I'm working on some sketches for the Shirley Paden workshop and most of my designs are pullovers. "Am I anti-cardi?" you ask. "Well, sort of", I say. "Why is that?" you reply. Plain and simple...I have bewbs. Yep, two of them. And they're THERE - no mistaking them. Ever.
I try to avoid button down shirts because I find if I buy them to "cover" (as it is), then the body portion seems overflowing with material. And while I'm tall and admit my size is ample, I'm not in the "tent" category (nor is that flattering on anyone).
When I see ladies with gaping button-bands, and know people are getting a peak of their undergarments, well, that isn't something I want to share with the world. So I avoid oxford shirts and cardigans - pullovers are safer for me.
But I LOVE some of the cardigans I've seen lately. And, to be honest, I adore my Tangled Yoke sweater - mostly because I customized the fit.
And yet, to design a cardigan? Tougher than tough for me. Would I actually wear it? Ugh, what to do?
Tell me, fellow knitters, do you have any issues with a certain type of design?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Allergies, Aging and Memories
Last week was pretty difficult on me, physically speaking that is. Ever since having pneumonia in June, I've been meaning to get to a new allergist to proactively manage my allergies/bronchitis/etc. Lucky for me, there's a local doctor who has Saturday hours and I was able to get in this past weekend. The bad thing is that I wasn't allowed to take any antihistamines for 5 days prior to the appointment. And hey, I TOTALLY understand why - it just made me a miserable Karen for those 5 days! My eyes were gunky, my throat was itchy, my head ached, and I sneezed a gazillion times. Ah, yes, allergy season was in full force!
If you've been fortunate to never having visited an allergist, and I hope you haven't had to, you may not be familiar with the testing process. Essentially, your arms (sometimes shoulders) become a mine field of welts and, if you're allergic to what they test for, you'll wind up wanting to scratch your skin off for the 20 minutes it takes to wait for proper results.
All in all, I received 31 shots and found that yes, indeed, i'm SEVERELY allergic to dust (#21), grasses, summer pollens, and a variation of ragweed. My new regiment includes a higher dose antihistamine that Zyrtec, a nasal spray and an inhaler. Boy, I'm the life of the party now, eh? ha ha
On Saturday afternoon we helped my folks downsize my grandmother's apartment. Yes, of course there was dust...that I'm allergic to...doesn't that make sense? Anyway, sorting through some of her things brought back many memories of my childhood and I kind of wish my sister could have shared the day with us. My grandmother has traveled around the world and visited so many amazing places (i.e., China...during the first year they began allowing outsiders to visit) and her belongings reminded us of just how much she's done.
We went back to visit with her on Sunday and she was SO thrilled to see Ramona and equally excited that Ken was able to fix her cable/t.v. It's the little things that really make it all worth while sometimes.
In knitting news...I've been knitting like a fiend, as you can imagine. I'm finishing a sample sweater this week and prepping (doing "homework") for the Shirley Paden workshop next Sunday. Last night I made two different red velvet cake recipes as testers for Alyssa's wedding cake (Oct 9th). I have to sew in the ends of her super secret shawl and then have to start up a secret project and find time to (possibly) make my much talked about Rhinebeck sweater (Oct 16th). Where on earth does all the time go? I'm hoping that things get back to a more "normal" pace after Rhinebeck...but I doubt they will :o)
Happy knitting everyone!
If you've been fortunate to never having visited an allergist, and I hope you haven't had to, you may not be familiar with the testing process. Essentially, your arms (sometimes shoulders) become a mine field of welts and, if you're allergic to what they test for, you'll wind up wanting to scratch your skin off for the 20 minutes it takes to wait for proper results.
All in all, I received 31 shots and found that yes, indeed, i'm SEVERELY allergic to dust (#21), grasses, summer pollens, and a variation of ragweed. My new regiment includes a higher dose antihistamine that Zyrtec, a nasal spray and an inhaler. Boy, I'm the life of the party now, eh? ha ha
On Saturday afternoon we helped my folks downsize my grandmother's apartment. Yes, of course there was dust...that I'm allergic to...doesn't that make sense? Anyway, sorting through some of her things brought back many memories of my childhood and I kind of wish my sister could have shared the day with us. My grandmother has traveled around the world and visited so many amazing places (i.e., China...during the first year they began allowing outsiders to visit) and her belongings reminded us of just how much she's done.
We went back to visit with her on Sunday and she was SO thrilled to see Ramona and equally excited that Ken was able to fix her cable/t.v. It's the little things that really make it all worth while sometimes.
In knitting news...I've been knitting like a fiend, as you can imagine. I'm finishing a sample sweater this week and prepping (doing "homework") for the Shirley Paden workshop next Sunday. Last night I made two different red velvet cake recipes as testers for Alyssa's wedding cake (Oct 9th). I have to sew in the ends of her super secret shawl and then have to start up a secret project and find time to (possibly) make my much talked about Rhinebeck sweater (Oct 16th). Where on earth does all the time go? I'm hoping that things get back to a more "normal" pace after Rhinebeck...but I doubt they will :o)
Happy knitting everyone!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
There's NO way that 40 is the new 30, is there?
So in a few short weeks I'll be (*gasp*) 40. Forty. The Big Four-O. Two score. Four decades. Old.
Alright, alright...some of you *might* be scratching your head saying "come on, you, forty? no way" - but yes, me, forty, way
Twenty was a blur. Thirty was FANTASTIC. But I'm a wee bit wary of 40...for no other reason but it seems like a big milestone. Instead of partying, I'm going out for a nice dinner with some friends and family. Instead of waking up with a hangover, I'm likely to wake up and do laundry. Is forty too responsible? Am I still young at heart? Is there anything "young" about me?
