The emergency units that responded were great. Pasadena fire department, police department, and paramedics were very kind and helpful. Random strangers stopped to make sure everyone was alright, and a lady named Beth stayed with me through the entire thing. She even drove me home afterwards. I don’t know much at all about her, but she was a very calm and caring person. She made sure everyone got checked out, that all the right information was exchanged, and that things were taken care of properly.

My friends and coworkers have been wonderful too. I’ve had people calling and sending texts to make sure I’m ok and don’t need anything. It makes me feel loved and supported. But the most caring act of all is the outpouring of love from my family. Despite being woken up at 1 am with a call from me, my mom was able to help me figure out what to do. My parents even went so far as to book a ticket out to Cali for Shane. They understood that even though I’m an independent person, having someone else here with me will help immensely. It was unexpected, and wonderful news.

The concern of people I’ve never met, the support of my family, and the caring of my friends have turned this nightmare into something bearable. There are not enough words to tell them all how much they mean to me. All I can really say is thank you. And I love you all!

All this means I have many hundreds of beads to add to my shawl.

I began by following some instructions for using a teeny tiny crochet hook. I already had one, so that was not a problem. The problem began when I had to fly across the country and they took away my (quite sharp looking) hook. What on earth was I supposed to do for 9 hours?!?! I dug around in my bag and came up with a sewing needle and some thread. I came up with a method of using these two items to get the beads out of the bag and onto my yarn! I’m certain I’m not the first person to do this, but I have taken pictures of the method all the same.

So behold!

1. Thread a sewing needle with some strong thread and knot both strands together.

2. String beads on thread. Be sure to leave a gap between the beads and the needle, the same length or longer than your needle. You will see why in a minute.

3. Slip needle into stitch purlwise before you work the stitch.

4. Fold needle down against thread. The entire needle should lay flat on the thread.

5. Slip bead up onto the needle and thread together.

6. Continue to push bead until it is on your live stitch.

7. Return stitch to needle and work as normal.

Please be sure to let me know if you have any trouble with these instructions. I would also love to know if they work for you.

A tip: make sure to use a strong needle and strong thread. I have had to replace my thread a couple of times due to the abrasion making it snap. I also had an unfortunate moment when I popped the eye of the needle clean off! That little bit is sharp! Also, waking up to find beads stuck to you because you were knitting in bed is odd.

Good luck and knit on!

The proposal was very sweet, and quite unexpected, but that’s a story for a different post.

From the day it happened, I’ve been obsessing about stupid little details. I want the big items checked off so I can move on with the details. We are still looking for a location in our price range, but have a spot that looks great so far. He just needs to check it out in person. Other than that, we’re going to try make or craft a lot of things ourselves. So far the list includes everything from a photobooth to favors. And lest we forget, there is a healthy dose of knitting involved (of course). I’ve already started a shawl that may or may not become my veil. I need to test out the functionality and weight of the finished piece. But that’s nothing! I, in a moment of wisdom, decided I will be knitting my dress. Yes, you read that right. A knitted, floor length evening gown. But wait, there’s more! It will be made out of a gorgeous lace weight silk yarn I came across in San Francisco. I know, I know. Take a deep breath, I’m still legally sane. But that’s only because no one has reported me yet, so don’t you start.

As if that’s not enough, I also plan to knit shawls for the moms and bridal party (as soon as I have figured out who that is and asked them). There will be socks for the groom to wear with his wedding chucks (that still makes me giggle). Other possible accessories might make their way onto the list too.

There is still plenty of time. I have a plan, so don’t you worry! Leave that part to me 2 weeks before the big day with a half-knit skirt (I can predict the future)!

So until next time… And if you gave any awesome suggestions for things we can make or include in this whole shindig, please let me know.

I haven’t actually knit since I got off the plane. I’m not sure why, other than life is keeping me busy. I’m searching for a new knitting group and am going to one this weekend. We’ll see how it goes. Until then, here’s a picture to make up for lack of content in this post.

I have settled in to my temporary residence and explored a little of the area. The first thing I located was a cute little yarn store called abuellitas in Passdena. The selection was not what I’m used to, but pretty all the same.

There will be pictures as soon as I get my computer up and running again.

I have just less than half of the packing done, and my fancy system of labels and lists has crashed in a scary inferno of “I don’t care” and “whatever”. That means unpacking will be awful, but that will come later. I can’t think about it until I’m settled in Cali. The good part will be unearthing my stash one skein at a time. It makes great padding in boxes for fragile stuff.

I have to finish packing all my craft stuff, and do the laundry and pack my clothes. Plane knitting is figured out (it was my first task), one bag is packed, and I have a huge pile of boxes to move to my storage unit (aka mom’s garage) so I can find the rest of my junk.

Work is over until I move, and I hope it will be ok.

I’m off to pack more, and fret about everything. I’ll see you on the other side.

So far I have requested quotes from movers and auto shipping companies. I need to book a plane ticket and find somewhere to stay for a bit while apartment hunting in LA.

A small quantity of boxes have been acquired, and a tiny amount of packing has occurred. I need to sort my belongings to decide what actually needs to be moved and what can find new homes.

This must all occur in the evenings and 2 weekends while I’m not at work getting things prepared for me to leave. I think it’s time to call in the reinforcements.

Here goes nothing!

I’m also helping to organize a swap, Secret Pal 15. I picked this challenge up along with 2 wonderful ladies after the original organizer of the swap left everyone in the dark. It was unfortunate to see this happen, as there were a number of people very interested in participating. We’ve taken over, and are scrambling to get everything sorted.

I am busy getting things together for a couple of swaps I’m in right now. Those are shipping off soon. I love swaps!

I’ve been hit with a fatal case of startitis again. I can’t seem to help myself. I cast on a project and the second I hit a snag, I drop it like a hot potato and off to something new.

I started a new blog. You should check it out. Click here to have your crafting questions answered.

That’s it for this update. Stay tuned for more to come!

Let me know if you make anything from this site, and post pictures!

http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/kitchen-spring-cure-2010