Drum roll please : : : : it fits!! yah! It took me a year (minus 21 days) to complete. But it is adorable and there are no visible mistakes which really pleases me. I could have a done a better job seaming and blocking, but I was in such a hurry at the end to get it on her to I just made do. I love the sweet pink shoulder buttons and the embroidered lazy daisy flowers best. It feels great to have finally finished a knitting project!
Technorati Tags: knitting
I've been panicking. I really wanted to have this sweater finished in time for Vivi to wear it and it hasn't been happening. The pace of my life with two kids and working from home has left me with little personal time — let alone time to relax or knit. But I wasn't going to settle for gifting this since I started it so long ago (a whole year!!). I really wanted the satisfaction of finishing it and seeing my little girl wearing it. So I stayed up too late for many many nights and made it happen. I'm just about finished. It's a race to see if she'll out grow it before I can seam it up.
Technorati Tags: knitting
I've started going through Max's baby clothes and deciding what to keep for heirlooms (cant wait for a niece or nephew!), what we want to recycle for Vivienne and what we'll sell or give away. Today, I found the big bad baby blanket and hat that I knit for Max back in '04 and thought I should add it to the blog. It's knit in all seasons cotton and the pattern is from Stitch 'n Bitch.
A quick progress posting...I finally finished the back and started the front. I haven't had much time or energy to keep up the momentum needed to finish. I keep mentally dangling the pink daisy embroidery finishing stitch in my mind because I'm so looking forward to doing the finish details that I hope it'll pull me to the end. Meanwhile I got some chocolate on the stitches one night and practically cried — I'm so pregnant!
Check out these knitty marzipan creations [by way of "uncle yaya" via Design Sponge]. Well done eh?! The site is complete with tutorials too. I'm no vegan, in fact I'm a hardened carnivore, but Lolo's lovely site does a lot to convince me that vegans do have some good eat options. By way of her site I linked to Slashfood, lots of interesting eat inspiration and information on there.
Yaya also turned me on to tiny showcase, so now I'll be checking their site on tuesdays to see what fabulous little illustrations are popping up. Detail from "Thou Shalt Not Treat People Like Dirt" by Andy Kehoe.
I'm thrilled that I've found a few hours to start knitting again! I just finished the beanie hat from Natural Knits. I knit it with No 4 addis, blue sky organic cotton using the girl's beanie pattern sized for up to 6 months. It turned out huge. Mine measures 18" around so it's more like an up to 18 months size. Oh well, it's still sweet and the picot edging is darling. I just need to add the lazy daisy stitch flower details around the edge. I think I'll knit it again using No 3 addis and see if that lands me closer to 6-12 months. I knew the yarn was thicker than specified and I did swatch (mistakenly thought going down a needle size would solve the too big swatch problem, oopsie), I just threw caution to the wind since I wanted to use this particular yarn. Next time I'm knitting it in the round because I'm not fond of the inside seam. This was the first time I've knit a hat flat. Knitting in the round is so much smarter — why have a seam?
The night before last I started the JoJo Crew Sweater. I'm knitting it with No 3 addis using the same blue sky organic cotton and the up to 6 months size specs. Again it's looking big, so I hope it'll at least match the hat's size. It's looking super cute, I like the yarn over eyelets and can't wait to add the daisy stitch flower details with the lovely soft pink yarn (color shell 606). Fun fun fun!
A wonderfully large box arrived at our house yesterday. It was a treat for us all to be home and open it together (though it had my name on it!)
Max thoroughly enjoyed opening it and pretending to read the card.
Inside a was a giant gorgeous basket from Fabulous Yarns filled with blue sky organic cotton hanks, straight and circular bamboo needles size 8, sparkling jeweled stitch markers and a truly lovely book of knitting patterns for babies and moms called "Natural Knits." Love this! Wow, what a wonderfully thoughtful gift, thank you so much "Gamma Sherry." I can't wait to start knitting some of these darling projects — I'd better hurry with less than 15 weeks till meee due date. Will blog all of course.
It was also heart-warmingly sweet to hear Max say "look, I'm knitting mom!"
Technorati Tags: inspiration, knitting, yarn
While site hopping per usual, I came across this knitting blog which posts free patterns on fridays called f.pea. There's a sweet baby cardigan called "mossy jacket" pattern I really like, but what got me to post about it is the knit and felted george the octopus pattern and a flicker link to her photo stream of a few other knit toys.