For those of you who read this blog and know me...yes, I'm a goofball and I AM indeed forever young in mind and spirit.
In other, non-age related happenings, we went to the NJ Sheep and Wool festival on Sunday. It was tons of fun (as you can see below)...and I was even able to meet Kirsten Kapur and her lovely daughters.
As far as knitting goes, I just finished a couple of samples for Kaleidoscope and have one more sweater to do this week. After that I have a couple of other test/sample projects lined up...and somewhere in between all that I have a wedding cake to make for Alyssa and a Rhinebeck sweater to start/finish! Whew...where does the time go.
Oh, right, and I'm FINALLY taking Shannon Okey's Tech Editing class - which I'm jumping out of my skin THRILLED about. Hooray for higher learning and knitting!
Alright, alright...some of you *might* be scratching your head saying "come on, you, forty? no way" - but yes, me, forty, way
Twenty was a blur. Thirty was FANTASTIC. But I'm a wee bit wary of 40...for no other reason but it seems like a big milestone. Instead of partying, I'm going out for a nice dinner with some friends and family. Instead of waking up with a hangover, I'm likely to wake up and do laundry. Is forty too responsible? Am I still young at heart? Is there anything "young" about me?
For those of you who read this blog and know me...yes, I'm a goofball and I AM indeed forever young in mind and spirit.
In other, non-age related happenings, we went to the NJ Sheep and Wool festival on Sunday. It was tons of fun (as you can see below)...and I was even able to meet Kirsten Kapur and her lovely daughters.
As far as knitting goes, I just finished a couple of samples for Kaleidoscope and have one more sweater to do this week. After that I have a couple of other test/sample projects lined up...and somewhere in between all that I have a wedding cake to make for Alyssa and a Rhinebeck sweater to start/finish! Whew...where does the time go.
Oh, right, and I'm FINALLY taking Shannon Okey's Tech Editing class - which I'm jumping out of my skin THRILLED about. Hooray for higher learning and knitting!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Updates
Well, summer vacation is officially over and its back to the grind for everyone in my family. The Punk is thoroughly NOT enjoying school; Ramona is happy to be in the oldest group...excited for kindergarten next year (boo hoo hoo); and Hubby is back to answering emails at all times of the day.
In the knitting world...well...I'm KNITTING more than I can keep up with! I'm still sample making for Kaleidoscope Yarns and test knitting for a variety of designers. Makes me *almost* wish I could make it all a full time job. Alas, I'll continue to dream.
I published my Dora shawl pattern, although my test knitters are still working on it. I felt, after making another one myself, that I had the kinks worked out and could safely publish it, knowing errata can be posted as needed. I've listed it on Ravelry...please support a newbie designer if you have an extra $1.99 to spare :o)
I'm still trying to decide what to knit for Rhinebeck and have narrowed it down to a couple choices...stashed yarn playing a HUGE part of the process...since we all know I'm trying my darndest to bust it up!
And since I've been busy and lacking in the photo department...here are some recent uploads for you. Have a great weekend y'all!
In the knitting world...well...I'm KNITTING more than I can keep up with! I'm still sample making for Kaleidoscope Yarns and test knitting for a variety of designers. Makes me *almost* wish I could make it all a full time job. Alas, I'll continue to dream.
I published my Dora shawl pattern, although my test knitters are still working on it. I felt, after making another one myself, that I had the kinks worked out and could safely publish it, knowing errata can be posted as needed. I've listed it on Ravelry...please support a newbie designer if you have an extra $1.99 to spare :o)
I'm still trying to decide what to knit for Rhinebeck and have narrowed it down to a couple choices...stashed yarn playing a HUGE part of the process...since we all know I'm trying my darndest to bust it up!
And since I've been busy and lacking in the photo department...here are some recent uploads for you. Have a great weekend y'all!
Friday, August 27, 2010
*guilty* I visited a new yarn shop
Ordinarily I buy my yarn from Jill at Kaleidoscope (i DO consider her my LYS even though she's 300 miles away!) or online, direct from yarn companies.
However, I'm working with a few fabulous ladies who are test knitting my Dora shawlette pattern and thought it might be worthwhile for me to do a KAL with them. Well, of course the stashed yarn I wanted to use has become discontinued (WHY do I buy yarn on sale all the time?!?!). So I did some research on newer yarns and was going to go with some Classic Elite in one of their sport weights. I looked up local yarn shops on Ravelry and found one open until 6:00pm - perfect for me!
During the years I've lived in the area, friends have had mixed reviews about Accent on Knits, in Morristown...and have called them, on occasion, to see if they carry emergency yarn (they didn't). The owners are a husband and wife team...and Barry was at the register when I entered the shop. I was honest "hi, I'm new to your shop, can you help point me in the right direction?" And he was very helpful, telling me how the store is organized (by color...first time I've seen that) and that they offer first time customers a 10% off discount (how very nice!).
It was, quite frankly, a little hard to orient myself with this "by color" business. I found a yarn I liked in the mauve section, but then couldn't find it in the green section. I kind of like the idea of "here's the type of yarn AND the colors we carry" all in one place.
In the end I bought a bunch of Cascade 220, some sportweight yarn for the shawl and an alpaca lace. While checking out I got to chatting with Barry about my knitting, my test knitting for designers, and how I wanted to tech edit more often, etc. He seemed interested in what I was telling him...more so than some other shops I've popped my head into from time to time. I learned that their dog, a boxer, often came to the shop and that, because of their small jaws, they had a hard time playing with tennis balls (and often bust them open quickly). Barry and his wife also welcome bringing your children along while you shop (he must have spied my family waiting out in the car!). A perfectly nice way to spend some time after work, wouldn't you say?
While I may not always shop at AOK, it's nice to know there's a good shop, just around the corner, in cases of emergency or instant gratification.
