Chibisan Knits

Antho-inspired #9(?) & 10(?)

2012-01-16T08:39:00.004-05:00

The question marks indicate that I can't quite remember how many of these I've attempted-sorry. Anyway, when I saw these tops on their website, lace sweatshirt & emaline top, I couldn't resist doing my versions. I wanted to put the Anthro tops here, but I wasn't so sure it was cool to use their images. Here's what I did:

I needed lace, so I bought 1 lace curtain panel at the local thrift for $1.00. The t-shirt knit was leftovers from other previous projects. I used McCall's 6164 as my base since it was tnt, and just widened the sleeves since I knew the lace wasn't that stretchy.

For the second top, I used McCall's 6031 for the base. In retrospect, I wished I'd have used lace to cover the band that goes under the bustline, but no matter, They both fit and I love the fact that I used up some leftovers to create them. And for those who wanna know, their sweatshirt top retailed at $68, and the emaline at $58. I did both for $1. Ya gotta love it.

Ok, now we go back to knitting and crocheting.....carry on, people.

Surprise!

2011-11-18T10:04:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm back...I'm sure you can guess that I did get a new laptop, and that I've been whiling away my time knitting, knitting, knitting, with a little crochet thrown in for good meaure. Last week I even managed to finish off 2 projects, and make a little headway with one I started in 2009. Of course, that doesn't mean I haven't started new stuff, too.

Anyway, after I got the new laptop, I tried repeatedly to access my flickr account so I could upload photos. In desperation, I contacted the flickr folks, and email after email with no success.(I knew ny sign in and password, but it didn't work.) I thought "oh no!" now I can't post to Ravelry." Those worries disappated immediately when I saw they have added "upload from my puter "as an option. Gotta love Rav. I waited a few more months, and on a whim, tried to sign in again, and wonder of wonders, it worked. What the blanketedy blank went on over there? Now today, I try to access this account, and have probs. Is it a sign to quit blogging?

I will leave you with a picture since I'm sure that's what you came for... my strawberry socks.

These days I can't get enough of stranded sock designs and will be back with another one soon!

An update that's not so good

2011-04-25T14:03:00.002-04:00

My laptop died. I lost everything! Don't know when I'll be up and running again. Know one thing for sure...I have been creating and can't wait to show off all my finished projects.

Turquoise Tee

2011-03-19T10:06:00.003-04:00

See? I actually finished sewing something. This easy top has been languishing for over a week for me to finish it. In my last thrift store stop, I finally was able to score 3 pieces of cotton interlock that are in "my colors". This is Simplicity 2364, view b. I highly recommend this one as a fast and easy sew....except for one glaring boo-boo I made during construction. How stupid was it for me to sew the sides of the front drape to the back of the sleeve? Evidently very stupid because I did it on both sides. So, just follow pattern instructions and don't be a dummy like me and wing it unless you really enjoy using your seam ripper. I like to "cheat" the system and see how inexpensively I can make something...So, pattern was $.99, and fabric was $2.50 with 25% off, and thread was in stash from making the snack skirt.

As far as knitting goes, I am still working on a top down s/s top and a pair of Noro socks. I'm not really inspired by knitting right now, and force myself to do it everyday. Trust me, I don't need any more UFO's.

As Time Flies By

2011-03-06T10:38:00.003-05:00

Yet another month that I have let slip by without posting. I do have a finished project to share, though. The story behind this quilt goes as follows: A few years ago, I found a beautiful quilt top at a thrift store. My hubby talked me out of buying it and I kicked myself for listening to his drivel. Right then, I vowed if I found another one, it was coming home with me. It actually took another few years before I found another one, and this person's color choice was off. Nonetheless, I had to have it. More time goes by, and I realize that if I plan to quilt it, then I need a quilter's foot for my machine. Right, I go buy the foot, and then more time goes by. Finally, in 2009, I start just a "simple" stitch in the ditch, and then I give up. This darn blankedty blank quilt is sapping all my energy and time. In January of this year, I declared enough is enough, and sat and finished it. Is it perfect? No. Will it keep us warm? Yes.

And who claimed this quilt when it was finished? My husband. Enough said.

I'm a Lazy Blogger

2011-01-26T14:11:00.005-05:00

I can always find something else to do instead of blog. I don't know how other people do it everyday. Between photographing, uploading from camera, then to flickr, then to blog...that's a lot of steps. So when you think I've abandoned this blog, I haven't. I'd rather spend the time creating.

Anyway, I thought I'd post a pic of the pjs I just finished. They were made from all thrifted materials including the patterns and notions. The top is Simplicity 8874(OOP) and the pants are Simplicity 4738. I didn't have enough of either piece of flannel, so I had to mix and match. The heart on the pocket is my way of making them match. Cheesy, huh?

And yes, I was also too lazy to bother to press them for the photo shoot. After all, they are just pjs.

Then if you think I don't ever finish any knitting, I figured you could stand a shot of my "That Girl" cardi with a skirt I made, too. The cardi was made from LB cotton ease, 3 balls. Great pattern, and my favorite top down construction. If you click on the image, you can see that fun fabric. I call this my snack skirt.

I've also finished 4 pair of socks, and am working on some more. There's also a cardi in progress.

Should have been the arabesque top from Anthro

2010-11-07T16:42:00.004-05:00

That frankenpatterning didn't quite turn out like I wanted, so I moved on to some other sewing.

Here's McCall's 6031 in a bright fushia...last summer top for now.

I definitely feel this was a sucess and the fit is perfect! I highly recommend this one for a great little top. I want to do this again, but don't have the fabric for it right now.

Next up, Butterick 5387. I wanted 5283, but it was discontinued before I could purchase it at the last Joann's $.99 pattern sale. That darn twisting business at the neckline made no sense to me in the directions, but whatever I did ended up working. All that darn hand sewing made this one a bit of a bummer to make, but the result was good. I suppose since you have to stop and hand sew before you can move on to the next step did make the construction go a bit faster. This I made in an olive cotton interlock, but it seems a bit flimsy. Guess all interlock is not created equally.

I did finish a raglan pajama top and a pair of flannel pj pants, but I figure that's a bit boring. Ya know? Pjs are still on my radar, and I am waiting for another pattern sale. I also need fleece. That is gonna be a hard one to get. I've been on a bit of a sock finishing frenzy so that's the project du jour.

What's next? Frankenpatterning

2010-09-24T09:43:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but I love Anthropologie. Sigh...if only I could afford to shop there. Since that isn't the case, I browse and drool over their website. One particular top caught my eye, and I have had it in the back of my mind for quite awhile. The hold up has been locating fabric. I found something that I intend to settle for, and today will begin the frankenpatterning. Let the good times begin!
I am still knitting, but am not inspired. I tried to work on Remember, but it just left me bored. I dug out an oldie-Must Have Cardigan-but those sleeves are killing me. For now, I will plug along, albeit slowly, and focus my attention on my new sewing project.

Chambrayish tunic

2010-09-12T13:40:00.002-04:00

I got a pattern at the thrift store quite awhile ago for $.22. I held onto to it waiting for the urge to make it. I was gifted this cotton blend fabric from a friend of mine who moved, and I felt it would suit this pattern well. The pattern is McCall's 5942. After searching the web, I found that only one other person has made this. The only problem I had was in the assembly with that stupid back yoke. I hate to admit this, but I ended up having to gather the yoke piece in order to sew on the neck band. Also, anyone who knows me, knows I hate to hand sew, and there's a lot of that on this one. You'll notice the neckband looks pretty sloppy-twisted. I hate that, but it was the best I could do. I had to do that part TWICE BY HAND. The horrors! Anyway, I will still wear it, but where oh where is the cooler weather?r?

Bathrobe To Blouse

2010-09-12T13:33:00.002-04:00

Catchy title, huh? This last month I have really, really been into sewing. I am inspired by all the fantastic refashionists, and an idea was born. What if I took a thrift store cast off, namely a Victoria's Secret bathrobe, and made a blouse using a commercial pattern? Well, I did it with barely enough fabric, and I think the result is great. For those who need to know, I used Simplicity 2601, view B. Now, if only I could get the flounce bit to lay back...

Lost my mind for nothing

2010-08-25T10:11:00.002-04:00

As you can see, I figured out the whole blogger business, and "panicked" for no reason...duh! I have been cranking out fos on a pretty regular basis. Because of this summer heat, I have switched to sewing, and it is a sweat shop in my craft room. I've completed 3 skirts, a blouse, 4 knit tops and a pair of underwear. As for knitting, I finished Tomato, Radiant, and a pair of Spring Forward socks that was languishing for way too long. However, since I am such a nutcase, I started a That Girl cardi, Groovy socks, and the Panbe dress=which is my current fave. My crochet came to a complete halt after I finished the Abalone top.....sad, too, since I finally bought the right yarn for the Tuscany Tank dress. I only attempted to make this thing after 3 tries and a lot of cursing. Maybe that's why I lost my mojo.
Sounds like a lot of stuff, right? Yeah, I thought so too, so I cleared out 10 bags of clothing and 1 bag of yarn and donated it to 2 different thrifts. Now if only there was a good way to organize the yarn stash....yeah, not gonna happen. Ha!

New Stuff, maybe last stuff

2010-04-27T19:36:00.003-04:00

First off, I'm not that computery...I don't understand what this site is going to be doing as of May 1, but I figured I'd squeeze in a post before the changeover....if I can't figure it out, then this very possibly could be my last post. Hey, at least it's with 2 FOs.

Short Sleeve blouson top by Cathy Carron in knit1 mag-love this pattern, and so easy. My fave top down construction, but on size 4 circs. Tedius. If you make this, be sure to down size. I knit it up from LB microspun from an older project I frogged. I figure I gave the yarn a new lease on life.

The next fo is circle socks made from LB Sock Ease on size 1 circs. When you look at them, they appear to be super thick, but they do fit, and I love wool socks for the winter. This is a great pattern for dark yarn when you want to be able to see a design. I would say stay tuned for more, but I can't predict what will happen..so, happy knitting to all!

Crochet Frenzy

2010-03-24T18:59:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to update the old blogaroo with 2 FO's for your viewing pleasure. They were both patterns from Patons Spring Style.....and I'd have to say they both turned out exactly as I hoped. I used an E hook which probably came out smaller than what they recommend, but I didn't use Patons Grace=instead I subbed Red Heart Lustersheen.

Now I can't wait for spring!

Poor Neglected Blog

2010-02-08T10:19:00.002-05:00

Blogging seems so tedious anymore, and I ask myself why continue? I started this to document my fos, but with the advent of ravelry, it seems pointless. Sometime down the road, I'll probably abandon it altogether like so many others have.

Anyway, I do want to say that I've been super busy. Between remodeling a new home and being crafty, I've been able to finish quite a few wips.
Unphot0graphed, but hope to soon...no camera batteries...:
Forecast
Owls
Anthro inspired pudding pie cardi
beaded crochet top from Patons Spring Style
one Spring Fling sock
Global warming-just a few finishing details
Lush Lace Pullover
sewn 2 new tunic tops-Hillary Duff pattern

Wips I wish were done:
Baby doll top from Patons Spring Fling
Quilt top=machine quilted
Rebecca v-neck top
Rebecca wool dress
Romance
Crochet vest from "Make It Yourself"
Vertical detail top from Patons Fall in Love
Crochet "barn coat"

So, you know how it goes....I started yet another new project! Drops 99-4....will my meandering never cease? Highly unlikely. Hope to post photos soon!

Waz happenin'

2009-09-28T16:56:00.002-04:00

I decided to go ahead and blog since my posts overall have been so scanty. I love to read what everyone else is up to, but just dobn't have the time or motivation to do it much anymore.
I was knitting "Romance" and my attention got swayed....I've been frantically knitting "Forecast" which has been in my personal queue forever. I gotta say, it's a great pattern, and I can't wait to finish it. I still have 2 sleeves and the button bands to do.
On another note, when I was on vacation 2 weeks ago, I visited a thrift store I had never been to, and I scored 15 skeins of vintage yarn. All were 100% wool in a variety of colors and I can't wait to use some of it.
I also found some fabric at another thrift store...with reasonable pricing, and came home and whipped up a little top in just a few hours. Gee, I have soooo many projects, and no time to work on them. I've got a quilt I am machine quilting, too but it takes forever! Hopefully I will have pics to post next time.

My "Self" Design

2009-09-01T17:17:00.004-04:00

Remember my last post regarding the cocoon vest? Well, I was able to finish the sweater and here it is! I found a pattern in the latest VK that I fell in love with, but didn't have the $ to buy the pattern, so I decided to "copy" it. I have named her "Envy".

It's made in Lion Brand "Kool Wool" in the color grass-wish they hadn't discontinued this. I thought I was going to have to buy some from another Raveler, but luckily, all's well that ends well. I found 2 more balls in my stash in order to make it a longer length. Unfortunately, when I originally bought the yarn I was unable to get all the same dye lot, and yes, it's noticable. I considered overdying it, but haven't really had the time. It took about 8-9 balls, and I used size 10 circs. It is done top down.
Sorry for the sideways pic, but I uploaded it this way. I wanted you to be able to see the side cabling. I am unhappy that the increases are so sloppy looking, but i couldn't decide if I should p1fb or k1fb. In the end I did p1fb. Also, I should have started the waist shaping sooner. Live and learn. I definitely like the fit and would like to try it agin....maybe in another yarn. Who knows? I'm already working on "Remember", and have 2 others in the line up. Too many projects.....not enough time.

What I'm up to

2009-08-11T09:39:00.004-04:00

Again, a month has whooshed by, and I haven't blogged. Nor have I photographed my FO. Is it me, or are the days getting shorter???

I've been having knitter's add...seriously. First, I pulled out an old project-Monkey socks, and almost completed the first sock. Then I decided to start the Spring Forward socks from Knitty. That wasn't good enough, so I FINALLY knit and finished the Leaf t in a mere 4 days! Then I saw a pattern from Stitch Diva that I totally fell in love with, and decided to knock it off. I ripped up an old FO, and started knitting like a maniac....sadly, I ran out of yarn, and haven't been able to find anymore. This really dampered my mojo. I resorted to using a different color yarn for the ribbing and sleeves, and it just isn't turning out to be the creation that I so desired. I can always recreate it, but my interest is waning especially after seeing some other patterns for fall that have caught my eye. Oh my gosh! My head is spinning from all this!! I need to chill out and decide to do one thing at a time. I'm on overload!

Psst...here's the project I ripped in order to do my knock off. It was the cocoon vest that I don't think I ever posted. I knew I'd never wear it again, and hey...it was like finding free yarn.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T20:33:00.002-04:00

This really is one of my fave holidays...but this year it's even more special...I'm on vacation and my plans are for sewing, sewing, and more sewing. For about a month all I could think about were maxi dresses, and after letting a vintage pattern go on ebay, the search was even more urgent and impossible. One morning before work, I googled and somehow stumbled upon a video tutorial to make a maxi without a pattern.....I did it in one day and believe you me, it fits! I just want to send a super thanks out thre to Mimi for her excellent vid and sharing it with the world. Here's where you can find this fantastic sewist....http://myraida.blogspot.com/.
You're probably wondering where the photo is.....yeah. Bad news. Tonight my washing machine decided to eat it.....one of the straps, so now I have to figure out how to repair it. :(
In other sewing news, I finished 2 more dresses and a 3rd today. I Love Being On Vacation!!!!

A Rant and a Rave

2009-06-14T20:56:00.003-04:00

Maybe I better start with the rave since the rant might drive you crazy. While perusing Ravelry, I happened upon someone's project from the new Paton's Spring Style book. When I find something I like it becomes a mission. I went to the Paton's website and found the stores in my area which had the book. My experience hasn't been too good with websites saying certain stores have their products only to find after driving all over town that they don't. So, I phoned, and Michael's had it. I raced over to get it, and I LOVE this pattern book. There are 4 patterns that I fell in love with, and I've already started the first one. Of course, I didn't have the required amount of yarn, so that led me to an online shopping spree. But, all's well that ends well with that mission.

