UnFinished Objects

One Stitch at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:15:00 +0000

You may not have noticed, but there are progress bars for my WIPs in the sidebar on the left. At one time, the list included Drawn Thread's Sampler Gameboard, but I removed it since I hadn't been working on it much. The usual story: other projects took my attention.

Every now and then, I'd stitch on gameboard. But I didn't have any momentum. I was getting frustrated because I didn't have all the colors I needed. Either I had run out of or misplaced them or I used them for other projects. During the summer, I realized I should put this design back in the rotation because I had already stitched a siginificant amount, as you can see in this photo.

So, I finally replaced those colors a couple of weeks ago and have been working on it again. I also reinstated the progress bars. I'm hopeful that Sampler Gameboard will become a finished object soon. I can't wait. This one is frame-worthy.

Another UFO that's been put back in the mix is Tuscany from John Clayton International. That's halfway done. Although not a UFO, I'm also making progress on Village of Hawk Run Hollow. I've completed two blocks and am working on a third.

Have you seen the latest: Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow. Who knows when I'll finish the village, but I had to own this chart. I'd love to start it but I'm controlling the urge -- for now.

Brooklyn Welcomes NYC Marathoners

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

I live in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, which is about 4 miles in from the start of the NYC Marathon. I never went to watch the runners before but decided to take a walk over to see them today.

It's quite an amazing site to see thousands of people running along the street. There's a very festive feel in the air with people cheering and even a band playing for the crowd.

I was surprised to see some runners dressed in elaborate costumes, like the Eiffel Tower! Now, I love the Eiffel Tower, but I wouldn't run a mile, let alone 26 miles, in a costume of it. Another guy had on a contraption that looked like a swam. The neck and head extended out in front of him, and it looked like he was holding reins conected to the neck . Unfortunately, I was too slow and didn't get a picture of that.

There were also two men dressed as nuns, another guy as Uncle Sam, some bees and various other costumes. Other unusual sites -- a group of ladies from England running in their bras with their shirts off. I understand they do that every year. And the Barefoot Runner. Yes, he was running barefoot on the streets of NY and carrying a large flag advertising the fact.

In the video, you'll hear one spectator in particulrar cheering everyone on (especially those who looked like they were flagging) and welcoming them all to Brooklyn.

Something Old, Something New

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Now that autumn has arrived, I've been inspired to stitch something for Halloween. I found a small Bent Creek kit that I'd forgotten I'd had -- Hello, My Name is Boo. I stitched it in about a day and even did the little bit of finishing needed. The kit included the pre-made pillow, buttons and tag. So it was just a matter of sewing it up, and I was done.

Because Boo was such a small piece, it didn't completely satisfy my Halloween urge. So I pulled out a long-abandoned UFO -- Just Nan's Girls' Night Out. There was very little I had left to do: one over-one face, a little backstitching, the witches' hair, and the broom bristles.

As I was working on this, I was wondering why I had put it aside. Probably something else caught my attention. But I was really enjoying it, and feel a sense of accomplishment that I turned a UFO into a finished piece. Well, finished in terms of the stitching. I don't know if I'll do anything with it. Right now it is part of my Halloween display of cross-stitch that I hang on my shelves.

What's your blogging personality?

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:06:00 +0000

A doer. That's my blogging personality according to Typealyzer. The site claims to analyze the writing on blogs and websites based on a peronality assessment known as the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. I was curious about what the result for this blog would be, so I plugged in the address.

And the result: ESTP (Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving), "The Doers." Here's a description:

The active and playful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still ore remaining inactive for any period of time.

How accurate is this? My writing may be extroverted but my personality is much more introverted. So I have to chuckle at words like active, full of energy and engaging in outdoor activities. In the summer, point me to the closest air-conditioned room, give me a book, some knitting and stitching, and feed me once in a while and I'm happy. In the winter, make sure that room is cozy and warm. Obviously, I don't have a problem sitting still. As for starting more than I finish, well, no surprise since the analysis was based on this blog. It is called "Unfinished Objects" after all. But outside of my knitting and cross-stitch I think I finish most important things.

So what does your blog say about you?

Taking inventory
I took the Myers-Briggs test many years ago when I was looking to make a career change. I had been a CPA but knew it wasn't for me. Oddly enough, one of the careers suggested for my type was accounting. Go figure. I don't remember the personality type I fit, but I'm definitely an I, probably an S and T, and maybe a J (Judging). So of course, I had to take the test to find out. I was pretty close. I'm an ISFJ:

Quiet, kind, and conscientious. Can be depended on to follow through. Usually puts the needs of others above their own needs. Stable and practical, they value security and traditions. Well-developed sense of space and function. Rich inner world of observations about people. Extremely perceptive of other's feelings. Interested in serving others.

I certainly identified with a more detailed description, which I won't bore you with here.

Some of the traditional careers are interesting to consider since I'm going through another transition: teaching, social work, most religious work, nursing, medicine (general practice only), clerical and and secretarial work of any kind, and some kinds of administrative careers. Hmmm, not likely. Although, I have considered going back to secretarial work at times.

Among the famous ISFJs: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Mary I (I always wanted to be a Queen!); St. Teresa of Avila (sainthoods definitely not an option); Louisa May Alcott, Tennyson and Ed Bradley. (Maybe I'm not too far off sticking to some kind of writing.)

