why so fuggy?

Why is Interweave Knits turning into a fugfest? Photos of the projects of this years special ""Gifts" issue are up here and they are fuggerific. I mean for bejeezus' sake look at the cover? Who would put that snowman poop impersonation on their head? Last year I rushed out to buy the issue, because it had some really cute things, but this year you couldn't pay me to put that thing in my house. I seem to recall that last year the winter issue was a little craptastic and I thought it was because they put all the good stuff in the "gifts" issue, so maybe this year they saved all the good stuff for the winter issue, which I get at no cost with my subscription, so I should be happy. Or maybe the problem is that with the dawn of ravelry people are less likely to submit their designs to Interweave, and the really talented designers choose instead to sell their designs on their own. I mean why let someone pick up the pattern in a magazine when if they really want it they will pay $7 directly to you for just that one pattern? Just a thought. Here's some fug for you:

UPDATE (Nov 31, 08): Turns out that when a design is popular and it goes in the Knitting Daily store, the designer gets a big cut of the sales there, so keep sending your fabulous designs to Interweave, because it really works out for everyone. No one really wants to knit necklettes, do they?

first house guest

This dude is going to be staying with us for the next 8 days:
His name is Max. His family, my cousins Allen and Christy, are going to be out of town, and so the little guy is going to come and play with Scarlet at our house. It will be interesting to see what life is like with two pooches. I figure it's just more barking for barack.

bark for barack

Next Saturday at noon is the Bark for Barack walk here in Milwaukee. We're planning to take our little Obama supporter down to Bradford Beach next weekend to hang out with other politically like-minded pooches and their owners. Here is the T-Shirt design I came up with for little Scarlet to wear:

Won't she be just adorable? I'll be sure to share pictures of her in the final product.

knitters for obama

I found this on the webernets:

Isn't it awesome?! That lady has mad skills. I'm thinking about knitting an obama hat and will definitely be ordering this knitters for obama t-shirt, but that sweater is beyond my patience, but I so admire it.

Please - Vote For OBAMA!

the secret is out

Milwaukee is the coolest. Read all about it here. They actually go to places we love, like the Knick for brunch.

my favorite existentialist

No it's not Heidegger; it's Opus. Yes, he's a comic strip character, but he's brilliant. I love that penguin and today it was officially announced that Opus will be no more, although it's been obvious in the strip for weeks. I'll share one of my favorites from a couple of years ago (and hopefully not be sued for copyright violations):
This one from last sunday conveys a similar message (and makes fun of Sarah Palin - bonus!):

I need an FO

I haven't finished a knitting project in months (unless you count two baby hats, and I don't). I need a sweater, a scarf, a beautiful sense of accomplishment. But no, I've been working on shruggy surprise to wear to my cousin's wedding, which still isn't done and is not extremely satisfying. Worse, the wind has a brisk chill and on my way through the park I saw a maple all ablaze in red and orange glory. I want a big, yummy, hand-knit sweater. I wore Francis yesterday. I really love her. I need to knit more perfect sweaters that take no time and come out fitting perfectly. My ears have been sucking in freezing air as I glide about town on my new bike and I so I have been trying to make an ear warmer from my stash, but to no avail. All I have is just lots of frogged yarn and cold ears. People, I need an FO. What should I knit? Please tell me.