Now, for the rant. Oh my gawd! Do you ever have the most impossible experience locating supplies for that special project? Well, I do, and I just wanted to bang my head against the wall. A year ago, I purchased some beads from a local store. Well, along comes the Spring Style book, and one of the projects is beaded. (I've never knit or crochet with beads before) I dig out the beads I bought, and I don't have enough. Fine, I think, I'll just check their website and find out their store hours. Hmmm...they've moved. No problem. I'll go on my next day off. So, I go to the location listed on their website, and they moved again. I find the new place, but now the name has changed, too. When I went inside , I was extremely disappointed. Their inventory was only about 1/8th of what they used to have. I had to wait 30 minutes to ask if they had these beads.(they don't). While waiting, I watched as a paying customer waited at the register for what seemed like forever, was never acknowledged, and she walked out. Then I go to another bead store in town. They have similar ones, but not enough. The clerk says she'll check their website and see if she can order more. (much better customer service at this store). No, they don't have it anymore. My last resort was to go to Joann's. Amazingly, they had a similar bead and I was able to meet the bead requirement. Now the excitement to start the new project is at an all time high. I thread the yarn on a needle-no easy feat, mind you-and prepare all the beads. The beads from Joann's have a smaller hole!!!! I can't get them threaded at all!!!! I could kill someone...but it wouldn't do me any good. I am back to square one and I can't even return the beads because I unthreaded them all, and mixed them in with the original beads. This is the part where the head banging could have taken place. Now I have the perfect yarn, and not the perfect beads. I could cry.

Ok enough....I will leave you with a pic of one of my latest projects....Lapa from the Caron website. If you want to learn to crochet, I think this a great starting point. Very well written and easy to execute. I probably could have used a smaller hook since this yarn tends to grow, but all in all I'm pretty happy with it. Well, I'm off to crochet some more!

My current ramblings

2009-05-04T09:24:00.002-04:00

Sorry, folks...no pictures this post. Work has been a bit frantic with loss of help, new management, and new employees. The stress level is high. What's one to do with all this stress? Create.
Still no Rebecca dress. It's wool, and I'm not motivated. Then, I caught the fever to knit Owls. I am doing the second sleeve, and stalled. Then, out of the blue, the sewing bug manifested itself. Joann's has been having pattern sales, and I've bought a few. I finished a blouse and a dress, and both have been worn to work already. I am in the process of another dress, but have had many fits and starts, and jamming of the fabric and thread. Grrr...all that cussing you hear is me. It is a fairly simple design, but with the tiredness from work, I've been unable to do more than one or two steps on it---oh, and making dumb mistakes. I found a vintage pattern on ebay, and that will be my next sewing project, but unfortunately, the fabric stash doesn't have what I need.
To complicate matters further, I suddenly got the reading bug, too, and have finished 4 books in a matter of three weeks. With my schedule, that's pretty quick. I have one left, and another one in transit. Shall I make matters worse? I want to machine quilt, and bought a book to learn how. I bought a quilting foot for my machine-oh my gawd, 2 years ago....and have yet to try it out. I'm too busy, and why oh why aren't there at least 40 hours in a day for everything I want to do?

I Haven't Forgotten

2009-02-05T10:52:00.003-05:00

this little ole blog. I have to be honest and say that 2009 hasn't been treating this household too well. My job seemed to be in danger for awhile, but now things have leveled off, and all they have done is reduce my hours. Still hurts the pocketbook, if ya know what I mean. The stress level has been high, and I haven't felt like knitting any of my projects. I decided to take a few vacation days before that got loused up, too. What's a person to do?

I've been sewing and knitting doll clothes as a form of therapy, and have tried unsuccessfully to win some dolls on ebay. Now that I have a new laptop, I haven't quite figured out all the kinks with uploading photos from my camera. Here's one for ya...but I can't guarantee the quality. My fave is the Hello Kitty sweater. I'm probably going to join the doll clothes group on Ravelry and post more photos there. Would love to see and hear about other bloggers who make and knit doll clothes. There aren't a lot of people who blog about Vogue Ginny dolls.

For now, this is it. I hope to come out of my funk soon. That Rebecca dress needs to be done!

Two FOs for your enjoyment

2008-11-23T20:06:00.005-05:00

Yes, of course, I'm still knitting...I even managed to clear up one of my old wips.

First off the needles is the Shalom Cardigan:

I used up 8 balls from my stash of LB Kool Wool in fushia. I love this one. You definitely get what you knit, and who could hate a top down project? I literally had nothing left to sew on this ginormous button that I found at Wally World. It's a perfect match, too. Oh, forgot to say...started on 10-22-08 and finished on 10-29-08 and used size 10 circs. It's a quickie, that's for sure. My mom loved it, so I am in the process of knitting hers in grey Kool Wool. I had 9 balls leftover from knitting the Spicy Fitted Tee. I'll post a pic when I've finished that one.

Next up is my CPH. I can't explain why I stalled out on this one. All I had left to knit was one sleeve cap, the hood, and the ribbing around. I started it over a year ago...I think it was 10-21-07. I can't remember how many skeins I used of LB Wool Ease. Not my fave yarn, but I'm still stashbusting. I think I used the required needles. My only complaint with the pattern is that I felt the sleeves were tad slim--especially if you want to layer. I ended up making a size 36" because I already read where the fronts were too small. Also, if anyone is reading this, I'd like to hear your feelings on Wool Ease. I made a vest from this a few years ago, and after wearing it for one day, it pilled horribly. It's got to be the acrylic content. Oh yeah...the color is wheat. I did a 3 needle bind off for the hood, and did the ribbing all around on one circ. Trying to avoid more seaming. I will say, with the turn of cool weather in FL, this kept me warm. Hopefully, in my next post I will have 2 more fos to add.

My last bit of news is that the dh and I went to Ribfest to FINALLY see Styx. I have been wanting to see them for 3 years. The weather was soooo cooperative...matter of fact, the last day of warm weather we had...and the band was GREAT! DH explained why they didn't play my fave song-"Light Up" and his- "Babe". Damn Dennis DeYoung. Well, he missed a mighty rockin' version of "Renegade".

I'm Back...A FO

2008-10-11T10:05:00.004-04:00

Ravelry is too addictive. That's where I spend a lot of time, and playing around with my new Ipod. But, it doesn't mean I'm not crafting in one way or the other.

Here's one of my fave fos.

This is "Lacy Days of Summer" from Crochet Today. (I tagged the name wrong on my flickr account-) Started on 8-21-08 and finished on 9-27-08. I think those are the right dates. Anyway, I used an f hook and 6 skeins of Luster sheen in light mulberry. If you like crochet, and wanna do a dress, I highly recommend this one. This fits beautifully, and no gauge issues. I think this has got to be one of my very favorite completed projects.

I also finished a doggie t-shirt-not shown-and a friend of ours airbrushed a design on the back. It really is cute. If I get interest, I'll post a pic. I did start another crochet dress...Tuscany Tank Lace dress, but had a huge gauge issue. I ripped it out, and started over, so not much to see yet. I am still knitting a tunic from garnstudio because everyone seems to think that this winter will be a cold one. I want to pair it with leggings, but now there's a dress code issue at work. Buttheads. I've worn leggings for the last 2 years, and it never was a problem til this summer.

I also finished a bulky mini cardi from Fitted Knits and plan to use it as a knock around sweater for work. The sizing on that sucker is weird. I used LB Wool Ease Thick and Quick as recommended and the darn thing is small! I didn't want it enormous, but somewhere in between would have been nice. I used up the stash on this one from another failed project , so at least it was economical. I can't wait for Glam Knits to come out. I already called Barnes & Noble and the sale date will be 10-29.

FO Friday

2008-08-01T09:50:00.004-04:00

Yes, I have finally finished something! It's the Gathered Cardi from Knit1. I was so excited to finish it, that I didn't bother to block it.

Not the best photo in the world, but I felt it showed the stitch detail better.

Started: 5-27-08 Finished 7-26-08 I used 4.5 balls of Cotton Ease in Almond on size 9 circs. The next time-if there's a next time-I will use a smaller needle. It fits great, but I definitely prefer a tighter gauge. I just love the vintage button I found for it. There's a story there, but I won't bore you with it. It's a coin, and just the right size. It took me forever, because i am easily bored with stockinette, and those ever time consuming rows of seed stitch, but it was all worth it.

Next up? Not Tomato....it's another drops design. Stay tuned.

Like having a tomogachi (sp?)

2008-07-19T11:42:00.005-04:00

Yeah, time to feed the blog. Time has been zooming by, but I haven't felt like posting. Since you all-1 person-have been patient, I am showing you my latest wips.

This is the back of "form fitting and figure flattering" done in crochet. Look at the top...something has gone awry! My crocheting skills are not what they should be, and I can't figure out how I ended up with so few stitches. Duh! I am going to try and make it work, though...if not r-r-rip.

And another favorite...the gathered cardi from knit1. It's definitely going much better than the crochet project, but I have stalled on sleeve island with that god forsaken seed stitch. I really have to be in the mood to deal with that. I'll give all the details after it's finished.

And what's my blog without a current doggie pic? That's my baby girl. She'll be one in August. I can't believe how big she's gotten. She's a holy terror around my little man, though. you should see the fur fly! happy knitting til next time.

Too Hot

2008-06-19T19:21:00.002-04:00

Man, I just don't have the energy to take and upload photos...not that anything is finished. I'm still trying to crank along on the gathered cardi, and it really is coming out quite well. The lower part is what is taking forever! All that stockinette, then the seed stitch border. It may kill me. And let's not forget, I still have both sleeves to do.
My knock off Juliet did not come out as well....how in the world do you convert a lace pattern that is meant to be done from the bottom up to top down?? Any ideas? The fit is perfect. I still need to decide on how I'm going to make the closures...either i cord or crochet. It's sitting in the pile of "come on already. Finish me!"
I decided to check out garnstudio, and what do you know? They already have their fall line up posted...a few spoke to me but nothing wowed me.
Last thought...I am considering "Tomato" for my next project....more LB cotton ease to the rescue!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2008-05-25T09:51:00.005-04:00

Man, already more than a month since I've posted, but I do have FOs. Two if you can believe that.

First up, the Keyhole Neck Pulloever from Fitted Knits. This was an easy knit if you overlook the fact that the diagram is missing for the neck edging. Luckily, I belong to Ravelry, and I contacted the only other person who has knit this, and she was able to explain it to me. I tried sending Stephanie an email, but I'm sure she's too busy with all she has on her plate. Anyway, here's the details: Start: 3-23-08 Finish: 4-16-08

Knit with size 7 nylon circs with cotton/acrylic yarn from a recycled Worthington sweater. The fit on this is fantastic. Very bodyhugging. Of course I finished it when it's way too hot to wear it, but at least I'll have a new one for this fall. Oh, and my project cost for yarn? $.99.

Next up, the Anthropologie knock off capelet from Craftster. Talk about a super quick knit. I didn't even take notes. I doubled some cheapo Caron Simply soft on size 10 circs and knocked this baby out in 5 days. The fit? Perfect. After reading comments on Craftster, I decided to go with the flow and do the seed stitch borders to prevent the curling, but mine still does a bit.

What's next on the needles....the gathered cardi from summer 2008 of Knit1. I tell you, I'm on a knitting roll.

I've also rediscovered my sewing. Stupid me forgot to take a pic of my latest top, but if I remember, I'll post next time. My next inspiration really started from reading Aprongirl's post about Anthropologie and the thrift stores. Yes, I've done a few knock offs, but somehow her latest post really made an impression. First off, yesterday I ran to Joann's for the 5 for $5.00 Simplicity pattern sale. Then as luck would have it, I ran into Hancock Fabrics and didn't know they were having a McCall's sale for 88 cents! I found one item at the thrift store that will become my next sewing project. This is one of those hideous beach cover ups...I don't know if you can tell, but those are giraffes and antelopes, I think, on the border. I've already ripped it apart, and today she will be cut out and sewn. I thought about posting a pic of the pattern, but I think I'll leave it a surprise!

Oh and if you haven't heard....Lion Brand has introduced a new sock yarn....Sock Ease!!!

Are people still reading this blog?

2008-04-16T18:53:00.004-04:00

Evidently, my only reader is Red! Hi, Red! Miss you! Anyway, I do have a FO for your perusal.

This is the short sleeve cardigan with ribbing from Fitted Knits. I started it on 4-2-08 and completed it on 4-15-08. Talk about your quick knits. I fumbled around because I made so many goof ups on this, but the pattern is very straight forward and easy. I used size 10 nylon circs for the body, and size 8 nylon circs for the sleeves. The great part was using up some of the stash yarn I had purchased from the thrift store long ago-it's Brunswick Germantown in Dartmouth Green, and it only took 2.5 skeins. Talk about your budget projects. I definitely give this one a thumbs up for fit, because it really does. Sorry my photo doesn't quite show you those buttons...they're sunflowers. People, it is sooo difficult to find 1" size buttons and none were available in green. Then, if I found a button I liked, they wouldn't have 7 of them. I spent forever at Joann's looking, and settled on these. I didn't even bother to block it, and I wore it to work today since we had such unseasonably cold weather. What's next?

I gotta finish the keyhole neck pullover before it gets too darn hot. It's in a cotton acrylic, but once it really warms up, I'll die in long sleeves. I do have my next project picked out, though. It's gonna have to be another Garnstudio one! Happy knitting to all!

Yet Another FO for 2008

2008-03-18T20:45:00.003-04:00

People, I'm on a knitting high! Not one, but now 2 projects off the needles for this year. If this keeps up, I'll be ecstatic by the end of the year.

Project-Knit1 Cabled Mini Jumper

Started-1-21-08 Finished-3-14-08

Lion Brand Wool Ease in Cocoa-3.5 skeins The pattern required 5 skeins, and i bought them, but as you see, I didn't need it all. My only modification was to knit this in the round, size 8 nylon circs-I hate to seam, and I'll admit, my seaming sucks. This was an easy pattern with no errors. It literally was a no brainer. I gotta say, it was a pleasure to knit this. I love the look of cables, and with wool ease, you really get the definition. I know I've said I hate wool ease, but I didn't want to spend a load of $ on this. I'm not sure I'm too cazy about those 1 1/2 inch button monsters, but I'll reserve final judgement after I've worn it.

What's next? Crochet...I figure I'll do a switch up, and hope my crocheting will be successful. I will say I had to go down one hook size from the pattern because my gauge was WAY off...mine measured 22" across instead of 17". Yeah, I would have been furious if I made this too big. Be on the look out for a wip pic!

Another successful Garnstudio pattern finished!!

2008-03-13T18:21:00.004-04:00

I'm very excited to report that I actually have another FO for 2008...remember, last year was a total wipeout. Ok, I finished one item. Anyway, here she is in all her glory, and I can't wait to wear it.

Here are the details...Started: 2-9-08 Finished: 3-5-08

I used size 4 addi turbos, and it took 7 3/4 balls of a vintage yarn I purchased at the thrift store a few years ago. (Berger du Nord ecosse #5). You can click the image to get a better look at the center motif. Those drops patterns are great to use. There were no errors, and it was a straight forward pattern. Ya gotta love that.

I've decided to try my hand at some more yarn recycling, and here's a pic of the sweater that's almost completely ripped out. It was a Worthington xl pullover made from cotton/acrylic yarn. I paid $3.63 for it, and now I'm trying to decide what pattern to use.

In other news, I'm almost done with the knit 1 cable tunic and I'm also working on another Anthropologie knock off. Oh, and it's true. I'm on Ravelry now. Yea!!! I can't believe I waited so long. Love it!!

Vacation Begins today...

2008-02-17T12:37:00.005-05:00

and I'm back with more of my insanity. In my last post, I mentioned an OLD wip.