To visit later (when I'm not falling asleep):
Simply Crafted
xtreme knitting blog
sknitty blog
Technorati Tags: extreme knitting, felting, knit toys, knitting
Yes, you can knit your way through art school. Apparently this women got an honors degree from "Bath Spa U" hmmmm and this was her final project, Anyway she knit this car cozy Ferarri replica and weld the under frame too (it says she had a little help from 20 friends and family knitting all those 250 garter stitch squares). Now where to put this italian masterpiece??
More entries and links about extreme/guerrilla knitters: knitta ladies, MicroRevolt, Dari Tavoularis, Freddie Robins, the little red blog of revolutionary knitting, guerrilla knitter exhibit, Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting exhibit, craftivism, & knittavism.
Technorati Tags: extreme knitting, knitting
My oh my little art barn blog, I've missed you so! I've been missing so many aspects of my "hobby life." I've been far too sick, tired and generally super pregnancy yucky over the last 10 weeks. I'm just starting to feel better and that's quite a relief. I'm still hitting a "too tired to be inspired" wall come 7pm, so I've barely made it through dinner many a night. It's just been day after day of falling asleep on the couch and dragging myself to bed, ugh so boring. Just getting through the work day and getting Max to bed exhausts me. I wish I had the energy to pick up my knitting needles, or to blog about all the things I think of or find inspiring — and there's so much I'm forgetting 'cause I can't get it typed it into my memory blog. I'm just hoping that over these next few months I'll find some energy and of course precious time. I know come November when baby #2 arrives I'll probably be underground again and who knows for how long?? Oh the bloggy cobwebs...
I did manage to knit half a pink robot, but haven't picked up the other side. (Pattern by Jess Hutch)
I'm really wanting to measure and knit a copy of this great japanese sweater/shrug combo piece that I wear all the time and works fabulously with "the growing belly." If I get that done over the next months, well, I 'll give myself a serious pat on the back. I got a great big pile of Malabrigo yarn in graphite blue from a Fabulous Yarns gift certificate my very thoughtful auntie Lulu gave me ages ago and am hoping I can use it to make the sweater copy.
Technorati Tags: blogging, inspiration, knit toys, knitting, motherhood, pregnancy
Just in time to celebrate easter! I opened a sweet package from my secret pal this evening which really reflected my love of bunnies, handmade goodies, of course knitting and well the generosity of the human spirit. It's so fun to participate in secret pal exchanges and experience surprise gifts put together just for you...I should say me! First I opened the card with a lovely saying printed on the front "It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones." — Jean Webster
well said.
In the top two bags were adorable handmade soaps made by my pal, three yellow turtles for me and a green bunny for Max. Max happened to be in the bath with his daddy at that very moment so I ran in and gave him his little bunny soap. "It's slippery" was his comment. He then licked it and had to rinse his mouth afterward, tee hee.
Next I pulled out "hopping along" all natural sugar cookies made by starlight creatives, mmmm tasty and so cute! Eating them as I type this, but promise to save some for Max.
Lastly there were two hanks of hand painted 100% cotton boucle Chilean yarn called Pehuen by Araucania. The variegated colors are warm and bright and really fun, right now I'm feeling like this may turn into a bunny one day. I love being exposed to a new yarn. This is wonderful package, thank you so much secret pal!!
Happy Easter!
Here's a pattern for a scarf I want to knit (who knows when I'll ever find the time!?). Blogging it 'cause I just know I'll lose this tiny piece of paper that it's scrawled on long before I'm ready to make it. Sorry no photo, but the pattern makes beautiful open waves.
1 skein Malabrigo (I saw the scarf in pink frost)
3.5 sts = 1" in garter stitch
CO 26 sts using a #10.5 needle
Rows 1& 2: knit
Row 3: (right side) K6 *yo twice, K1, yo three times, K1, yo four times, K1, yo three times, K1, yo twice, K6*
Row 4: knit, dropping all yo's off needle
Row 5 & 6: knit
Row 7: K1, rep from * of row 3, three times except end with K1 on last repetition
Row 8: as per row 4
Rep rows 1-8 until desired length. End after row 2 or row 6, then bind off.
It's been frustrating that amigurumi patterns are always in crochet (I'd learn it if I had more time maybe?!) so it was a rare treat to come across this darling knit bunny pattern "jelly bean" while browsing through the online spring version of knitty — just in time for easter! The bunny pattern is my first (gasp!) purchase from an Etsy seller. I adore Etsy and love viewing all the handmade goodies but have never made the leap to buying anything...uh oh, now that I have an account eeeck gads danger ahead!
