One Too Many Projects

A little halloween monster

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:22:00 +0000

It's a late post. Life has been crazy for all 3 of us. This will probably be the last post. It was been fun.

A Fishie Post

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:48:00 +0000

I've been bitten by the blanket bug as well as the Malabrigo bug. I have to admit. I love me some Malabrigo! I can swim nekid in that stuff.

I've been working on two projects: Girasole and A recipe for fish. Both are coming along swimmingly.

I started thinking about a Recipe for Fish. How many fish? How big of a blanket? What is the purpose of this blanket? I realized that I wanted to create an heirloom blanket for my son. Something he can use once he's all grown-up...either as a throw on a sofa or a blanket for him to (still) cuddle with. So, a minimum of a full size blanket. I want it colorful so it grabs my attention as well as his, but not too colorful that he wants to hide it when he gets older. Decisions, decisions. I have knit a total of 7 fish so far. They measure about 4.5" in length, and 3" in width. If I made a blanket that is 18x12 fish...then the final project should be about 81"x36". Hmmm...I guess I need to go back to the drawing board. Those dimensions might not work. I like the 18 fish...Aargh! Math!

Here is a possible schematic:

Bad drawing...but it gave me an idea.

Fish and Fish...and a New Toy!

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:55:00 +0000

Since having my baby, I've become obsessed (slightly) with knitting blankets. They are so practical and cozy. I love the idea of curling up on the sofa with a good book, or yarn and needles, wrapped in a warm blanket in Southern California. I love blankets so much that I've started 3.

The first one that will be frogged is the Modern Log Cabin baby blanket that I never got finished. I think I finished about 10 squares then left it laying there. There is only so much garter stitch a girl can do!

The second one is Girasole. Here is the Ravelry link. It's being done in Malabrigo silky merino (sand). It's coming along and I will post pictures, once I grab it from work. I love lace done on large needles.

The third one is A recipe for Fish. Again, the Ravelry link. This will be for Andy's bed...when he gets older. It is being done in Malabrigo. All shades...aiming for a rainbow effect. There will be 196 little fish. I've got 2 so far.

As for the toy...well...my mother believes I need to be able to capture everything about Andy. He's growing up so fast and he's only 5 months. So, with my mother's generosity...I bought this:

It's a Canon FS200. It records in standard definition onto flash memory cards. It's extremely compact. This is how it compares with a pacifier.

Like I said...tiny! I can't wait to start playing with this baby. It should be fun!

The new kid in town...

noreply@blogger.com (CraftyCanadian) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 03:05:00 +0000

Today was "grand opening eve" for our newest local yarn store! It is VERY local for us at OTMP - we could go there on lunch hour and that is VERY dangerous. Even more dangerous for a certain someone (not me, I can resist) is the WALL of Malabrigo ;) I snapped a few pictures to commemorate the occasion. We arranged with multiple knit groups to meet there for some shopping and knitting then out for lunch. We even ran into someone I haven't seen in FOREVER, it was nice to see you R! Business appeared to be brisk for them, hopefully that will continue :) Welcome to Knit Schtick and L and R (the owners) we look forward to hangin' at your shop and getting to know you. You may regret being so kind and welcoming ;)

Overview of the shop

Friends enjoying the tables... notice the back wall - half of it is Malabrigo!

T, R, and, our own Labrat in the corner... It was fantastic to see you R - been FOREVER!

another shot of them :)

Somebody's little boy... very interested in his feet :)

Our very own Unprepared Mind and J and her sister L

Last but certainly not least - the owner Lauren and her husband Rudy

Finished!!!

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:33:00 +0000

During my pregnancy and later the birth of my DS, I have to admit something. I finished nothing. Well, almost nothing. I finished a clapotis for a friend of mine, but that was it. I started projects..many of them: 3 baby sweater, 2 blankets, 2 adult sweaters, and several pairs of socks. The baby stuff got ripped out. The adult sweater got close to completion (it was a simple knitted bodice from stefanie japel) but it turned out to be huge. So I started it again on a smaller size. I think I got about 20 rows in and then stopped. My socks have cuffs...toes...legs...feet...but not a complete sock. Until now.