But what I found to be really fun are the fictional personalities:

Bianca in Taming of the Shrew
David Copperfield
Hero in Much Ado About Nothing
Melanie in Gone With The Wind (Definitely not me!)
Ophelia in Hamlet
Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes' faithful sidekick (When a former boss needed my help, he used to call me on the phone and say "Watson, I need you.")

Thanks to The Other F Word for the link to Typealyzer.

Renewed Hope for an old UFO

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:06:00 +0000

A while ago, I wrote about the potential for saving UFOs. One of the posts was about a kit I bought while on a trip to Paris. After stitching about a quarter of the design I realized that the fabric wasn't big enough. So, the piece was cast aside, never to be touched again. Well, on my recent trip to Paris, I had an "aha!" moment. Of course, a visit to Les Bonheur des Dame s, one of my favorite places in Paris and where I bought the kit two years ago, was on the top of my list of things to do. Located under the archways of Le Viaduc des Arts on Avenue Daumesnil, the shop is spacious and carries many wonderful designs. I was particularly tempted by their tablecloth kits, but given the cost and the exchange rate, I resisted. (I happen to have a kit with that cup design that I could potentially use for a tablecloth. So many designs, not enough time...) Of course, I didn't resist everything that caught by eye. I bought a few things that will be gifts for friends throughout the year. For myself, I picked up Madame La Chef. It came packaged in a plastic egg with a whisk charm that was too cute to resist . . . and it was on sale. How could I pass it up?

Another wonderful thing about the shop is that they have tons of stitched models hanging on the walls. And the vaulted ceiling gives them loads of space for that. So I take my purchases to the cash register, and while the saleswoman is ringing everything up, I'm admiring all the models. Now, for the aha moment. Right behind the register are models of the seasonal designs of which Juillet, my abandoned piece, is one. Lo and behold, it hits me. They are all done over one. I'm sure you've guessed by now that I was stitching my kit over two. Of course, when I got home, I pulled out the kit. Right on the front it says "petit point," which of course, means stitch over one thread. What a silly mistake on my part. Oh well, c'est la vie. Now having seen those models and realizing my mistake makes me want to try again with this design. And I'm sure I can find a piece of fabric somewhere in my stash, ya think?

The Remains of a Cross-stitch Project

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Happy dance! That's what we stitchers usually say when we've completed a project. It could mean anything from "Thank God this BAP (big-ass project) for my (insert relative or friend's name here) is finally done!" to "Yippee, It's done. Doesn't it look beautiful. I really enjoyed working on this one" to everything in between.

But once the celebrating is done and fellow stitchers or family members have ohhed and ahhed over your work, what happens to the leftover skeins of partially used floss and any beads or embellishments that were required?

I finished six cross-stitch projects in 2008. The most recent one was the May Santa from The Artists Collection Heartstrings Kringle Kalendar. This piece has some of my favorite elements -- Santa, bees/beehive and a checked border. I added the bees, which gives the piece a bit more whimsy.

Now for the leftovers from these projects. For the most part, they're still in the corresponding project bag, which is usually a plastic shopping or Ziploc bag. These bags sit with WIPs and UFOs either in the space between my sofa and bookcase or in a project basket in the living room. Recently, I tried to consolidate the unused skeins of DMC in one bag. (I was looking for DMC 3774 for May Santa.) Any leftover Weeks or Sampler Threads stayed in their bags. Clearly, some organization is needed. It's something I always plan to get around to, but new projects beckon and I'd rather be stitching..

Tell me what you do with the remains of your projects.

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:03:00 +0000

I went to my first sheep and fiber festival yesterday. Not on the scale of Rhinebeck, but fun nonetheless. Saw many different breeds of sheep -- shetlands, babydolls (small brown sheep w ith heads shaped liked a bear's, Jacobs with two-to-four hours, and many others, the names of which I don't recall -- llamas, bunnies that looked like live "dust bunnies" with their long, fuzzy fur, and in the petting zoo, a pig, a turkey, a funky-looking chicken with a crown of black and white feathers that reminded me of Cruella DeVille. Unfortunately, my camera batteries ran out so I didn't get many pictures.

(Here's a picture of the babydoll, but it wouldn't turn around)

Lots of lovely yarns, especially from The Sanguine Gryphon. They had such gorgeous silks but I didn't buy any of that. I only bought sock yarn. This is Sea Sock, a blend of merino wool and sea silk; the color is "Maggie May."

This is Little Traveller, 100% merino wool that is sooo soft, in "Djibouti."

This is Woolie Bears Superwash from Woolbearers, a wool/nylon blend, in "Don't Leave."

And finally, this is Oasis Yarn Aussie Sock, a merino/nylon blend, in "Hot Pepper."

Now to find patterns for all of these. Off to Ravelry!

Boo!

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Picked up the October issue of Just Cross Stitch. The designs usually aren't to my taste, so I rarely buy it. I do get the annual Christmas ornament issue, which some years is better than others. Halloween is the theme of the October issue, not surprisingly. But this is the first time they are featuring Halloween ornaments. There all quite cute, but my favorites are Mosey 'N Me's Trick or Treat Bee (a cat dressed as a bee); Monster Bubbles' Batty (a cute bat); Brittercup's Trick or Kitty Treat (a cat perched on a pumpkin eyeing a spider); Raise the Roof's Boo Whoo? (a fun owl); Jeannette Douglas Designs Halloween Pumpkin Ornament (Jeannette's characteristic specialty stitches with a row of spiders); and Prairie Schooler's Night Owl (obviously, an owl).

