I arrived on Thursday evening, and as soon as I got to the hotel the Ravelers were in the lobby, knitting away. A whole echelon of Tiny!TARDIS travelers were in the lobby to greet the con goers.

The Tiny!TARDIS Committee

I got to meet some kindred knitting spirits, mooch off of other people’s food, and have visual confirmation of the arrival of Graeme Harper, one of the directors of both Classic Who and New Who episodes.

Podshock Meet-and-Greet with Graeme Harper

(Graeme Harper in the middle, James Naughton of the Podshock podcast on the right, not sure who’s on left … if you know please comment!)

As soon as I saw him I immediately emailed my professor to brag that I was standing just a few feet away from Graeme Harper. If I remember correctly, my email stated something about it being “magical.” I picked up my name tag that night, so that Friday morning I could wonder around, check out the dealer’s room, and see Tara’s TARDIS in person for the first time.

Tara's TARDIS

The first panel I went to was the Gallifrey One Interview of Frazer Hines (Jamie) and Deborah Watling (Victoria) at 1pm in the Main Room. Frazer Hines is an absolute hoot. He had hilarious stories about working on the show, did his fantastic impression of Pat Troughton, talked about working on the audio dramas, and was a total gentleman to his compatriot Deborah Watling. Who was also brilliantly funny and full of fun stories and eye rolls.

Frazer Hines and Deborah Watling, interviewed by Ken Deep

After a trip out for lunch, I headed over to the costuming panel with Louise Page, lead costume director of seasons 2-4 (and the four 2009-2010 specials), and Aimee Steinberger, costumer, artist, and assistant director on the Futurama series currently in production. There were heard about the fabrics and costumes designed and fabricated by Louise Page, including the illusive material behind the Tenth Doctor’s duster. Apparently, when David Tennant tried it on he remarked at how soft the material was, and referred to it making him feel like a “wee beastie.” So now, whenever the duster-in-question is mentioned it is called The Wee Beastie. Some of my costume-geek friends managed to get small snippets of a fabric sample from the jacket, and these pieces are also called wee beasties.

Stay tuned for recap part 2, where I talk about Friday night! And here is my flickr photo gallery for Gally, Day 1.

But.

It’s the future now and I feel like I have this magical clean slate to work from. Or maybe all the time I spent cleaning my house today has clouded my judgment.

Basically, my goal for this year is to Think Big and be more independent. I want to knit bigger projects: cardigans, pullovers, lace shawls, etc. I want to make staple foods on my own: breads, jam, canned veggies and fruits, etc. I want to try to make everything on my own at least once. Even if I do so poorly, at least I’ve tried.

I also really want to organize and pare myself down. I have SO many old video game systems and games that I haven’t touched in years. I’m just going to sell it all off. I have tons of old yarn that I have no desire to touch. I’m going to send more stuff to charity organizations. I’m going to get new organizers from the Container Store and I’m going to clean up my room and house more often.

It’s time to grow up and take care of myself. You know?

There are quite a few non-me related things that I am totally stoked about this year:
- NEW FUTURAMA EPISODES GOOD LORD IN HEAVEN YES
- Matt Smith taking over as The Doctor
- The Grand Moff taking over as show runner on Doctor Who
- A new Alkaline Trio album in February
- Alkaline Trio/Cursive tour (seeing them at Emo’s in Austin in late March)
- Going to Gallifrey One in February

Less talk, more rock soon.
- ek

I feel like there are a lot of things to talk about, but at the same time nothing to talk about. I guess that’s what vacation is like. I survived the semester, survived Ten regenerating into Eleven, and have so far survived being around my family every day. I’ll spare you the school nonsense, and reserve my Doctor Who discussion for a separate post. For now, how about some knitting?

I’ve actually done quite a bit of knitting over the last few weeks. And I finally got around to uploading a few images.

First up, washcloths. I think I brought up before that I decided to make my aunties washcloths for Xmas. Well, I did. I ordered some nice soaps to give them, but they never showed up. So I didn’t take pictures. I just gave them all the Body Shop soaps I ordered for myself. I guess the fancy stuff will be for me! I did stumble upon a different pattern, though: the Mason Dixon washcloth.

Mason Dixon Washcloths

Pattern: Mason Dixon Washcloth from Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Tahki Sky
Needles: addiTurbo US8 16″ circular needle; Susan Bates US8 double pointed needles
Thoughts: Love this pattern, love this yarn! This has to be the best cotton to knit with EVER. I want to knit every cotton thing ever with this yarn. Seriously.

A Hat Fit for a Ruth

Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend by Stephanie Nicole
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Stonechat
Needles: addiNatura US8 16″ circular needle; Clover bamboo US8 double pointed needles
Modifications/Thoughts: I changed the decrease rounds a bit so that the edges would be smoother. Basically I made every odd round (starting with round 3) a SSK rather than a K2TOG. I also knit 6.5″ before decreasing, which ended up being the perfect size for Nate (the recipient). Also, I LOVE these needles! The smooth joins and cord of addiTurbos with the warmth of bamboo. Totally awesome.

I’ve been putting thought into resolutions for the year—well, more like goals than resolutions—some knitting related, some not. When I decide what they are I may have to say something about it here. In the meantime, happy new year. Enjoy a bowl of ozoni … here’s to good health and good luck in 2010.

ek