I also realized something during my sock knitting times. I don't like wearing socks with legs. I run around barefoot most of the time. I wear clogs and really don't need socks that goes past the ankles. So I started playing around ravelry and found this. If you aren't in ravelry, you should be if you are a knitter. OMG! So much to see and so much information. It's like a knitter's wonderland! Short socks! Footies! I feel like smacking my forehead and say, "D'oh!" (a la Homer Simpson)

Using the pattern more as a recipe... I finished these.

I love the look of the scrolls socks by Charlene Schurch in her More Sensational Knitted Socks. But they turned out too baggy at my legs. These fit perfectly. I love them.

Fast facts: CO 64. Did an eye of partridge heel flap with three garter stitch edges. Simple round heel. Finished with a standard toe and kitchner stitch.

Yarn: Handegerbt's Merino Extra Soft which is 70% wool and 30% silk. The colorway is wizard.

Needle: US Size 1

Conclusion: I love these socks! They are so comfy!

Testing...testing...1...2...3...Is this thing on?

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:52:00 +0000

It's been crazy for months! I do not recommend trying to juggle newborn, work, and school at the same time. It's intense and it's insane! But, you only live once...right?

Andy is coming up 5 months old now. He's a happy, healthy, little boy who is highly opinionated. So competely unlike his parents! :-)

As for knitting, I'm plodding away slowly on some new projects. Small projects. Projects where I can remember whether I'm knitting or purling. I've decided to try to use up my sock yarn collection. (ahem!) I don't wear socks but if I do...I like short socks...or footies. I only have about 400...or so skeins of sock yarn. I might be able to get a couple pair of footies out those. The good thing about knitting short socks...they go relatively fast. The only time I have to knit these days are when I'm taking a bath. So...yes...I knit while I take a bath.

I'll post some pictures up eventually.

But I leave you with this.

Andy at 4.5 months.

P.S. If anyone knows the secret for stopping time...let me know, please?

A little surprise

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:05:00 +0000

Some of you may know that I was pregnant, which was why I dropped off the face of the earth. I am eager to announce the birth of my son: Andrew Dylan. He was born at 4:52 am December 28th, 2008. He weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches in length. I know that typical first pictures are usually with the mom, but since I really don't like having my picture taken, here he is with his daddy. I promise that we will kee this a knitting blog and not a baby blog, but I might use Andy as a model from time to time.

Here is a quick family picture from La Canadienne.

Happy New Year everyone! May this year bring all of you happiness and good fortune. Mine has already started off great!

Ummm hello...

noreply@blogger.com (CraftyCanadian) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:09:00 +0000

Hi there... it's been way to long I know. I'm not sure why I/we lost the mojo but let's try to resurrect this thing ok?

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving! Hubby and I had 10 people for dinner in our already full apartment :) It was uhhh cozy but fun. The meal was a fabulous collaboration between several people. I normally like to do everything but this year I was convinced to 'let' other people help and it turned out SO well. I'll post pictures soon...

Friday Miss Unpreparedmind twisted my arm (wink wink) to go shopping at the craft store... We didn't head out till around 3:30pm - I was still in my pajamas until she first called at around 2:45. Nothing like the lazy Friday after Turkey Day :) SO we wandered around the two big craft stores, a pet store and a beauty supply shop and then Whole Foods. We were both shocked to see it was 7pm as we were finishing up!! Apparently we should NOT go shopping together... we both ponder things for way too long. It was a long shopping trip and hubby was starting to worry but I think it was very productive for both of us so it's all good :)

Saturday was a similarly lazy day... we didn't get up to much until around 3pm. That's when I decided to color my hair (the result of the trip to the beauty supply shop) and sew a couple new pillow cases for the 24x24" pillows we got at Ikea long ago. They have become 'cat pillows' and the cases were faded due to frequent washing and one was torn so it was definitely time for an update. Of course it seems Ikea no longer sells these pillows or the cases for them so I had been on the hunt for some fabric and finally found some great stuff a couple weeks back. Hubby was suitably impressed and was thinking of other things we could do with the left over fabric... "could you cover these small pillows too?" haha :)

Sunday I went with G, C, M, and J to Disneyland!! I LOVE Disney during the holidays and yesterday was no exception... pictures to come...

