don't enjoy it as a crafty hobby, but do it as a very satisfying (when done) chore.  When there're ashamedly huge amount of pictures to be sorted, I just put them in albums.  No fancy stickers nor cutting into cloud-shape/heart-shape the pics.  When there're enough amount of worn-out clothes

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-28681588250488637262009-04-24T13:47:00.004+09:002009-04-24T14:28:11.680+09:00

Sorry for the quality.  Cell phone doesn't make better picture.I didn't like Home Economics class.  I hated it.  Why does this lady talks forever about these boring stuff which my mom could teach in 5 minutes/day?  Why do I have to make this bag (pajamas, skirt, or stupid origami for "children") ?  ... My thought was filled with blank "letmego letmego letmego" and "ring,chime,ring,chime,ring,

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-58027218533805682732009-04-15T05:54:00.010+09:002009-04-15T16:12:29.178+09:00

My daughter just started her first year in kindergarten (she'll be attending there for 2 years).  There's another child, a boy, who started this year, too, but everyone else in her class has been taking a 3-year course since last April.  We all talk that young children are more flexible in mind, easier to adjust to a new group than adults.. but at the same time, we know from our own experience

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-80017039219179530782009-04-11T12:19:00.003+09:002009-04-11T16:23:59.066+09:00

knit-to-fit gloves_fits!!Originally uploaded by O'Chica My daughter loves swings. She wants to grab the chains really well even on a cloudy, windy day because she now is hooked on standing up on a swing (unlike in the US, swings in Japanese playparks are made of hard plastics or woods, not a rubber piece. Standing up on it is pretty safe even for a 4-yr old.).Thus, a pair of gloves.Patterns;

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-85265042116712679142009-04-05T10:18:00.004+09:002009-04-05T22:25:52.415+09:00

This month's Sockdown! challenge is about "underappreciated" patterns. (And knee-highs.)  I can't help downloading patterns after patterns the members chose for their challenge. But at the same time, I know it's impossible to knit all of them and wear them.  I already have more than 150 sock patterns as pdf.  And the patterns in the books I have in my bookshelf.I asked myself if I am OK with

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-25047784393674353012009-04-03T10:09:00.002+09:002009-04-03T10:19:25.175+09:00

I took a quiz about knitting addiction.  Here's the result.You scored only 47%. Either you are a beginning knitter, or you just don't have an addictive personality. If your family accuses you of addiction they are insane. In fact, you are so non-addicted, I'm surprised you took this test! Ok.  I'm NOT addicted.  Still my husband will say I'm a patient of incurable disease.  I'd say incurable,

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-674167101814075902009-04-02T17:00:00.002+09:002009-04-02T20:17:46.788+09:00

I took my daughter to a local amusement park. I decided not to take any knitting project today. When I told so to her, my little knitter disagreed with me, saying "Just in case,mom." And put her coloring book and crayons in her bag. I finally put my glove project in my all-in bag but didn't reach for it all day (I'm in the train on the way home right now.)I don't mean I never thought of knitting

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-52320143495157596942009-03-25T19:20:00.003+09:002009-03-25T20:09:51.302+09:00

I have been thinking a lot about my stash these days.Its sheer volume is overwhelming and almost embarrassing.  I know there are a lot of mega-stasher out there in the knitting world, but, thinking about the size of my house and the fact I'm not making any money with knitting, my stash is just too much bigger than me.  I should not be ashamed of, though, because it's not a selfish stash.Those

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-7821281873467843102009-03-24T16:39:00.006+09:002009-03-25T19:20:48.192+09:00

Pattern; Clematis Vine in New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One by Cat BordhiYarn; La Primera Junmou Chu-boso, color 13 (pink) 13g, La Primera Wool Multi Color Chu-boso color 105 (pink-orange-purple multi) 34g, Kanebo Cattleya color 201(white) 40g  - 40g of MC (white) and total 47g of CC (pink & multi)Needles; US 1 1/2 (2.50mm) Brittany 5 inch DPN, set of five and KnitPicks nickel 24 inch

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-55565796394992576202009-03-18T23:01:00.007+09:002009-03-20T11:40:31.265+09:00