This is an afghan I started in 1994 for a friend of mine who moved into an apartment complex very close to where I lived. I had such grand ideas of finishing this in no time flat to surprise her with this housewarming gift. Ha!! never happened. This ghan has 20 repeats of a 20 row pattern, and the pattern is wrong, too. Uh...I've only done 6 repeats. I used to tell myself that if I could do 2 rows a day I could finish it in (insert number of days--since I'm too lazy these days to do the math). Ok, so now it's 2008. Wonder how much longer it will be a wip? I hate to tell you, but this isn't my oldest wip. Wonder who could have the record for the oldest wip? That would be neat to know.

I've since stopped the knit1 tunic, and started something else...remember my bit about inspiration. I'm a lot further along than this, but I wanted to show how much yarn I've got since I may run out. BTW, this is yarn I found at a thrift store in 2004. The addis are new, however. When you knit continental, do your shoulders hurt? I also have like carpal tunnel in my right palm. When I knit english, I get horrible tendonitis in my right elbow. A lot of my pain is exacerbated by metal needles, but I didn't have any #4's in nylon.

And again, a doggie pic...my baby girl is getting spayed on Monday, thus the vacation. I want to be able to be at her disposal since she's such a "wittle" thing. I'm hoping to accomplish more knitting and some sewing. I did a little pre-vacation sewing..namely, repair work. The baby dog is a chewer, and completely torn up her doggie bed. I replaced the bottom with thrift store fabric, and it came out quite good if I do say so myself. She also destroyed a pillow case for a body pillow, so I made a new one out of an old sheet-this I've done before. I have more repair work lying around, and some alteration stuff. Yuck. I hate being short.

Holy time warp, Batman!

2008-02-03T15:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's unbelievable that I completely missed January, but since I am FO posting, I feel it somehow balances out everything.

Now, better late than never-I actually wrapped up 2007 with a project completed on 12-31. It's been done before, but not by me until now! Spicy fitted tee from Fitted Knits. When I started this, I obviously lost my mind, and couldn't understand the directions. It came out huge. After 3 froggings from the underarm, I was able to make it work for me. I would venture to guess that this was started around summer of 2007, and finished on the last day of the year. It sat in my knitting bag being punished for being such a difficult wench. I knit it on size 10 nylon circs with what i think was 8-9 balls of now discontinued Lion Brand 'Kool Wool". It fits like a glove and I love it...except for one small thing...the garter stitch hem rolls! I hate that!

And since I was so pleased with myself at finishing that, I started the puff sleeve cardi from the same book!! Ah...the explanation was so clear to me now...I still can't figure out why I had the total meltdown to start with. Anyway, here she is...the sweater-not the puppy!!!

Start date-12-31-07

Completed-1-20-08

Knit with Reynolds "Tucson", 7 balls.....size 6 cnylon circs-thank you , Cindy!- I was really cranking on this and just knitted away night after night...completely clueless...IT"S TOO FRICKIN" HUGE!!!!!!!! I lost my mind when I tried it on...why, oh, why, hadn't I measured the gauge????!!!!!! It will be visiting the frog pond when I have the heart and strength to rip it out. And, if that wasn't enough, I found a cutie on the garnstudio site, I immediately cast on for it, only to discover that no yarn and no size needle in my stash would work...again, too big! My mojo is so off....

What does a knitter do? Not stand defeated...I cast on for another project in the queue..the Knit1 tunic from fall 2007. The downside is that like a fool I decided to go ahead and use LB 'Wool-ease". That stuff pills like a mother, but I'm running with it...(uh..it wasn't even stash yarn, but since it was cheap...I cheated) Here's a WIP photo for ya..My only mod is to do it on circs since I hate seaming, and quite frankly, my seaming looks like dog doo. Anyhoo, it's zipping along, and my mojo, although squashed, has rebounded. Once this is completed, it'll be a heyday to see what I do next. I will say, that I know this about myself, I absolutely have to be inspired to take a project to completion. Next time I will show you one of the oldest wips that suddenly inspired me again!

The After, After Christmas Aftermath

2007-12-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Lots has happened since my last post and it's doubtful I will remember everything, but here's what's been happening...dh decided to change out my computer for his old one since now he's on his third. I wasn't up and running as fast as I would have liked to have been, but oh well...I also had an early Christmas sleepover at Red's and we partied down by seeing Da Man!! We gorged on food and dvds, and managed to slip in a bit of yarn shopping for moi. The doggies had to have their annual vet visit, and now my baby girl is able to go for a walk like a real pup. She'd rather chew her leash than use it.

As far as Christmas week...besides working grueling hours at the dungeon(my name for work), I decided to stop all work and try to finish an old one. About a year ago, I started the spicy fitted tee from Fitted Knits. After placing the sleeves on scrap yarn and working a few rounds, my stitch count was way over than what the pattern said. I took it to knitting group, and no answers there. After a year of vegetating, I kept staring at it thinking I should finish the damn thing. I knitted in every spare moment I had, and when I bound off I felt a sense of accomplishment. I tried it on, and .....TOO BIG!!! R-R-Rip!!! And since I was in the ripping mode, I tore up 2 other projects for good measure. Where does the spicy fitted tee stand now? I did a few adjustments on a whim and I'm close to the bind off on the body. Cross your fingers that it will fit....More on that next time. See, I'm leaving you in suspense...Ha!

BTW, here's a gratuitous doggie photo for your enjoyment. See how big she's getting?

The Latest Rebecca

2007-11-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

Wow! I got the newest Rebecca and fell in love with the dresses. As you see, I'm still on a high after completing the Drops tunic/dress. I have got to stop this project meandering! I keep seeing things I want to knit, but then I don't ever finish anything! Arghh!
Today I decided to update a few of my links because the gals I added blog pretty much daily, and I find their work amazing....
Also, today is knitting group, but alas, I can't make it (again!). Today is dh's birthday and I think I see a seafood dinner celebration in my future.
Now, on concert news....Last month I had the pleasure of seeing one of my all time fave bands perform...REO Speedwagon. That Kevin Cronin can really belt it out after all these years...and ya know what else??? Got my tickets for Bon Jovi!!!!!!
Probably will have several days when I won't get a chance to blog-damn retail schedule----but I wanted to stop in and say "Have a Happy Thanksgiving"!

Will Wonders Never Cease??? It's a FO!

2007-11-15T07:47:00.002-05:00

I meant to post this last week but never had the chance. Here she is in all her glory!

Project: Garnstudio Drops Design 96-9

Start Date: End of Sept (?)

End Date: 11-6-2007

Needles Used: Vintage Nylon Circulars #9, #9 aluminum straights for sleeves

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue (doubled)

Project Notes: First off, I want to say that this was an easy project, and Garnstudio did a great job with the instructions. You might remember from an earlier post that I had problems with the chart...evidently, it's meant to be read from left to right, not right to left, which was what I had done wrong originally. The sleeves were to be done on dpns, but I have to admit that I have dpn fear, thus the straights. I got gauge with the Simply Soft doubled. I figured since it's a work item, I wouldn't invest a ton of money on the recommended alpaca---probably would easily have been over $300.00 clams. I made the second size, and the fit is fantastic.

I opted to omit the bobbles on the back since I certainly don't need to appear any larger on the backside. The new baby got in the photo and decided the dress was her new blankie.

It may be awhile before I have another FO, but I'm so pleased with this one because it's boosted my knitting mojo. Happy knitting to all!

It's been hectic around here...

2007-10-22T18:49:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a long time, but really...I have been busy! And I have tried to spend some time knitting, I promise. First of all, you may remember from my last post that I was working on the Garnstudio tunic...here's a pic to show you some progress.

That's about 27" , and as you see, I'm past the armholes. But then, I lost interest. Very typical of me. So, I started another project. Yeah, startitis should be my first name.

Everyone has seen it and done it, but I hadn't...I love the Central Park Hoodie and there's even a kal...which I haven't joined, but think I will. Everyone's hoodies looked so great, I just couldn't resist. My only concern with this is that everyone has cautioned about the sizing, and when I look at it, I think it still looks too small for me...meaning, that it will fit too closely, and I envisioned it being more roomy. We shall see.

Now I saved the best for last. Pictures speak a thousand words, right? Well, here's the reason I can't get anything done....It's my new baby girl!!! Hey, don't look at the horribly scary human in the background! Am I excused for not blogging sooner? I hope so. She takes up alot of spare time, let me tell you. And between you and me, if I have to pick knitting or playing with pups, the furry beasts win out every time!

Knitting Is A Labor

2007-09-03T13:09:00.000-04:00

....supposedly of love. Ha! Not these last few months it hasn't. I actually finished knitting the vintage sweater I had started about 2 years ago. Unbelievable, right? Well, the sleeve caps are smaller than the armhole and it will require some doing if you know what I mean. So, that's project #1 that has me mad. I figure that I'll use up some of the stash and start #2...Twinkle cardi from VK...things were really cranking along on this baby. When I tried it on, the top is smaller than I thought it would be, and the bottom portion done in the chevron pattern is huge!!! So now project #2 has me good and mad. What do you do?

Start project #3....tunic from garnstudio...I really was lovin' this, and got about 8 inches done when I noticed the waving cables on either side were wrong. Wanna see? Yeah, it sucks. So, I went back to the website, rechecked the chart and the directions. No, I wrote it all out longhand, but it was right. This little conundrum bothered me for 2 days. I recently received my latest copy of Rebecca and decided that maybe that cable chart there was better. See, the tunic from garnstudio is almost like the one in Rebecca. Yep...the chart on the website is backward from the explanation. Do I hear r-r-r-i-i-pp? Sad to say, I did. All that work for nada. Good thing today is Labor Day, because that's what I've got ahead of me.

P.S. Did I mention that I actually got gauge, too?

Secret Project Revealed

2007-06-25T08:36:00.000-04:00

First off, sorry about the layout on the last post. Still trying to figure out blogger. Anyway, I finally finished my secret project, and I hope you like it as much as I do.

On June 5th, I happened to be off and caught General Hospital. Elizabeth was wearing a cropped cardi in green that literally revved my creative juices. I then went to my fave clothing website, Anthropologie, and lo and behold there she was! Now, i don't know about you, but I can't afford to spend $88.00 on a sweater even if it is adorable. The next best thing is to make your own-which I did.. I went to the thrift store and found this sweater, albeit a bit scroungy, and ran home and washed it. (Happy to say that all the stains came out!) Next came the motif research, and I found this....http://www.patchworkcrochet.com/doilies.htm.

I furiously went about crocheting the wheels...I was on a mission! I used vintage thread that I bought on a previous thrift store outing. Here's her unveiling..and the best part? Only cost me $2.00. I think I'll wear her to work today. BTW, this is my 3rd Anthropologie knock off. Gosh, I love their clothing!

Crochet is for summertime

2007-06-09T13:52:00.000-04:00

I promised an update with pics, and so you shall have it. Last month was killer for me. I got to see concerts at a local amusement park. First it was kicked off with Da Man!

A fantastic show and I got some good pics for a change...sure does help to sit close...I've noticed this camera refuses to function at night events. Oh sure, you can take pics, but it's a waste of time. Found that out last year. Anyway, then a couple weeks later I saw Three Dog Night-without Chuck Negron. A web search revealed he's gone out on his own. The remaining two "dogs" really belted out the old tunes, and I wish they would have played longer. Tonight I'm going to see KC and the Sunshine Band. Yeah, I'm old school when it comes to my musical taste.

On the knitting front, it's been silent. I gave up on Japel's Spicey Tee, and the VK lace cardi. Just couldn't get motivated. However, I did want to post a picture of what my parents brought me back from CA. After reading about the Prince of Knitting, I was fixated on getting some of his pattern books. My mom and sis finally found 3 at the Kinokuniya Bookstore. Yes, the instructions are in Japanese, and no I don't read Japanese. Thankfully, my mom can translate for me.

Crochet you say? Yep...that's the name of the game for me right now...here's a work in progress of Rowan's Joy. Sorry for the crappy photo...the stupid thing kept curling...definitely will need blocking. That's the back and the left front. My only concern at this point is whether it will actually fit around the neck. I've ripped out the neck twice since I wasn't getting the dratted gauge, but you know, that's always my downfall. However, this has become interrupted because I found a new secret project to begin, and it involves this.....I've got to make 16 of these suckers, and I'm already worn out. But I'll remain diligent because I think the end product will be worth it.

Lastly, I wanted to share a few of my most favorite thrift store finds. On Wednesdays, it's 50% off everything, and I ran across these 2 sets of cross stitched pillow cases. I fell in love! They had never been used, and they were only .50 cents a piece. I have been searching for vintage embroidered pillowcases forever, and could never find any. But, these will do just fine. My first craft I really become obsessed with was embroidery, and a childhood friend and I used to sit on her porch in the summertime and embroider dresser scarves and pillowcases. It's a shame someone thought so little of this person's work to donate them to the thrift store like some unwanted trash. Oh well...one man's trash is another man's treasure!

No Picture Friday

2007-05-18T08:24:00.001-04:00

Very inventive title, no? I've been meaning to blog and do have pics to show, but currently am feeling under the weather. Twice a year I can look forward to a sinus infection. I have the energy of a turtle.
I went to knitting group on Wednesday night and had to call it quits early. That really bummed me out since it's the group that only meets once a month. Anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know that I am currently crocheting "Joy" from Rowan Spring/ Summer 2007. I'm only on the back, but it's great for mindless crochet, and allows you to chat in a group and not lose your concentration. I am inspired to do crochet when I visit a super knitter/crocheter blog's like this... http://myknittinworld.blogspot.com/. This gal is amazing!
Have you seen the latest Knit 1? The dress is beautiful! I would love to make it, but there are no craft stores around here that carry LB organic cotton, and I would like to see this yarn in person before I made a purchase.

I Must Have a Thing for Stars

2007-04-29T09:19:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share one of my secret passions...I love quilts. Back in the '80's, I use to watch public television so I could catch Georgia Bonesteel making lap quilts. I have 2 of her books...alas, I am not a skilled or talented quilt artisan. As you may also remember, I love to go to thrift stores. All I can say is Eureka!!! I scored !

This first one was in a bad state, and I spent 4 hours painstakingly sewing up all the tears, but when hubby saw it, he fell in love. The original price was more than I wanted to spend on something so tattered, so I waited til half off day, and snatched it up as a surprise for him. This one matches our decor perfectly.

This second one, unfortunately, had to be repaired, too. I love the colors and thought I could use it as my tv watching blankie. It has that whole denimish chambray thing going for it.

This last one I had to have! It is handmade, as was the first one, and it is in perfect condition! No stains or anything. Uh...I paid $4.60 for it. Yes, score! You may notice that someone else is in the photo. You try taking photos of quilts when your Maltese wants to play ball!

And then, this is for everyone who probably thinks I don't knit anymore...a finished back of the VK lace cardi. This sucker has been something else as far as gauge goes...I surfed around, and no one else has had a problem...anyway, I am knitting the largest size and am now afraid it might be too sloppy. If I have to reknit the back I will scream, so stand by to cover your ears.

Have you tried the new Diet Coke Plus? It's the one with vitamins added. The flavor was too similar to Pepsi for me...Coke, you gotta stick to the original recipe for DC...we all remember the fiasco with New Coke, now don't we?

Yep...I've got the goods!

2007-04-01T17:59:00.000-04:00

I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the "new" LB Cotton Ease...FINALLY, Michael's got it and I couldn't wait another millisecond to get it! I bought Berry, Violet, and Terracotta. Next time, there'll be more !

Yes, It's Really Me...

2007-03-23T19:36:00.000-04:00

Sorry to say there are no pics, but there will be. My excuse? Work, work, work...yuck! I knit when I can and am frustrated that I haven't finished anything. I am currently knitting the Spicey Tee from Stephanie Japel's book, Fitted Knits. I love her patterns, but I must say, I must be a dummy. I have ripped this sucker 4 times, and I still have way too many stitches. In checking for errata, there's nothing there. The folks in the KAL haven't discussed this one, so I can only conclude that it's the knitter and not the pattern. Yikes!
I do have some new stuff to share, but again, I want to show it in pics. My Little Man is doing well...translation? He still bites and barks, but he's so darn cute you overlook it. I'll have to post a new pic of him, too.
The Patons pattern I was working on is about three quarters of the way done, but I don't have progress pics. After the Spicey Tee, I may crochet something from the latest Rowan book. As I like to say....it's always something.