As cute as all of these are, I probably will not stitch them any time soon. I also bought October Spoo ks, a pillow sham from Pine Mountain Designs. These designs stitch up quickly and are fun to work on. The fact that it's a finished pillow is a bonus. So this will be my Halloween piece for this year. I'm also in the mood for stitching a Christmas design. I think I'll "shop" in my stash to see what hits me. I have quite a few Prairie Schooler charts that appeal to me but maybe there's a forgotten chart that will strike my fancy.

Here are photos of my framed "Once Upon a Time." This is one of the first pieces I ever stitched. I brought it with me on a trip to France in 1997, and stitched on it at the Medici Founta in in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, among other places.

I was such a novice to stitching on linen at the time, that I used a role of Charles Craft natural linen I bought at Michael's! I also had no clue about determining the fabric dimensions to make sure it was big enough for framing. And I bound off the edges with masking tape! (Ack!!) Luckily, Don from WVAS is a fabulous framer and had no problem dealing with it. I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Now, I need to decide the best place to hang it.

Progress Report: Knitting and Cross-stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:31:00 +0000

I haven't been stitching or knitting too much over the past couple of months, but I have made some progress on some projects.

Double moss stitch sock: One sock completed. Usually, I don't mind knitting second socks, but I'm a little bored with this one. I think I might start something else before I finish this pair. There are also several "design adjustments" (i.e., mistakes) in this one. But the variegated colorway is very forgiving.

Started: April, 2008
Yarn: Crystal Palace Panda Cotton in Roses

Rivendell Sock (Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-Long III): Finished the leg on the first sock and have moved on to turning the heel. I think I've picked up too many stitches for the gusset. Following the directions, I knit the flap "to the depth of my heel." I think I've done something wrong, because I have twice as many picked up stitches (26) than the the directions mention. I need to rip out and try again.

Started: May, 2008
Yarn: Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra in Toffee

Village of Hawk Run Hollow: Still working on the first square, but it's coming along. Enjoying stitching this one.

Started: April, 2007
Fabric: Lakeside Linens 40 ct. Dune
Fibers: Needlepoint Silks

Les Cerises (Bleu de Chine): Getting very close with this one.

Started: January, 2007
Fabric: 28 ct. Lambswool linen
Fibers: DMC

To Rivendell, Master Gamgee

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:32:00 +0000

Introducing Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-Long III -- the Rivendell Sock. Alison and I decided that we would step out of our comfort zone with this sock:

it's knit with four needles, instead of the five needle variety that we both prefer
we have to follow a chart
the heel is made using a gusset and flap rather than short-rows

So far so good. It's knitting up pretty quickly now that I've gotten past the wraps at the top of the cuff. They aren't difficult; I just found them awkward to do. The 4-stitch wraps were a little easier to manage than the 7-stitch ones. For those, you have to slip three stitches from the end of one needle and four stitches from the beginning of the next needle onto another needle (like for a cable); then you wrap the yarn around all seven stitches and knit them. I felt like I was all thumbs doing this. Plus, I think I made the wraps too tight. The thread on Ravelry pointed out that the wraps should be loose. And there also seems to be issue with the size, that it tends to run small. I was a concerned about that even before reading the thread. That cuff looks awfully small to me.

Sock stats

Yarn: Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra in Toffee

Needles: KnitPicks Harmony dpns, 2.25mm

Related posts: Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-Long I and II

Pretty as a Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:58:00 +0000

A few weeks back, I decided to treat myself by having a couple of my favorite cross-stitch finishes framed.

Here's Leaping Cat from La-D-Da stitched in 2005. I really enjoyed working on this. The cat is so cute. It was done on 36 ct Edinborough linen in Sand with Sampler Threads. I stitched the alphabet in Tarnished Gold instead of Gold Leaf as the chart called for so it would show up better. Now I have to decide where to hang it. It's sitting on my shelf for now.

The other piece that's being framed is one of the first I ever stitched on linen. Can't wait to see this one. The matting and frame that Don at WVAS chose are perfect and will look gorgeous.

Related post: To the Finish

Brooklyn Sock Knit-along III

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:17:00 +0000

Alison came by today and we've decided on Brooklyn Sock Knit-along III -- Rivendell Socks. How talented is the designer that these absolutely evoke Middle Earth's Rivendell. If I could live anywhere in Tolkein's world it would be there. (And, of course, Aragorn would be there, too. That pesky Arwen having sailed off into the West in my version of the story.)

We looked at different yarns and are both leaning toward Shelrdige Farms Soft Touch Ultra. Brooklyn Sock Knit-along I was in this yarn, as well as the Tidal Wave socks (below) I finished recently.

It's really lovely to work with and very soft and cushy to wear. There are so many gorgeous colors to choose from, but we think a lighter color will make the pattern stand out. I'm leaning towards either Pussy Willow or Toffee, which are quite neutral.

The Rivendell Socks will be a challenge for a few reasons: I'll have to follow a chart, and although I'm used to doing that for cross-stitch, I prefer following written knitting patterns; there's a twisted rib stitch that requires a cable needle, which I've never tried before; and the heel is a flap and gusset, which I attempted on a practice sock and didn't quite get the hang of it.