Knit with No. 4 Addis in stockinet in the round using the magic loop technique, using 100% alpaca by Blue Sky in cream (color 000). The arms are 2x2 ribbing, knit flat, 40 sts for 4.5 inches, seamed with mattress stitch and then turned inside out. The bunny was knit in the round making crazy alterations along the way...and I've lost the papers with all my calculations and adjustments, urgh. I'll have to start the next one by dissecting this one and of course I'll write down the whole process in this blog so I'll never have this "I lost my homework" frustration again. This finished beastie is 17" tall, 7" at widest point across the face and legs, each leg is 3.5", ears 2.5" all increases and decreases run in parallel down the side seams. It turned out quite a bit larger than I expected and the arms need to be smaller in the next version. I'll either go down a needle size or recalculate, ok maybe I'll do both? I think I'll switch approach too and knit from the bottom up rather than the top down since I'm not that happy with the picked up stitches seam where the ears begin. And I'll need to be adding in color so the beastie is more charming and fun. Thinking striped shorts or a circle of color for the face background would be sweet. I was so focused on writing a pattern and figuring out all the "how to" details I couldn't manage color changes or instarsia, will try for next time.
calculating the back panel of a sweater that's designed to fit my measurements (on sketch diagram stitches are circled, inches are not)
Notes to self:
Test gauge in multiple places: this Malabrigo swatch ranged from 4 to 3.75 inches across 20 stitches.
20 / 3.75 = 5.33 or 20 / 4 = 5 average the stitch change 5.33 + 5 = 10.33 / 2 = 5.165
Gauge = 5.165
Row Gauge = 7.5 rows per 1"
(measured 15 rows over 2") round down from 7.5 to 7
Bust = gauge 5.165 x 19 (half 36" plus 2" ease) = 98.135 (round down) 98 sts plus 2sts (selvedge, add 1 knit stitch on all edges for seaming) = 100 sts
[ I ] Bust = 100 sts
Waist = gauge 5.165 x 16 (half 31" =15.5 round down + 1" ease) = 82.64 round up and get to an even number = 84 sts plus 2 sts selvedge = 86
[ K ] Waist = 86 sts
To figure out the needed decreases calculate the difference between the bust 100 - waist 86 = 14 sts / half = 7 times, must decrease in pairs (2) = 14 sts. * need to calculate where to put decreases across 5" bottom to waist & 10" waist to bottom of armhole. Options: every 2 rows or every 4 on the right side of fabric. Or create a flat waist area and push decreases closer together away from true center?
[ D ] Back/Chest = 80 sts across back from beginning of armhole
5.165 x 15 [D] = 77.47 (round up) 78 + 2 = 80 sts
bind off over 2 rows (since you can only bind off at the beginning of a row) 5 sts on each side, decrease the extra 10 sts immediately over every other row on the right side (public) of the fabric
[ G ] minus 1" = 8"
knit for 8" then start decrease bind offs for sloping shoulder quickly over the last 1" (7 rows) 25 sts divided by 7 rows = 3.5
[ E] neck opening = 30 sts
[ F ] shoulders = 25 sts
[ E ] neck opening = 6" x 5.165 = 30 sts, subtract 30 sts from 80 = 50 divide in half = 25 sts
to check for correct calculation, divide 25 sts by gauge 5.165 = 4.84 round down [ F] = 4.5 a match!
bind off center neck 1" from end/shoulder (56 rows) in 2 stages/steps, bind off 14 sts in the center, then 8 each of the next rows (add new/2nd skein of yarn on one side)
test gauge for hem: folded over stockinet, use thread tack down fabric - thinking 1"? Undecided and too tired to continue.
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love natural fibers, wool, merino & alpaca are favs, I'm interested in working with bamboo. I also like silk & mohair. I'm not too fond of novelty, fluffy, rayon or synthetic yarns but I try not to rule anything out as it all depends on the project
favorite yarns: rowan, blue sky, brown sheep, debbie bliss, manos del uruguay, malabrigo, bouton d’or
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
a gorgeous clutch by offhand designs
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Hmmmm not sure how long, I have a bad memory for time. I'm always saying last week when it was really a few months ago. I just embarrassed myself with an across the street neighbor when I said "so how long ago did you move in, six months?" He answered "uh, two years." See how I am! Anyway, I think I started about four years ago and I'm an intermediate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
yes, I do right here, with lots of knitting books and other stuffs for my little man.