Happy Knitting New Year!

2007-01-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't know about you, but New Year's (as I've gotten older...ahem) has been considered "amateur night" around here. What do I mean? Well, it's a time when some people feel it's ok to get totally stinking drunk, and perhaps drive. I like to stay at home and get into my "toys". And quite frankly, it's some time off from the retail hell in which I work.

I finally got a chance to visit my LYS, and do sit and night. People, it's been months...and after feeling the knitting vibes, it put me into action. I think it's just what the doctor ordered as I've been in a crazy slump. Even though I have returned to work and have some cash to buy, I'm not. I figure I've been heavily stashing for 3 years, and I just better make do. So, what have I cast aside to start?? As you may remember, I was working on my second go round of the RPM socks, and they are the right size now....I'm on the toe decreases of sock #1..but like I said, after being with my lovely knitting friends, I got the itch to start something new... It's the "Must Have Cardigan". I love this pattern! I decided to use Plymouth Encore since I can't bear to wear wool....my first attempt was WAY too small...so I started again. Too bad I got so excited that I misread the pattern...as you know, it's called a new design element. If you look closely at the left side (panel a), you'll see that I forgot to cross the cable. Live and learn....and no, there won't be ripping since there's a good 6 inches there and my time is so limited.

I would like to address Michele who left a comment on my last post. (I love comments) I love to take pictures of my new pup, and various and sundry things, but I have this phobia about sharing too much personal info on the net. So, he shall just remain to be My Little Man...aka MLM...and here's a new one for ya cause he likes to have his pic taken... (truly he loves the attention, and doesn't care too much about my knitting projects...when he sees me get it out, he likes to chew the yarn. Bad Boy!) That's it for now, but I promise to be better for 2007...ok, I'll try. Oops! One last knitterly piece of business...every year I keep saying I'm going to make a list of the new things I have learned, and I never do it...(slacker!)..this year is pretty pathetic...the only new skill I learned was the long tail cast on--Thank you, Roz!
Everbody have a a great New Year!!!

Happy Turkey Day!

2006-11-23T15:26:00.000-05:00

I promised an explanation as to why I've practically disappeared from the blogging world, and well, here it is... As many of my devoted readers know, my beloved dog of almost 10 years died in January of this year. The grief really was overwhelming...and starting in April, I feverishly hunted for a new pet. I tried the Humane Society, the county pound, the local papers, the internet, and the pet stores. I spent hours calling the animal hospitals, but still no luck. After several months, I called an ad in one of the free papers, and I think I was the first caller. This poor little boy had been shuffled around...he was a gift to this woman's son, and he didn't want him...nor did the mother. The minute I saw him, I knew he was coming home with me. He will turn one year old in December. The only thing I can do these days in my spare time is play with him! BTW, he thinks yarn is food....ah..yet another excuse not to knit.--but I am. I ripped out the sock, and I'm starting over. Anyway, this year, I have something wonderful to be thankful for..."my little man."

What's Up, Doc?

2006-11-01T16:28:00.000-05:00

Here I am, the horribly negligent blogger finally blogging after weeks of absence. I have 2 reasons as to why I haven't..ok, really one..which I'll post about next time, but I tried to post before Halloween, and stupid blogger was down! Imagine that! Since I have gone back to work (Yuck!) I am on a flex schedule, and most times, it's so late when I get home, I don't knit or blog. I miss reading what everyone's been up to. Also, it's been killing my social life...no more knitting group for me.--at least not lately. Hey, if this post doesn't come out looking right, it's not me...I keep trying to start a new paragraph, and the cursor disappears! Obviously, blogger is having issues today, too. Just my luck. Ok, what I have been doing or not doing in my case. Well, I finished one of my RPM socks, and it's really too big. A rippin' fest for later. Since that happened, I started a "vintage" sweater pattern and the back is almost complete. I'm not so sure I'm likin' it. Worst of all, I want to knit Rusted Root from Zephyrstyle. Sigh...it's a style right up my alley...but it would also require a trip to the yarn shop (far away one) for the desired Cotton Fleece. Don't know when and if that's going to happen anytime soon. I recently found a sweater at the thrift store that I want to unravel to knit up the wrap top in the latest issue of Knit 1......the sweater is very pilled and needs a shavin'--mine broke when I started using it. I had to make a special trip to Joann's for a new one. Have I done the shaving yet? uh-no! Oh yeah....and my mom is about to wring my neck about those socks I've never finished for her. Again, I need to go to the yarn shop for the right length circs, but I haven't had a chance. Why oh why can't I win the lotto and stay home and knit?

Start Spreadin' The News!

2006-10-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

Out blog surfin' and found out that Lion Brand will be bringing back Cotton Ease! Yea!! The best part? They say they will be bringing out new colors!! I can't wait. Here's where I saw the fantastic news....http://cnp71203.blogspot.com/

This one's for you, Ling!!

2006-09-15T19:06:00.000-04:00

Wow! I actually have 2 readers to my measely little blog...Just leaving a comment has really made my day, so as I said in the title...Ok. My second entry for the month. Yea! And...(drum roll, please)...I have some FO's for ya!

All the talk I did about this one, so here she is in all her glory...may I present...Molly Ringwald!

This was one fast knit. I finished it in August...that I do remember...took me 2 weeks. I used a #5 circular needle and 5 balls of Jaeger Monte Cristo. I was going to wear it to an interview the other day, but it was a no go...I looked terrible--not the top's fault, let me tell ya.

Then, as I may or may not have mentioned, I decided to design my own top...a vest. I couldn't believe how good it turned out. Alright, I admit, my inspiration was from Anthropologie. If you go to their website, I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out! I used my beloved LB cotton ease, but this time I used #6 straights, and I gotta say, I prefer knitting this yarn on 6's instead of 7's which is what I always used to use. The fabric is much tighter and not so droopy. Live and learn, right? Yep, I finished this in August, too.

I decided to clear away one old project I had started..socks. A simple, k2, p2 using some of the Bernat Sox yarn I got in Kansas City last year...in army hot. Because they are made from 2 different dyelots, the striping effect came out totally weird, but I'm still happy with them. Since they aren't twins, they will have to be "kissin' cousins". Ha!

So since it appears I've gotten my knitting groove back, what will I knit? I've already started another pair of socks! The new Rebecca has some great patterns, but I wasn't ready to tackle anything in there yet. Matter of fact, I'm considering another self design! We shall see...

What's the occasion?

2006-09-04T09:36:00.000-04:00

Can you imagine? I am blogging after over a month's absence...it's horrible, but I do have my reasons. When you feel out of sorts, nothing stimulates you. 2006 has definitely not been my year, and I'm feeling it. Within a month or so, I may have good news to report, but instead of jinxing myself, I'll leave it unsaid (unwritten) for now.
I have been busy with the crafting, and I do have FO's, but laziness has prevented me from photographing them...and sometimes I don't feel like wrestling with blogger. I finished Molly Ringwald from Knitscene, and if you haven't knit it, you must. The directions were the most concise I have ever experienced. I also finished a vest of my own design. The other self design lost it's steam due to unending ribbing. I am so close to finishing my filet crochet top...however, I overdid it, and my arm, wrist-whole right side of my body is killing me, so I gave it a break. During this time, I started another one, too. Yeah, I am overzealous at times. Currently, I have whipped out another unfinished project-a pair of socks-that I'm hoping will restimulate my interest in knitting.
Sewing? Yep...I finished my Duro dress, but all that's left is the handhemming, and honestly, I'm not up for that drudgery. I am almost finished with a shorts set, but I think the type of jersey knit I am using has too much stretch, and therefore the results have been rather disappointing. The best laid plans...yada, yada, yada.
Hope this post makes my one reader happy---you know who you are, K!

Finished Object Friday!

2006-07-14T09:58:00.000-04:00

Since I am sitting around today waiting on the phone repairman, I figured I better get off my duff and post--I hope my reader(s) enjoys this one.
As you know, I've been on a sewing exploration. I learned to sew in 7th grade home-ec, and sucked at it. I'll never forget that horrid jumper I made, and was forced to wear in a school fashion show! I still get chills every time I think of it! In the late 80's, I decided to give sewing another try...I sewed like a mad woman. Was I any good? Nah....but I did enjoy it. Of course, then I decided to learn to knit, and sewing was lost to me again. What inspired me to have another go at the machine was a dress I saw at Forever 21, and well, I should have bought it. It was a sellout at the local stores, and on their website. I even saw 2 being auctioned off on ebay....listen, I was so desperate, I asked my sister to check in CA, ok? Yes, that dress haunts me. So, I said, forget it...I'll try to sew some stuff.
First up, a bevy of blouses...(sorry all the pics are so dark. What does a girl have to do to get a decent shot of her handiwork???) The right hand corner is an apron top I made and drafted the pattern myself. The one on the right is a New Look pattern, and is made with some fabric I got at the thrift store for 99 cents. Lastly, another one I semi drafted...it was a copy of another top I have from Forever 21. Unfortunately, I goofed and made the bodice too short. I suppose if I had the body of a pre-teen it would fit...uh...not that I'm so buxom as it is. The thing I loved about it was the fabric. It's a jersey knit Cranston Print I got for $1.80.

Two dresses I've done. The one on the right fits me unbelievably well...with my sewing you never know what you're gonna get. Anyway, it's from a Butterick pattern I bought in the early 90's that I never used. Isn't the fabric great? Again, I found it at a thrift store for about $3.00. It was the fact that it had a border print...yes, it's a jersey knit....I love that. The other dress is so cute I could scream...it's from a McCall's pattern dated 1969....There's a little belt that fastens around the back with one button. I made it in strawberry fabric I got at Joann's for $6.00. I think it must be a linen blend because it wrinkles like nobody's business. I had to modify the pattern a bit to accommodate my big butt. BTW, I love anything strawberry related and have a collection including switchplates made from wood that I got from the annual Strawberry Festival.

Lastly, I just finished this blouse yesterday. I know it doesn't look like much in the photo, but trust me, it probably came out the best thing I have ever made. There is a method to my madness..I saw the fall catalog for Anthropologie and there was a blouse very similar to this one for $98.00. I decided to make my own. Then, in the ad, the model has on a vest...I am in the process of knitting it... it's Molly Ringwald from the latest Knitscene. (I've done a lot of blog surfin' and it seems like I'm the only one making this one.)

As I promised before, here's a photo of the scoop neck tank I crocheted from lustersheen in winter red, and then the mango mesh tank from lustersheen in jade--both patterns from Crochet! The fit on the mesh tank is fantastic! I can't wait to wear it. Don't hate me, ok? But the yarn for the mesh tank was from the thrift store and I only paid $3.00 for it. All this destashing is great for the soul....Phew! After all that you'd think I was done...NOT! As I said, I'm working on Molly Ringwald and I'm crocheting a shell from a 1970's pattern I found on the internet. Yesterday I cut out another dress, and the plan is to cut out another one tomorrow after I go to Joann's! I figure if I keep up this pace, I actually might get my stash under control someday!

Yes, It's a Knitted FO

2006-06-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

This is a knitting blog, and I have been a delinquent blogger. I don't know if it's because I've become too lazy to post or if it's because I feel like I'm cheating since I haven't been knitting. Oh, there's been crafting going on, just not knitting. Anyway, instead of bringing everybody down emotionally, I'll try to make this as snappy as possible.

I had a dog. A very wonderful dog. He died in January of 2006. All I could do was knit socks....so I "designed " these socks to commemorate his life. I call them "Butterflies Are Free". I used butterfly eyelet stitch from my trusty The New Knitting Dictionary and did a picot edge. They were done on size 1 circs in Bernat Nylospun. Dull color? Yeah...because I felt dull...it took me until this month to finish them. Ok, enough sadness....you didn't come to this blog for all that!

As I said earlier, my other crafts have keep me busy and have captivated my interest. I am currently enjoying crochet and sewing projects. I finished a summer top yesterday(sewing) but haven't photographed it yet. I finished the red lustersheen tank top and should have posted that as a FO, but again, haven't taken out the camera. Next time I will. I promise. Oh, and I've been back to the thrift store for more treasures! Here's a peek... A bag of patterns for $3.13! Many months ago, there used to be patterns in bags every weekend--it seemed. Then it dried up. I finally hit it, and almost all of them are my size! Can you believe it? Must have been sewing karma.

Summertime Heats Up The Crafting

2006-06-18T16:04:00.000-04:00

Maybe because it's sooo hot outside, it "forces" me to enjoy all my crafts. I have finished a few things...and without further ado...

My yellow crochet top made from a free pattern from the Sugar and Cream website. For being a very elementary knit-cheter, I think it came out pretty good. I used an F hook and Aunt Lydia's Baby Denim Crochet. It took about 1 1/2 balls. I think it's a good first project for someone looking to make a garment. Oh, and it was such fun to sit and watch my sister crochet on this when she came to visit in May. Every time she comes to visit, she watches me work on an assortment of projects. She always asks if she can work on them...unfortunately, her leisure time is very limited because of her work and work schedule, so she can't get back into her crafting. But it works for me because I don't mind if she wants help! Gets the project done quicker...and oh, the memory!

I don't know about you, but I'm one of those people who when they see a neat idea, they immediately want to jump on the bandwagon. Yeah, that's how I started sewing again. About 2 weeks ago, I saw this dress, but didn't buy it--long story. I LOVE this print...anyhoo, I've also been reading the wardrobe refashion blog, and the idea hit me. I bought a woman's size 3X caftan and used the bodice part of a Simplicity pattern....and...Voila! I made up the rest of the dress by eye.

Caftan from thrift store-$3.50

Knit fabric for lining-$2.21 ffrom Hancock's

Simplicity pattern-$2.49

Yea for new dresses! It was a grind ripping out the original dress, but I'm totally pleased with how it turned out. I haven't sewn a garment in at least 12 years. I really wanted contrast ribbing like the green dress, but I wasn't able to find any. Neither of the 2 fabric stores had any. It bummed me out, but what can ya do? I might add some sort of belt with the pink fabric I have left. I forgot to add that this is jersey knit fabric which is so great cause there's no ironing.

I do have a knitted FO, but I think I'll blog about that next time. How about seeing what I'm into now? To the right are my camo socks in a simple k2, p2 rib. But oh no! What do we have here?? Why it's another crochet tank made from vintage Red Heart Lustersheen. If you don't have this magazine, I totally recommend it. There are at least 3 other projects in this issue that I'm going to try. The magazine is Crochet!.

BTW, the back is done.

The House Of Horror aka It's Not 6/6/06 Anymore

2006-06-08T08:10:00.000-04:00

Things around here have been pretty funky lately...almost like there's a ghost or demon spirit hovering. First, I come home from work, and the house is HOT. The hubbo says, "I think the compressor is going out on the ac because I heard a bunch of grinding noises. I'm thinking...OH NO! A compressor is expensive to be replaced. He wanted me to hear the "grinding", so he turned it back on. The long and short of it? AC is working....and great, I might add.

I guess the refrigerator was jealous of all the attention, so it decided to act up. On my day off I returned home from running errands, to find a HUGE pool of water all over the kitchen floor.---easily cleaned up, but when you opened the fridge, it wasn't as cool as it should be. When hubbo returned home from work, he was furious! Who wouldn't be? Anyway, we decided to call an appliance repair guy the next day because luckily I was off the next day and could wait around for the repair guy. In the interim, I called my dad, and he and my mom came over to take a look see. The upshot here? The leaking stopped on it's own, and the fridge is ice cold again! And you people always wonder why I'm so frustrated.

Now, on with the knitting. Yes, it's a FO! These are mistake rib socks made from acrylic-yes, I said acrylic-yarn from Italy that I got in a bag of thrift store yarn about a year ago. The yarn was simply called...Filato Acrilico by filo d'oro. I used size 1 circs and they fit beautifully! I'll say it again...I love how the heel flap came out looking like fair isle! The irony of all this sock completion? Won't be able to wear them for maybe 6 months or so. The new job has bad ac and it's HOT in there! It's sandals all the time!