My mom's house is anything but (edited; more like "nowhere near") perfect, but now a couple truck-full lighter than it used to be.  And getting ready for her to come home.  Cleaning up and remodel still on the way (long way, that is), but anyway, Mom herself is ready to back in action.I was helping clean-up guys at her house and found some more yarn in oshi-ire, which I blogged right from the

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-81932718341346534742009-03-17T11:19:00.002+09:002009-04-15T07:05:12.035+09:00

Today, I am at Mom's house for cleaning. Y'all know what I found here? More yarn. Of course. One of them is from Greece.Agh.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-26137085691759750762009-03-11T17:51:00.003+09:002009-03-11T18:05:14.154+09:00

On March 11th, 40 years ago, it snowed in Osaka.I don't know if I like or dislike more if I were not born on a snowy day.  My feelings to snow is "normal" as a person who was born in a place where she has just one or two snow every winter - a child in me gets verrry excited, and an adult in me, not so much.Anyway, I love snowflake pattern.  Especially now I'm pretty confident about stranded

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-77792198367287686032009-03-06T09:33:00.006+09:002009-03-06T11:57:25.372+09:00

I haven't blogged about my FOs for a while.  I feel I'm behind of everything and still putting off everything.  I'm knitting all the time and still complaining I'm not knitting enough.Here are my FOs done in these two month or so..Hat from Pea pod baby set and EZ February Baby Sweater on two needles.  I knit it with a  circular, though.Another hat, and another baby sweater for another

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-74008470263154323552009-02-28T17:01:00.003+09:002009-02-28T23:06:28.663+09:00

Most of my inherited yarns don't have any yardage info on the label, or don't have any label at the first place.  It might be the time I get a yardage meter, but I can't find it anywhere inside Japan yet, in person nor online.  I looked around fishing shops, too.  No luck.  I thought about buying one from Nancy's Knit Knacks or Paradise Fibers, but got a second thought.I, can't buy any yarn.  Not

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-69924238076275871242009-02-23T07:41:00.005+09:002009-02-23T08:56:37.194+09:00

In the last post, I wrote my mother "doesn't care" about discoloration of the angora yarn.  What I really meant was,  that she "doesn't mind" it.  I'm not a native English speaker.  After those many years of English classes at schools and 5 years in The Woodlands, I'm not scared of being spoken in English.  I can buy things (mostly yarns and knitting books) online/in person in English with no

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-13219614826770046192009-02-19T14:18:00.014+09:002010-12-11T20:50:37.789+09:00

This is the 100th post on this blog, according to Blogger Dashboard. Thank you, my friends, to give me your time reading this and commenting on this. I love you.To celebrate a milestone (sort of), I'll post about this;These boxes were on top of a cabinet in Mom's house. A 10-ball box and three new ball of 90% wool (70% angora), 10% nylon yarn and a mini-stole in progress. Apparently, there

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-33371521691246304912009-02-19T07:37:00.006+09:002009-02-19T16:43:49.892+09:00

I finished cataloging my mom's yarn, all but one. My stash has now 55627.9 yards / 31.60 miles / 50.86 kilometers of yarn, plus 1062 grams / 2.34 pounds of Aunt Lydia's #10 crochet thread PLUS 894 grams / 1.97 pounds of Gokuboso (2ply or Lace weight).  And one more (next post).894 grams of Gokuboso in 73 colors.  Yes, seventy-three.  Almost all of them have lost their ball bands. There are some

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-21442927856352486852009-02-12T11:16:00.002+09:002009-02-12T12:10:52.566+09:00

My mom had given up knitting and crocheting a while ago.  She says she "graduated" from all those crafty thingies.  Her sight is not as good as before, her hands doesn't work as good as before, and she feels she's just "through."After she had undergone a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft - Am I the only person who imagined the doctor makes Kitchener Stitches on my mom's artery?) about two month

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-28780919161899615052009-02-09T18:19:00.003+09:002009-02-09T18:35:04.790+09:00

We lost Gaspard.  Possibly my daughter left him at doughnut shop table or somewhere and somebody took him away.Good thing I have leftover yarn and eye parts enough to make another doll.Bad thing I'm fed up with making crochet amigurumi right now.After all, I am sure I'm going to make another ASAP.  I have joint responsibility for his loss because I said OK to my daughter when she wanted to take