¡Buenas Tardes!

noreply@blogger.com (The Unprepared Mind) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Just got back from a week with my mother and my sister and her boyfriend in Mazatlán. We stayed at the El Cid Marina, and when I wasn't hiking around the hills or exploring the town of Mazatlán, I made it to the beach with my mum for some reading and knitting, while STAYING OUT OF THE SUN! Thanks to my mum for the pictures and to a good friend for the pretty necklace I've got on!
Flying out, Alaska had no problem with my needles. Flying back into the US was a different story, which I find funny considering I fly all over inside the US with the SAME CARRIER. They wanted to take my needles away (I'm doing it toe up and I'm well past my ankle!) but in my broken Spanish I explained my trauma so the nice security gentlemen let me go back through security and check it into my checked luggage. I guess you never know! My greed for those 2 hours of knitting time over-ruled my caution ;)
To keep it knitting related, here I am working on my Kat Bordi sock, the Coriolus Sock with the whirlpool toe.
More pictures are at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/malenkysaru/sets/72157604365003061/

pi = 3.14159265

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:49:00 +0000

Yes, I know that shows you how much of a geek I am...but it has 100% relevance with what I've been working on. I've been working on Elizabeth Zimmerman's Pi shawl from The Knitter's Almanac. I was completely inspired by BrooklynTweed's version of it. There are two versions of this shawl: a simple knitted one or the lacy one. Being a sucker for lace, I decided to go lacy.

Here are the deets: (Remember that this is a WIP)
The Yarn: Plucky Knitter's Silk Merino Lace in Merlot. It is the best feeling stuff out there. I cannot tell you how wonderful this yarn is to knit with!
Needles: US Size 5
I modified the shawl by adding a lace pattern from Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Amazing Knit Patterns and a edging from Lace From the Attic by Nancie Wiseman. It's been fun and challenging but I'm loving it.

Fun with my sewing machine!

noreply@blogger.com (CraftyCanadian) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 06:59:00 +0000

Last Thursday at knit night I caught a glimpse of Gabarella's (new pouch style) Knit Picks Options case... I had been looking at this case and contemplating making one for myself out of fabric and seeing one in person was that last little push I needed. I sketched a bit, pulled out my fabric stash and came up with this:

Finished dimensions are 9.5" wide x 6" high x 2.5" deep (2.4cm x 1.5cm x 0.63cm) - slightly smaller than the KP case...

It has 13 slots/pockets. As you may be able to see, the slots are varied widths in order to accomodate larger tips and other items. I plan to make a couple small pockets to keep the cables and other small parts organized as well. It would be great to have the slots labelled with needle sizes but I was antsy and I had already sewn the sides on this one by the time I got the materials for labelling .

I'm quite pleased with this little bag and plan to make more for gifts and/or possible etsy sales :)

I had to go to the fabric store for notions and red fabric for this and (OF COURSE) I couldn't come home with just what I needed. I found some great vintage-y holiday print fabrics at 70%off!! How could I resist?? This one isn't vintage style but I thought it was cute.

Patterns, what patterns?

noreply@blogger.com (The Unprepared Mind) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 23:43:00 +0000

So my um, awesomeness at using patterns has been well documented. I'm okay once I understand what the portions of the pattern are supposed to construct, and you'd think I'd be a little more enamored of making socks for that reason! I'd been a bit cranky about using DPNs, mostly because when I go to pick up the stitches for the gusset I have some, um, issues.
But to make a long story short craftypancakes gave me some sock sized circular needles and I've been having a ball!
I finished some socks about a month ago and here there are!
The yarn is courtesy of craftycanadian, Mountains in the Moonlight by Indigo Moon Yarns. I did these on size 1s, and found out after I finished these that Cat Bordhi just put out a book about moving the decreases (right? I'm trying to remember the exact conversation) so I feel like I'm surfing on a wave of yarn cool.