However, I'm working with a few fabulous ladies who are test knitting my Dora shawlette pattern and thought it might be worthwhile for me to do a KAL with them. Well, of course the stashed yarn I wanted to use has become discontinued (WHY do I buy yarn on sale all the time?!?!). So I did some research on newer yarns and was going to go with some Classic Elite in one of their sport weights. I looked up local yarn shops on Ravelry and found one open until 6:00pm - perfect for me!
During the years I've lived in the area, friends have had mixed reviews about Accent on Knits, in Morristown...and have called them, on occasion, to see if they carry emergency yarn (they didn't). The owners are a husband and wife team...and Barry was at the register when I entered the shop. I was honest "hi, I'm new to your shop, can you help point me in the right direction?" And he was very helpful, telling me how the store is organized (by color...first time I've seen that) and that they offer first time customers a 10% off discount (how very nice!).
It was, quite frankly, a little hard to orient myself with this "by color" business. I found a yarn I liked in the mauve section, but then couldn't find it in the green section. I kind of like the idea of "here's the type of yarn AND the colors we carry" all in one place.
In the end I bought a bunch of Cascade 220, some sportweight yarn for the shawl and an alpaca lace. While checking out I got to chatting with Barry about my knitting, my test knitting for designers, and how I wanted to tech edit more often, etc. He seemed interested in what I was telling him...more so than some other shops I've popped my head into from time to time. I learned that their dog, a boxer, often came to the shop and that, because of their small jaws, they had a hard time playing with tennis balls (and often bust them open quickly). Barry and his wife also welcome bringing your children along while you shop (he must have spied my family waiting out in the car!). A perfectly nice way to spend some time after work, wouldn't you say?
While I may not always shop at AOK, it's nice to know there's a good shop, just around the corner, in cases of emergency or instant gratification.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Knitting it Old School
While I've not yet gotten my petoushy (as the kids say) to the book store to purchase Knitting It Old School, I've perused the patterns on Ravelry and drool more and more with each click.
I read what Caro had to say about naming one of the sweaters (WileyWahine), I then came across this article and understand why the gals love him so. Hooray for people who see value in the "little guys".
I read what Caro had to say about naming one of the sweaters (WileyWahine), I then came across this article and understand why the gals love him so. Hooray for people who see value in the "little guys".
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Smiling
Back when I was wee youngster, I used to listen to underground college radio and longed to be a punk rock girl. Alas, being "different" was not easy in my high school, nor was the punk wardrobe something practical for my parents who handed down the majority of my clothes to my sister.
So I TAPED songs on my cassettes and listening to them on my Walkman the next day. I still have those tapes. They may be dust covered and inaudible, but they are a part of my history and i refuse to get rid of them.
On one of the tapes is a full comedy routine by the ever awesome Emo Philips. Periodically, my memory plays back this routine and makes me smile. He's not particularly funny, as he is odd and freakish, but that's what I still love about him.
In talking with my friend Erin about emo hipsters, I, obviously, wondered: What ever happened to Emo Phillips? Is he still alive? Is he still performing? Well, a quick google search later and I was watching a video clip from 1987, reciting, verbatim, the routine as he spoke. And I found myself smiling. Those glimmers of happiness from our youth...those sometimes awkward teen years...those bits of time when we felt a connection to something greater than ourselves and felt, momentarily, "understood"...that's what Emo Phillips does for me. And I'm smiling.
Yep, he's an odd duck...but here's the clip (check out: Golden Gate Bridge)if you've got a few moments to spare for a walk down memory lane.
Enjoy!
So I TAPED songs on my cassettes and listening to them on my Walkman the next day. I still have those tapes. They may be dust covered and inaudible, but they are a part of my history and i refuse to get rid of them.
On one of the tapes is a full comedy routine by the ever awesome Emo Philips. Periodically, my memory plays back this routine and makes me smile. He's not particularly funny, as he is odd and freakish, but that's what I still love about him.
In talking with my friend Erin about emo hipsters, I, obviously, wondered: What ever happened to Emo Phillips? Is he still alive? Is he still performing? Well, a quick google search later and I was watching a video clip from 1987, reciting, verbatim, the routine as he spoke. And I found myself smiling. Those glimmers of happiness from our youth...those sometimes awkward teen years...those bits of time when we felt a connection to something greater than ourselves and felt, momentarily, "understood"...that's what Emo Phillips does for me. And I'm smiling.
Yep, he's an odd duck...but here's the clip (check out: Golden Gate Bridge)if you've got a few moments to spare for a walk down memory lane.
Enjoy!
Monday, August 23, 2010
New Patterns
Test knitting for so many folks has reminded me that I have a few patterns I'd like to self-publish...and so I'm working on them this month come hell or high water!
The first is a basic shawl/wrap pattern - available for free, and originally designed for kaleidoscope yarns to be included in their Tilli Tomas shawl packs earlier this year - named "Passion Flower". This is a quick knit...perfect for holiday gifting. Check out my Ravelry page to download the pattern
The second pattern is one that I'm half way through writing up - and gosh am i glad i took SO many notes when I designed it last year! Dora is a shawlette...although I'm sure it can be made into a full-size shawl if you used a larger needle (perhaps I'll test it that way before publication!). I've gotten such a positive response since I posted the shell page on Ravelry...how can I put off writing it up any longer!?! Here's a photo/teaser...
So what's everyone else up to?
Happy knitting!