I don't think I've ever mentioned this one before. I've had this pattern book for awhile and had coveted this one--even setting aside some of my beloved Cotton Ease for this. When I started experiencing problems with my Rebecca powder jacket, I decided to cast on for this. In the pattern, it stated they wanted you to use "swiss darning"...ok, in English definition is duplicate stitch, and I knew for a fact that is not what needed to be done for the neckline. I took it to my once a month group, and it was decided that it should be tubular cast on....Huh?? Couldn't figure it out. Then, when I finally had a day off, I went to the Monday night group, and someone suggested it might be an I-cord bind off. Possibly. Finally, my "knitting guru", Kathleen showed up and well....see? It's a beautiful neckline! Grafted off! I never would have figured that out on my own! She told me that alot of the Katia books ask for this bind off...that was good to know since I have a few of those pattern books, and had never cracked them open to look. Anyway, a HUGE knitterly thanks and a shout out to Kathleen. If you didn't know-and ya probably don't-Kathleen talked me thru the techinique of socks on 2 circs over the phone after I first met her.

I have made little progress on the yellow crochet top, too...and well, I've been trying to complete sock #2 of my secret sock knitting. I already know what's next....my mom's socks. I keep promising her I'm going to finish them, and she keeps asking for them. It's actually become quite humorous. If you've been reading the blog, you know this has been going on for what? A year?
She has the patience of a saint!

Unfinished business due to new business

2006-05-31T19:08:00.000-04:00

I am unable to blog and be as knitty as I would like to be these days. Why? Because I started a new job, and my schedule fluctuates so much that I can't seem to get in a routine. The worst part? I can't socialize with all my knitting friends, and that saddens me. :( I miss the stories and their projects. But what can I do? I gotta work...

Anway, I have been trying to work on stuff....hence, the unfinished business.
What you see in the upper left is my start on the ruffle vest from knit 1, the finished back of my crochet tank, and the never seeming to be finished creamsicle socks. Ya know, this working has somehow cut into my creative juices, and I'm not as inspired to finish. Guess it has to do with missing my peer's knitterly comments.

But, check this out...http://wardroberefashion.blogspot.com/ This is such a cool idea and I am lovin' every second of reading what everyone's doing. Go....check it out!

Crochet Frenzy

2006-05-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

It's been awhile, but since my last post I have made some headway...guess you just have to take a step back every now and again to get the machine in motion. Major frustration has been the mood around here, so as I mentioned, I started a new project. It was going to be a simple knit..just a 3 x 3 rib short sleeve summer top....HA! The knitting gods didn't like that! The instructions tell you to knit 6 rows in elastic rib and then use swiss darning. People....this is so like what??? They don't mean duplicate stitch since we are talking about the back neckline. I asked my "advisors" at the knitting group last week and they suggested that it might be tubular cast off. Ok, so I read the instructions for that...seemed like it might be right. Then, I tried it, and it can't be right! Now what???? I feel like I just learned how to knit like 2 minutes ago and the instructions are in some alien language. HELP!!!

Now, I did finish the crochet top that I had to completely rip out the back and redo....I apologize for the crappy picture. I tried to get it so you could see the filet design, but couldn't. I'll probably have to try it again....maybe if I am modeling it.

My post title is crochet frenzy, and it appears that I am in one...this is my latest WIP which is destined to be a summer tank top. It' a freebie pattern from the net so let's see how this goes. Because my sis was here visiting from CA, I let her work on it...it's up to the armhole shaping. Not bad for 1 day's work, huh? While she's been here we went to a bunch of fancy schmancy retail stores (translation: super expensive) and I saw a veritible ton of crocheted clothing! I guess 2006 is the summer of crochet. Everything I looked at, I was like..uh..I could probably make that. So, now that's what I'm trying to do.

Now, in knitting news....I realized I had never photographed this summer cropped tank top I made in the summer of 2002. It turned out to be huge, and I kept thinking I would find someone at work to take it off my hands. I never did. Now it's going to be frogged and will be transformed into the ruffled bra top from the latest issue of "knit 1". Yea! Save money and get a new cute top out of the deal! I love when that happens. Although, wish me luck since I've apparently really p-o-ed the knitting gods.

And I'd also like to say that this issue of "knit 1" was much better than the last one. I love the green cardi, and will knit that a little later on. Plus, I love their idea about the purchased lace and crochet to make the tunic top. Very ingenius. The only quandry I'm in now is...when will I get the time to do all this??

So not newsy

2006-05-14T18:23:00.000-04:00

This has been a horrible week! I didn't bother to take a photo of what is now the back of the crochet top. The assembly of this thing had me in a quandry, but today I figured it out, but still had to tear the %^& apart.
If this wasn't bad enough, and trust me , it threw my mojo into a tail spin, my Rebecca summer cardi is TOO SMALL! Yeah...I know...gauge...whatever!! So I ripped the back out, and will have to make some adjustments. Luckily, there is more than enough yarn.
I have been totally uninspired to knit anything. The other 5000 WIPs just aren't cuttin' it, and with some I am very close to a finish. So what's a knitter to do? Start a new project. Problem is, I'm still not gettin' gauge. Maybe I should just shut up and go read.

Keeping my promise

2006-05-06T10:40:00.000-04:00

Ok, I have photos for ya today. First, a FO--crochet tank top . I know I'm no expert, but it did fit, although a bit large around the bust, but all in all, a fast project. The pattern is from McCall's Needlework Spring/Summer 1976. I used an F hook and 5 skeins of Lily Cotton-All that I had in my stash. (Technically, that means I can add 5 skeins to said stash, right?) I started this on 4-28 and finished on 5-2. Faster than knitting, I tell ya.

Now for those of you who've been into all my thrift store yarn purchases, I now bring you the rest of it... 6 skeins of Columbia Minerva "Linspun" in cream and a heathery gray. This yarn is 85 % acrylic and 15% linen. I have no earthly idea what to use it for...oh, and a couple of lone balls of unknown sock yarn, I guess. The next is my wool! 13 skeins of Brunswick Germantown in shamrock, dartmouth green, and cherry smash. (Love those color names!!) Anyway, remember, all this was part of one trip! And I forgot to say that these will eventually become a felted bag...maybe the booga bag.

And, I also stated in my last post that I had acquired a new knitting bag...so, here's a pic of it, too. Brand spankin' new from the same thrift shop!! Does anyone know if this is a designer bag? The inside has a tag that says "KMQ Collection". I guess it really doesn't matter, but was just curious.

Am I driving you crazy with all the pics? Ok, last one I promise....my latest WIP...filet crochet! I gotta say, this works up so fast, and now I think I'm addicted! Have you seen the latest Tahki Crochet booklet? There were some really cute patterns in there. Since I'm just starting out, I'm going to work with all these vintage ones I have first. Oh yeah...I already boo-booed this one....I didn't get gauge nor had I bothered to measure, so I will be doing a few new "design concepts" instead of ripping out!!

The Post which is photoless

2006-05-03T18:21:00.000-04:00

Many of you may turn around and leave at this point, and I don't blame you. But truly, I've been so busy I can't seem time to take photos, upload them, and wait and see if blogger will indeed upload. Anyway, here's the scoop....I finished my crochet top Yesterday, people! It's a wonder everyone doesn't just crochet-no blasphemy intended to the knitting world-That darn top only took me 5=count 'em-5 days! I promise that my next post will have photos of it, and of the rest of my yarn finds from the previous thrift store trip.

Uh...I have something to confess. I went to the thrift store again today. Yes. I'm an addict. I restrained myself on the yarn...instead I got another handbag. Gulp! I'll show it to you next time, too.

And, I've been somewhat of a gallivanter these days. Flitting from one yarn shop to another for knit night. Tomorrow is another knit night! Yea for knitting! Yea for gallivanting!

One more thing...if you're into crochet at all, you've got to check out the April 29th post here:
http://vintagefusionhandcrafts.blogspot.com/ This is BEAUTIFUL!

Thrift s(t)core!!

2006-04-30T15:41:00.000-04:00

Yeah, like I was sayin' last time...I've been on the move. I absolutely love a deal, and it's even sweeter when it's name brand merchandise! See for yourself. I bought the taupe handbag first. Then, it kept bugging me...I should have gotten the black, too. So, 2 days later I went back for it, and imagine my joy when it was STILL There!!The thrifting gods were smiling on me--unlike the knitting gods, but we won't go there right now. These are Brand Spanking New Liz Claiborne satchels I got for $3.63 a piece. I left the tag on lest you don't believe me. The black one is a tad dusty, but hey! It was still NEVER used! And, of course, if that wasn't enough...and it wasn't...here's my new stash!

This first juicy item is a bag of 10-count 'em-10 skeins of Brunswick Quick Breeze with the ribbing of a project someone started. I'm going to rip it back and use this to make the peplum sweater in the latest issue of VK. The price tag was left on the bag from the original yarn shop.....$3.00. Can you stand it?? No, I paid more because when you go to this thrift store, they throw a bunch of different stuff into a bag and it's pot luck for anywhere from $5.15-$9.19 for the bag.

Next up for your viewing pleasure, a half knit sweater with the remaining balls. (10 balls, I assume) It's Patons Ascot in a beautiful shade of heathered tans....it's a wool/acrylic/viscose blend. I'm thinking something from Patons Street Smart booklet I bought about 2 months ago...

And if that wasn't enough, and it isn't....10 skeins of a delicious pink and 3 skeins of a silvery blue in Brunswick 100% shetland wool!! People, I'm feelin' socks here. Am I right?

Had enough?? No, me either...but I am going to make you wait for my next post from this yarn stash! Because....I want to show off some other things I've been dallying around with. My wee mp3 player desperately needed a better "jacket". Hello Kitty naturalamente! I doubled the flannel and crocheted the drawstring! Wait til you see the next one...And speaking of crochet.....

and I am....here's my latest WIP. It's a tank top from a vintage McCall's Needlework. I'm using some oldie goldie yarn I picked up at the local Wally World from 1990. Knitters always talk about cotton yarn bothering them when they knit, but I can truly say it only bothers me when I crochet. I must be backwards...which reminds me....at knitting group, A, who is a crocheter and recently learned knitting, blurts out that she is a Croknitter! I retort, then I must be a Knit-cheter(pronounced shay-er)! And, I guess I really am!

Longest span between posts?

2006-04-26T13:26:00.000-04:00

Blogging hasn't been at the top of my priority list. What has? Actually, many things have captured my attention as of late....I quit smoking very recently and decided that instead of sitting aroung making myself fatter, I'd also go back to the gym and change my eating habits. I figure if I have to suffer, I may as well do it all the way. Let me tell you, eating "good" has it's drawbacks and couple that with "oral" fixation from not smoking...I'm HUNGRY ALL THE TIME!!!! Exceptionally low cal snack ideas would be welcomed!

I figure I'm the last person on the planet to get an mp3 player, but I love this little gadget!! Why didn't I succumb before?? Because I couldn't justify the price of an i-pod just for going to the gym. Being technology impaired, I will say this was pretty darn easy to upload. My hubbo has windows xp on both home computers, but after a bit of trial and error, we discovered that we needed to upgrade the media player! That done, and away I went....uh...my batteries already died, so off to get more! Luckily, Walgreen's had a sale on them today....$.99 for 4.

And, yes, I'm knitting alot , and shopping, too. I wanted to show some more, but guess what? The stupid camera battery died. This house is jinxed. Guess I'm off to Walgreen's again.

Yes, Virginia, there is an Easter Puppy!

2006-04-16T11:11:00.000-04:00

Don't ya love stuffed animals? I do...and this one is holiday appropriate! So first let me wish everyone a happy Easter!

I realized last time that I promised a pic of my kool Aid dying experiment, and I didn't do it, so here:

I knit a gauge swatch, measured out how long I wanted each stripe, and then proceeded to wind the wool around 2 chairs--just like what I've seen floating around on the internet. The dying process wasn't as messy as I thought it'd be, and went rather quickly. After rinsing, I hung up this super looooong hank to dry. The day I chose to do this, it must have been 80 degrees out, and the yarn dried in an hour. Now, here's where I goofed. I just brought the whole hank into the living room and thought I'd be cute and wind it into a fancy hank for photographic purposes like the real dyers have done. Ha! It took me longer to wind this up into a ball, and I thought I was going to have tangle city!!! What is the secret for winding it after it's dry??? Put it back on the chairs and go round and round til you're cross eyed again???

I want to try this again (and again) but still can't find any cheapo wool to dye. Meaning a thrifted sweater. Every one I've found has been a "colored" one. And really, I can't see buying more wool at the yarn shop just for this purpose since I'm such an amateur. This stupid ball I did was $6.95.-and there's only 240 yards there. I used 2 packages of grape, 2 of lemonade-don't ask- and one package of cherry. The process is fun, but my results were disappointing. It will be back to the drawing board for me!

Some progress, some new work

2006-04-12T13:08:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share a pic of my mistake rib socks while in progress..
Check out the heel flap! I love how it looks like fair isle...just a reminder, it's that Italian acrylic yarn from the stash.

Then, I've added yet another project to the mountain that I already have. Went to the thrift store and found this project (half finished) in a bag with some other stuff. The yarn I love--Pingouin Fresca-100% mercerized cotton! I want some ideas here. There was no pattern or magazine with this, so I'd have to make a chart. That is, if I continue on....I have this crazy idea to make it into a vest ala "See Eunny Knit". C'mon! I'm open to suggestions!
It looks like it was originally destined to be a pillow. That's all the yarn that came with it. Ok, and if I do go with a vest...how to do it??? Help!

FO (to) Finish

2006-04-10T14:18:00.000-04:00

Yep, it's another one!
These are Yukon Leaves in LB Magic Stripes Regatta Blue colorway. I used 2 size 1 circs. I was hoping you'd be able to see the stitch pattern, but no go. I recommend this one. There's enough row variation to keep you interested. Anyhoo...here's a different shot....I tried to make them matching, but somehow ended up goofing. The sock on the right looks longer and larger just because of the white striping.

Over the weekend, I went to Bradenton to meet my nephew for the first time. I can't believe he's already 4 years old. Meet Red's son....Griffin! Isn't he just the cutest? I made a little mpeg of him running and fetching his ball!

And while I was there, Red was kind enough to take me to a yarn shop. (2 of the 3 I wanted to go to were closed on SATURDAY!!). What's up with that? I realize Sarasota is kind of a retirement place and a resort spot, but really! People who have to work need access to a shop who is open on the weekend! You know, here I am trying to patronize an LYS, but with no luck. No wonder etailers are so successful.

Anyway, I only bought one skein of fingering weight wool to Kool Aid dye. (Pic next time). Can I tell you how disappointed I was in the one yarn shop I visited? First off, it has a great location...but upon entering the shop, I couldn't make heads or tails of her inventory. It wasn't by brand name, nor was it by color or fiber content. I felt I was in cubby hole mishmash! I couldn't tell ya what she had or what she didn't have. I knew I was in trouble when I called and asked what lines they carried. The person that answered was so vague--which made me think immediately there was a problem. The shop owner was nice and willing to help, but it was pointless. It's not that the store was messy....it was that all the hanks were just stacked one on top of another in each cubby hole without regard to brand, color, or fiber content. I could tell that Red was getting bored....and she's not even a knitter! Maybe another day I'll be able to visit the other 2. Oh? The shop name? I'd rather not say since it wasn't a favorable review. Maybe they'll get it together so that the next time I'll be able to shop!

"Random" stuff

2006-04-02T18:06:00.000-04:00

If you'll pardon the pun. As you know, I flashed my sock stash, so since I figured I had enough for (gulp) 38 pair of socks, I better get crackin'. On Saturday I finished 1 sock of Yukon Leaves.-I promptly cast on for mistake rib sock 1...check out each side of the sock...one lighter, one darker. I think I'll name these "creamsicle" since that's what they remind me of.