Madame G, thank you again for taking the photos!

No, I'm not dead...

noreply@blogger.com (CraftyCanadian) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:09:00 +0000

CraftyCanadian here! Where the heck have I been? Well I've been here and nothing has gone awry in my life, I just haven't been inspired to blog for a while. Not sure why but I suspect Ravelry may be involved ;) I spend a lot of time over there and I'm able to share projects and stuff with a little less effort... so I guess it's mostly that I'm lazy.

Knitting-wise I have some things to share if anyone is still interested. If you'll indulge me, I'll just step back into my trusty time machine and go back before Christmas...

Since hubby's niece was SO appreciative of the first sweater I knit her, I had been thinking that I would like to knit another little something. In a twist of fate, I spied some lovely Lamb's Pride Superwash Bulky on sale at Suzoo's that would be just perfect for the Asymmetrical V-Neck Pullover from Loop-d-Loop. I purchased, I knit, and here's the result:

NG wasn't the happiest of campers when I took that picture. The night before, when I was finishing up the sleeves, she was running around in her jammies with the hat on and couldn't wait to get the sweater. She kept asking if she could 'do it' :)

I also knit the 'gauge swatch hat' in the same corrugated pattern. What a great way to test your gauge AND have a usable item afterward! I'll have to dig up pictures of NG in the hat. She was tickled pink :) I didn't complete the sleeves until we were in Texas and I could measure her and try the garment on. Due to the asymmetrical nature of the pattern the sleeves either wind up being well... asymmetrical. I think they compensated for this in the photos in the book by having the little girl hold hands with the lady in the adult sized sweater... tricky tricky...

My attempt at adjusting for this was to stop the corrugated pattern at about the elbow and knit the rest of the sleeve in garter. In the pattern they call for you to finish on a garter stich section on both sleeves but that would make it impossible to get them the same length! At least this way, I could knit a couple more rows of garter on one sleeve without it being 'slap you in the face' obvious that they were different.

Found the picture of NG in the hat!!

What Fiber Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:32:00 +0000

I saw this on knotsinarow's blog. It seemed fun. It turns out that I am

This is what they say about angora: “Angora has a warmth that rivals cashmere and softness that rivals qiviut. Best of all, it comes from cute little bunnies that look for all the world like furry footstools with ears.” –The Knitter’s Book of YarnAngoras are eager to please and are highly sensitive. Flexibility and adaptability are your strengths and sometimes your weakness, as well. You are essentially a warm and feeling person, and little escapes your impressionable mind. You are generous with others and strive for harmony in your relationships.

Not sure if it's completely accurate, but it was fun! So go look here and find what fiber are you.

The first FO of the year

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:10:00 +0000

My first FO of the year is a pair of socks. It's a gift for K.

The quick info: Started Christmas Eve last year. Finished January 3rd of this year.

Yarn: Smooshy! by Dream In Color. Colorway: Cloud Jungle. It was a gift from La Canadienne.

Needle Size: US 1 (2.5 mm)

Pattern: Simple Garter Ridge Socks from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch

Comments: Easy pattern to memorize. It would have been a quick knit, but K has pretty big feet. Those are his feet in the pictures. He wears a US Men Size 11. (That's almost 12 inches for the foot!)

In other news, I realize that I have way too much sock yarn. So, this year I am going to dedicate myself to knitting socks. I might knit an occassional sweater, scarf, hat, or mittens, but it will be all socks all the time. (But don't hold me to that! :-) )

Happy New Year and a Resolution or Two

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:48:00 +0000

Au Revoir 2007 et Bonjour 2008. Another year has gone, but I felt that I have acoomplished a few things last year. I was able to maintain my grades while working full time, kept up with my blogging, and finished a few projects. I finished 2 pairs of gloves, 4 pair of socks, 2 sweaters, and a felted computer bag. I started a lot of projects and left a lot of them hanging.