Even so, I'm looking forward to learning some new techniques and can't wait to get started. How do you resist a sock that's described as "the perfect sock for elvish knitters everywhere..."

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:33:00 +0000

New Project?
Not yet, but the current issue of Interweave Knits arrived today, and there are a couple of patterns I really like: the Ruched Shell and Henley Perfected. I may actually try the Ruched Shell. Although I like many sweater patterns, I'm put off right now by sleeves.

As an aside, I could have sworn that the model on the cover was Jennifer Garner. In some pics, the model is a deadringer for her, others, not so much.

Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long II progress
Finished the first sock. I tried a picot bind-off but I'm not sure I really like it on this sock. It's also a little finicky because you have to knit into a stitch, move that stitch to the LH needle, knit into that stitch, etc. The yarn is a little split-y, too, so I had to redo stitches a few times because I wasn't knitting through the whole stitch. But I enjoyed using this yarn, and I really like the way the color variations came out. On to the second in the pair.

Related post: Second Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-Long -- MacGiver style

Oh, Canada!
Had a wonderful visit a few weeks ago with May. You know things are bad when you get to the airport 2 hours early and they've already delayed your flight. It just got worse from there. Thunderstorms and a deluge of rain was keeping everyone on the ground at LaGuardia. After about 7 hours, finally took off at midnight. We could have left sooner -- plane was there, had a crew, but ... no pilot. We had to wait for him to fly in from Chicago! Crazy. At least, the flight wasn't canceled.

The rest of the weekend was great, so it was worth it. Friday we spent the day shopping for cross-stitch and yarn. Saturday was knitting, stitching, munching -- much fun. Here's my stash enhancement report:

Cross-stitch:
Went to Gitta's, May's LNS. Nice shop, with a nice selection.

Take Time to Stitch too (will embellishment pkg.) -- Jeannette Douglas Designs. Like many of her designs, but didn't want to spend too much. (Yeah, right.)
Black and White tulip (#34940) -- Marjolein Bastin. There was a stitched model of a larger piece -- Black Tulips (#34840) -- that was amazing. The shading and detail made it so realistic. But decided to go for the smaller kit, which I think will be equally lovely.
Cross-stitch booklets from Zweigart. I haven't seen these anywhere in the U.S., but outside the U.S. there are so many wonderful cross-stitch magazines and booklets with designs for making something -- placemats, a bag, potholders. The poppies and roses were my favorites.

Knitting:
First stop was Village Yarns. Great shop with many wonderful yarns to fondle and a great atmosphere. From the website:

We are about a 10 minute drive from Pearson International Airport and more than once an Airport Limousine has waited at our curb for a knitter to shop on the fly.

Worth it, if you can.

Knitting Lace Triangles by Evelyn A. Clark -- The shopowner showed us a knitted sample from this book and it was beautiful. A must for the knitting library.
Handmaiden Yarns Sea Silk -- It's a blend of silk and seacell. Don't know what that is, but it feels luscious. Had to have it and it's hand-dyed in Canada, so it's a souvenir. The color looks reddish purple in the photo, but it's really more bluish purple.

We went to another shop (can't remember the name), but I didn't buy anything there. It' s a huge shop and they have any standard yarn you could possibly want. Also lots of books, magazines and charts. It was sensory overload, by that point though.

The shop is on Queen Street West, where there is also a lovely Asian tearoom -- Red Tea Box
"for any Asian spin on afternoon tea.*" It's a great place for a light meal and tea. When you walk in, it's a little deceiving. There are only a few tables. But in the back through a small courtyard, there's another room which is delightful. The furniture is very eclectic, with mismatched chairs, tables and settees. We shared a pork sandwich and a bento box that had an assortment of small sandwiches and cakes, and a pot of Earl Grey tea. Everything was delicious. Interesting twist on the water they served. They put some slices of cantaloupe in it. Unusual, but not bad. They also let us sit there for quite some time while they were closing up.

*from the New York Times, requires free registration.

Socks: Finished and WIPs

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:11:00 +0000

Introducing....my first pair of knitted socks. These are the Eiffel Tower socks from the first Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long, finished about 3 weeks ago. Yarn: Shelridge Farms Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight in Pumpkin Started: June
Finished: September
Loved knitting with this wool and the Eiffel Tower pattern was fun to work on.

Alison has finished one sock in her pair, which uses the same yarn but in Azure. While we were stitching, I often commented on her nice, even stitches. I seem to knit loosely, especially with yarnovers, so my Eiffel Towers aren't as well defined as hers, in my opinion.

Second Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long -- MacGiver style
We've also begun the second KAL. I chose the Elongated Corded Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. We're using Shibuiknits sock yarn. Mine are in Earth and Alison's are in Stone. It's quite soft and the colors are wonderful. I'm definitely going to use more of this.

We working toe-up with short row toes and heels. I considered turning the heel with a flap and gusset. But after trying the "class sock" in The Sensational Knitted Socks book, I decided against it. I understand the theory of picking up stitches for the gusset, but I couldn't execute it very well. I like short rows, so I'm sticking with that for now.