And then, did you ever try this? I did and gave it up for strictly(!) knitting... It's kind of nerdy, but in a cute sort of way.

Update on Kool-Aid. Got light and dark green at a different grocery store chain, but alas no wool sweater to be frogged for the yarn dying experiment. :(

On the Hunt

2006-04-01T17:40:00.000-05:00

....for green Kool-Aid. I'm trying to get all the colors available for my yarn dying experiment. Here's what I found today: In talking to Aletris, she mentioned another brand of drink mix that I originally was trying to find since hubbo had suggested it, too. It's called flavr-aid. I want green, but there wasn't one for Kool-Aid.

I finished one sock at group today and then proceeded to cast on for my next socks. These will be mistake rib socks. See? I am trying to use up the stash! Ok...truth be known, I want to dye my own for more sock yarn! My thrift store crawl today was a total bust. Nothing. Guess it's hard to get a 100% wool sweater in FL.

And speaking of FL, I am proud to say I have just joined the Florida Knitters webring! Woo! The best part is I found a fellow knitter whom I've met before , and I'm happy to say she's bloggin' again! Ya gotta love the internet....better than "let your fingers do the walking".

Another FO for 2006

2006-03-26T11:10:00.000-05:00

There you have it! My socks made from the recycled sweater!! I am ready to wear them to work with my pseudo mary janes. If you look closely, you'll see I made a goof...that's what I get for all the laughing and whooping it up at last week's knitting meet. I made a decision not to rip and redo. Why? Just because.
Here's the specs:
Pattern: Panorama socks from 2006 Knitting calendar a Day (July 21st?)
Needles: socks on 2 circs...first size 2 addis only 16 inch...then Susan Bates size 2 24"-much better
Start date: 3-12-06 Finish: 3-25-06
Cost: $1.94 for this nice 50% merino/50% acrylic
There's plenty of yarn left over, so for now it's banished into the ever burdgening stash.

In other news, I met one of my goals for 2006 knittingwise. Kim was kind enough to show me how to do magic loop. Uh...I hated it. I will never use this method. It's not that I don't want to become more efficient at production, because I do. I simply found it uncomfortable and more of a pain in the ...you know where.

And Kim, if you're reading this....yesterday at the LYS, she remarked how I flashed my sock yarn stash. She said "oh, I know you will never use all that yarn. Especially the LB magic stripes." I then pulled out the skein of LB magic stripes in "regatta blue stripe" to cast on for Yukon Leaves. BUSTED!!

And, yeah, I couldn't help myself. I bought a skein of Artyarns Ultramerino 8 in color 130-it's their version of neopolitan. I'm in love......but not with the price. Holy sheep poop! So, I'm waiting for Kim to become the expert I know she will be at dying yarn. She's taken 2 classes so far, and I gave her my recycled silk/cotton to work on. As Artie Johnson used to say..."verrryy
interesting."

I'm flashin' my sock stash!!

2006-03-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

No, I am not doing this because I have no other blog fodder...(or am I?) I just thought it would be fun since I've seen others do it, and I have enjoyed the images. So, I'll start with vintage yarn...

ok, here's the list, but not in order by the photo:

1. 4-Bernat 50/50 -wish I could get more of this...ebay hasn't helped

2. 2-Plymouth Wool Ray

3. 1 Bear Brand Evermatch..the navy blue disappeared at photo time

4. 2-Filo D'Oro Filato Acrilico

5. 2- Lady Galt Kroy-...again, I'd love more in some other colors...this one's pretty dull

6. 1-unknown yarn "cake"...if you remember, I'm using this to make basketweave socks

7. 1- Junghans-Wolle Dralon Perle

8. 1- Junghans Fidelio

Now for the current stuff...

1. 6-Lion Brand Magic Stripes

2. 7-Bernat Sox

3. 1-Online

4. 2-Lang Jawoll Jacquard

5. 2-Regia Stretch

6. 2-Regia Silk

7. 2-Regia Fadig

8. 2-Patons Kroy

9. 1-Austermann Step

10. 2-Brown Sheep Wildfoote

11. 12-Cascade Fixation

12. 2-Plymouth Sockotta

13. 4-Lorna's Laces

I figure this is enough for 38 pair of socks! Unbelievable. I knew I stashed, so now I HAVE to knit it up. Part of the problem for me is finding a pattern I like. Any suggestions? I rarely like to use the same pattern once I've knit it ....the exception being Grumperina's Jaywalker. Probably the Fixation will be the hardest to find anything for, and yes, I do look at the ones on the sock knitter's webpage as well as Knitty, and other internet resources. I have been considering getting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush(?) . I hope that's the right author. The other thing I might do is join the 6 sox along. I hear they post patterns there, too. Unfortunately, I'm gonna run...gotta make dinner-Oh, how I HATE to cook!! And, yes, I will be going on Saturday to sit and knit with Kim and A! I can hardly wait!

Debbie Stoller in Tampa!!

2006-03-19T09:58:00.000-05:00

Remember my last post about getting Tampa on the knitting map? Well, when I went to the monthly knitting group, Wendy handed out this flyer. I couldn't believe it. Sure, it would be fun to go, but it's basically to promote her latest book on crochet, and I don't suppose she'd appreciate me bringing my knitting book for her to autograph. Not only that, but it's on a Wednesday at 3 pm, and I'll be at work. Kind of a bummer. On the up side, maybe this appearance will lead the way for other knitting celebs to make Tampa a stop--like the Yarn Harlot!

I did get an update on the Knit Out...first, I mentioned it at group, and of course everyone there hadn't heard a thing. I went back to the blog, and she had posted. She mentioned it would be at the Fresh Market, but no other details.

For a change of pace, I went to another yarn shop to knit with gal pals, Kim and A. I had been to this shop once before about 8 months ago, and thought I remembered it's location. What an idiot I am! I ended up driving around for an hour and a half...and then stumbled on it after I had given up! After I related my locational stupidity to the girls, it set off a series of directionally driving impaired stories from A and Kim! We laughed so hard and long that I'm surprised we didn't scare the customers away from the shop! And we were loud!! The tears were streaming down our faces...I needed that. I must say, that even though I didn't go on a spending spree for yarn, the owner was so gracious, and even joined us to sit down and knit when she could. I really enjoyed myself, and I definitely will go back.

And if you're wondering what's happening knittingwise...here's what I did Saturday morning.....oh, and March is for frogging, too!

Knit Out-Tampa?

2006-03-12T07:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while knit blog surfin', I ran across a blog from a gal in Gainesville. In one of her posts she mentions a Knit Out here in Tampa scheduled for March 25th. I commented on her blog, but so far no response. I then went to the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce webpage, but no such event is listed. What's up? I think this is a fantastic idea, and when I read it, I thought..wow! Now maybe Tampa will be put on the knitting map!! Oh, and I also searched the Craft Yarn Council's page, but only old knit out dates were listed. I want a knit out!!!

Ok, so here's what's going on.. I went to the thrift store again. Sorry the photo quality sucks, but my camera battery is on it's last legs...this is a beautiful cable sweater by Kate Hill (Who is that?) made of merino wool and acrylic in a deep cranberry. I snatched that puppy right up and ran out of the store with it for $1.94. I've been dying to have a pair of socks in this color but wasn't able to find any yarn suitable in my last yarn stashing event. I've also been lurking the Rekal blog for a year...I think it's a super idea, and I've been wanting to try it out. I came home and frantically ripped the sweater apart...ok. I actually only got one sleeve done, but that's not the point. I washed and wound the former sleeve into a hank, and now it's drying. I couldn't get the yarn unkinked! I read that some others hung weights on the yarn, and even had used just another hangar at the bottom of the hank, but it didn't work. I'll bet it's because of the acrylic content! I've decided that I have to try it, and if the kinks make the socks look bad..oh well! However, if it turns out ok, then I'll have a new pair of socks for $1.94. Ya can't beat that! Think about how much you've spent on sock yarn.

Now a gripe. The second thrift store I went to had only 2 lonely skeins of vintage Fleisher's yarn. Aha! I cried. More socks!! But, no price tag. I take it to the counter where the guy at the register rudely said to me.."I'm in the middle of ringing up another customer." I said I only wanted to ask a question. He felt like a fool then. Ok, so he points out the mgr, and says to ask her if she'll price for it for me. Again I was encountered with a person of attitude. She gives me the song and dance about how it will have to go to the backroom to be priced, and then it won't come back on the floor until Monday. I thank her and walk off. She never took the skeins away from me "to be priced". In other words, this was all B.S. Here's why I'm soooo mad. The stuff is donated for free!!! What would it have taken for her to say..take 'em for a buck or what ever. They are in the business to make a profit to support homeless people and give re-education to those who may be unemployable by society's standards! WTF! I could see if I were asking her to price a sofa or something...but please! 2 skeins of yarn!! My rant could go on forever and ever about this since I've been in retail for over 20 years. Let me just say this...you get what you pay for...or in this case, what ya don't get, and what ya don't pay for.

I'm high on yarn!

2006-03-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

First stop...the LYS that's not so L...here's what I got.

Six skeins of Cotton Fleece and some new sock yarn called Austermann "Step". I've never seen this around. It's a very generous 420 meters, but get this...it has aloe and jojoba oil in it so that when you knit, your hands become soft! Who could resist that? Not me, obviously. It was very pricey at $18.50, but I'm all about wanting to try something new. The color isn't the best, but basically there were only 2 colors left, so I chose the one with more browns and olives since I have a lot pants in olive. Oh, and the color of the cotton fleece is "pink diamond". Somehow the vintage knitting mag didn't get in the pic. Oh well...I'll stick to the yarn..

Next stop was Uncommon Threads.. how I love going there. I walk in and there are 2 people from the knitting group....a little while later, a 3rd showed up! I felt like it was old home week! The nice weather certainly brings out the shopper in us! Anyway, what ya see is 6 skeins of Encore for the Must Have Cardigan, 2 Lorna's Laces-colorways Sweetie and Safari- and Regia Silk! I've never tried Encore and I guess it will have to do for the MHC....see, I can't wear wool. Itch City! Sure, there were some other choices, much pricier, but I view this as an everyday type item, so I didn't want to go too crazy. (I was tempted with some soy silk and bamboo yarn at the far LYS). For the Lorna's, I will try very low sockees and see what happens. Get this. I'm even thinking of trying toe up....there's some trepidation here. And how could I pass up Regia Silk??? C'mon.

If you noticed in picture 1, there was a skein missing...yeah, I've started YET another new project!! Some one shoot me now! Those darn people at Rebecca. If only they could have ugly sweater patterns. I'm doing #20 from issue #31. Since I don't gauge swatch...the waistband is the swatch, and I got it dead on. I am having one dilemma, though. The difference in size is 4 inches on the waistband, and now I don't know what to do. I usually make the larger size when it comes to their patterns, but this one might be different. I don't want a saggy baggy cardi...I guess I want it to fit like the model. (Ha! If only I were her size!) And ya know what else? What a dope I am. I have been stashing cotton fleece-2 other yarn hauls-and never knitted it up. This stuff is like crack cocaine cotton! I'm lovin' it! Sorry cotton ease...I have found your replacement.

One last thought...no, I didn't sign up for Project Spectrum, but maybe I should have with those yarn choices! :)

Thank Goodness it's March!

2006-03-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

February was all about the Frogging...so what will March be? I haven't made any progress knittingwise since I opted for overtime at work...and I plan to do it again next week if my body will let me. I'm pretty pooped and my arms are aching, so we'll see. The good news is that my income tax refund arrived on schedule, so you know what that means??? A trip to the LYS!!! Oh yeah, baby! There's a summer cardi in the latest Rebecca that I'm dying to start...also, a sock yarn stashing never hurts. This particular LYS isn't so L, and they are the only ones that stock Brown Sheep, so away I'll travel tomorrow! I can't wait.
Do you check out Anthropologie? Well, I do and here's one that I'd love to imitate.. It's the June Bug sweater! Seems like it could be done top down, no? I've never done one before....something to think about. Oh, and I was super disappointed in the latest patterns from Tahki-Stacey Charles. Sure, there were one or two goodies, but please...I'm not spending $12.00 to get a pattern book with only one good pattern in it. I think spring is officially here, so I need to start planning for those lighter weight knits!

Call Me Kermit.

2006-02-26T12:18:00.000-05:00

Holy lily pad! All I have done this weekend is rip, rip, rip. Nothing is going my way. I was working on the pink bubblegum colored cardi, and realized I had forgotten to bind off 9 sts at the beginning of the armhole on the right side...uh, after I had gotten 4 inches along on the raglan decreases....RIP! So, I decide not to have second sock syndrome, and cast on for the matching sock to Jaywalker #3. Count the sts...everything is fine. Knit the row, doesn't work out. RIP! Repeat process. RIP! Oh yes, I was referring to my handwritten instructions all along....IT DOESN"T MATTER!!! RIP!!! RIP!! RIP!!
Phew! I needed that. Here's a knitting pic for you to enjoy. My girls always bring a smile to my face. (Knitting was done back in the 60's by my mom) Aren't they cute? I have started a doll blog....if you're interested...click on the sidebar. Happy rest of the weekend knitting!

Intarsia and I make strange bedfellows

2006-02-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

Up for your perusal...This is what the back of my work looks like when I do intarsia. I love the motifs you can do, but my stranding sucks! I just don't see how everyone keeps it all untangled. Yeah, I probably shouldn't have stranded the pink across the white, but whatever! I'll still love my cardi and wear it...I've always wanted to try my hand at fair isle, but me thinks it ain't gonna happen. Isn't there a yarn out there that I could do a faux fair isle with?

For awhile now I have been lusting for these shoes.... These are my ideal Mary Jane, but I can't find them locally. Oh sure, I tried ebay and the etailers, but with shipping...too much $. After all, we are only talking about polyurethane! Not leather! I also resent the fact that they are considered "goth". I love a platform and I love cutesy shoes. Buying shoes has always been somewhat of a burden to me. I stand on my feet all day, so I'm looking for comfort but with cutsey thrown in. Tonight I stopped at the super budgety $9.99 and up shoe store and found these... Still pu, but at a reasonable price...with tax..$13.90. Sure beats over $50.00...still a platform, still a Mary Jane, and still with a velcro closure! And comfortable....YES! For some reason, expensive shoes never fit right. I usually have better luck with the cheapos! Call me crazy, but I gotta have comfort!

And in other news...it appears I have a lot today...I've thrown over the vintage cable cardi to do this intarsia. My cabling didn't resemble the pattern at all, and it gave me great dissatisfaction. I'm still concerned over the fit, too. I started knitting the sleeves, and then threw in the towel! I will come back to it, but I'm thinking I will frog the back and start over! Egads! Did I just type that out loud?? You read it here first. I've committed to a frogging party! BTW, can you guess what the pink number is going to be? One hint...Mary Maxim. I'm staying vintage!

Bon Jovi Rocked Tampa (and me)

2006-02-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

OMG!!! What a night! I can't believe how fantastic they were! Ok, I'm getting a little ahead of myself. First off, I wasn't able to sleep. On Friday morning, I awoke at 5:30 am...yes, peeps..and that is WAY too early for anyone especially me. After all, it was my day off...then, since my sis was here visiting from CA, I went shopping. Red picked me up at 4 pm and we went to Carrabba's for some yummy Italian pasta. Got to the venue about 5:30-6:00 and thank goodness we did. The line at the merchandise booth was big! See, it's happened to me before that when you wait til after the show, all the really big sizes are what's left. So, to the right, you see my haul. Red surprised me with the Hello Kitty computer game (!) and then bought me a BJ Blinkie pin!! Isn't she the bestest??
Now, if Red reads this, I hope she won't kill me, but....I don't think at first she was excited to see the guys. I'm not saying she dislikes their music, but she's no fanatic like I am. That sneaky woman has been looking at their webpage, and she knew something I didn't know. At the start of the concert, Jon comes out and plays in the audience! We had great seats (Thanks, Red!!) and Jon was literally 8 rows away from us!! Let the swooning begin! (Did it ever stop?) And, later in the show, he popped up again in the mezzanine level crooning "Bed of Roses". If he had done that on our side, I would have lost my mind.
The local newspapers reviewed the concert, but not as highly as I would have. This was a standing through the entire show, clapping, singing, screaming event. When it was over, we looked like 2 drowned rats from all the sweat! I swear, you would have thought Red and I were the performers! Ha! I did wear the Bon Jovi half sweater that had to be ripped off as soon as the concert started! One side note, I was surprised when Jon made a statement regarding Ritchie and Heather's "situation". In fact, during "Dead or Alive", I thought Ritchie was crying...my bad! It was sweat!!
I felt like that was THE best concert I had ever been to...Jon is a mega performer who can work the crowd into a frenzy. The acoustics were right on, and the big screen they used behind the stage was mindblowing. Red said that it looked so good that one might think they were watching a dvd since the pic quality was excellent. The last word...phenomenal!!!!