The first is a basic shawl/wrap pattern - available for free, and originally designed for kaleidoscope yarns to be included in their Tilli Tomas shawl packs earlier this year - named "Passion Flower". This is a quick knit...perfect for holiday gifting. Check out my Ravelry page to download the pattern
The second pattern is one that I'm half way through writing up - and gosh am i glad i took SO many notes when I designed it last year! Dora is a shawlette...although I'm sure it can be made into a full-size shawl if you used a larger needle (perhaps I'll test it that way before publication!). I've gotten such a positive response since I posted the shell page on Ravelry...how can I put off writing it up any longer!?! Here's a photo/teaser...
So what's everyone else up to?
Happy knitting!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
no yarn, i said NO yarn (how about notions?)
Gosh, I think I've mentioned it before...but Office Space is one of my favorite movies ever [slowly mouthing 'miiiiicheal bollllllton'] ha ha
So I'm on this yarn diet. But you know, you're knitting and you ONLY need this "one thing" at the LYS which turns into "well the yarn was SUCH a low price, how could I pass it up?" Yeah, I'm SO there right now!
But I figure, I've got yarn, plenty of yarn. And I've got patterns too, of course. However, if I can get SUPER inspired by a new pattern, or part of a pattern, that will HELP me use up some of the yarn, it's ok to "invest" in new patterns, right? [gosh, i hope you're nodding with me right now]
And despite my moment of weakness when I purchased yarn to make test knits...at least those purchases had PURPOSE and were used up right away (for the most part). Who knows, those test knits could end up as gifts - BONUS! My latest "investments" have been a couple new Addi Turbo Lace needles from Kaleidoscope (hey Jill!) and some brass stitch markers from knitpicks. Useful things. Things that will spend years helping me with my craft.
All in all, I think I'm doing pretty good. I haven't gone cold turkey...and I haven't gone on a binge...just laying low somewhere in between. Keeping the status quo. How about you?
So I'm on this yarn diet. But you know, you're knitting and you ONLY need this "one thing" at the LYS which turns into "well the yarn was SUCH a low price, how could I pass it up?" Yeah, I'm SO there right now!
But I figure, I've got yarn, plenty of yarn. And I've got patterns too, of course. However, if I can get SUPER inspired by a new pattern, or part of a pattern, that will HELP me use up some of the yarn, it's ok to "invest" in new patterns, right? [gosh, i hope you're nodding with me right now]
And despite my moment of weakness when I purchased yarn to make test knits...at least those purchases had PURPOSE and were used up right away (for the most part). Who knows, those test knits could end up as gifts - BONUS! My latest "investments" have been a couple new Addi Turbo Lace needles from Kaleidoscope (hey Jill!) and some brass stitch markers from knitpicks. Useful things. Things that will spend years helping me with my craft.
All in all, I think I'm doing pretty good. I haven't gone cold turkey...and I haven't gone on a binge...just laying low somewhere in between. Keeping the status quo. How about you?
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Insomnia, Busy and Knitting (of course)
Last night, at 11:00pm, I was sucked into watching some random Housewives show which was taking place in NYC during Fashion Week. At least I think it was a Housewives show. But they kept talking about LA...and there was very little wife to wife drama/conflict. So who knows, it could have been something else. In any case, I stayed up WAY too late watching something with no added value. Shame on me. Especially because I had gotten up at 4:45am to be at the office by 7:00 and had worked ten hours. I guess I was past the point of exhausted and had caught my second wind. Once I turned the tv off I laid there, listening to the fan and crickets, petting Peanut letting my brain wander. That's the worst part...really. The mental to-do list starts to take shape and it leads into anxiety and panic. Seeing as I thought yesterday was Wednesday probably didn't help either.
Today I was back up at 6am and the routine of the weekday...but desperately looking forward to the weekend and, possibly, a nap! Gosh, I do love naps....they're the bees knees.
On the knitting front I'm cranking along with the wedding shawl and am now praying that I don't run out of yarn! That'll teach me, right? I kept going with the body reps to make it bigger - and I thought I would have PLENTY left to do the edging. Hmmm, keep your fingers crossed - I'll know by tonight whether or not Knit Picks will be getting another order from choochooknits tomorrow morning - ha ha
Also, have you seen this hat yet? ZOMG...cute and comfy! I'll let you know when Kirsten releases the pattern. Oh, and just a tip - you MUST try the new Quince Osprey yarn - nommy nom nom!
Happy knitting until next time!
Today I was back up at 6am and the routine of the weekday...but desperately looking forward to the weekend and, possibly, a nap! Gosh, I do love naps....they're the bees knees.
On the knitting front I'm cranking along with the wedding shawl and am now praying that I don't run out of yarn! That'll teach me, right? I kept going with the body reps to make it bigger - and I thought I would have PLENTY left to do the edging. Hmmm, keep your fingers crossed - I'll know by tonight whether or not Knit Picks will be getting another order from choochooknits tomorrow morning - ha ha
Also, have you seen this hat yet? ZOMG...cute and comfy! I'll let you know when Kirsten releases the pattern. Oh, and just a tip - you MUST try the new Quince Osprey yarn - nommy nom nom!
Happy knitting until next time!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday the 13th WINNER!!!
In the spirit of making things right on a day where superstitious folks seem to think things go wrong, I drew the winner of my "for no other reason but to randomly have a contest" at 13:00 and the lucky knitter is...[insert cliche drum roll here]...WHITNEY!!!
Funny story: *just* after I used the random number generator to pick a winner, I received an email from her about a comment I made on her blog! Must be fate, right? ha ha
Congrats Whit!
And thanks to everyone who has commented/participated over the last few weeks. I'll probably have another September and/or Rhinebeck give-away - so stay tuned for things to come!
Funny story: *just* after I used the random number generator to pick a winner, I received an email from her about a comment I made on her blog! Must be fate, right? ha ha
Congrats Whit!
And thanks to everyone who has commented/participated over the last few weeks. I'll probably have another September and/or Rhinebeck give-away - so stay tuned for things to come!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Anniversary
Today is my work anniversary - FOURTEEN YEARS - say wha?!?!