Now, why the MacGiver reference? Alison taught me a cast-on method using a crochet hook. When we got together to start this KAL, I couldn't find either of my crochet hooks. (I was going through a "can't find anything" phase; it's calmed down for now.) Ever resourceful, Alison suggested bending a paper clip into a hook and using that. Voila! It worked. I dubbed it MacGiver knitting since the problem was solved using an ordinary item. She also uncovered my crochet hooks; I had used them as bookmarks in the sock book.

Also on my needles...
I started another pair of socks using Crystal Palace Panda Bamboo Wool in Seascape. Another soft, delicious yarn to work with. The pattern is Slipped Stitch Rib, also from Sensational Knitted Socks. It's a very easy pattern.

Fine Finishes

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:05:00 +0000

The pleasure of cross-stitch, for me, is in the process of stitching -- choosing a design, deciding on the fabric and fibers to use, watching the design take shape, and then seeing the final product. It's usually not my goal to frame a design or make it into something unless it's a gift.

Today's report includes three finishes: Chicken Wired, which was for the fun of it; Seaside Cottage, which is a gift; and Behold the Bee, which I finished stitching a couple of years ago but recently decided to have framed.

Chicken Wired by Whiskey Creek
I really enjoyed stitching this piece. The fox has such a mischievous expression and the "chicken wire" just makes the whole piece.

Here are the stats:

Started: July 8th
Completed: August 25th
Fabric: 28 ct. Chestnut linen
Fibers: DMC and Kreinick #4 braid for the chicken wire

Seaside Cottage by Elizabeth's Designs
Although I finished stitching this in July, I just picked up the framed piece from Tawny's yesterday. I didn't include the charms because I forgot to bring them with me when I dropped it off to be framed. I was planning to stitch them on before I handed it off. Even so, I'm very pleased with how this turned out and think Janet will love it.

Started: April
Completed: July
Fabric: 32 ct. Storm Cloud from the Blended Needle
Fibers: DMC, Weeks Dye Works

Behold the Bee by Chessie and Me
This is one of my favorite designs from one of my favorite designers. It was my New Year's Day project for 2004. The Metrostitchers have a tradition of starting a new project on New Year's day, regardless of how many WIPs you may have. Although I completed the stitching a couple of years ago, I decided to treat myself and have it framed. I think it deserves the honor.

Begun: Jan. 1, 2004
Completed: February 21, 2004
Fabric: 32 ct Vintage Nutmeg from Lakeside Lines
Fibers: Sampler Threads

Lost in a Good Knitting Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 04:55:00 +0000

During a brief knitting phase in the late 1980s, I subscribed to Vogue Knitting. I think I may have attempted only one or two designs (probably never finished), but drooled over the intricate, stylish patterns.

After work tonight, I stopped in Borders. I was intending to buy a French dictionary for my cousin's birthday, but instead, ended up getting the 25th anniversary issue of Vogue Knitting. Afterwards, I met Theresa at the Black Orchid bookshop for their final anniversary party -- sadly, the shop is closing -- and then dinner. Since we were on the Upper East Side, I took the Second Ave. bus to 59th Street and walked over to Bloomingdale's to catch the N or the R train home. The N was pulling into the station just as I was walking down the stairs. Lucky me -- or so I thought. After a minute or so, I looked up -- the train was coming out of the tunnel onto elevated tracks. Uh oh! that's not supposed to be happening, at least not so soon. The N to Brooklyn goes over the Manhattan Bridge after Canal Street, but we weren't anywhere near there. Yes, dear reader, I took the train in the wrong direction and was now in Queens.

Okay, not too much harm done. I got off at Queensboro Plaza to wait for the Manhattan-bound train. After a couple of minutes, one arrives. I settle into a seat eager to peruse my magazine during the hour's ride ahead. I'm enjoying looking at the photos and the designs. I read the article, "Vogue Knitting Cover to Cover," about how an issue is put together -- envious of everyone who works on the magazine. Imagine spending your day choosing yarns for the designs that will be featured. That's the Yarn Coordinator's role. Where do I apply?

I looked more closely at a few patterns of the designs that caught my eye, including the anniversary scarf embellished with Swarovski crystals that's on the cover. As intricate as this looks, it's really quite a simple pattern. I then moved on to "Knitting's Old Guard Speaks Out," a roundtable interview with designers and authors Kaffe Fasset, Mari Lynn Patrick, Alice Starmore and Meg Swansen, and "Chatting with Knitting's New Guard," which includes Vickie Howell from DIY Network's Knitty Gritty, and authors Shannon Okey aka knitgrrl, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka the Yarn Harlot, Clara Parkes and Debbie Stoller. Both were interesting discussions from different perspectives about how they all came to make a career out of knitting and how the knitting world has evolved.

As a native New Yorker, I'm able to immerse myself in what I'm reading and still know when I reach my stop. Dear reader, you know where I'm going with this. Tonight, my station-stop sonar was definitely out of whack. I registered that the train had stopped at 59th Street in Brooklyn, which means next stop I get off. Except for one minor detail -- I completely forgot I was on the N train. I needed to switch at 59th for the R. As the train pulls into the next station, I look up from my knitting reverie to see it was not my stop. Once again, I had to back track to get home. I've done this before. Once, before moving to Bay Ridge, when I was on my way to a friend's Christmas party, and another time a couple of months after moving into the neighborhood. The first time, I ended up in Coney Island. The train was skipping stops in the return direction because of track work. That meant I had to go all the way out to Coney Island so I could turn around and come back. The MTA has a lame slogan, something like "you may have to go our of your way while we make getting you to where you're going better," to explain the inconvenience. At least this time I was able to get off only one station away to switch to the other side for the train back. Alas, the subway gods still were not on my side. As we pulled into the 59th Street stop -- you guessed it -- the R train I needed to transfer to was pulling out.

