Talk about booty!-as in gifts!

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

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?

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

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!

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!

It's Fall...all about food!

See that? They are Florida pecans. Who knew that in FL pecans could be grown? They are my favorite kind of nuts, and I've been shelling them like a mad woman in order to bake a pecan pie. I love to bake, but can't stand to cook....and when the weather gets cooler, I somehow become more domestic in the kitchen. Also, I've been meaning to blog about these snackcakes. I am a huge snacker with a wicked sweet tooth, and when I heard on the radio about these little cakes, I've been on the hunt ever since. They are Nemo cakes...sell 'em at Walgreen's for 89 cents. I've tried just about every one, and so far these are my faves--the chocolate cake, cinnamon bun, and carrot cake. Yummy!
And since we're on the subject of food...here are my all time favorite barbeque potato chips which are not available in FL... When I photographed this bag of chips, I know that Nettie thought I had lost my mind! (these are available in the midwest, as far as I know)


Since this is a knitting blog, you're probably wondering what I've been doing. In between shelling, I've almost completed the back of the mini bolero vest. I've also been trying to finish a shrug I started several months ago. Now that it's cooler, the rush is on. As you know, the socks were abandoned..sorry, Mom...and I am also itching to start 2 -yep, 2-secret projects. I think there are too many projects to be done, and having to work sucks too much time away from the important thing in life...namely, Knitting!

One last thing, but certainly of Major Importance...I GOT BON JOVI TICKETS!!!

Warning! Warning, Will Robinson!

Catchy title, huh? That's to let ya know that there's complaining ahead...but on with the knitting first. As you see, I finished the Cocoon Vest. Specs below:
pattern-from a Craftster
yarn: Kool Wool in grass-6 skeins, although the pattern called for 8
needles-size 11 Clovers

I didn't make any alterations to the pattern. The only thing was in putting it together. The arms gaped so widely, so I sewed the collar more at an angle. After wearing it today, one side seems still more gaping than the other. I may do it again in red.

As for Neil...he Rocked the house! My friend, who I'll refer to as Red from here on out, had read some reviews which said he "talked" most of the lyrics. Well, if one listens closely to his old stuff, one realizes that he didn't really sing the lyrics back then! I loved him, and I thought he put on a great show. Red and I were some of the youngest folks there. The 60 and up crowd were really getting hammered! Anyway, I'd say the venue was 95% sold out.-including those dreaded seats behind the stage. Red and I really enjoyed ourselves and plan on getting together for our next event. May I have a drumroll please.....BON JOVI!!!!!
I bitched and moaned in another post about this, and on the way home to get ready for Neil, it was announced on the radio!! Now, here's where the complaining begins. Red heard about the advance ticket sale that was to take place on Friday--after Neil. But then, if Hurricane Wilma didn't screw things up...Ticketmaster did! They go on sale this Saturday since we are not part of some elite group that has a special password to get the tickets on Friday. I say this is complete and utter b. s. Why should some people get a password and others don't? Concerts have always been a conspiratorial event to me. I'm referring to the tix sales. You can be first in line and get tix all the way in the back of the theater! I say this because last year I got up at the crack of dawn to wait at the box office to see Da Man, and the closest they had was 20th row! Come on, already!! Give us little guys a chance to get the good seats.

Back to knitting...like my segway? What segway?
I am determined to finish a shrug I started several months ago, and I am almost finished with a purse. I just need to find some lining for it. Guess this means it really was never Footober for me!

Diamond(s) are a girl's best friend!

Ok, still trying to get a hang of this blogger photo posting! Anyhoo...I thought it might be fun to show you pics of Neil Diamond from 1972. Yeah, you read that right...I am an old one, but I still love his music! This Thursday night, my girlfriend and I are going to see him in concert. We've had the tickets since May! The down side will be that I won't be able to take pics of him due to tightened security measures at the venue...as well as a thorough check of each and every person. Evidently, it takes quite a while, so we will be arriving early. Paul McCartney's concert was pushed back 30 minutes due to the security check! I mean please! Leave your weapons at home, people! You've just spent a buttload of money to see a concert...so enjoy it already! Don't start a riot!