In honor of this accomplishment, they've inundated me with work and I'll probably be here late making OT.
Go team!
Keeping it simple, for an extra entry in my surprise give-away (which ends tomorrow at 1:oopm), what's the next "anniversary" in your life? Can be anything...dating, marriage, work, knitting!
In honor of this accomplishment, they've inundated me with work and I'll probably be here late making OT.
Go team!
Keeping it simple, for an extra entry in my surprise give-away (which ends tomorrow at 1:oopm), what's the next "anniversary" in your life? Can be anything...dating, marriage, work, knitting!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Mods and Routines
Well, I have a secret to share. I changed patterns for the mystery wedding shawl. I also changed yarn. I also, started from scratch and put the original project in a time out :o)
Why? Well, I was never quite sure I would have enough of the original yarn to finish the project. Since its a discontinued KP yarn and I couldn't convince anyone on Ravelry to part with theirs, I had to make some tough decisions. To be fair, the yarn was bare and I can understand why dye-hard knitters (get it, DYE, ha ha) would have a hard time selling/trading it. The yarn is quite nice - some combination of alpaca, wool and *maybe* silk?
So the new project is SUPER TOP SECRET - well, besides that I just told you - oops
In other news, my routine is OFF this week. My "other half" (at work) is away for two weeks in Ireland and the UK...so sad. So my hours are off. My bosses are throwing me curve balls. Her bosses are asking questions I need to research. Worst of all...I'm forgetting to take my vitamin every day! I know, I know, it's a little thing, but it's "our" thing that we do after lunch. Centrum. Women's. She even made me put the bottle on my desk so I would remember. And I'm not. Ugh. How will I survive the next week and a half if this is what it's like on the third day? ha ha. I love and miss her - that's why she's a friend and co-worker, in that order. Hope she's having the best. time. ever!
So, today, in honor of routines, tell me one thing that throws you off if you don't have/do it every day? Coffee? Vitamins? Showering (ewww)?
Happy crafting!
Why? Well, I was never quite sure I would have enough of the original yarn to finish the project. Since its a discontinued KP yarn and I couldn't convince anyone on Ravelry to part with theirs, I had to make some tough decisions. To be fair, the yarn was bare and I can understand why dye-hard knitters (get it, DYE, ha ha) would have a hard time selling/trading it. The yarn is quite nice - some combination of alpaca, wool and *maybe* silk?
So the new project is SUPER TOP SECRET - well, besides that I just told you - oops
In other news, my routine is OFF this week. My "other half" (at work) is away for two weeks in Ireland and the UK...so sad. So my hours are off. My bosses are throwing me curve balls. Her bosses are asking questions I need to research. Worst of all...I'm forgetting to take my vitamin every day! I know, I know, it's a little thing, but it's "our" thing that we do after lunch. Centrum. Women's. She even made me put the bottle on my desk so I would remember. And I'm not. Ugh. How will I survive the next week and a half if this is what it's like on the third day? ha ha. I love and miss her - that's why she's a friend and co-worker, in that order. Hope she's having the best. time. ever!
So, today, in honor of routines, tell me one thing that throws you off if you don't have/do it every day? Coffee? Vitamins? Showering (ewww)?
Happy crafting!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Overlapping Laces and Art History
I've been knitting a bunch of lace/shawl projects these last few months. A LOT of lace/shawl projects actually. I'm almost considering joining the 10 in 10 shawl group on Ravelry. But since it wasn't really my intention...for it to be a challenge...and just sort of became my calling, well, I'm not sure that would be fair (esp since it would be more along the lines of 10 in 10 in 6 months). Geez.
The problem I've run into recently is that with all these laces, my brain sometimes wanders off and I start working the LAST lace pattern, instead of the current one...whoops! I've done it a couple times, and while I only ever mis-knit a dozen stitches or so, it's funny that the patterns have stuck in my mind like that.
My friend Sue said that I have a "good hand" for lace knitting - and I'm thankful for her insight since she's been knitting for a long time. However, I never KNEW I was a lace knitter until I started doing it more and more. I suppose I resisted it. I suppose I thought it tedious (which it can sometimes be). Or maybe it was the practice makes perfect factor - I never "practiced" until now.
In the end, I really believe it's all part of the process of become a better knitter, just like when I took studio classes for my art history degree. As one of two art history majors at my college, my school frowned upon my enrollment in studio classes until I explained to a panel of professors that my degree and expertise RELIED upon the knowledge gained in painting, scuplture, printmaking, etc. Why, they asked. Simply put: The better I understand the process, the more appreciation I have for the art and the more in depth I can explain the complexities and importance of the piece. Take away the process and you're left with a very diminished understanding...one of text and pictures...not something you've rolled up your sleeves and dug into! Needless to say, the Professors gave me a free pass to enroll in any and all college classes I wanted from studios to histories. They fought other departments to get me into specialized classes. They supported my thesis AND showed my paintings in the student shows. I was a better student because I embraced two worlds before others. Just as I continue to learn in my knitting.
Today's contest entry question (only a few days left - make your comments now!): what, about your craft, would you like to learn/conquer next?
Happy knitting!
The problem I've run into recently is that with all these laces, my brain sometimes wanders off and I start working the LAST lace pattern, instead of the current one...whoops! I've done it a couple times, and while I only ever mis-knit a dozen stitches or so, it's funny that the patterns have stuck in my mind like that.
My friend Sue said that I have a "good hand" for lace knitting - and I'm thankful for her insight since she's been knitting for a long time. However, I never KNEW I was a lace knitter until I started doing it more and more. I suppose I resisted it. I suppose I thought it tedious (which it can sometimes be). Or maybe it was the practice makes perfect factor - I never "practiced" until now.
