Subway Knits

Memories on a Fridge

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:26:00 +0000

My knitting group on Ravelry is running a summer swap, and one of the survey questions was: "Is there anything that you collect?"

I refuse acknowledge that I collect yarn and fiber. To me, collecting means to gather things to display and is there for visual consumption only. I use my yarn, and I use my fiber. I just haven't had the chance to do it yet.

That being said, there are a few things that I do collect. One is Christmas ornaments (or something along those lines) from the places that The Aussie and I have traveled to.

The other, which is easily accesible, definitely portable, great for swap purposed and seen all year round are magnets. More specifically, magnets from places either The Aussie and I have been to, or family and friends have been to (and we will get to, one day).

This is the current state of the freezer door:

From left to right: Boston, South of the Border, Ireland, Philadelphia, Kastoria (Greece), Rome, Philippines, Acropolis, Harry Potter World, Sheep/Llama/Angora Bunny, Portland. Next row: Disney, Florence, Australia, Savannah, Japan, American Museum of Natural History, British Museum, Fordham University, Tampa MoSci, Canada. Starting with the Pelican: Tarpon Springs, Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Opera House, Florence, Unicorn for my Rav Knitting Group, Augusta, Eastern State Penitentiary, Canada, Chicago, Israel. Below: South Carolina, Mykonos, Venice, Acropolis (again, that was a gift), Crete, Monemvasia (monastery in Greece), Villa Roma (end of year school Field Day), Biltmore Estate, Vermont. Finally: Ninety-Six Historial Site with Atlanta represented by Gone with the Wind magnet, Naples, Paros (island in Greece), Turks and Caicos, Las Vegas, Word (where No Sheep till Brooklyn meets) and "i knit so i don't kill people."

What I really like about collecting these magnets is that most of them tell a story: the Puerto Rico magnet is from Little Sister, who went there and got a custom made one that says "Casa Last Name." It was actually broken in half, but we fixed it. Eastern State Penitentiary was a trip I made with my knitting group - we went to the haunted house and I got so scared I screamed in Sarah's ear.

Las Vegas was The Aussie and mine's first major trip together, and except for the two Florence magnets (which are of The David and The Birth of Venus close up in ceramic), the Italy ones my sister got as well even though we went to Italy on our honeymoon.

Bit of a close-up. I actually get very sad when they break because they really are irreplaceable, unless we go there again. I just noticed this morning that the Philippines one (brown at the top above the Fordham magnet) was broken. We have to wait until we go back again to see The Aussie's family to get a new one.

Some of them hold little surprises.

If you look closely, the guy sleeping in the South of the Border magnet actually sticks out a bit. He is on a spring and it's always fun to flick it. That magnet reminds me of many drives down with my family to Florida. The little black sheep, which is from Dublin Airport en route to Italy for our honeymoon, has a little shamrock. He is one of my favorites.

Some of the favorites are invariably grouped together.

I love them all, but I have a special place for The Olde Pink House (Savannah), 19th century Painting of Tokyo and Mount Fuji (Japan), American Museum of Natural History/Metropolitan Opera House (NYC), and The Birth of Venus (Florence) for the design and events associated with those places.

Sometimes, its alot of work to go through all the pictures, sort and edit them, and print them out to put in photo albums (and alot of money - I am only able to do them now because I have a coupon code), so the magnets serve as a permanent placeholder for those memories.

Busy Bee

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 12:45:00 +0000

There are I think a few kinds of busy - the busy that you create doing the things that you love, and the busy that is obligatory due to commitments that you must make, or because of school and work. Lately, it has been the latter category, and I cannot wait till June 26, which means the end of work for the school year and the start of the former.

Things are picking up in my little corner of the world - over the next two weeks I have 5 projects due for my last two graduate classes. I recorded an episode last Sunday, but I have not been able to edit it the way I really wanted, so there it sits on my hard drive waiting to be finished because it's been very busy here.

I hope to get it up this weekend; in the meantime, I think I have to take a mini hiatus from the podcast for a wee bit. Graduation is May 29, but after that I have two certification exams I need to study for that I am taking on June 8.

So that means I will be back with a new episode on June 9, and I know it will already be chock full of great things to talk about. In the meantime, I will be spending my weekends at my local Starbucks, drinking copious amounts of coffee and sneaking onto Pinterest for blog post inspiration in between writing lesson plans and papers.

Today's view. If only there was yarn in the vicinity.

A Little Bit of Maneuvering

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:44:00 +0000

After switching from the desk to the floor, and doing a little bit of twister with my rotary cutter...

I think I got the hang of cutting even half triangle squares. Almost done!

Sew Frustrating, But Sew Pretty

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:31:00 +0000

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I bit the bullet and bought a sewing machine.

Since then, I have been updating my Feedly with sewing/craft blogs and added a Sewing board to my Pinterest profile.