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-74410096984401396172009-02-07T23:55:00.005+09:002009-02-08T01:08:56.309+09:00

Pattern; Gaspard et Lisa Amigurumi Kit from CloverYarn; for Lisa (white) included in the kit.  for Gaspard (black) Hamanaka Wanpaku Denis, 17 (black) and 45 (blue)Hook; included in the kit, 3.5mmI can take my daughter to craft stores or yarn stores without any problems.  She enjoys taking a look at the buttons or yarns while I get at a loss in front of yarn shelves and taking in or out several

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-70728570564851299052009-01-31T10:40:00.004+09:002009-01-31T19:31:30.393+09:00

I thought I was so done with gift knitting.  Whatever I cast on next, it (they) were to be for me. Me, me, me.And, I suddenly remembered two of my friends are having babies this March.  One in Japan, one in the USA.  I had a long session of browsing through Ravelry pattern search, and got confused a bit, hit Yoshikawa (the craft store with the most yarn selection) along the way home from Mom's

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-11601140472207202142009-01-30T17:40:00.003+09:002009-02-07T23:52:11.806+09:00

Pattern; Knotted Openwork Stole by Cindy GreensladeYarn; Handmaiden Fine Yarn Casbah SockNeedle; US 13 Knitpicks Options 32in circI knit this in 4 days.  It was for my mother, who just was hospitalized to treat her heart.  Now her surgery went perfect, her kidneys decided not to go on a strike (which they did last spring, for a very short period) and she is recovered, like, 60-70 %.  She calls

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-43964403519023602602009-01-20T16:51:00.005+09:002009-01-20T17:36:11.343+09:00

I have finished four pairs of socks, two pairs of fingerless mitts (Mosaic mitts for Aunt Kei is done!), one pair of Selbu style mittens, one pair of Selbu style gloves, one shawl, one cover shorts, one crochet skirt, one neckwarmer and one hat over these three month.  I'm pretty satisfied with my productivity.  Everything but my casquette is for my family and friends I love.  I am such a happy

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-72569870699991193342009-01-18T23:35:00.002+09:002009-01-18T23:56:01.310+09:00

Mom's neclwarmer basket ribOriginally uploaded by O'Chica Pattern; My own, it's just a ribbed tube.Yarn; Lion Brand Sock-ease, colorway Lemon dropNeedles; US 3 (3.25mm) and 2(2.75mm) 24in circI had been swatching for Sockdown! project for January. I chose Clover from The Inside Loop. I was curious if any of variegated yarns in my stash works for this pattern (and figured out none likely). When

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-74247996186459985772009-01-05T07:43:00.002+09:002009-01-05T08:05:34.896+09:00

After I thought my Christmas knitting is done, I made my daughter's mittens and my mom's shawl and..a pair of fingerless mitts for my sister.Pattern; Mosaic Mitts by Sandy Cushman (Interweave Knits 2006 holiday issue)Yarn; La Primera (Kurabo) Junmou Chu-boso in 13 (pink) and 17 (navy), Wool Multi Color Chu-boso in 105Needles; US 1 1/2 DPN (KnitPicks Harmony sock needles)I think I should have

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-29896783249456941052008-12-25T22:47:00.002+09:002008-12-25T22:50:19.083+09:00

We found out that Santa brought my daughter a scooter, ate one cookie (we didn't serve him milk - I'm lactose intolerant... uh, ahem, I believe Santa is.) And then, I found another package.   It was,a music box from my husband and daughter, for me.I cried.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-11456275495859678392008-12-25T22:38:00.004+09:002008-12-25T23:03:16.187+09:00

1.  To participate in Sockdown:Ravelry! as much as I can, starting January.2.  To spin more.  Considering my drop spindle is tucked deep in the bottom of my "craft" container, even a very small amount would make it.  3.  To lose weight.  Seriously.  My upper body look exactly like my mom in my age (she had, no, still has,  much more cuter legs than mine.  Sad reality.)  Her diabetes, blood

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-9265068490932859722008-12-23T00:25:00.004+09:002008-12-23T06:28:54.123+09:00