One more night until....

2006-02-16T19:38:00.000-05:00

Yep! That's who'll I'll be seeing tomorrow night! It's been a looong wait and I hope I can sleep tonight. Good news, though...Red was finally able to get Friday off so we'll be spending some time together before the show. The bummer is I received no paycheck today...due to the northerly blizzards. I may have to restrain myself at the merchandise booth--Ha!
And yes, I played hooky from work yesterday, too. I had a dental appt, and said to myself...go ahead. Take a paid day off! So, I went shopping and spent some time with my family. Then, if that wasn't enough, I went to knitting group that night! Ah....if only every day could be like that. However, I spent so much time yakking that I didn't do much knitting. Hey! I better go work on that vintage cardi!

Were women in the 1940's anorexic?

2006-02-14T18:48:00.000-05:00

Here's where I'm at with the vintage cabled cardigan. Uh...I think there's going to be a problem. Since I rarely gauge swatch, I just cast on and went with it. I've used this yarn before, Cara Mia, and the item actually grew....so, I figured what the heck. But, if you look closely, this is the back and it's not even 13" across. Now, I'm not a big woman, but this looks like it may present a new design challenge for me.
Also, the pattern said to do a double cross cable. Huh? I looked in my VK reference book...nothing that even resembled the photo. I've never done a cable with 9 stitches. Then, I started thinking that maybe it was a European pattern...Drag out the Mon Tricot that I just got at the thrift store and ...voila! Cables are figured out, and I love the look of them. Now, there's one thing I neglected to say in my last post, and it also is happening here....I really don't much care for reverse st st. What about you? But, being the type A personality that I am, I'm going to just settle down and love it if it kills me. Do you think I'll need to go on a diet to fit into this?

Hello. My name is Earl...er Chibisan

2006-02-12T17:26:00.000-05:00

Yea! The Bon Jovi half sweater is done!! And none too soon for me. I hate being on a deadline...that's why I could never participate in the Knitting Olympics (a very cool concept, though). Shoot. As slow as I am, I couldn't even be a pre-qualifier! Anyway, the specs are below:

Pattern book: Filatura Di Crosa Zara/Zara Plus
Yarn: Lion Brand cashmere blend-9 balls
Needles: size 7 Plymouth bamboos
Start date-1-29-06 and well, we know when I finished

I definitely recommend this book or any of the Tahki books. The patterns are staight forward, and so far no mistakes in the patterns I've used. Oh yes, and the Earl titled post...remember when I mentioned the knitting gods were working against me? Yeah, I finish the cashmere sweater and the weather for the day of the concert? 80 Degrees. Karma. I tell you it must be karma.

Baby, it's cold outside!

2006-02-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I would say, "Greetings from Sunny Florida", but all we have to look forward to is cold, cold, cold! (Great for knitting, though). That photo you see was taken yesterday morning...that's ICE on the top of my car. This morning was worse....the back and front windshield was iced over....and come Monday...it's gonna get colder. Brrr...

But hey. You came here for knitting. I'm on sleeve island if you haven't guessed. The Lion cashmere is a joy to knit with. I have 2 balls left with the sleeve caps and the 60" I-cord belt to do. Will I have enough? I hope so cause I don't want to have to make an emergency run to Hancock's. (not the close one) You may recall, this is what I'll be wearing Friday night to see Bon Jovi! I also need a new pair of black pants for the event, but it looks like that's not going to happen either.
And yes, I have selected my next project. Originally, I wanted to do another pattern from the Filatura di Crosa booklet I showed on an earlier post. This was going to include me using up stash yarn. Ha! The yarn gods frowned displeasantly on me...I didn't have enough of any one kind of yarn in the 5 containers of stash! I was so frustrated I wanted to scream. I kept saying to myself, what's the sense in having a stash when you don't have enough to make ANYTHING!!! Ok, then I calmed down. I surfed and went to the vintage knitting blog (look on my sidebar) and found a link to a pattern I like. And the clencher...I have enough to make the project! Yea! Ya gotta love it when things come together like that.

I got yer vintage knitting right here, baby!

2006-02-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

I'm a pattern ho...I admit it. And if it's vintage, I lose my mind. I went to the thrift store yet again and hit the mother lode! All 6 of these for $3.89...including tax! I practically squealed right there in the store, but quickly regained my composure. I was combing through ebay last night, and saw the Aran Fisherman knits book and was lusting for it...(I'm going through my Aran phase right now)....imagine my delight when I saw it for 44 cents!!! I'm still in a state of shock. I can't wait to make something from any or all of these! (I know. I'll never get to all of them, but a knitter can dream, can't she?)

And speaking of vintage knits, and I am....I can't believe I never posted about this sweater. Oh, the story. Back when I first learned how to knit, I saw this in Vogue Knitting and fell in love. My sister was visiting me in south FL and helped me do a yarn conversion. I immediately cast on with those size 2 Boye needles and began a long arduous journey. The only "yarn shop" available was a craft store called Poston's, and choices were limited. We figured out that I needed 10 skeins to make this, so I scooped up South Maid Cotton 8 in coral. Knitter's nightmare set in when I realized I didn't have enough yarn. I quit knitting completely until 1999. One day, several years later,
I found this old project and thought I'd finish it...uh oh! Not enough yarn. I frantically searched-almost daily- on ebay for 4 years!! Then one day, a seller had 1 skein in coral and I won the auction. This is one of the oldest ufos that actually became a fo.
Here are the specs....Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 1990 pg.53
Yarn: South Maid Cotton 8 in coral 11 skeins (this stuff washes and dries in the dryer quite well. shame that it's discontinued)
Needles: size 2 Boye straights
start to finish-1990 to 3-18-04
Oh yes, and her name is "Coral Castle"......after the edifice located in Coral Gables, FL.

Last, but definitely not least...you must check this out if you love vintage knitting...
http://www.vintageknitting.net/ What beautiful work!

Automatic Aran

2006-02-02T18:44:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I hit my favorite thrift store and found this little diamond in the rough...it was rather nastified-pilled. Brought her home, gave her a good spin in the washer and dryer and then proceeded to spend 3 hours cutting off all the pills. Oh yes, and a shave. Love those sweater shavers! Unfortunately, it was made from acrylic-and a bit scratchy to wear-but I love it! Some wonderful knitter spent hours making this...and I HAD to have it...after all, it only cost me 70 cents. But, why I loved it so much was it reminded me of a vintage Coats & Clark ad I saw in my grandma's mags from the 70's..... For whatever reason, that little red haired kid in the sweater intrigued me. --and of course, the idea of passing the sweater down several times also fascinated me. Yeah, I guess I am a weirdo. You may ask where all this is leading...

I have tried in vain to get this booklet...and finally I just spent the extra dough and bought it off of ebay. I think the hoodie is great, and I may do it first after the half sweater.
I've got time to decide....all the patterns in here are what I like to think of as "my style". I've never knit an aran, and I hope I'll be able to concentrate on the pattern. They certainly are works of art, aren't they?

Here's The Skinny

2006-01-30T19:49:00.000-05:00

Oo la la! This cashmere blend is super soft on the hands. I'm almost ready for the armhole decreases. This is what I hope will be a quick knit because I do have a deadline...the Bon Jovi concert. Today I found a camisole which I hope will work with this....ok, back to my knitting!

Bloggin' Is Good For The Soul

2006-01-29T15:01:00.000-05:00

I'm really not feeling any better after my most recent crisis, but have decided that I might as well join the ranks of the living...don't get me wrong. I still may have my boo hoo moments, but as is often said..."life goes on".

Here's the obligatory sock photo... On the left...Opal Jaywalkers completed. Can you stand it? The middle sock-if you remember-is from the vintage men's sock knitting book. Lastly, my spring colorway for the third set of Jaywalkers ala picot edged. I have a sneaking suspicion that those two are gonna be loners for awhile. I have also got another sock on the needles...but all this sock knitting with metal needles is killing my right arm.(I'm a thrower) So, what next?

I've been drooling over this booklet since my birthday last month, but had set it aside for socks. I think the time is right for a garment. I'll be making a shrug, or actually, it's more like a half sweater using Lion Brand cashmere. Yes, it's taken this long for my town to get this stuff, and I've been wanting to see how it works up. Ya figure Zara retails for about $9.99 a ball. This cashmere was on sale this week at Hancock's for $6.63 a ball...yeah, I like to save when I can and it gives me a chance to play around with some new yarn. I've surfed around and can't find any bloggers who have used this as well as discussed this book. There's some great patterns in there, peeps. At least in my oh so humble opinion. Getting the cashmere was an episode...had to go to 2 different ones. Let me just say that I will be sending an email to Hancock's....there are some different issues I've had with them, and I think it's time I spoke up.

And my last subject is...my most favorite vintage knitting advertisement. I would love to get my hands on one of these t shirts. I think it's adorable in a schlocky kind of way. Maybe I'll send Boye an email, too. Hey, check out that circular needle set! I'm thinking of regularly posting photos of these vintage adverts to spice things up around here. What do you think?

Before I forget...I want to give a public shout out to Purse Ho for the kind words. You were the only knitblogger to acknowledge my post, and it really does make a difference! :)

Absence Explained

2006-01-23T19:06:00.000-05:00

In Memory Of "Mister Boo" 1-29-96 to 1-16-06

My Best Friend
My heart is broken and the grief is searing.

Music news

2006-01-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

How could I even forget this? Red sent me an mp3 of Manilow's latest..."Unchained Melody". He is really in his element when he sings a love song!

Opal-y goodness aka Flamingoed in Florida

2006-01-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

Yeah man, I'm lovin' Opal sock yarn albeit a bit pricey. I still find it to be splitty, but I still like the feel of it. As I've said, anything has to be an improvement over Wildfoote-dissin' 'em out again. I love this Jaywalker pattern....it's so perfect. I've decided to do yet another pair, but I will make a picot edging like I saw on Amelia Raitte's site.

And of course, sock knitting is like Lay's potato chips (you can't just eat one), I've started another pair of socks.... The pattern is from a 1952 Jack Frost men's knitting book. I love vintage. The yarn is a complete mystery. I got it over a year ago at a thrift store, and it was already wound into the "cake". I'm doubling it since I don't like a flimsy sock. I've been doing a lot of "mental" knitting these days. I'm seriously considering only knitting with something vintage...whether it's the yarn or the pattern. Think I can hold out for the year?

And last but certainly not least...I'm concerting again!!! Yea for entertainment! Sing us a song, you're the PIANO Man! These days, every concert is a sellout. Good thing Red talked me into this one. I've seen him twice before....once was in 1979, I think...6th row tix! Those were the days! Then I saw him with Elton John at the old "sombrero"-you Tampa folk know what I'm talkin' about! Boy, that last time, he really made Elton look like a reject from American Idol! Billy Joel can really work a crowd! Should be a great night with Red. I'll give me review later this week...until then..."A bottle of red...a bottle of white..." sheesh...the songs keep flowing!

Happy(?) New (FO) Year!!!

2006-01-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

This promises to be a longie with a lot to say, so if you're in a rush...you better by pass this post.
First off, I was able to squeeze this in as my first FO for 2006...or is this a delayed 2005 FO? Be that as it may, I now present my first pair of Jaywalker socks!
Specs-pattern from Magknits
knit on size 1 circulars with LB Magic Stripes yarn (my color name-Key Lime West)
Alterations-I had to size them way down because Magic Stripes is a much thicker yarn, and I gotta say, I love the denseness of the fabric it creates. Will I make them again? You betcha! And I already got the yarn to do it with...Opal Sock yarn (a first at my LYS) in Flamingo! How appropriately named. As you may have guessed, pink is my Favorite color....think I'll cast on with a size 0 first...if not I'll move up to size 000. My LYS didn't have any 00's and said addi didn't make them in that size for circulars? Isn't that strange?

Now for the bad news....the day after Christmas, my dog started seizuring for no reason whatsoever. I have been in a panicked mode for a week. I rushed him to the vet where they did bloodwork, and as I suspected...it came back normal. Oh sure, if I want to know more, I can go to a specialist where they have the audacity to charge $500-$1000 for an mri. Frankly, I can't afford it. Trust me, I would do anything to help him...I have for other dogs that I have owned. But, the speculation is that my vet thinks it's a brain tumor. When you have had your pet since they were a baby, you get a feeling about them...I refuse to believe it's a brain tumor. In my heart of hearts, I think he had a mini stroke. Anyway, they did prescribe phenylbarbitol(sp?), but he seized again. I called the vet the next day and he said I could up the medication...well, as they say, knock on wood...no seizures since the last one Thursday. He IS different now....all those little behaviors that you have come to know and love are gone...But there is light -so far- at the end of this tunnel...last night I got him to play with his favorite toy. A bone. This my friends, is the ultimate in relief and delight for me. I thought I was going to have to make a decision that I didn't want to have to. Man, my eyes are tearing up as I write this. Please send him all your healthy vibes. I know he can make it through this. If there are any knitters who happen to be vets, I'd love to hear your take on this.

Ok, back to knitting stuff...this is something I had planned to write about for Dec. 31st, but due to circumstances beyond my control...it's a day late. These are the things that I have learned this year:
1. How to knit continental-although I can do it, it's not natural to me
2. I designed(copied) my first sweater.-dolman cardi in previous post
3. I learned how to do an attached I-cord
4. I made my first sweater on circulars-Soleil from knitty

Hmmm...I thought this list was longer..well, who knows what's in store for 2006? I want to try magic loop and of course, I want to design my own stuff.
I just looked back at my diary of FO's and I started 2005 with the skull socks from Hello Yarn.
Oh yes, and I actually completed 25 projects this year! Phew! No wonder I'm tired. Ha! It should have been more...I got a bunch of UFO's over here...maybe this will be their year. I know it will be mine! Happy New Knitting Year!

Happy (insert holiday of choice)!!!

2005-12-25T15:59:00.000-05:00

Here ya go! A photo of purl lace socks...ribbing on size 0 addis, and the body done on size 1. This photo is the closest to the actual color. Knit with Wildfoote in "Kansas Sky".

I left this sock inside out cause I don't want to give away the whole view yet. Yep, it's Jaywalker sock 1 done with unnamed Magic Stripes yarn. I absolutely love this pattern, and I can see why so many knitters round the net are doing multiple pairs...Count me in, too! And I am making them the length the pattern calls for-a first for me. I usually like a 4" high leg. Here's a name I'm dabbling with-for the color-Key Lime West.

Well it's back to the retail grind for me...hope to catch up before the New Year!

It's Christmastime again!

2005-12-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

This was always my favorite Christmas movie...shame I haven't caught it this year...Those "puppets" they used were like magic to me. Ah...fond childhood memories.