5. What's your favorite scent?
ylang ylang and verbena
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
sure do. milk Chocolate, licorice, cookies
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I love Japanese crafts and patterns, embroidery, photography, art, design, illustration. no I don't spin but I love handspun yarns
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I can play MP3s and like happy house, reggae, disco, old 70s, & 80s stuff, I think I'm all over the map really, just not so much into country or screeching operatic sopranos. I like world music a lot.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love orange the deep orange reds and pumpkin shades, though I don't think it looks good next to my pale face so I rarely wear it. I like most colors, but tend to stay away from yellow and beiges.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm married (ten years last month), we have one son 2 years old named Max, and two black cats Madeline & Miro
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
yes, yes, yes, no
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
toys, scarves, sweaters, hats
13. What are you knitting right now?
robot, child's scarf and shawl collar sweater
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
of course
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
circular metal (love magic loop technique) & bamboo/wood
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
no, I'd love either but they are quite pricey
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
two years, I'm on the cusp of frogging it
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving to celebrate the love of food and family, Easter for the pained eggs, bunnies and chocolates
19. Is there anything that you collect?
art & design books, letterpress cards
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Jo Sharp's Knit 1 book, I don't have any knit mag subscriptions
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
of course there's a lot I'd like to learn, but I'm too busy with life's matters to tackle anything really complicated. I like my knitting to be a little challenging but mostly relaxing
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
not yet, I've got big feet but I'm also tall so it's not too freaky
23. When is your birthday?
August 7
I had fun spending gift certificate money (thank you Lulu!) at Fabulous Yarn last night. I had a little difficulty with their shopping cart (it made me spend a little more than my certificate amount in order to work) but I was pleasantly surprised that they are live and responsive on instant messenger, so I had the ultimate customer service experience.
I couldn't help myself, I bought a bunch of hanks of my new favorite yarn Malabrigo in verdes and citrus colors. Malabrigo, located in Uruguay, works with a local woman's cooperative to create wonderfully organic looking, funky and beautiful yarns — their merino wool is super soft and the colors are deeply delicious. I figure I can either make another sweater like the one I am embarking on designing myself or I can whip up some gift items (I'm really only justifying growing my stash).
I also picked up some suri alpaca yarn in a rose color that was on sale and I'm thinking that this felted cabled clutch bag I found while perusing Spun Magazine would be the perfect project.
Technorati Tags: inspiration, knitting, felting, yarn
I've swatched by new love, polar morn by Malabrigo — 5 sts and 7.25 rows per inch on No. 8 needles. Next I'll have a bunch of math to do to figure out how to design a sweater to fit me, and then figure out how to create the shawl collar I'm envisioning. Not being a math lover I've got my work cut for me, check and recheck eh?
I often use my blog as a way of remembering, so below you have me learning to design my own sweater. I hope you won't be too annoyed but I'm marking all my measurements (talk about getting to know me!) so I can just refer to the site rather than search for the paper or pad I usually write on — I've lost so many scraps with pattern and measurement notations!
A] 6.75" — circumference of cuff
B] 20.5" — armpit to cuff
C] 10.5" — bicep
D] 15" — shoulder bone/seam to shoulder bone
E] 6" (7.5) — width of neck opening
F] 4.5" — shoulder width, opening to end of shoulder
G] 9" — armhole depth, shoulder to underarm
H] 15" — armhole to bottom
I] 18" — 1/2 bust circumference
J] 18" — 1/2 bottom circumference
K] 15.5" — 1/2 waist circumference
L] 10" — underarm to waist
yarn standards, see the pdf download, how to measure diagram and fit/ease chart (standard fit add 2-4")
swatch fabric, CO 32, first 4 sts in garter, next 24 in stockinet, last 4 in garter, knit large enough swatch to get a feel for the fabric you are making. Be sure to swatch each different pattern you'll be using such as ribbing, seed etc. Measure gauge to two decimal points eg 4.75 per 1".
Yarn requirements says for a 4" - 5" stockinet gauge and a 36" bust I need approx 1,018 - 1,285 yards, good thing I bought 1,512?!
links to explore
Knitting Fool
knitting help
Knitty - knit by numbers article
custom fit raglan
I've been seriously spoiled by my secret pal, many many thank yous! You are so good at giving, very generous and thoughtful. I love love love it all. The box Max and I opened tonight was divine. It was filled with yummy yarns in my favorite color and a beautiful hank of ribbon that I can't wait to wear; delicious chocolate covered strawberries and orange dark chocolate; chestnut and brown sugar luxury soap and lavender fine washable laundry concentrate (keep those knits nice); an utterly adorable teeny tiny "ich habe schwein gehabt" lucky pig (it's the lunar year of the Golden Pig too!); and a wonderfully humorous and inspiring knitting book Mason-Dixon Knitting. I read some super funny excerpts and perused the projects. I can't wait to dive in, especially the thin/thick open patterns scarves and the wacky pillow cover pattern (both below). I love the sidebar "must knit tv" it describes a scenario that hits home for me, "Kay has sat through The Hunt for Red October enough times to knit several ponchos, but still has no clue what it is about or why the captain of the Soviet nuclear submarine has a Scottish burr." Kay and I have a simultaneous reality happening in our living rooms.