Apparently, quilting is quite a adventurous start for a beginner sewist, according to some friends of mine. However, I have made a zippered pouch before, back when I took a Beginner's Basics class over at The Sewing Studio. I have a decent sense of what I am doing, although at some times, I am ~~flying~~ sewing by the seat of my pants.

I am currently looking into The Sewing Studio's Introductory Sewing Class Bootcamp, since I am not going to Rhinebeck. My yarn budget has now become my sewing budget/craft budget, since I have enough yarn stash to get me through the next two years, unless it's for sweaters. I am still doing the cold sheep thing, and now I need (read: "need") to buy sewing supplies.

There are so many options, especially since I discovered Pins and Needles, and I know Purl SoHo has classes. I need to do the math to figure out what is best for me, budget wise.

In the meantime, I am plowing along on my own with a "I have NO idea what I am doing, but I am going to do it anyway" kind of attitude. I mean, the quilted star piece I picked out seemed pretty simple - cut straight lines, sew straight lines, iron in between. Right?

It isn't perfectly centered and Pinterest-worthy, but it's a start.

Let's just say so far, I have sliced open my finger with the rotary cutter, learned that the rotary cutter is not lefty friendly (and thus, need to figure out to to fudge it), it is really hard to sew and cut straight lines, and that the seam ripper is your bosom buddy.

You really don't want to know how many times I had to really rip back because I got my triangles upside down. Taking a photo of what you piece together before you take it apart to actually sew the pieces together was a really good move.

Swear words were involved. Much like in knitting, but it's easier to tink back in knitting. Sewing is so much more permanent; this is why I am half "AHHHH!!! WHAT AM I DOING!!!" and half "I think I can do this.

I like it. And that's all that matters.

But I still plow along, because I want to get better at this. And it's just really pretty.

Hello, April

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I really like doing these monthly posts; they give me a chance to prepare and set goals for the next month, while looking back and reflecting on the previous month.

Last month was good and bad in terms of one of my 29 Before 29 goals; good because I lost 7 pounds, but bad because I quickly gained it back. I really want to try and maintain the good habits I started this month with the Biggest a loser challenge, and give myself incentives.

For example, I learned this tip from a coworker: give yourself one "cheat" day and if there is anything during the week that you really wanted, save it for then. I'll see if that works. If I go back to my previous weight before Spring Break, I will get the Japanese cotton fabric to make the Lap Duvet from Pearl SoHo.

I need to get back to the gym, and this is the time when things are really starting to amp up in terms of grad school. I have about 1.5 months left and 2 certification exams to take. One of them is very difficult, and I need to set up a schedule for studying. I'm taking both in one day. I must be crazy.

There are lots of personal and professional challenges this month, and I really hope to accomplish them by taking it day by day and planning for a little at a time. I like making lists, so once I sit down and do it, it will be nice to see something on paper.

How do you set and accomplish goals?

Getting in Vogue with the Long Island Fleece and Fiber Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

In previous episodes, I made the announcement that I am co-sponsoring a bus to get local knitters out to the Long Island Fleece and Fiber Festival.

I am very excited given that I am not going to MS&W since its the final few weeks of grad school and I need those weekends to do projects.

I also found out that I will not be going Rhinebeck this year. One of The Aussie's cousins is getting married and according to the Save the Date, the wedding is October 19. That is Rhinebeck. In a fit of silliness, I used my "i knit so i do not kill people" to hang the Save the Date on the fridge.

I felt it was appropriate.

This means that I am going to relish my time at LIF&FF even more and definitely going to buy a sweater's worth of yarn there In addition, I would have been cold sheeping for about 4.5 months by then too.

To get to the point, I have some more information about the bus and the fair itself: Vogue Knitting is a premier sponsor of the bus, and will be there at the fair!

In addition, Vogue Knitting is providing 5 free passes to lectures at the 2014 Vogue Knitting LIVE! in NYC as part of a raffle for passengers on the bus. Readers of the blog have read my post about VKL, and the lectures are a great alternative to a class depending on your budget.

Hope to see you on the bus!

A Journey Through A Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 17:46:00 +0000

If there was ever a sweater than I can say I put, blood, sweat and tears into, it was definitely the Larch Cardigan.

There were literally tears in this sweater. I started it last year when I was at my lowest point during my first year of teaching and I was crying almost every day. Knitting was definitely my therapy. I needed an escape and the Larch provided that escape.

However, the Larch also proved to be a mountain to climb. First it was the crazy amounts of stockinette. Then, it was the fear of setting in sleeves, plus the worry that it wouldn't fit me after all those hours of work. I didn't touch it for months.

And then let's not forget the twisted rib. I love the effect but I never want to work twisted rib for a very long time.

But I did pick it up again, and I wanted to finish it. So when I finally sewed on the glass buttons from Moving Mud I purchased over a year ago (which will probably never get loops at this point because I do like the open look of it), I realized that I also gained confidence.