Also, tomorrow is knitting group! Yea! Always an interesting night. I've never photographed anyone there, but I'm afraid to ask. We have our regulars, but some folks are sporadic. I plan to continue on with the cocoon vest. BTW, I incorrectly stated that it was a copy from Urban Outfitters..it's actually a copy of one from Bebe.

Something I neglected to mention was that the Hancock's conspiracy continues. Over the weekend, I cruised over to another county to see what they had in KW since I was told over the phone, they didn't have it.Well, here we go again! I get to the store, and there it is!! Lots of it! I accumulated more eggplant, black, and white, and the supposed discontinued tomato. By my count, I only lack 1 skein of eggplant to make a sweater, so above mentioned girlfriend, will be checking in her county after the whole Neil extravaganza! I hope she can get it...if not...I have a back up plan. Oh, and of course, I had to haggle to get it for 99 cents! Is there a project in mind? You betcha! Let's chat about it next time, shall we??

Kool Wool Kabling aka Hancock's is Sneaky

Since the announcement that Lion Brand was discontinuing "Cotton Ease", and I guess "Kool Wool", too, I have been on a rampage trying to collect as much as I can. Let me say, I was either checking in at the local store or phoning, but with no results. I pretty much quit calling when I returned from K.C. at the beginning of Sept. On a whim, I went to the store...what should my eyes feast on??? A clearance bin of yarn for 99 cents!!! Alas, I was too late for the CE, but I did get some KW. Then, I decide to call the other store in town. The sales person tells me they have no such yarn on clearance. Well, you know that new cell phone commercial where they're showing how poor customer service is? Yeah, I drove down anyway, and there was my beloved KW. Oh, but not for 99 cents....so, I tell my mom..."Get ready. There may be an incident." I approach said register to dicover that the cashier is also the manager on duty. She asks if she can help me, and I tell her I have a problem. I then proceed to ask her why the other locale has it for 99 cents and they still have it for $3.89 with 30% off. She looks at me strangely and then says..."hmm... I don't know why." I offer to go out to my car and get the goods and my receipt, and she declines....giving me my yarn for 99 cents a ball!! Yea! I love when there's no incident!

Yes, I do have one project in mind...ok. I started the project with the "grass" green yarn It's the cocoon vest from craftster. The pattern was based on a vest from Urban Outfitters. Don't ya think it will look great with brown pants? I've gotten this much done, and am about to start ball 2. The pattern called for 8 balls, so we'll see.

The ivory and eggplant are destined to be Rebecca sweaters...patterns unknown at this time. It's a great sub for GGH Goa. And, my original point? KW lends itself to great definition when cabling!

Imitation Is The Highest Form of Flattery, Right?

Ok, so when I went on vacation, I was out shopping with a girlfriend when I spied this corduroy jacket---
I knew I had to have it, but so not for $44.00. BTW, it's since been marked to $34.99 if you shop online. Anyway, I am a jack of all trades, and decided to do it myself! Yep. Another project....someone shoot me now! I went to the thrift store, and finally found a jacket for $7.17. As you can see, it had it's share of issues, but was perfect for the recon! A ladie's size 14 that I had to wheedle down to a junior 7. I purchased 4 packages of seam lace because I couldn't find any eyelet in red. (I had considered buying white and dying it, but this was already gonna be a job.) Oh, and the lace was $1.35 a package. Drumroll please....




I already wore it to work, and had a few compliments, so that made me feel pretty good. My sewing is not all that, ok? That's why I went to pursue other crafts...hoping to find my nitche. So...what do ya think???

ESP? Deja Vu? Or a simple coinkydink?