Seeing that I'm currently knitting a toy robot (two arms to go) with Lambs Pride, I was thrilled to open the first couple of gifts from my secret pal. What fun, more yarn for toys, woo hoo. But I really wasn't clued in (though I should have guessed with brown, red & white yarn) what was coming next...
Oh so cool, I love this pattern for a knit sock monkey, how fun! The pattern sounds so unique, the shaping resembles a traditional machine-knit sock heel and toe. As you know I have a serious thing for knitted toys — and you the fabulous ms. secret pal have obviously read my archives and figured me out in a big big way. You are divine, and such a good gift giver!! I am so excited to knit this monkey. So who is Carol Wood and where did you find this pattern?
And here's a little knitting fuel...
And no excuses, I can now knit ANYWHERE! tee hee these are great!
Then, I opened this lovely book full of wonderfully adorable and inspiring toy patterns. So zakka, I love love love this too. Happy happy me! There are even lots of little toy clothes patterns inside. The sock cuddles, button eyed crocodile, elephant and the felt mouse are so sweet. Way too much fun, thank you thank you thank you. You've just out done yourself. I can't wait to find out who you are, though I already know you are a wonderfully generous and incredibly thoughtful soul.
Technorati Tags: craft, inspiration, knit toys, knitting, SP9, yarn
I was hoarding the box sent by my secret pal, I got it two days ago. I was waiting for a moment when I was alone and could really focus and enjoy the opening. I kid you not, right before I opened it I thought about making some tea as I was craving a little sweet treat to go with it. I considered eating the last gingerbread cookie left from our gift baking leftovers, but I didn't have the heart since I knew Max would really love to eat it too. So I just grabbed the scissors and and my camera and sat down without a beverage or sweet. I open the box and VOILA!!! You read my mind! There was a box filled with so many lovely homemade christmas cookies. Wow! six different treats to choose from. How did I get so lucky to get the best secret pal? Seriously wonderful, thank you thank you thank you. Not only will I pig out right this instance and make that pot of tea to wash it down, I promise to share the rest with my two men who we know will eat them up like the cookie monsters they are. Merry Christmas! You're divine.
Technorati Tags: SP9
Wow, this site appears to be straight-forward — swag for NATO diplomats — but really it's an intensely interesting look at Latvian ethnographic regional identity. The site shows the work of about 300 knitters who made over 4500 mittens for the NATO summit visitors and it categorizes them by their four regions as well as a break down of whether they were knit for men or women. I'm seriously moved by sheer volume and unique designs. Please check out the links listed below the ornate gold framed picture, there are many pages of amazing knit patterns to behold. Below that is a list of FAQ about the mittens and here's an interesting history link about the oldest mitten. Plus each mitten has a high resolution download.
One should not wipe their nose in a mitten. Whoever does that never gets rich.
— Latvian superstition
Wow. I even said "wow" out loud when I opened these gifts. My secret pal is so wonderfully thoughtful and generous! Let me just say I like it all so much, thank you thank you. As you see here the fun started with a darling chic knitter silhouette card and the perfect Christmas list note paper.
Next I opened all the chocolate treats, yum yum yummy. Of course with Max as my little choco-lover helper we immediately opened the Christmas kisses and peanut butter cups. He kept saying "another green one please", "more please". He defiantly knows that please is the magic word and was using it liberally with each repetitive plea. Eventually I had to remove all the sweets from sight, but never fear they will not be forgotten by sweet tooth mama.
Next I had a melting moment. The Katia Ingenua mohair yarn is stunning. It's so soft and fine that as first I thought it was unspun. I was delighted to pull a few strands and see it's ready to knit loveliness. I also adore the color No. 25 denim which is the most flattering rich blue lavender shade. It's beautiful and I haven't ever knit with it so I'm thrilled at the prospect. I'll be searching for the perfect open weave pattern...I think I'll find it in the book below?
Yes, there was still more in the box. First a small book of adorable knit bug finger puppets by knit picks. You know I love knit toys...and I don't have any finger puppet patterns (or size 1 needles they are so small!) The patterns are adorable, I love the ladybug, butterfly, moth and even the mosquito. So cute cute cute. What can say about orange yarn?? I'm so in love with the color orange it could be tainting my ability to be visually fair to all the world has to offer. I appreciate that you single out my favorite color (mentioned it in the card too), see what I mean about thoughtful? And lastly but not at all least, a great reference book filled with all kind of beautiful knitting patterns. I will surely be using this for years.