Confidence in myself as a knitter (I can knit a sweater in pieces and put in those set in sleeves, what what) and as a teacher. I showed my knitting club students the sweater back when it was the VKL sweater (before it was the Rhinebeck sweater) and they have been asking me if I have finished the sweater yet. On Monday, I can proudly show it to them.

This was once my Rhibeneck sweater, then the VKL sweater, then the Spring Break sweater. But at the end of the day, it is my Journey Sweater.

Getting Over My Misgivings

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:08:00 +0000

While The Aussie and I were in South Carolina over Spring Break, his mom informed us that we would be getting family portraits done.

I have to be honest here - I inwardly cringed. And outwardly expressed my misgivings to The Aussie.

Barring school photos, senior pictures and my wedding photos (which sadly, were a disaster) I have never sat for family portraits. You know, the type done in a studio with a backdrop that is in a mall.

I am not that big on having my photo taken because I feel really awkward. I mean I don't mind when its at birthdays, major get togethers and the holidays but while I desperately wanted something a la engagement photos that you see all the time on Pinterest (The Aussie and I never had a chance to get them done), I was afraid they would end up ridiculous.

The photo shoot was fun, if a bit awkward. I talked with the photographer and when she mentioned that she was on Pinterest all the time, I felt a bit better - you try pretending to be lovey dovey in front of your inlaws. We were on the grounds of a historic house in Abbeville and while I still felt a bit silly trying to be all candid, there were some that turned out nice.

I have to admit, I feel really bad for Adele. She had to get shaved because she had so many knots, and isn't her usual fluffy self. Maybe that's why she looked all growly in the last photo.

I think these will be the three that we print out and frame. I told The Aussie we will print out one whole family one (which for privacy purposes, I didn't put here) to replace the only family portrait which was done in the early 1990s, way before we met. Time for an update.

Summer of Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:09:00 +0000

Due to several unforseen circumstances that come with being a pet parent, The Aussie and I will not be making any overseas trip this summer, unless its a last minute deal.

That means, barring a possible trip to Florida to see my Yiayia (and her 1947 Singer), and possibly the in-laws again, that means I am going to be NYC Bound.

For the first time since high school, I have a whole two months off to do ANYTHING. Last summer didn't count because I was in grad school full time.

Think of the possibilities! I don't just want to stay home, so this is also a chance to be a tourist in my own city. This is what I am already thinking of:

1) Create my online Japanese-knitting class and go through at least 2 rounds of it
2) Sew. Don't know what exactly, but I am definitely thinking one full sized quilt and a garment. Get together with 2 of my friends who sew as well and do mini sewing bees/parties.
3) Knit. Host a few knitting parties.
4) Explore the city more and get out.
5) Spin at least 1 pound of fiber.
6) Gym.
7) Yoga.
8) Reorganize my Pinterest boards.
9) Cook.

Essentially, I am making up my own DIY Summer Craft Camp, with a bit of sightseeing on the side.

This is where you come in: do you have any suggestions for what someone could do during a summer of craft? I am creating a hashtag on twitter to join the discussion: #summerofcraft.

What are your crafty plans for the summer? If you were to visit NYC, what would you want to do? Share your ideas in the comments below!

In the Conductor's Booth: An Interview with Kara Gott Warner of Creative Knitting

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:56:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

Pom Pom is the knitting magazine for intelligent, creative types! Head to our website for an independent take on patterns, witty and interesting writing, great photography, and much more at pompommag.com.

Happy spring! To kick off Spring magazine issue season, we chat with Kara Gott Warner, who is the editor of Creative Knitting magazine, and it was really fascinating to get an further insider's look at how a magazine is put together from mood board to finished product.

They recently published their Spring issue and a special interest issue called Easy Everyday Openwork Lace.

Here are some of the patterns we talked about (all photos copyright Creative Knitting):

Hint of Lace

Home is Where the Art Is Pillows

Un Biased Scarf (Join the Knitalong!)

Minuet Shawl

We also made a brief mention of openwork garments on large needles, featured in the book Easy Openwork Knit Tops

Thanks for listening!

Closing Song: "Feel the Same Way" by Poema

Listen here, and subscribe here.

Alana Dakos Knit Along

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 20:24:00 +0000

We (myself and Laura, moderator extraordinaire) are hosting a knit-along to help celebrate the publication of Alana Dakos' new book Botanical Knits! The eBook has been out for awhile now, but the printed book is slowly coming hot off the presses and looks gorgeous.

That being said, since we love all things Alana Dakos, the KAL is not just limited to Botanical Knits.

Here are the details:

You must be a member of the Subway Knits group to enter, and have at least 5 posts in the KAL Chatter thread to win.
Your project must be cast-on from April 5th or later and finished by June 5th.
Your project can be any of Alana Dakos’ patterns.
You are allowed TWO entries to win, so you can make two DIFFERENT patterns for each entry. Entries must be posted in the FO thread by midnight June 5th.
We’ve decided the Little Leaves is too small to count as an entry, and that you must knit 2 of the headbands from the headband bundle to count for one entry because of their size.