In the end, I really believe it's all part of the process of become a better knitter, just like when I took studio classes for my art history degree. As one of two art history majors at my college, my school frowned upon my enrollment in studio classes until I explained to a panel of professors that my degree and expertise RELIED upon the knowledge gained in painting, scuplture, printmaking, etc. Why, they asked. Simply put: The better I understand the process, the more appreciation I have for the art and the more in depth I can explain the complexities and importance of the piece. Take away the process and you're left with a very diminished understanding...one of text and pictures...not something you've rolled up your sleeves and dug into! Needless to say, the Professors gave me a free pass to enroll in any and all college classes I wanted from studios to histories. They fought other departments to get me into specialized classes. They supported my thesis AND showed my paintings in the student shows. I was a better student because I embraced two worlds before others. Just as I continue to learn in my knitting.
Today's contest entry question (only a few days left - make your comments now!): what, about your craft, would you like to learn/conquer next?
Happy knitting!
Monday, August 09, 2010
Weekend knitting, reading and more
On Friday night I was able to finish knitting another test shawl for the lovely Kirsten Kapur. After some blocking, it was ready for a photoshoot on Saturday afternoon - don't you just love it?!
and here's me...modeling it as a scarf...
In between projects I've been working on the lace shawl for Alyssa...again, it's super top secret so I can't share more info/photos right now...sorry
I also (finally) started reading the Wally Lamb book, "The Hour I First Believed" on Saturday. He's been one of my favorite author's since "She's Come Undone" was published in 1996. I'm still in the early chapters, but the book is beautifully written, as always.
We also went to the Children's Day evening parade and concert in Mt Tabor with Yarny Old Kim and some friends of ours. The kids got more candy than we know what to do with - and Ramona showed off her mad dancing skills at the concert (the band played 60s/70s Dead-style music). I'll post some photos/video once I get them off the camera - too funny!
Yesterday was more mellow (at last!) and ended with a solo visit with my parents and grandma.
The Punk comes back from his fishing vacation tomorrow (at last!) and will be home with us for the rest of the summer (i think). It's so weird to have him away for so long - he's probably grown another inch!
Well, that's it for now - happy knitting everyone!
Today's contest entry question (easy peesy): What are you crafting/knitting these days?
and here's me...modeling it as a scarf...
In between projects I've been working on the lace shawl for Alyssa...again, it's super top secret so I can't share more info/photos right now...sorry
I also (finally) started reading the Wally Lamb book, "The Hour I First Believed" on Saturday. He's been one of my favorite author's since "She's Come Undone" was published in 1996. I'm still in the early chapters, but the book is beautifully written, as always.
We also went to the Children's Day evening parade and concert in Mt Tabor with Yarny Old Kim and some friends of ours. The kids got more candy than we know what to do with - and Ramona showed off her mad dancing skills at the concert (the band played 60s/70s Dead-style music). I'll post some photos/video once I get them off the camera - too funny!
Yesterday was more mellow (at last!) and ended with a solo visit with my parents and grandma.
The Punk comes back from his fishing vacation tomorrow (at last!) and will be home with us for the rest of the summer (i think). It's so weird to have him away for so long - he's probably grown another inch!
Well, that's it for now - happy knitting everyone!
Today's contest entry question (easy peesy): What are you crafting/knitting these days?
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
The Importance of Being Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck.
Once more I say...Rhinebeck.
Rhinebeck.
To SO many folks in the NorthEast Rhinebeck is MUCH more than a place where famous political families have weddings. It's more than a quaint town in the mountains. It's the weekend of all Fall weekends - it's THE SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL!!!
To SO many folks in the NorthEast Rhinebeck is MUCH more than a place where famous political families have weddings. It's more than a quaint town in the mountains. It's the weekend of all Fall weekends - it's THE SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL!!!
And it's TWO short months away. Actually, 10 weeks...but who's counting? EVERYONE in the knitting/fiber community...that's who!!!
What will we wear? Something old? Something new? What's in our stash? What's on our wish list to buy!? Who will we see? What will we eat? The list goes on and on.
This year, I'm determined, time permitting, to knit the piece de resistance of my collection. But there are SO many options out there - as well as designs that are lingering in my mind! I'm reminded of wearing my Owls sweater with Yarny Old Kim last year. I recall Emily's beautiful brown cabled sweater. And running into Elspeth and Ann with their plethura of knitwear.
And then I came across this photo, taken at last year's festival...How gorgeous!
I scoured Ravelry...not to make it...but to learn more about. I spent countless hours searching endless options...Noro, Sweater, Cardigan. Rhinebeck, Cables. Nada! Who makes such a beautiful sweater and doesn't post it all over Ravelry? Goodness.
Regardless, I'm trying to figure out what I'll make, and when I'll have time to knit it. Decisions, decisions!
For a bonus entry in my mini-contest, tell me what you're wearing to Rhinebeck (or what you would wear, in case you're not going).
Happy decision making!
What will we wear? Something old? Something new? What's in our stash? What's on our wish list to buy!? Who will we see? What will we eat? The list goes on and on.
This year, I'm determined, time permitting, to knit the piece de resistance of my collection. But there are SO many options out there - as well as designs that are lingering in my mind! I'm reminded of wearing my Owls sweater with Yarny Old Kim last year. I recall Emily's beautiful brown cabled sweater. And running into Elspeth and Ann with their plethura of knitwear.
And then I came across this photo, taken at last year's festival...How gorgeous!
I scoured Ravelry...not to make it...but to learn more about. I spent countless hours searching endless options...Noro, Sweater, Cardigan. Rhinebeck, Cables. Nada! Who makes such a beautiful sweater and doesn't post it all over Ravelry? Goodness.Regardless, I'm trying to figure out what I'll make, and when I'll have time to knit it. Decisions, decisions!