You are fabulous, thank you so much for all the sweet inspiration!
I've got one side of my first knit robot completed. I cheated on the pink rectangle intarsia by looping the purple behind and over the three pink stitches on every row. I was thinking of how lovely it would be to have one less string to untangle. It's didn't work out too well because the purple yarn keeps the pink stitches from stretching naturally, instead the pink stitches pucker a bit. But oh well, lesson learned and it's really not that bad... I'm just a wee little cheater with a perfectionist itch, not an ideal combo. I'm hoping to find time one night this weekend to do the other half. The front took two nights so hopefully with two or three more nights of uninterrupted knitting it'll be finished. There's still hope that I can complete one or two more before Christmas.
I finally got back to knitting, yeah! I'm so happy to have had the time to finish this little project and experience that delicious inner moment of knit satisfaction. It's a simple stockinet knit tube hat with an i-cord tied around the top. It's easy to make and super cute on anyone under 12. Max seems to like it, so I'm a truly happy mommy. Yesterday I had the pleasure of a fireside tea sipping and knitting afternoon with my favorite little New Yorker bunny and my little sister bunny extraordinaire. Both ladies are knitting scarves for holiday gifts. What a wonderful time it was.
I had time to yarn shop this weekend too. I bought some seriously covetable gifts for my Secret Pal and six skeins of lambs pride to start making a few unusual toys for holiday gifts. I bought myself fancy handcrafted 40" No. 8 ebony wood circulars by Lantern Moon called "destiny." They were calling my name, I couldn't fight the power of fate! Ready, set, knit.
For the record...
Yarn: Worsted 190 yards per skein
Gauge: 4.5 sts per inch, size 8 needle
Colors:
M-77 Blue Magic
M-188 Tiger Lily
M-145 Spice
M-34 Victorian Pink
M-195 Midnight Green (looks like black)
M-182 Regal Purple (Max ripped tag, so guessing here)
It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters, in the end. — Ursula K Le Guin
While wandering the streets of Vancouver I found a clothing store {will post shop name when I find the card} with a wonderful window display of knit art. A street bench, bicycle and street sign were all wrapped in knit fabric. Every little detail had been covered including the bicycle lock. There were also a few felted birds in the display. Love love love it. The shop girl said Daria didn't actually knit any of it but used fabric from the shop's products to sew it all together. The art school purest part of me wishes it had all been hand knit, but I suppose that really shouldn't matter. And using the shop's leftover material should be seen as an environmentally brilliant move on the part of the artist. So I've talked myself right out of a critique. Turns out Daria is from Vancouver too. I'm so glad I walked by.
Now let me get back to San Francisco...
I found these skeins of Bouton d'Or yarn on sale and I couldn't pass up [colors Orme 643 & Lichen 304]. They are 50% camel and 50% wool which is so soft it's amazing, plus machine washable which is perfect for little man's head. Ksar suggests using a No. 10 needle for 4.5 sts to the inch, but I'm using No. 9 addis and getting 4.5. I've cast on about four times now and finally think I have it right at 70 sts. I'm hoping the stretch amount will be right this time. It also took me a good half hour to remember how to knit in the round using the magic loop technique. Obviously It's been far too long! As always I'm loving the internet and all the knit bloggers - it's so wonderful to find "how to" in just a few clicks. [Note to self: use the back needle with the yarn coming off the back and up through the middle, knit off the front needle]. I'm knitting a simple stockinet tube hat for Max with an i cord which will gather and tie off the top. This should knit up quickly if I can find the time to finish it.
Check out these interesting Scandinavian free knitting patterns. by drops design/garns studio.
Cruising through the student work on SFAI's site [my alma mater], I found this little clever yarn speak piece by Jeremy Sanders and had to post it since it's letterpress meets yarn art clever. However I am in no way in support of this or any war, just supporting the arts in all formats. I'd prefer "knitted strand" to be the new american slogan and movement.
Technorati Tags: art, Bay Area, knitting, San Francisco, yarn
While mulling over the possibility of starting the "woody" sweater by Debbie Bliss, I decided to do a google search and see who else had knit it. You know, I was looking for color ideas, project hiccups etc. While browsing I came across Whoopsy Daisy by a fellow knitter names Kerstin with a a son name Max - ok a little close to home with those names, but what's really amazing about her site is the photography. Stunning images together with thoughtful prose, politics and knits makes for a blogroll worthy site, check it out.