In other news...the purl lace socks of doom are done! I plan to wear them with some mary janes to work. I'll post a pic later. Also, since I'm on a sock knitting spree, what better time than to cast on for another pair? Yes, it's the famous Jaywalker sock in a little seen nor named Lion Brand magic stripes yarn. Frankly, say whay you will, but I really love the sturdiness of magic stripes yarn. Why oh why can't Lion Brand make this in solid colors? Maybe if they receive enough requests from sock knitters, they'll do it. BTW, I haven't seen any of this yarn around the local retailers for months, so I'm glad I bought all the colors over this year. If anyone out there knows, what's a comparable yarn? So far, I've tried Wildfoote-hated it-Bernat sox-colors too washed out-and Regia-not impressed. I've got some Lorna's Laces, but no pattern in mind. Would love some comments on this one.

Anyway, have a very happy holiday and knit on!!!

Lonely Hearts Club-NO More!

2005-12-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

First off, a FO! Yea! These are the Bernat Sox finally finished.....on my birthday (Dec 11). A day late, but done nonetheless. Sorry for the darkness of the photos, but it is cold, wet, and dreary...and I didn't feel like an outdoor photo shoot. Anyway, my experience with the Bernat Sox yarn was ok. I used size 0 needles instead of the recommended size 2 (I think) and it gave me a tighter fitting sock which I like. I believe it was on Sockbug's blog where she used the term "muddy" for the coloration on the socks, and I'm in total agreement with her. I had searched high and low in FL for this yarn, and almost used an etailer to buy droves of this yarn...so glad I didn't. It was an experience, and certainly something to learn.

Now, the dratted purl lace socks made from the ever unpopular (with me) Wildfoote. If you remember, I started these socks on too large a needle, and went down to a 0 for the cuff, and size 1 for the rest of the sock. I gotta say, these are some of the ugliest socks I have ever made...when they are laying flat...they actually come alive when you have them on. The yarn is splitty, and drives me crazy, but I am determined to finish them. Now, in the photo...you may have to click to enlarge it...I made a HUGE error. I was going along just fine until I started the heel flap-problem number 1- then the gusset decreases-major problem number 2. I decided to live with the heel, but look at that ungodly decreasing!! For what ever reason, I read ssk as sl 1, k1, psso. Don't ask me how that happened... all I can say is that on sock 2, it won't happen. Do you suppose I can pass this off as a new design element?

Surfing around, I found out a lot of knitbloggers are Saggittarius. Wouldn't that be a cute idea for a webring? I also found some cute buttons for proclaiming you're a "thrower" and an "english knitter". I'm hoping to figure out how to add this feature to my side bar.

Oh yes, and in closing....several months ago I read on "A Mingled Yarn"'s blog that she was told she was knitting "wrong". At the time, I couldn't figure out what the "wrongness" was. Guess what! I know now. When I was at knitting group on Wed night, I found out that I, too, am doing the knit stitch "wrong". I pass the yarn over the needle instead of under to make the loop. For next group, Allison-a prolific knitter- and I have agreed to bring swatches of st st to see if truly there is a difference. Imagine...I have a homework assignment for knitting group!

Old Projects Revisited

2005-12-10T16:57:00.000-05:00

As you know, I am still working on the socks made from Bernat Sox yarn. This week has been so busy, and I was hoping to have them done by today. No such luck. When my knitting frustration sets in, I usually start a new project and/or shop for yarn. Since I bought yarn last weekend, I decided to look at one of my old projects.

Here is last week's yarn purchase. I've been dying to try Lion Suede, so what better time to buy it than when it's on sale. I'm thinking a bolero. Then, I've been thinking a lot about those ballet wraps.-minimal shaping, no fancy stitches, and I sure could use one in blue to go with jeans. Voila! That's the pattern I'm going to use from the latest VK, and I'm going to try some of this Bernat boucle. What the heck! Throw caution to the wind.

Now, about the old project....I got some Wildfoote for $2.00 a skein, and this was the only color choice--Kansas Sky. I fell in love with the name of this yarn, and immediately cast on to make Purl Lace Socks from the book Socks Socks Socks. Once I started the lace portion, I knew something had gone astray. The size 2 needles made this horrible big sloppy sock. R-r-r-rip! I am going to attempt them again. Do ya think O's will be small enough? If not, I may have to treat myself to some Addis in OOs. I tried to find them in KC, but the shops were sold out.
Have I mentioned that Bon Jovi had to schedule another concert because the first one was sold out in 48 hours? Wish I could afford to go to both, or at least win the contest to go onstage with them! That would be killer!

Anthropologie Made Me Do it!

2005-12-04T16:02:00.000-05:00

After lusting for all the clothing that Anthropologie has, I decided I'd do it myself. So, this is what secret project #1 was all about. They call this little number "openwork dolman cardigan".

Front view Back view My own pattern: Inspired by Anthropologie

The top was done making 2 squares and flame stitch courtesy of Rhoda Ochser Goldberg's The Knitting Dictionary. I used 6 balls of Coats & Clark's TLC "Cara Mia" and knit on #8 bamboos. This was started on 10-31-05 and I finished it on 12-1-05. It is super soft and kind of warm, which will be great for the meat locker (work). I gotta tell ya, it's not that sloppy looking in person, but hubbo didn't feel like snapping the pics. I also did my first attached(applied) I-cord, but I was disappointed. I thought it would prevent the front edges from rolling. Guess it will have to be blocked or maybe steamed. I just did a quickie crochet flower for the closure and used a stick pin I've had since I was but a wee teenager. I am happy with the results even though I did have to use a ball of a different dyelot. We'll see what the folks at work have to say.

Am I ready for secret project #2? Honestly, No! It's going to require some mathmatical calculations, etc...and I'm still undecided if it will be a shrug or bolero. So, what to do? Pick up a pair of socks that have been languishing in the stash... I finished #1, and have already cast on for #2. I am energized again for sock knitting! You forget what it's like to accomplish something so quickly when you are working on a larger project.

These socks are being made with Bernat Sox-Hot Tamale and Aqua Hot. When this yarn came out, I was in a veritable frenzy trying to find it. One day this lone skein of Aqua Hot was at Joann's and I added it to the stash. If you recall, I went to KC in August, and Bernat Sox was on the list to find. I found a small amount of it at several different Hobby Lobbys...and there was one lone skein of Hot Tamale. So, I guess these 2 loners were meant to be together!

Oh yeah...and I stashed again. More on that later.

Phew!

2005-11-28T19:54:00.000-05:00

Yep, Black Friday is officially over, and I must say...this year was extremely smooth. No nasty complaining customers. Guess they were pooped out from doing it at Wally World.

Knitting still progresses on secret project #1. I am doing the attached I-Cord, and it's going kind of slowly. So far, I can't see that it's making that much of a difference with regard to the edges rolling. Maybe a good steam block. We shall see.

My fave Thanksgiving memory this year? As soon as I walked into my parents' house, my sis who's visiting from CA, immediately wanted me to pull out my knitting so she could work a few rows. Her current job is so demanding that she has given up knitting for several years. I know she must feel the itch every once in awhile. It was neat for me to watch her knit, and our tension was the same. Who knows? This project may become my favorite knitted object.

If this isn't enough, I get a wild hair and want to work on some socks I started in August with the yarn in bought in KC. Does your knitting mind wander, too?

When You Care Enough To Send The Very Best...

2005-11-23T17:47:00.000-05:00

First off, I'd like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! (Photo lifted from Hallmark--you gotta love 'em). Many of you will be having a mini vacation with the holiday...I'm so jealous! Being in retail means up at the crack of dawn for Black Friday, and then back again on Saturday. Can anyone tell me what it's like to not have to work during the holidays???

In my last post I told you the tix for Billy Joel were near the Bon Jovi tix...In my haste to post, I misinterpreted Red's email. The tix are near where we were for Neil Diamond. I have to say, I was a bit disappointed. Again, the whole Ticketmaster conspiracy!

What's that on the right? Well, I've been meaning to post about this for awhile, and I'm hoping some of you might give me some info on this...I call it the knitting ring. Evidently, it's a row counter...this was the best pic I could get of it. There are dials to turn the numbers on the top, and another dial in the center of the ring. It's stamped "British Made and at the bottom, M.P. Knitting Ring". Ever hear anything about this? I found it in a bag of yarn I bought at the thrift store.

As far as knitting goes, I'm still trying to plug away at secret project #1. I'm working on sleeve #2, and well, you've seen sleeve #1. That's it for now....happy knitting on your holiday!

What's this? No photo?

2005-11-19T12:11:00.000-05:00

Yeah, nothing much to show on the knitting horizon, but I felt like updating. I'm still trying to crank along on secret project #1, but I gotta tell ya..it's sloooow going with flame stitch coupled with the fact that the piece has to be so large, but I can see a pay off. Last night I placed the 2 pieces side by side, and I think it's coming out just fine. My nerves are wracked, though. I had to make a side trip to Joann's for more yarn since it's discontinued and I didn't even have a 40% coupon to use. It was a bummer, but now I at least have enough to finish...hoping there won't be a glaring dye lot issue. Beggars can't be choosers. And I've decided to use an applied I-cord around the edges...when I brought this up at knitting group, there wasn't a single book at Barnes & Noble that discussed this technique. Anyway, one of the other knitters suggested this website to me, and I gotta say...Yay for knitting videos. Here's the link:
http://www.knittingatknoon.com/home.html

"Sing us a song, you're the piano man..." yep..I'll be concerting again with Red. Got the confirmation from Red as to where we're going to be sitting, and it's pretty coincidental that it's 2 rows closer than Bon Jovi, but in the same section. Weird, huh?

New stuff and old stuff

2005-11-14T17:36:00.000-05:00

Back when I was first teaching myself to knit, I decided to invest in this book...The Knitting Dictionary. It saved me a few times, but as my knitting progressed, I found that there wasn't really any book out there to really, really answer all my questions. I surf the web a lot, and alot of people have reviewed this book by Vogue Knitting and have recommended it. Well, when I got my latest 40% off coupon from Joann's, I made a beeline top the store to get it. So far, I haven't had a chance to look at it because I also picked up the latest Knit1. Can't decide if there's anything in there I would make.

Anyway, I've also included a shot of secret project #1...part 2. I'm using flame stitch from The Knitting Dictionary. Imagine my horror when I discovered that there were 2 errors in the pattern. It's not like I could look up to see if there were any error corrections on this book...it was published in the 80's I think. Well, I'm happy to report that I figured out both errors, and as you see the knitting progresses. And while I'm working on this, I need to figure out if I will go to see Billy Joel in January with Red. I've seen him twice before, and he really puts on a great show...I'm stalling on this because it'll be another hundred bucks out the door, and I haven't paid Red the hundred for the Bon Jovi ticket yet! Yeah, and all this after the Christmas shopping, too.

I'm also happy to report that I did indeed get my beads for secret project #2, and I also got the chance to sit down and graph the 2 designs I want to use. The Swarovski wouldn't work, and I had to get a cheapo substitute. I hope this thing won't look too cheesey.

This week is my knitting group. Yea! I'm gonna have to pick some brains there regarding these 2 secret projects. Catch ya on the flip!

Talk about booty!-as in gifts!

2005-11-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

When Red and I got together for Neil Diamond, I forgot to show what she got me for my birthday...still a month away..and for Christmas..well, you know when that is. Ok, I know I'm a wee bit old for this, but I can't help it. I love Hello Kitty. Years ago, I got Red a Mickey Mouse computer mouse, and I had been searching for Hello Kitty, but couldn't ever find one. Imagine how pleased I was when I opened the package! Yea for Hello Kitty and yea for Red!! Just thinking...I don't know what's larger...my yarn and pattern stash or my Hello Kitty stash!

Today's plan involves a trip to the bead store...I'm going to take the CE with me, and see what I can figure out. I kind of don't think it will work, but maybe I can come up with something. I received an email from another knitblogger who was kind enough to answer some questions for me. Doncha love the knitting community? Go visit her sometime.
http://abfab.typepad.com/

Research

2005-11-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, secret project #2 involves knitting with beads, something I've never done before. Last weekend the library called with a book I had placed on hold, so I zipped over and got it, plus my homework. First off, the nonknitting book...I Love everything this woman has written! The dialogue just makes the reading move so quickly that before ya know it, you're done. Shame she had some personal drama of her own...guess she was on Oprah today. (what is up with blogger again? I took off the italics! Whatever!)

I love the VK knitting book...and would love to get my hands on the newer edition, but at $38.95 from Barnes, I'll think I'll wait. There are 2 great stitch patterns in there that I am interested in using for some original designwork. When you do that, is it still your own knitting pattern? Like if it were copyrighted? I checked out the Nicky Epstein book again thinking I would knit some flowers, but now I think I'll pass. Have you seen her latest book? Would love to add these 2 to my collection, also.
The knitting on secret project #1 has encompassed most of my free time when I'm not reading. The large piece I'm working on is so taxing...but I guess the pay off will be worth it. At least it's good tv watching knitting.

Earlier when I was surfin' the web, I decided to visit Lion Brand Yarn's webpage. Did you know they have a new yarn with cashmere? It's a small %, but still..when I browsed the online store, it said it sells for $9.99 a ball with only 84 yards. Guess a sweater is out of the picture for this yarn until it becomes discontinued or goes on sale. I'm a snob when it comes to pricing. Sure, if it were Rowan or something, but LB? Come on...this is what happens when you've spent the better part of your life in retail...you never pay retail!

Another post so soon?

2005-11-06T18:58:00.000-05:00

For all those nonbelievers, yes, I finished shelling those Florida pecans, and here's what's for dessert at my house tonight! Yummy! I can't wait to dig in!

I thought it might be fun to see one of my first sweaters. I call it "summer of unemployment". Unfortunately, it was true at the time...so in order to pass time waiting to be called for interviews, I decided to pick up knitting again, for what? The 3rd time?...It's from VK, some issue from the 80's...I still can't believe I knit it, and so crudely, too. Will I frog it? I think not. It's a relic I love pulling out and looking at from time to time. Call me weird. And I sat there and sewed the beads on for the flower centers. Which actually brings me to my next topic..

Anybody ever knit with Swarovski crystals? I'd love some tips...this will be a first attempt at knitting with beads, and I need some advice. Hello? Is anybody there?

Project Roulette

2005-11-05T11:20:00.000-05:00

I think that I am experiencing some sort of project overload or complete boredom with what I've started. Now, I'm not exactly someone who enjoys frogging WIPs; I tend to persevere even if it kills me. Here's a small example of what I'm talking about:

1. Red bolero-this is the back piece. Sleeves and 2 fronts are done
2. Tahki shrug-first I ran out of the purple yarn, and then added some LB "Color Waves" for the cuffs...I'm not so sure I like it, but my mom thinks it's pretty. Still undecided.
3. Black mini vest-Have to do the collar and front bands, but can't get motivated to do it
4. The oh so lovely Rebecca summer sweater that has cursed me since it's inception. I have made an extra stitch somewhere on the right front, and don't have the energy to try and figure out what to do
5. Secret project #1-Mindless knitting...but not without it's drawbacks, too. I can't stay focused cause it's not fun.
What's a girl to do in this time of need? Abandon it all for a NEW project, bite your lip and keep on going, or just find some good snacks and watch Lifetime movies all day?

Concerting Again!

2005-10-30T18:39:00.000-05:00

Last night I had the opportunity to see Yngwie Malmsteen at a smallish theater. I'd say the capacity was for 500 or so. Luckily, we sat in the balcony area and had a dead on view of the performance. If you were one of the fanatics, the spot to be was on the main floor...but NO SEATING! Sorry, but I gotta sit to enjoy the show. Anyway, for what little I know about Malmsteen, I thought he did a good job albeit the pa sysytem was turned up to 5 million decibels. I knew he was an accomplished guitarist, but I certainly wasn't expecting any singing. Whoever the lead singer was, well, this person could have done without it. The music can speak for itself!

In knitting news, I did complete the back of the mini vest, and one front. I am knitting the right front, and then of course, assemble and do bands all around. I have a sneaking suspicion that I may run out of KW. I personally don't know if I'm up to another search for the right dyelot. Cross your fingers. I'll need it.

And since I probably won't post for awhile, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!!

Every year the store puts up this killer pumpkin, and every year I say I want a photo of it....So there ya go! Have a HAPPY ONE!