It took a while for another train to come. In the mean time, I saw a transit cleaning crew pull some hoses onto the platform, and subway "wildlife" (rats) scampering on the tracks. (For any non-NYers reading, yes, there are rats in the subway tunnels, but you don't always see them. Believe me, the condition of the NYC subways is a hundred times better than it ever was in the 1970s.)

I finally made it home by 12:30 am. Luckily for me, I have the day off from work so I don't need to get up early. I'm also off Monday and Tuesday and will be away in the Poconos with my family. No subways, just car rides. Let's hope the traffic gods are more favorable than the subway gods were tonight.

A Birthday Fete

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:37:00 +0000

Spent Saturday celebrating my birthday with Theresa. First stop was Annie's new knitting shop. Oh.my.god. It's wonderful. The walls are lined with lovely, colorful, touchable yarns. In the middle of the spacious room are comfortable club chairs for sitting and knitting, and a large country table like the ones upstairs in the needlepoint store. The staff are friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. I admired the lace-knit tank top one of the girls was wearing, and she eagerly showed me the book the pattern came from -- Lace Style -- which just happened to be on my Amazon Wishlist. Click on "customer images" to see the tank (image no. 14). I want to knit practically everything in this book. I'm considering the wrap sweater (no. 11) for myself and maybe the cropped Katherine Hepburn sweater (no. 12) as a gift for my niece, although I think this one is rather ambitious for my skill level. Needless to say, I bought the book.

It was soon time to head downtown for lunch. We had reservations at Fleur de Sel in Chelsea (photo at right from restaurant website). After an initial snafu with the hostess, who said our reservations were for Sunday and she didn't have any tables available, we were seated. (The restaurant obviously made a mistake taking the reservation, and Theresa wasn't having any of it. Besides, we could see an empty table for two right inside the door. It was definitely available since no one came in after us needing this table.)

I wouldn't hold that little misstep against the place since the food was wonderful. They ask that everyone at the table order either the three-course or five-course menu. We opted for three-courses. The five-course menu includes a second appetizer and a cheese course, which didn't seem worth it for the money.

There were two choices per course, but we had the same things. Unfortunately, I didn't write down the names and descriptions of everything. The first course -- Sweet Corn Soup with Basil Ravioli and Corn Silk Tea -- is the only one I have since it's on the sample menu on their website. Very delicious, smooth and flavorful. (The soup, that is, not the website.)

No pictures of that, but I got shots of the others.

The main course was a lamb "dumpling" with fingerling potatoes and baby carrots. The lamb was tender and tasty. We finished with carrot cake topped with vanilla ice cream.

Then as we were eating our dessert, the waiter brought out a small platter of bite-sized cookies and candied fruit -- with a candle. Of course, I blew out the candle and made a wish.

Next we headed to a movie, "Becoming Jane" about Jane Austen. Yes, it's a fictional account of a relationship between Jane and Tom Lefroy, who is mentioned briefly in two letters to her sister. Hollywood romance notwithstanding, I enjoyed the movie, particularly how the characters and events mirrored those in her books. Supposedly Mr. Darcy may have been influenced by Lefroy. While Lefroy is no Darcy, in my opinion, he has his charms.

I'm not giving anything away by saying that the ending is bittersweet since Jane doesn't end up with the guy. The romantic in me wanted her to live "happily ever after." But then I thought, there's nothing to be sad about. She wrote some of the greatest, most loved novels of all time. That's certainly uplifting and worth celebrating. But given the times she lived in, she didn't receive the acclaim she deserved. That's what is sad and unfortunate.

The movie did put me in the mood for more Jane Austen. So I came home and watched Persuasion, which is one of my favorites, to get my happy ending. And I started rereading Pride and Prejudice. All in all, a well-spent day.

Brooklyn Sock Knit-a-long Update

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 22:20:00 +0000

Completed the first sock of the sock knit-a-long with Alison. In my original post about this sock, I said:

This pattern has a bit of an unusual twist -- the sock can be worn knitted side out ... or inside out which reveals a completely different, very fun design. I'm going to keep the inside design a secret until I finish the first sock. So stay tuned.

It is now time to reveal the secret: when the sock is worn inside out, you'll see a pattern of tiny Eiffel Towers.

Another interesting detail is that the toe and heel are on the purl side.

Even if you wear the sock right side out, you still have a nice pattern. But I'll be wearing these with the Eiffel Towers showing, of course.
I now have two knitted socks, but not a complete pair. The second sock for this pair is already on my needles with the toe done.

[These pictures don't show the actual colorway of the wool -- Pumpkin -- which is orange rather than this berry pink. I guess I have to play around with my camera setting to get a better result. ]

I Must Be Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:07:00 +0000

A couple of friends who know of my love of bees in cross-stitch, emailed me about the Bee Fields Shawl. I've been wanting to try my hand at lace knitting, and this design certainly is beautiful. So I clicked through to purchase the kit. I remember trying to decide between the Tupelo Gold or Buckwheat Honey colorways and thought I opted for Tupelo Gold. I remember adding it to the shopping cart and maybe even beginning to complete the transaction. But I could swear that I decided not to go ahead with the purchase. Or did I decide it wasn't that much money so I'd buy it. Seems I bought it because the kit arrived in the mail today -- in Buckwheat Honey.