My plan for this year:
1. Continue with my education and finish my degree. (I'm hoping by May of 2009).
2. Finish some of the projects that I have started, frog the ones that I'm not interested in, and then cast on a few more new projects.
3. Curb my impulse buying habits. Curb my habit for buying things because I'm depressed, happy, etc.
4. Get into a decent fighting shape. That means start to run and swim more. Do more active things than just go to the movies with my bf.
5. Learn something new either a new language or a new skill. I'm taking Photography next semester, so I might take better pictures (or hopefully more artistic ones).

What are your goals for next year?

Merry Christmas (belated) and Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:54:00 +0000

I know that it's been a while since anyone of the three of us has blogged. I want to assure everyone that we are indeed alive and kicking (sometimes each other!) :-) Life has just gotten busy with the holiday season. La Canadienne went to Texas to spend time with DH's family. The Unprepared Mind is off in Seattle with her family. I have been spending time with my family as well as my BF's family.

The team at OTMP would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (belated) and a Happy New Year! May your New Year be filled with lots of yarny goodness and lots of pointed sticks.

As for Christmas knitting, I got 2 things done. A pair of gloves and a scarf.

These gloves are Knucks from Knitty.com. Made with Blue Sky Alpaca Sport Weight on US Size 1 (2.5 mm). This is also the very first time I have ever embroidered anything! I'm liking embroidery, but fear not, I won't be doing it regularly. I love my knitting too much! These were made for BF's mom and she absolutely loves them! So does his younger sister, which is why I casted on another pair. (Pssst...if you want to learn how to embroider...check out this site...Needle N Thread)

P.S. We'll see all of you next year!

Only in Southern California

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:09:00 +0000

Last Saturday, a group of us decided that we needed to Knit in Public at of all places DISNEYLAND! I haven't been to Disneyland since I was 12. Let's just say...it's been a LONG LONG time. So, Gaby, la Canadienne, and I went to Disneyland to go knitting. I wish I remembered to take pictures of us knitting on the rides, but it was rather difficult. We were gawking at everything.

The day was highly entertaining. We went to the Haunted Mansion. It was done up in Jack Skeleton theme. The ride was interesting. Especially since I get motion sickness.

The more interesting ride was Space Mountain. My bf would not let me hold onto the bar in front of me. Instead, he held my hands up above my head. Not knowing what to expect, it was a rush. I nearly broke his hand by gripping too tight! (Hey babe, that's your fault!) :-)

The night was gorgeous. We had beautiful fireworks that I forgot to capture on film. There was snow everywhere after the fireworks. (The snow was made with soap bubbles).

But this is the picture I like best.

Cinderella's castle lit up with lights! It was beautiful, romantic, and the perfect ending to a perfect day!

Thanks Gaby for arranging everything!

P.S. I even got some knitting done. It's another sock I'm designing. I'll show you pictures later, when I remember to take pictures.

P.P.S. Using a random number generator, I'm giving a little something to comment #4 from the Koolhaas post. Megann, I'll bring something for you at the party on Sunday.

On a roll

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:26:00 +0000

Two finished objects in a week! And finals just around the corner! How many of you knit more and more as finals approaches? I just need to kick back after studying for hours and hours and it's a lot easier to listen to a professor go on and on about the importance of Sigmund Freud and how he is not just a sex addict...

I finished one of my Christmas projects! It's a scarf for DK's sister. She's cute, blonde, and perky. Very perky. But she's a sweetheart and asked for a scarf as soon as she found out that I knit.

I present: M's Edgar. It's 6' long and only 3" wide. She's a tall skinny thing too. It'll fit her. It's made with Posh Yarn's Alice. It's handspun cashmere. Why I am giving a 13 yo girl a handspun handknit cashmere scarf....I have no idea. But I love her brother...that might explain why.
Edgar is a modular knit. You need to do a centered double decrease and cast on additional stitches at the end of the rows.
Using US size 6, it took me 20 repeats to hit 6'.
Not sure I want to block it out too much. It's a very pretty light airy scarf. Perfect for southern California winters. Now only about a dozen and a half more projects to go. I have time...