Here are the prizes:

A pattern of the winner's choice from Alana Dakos.
A skein of hand dyed yarn from our moderator, Laura/suddenexpression.
A Knitter's Pride blue Orion Shawl Pin.

Here is a coupon code:

SubwayKAL for 20% off any of Alana Dakos' patterns.

Happy knitting!

Sew What?

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:33:00 +0000

I took the plunge.

And purchased this little guy last night.

I have no idea what I am doing, but in the space of 24 hours, I got the machine, a rotary cutting set, oodles of fabric, and RSVP'd with Kim of Craft Stash to a sewing event at Brooklyn General. Which I will probably buy the book for it too and get some patterns and fabric then too...

...I fear I am going into a black hole. Much like the spinning.

But I am ridiculously excited. After I complete my first project (this star pattern quilt thing that I purchased at Hancock, along with some "English Country" style fabric with flowers and dogs - very Downton Abbey-esque), I am going to make this lap quilt from the Purl Bee:

Source: Purl Bee

And these hot pads with some other fabric I also got at Hancock (99 cents for some awesome fat quarter prints, can't wait to show you).

Source: Purl Bee

I feel like I really need to reorganize and "finish" my workspace and closet to accomodate for the machine and what will come with it. It means a purge and massive redecoration is coming and I am looking forward to that. I am going to get to it this weekend. the Aussie and I have discussed repainting the apartment and that is something to look forward to as well. So many things I want to do! I also want to try that removable wallpaper for my nook as well.

In the Conductor's Booth: An Interview with Pom Pom Quarterly

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

Subway Knits is also sponsored by Gynx Yarns, which offers a wide range of hand dyed colorways with new colorways added all the time. There are a variety of bases available, all of which are ethically sourced. Visit Gynx Yarns today to find the perfect yarn for your next project.

I had so much fun talking with meghan and Lydia of Pom Pom! They were a hoot to chat with and as evidenced by the giggles, didn't let rampant technical difficulties put a hamper on the fun. Here are some of the things we mentioned:

The Uncommon Thread
Juju's Loops and Prairie Shawl
Vivo Mitts
Talia Socks
Onda Cardigan

Thanks for listening!
Closing Song: "Feel the Same Way" by Poema

Listen here, and subscribe here.

knitter, Knitter, runner, Runner

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:10:00 +0000

As far as I know, there is a difference between a runner and a Runner. Just like how there is a difference between a knitter and a Knitter. It's the difference between dabbling in something versus immersing yourself in the culture, community and the lifestyle that comes with the hobby.

I am a Knitter. I have a spinning wheel, have made a sweater (albeit frogged but I did it), have at least more than one sweater quantity in stash, and then there is the stash: fiber, yarn, needles, buttons, stitch markers. I go to knitting events, pay for classes and workshops and go to knit night and socialize with my friends. I teach knitting and it is a part of my everyday life.

While the things I list above are not the be all to end all to what qualifies someone as a Knitter, those are the things that make me identify myself as a Knitter. However, I am not a runner. The Aussie is a Runner. He just qualified for the NYC Marathon, has run more than 9 races to do so.

This morning he is running the NYC 1/2 Marathon. I am immensely proud of him, especially since less than a year ago, he tore his MCL and had to have surgery. He is part of a local running club and is one of those at the gym who I envy as a chug along with my C25K app: the one that can run at 6+ miles per hour for more than 5 minutes without stopping or pressing the slow down button, the one with the chic running gear. His non-work wardrobe is nothing but the free tshirts he gets for running his races and his running shoes as he wears them out.

That's how I know The Aussie is a Runner. I am not sure of what me as a Runner will look like, but I think I'll get there one of these days. I just got back on the treadmill after two weeks and just as a precaution, I didn't start my new week on the app. I went back and was a little nervous about how I would do, but I was actually really surprised.

I liked it. I liked the exhilaration that came with running (5 MPH) and the adrenaline rush. I think I get it now, or at least I am on my way to understanding why people become so addicted to running.

Crustless Quiche

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 10:22:00 +0000

Some of the teachers and myself at school are doing a Biggest Loser challenge. We are on teams and the Biggest Loser at the end wins the whole pot.

You all know I am doing C25K which is my exercise; I joined the Biggest Loser to motivate myself to get to the gym even though I have grad school and work and SoManyOtherThingsToDo.

It has been working; so far I am down about 7 pounds and have been getting compliments at work. I hope to fit back into one of my favorite dresses by Mother's Day, since I am taking my mom and godmother to the Palm Court at the Plaza for Mother's Day Brunch.