My husband's new iron set - a.k.a an indulgence to yarn buying. We both know well not to attack each other on buying reasonable amount of good tools. Reasonable, is a tricky word, and we know that well, too. On the course of rationalization to each other, I got some knowledge of the shape of golf clubs and my husband knows unneccesarily well about knitting needles.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-75975207348640739842008-12-22T17:36:00.003+09:002008-12-23T06:28:26.301+09:00

Just trying a new device - posting from my cell phone in English doesn't seem practical,but this may make it easier for me to post pictures I take with cell phone.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-35949583057957608632008-12-22T07:42:00.006+09:002008-12-22T17:37:40.044+09:00

At mom's hospital, waiting for her surgery done, I was knitting a liner for this; Yarn; tweed yarn from Avril Sanjo's bargain bin (840 JPY per skein - one skein made this)Pattern; Casquette (キャスケット) by Clover JapanNeedle; US 7 circular needleI love it.  My husband likes it.  My daughter says "mom, you're super cool and cute!".  I think I have to make one for each of them.Yesterday, waiting

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-76216450957627670712008-12-21T08:13:00.004+09:002008-12-21T08:17:31.821+09:00

Mom's surgery went well.  She is still under anesthesia, but the doctor is happy how the surgery went.I got tons of knitting time yesterday, in the train and at the hospital.  Today, too, I hope.My name is O-chica.  I am a Knitter.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-36465886064318948192008-12-19T23:12:00.003+09:002008-12-19T23:52:40.216+09:00

My mom undergoes an open heart surgery tomorrow.  I should be folding laundry and getting ready to go to the hospital before 9:00 am, getting 7:18 train (train station is right in front of our apartment, so this doesn't mean I have to wake up at 5:00).  And what I do instead is taking Nerd Test.  And another (ver.2.0).Hh.  I guess I'd better pack up my knitting project to take to the hospital and

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-51710920577155669322008-12-18T11:11:00.003+09:002008-12-18T11:39:31.086+09:00

My mother is hospitalized since last Saturday, to ..uh, get her heart fixed (this is how I explain the matter to my daughter.)  Today, my daughter and I visit her at her hospital first time.   I have to use this morning wisely, because I have too much time to rush out (visiting is limited 14:00 - 19:00), too little time not to mind the clock (it will take 1.5 hr from my house to the hospital).

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-91206620070243865162008-12-12T14:17:00.006+09:002008-12-12T15:41:23.570+09:00

When I was a little girl, little girls wore wool cover shorts.  Everyone did.  And almost everyone hated them, was ashamed to have them on her bottom.  I, too, loathed them.  They itch.  They are too thick, too padded (though were knit with fine fingering yarn.)  They seemed to be the symbol of obedience, the focal point on those endless battle against THEM - parents, elders, authorities (of

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-65300526669093754842008-12-02T07:34:00.003+09:002008-12-03T08:17:29.976+09:00

I finished this year's Christmas knitting.From left to right; plain 2x2 rib with Zwerger Garn Opal Regenwald / Rainforest (color 2033), Peace socks with Diana Collection Naif Mela (color 6655), Lighthouse Gansey Sock with Hamanaka Field (color 1), and Jaywalker with ONline Supersocke 100 Holiday Color (color 999).   I think it's just a coincidence, that all these four yarn has their colorways in

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-27166740285007352602008-11-24T23:20:00.007+09:002008-11-26T21:49:09.167+09:00

My daughter said that she wants to knit for the first time about a year ago, when we were at Hobby Lobby looking at yarns.  She picked up a ball of yarn.  I chose a set of DPNs and a circular needle, setting my mind NOT TO RUSH.  I said to myself, "She's just three years old." again and again.  Of course, she had forgot what she got when we went home.  It was OK.  From that day to the last week,

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-89277530005612080702008-11-18T15:37:00.003+09:002008-11-18T16:43:57.447+09:00

On Ravelry, I met tens of  great knitting friends.  Some lives pretty close.  I went out for a S'n'B last month and had tons of fun.  My daughter came with me, and was a very good girl throughout having a glass of chocolate milk and draw all of my friends there. She is not a very social type, but looked so comfortable just being with us, drinking and eating, minding her own business.  Wow.  A