Technorati Tags: blogging, knitting, motherhood
I came across some adorable kiddie knits today while shopping at the aptly named Hayes Valley shop Lavish. I loved Kiwi Industries stripy sweaters and hats, yummy sweaters, scarves and hat sets by a company I already knew and enjoyed blablah, and more gorgeous knit designs and some matching knit dolls by Sophie and Lili. I can't get enough of all these kids knits and would be broke if I had a daughter (or if these came in my size!). So much inspiration, if only I had the skills and time to design some and then speed knit 'em too.
Technorati Tags: knitting, motherhood, San Francisco, toddler, yarn
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I seem to gravitate towards Rowan and Debbie Bliss yarns. I like natural fibers, cotton, wool, cashmere, silk. I'm not into novelty yarns as a general rule nor do I like acrylic yarns or anything too bulky.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have two gorgeous bags, one I bought the other was a SP8 gift (luv luv it)
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've a terrible memory (blogging motivation) I think about four years, I took some classes at my LYS. intermediate
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
sure do, click here
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
ylang ylang & verbena
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I sew a little and draw. I don't spin yet...seriously not enough time or space to try it
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I can play MP3s and like happy house, reggae, old 70s, 80s stuff, I think I'm all over the map really just not so much on country or screeching sopranos. I like world music a lot.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
orange is my favorite by far, but I'm huge color lover. yellow is my least favorite color to wear. I'm big on watery colors right now.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
husband, son (2 years on the 25th) and two cats
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
scarves & mittens more than hats & ponchos
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
scarves, sweaters and toys
13. What are you knitting right now?
urgh, still working on a knit toy and shawl (see No. 17)
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
of course
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
circular addis or bamboo straights
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
nope
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
eeek almost a year
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving for the family warmth and joy & easter cause I love bunnies and chocolate
19. Is there anything that you collect?
art & design books and letterpress cards
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't have any subscriptions. I have one Rowan magazine (No38) which I think is amazing.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
so many I'd love to try but can't begin anything new right now, too busy!
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
nope (see No. 21)
23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
August 7...
Knitting as a guerilla art statement?! I hadn't thought of that — but why not? I think the whole world needs to be decorated in a gorgeous doily or wrapped in a cozy muffler a la Christo. Not sure if the knitta ladies will allow submissions, but I'm thinking next time I fly off someplace exotic I'll knit it a gift. Or perhaps the next time I can't figure out what to do with those leftover yarn bits I'll make Rodin's Thinker a wrist warmer.
Technorati Tags: art, inspiration, knitting, San Francisco, travel, yarn
How much shall I confess? Really, there's an embarrassing aspect to my stalker madness, but I'll have you know that with all earnestness I just really love knit toys. Okay, twist my sticks, I'll confess and you can judge as you see fit. If you follow my blog even a wee bit you'll see that I indeed love little knitties. I've done a fair amount of knit toy research, and I feel strongly that Jess Hutch is the reigning queen designer of knit toys. Sure Debbie Bliss, Kath Dalmeny and many others have designed cute monkeys, bears and even adorable sea life but Jess — well she's truly unusual and set apart from the other designers by her cool robots, two headed freaker creatures and the sweetest knit bunny ever. So it was heartbreaking to learn that she'd printed a book with her knit toy patterns and that I discovered it after she'd sold her last copy. Wah, sad me. I wrote her some emails asking for a copy, a pdf, a xerox anything. I waited. Nope. I dreamed she was working with a fabulous book publisher like Chronicle [she's an SF'er and it just seemed like a great fit] but apparently not. I then begged. Nope, nada, negative. Then I got an email from Jess's google group saying she's decided not to reprint the book because she has other life pursuits, Hard to imagine anything more important than knit toys [!@#$%^*!], but ok as she wishes.
But I didn't give up there. Next I set out on a web quest to see if anyone would share the patterns with me, I was happy to pay of course — as I'd already offered Jess access to my bank account. I stalked a few sites to see who was knitting her adorable patterns and sent off some beggin' share requests. I must say that the three or four knitters I wrote to were all unwilling to share, as they said it went against Jess' copyright — replies full of integrity which I totally respect, but they left me feeling that all hope was lost. I'll never get a hold of this booklet. Again wah. Damn, I imagined if they were my neighbor I was sure I could've just borrowed it! Then I got an email back from Denise, saying I can't share my pattern book but I happen to know where you can get a copy — my heart skips a little — Imaginkit in Hastings Nebraska of all places. Call Karla at the store (she's there Wed-Sat) 402-462-9276. I call and leave the sweetest - I really need this booklet, please sell it to me -message. She calls back. I call again. On and on the phone tag goes. Whoas me.