But watching what I eat helps. I use the My Fitness Pal app and I have become more proactive in trying to cook more so that I have a bit of variety for lunch and dinner and not rely so much on takeout. One of the easiest things I have made is a crustless quiche. Several of you asked for the recipe on instagram, so here is what I made:

Maria's Crustless Quiche

ingredients:
6-8 oz. Part Skim Shredded Mozzarella
1 cup plus a bit more 2% milk
5 eggs
2 Cajun Andouille Sausages, chopped into small pieces (I used Applegate, but whatever in the supermarket is fine)
1-2 cups arugula
2 cups mushrooms of your choice

directions:
1) Mix the cheese, 1 cup milk and eggs. Set aside. This is your custard.
2) Sautee the mushrooms until soft. Lay out on bottom of greased quiche pan (mine is ceramic, stole it from my mom)
3) Sautee the sausage. Drain the oil and lay on top of mushrooms
4) Place arugula on top of sausage and mushrooms.
5) Pour custard on top. You may need to level the cheese out and pour some extra milk to fill the quiche pan.
6) Place into a preheated oven (350 degrees) and cook for 40 minutes, or until it is cooked all the way through the middle. I usually do, 40 minutes, then another 5 minutes in my oven.

Take out and let cool after. You can also substitute with other fillings of your choice, but this is what I had in my fridge. This is a good way to use up the little things in your fridge.

Enjoy!

Episode 51: Second Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 01:31:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

Off the Needles
Oak Trail - so quick! I am going to knit one for myself with leftovers and plan make the brim one color and try to do body of hat in another.

On the Needles
Larch - almost done with the first sleeve, but i realized I knit the one size larger sleeve. Definitely not frogging back. Its nice and loose, reaches at my elbow. Need to set up a schedule to get it done before South Carolina.

The Grace cardigan is quite soothing, if slow. I think I am going to work on this in SC.

Spin Right Round
Spinning from the fold with the Wensleydale. I also found extra BFL Silk in WIP bag, added it to end of first, started second bobbin with it so that way when I ply it with the Wensleydale and more blended in. Plan to knit Renfrew from ISLAND with it.

Check out the poll to vote on what I should spin next.

Knitting Finds
Boccaccios Famous Women
Knitting Brain - What Kind of Knitter Are You?
Saturday Afternoon Cowl

Knitting Travels
Second brunch at Punch in the Flatiron District with lovely knitters Kristin, Kim, Lisa and Shannon - resisted the trip to Purl SoHo.

Flatiron Building. Source: Ephemeral New York

Review

Vintage Inspired Baseball Knits by Allyson Dykhuizen. $9.99 from KnitPicks.

Events
Long Island Fleece and Fiber Festival May 18! If you are coming from NYC, check out the bus.

Thanks for listening!
Closing Song: "Feel the Same Way" by Poema

Listen here, and subscribe here.

In the Conductor's Booth: An Interview with Alana Dakos

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:16:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

This week, I sit down with one of my favorite designers and inspirations for the Subway Knits podcast, Alana Dakos. She is the co-author of Coastal Knits, wrote Annie and the Swiss Cheese Scarf and now recently published Botanical Knits.

I am honored to say that I am part of the podcast/blog tour and the review of the book will be in next week's regular episode, which is also episode 50! This is the last week to enter the Podiversary/50th Episode giveaway.

Some of the things we talked about in addition to her books:
Never Not Knitting Podcast
Autumn's End

Twigs and Willows

Oak Trail Cloche

Carlee Tatum

Thanks for listening!

Closing Song: "Feel the Same Way" by Poema

Listen here, and subscribe here.

Episode 49: Necessity is the Mother of Unvention

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 00:51:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

Off the Needles
I finished a long languishing WIP - the Habitat! I love the way it came out, but it begged to be with a coworker.

On the Needles
Alternating between slogging through Larch sleeves and casting on for the Betty Mouat Cowl.

Knitting Finds
Jane Richmond's beautiful patterns and her self published book, Island.

Swatch and Learn
We have FO's from the girls! The boys are mastering the knit stitch. Here is a pic of the first two FOs.

Review
Boyfriend Sweaters: 19 Designs for Him That You'll Want to Wear by Bruce Weinstein and photography by Jared Flood. Published by Potter Craft, who kindly sent the book for review. Great technical resource and some of my favorite patterns include the Houndstooth Cardigan and Textured Argyle Cardigan. Not only are the sweaters for men, but they are for women too.

Events
Not attending MS&W - emergency trip to vet + upcoming graduation/final projects + 2 more licensing tests = a very busy May.

I will be attending the Long Island Fleece and Fiber Fair May 18, and this year, I am happy to announce that I am co-sponsoring a bus with Hallockville Farm and Long Island Livestock to bring NYC area knitters to the fair! Details here.

Announcements
Remembering Remy with Jessica of Knitting Brooklyn - lots of amazing prizes, which are gold themed.
Winners for the QAL - katepricey, you won a skein of Roman Hills and - pjmcmullen won a bag from Second Avenue Swag.
The next edition of the QAL will begin March 1, and we have some great prizes lined up - a shawl pin and Size 2 Dreamz DPN set from Knitter's Pride.
You have two more weeks to enter the 2 Year Podiversary/50th Episode Giveaway - ask me a question for a chance to win a skein of my handspun, Northbound Knitting Finn in Only the Lonely.