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-90300264525964716842008-11-06T23:36:00.004+09:002008-11-06T23:50:45.866+09:00

Park bench skirtOriginally uploaded by O'Chica Pattern; improvised - more like impromptuyarn; Hamanaka Wanpaku Denis, leftover from Usahana plus one more each of purple and black.  672.5 yard total.  (wow, that's a lot.)Hook; 3.75mm and 4.00mm aluminumTa-Da!I needed something to keep me warm at the playground for up to one hour, while my daughter doing her daily exercise climbing up the slide and

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-38781418947869091182008-11-05T21:19:00.003+09:002008-11-06T08:05:52.418+09:00

Somehow, I grew up thinking that politics is dirty thing (although one of my father's cousin was a pretty famous politician in Japan).  I will never be a reader of political blog.  My adult common sense tells me I can't be uninterested in that sort of thing, but I can't keep my heart in it.  (I don't say "however hard I try", because I can't even try hard.)I do vote.  I am a grown-up.  I do what

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-86703901763482128812008-10-30T16:11:00.004+09:002008-10-31T08:14:24.893+09:00

Nori tsukudaniOriginally uploaded by O'Chica Halloween Post.How do you feel about a pot of simmering black goo? It's made of sea weed.....It's "nori-no-tsukudani".You see nori wrapping (or inside of) sushi roll. That's how nori looks like at the store. Paper-thin, dry, sometimes with seasoning. If you leave it in your pantry too long (more than a few months), it gets stale and loses aroma.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-68157409192688950192008-10-28T09:12:00.003+09:002008-10-28T09:15:37.763+09:00

witch with wandOriginally uploaded by O'Chica Pattern; Little Witch Finger Puppet, Free Crochet Pattern fro Lion Brand Yarn (Pattern Number; 80770AD)Yarn; KnitPicks Palette, Black and MintHook; US D/3 -3.25mm aluminumMy Halloween Project.It looks Halloween has got a pretty good position in marketing calender in Japan. There's a whole orange and black section in every 100-yen shop (what there are

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-1288398784298744062008-10-23T08:27:00.003+09:002008-10-23T08:51:23.688+09:00

Pattern; Blue eyes - Usahana , in 「ハローキティとサンリオキャラクターの　はじめよう！かんたんあみぐるみ」Yarn;  Hamanaka Wanpaku Denis in 8 different colors (15g most - what to do with leftovers?)Hook; JP 5/0, bambooThe biggest challenge about this project is, making up my mind to get all the colors of same yarn.  Since I am in Japan, and the pattern calls for Japanese yarn, finding the exact yarn is not a problem.  It's the cost.

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-47025254487560805732008-10-18T12:55:00.002+09:002008-10-18T14:13:45.304+09:00

I went to Yoshikawa, a craft store which has, in my opinion, the best variety of yarn within my reach (means, where I can take my daughter with me and shop and still can cook that day) this Thursday.  A little bit disappointed with yarn selection, but got 13 skeins anyway - this project needs 8 colors, and, although I have one of them, I still needed other 7, a little upset when my daughter

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-65627597482864096962008-10-15T13:58:00.008+09:002008-10-15T22:46:58.046+09:00

Before I came bak to Japan, I was nervous and worried about a lot of, well, nothing.  Like, "Can we find a good pediatrician for my daughter?" (There're two pediatrician's offices within 5 minutes' walk.  The one who happened to be open when my daughter cut her palm during obon holidays is excellent.  Very open , informative, gentle and energetic.  It's totally my daughter's problem that she have

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4669550604350482943.post-65572100496594562332008-10-14T07:33:00.005+09:002008-10-17T15:59:44.568+09:00

Kyoto has four seasons.I knew that.  Yet I forgot that until I got frozen on a playground bench at 3 PM last Saturday while crocheting Tawashis, keeping an eye on my daughter.  I wore a long-sleeve and figured it would be warm enough.  I really have to remember how to get dressed in layers.Now, I am looking at my queue on Ravelry again, rearranging it, adding Nether Garments by EZ in case I can't

O'chicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05052155338847085380noreply@blogger.com0