For a bonus entry in my mini-contest, tell me what you're wearing to Rhinebeck (or what you would wear, in case you're not going).
Happy decision making!
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Fated Yarn and a Mini Contest of sorts!
In July 2009 I purchased some yarn at Sticks and Strings in Scarsdale, NY on my way to a company outing. One was a green with yellow and turquoise tweed; the other was a golden yellow. They were fingering weight. But they were SUPER on sale and I "had to" have them. So, ever since that fateful day a year ago, they've enhanced my stash, nothing more, nothing less.
Until yesterday. A friend of mine sent me a test pattern and said "use fingering weight"...and use two colors. When I got home I paid my old friend, "Stash", a visit and said "ok, let's see what you've got for me today". Sure enough, I opened a bin and spotted the above mentioned yarns. I pulled out a couple other skeins to lay them out and compare color combos. But, as fate would have it, the green tweed and yellow gold were MEANT for this project - believe me, when I show you pictures in a week or so, you're TOTALLY going to agree with me. Even The Punk agreed that the colors were good for the pattern - guess my knitting is really rubbing off on him after all this time!
How about y'all? Any fated yarn use of late? And why not...let's make it a yarn contest...just because! Tell me your best fated yarn story and I'll pick a winner on/about August 13th - we'll MAKE it a lucky day! Winner will let me know their fave color du jour and I'll send them something nommy!
Happy knitting my friends!
Until yesterday. A friend of mine sent me a test pattern and said "use fingering weight"...and use two colors. When I got home I paid my old friend, "Stash", a visit and said "ok, let's see what you've got for me today". Sure enough, I opened a bin and spotted the above mentioned yarns. I pulled out a couple other skeins to lay them out and compare color combos. But, as fate would have it, the green tweed and yellow gold were MEANT for this project - believe me, when I show you pictures in a week or so, you're TOTALLY going to agree with me. Even The Punk agreed that the colors were good for the pattern - guess my knitting is really rubbing off on him after all this time!
How about y'all? Any fated yarn use of late? And why not...let's make it a yarn contest...just because! Tell me your best fated yarn story and I'll pick a winner on/about August 13th - we'll MAKE it a lucky day! Winner will let me know their fave color du jour and I'll send them something nommy!
Happy knitting my friends!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Yes, I was a beginner knitter once upon a time
I'm knitting a dress for Ramona with some old Caron yarn that's, seriously, been in my stash since, oh, I dunno, 2004. Granted, 6 years in my yarn stash is NOT the "oldest" yarn, but I've certainly learned a lot about texture, drape, content, ply, etc since then. And, for the record, it's NOT a bad yarn at all - I just prefer different fibers for my own garments these days.
With all that said, back in 2006 I had started making a cardigan/coat for Ramona with Simply Soft. And when I say "started" I mean I knit up the back, fronts and one sleeve...and even sewed them together and started the front button band on one side. These days, I would have just finished that sucker up in a heartbeat. Back then, well, that's another story. I'm not sure I even put it up on Ravelry - that's how long it's sat in the UFO bin.
So when I went to work on the current dress, I pulled a partially used skein of S.S. out of the bin and started knitting. When that ran out, I started a new skein (after all, I apparently needed SEVERAL skeins of Mint Blue - ha ha). But when I got to the armhole split (as I've been working in the round), I didn't want to start another new skein to make the sleeve caps so I said "reuse and recycle" and grabbed the old cardi and started taking it apart (since it would now be way too small for Ramona if I finished it). This gave me a chance to see how I used to seam and finish - and boy...it was B-A-D! Yikes! It was nice to see that I've learned new and "right" ways to finish garments (mostly thanks to Jill at Kaleidoscope Yarns).
I certainly won't regret not finishing that old cardi, but I will remember where I've been and where I'm going...and that's always important on this journey we call life. We DO live and learn (or knit and learn as the case may be).
Have a great day!
With all that said, back in 2006 I had started making a cardigan/coat for Ramona with Simply Soft. And when I say "started" I mean I knit up the back, fronts and one sleeve...and even sewed them together and started the front button band on one side. These days, I would have just finished that sucker up in a heartbeat. Back then, well, that's another story. I'm not sure I even put it up on Ravelry - that's how long it's sat in the UFO bin.
So when I went to work on the current dress, I pulled a partially used skein of S.S. out of the bin and started knitting. When that ran out, I started a new skein (after all, I apparently needed SEVERAL skeins of Mint Blue - ha ha). But when I got to the armhole split (as I've been working in the round), I didn't want to start another new skein to make the sleeve caps so I said "reuse and recycle" and grabbed the old cardi and started taking it apart (since it would now be way too small for Ramona if I finished it). This gave me a chance to see how I used to seam and finish - and boy...it was B-A-D! Yikes! It was nice to see that I've learned new and "right" ways to finish garments (mostly thanks to Jill at Kaleidoscope Yarns).
I certainly won't regret not finishing that old cardi, but I will remember where I've been and where I'm going...and that's always important on this journey we call life. We DO live and learn (or knit and learn as the case may be).
Have a great day!
Monday, July 26, 2010
The "What Is/Are..." Stage and Curatio
It's official. Ramona has entered the "what is/are..." stage of childhood. After a recent visit with my niece who is in the "Why" stage...I wondered when Ramona would start. Sure enough...only a week later!
"Mommy, what is that word?"
"Mommy, what are we buying at the store?"
"Mommy, what are you and daddy spelling?" - which was my favorite because that's what parents of four year olds do - we start to spell EVERYTHING! Inquiring minds want to know!