A couple of weekends ago I was sitting on the couch knitting(duh), and I was thinking about this yarn shop that's about 50 minutes away from where I live. I don't frequent this shop because of the drive butI will say they always have some great stuff. Anyway, there I was sitting, and then b-r-r-ing! b-r-r-ing! I pick up the phone and it's the owner of the shop! So when I told her I was just thinking about her, I REALLY and TRULY meant it! She said she got a cell phone to use to call her long distance customers, and did I ever get the yarn I wanted? Well, I couldn't believe my luck. When I went to K.C., one of things I was hoping to get was some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, but none of the shops I visited carried it! Yep! Hubbo and I zipped up to the shop, and here's the bounty!
I know. I went up for the orchid color , and well, things got a bit out of control! That's why I have to start knitting up the stash! But, she had some older knitting patterns and I couldn't pass them up. The pattern in the upper right portion of the pic is destined to be made in the Cotton Fleece. I am undecided about the color. I'll have to make some adjustments to the pattern because it's a bit too boxy, and the sleeves look like they drag down on the arms, but I love it anyway.

Check out the newspaper in the center. I thought it would make a cute centerpiece for the yarn. Essentially the article talked about the 5 ways to improve your blog, and gave some local web addresses to check out.
I won't post a pic of the Rebecca sweater with the dratted ribbing, but I am going to start the lace portion tonight. I hate following charts. I guess I am "old school." I much prefer it written out. Can you believe I am already burnt out on the socks? Yeah, and I haven't even reached the heel flap yet. Sigh. Oh, and I am going to show my latest FO this weekend, so stay tuned!

It's My Blog and I'll Whine if I Want To

Things are NOT going well at Chez Chibisan...Yes, I found a pattern for Mom's socks, and am cruising right along...But, a girl can't live on feet projects alone, right? So, I decided to revisit the summer sweater from Rebecca that I started months ago. When I knit the front, everything worked out beautifully. But then, the back instructions were complete and total jibberish to me. I emailed Marcia Cleary. She and I go round for about 3 emails, and I can't exactly explain what happened on her end, but she kept asking me if she had ever sent me the solution. Long story short, I never got an explanation. Don't misunderstand me... she obviously is a busy lady, and I also saw one of her designs made it to VK. Ok, so then I had done about 6 inches of more of that dratted ribbing when I discovered I had done it incorrectly...rrrrrrip! I do it again. I throw said project in the corner to let it pout. I pick it up today and am 1" from the start of the lacework, and see that I had done the ribbing wrong AGAIN!!! RRRRRIP!! So, I am doing said ribbing for time #3. And my solution? Make the back the same as the front and get this biotch off the needles!

October is Footober!!

Sorry the pic is so dark...those digital cameras can't be relied on...or is it the photographer? Ahem..where was I? Ah...Footober. These are my materials for the next 2 projects that I Must Do this month. The Noro and Cascade 220 is for felted clogs for my friend, Nettie...the Cascade Fixation for a pair of socks for my mom. I'm thinking of using the broadripple pattern again, but I'd really rather not. Any suggestions? I'm finicky like that. I prefer to use a different pattern every time...sure quells the boredom factor.
Moms are so patient, but I think it's wearing thin...especially after she sees all the other projects I have started and/or finished. Her subtlety? "What ever happened to the socks you were going to make for me?" If you are Asian, ya know what I mean about Asian moms! Ha!
As far as the IK ribbed shrug, I have to start the last cuff ruffle, then seam. Phew! That ribbing really can do ya in, but I always love the look of ribbing.
I never did mention that I had started Spring Fling while I was in K.C. I figured all that ribbing would be good airplane knitting--I cast on with plastic circulars. I decided to pick it up and look at the pattern directions again. BIG BOO BOO! I really am stupid sometimes. Ok, most of the time. But, a rippin' I must go. How did I ever miss the part about size 4 to cast on, then go to 6s for the lace? Geesh! The darn thing will be too small if I leave it the way it is...bummer. I think what will happen is that it will be punished.--and stay in the wip corner til it can learn to play with the big kids!

It's Finally Happened

I am not a computer whiz kid...yeah, I assume you know that already based on some of my crude photo skills...but, be that as it may...I have finally gotten satisfaction from flickr. I sent an email to their support and asked for a different tech. The first guy could have very easily told me the same thing this person did. Geesh! What does a person have to do to get a straight answer? I went through and posted all my previous pics...thank goodness I kept my msn account. It took alot, but now it's done! Yea! Another problem crossed off the list.