I know it look as if I never knit anymore but...

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:25:00 +0000

Contrary to public opinion, I'm still a knitter (albeit a much slower one than normal). I just wanted to share with you my newest FO. It's Koolhaas from Interweave Knits Holiday, designed by the amazing designer Jared Flood, aka Brooklyntweed.

I learned how to cable without a cable needle. It's tricky and you need to have fast fingers. I dropped a few stitches towards the top.
It's a warm hat and will get a lot of use (especially in Southern California). I'm thinking ski trip now that winter is here.

Someone lucky might get an early Christmas present...after all...it is the season to be giving

Starting the Holiday Rush

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:58:00 +0000

I was going to do a post for Thanksgiving but this is what happened.

All my relatives came over for dinner. Apparently, my mother promised them that I would cook! (It's a good thing she didn't... love you Mom). So people in this picture: (sitting down) my 4th aunt, my 4th aunt's husband (aka as my uncle), my 3rd uncle, my 2nd aunt, and my mother. Standing up in the back are my cousin (mom is the 4th aunt), my brother, and the husband of another cousin (dad is the 3rd uncle). My cousin is taking another picture from a different angle. Are you guys confused yet? My mom is the youngest of 8 kids. She has 3 older brothers and 4 older sisters. We have 25 kids in my generation (the grandchildren). You really don't want me to count how many are in the generation below me...(I'm guessing 31...and counting) For dinner, we had an earl grey tea brined turkey (seriously yummy), chinese black sticky rice stuffing, roasted beets and carrots (recipe courtesy of la canadienne), butternut squash with maple syrup, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, regular plain jane mashed potatoes, and a salad of mixed greens with gorgonzola cheese and dried cherries and blackberry balsamic vinagrette. After 16 years of making Thanksgiving dinners by myself, this was one of the easiest to put together. (Thank goodness for ovens...multiple ovens.)

Now that is done and over with, Christmas is on my mind. Specifically knitted Christmas gifts. I promised my sweetie to make a scarf for his sister (almost done), a hat for my 2nd aunt (not even casted on), a scarf for my mother (in the planning stages), socks for my brother (Wal-mart seems to be a good place), a sweater for Dad (Neiman Marcus, here I come), a scarf for my sweetie's mom (maybe a modular scarf from modular knits?), and socks for my sweetie (ummmm...we'll see). I've got a lot of things to do, not a lot of time to knit them. On top of this, I've got finals in two weeks. I've got one thing to say...Oh vey! (and I'm not Jewish!) Wish me luck...and if you don't hear from me....I jabbed myself with a needle by accident...

And here is some yarn porn to keep you occupied.

Malabrigo Worsted Weight in Loro Barranquero...made into a Koolhaas (designed by Jared Flood in Interweave Holiday)
Socks that Rocks Lightweight in Undertoe
Mama Llama sock Yarn in absolutely gorgeous purple from Twisted Knitster via swap
Cashmerino 80/20 in Casino Royale by my favorite dyer in the whole wide world...the Plucky Knitter!
Malabrigo Worsted Weight in Damask Rose... (slated to be a hat of some sort)

Sweater Mania!

noreply@blogger.com (The Unprepared Mind) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:49:00 +0000

I just finished my first sweater! I've mentioned earlier (and shown the yarn) for the Deep Ribbed V-neck from Stefanie Japel's Fitted Knits. Here it is in all its glory!

A few items of note:
Neckline was obviously changed. I really liked the open keyhole look, so I kept that.
The sleeves were not seamed, but knit in the round.

This was a lot of fun to knit. The Cascade 220 gets softer and softer as you knit with it, I really love that yarn. The pattern itself was basic, but not boring. I think it is a great first sweater project. And of course I couldn't have done it without the help of all my knitting friends, so I just wanted to thank everyone for all their help! I love you guys :)

A new obsession perhaps?

noreply@blogger.com (CraftyCanadian) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:39:00 +0000

I previously eluded to my intense desire for the Ivy League Vest and have been remiss in updating... I guess my desire to blog goes in waves...