In fact, hubby and I have even started to go so far as spelling series of words and including the word "space" in between them...ha! It's classic parenthood - and we did it with The Punk...even when he was six or seven...so spelling is the name of the game for a few years.
In the knitting realm, I finished Kirsten Kapur's new shawl design, Curatio, over the weekend. It's still in test stages...but look for it to be published in the next couple of weeks. Isn't it lovely?!
On the heels of finishing, the ribbing I took for my sizable stash last week, and wanting a day or so break from lace knitting/reading, I decided to whip up a quick dress for Ramona. The pattern is from Berroco's new booklet, "Berroco Remix". I'm using some *old* Caron yarn that I've had for years. It's a nice turquoise blue and the color always looks nice on her. The pattern, Simo, calls for an attached scarf...which, if I add, I was thinking of making in a tangerine color - and would make the pockets out of the same - a little contrast and pop. Whadda ya think?
Once I finish the dress, which probably won't take more than another day or two, I'll get back to knitting Alyssa's wedding shawl - hooray!
Happy Knitting and Happy Monday!
"Mommy, what is that word?"
"Mommy, what are we buying at the store?"
"Mommy, what are you and daddy spelling?" - which was my favorite because that's what parents of four year olds do - we start to spell EVERYTHING! Inquiring minds want to know!
In fact, hubby and I have even started to go so far as spelling series of words and including the word "space" in between them...ha! It's classic parenthood - and we did it with The Punk...even when he was six or seven...so spelling is the name of the game for a few years.
In the knitting realm, I finished Kirsten Kapur's new shawl design, Curatio, over the weekend. It's still in test stages...but look for it to be published in the next couple of weeks. Isn't it lovely?!
On the heels of finishing, the ribbing I took for my sizable stash last week, and wanting a day or so break from lace knitting/reading, I decided to whip up a quick dress for Ramona. The pattern is from Berroco's new booklet, "Berroco Remix". I'm using some *old* Caron yarn that I've had for years. It's a nice turquoise blue and the color always looks nice on her. The pattern, Simo, calls for an attached scarf...which, if I add, I was thinking of making in a tangerine color - and would make the pockets out of the same - a little contrast and pop. Whadda ya think?
Once I finish the dress, which probably won't take more than another day or two, I'll get back to knitting Alyssa's wedding shawl - hooray!
Happy Knitting and Happy Monday!
Friday, July 23, 2010
I'm on a "diet" of sorts
The furnace at Chez ChooChooKnits started to die sometime toward the end of the winter months (thankfully). We had our trusty plumber come over and install our new kitchen sink back in May and had him take a look at the furnace...just in case it could be saved. No such luck. After 30 some-odd years, the old gal was finished. The good thing was that it's now SUMMER - and no one cares about heating their homes. So when hubby spoke to the plumber he said "if there's anything you can do, when you have down time, we're willing to work with you on having the new one installed". Brian, the plumber, finally called us last Friday and said "since it's so hot, why don't we work on your furnace next week?" On Sunday night, Hub and The Punk, moved shelves in the basement so the old furnace was easier to take out. This exercise in organizing required my shelves and bins of yarn to be relocated. It also required Hub and TP to SEE how much yarn I have...YIKES McGIKES! Well, when TP came to me and said "Dad and I got you some new bins...how much BLUE yarn do you need?", I knew the gig was up! **To note: the blue yarn in question was a LARGE gift from Dora, gifted to her from Trudie, before the later moved to VA, and the former moved to CA. So, you see, it wasn't PURCHASED yarn - it was gifted - and free yarn is the best kind!
Anyway, i'm determined to start knitting ONLY from my stash. Yes, yes, i've said it before - and i made a really good dent last time - but this time i need to make a couple of sweaters and/or a blanket and that will clean things right up - esp if i use the BLUE yarn for TP sweater - that'll teach him to tease his mom! ha ha
So i'm on a yarn diet. And I've decided to make it an across the board "spending diet". This means I'm IMMEDIATELY deleting any and every "sale" email when it arrives. I have plenty of clothes, thank you Banana, Gap, Old Navy, Talbots, etc. Lord knows I don't need more shoes. And I certainly don't need more yarn - so I'm sorry to my fave yarn shops (for now)! I WILL read more blogs and Knitting Daily because it will remind me of patterns I can knit with my huge stash of yarn :o) And I'll continue to go through my queue on ravelry, and my books and magazines for ideas when I ask 'what's next?'
However, if any of y'all would like to purchase some yarn from my stash, I'm happy to say that I'm likely to part ways with most of it - after all, we now need to PAY for the new furnace - ah, the vicious cycle :o)
Happy Friday and Happy Knitting one and all!
Anyway, i'm determined to start knitting ONLY from my stash. Yes, yes, i've said it before - and i made a really good dent last time - but this time i need to make a couple of sweaters and/or a blanket and that will clean things right up - esp if i use the BLUE yarn for TP sweater - that'll teach him to tease his mom! ha ha
So i'm on a yarn diet. And I've decided to make it an across the board "spending diet". This means I'm IMMEDIATELY deleting any and every "sale" email when it arrives. I have plenty of clothes, thank you Banana, Gap, Old Navy, Talbots, etc. Lord knows I don't need more shoes. And I certainly don't need more yarn - so I'm sorry to my fave yarn shops (for now)! I WILL read more blogs and Knitting Daily because it will remind me of patterns I can knit with my huge stash of yarn :o) And I'll continue to go through my queue on ravelry, and my books and magazines for ideas when I ask 'what's next?'
However, if any of y'all would like to purchase some yarn from my stash, I'm happy to say that I'm likely to part ways with most of it - after all, we now need to PAY for the new furnace - ah, the vicious cycle :o)
Happy Friday and Happy Knitting one and all!
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