And if I haven't said this...I love Bon Jovi! Why, oh, why won't my faves tour in Florida????? Go get their latest cd "Have A Nice Day." Reminds me a bit of their older stuff.

A FO (?)-Ta da!!!

This is what I have secretly been working on since the minute I returned from vacation... Another vintage item from a McCall's Needlework June 1984! Is it really vintage when it's only 20 years old? Hey, to me, if it's not from the 90's or thereafter, it becomes vintage! Since Christine asked, I used some of the CE from KC to make this puppy up...I hate to gauge swatch, and didn't....so, it did come out way too big, but I've pared down the sides a bit, and I think it's going to fit. I haven't taken care of any of the ends because..... Yes, it's another WIP. A week ago I decided I better knit up some of the stash, so here it is! It's the ribbed shrug pattern from IK's staff project. Miles and miles of ribbing, but I think I'm gonna like it. Here's the real kicker. I actually have a tank top in the same shade of pink as the yarn. Oh yes, and I'm making it long sleeved since I'm not too keen on 3/4 length. The yarn is Cara Mia in mulberry, and it really is soft. Can't figure out why C & C discontinued it...probably because of price resistance. When regular folks go to craft stores to buy yarn, they certainly aren't looking to spend $7.99 a skein. I made a Tahki bolero out of the white, and I loved it. When Joann's had the 50% off the clearance, I scooped some up at $2.50 a ball! Such a cheap one I am!!!

My Last Story

Ok, this is the last, but certainly not the least of my stories about K.C. First off, I admit it...I am addicted to Cotton Ease, and being a bit late on the uptake, I didn't stash when the goods were available. I thought there would be some lingering about town, but let me tell ya, everyone was cleaned out. So now CE was on the KC shopping list. Immediately after landing in the magical city, I was whisked off to dinner, and then a trip to the local Tuesday Morning, but alas!! They were closed! When my friend and I went out on our yarn crawl, the Tuesday Morning in KS was all but sold out as well. But then, I decided to call the first TM I had visited, and guess what?? I was in hog heaven! The kid that worked there told me he couldn't believe that theirs hadn't sold especially since they were located near a retirement home. Thanks a lot, kid! Ya don't have to be a "granny" to knit!! And, if you look closely at the picture--bottom lower right-you'll see a 3 pack of Magic Stripes that was never on the market around here! Thanks to Sock Bug's blog for that hot tip!

And, I had the most unusual magical moment while in KC. Because it's my old stomping grounds, I have a tendency to seek out news about the town, and that includes knitblogs. Well, when I was leaving Yarn Shop and More, I held the door open for a young lass behind me....an eerie feeling came over me, and I took one look at her, and said, "Excuse me..are you Christine?" I think she was as shocked as I was! My first meet up with a fellow knitblogger!!! Who woulda thunk it??? You gotta visit her blog! She's a sassy one, and I love the way she tells a story! Between you and me, she really doesn't look a thing like the pic on her blog...she's a cutie and I can say that from first hand experience! So, Christine, update the blog photo cause ya never know who's looking for ya!! I've provided a link to her blog....Go. Do it. You can thank me later!!

Kansas City Shennanigans or Objective#3

Objective #3---GET YARN!!!

I did some research before I set off for my trip...namely a list of yarn shops, and of course, what I thought I might be interested in buying. I also thought that it being the end of summer, I might be able to scoop up some good deals on cotton and cotton blend yarns. Boy, was I wrong! But, I am jumping ahead of myself. The first stop was at a quaint shop called Knit-Wit, located approximately 30-35 minutes from where I was staying. All I can say is, " WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH RIDGEVIEW ROAD???" Goodnight! My friend and I had a hell of a time trying to get there. We have those stupid roundabouts in FL, but this was crazy. Anyway, I met the owner, and she kindly let me photograph the shop. Between us, she probably thought I was nuts! As I said, it was very quaint, albeit a bit cramped for space. I would say she caters to more of a traditional crowd. I was only able to pick up some Regia stretch from what was left of her summer sale clearance.