I (not surprisingly) cast on a swatch the day I received the yarn.
Knit Picks Palette in Fog, Twig, White, Nutmeg, Rainforest Heather, and Marine Heather (there is actually a significant amount of green in the Marine heather but it doesn't show too well in the photo)

I had a bit of trouble getting used to the two handed knitting but I did catch on. I suspected (and was right) that part of my difficulty was due to the small, in-the-round swatch but I was excited by the prospect of wearing that little tube as a wrist warmer later tee hee. Well somewhere along the way I made a mistake and I attempted to go back and fix it but I wound up frogging the whole swatch. I seemed to be getting gauge so I decided to throw caution to the wind and just cast on for the actual vest!

Check it out:

The I think the green and blue are fairly close to the Harrisville colors called for in the pattern but the browns and grey are different. I didn't have the color card when I ordered (I do now) so I had to guess on a few shades... If I were to knit this vest again in the KP Palette I would choose the lighter grey (Mist) and Tan instead of Twig... I am happy with the colors as they are though so I ain't changing anything :) And for $20 total for the yarn - I sure can't complain!

With every row I become more and more hooked on this stranded knitting thing! I can easily see myself getting a little obsessed with it :)

It is SO rewarding to see the pattern developing before your eyes. It really makes you feel like you are making progress FAST. I think a couple of things have really helped me...

1. knitting continental
2. knowing how to throw (I started English style)
3. I am generally left handed but moderately ambidextrous... after the initial awkwardness and figuring out how to hold yarns without getting them all twisted, I feel very comfortable knitting 'two handed'.

I only wish the weather here were cooler so I could knit a closet full of fair isle sweaters!! Vests are good so it's quite possible I may knit this again but in different colors... I really like the Clematis Heather and the Iris Heather... hmmmm ;)

This just makes me cry...

noreply@blogger.com (CraftyCanadian) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:39:00 +0000

I can't get over how aweful some people can be... I found this sad story and felt it was definitely worth passing along. If you can help, please do!!

edit 11/14/07:
Breaking news from Hope Animal Rescues on Sugar Ray's progress and the case against the poor excuse for a human who did this to him...

Update 11/11/07
As of today Sugar has gained a total of 1lb and six ounces which is great news. The doctor has increased the amount of food that he can have to a half cup at a time. He has more energy, is starting to show a desire to play, and is being spoiled rotten by his growing fan club. He has a lot of people who love him and are wishing him the best and we think he knows that and doesn't want to let any of them down. So he is doing better everyday, and soon we hope to take a picture of him without the ribs showing.

Update 11/13/07
Today is the day we go to the prosecutor with our evidence. It is our hope that by the end of the week the person responsible for this crime is charged and justice can be served.

Monkey Behavior

noreply@blogger.com (knitting labrat) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:32:00 +0000

I'm taking a physical anthropology class right now. In it, we study genetics, primate behavior, and evolution. Part of our exercise was go to a zoo and observe the monkeys. Living so close to the world renown San Diego Zoo, a group of us decided to make the drive. For those who have never been to the San Diego Zoo, it is an amazing place! In terms of primates alone, there are over 20 species! There were the cute pandas, the gentle gorillas, the crazy chimps, and the artistic organutans.

A beautiful 12 year old silverback gorilla.

A four year old panda cub who is leaving for China soon. Edited to add: He was shipped off yeserday.
His two year old sister.
And also being in San Diego, I had to go play in La Jolla. For those knitters who read this, Knitting in La Jolla is closed on Sundays! I found that out the hard way. But, very close to Knitting in La Jolla, you can find these... Obviously well fed sea lions lolling around La Jolla Cove.

What would life be without a couple of great ASS shots of the beach? It is Southern California. This is a nod to Dave.

The beautiful Pacific Ocean.

The requisite Ass shot.

Thanks to a certain sweetie being a good sport.

Edited to Add: Kit, this is not your A**. :-)

Do you think the hat needs a pompom?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe
	I have no idea. I just wanted to vote.

pollcode.com free polls