My first attempt at lace knitting was last year with the Candle Flame Shawl. Although I started in the fall, I naively thought I would be able make it as a Christmas gift. What was I thinking?! I ripped the darn thing out dozens of times because I couldn't get past row 20 of the 36-row pattern repeat. Even when I was meticulously checking my stitches and thought I had completed rows correctly, had the correct number of stitches, I'd knit knit the next row and it'd be off. Worse yet, I couldn't figure out where I made the mistake. Fed up, I abandoned the project. Now here I am with 1900 yds. of laceweight merino wool and a xx pages of instructions for a quite complicated undertaking for my knitting skill level. But that's me, never start simple. Where's the challenge in that, right? I'm in no hurry to start this any time soon. I have socks and a scarf to finish -- not to mention several cross-stitch projects.

Drive-by Post

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:33:00 +0000

I just came across this blog post about a knitted coffee cup/French Press cozy. I sometimes use a French Press pot and do find that the coffee doesn't stay as hot as I like it, so I may have to make a cozy. They work for tea, so why not for coffee?

A Weekend Excursion

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 01:45:00 +0000

It was just supposed to be a relaxing weekend by the shore. Really. Sure I knew that we'd be visiting a couple of needlework shops, but I could control myself. Maybe buy just one or two. Really, all I wanted to do was look at the ocean, relax and sit and stitch. Yes, really.
Theresa and I set off for Cape May, New Jersey, on Friday. We were meeting our friend, Carol, who was driving up from Maryland. Theresa and Carol have been making this trip for the past couple of years so that Theresa could deliver the Metrostitchers' submissions to Carol for the Montpelier Needlework show opening July 13. This year they invited me to come along. On the drive down, we were planning to stop at the Cranberry Cupboard in Westmost near Philadelphia. We have met Paula, the shopowner, and wanted to visit her. It's a lovely shop filled with lots of new charts and quite a selection of older ones, too. Paula has many lovely models hanging up, all of which she's stitched herself.

As I wandered around the shop, I decided it would be nice to get a kit for a small project since I had brought two larger WIPs that I might want a break from. I found a Shephard's Bush kit called Busy Sheep with sheep and bees that would be perfect. It also was on sale so how could I pass it up? (You see where I'm heading here, right?) Let me cut to the chase here and tell you what else I bought:

Haunted Wool by Kit & Bixby-- acheckerboard sheep, a Halloween cat, haunted mansion and jack o'lanterns
Mermaid's Singing by The Workbasket -- I liked that it uses colors I don't normally stitch with
S anta in the Country by By the Bay Needleart -- love Santa scenes

Okay, it's more than I was planning to buy, but not too much damage. So I check out. We continue chatting with Paula for a bit. I take another turn around the shop and come across this:

Chicken Wired from Whiskey Creek

The fox on the stitched model was so adorable. And lately, I've been drawn to roosters and chickens, sooo... off to the register I went. But then I got it in my head to buy the DMC and fabric so I could start it over the weekend. Yes, I know, I bought the Shepherd's Bush kit for that purpose, but this fox was just calling to me. So I checked out again, doing slightly more damage.
Finally, we leave. It's late by the time we make it to Cape May. So we drop off our bags at the B&B, go to dinner and call it a night.

Blame it on the heatAfter breakfast on Saturday, I walk down to the beach. It's sunny and warm but there's a nice breeze. I sit on the promenade for a bit, then decide to walk around and "window" shop. I wander in and out of a few tacky souvenir shops and jewelry shops, but there's not temptation there. Then on to a Christmas shop. DANGER, DANGER. I not only love to stitch Santas and Christmas-themed pieces, I also collect Santas. The shop had wonderful Christmas ornaments and I bought a couple -- a Santa and sleigh pulled by a cow, sheep, pig, and duck and a Santa on skates holding two owls -- both very cute. I also picked up an Eiffel Tower ornament which I taunted Theresa with so much that she had to buy herself one the next day.

There were also a number of beautiful Santa figurines. Too many to chose from -- almost. I just couldn't resist this one.

When I bought it, I didn't realize that there was a secret compartment in the base. And in it is a rolled up list for Santa! Now how cute is that?

After lunch and a little more window shopping, it was back to the B&B for some stitching. We sat on the porch to stitch, but the sun was beating down that it was just too hot. We moved to the gazebo which as a little better. At least we were out of the sun. I attempted to start Chicken Wired, but after frogging three times I gave up. No stitching for me.

We decided we'd head over to Stitch by Stitch before dinner. Sharon, the shop owner, is very fun and friendly. And her shop is chock full of charts, old and new. Need I say that my tepid resolution of buying only one or two charts was thrown by the wayside by this time? Here's what I bought:

Seasonal Motif I and II, and Brotherly Love (a kit) by Brittercup Designs
Jewel and Ruby by Art Stitch
One-Sheep Open Sleigh by Waxing Moon Designs
Pumpkin Patch and 2007 Santa (He knits!) by The Prairie Schooler
By the Seaside by Needle Crossings -- a local Cape May designer

Parisian Panache in Cross Stitch from Leisure Arts -- Besides the Eiffel Tower, there's a chart for fishnet stockings that is too precious.
American School of Needlework book of Colorful Borders -- I couldn't pass up the checkerboard chickens.