Thanks for listening!

Closing Song: "Feel the Same Way" by Poema

Listen here, and subscribe here.

Early Morning Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 15:01:00 +0000

Well, not that early. But early enough for a Sunday.

Snow cleared away, but still sniffing for the white fluffy stuff.

It may be the concrete jungle but we still have some greenery,
and the issues that come with it.

A mini snow oasis amidst all the brick and concrete.

And I finally have a finished object. Love squishy cables.

Happy Sunday.

Episode 48: Kitchen Aids are NOT Ballwinders

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

On the Needles
Finished the body of the Larch Cardigan, but not done because I had sleeve problems. I stored my pretty sock/dk yarn on my bookshelf so it and gives me some inspiration.

Knitting Trainwrecks
I used a Japanese 5 DPN, which is between a US 4 & 5 for the Larch Sleeves. However, that does not magically make it a 4, so I had to rip out the sleeve and start again.

I thought using a Kitchen Aid mixer after reading this tutorial would be a great way to wind yarn, since my ball winder is in Brooklyn again. It wasn't.

Spin Right Round
I finished the Corriedale pencil roving.

Now I have to learn some new technical skills: Navajo plying, spinning from the fold, and short forward long draw. Have to learn these so I can spin up my Lisa Souza Wensleydale in the colorway Petroglyph. Thanks to Bristol Ivy, Donna Druchunas, Debora Robson and Beth Smith for their advice and tips!

Swatch and Learn
The kids are showing their knitting to their parents, and the principal walked in while they were all industriously knitting away one week. Still need to work more with the boys.

Vogue Knitting Live Recap
See here, here and here! And more photos here. Thanks to Vogue Knitting for the pass and everyone who has mentioned the recaps. This is my swag:

Announcements
The winter QAL is finishing up this week, so get your FOs in for a chance to win a skein of yarn from Roman Hills and a project bag from Second Avenue Swag.

2nd Year Podiversary/50th Episode Giveaway is still going on! Enter by asking me a question here.

We are reading Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey for our first read-along.

Brenda Castiel is offering listeners a 25% discount for the Daisy Buchanan hat and Lady Grantham hat with the code DOWNTON until February 28.

Thanks for listening!
Closing Song: "Feel the Same Way" by Poema

Listen here, and subscribe here.

In the Conductor's Booth: An Interview with Ragga Eiriksdottir

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:30:00 +0000

Subway Knits is sponsored by Roman Hills: Pretty Nerdy, Pretty, Nerdy Yarn. Please show support by clicking on the link above.

Interviewing Ragga was great fun and really enlightening. She is the mastermind behind Knitting Iceland, which organizes knitting tours to Iceland (dream trip!). She also has an online Craftsy class called "Top Down Icelandic Sweater." If you do not yet have the opportunity to take a class with Ragga in person, definitely go for the Craftsy class.

Sweater from Top Down Icelandic Knitting

The Little Lopayesa

Having fun after The Litte Lopayesa

Part of a collaboration with Dragonfly Fibers -
"Ragga's Glacier" colorway. Coming soon!

The other half of the collaboration - "Ragga's Mountain."

Want to learn more about the class? Check out Part 2 of my Vogue Knitting Live Recap: Knit-ucation. The Marketplace recap is here.

Listen here and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

Vogue Knitting LIVE! NYC 2013 Recap Part 2: Knit-ucation

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

One of the hallmarks of any Vogue Knitting LIVE! event is the array of classes and lectures on offer. I was able to attend two lectures and a class this year, and plan to do the same thing again next year.

The first lecture I attended was Nicki Epstein's "Knitting on Top of the World." It was based off of her book of the same name, and highlighted the garments and knitting traditions from around the world that inspired them. Nicki Epstein's goal was to take this traditions and modernize them in such a way that they are accessible for the 21st Century knitter.

Nicki Epstein talking about the Shetland Lace coat.

I own the book and highly recommend it because it provides a window into other knitting traditions that could be unfamiliar to most and a wealth of information about those traditions in addition to the knitting patterns.

What was really interesting to hear about was that a woman named Mary Taylor has taken upon herself to knit through the whole book. She also blogged about it here.

The second lecture was "Manipulating Stitch Patterns" by Ysolda Teague. One day, I want to live inside her head (as well as Cookie A's) and understand how their brains work because both of them have brilliant technical minds when it comes to math, knitting and design.

Ysolda really knows how to use technology to help demonstrate knitting concepts.
Here, she used the iPad to shift between different manipulated stitch patterns and images on her laptop.

It was a little bit over my head when it came to seeing how Ysolda used a knitting design program to represent the pattern in chart form (I can read charts, but when it comes to manipulation, I also need the written format) but interesting to see the evolution of a pattern.

What helped was the fact that she provided swatches to concretely demonstrate how a stitch pattern can be changed to suit a designer's vision. It is not as hard as one thinks! If anything, it requires patience and practice.