A few days later I get a message from Karla saying that someone had come into the store and they wanted to purchase the booklet but she was holding it for me. However, I need to call back within 24 hours and say if I want the pattern booklet or she'll sell it to the other customer. Oh crap!! I hang up on my voice mail and freak and stress irrationally. I imagine that an in-store customer trumps a phone customer - n'est pas?! My husband thinks I'm weirder than he'd thought [secret pal knit exchange is now less weird], though I suspect he's slightly impressed by my bizarre commitment to the pursuit. Anyway I can't get a hold of Karla and I'm beginning to resign myself to the loss. The weekend goes by and I don't think of the pattern book much [but I wake at 5 am sunday morning stressing about a myriad of other problems, where is my brain off switch??]. Monday morning I remember that I need to follow up with a call — I leave a message again, begging that she keep the book for me, that I really really really want it and this game of phone tag is driving me insane. The next night I'm at home putting Max to bed and hubby hears my phone ringing in my purse, he grabs the phone just in time for it to switch to voicemail. The call log reveals it was Karla. She was calling from Nebraska at 10:30 pm. I immediatly call back and get a busy signal. Wah again. I wait. A few minutes later then I call back and get her...
Her voice is music to my ears. Karla has a great mid western accent and she has all the integrity and down home charm that I've heard about heartland folks having. We had a sweet conversation and I wished for a wee moment that I lived in Hastings so I could meet her and shop at her store. What a nice woman! I hung up the phone and practically danced in my pjs like a giddy little kid. I got the last copy and it's in the mail to me right now. Seriously, I'm so happy my knitting sticks are in flipping through the air :-) Oh yeah!! I so so happy happy, I can't wait to get this in my hands. Today I heard the message she left me right before I'd called her back, which said that the booklet was mine and she wasn't worried about payment since all knitters are honest, she just wanted to get my address and ship it to me. Karla — you are too kind. I hope to meet you one day.
Many months ago I strolled into a new nearby knitting store called Noe Knit. I had one of those freaky "where are they now?" moments when I saw my college house-mate's book Last Minute Knitted Gifts on the shelf. Wow, there was Joelle Hoverson! She's no longer the artist I knew, or the Martha Stewart employee I'd heard about, now she's a published knitter and a store owner. It's funny but I had wandered by her store Purl in Soho when I was in New York the summer I was pregnant, but of course didn't know it was hers. I clearly remember the darling itty bitty sweaters strung across the door each with an intarsia letter spelling P-U-R-L. I keep coming across many links to her book, store and new blog on the knitting and craft blogs I read. Today I toured her e-store. What an adorable website curated with impeccable taste - yes, this is defiantly the Joelle I remember. I couldn't help myself, I bought one of the sweet small fabric bundles. I hope to sew some into the wee wonderful kitty, bunny, and bear patterns. There's a good list of links to browse too.
Technorati Tags: blogging, bunny, craft, inspiration, knitting, yarn
and I'm reveling in all the goodies! Wow. Allow me to visually walk you through the surprises. As you can see they were all wrapped in colorful tissue paper. Max insisted on helping me open all and he carefully walked each one into the living room before opening under my intense supervision.
The first was a beautiful needle carrier in deep warm purples and earthy greens. I love the abstract batik floral and olive green grosgrain ribbon. What a lovely gift! It has nice deep and wide pockets for all my circulars. However, Max really seemed to think that the tying ribbon should come "off." I had to put down the camera and rescue the bag.
Then we opened the two skeins of soft orange sherbet Rowan kid classic. I LOVE this! It's a lambs wool and mohair combo in my favorite color. I am absolutely sure I have THE best secret pal. You are so thoughtful.
Next we opened the darning needle and beads. Ok I must confess here that the beads are darling but I have no idea if they are for stitch marking, decorating, or if I should hang them from my ears? I am just too novice to know I assume? Max opened the beads and immediately stuck them in his mouth. That means they are officially yummy.
Lastly we opened a knitscene magazine filled with folklorico design, city knits, flirty and femine ideas plus some mod stuff. I want to knit the fabulous large "uptown mommy" bag [they're calling it a diaper bag] on page 24. Lots of great ideas in here. And they have extras online at knitscene. And one is a fat knit cat!! Fun fun. Oh and Max went choco-baby crazy over the Ritter. At first he thought it was a "snack" because the packaging was similar to the Odwalla bars I let him eat. But when I broke down and gave him a corner I didn't hear the end of "MORE CHOCOLATE" for far too long.
So who is my secret pal??? Drum roll please... http://www.artwinknits.typepad.com/
You're the best! Thank you so so so much.
Technorati Tags: blogging, inspiration, knitting, motherhood, secret pal 8
Stellah, you divine giver of handspun yummy! Thank you for this delicious h