My next stop was at Yarn Shop and More. Wow! Very upscale and decorated all in light woods. Very spacious and what I might say was a bit more trendy. The sales staff was knowledgeable, but were unable to supply me with the size 0 circulars...their advice? Go to Yarn Barn in Lawrence, KS. Oh, how I wanted to go there, but for reasons beyond my control, that was one of two stops I didn't get to make along with The Studio in downtown Kansas City. ( I met a famous person here, but I want to blog about this incident on a separate post!)

My last stop was at KnitCraft in Independence, MO...their lovely downtown area. I had to wait for a city bus to get out of the way to get a picture. Don't let that simple looking storefront fool you. Believe it or not, it was my favorite. Now I grant you, they were not up to date on patterns, but I was able to secure a copy of Vittadini patterns that I have wanted for what seems like forever.-As well as a summer issue of Idee & Filati...another mag I happen to like. The shop had like 15 spinners with nothing but patterns! The back area had knitting machines and an entire area filled with cones of yarn! And for those who like it, an entire wall filled with Cascade 220!! The owner's daughter was running the place, and she was terrific! She showed me a sweater with intarsia she did on the machine. I guess what appealed to me about the shop, was that it was easily shoppable. Oh, and I did pick up some Patons Kroy.-This is not available at the yarn shops in my area and I've wanted to try this stuff out. And my friend, Nettie?? She's about to put me to work on some felted clogs for her made out of Noro! Can ya stand it? The girl doesn't knit, but she picks the good stuff right off the bat! This arrangement works for me too because it's a yarn I've been wanting to try without the expense!! One last detail....a few shops down was a Scandinavian shop where I bought the last tea towel stamped with an image and the words "Chick With Sticks." Love it!

Is there more? Yep...but it can keep til next time!

What's up with flickr?

I swear...if it's not one thing, it's another! I had sent a problem message to blogger, and I'm happy to say that the archives section for posts has magically reappeared!!!On the other hand, my photos are not streaming into the flickr box! All these obstacles really make blogging a bummer sometimes.
Last night was my once a month knitting un-meet up, and all was well. I kept yawning and cut out early. It's always great to reconnect and see the great stuff everyone is working on. I hope to finish my K.C. update over the weekend, and perhaps show my newest WIP.

Objectives #1 and #2 aka dreams do come true

Objective #1 Reconnect with Nettie

She'll probably kill me for posting this pic, but I had to do it! Nettie, as I call her, is my oldest friend. No, I don't mean age wise....we've been friends since we were 19 yrs old and although I relocated almost immediately following the establishment of our friendship, we have the kind of relationship that even though years may go by (in this case, 6 years) we are able to pick up right where we left off! I want to publicly acknowledge her, and to thank her for everything she's done! Love ya, girl!


Objective #2 See "Da Man" and Meet him

This is my favorite artist, and he was not appearing in Fl this year, so what's the next best thing to do? Yep, fly to where he was going to perform...Kansas City! The morning of my flight, I found out he was going to be doing a cd signing, and that's how I finally got to meet him after 33 years!!! I would have posted my pic, but I'm certainly not as photogenic as he is!! As I said, Dreams DO Come True!!! (please ignore the time/date stamp...it's wrong, and well, the operator of this camera wasn't familiar enough with the functions!)


Knitting? Where's the knitting? Well, there is knitty stuff to discuss, but I think I'll wait til next time! I promise to update more frequently especially since I've joined the Asia Knits Webring! Check it out!
One last thing, and it's a gripe...I haven't posted because of that stupid flickr box that is supposed to show all my FOs. I contacted flickr support, and well, the person wasn't any help. I've now tried to contact blogger. Guess we'll all see what happens.

I'M BAAAAACK!!!

Have been too worn out to update, but I promise I will give updates as to my shennanigans whilst in K.C. Was I busy? You betcha! Knitting, knitting, knitting....yarn shopping. I am happy to report that all 3 of my objectives were met. Ah. K.C. it's a magical town...with people to meet! For now I leave you with a K.C. FO!