On Sunday, I trekked back into Manhattan to take Ragga Eiriksdottir's class "The Little Lopayesa." I loved this class; if you ever have the opportunity to take this or any other of Ragga's classes, definitely go for it. Over the course of the class, we knitted a mini-lopeyasa, which is a traditional Icelandic sweater.

Lopi yarn.

Learning how to do the German Twisted Cast-On.

"Under both, through the hole, over the right, back through the triangle..."

Little Lopayesas. Mine is in the middle.

In addition, we went over Icelandic knitting traditions and how it has evolved to today. We also got to see complete Lopayesa sweaters and got to try some on. Now I definitely want to knit my own Lopayesa sweater - I am thinking Idunn, Ragga's pattern featured in Knitty Winter 2012.

Ragga modeling Idunn for the class.

If you can't make it to a class in person, Ragga recently launched a class on Craftsy, "Top Down Icelandic Sweaters." When I get the chance, I plan to take it myself. She is an amazing teacher.

Sneak peek of a collaboration between Ragga and Dragonfly Fibers...
more details to come!

Vogue Knitting LIVE! wasn't complete without meeting other knitters. Several of us (Kim from Craft Stash, Shari of TV Knitting and Sarah of Knit York City) ended up at the Ysolda lecture, and we caught up later at a mini-meetup. On Sunday, I hung out with some listeners of the podcast and the wonderful Jen of the Commuter Knitter podcast.

Kim, Steph (from Brooklyn Fiber Arts Guild) and me.

Now, if only I had the schedule for 2014…time to start wishing and planning for next year!

Vogue Knitting LIVE! NYC 2013 Recap Part 1: The Marketplace

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:18:00 +0000

I am back from a 3-day whirlwind of fun and fiber from the Marriot Marquis in Times Square, which hosted the third Vogue Knitting LIVE! in New York City. This year marked a change in venue, which was one of the common topics of conversation: everyone that I spoke with who was at VKL 2012 in New York commented how the new venue was so much better.

As I was riding up the escalator towards the Marketplace preview Friday night,
I couldn't contain my excitement and anticipation.

The change in venue helped for two important reasons, the first being the lighting. Last year, I struggled to take decent photos (albeit with a point and shoot that did have manual features; this year I am with a DSLR and external flash, which I am still learning to use, but was great to play with and experiment this weekend).

As such, the lighting in the Marriot Marquis was brighter and helped contribute to a general sense of elation and excitement. While speaking with Della of DellaQ about how this year compared to last year, she stated that there was a better vibe and sense of excitement this year.

DellaQ's newest Interchangeable Needle Case set -
the slots are labeled for easy reference and use.

The second reason is even though the Marketplace was on two floors this year, the vendors did not disappoint. The marketplace was bigger and provided more variety for the discerning fiber artists and aficionados, with vendors offering the latest knitting and crochet tools to the newest needle organizers, project bags and fiber blends.

Moreover, the Marketplace had a sense of order and theme: while on the 6th floor there were major yarn companies and yarn shops, the 5th floor was a showcase for the newest, best and brightest (in terms of color) indie dyers; several of my favorites included The Plucky Knitter, Jill Draper Makes Stuff and Dragonfly Fibers.

The fun and friendly dyers behind The Plucky Knitter.

This cowl is definitely going in my queue.

For this solids loving girl, The Plucky Knitter was one of the many happy places in the Marketplace.

Jill Draper showcasing her newest
forthcoming design.

Amazing handdyed yarns from Jill Draper Makes Stuff.

Three years later, and my Traveling Woman made in their Djinni Sock still looks brand new.

Dragonfly Fibers Djinni Sock in Winter Woods. This will be the first skein
I will break my Cold Sheep vow with for sure!

Latest publications from Cooperative Press.

On the 5th Floor, I had a lot of fun popping in and watching the book signings at the Knitty City booth, catching up with Tabbethia Long Island Livestock Company, trying out the FixIt! stitch tool, talking about the new luxury yarns (Quiviut blends!!!) over at Bijou Basin Ranch and checking out the new iPad case from Yarn Pop. For those who have the Mini, Lori did mention that they are working on one for the future. I'm excited because the current iPad case is not just an iPad case, but is also a needle case, perfect for traveling! Can't wait to get my hands on one when they do come out with it.

Pearl Chin, left and Nicki Epstein at one of the many book signings in the Knitty City Booth.

The amazing all natural Shepheress body care line at LI Livestock. Their booth is my happy place.

Tabbethia's Wedding Shawl knit out of LI Livestock Company Yarn.

Demonstrating how the Fix-A-Stitch works.

Arctic Dream Quiviut/Cashmere/Silk yarn from Bijou Basin Ranch.

Adorable and useful project bags and tablet cases from YarnPop.