What can I say? I'm weak. I admit it. If I could, I'd stitch every one of these. If only I had enough life times.

The weekend wasn't a total spendthrift holiday. After three weeks, I finally kicked my bronchitis cough. I owe it to the sea air -- and maybe the shopping. ;-)

Ratatouille

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:37:00 +0000

Every time I see a commercial for this movie, I think I'd might like to see it. It is about food in Paris, after all, even if it's cooked by an animated mouse. But then I usually think, "Ah, it's probably not worth it." I didn't bother to read the review in the NY Times either, thinking they'd pan it. On the contrary, it received a very respectable review. And after reading this and this, I've definitely changed my mind. Hey, if I can't make it to the real Paris, I can still enjoy an animated version, right?

A Small Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 02:26:00 +0000

Sometimes it's fun to stitch up something small and quick. Something you can finish in one session for some instant gratifications. Last night, I wanted to stitch but didn't feel like working on any of the WIPs. I had picked up a small kit from Kitty Kat Originals yesterday at Tawny's, so I decided to work on that. It only took a couple of hours, but I think he's cute. I'll add it to my Fourth of July display in a couple of weeks.

Tag! I'm It

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:41:00 +0000

May just tagged me on the "8 Things Meme," so here goes:

Whenever I leave the house, I always say to the cats, “See you later, guys.”
I never read the end of a book to find out what happens. It would spoil it for me.
I’ve never had a driver’s license. I’ve taken lessons but never practiced enough to take the test. Living in NYC it doesn’t pose much of a problem. Although I wouldn’t mind having the freedom to get away without having to deal with public transportation. While I lived in Bermuda for six months, I had a permit to drive a scooter, and I drove on the left side of the road.
I lived in Bermuda for six months. I was in “transition” in my life. Left corporate America to work with a friend who ran a self-help type workshop. When she moved to Bermuda, she asked me to go, too. Didn’t turn out very well. But Bermuda is a beautiful place. I loved the scent of flowers in the air – oleander, bougainvillea, hibiscus; the beautiful colors; being close to the ocean. But at only 20 square miles, it gets a little claustrophobic after awhile.
When I travel, I like to read a book that is set in or about the place I’m visiting. On my first trip to Italy – more years ago than I care to remember – I read “The Agony and the Ecstasy” about Michelangelo. I read Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast” on a trip to Paris a few years ago.
I have a really good sense of direction.
I am currently addicted to any of the animal rescue shows on Animal Planet – and cry almost every single time I watch one.
I’m religious about wearing lipstick or lip balm when I’m outside (especially in the winter) to avoid chapped lips. I also always wear a scarf around my neck in the winter. When I don’t, I usually get a sore throat and a bad cold.

The rules of the Meme are:

Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves
People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules
At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names
Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

There aren't 8 people I feel comfortable tagging, so I'll tag:

1. Debbie

2. Rosie

3. Theresa – Although she doesn’t have a blog, she’s an interesting person. I’ll ask her to add her facts in comments.

Brooklyn Socks and Village Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Cynthia) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 16:46:00 +0000

When my friend Alison and I got together a couple of weeks ago for some knitting, the subject of sock clubs and Socks that Rock came up. I was considering joining one, but Alison had a great idea -- we could have our own club. We'd decide on a pattern and yarn and have a sock knit-along. Since Alison had just been to Maryland Sheep and Wool ("Brief Report" post on May 7), she had some delicious yarns to choose from. And she had a pattern for us in mind. So off I went to buy some yarn. At Alison's suggestion, I choose the Soft Touch 100% Wool Ultra Fingering Weight from Shelridge Farms. With such beautiful colors, it was difficult to choose one. So I bought two -- Pumpkin and Clover Flower. Alison has Azure, I believe. We both like knitting toe-up socks with short-row toes and heels so we decided that's how we'd do the first pair.

As soon as Alison sent me the sock pattern, I got started using the Pumpkin. Over the last week, I was able to finish the toe and one and a half pattern repeats. Alison came over yesterday and started her sock, completing the toe shaping. Here's are progress so far. Alison's yarn is more blue than it appears in this photo, and mine isn't as red. By the way, I really don't have giant feet. It seems I'm loose, er, I mean "relaxed," with the knitting needles. My stitches aren't very even, either. Alison's are so neat and tidy. I'm using size 0 dpns ,and Alison is using size 1s.

This pattern has a bit of an unusual twist -- the sock can be worn knitted side out (as you see here) or inside out which reveals a completely different, very fun design. I'm going to keep the inside design a secret until I finish the first sock. So stay tuned.

Under Construction -- Village of Hawk Run Hollow
Itching to Stitch commented on my last post that I hadn't updated my progress on Village of Hawk Run Hollow recently. I'm still working on the church block, but I'm missing some NPS. Until I get them, progress will be a little stalled.

Make sure you check out Itching's blog. She does beautiful work. In addition to VofHRH, she's also tackling Chatelaine's St. Petersburg White Nights -- gorgeous.