In addition, Vogue Knitting LIVE! had more to offer than just a marketplace and classes; when I saw that the Relaxation lounge offered (free!) hand massages, I knew I couldn't pass it up. Working and racing to finish the Larch Cardigan (as part of #larchcardiganwatch2013) was unsuccessful, but reminded me that I needed to take break since my RSI flared up. There was also seated yoga in a quieter section of the hotel away from the marketplace on the floors where classes were held, giving attendees a space to relax and get away from the marketplace.

The hand massage was just the thing I needed.

Other features of the Marketplace included the requisite yarn tasting section where you could try out new yarns such as Zealana Air and test drive Knitter's Pride needles, and the art gallery featuring knitted food and the adorable mochis from Mochimochiland. Fashion shows from designers and companies such as Nicki Epstein and Koigu showcased their designs and there were free talks and demos such as how to wash your finished objects with Soak.

Yarn tasting - not only can you try the yarn, but also check out
the Knitter's Pride Needles, too. I did get myself a set of size 4 DPNs.
The gorgeous yarn bowl is from The Knitting Dude.

The softest yarn, ever. And it keeps you very warm - more so than cashmere alone.

Tiny Project Big Heart - knit socks for Premies out of Zealana Air.

Mochimochimochimochimochimochi, by Anna Hrachovec

Soak wash, yarn AND nail polish? Match made in heaven for me.

Finally, if you were interested in learning how to knit or crochet, there was the Bernat Beginner Lounge with Vickie Howell, where she taught enthusiastic future fiber artists the basic tools they needed to get started and join in on the fun.

Learn how to knit or crochet! Next year I will definitely learn to crochet here.

Squishy yarn at the Bernat Beginner Lounge.

At the Bernat Beginner's Lounge.

And the whole Marketplace was fun. While I walked away with no yarn (I am cold sheeping this year), I did get some goodies which I will share in a future post - what can a knitter get if there is no yarn or fiber buying? Trust me, there is alot.

The Marketplace was where you could meet with your favorite designer and get his or her latest book signed, and learn about the latest and the best yarns tools and accessories. It proved that it was more than a place to shop, but to learn, experiment, socialize and create.

Stay tuned; the second part of my Vogue Knitting LIVE! Recap will premiere on Tuesday and there will be a podcast recap and special edition of In the Conductor's Booth by the end of this week. Who do you think I interviewed this year? Check out last year's Vogue Knitting LIVE! interviewee, Clara Parkes, here.

If you attended Vogue Knitting LIVE! what was your experience like? Share your experiences (and swag!) in the comments below.

See you next year!

Making the Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:30:00 +0000

For months, I obsessed with taking my pixie cut to a slightly edgier level. That is, the type of pixie where one side is cut super short, and sometimes buzzed. I also have my moments of a more "classic" pixie a la Anne Hathaway, Carey Mulligan and Michelle Williams, but I'm in an edgy mood these days.

While I have not reached the point of buzzing my head, I did show a picture of an assymetrical pixie I really liked to my hairdresser (if you live in Astoria and need a rec, email me). This is the cut:

The left side is super short (not buzzed) and I am growing out my bangs on the right side. I didn't even need to blow dry my hair.

I was a little unsure of the cut, but these days, I can gauge whether or not something I wear or did was a success based on my middle schoolers' reactions. It was Fashion Disaster Day on Friday and I took it as an opportunity to wear my new "knitting" shirt from Threadless:

The kids thought it was hilarious. And then asked where I get my tshirts.

While The Aussie didn't notice I cut my hair, some of the boys in my classes did and said it looked nice. One girl said my haircut had "Swag." I guess that means it was cool. Then there was this:

A little 6th grader whose class I covered today wrote me that note. It was very sweet, since she had just met me for the first time today.

29 Before 29: DIY Manicures

noreply@blogger.com (Subway Knits) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:50:00 +0000

Since I have joined Julep's Maven program, I have become obsessed with doing my nails. I want to get better at it for a couple of reasons:

1. While cheap (average $7 a pop), manicures can add up. The nail salon is close by, but after the initial supplies investment, the more I do my nails, the cheaper it gets.
2. Julep has such pretty colors.
3. The most important reason: I have stopped biting my nails since I have taken matters into my own hand (pun intended).

I am a HORRIBLE nail biter. While I teach, I fidget and pick at my cuticles. This is why I knit - I keep my hands busy. But I still bit my nails. Now that I have started painting them, I haven't bitten them in a month. I have picked less at my cuticles because I am obsessed with not having my manicure chip.

Last Friday, when I noticed I was nibbling at them, I told myself "time for a manicure!" and threw on Julep Jennifer which is a nude. Nudes are good for quick manis so you can stop biting your nails.

I love the colors. I have been having a lot of fun experimenting and playing around with designs and color combos.

Current Julep stash. Need some gray and I'm all set. For now.

Julep Bethany and Vivien.

Julep Michelle and Vivien for New Year's Eve.

Julep Toni for accent nail, Essie Carry On.

As you can tell, I am not one for just the one color manicure anymore. In fact when I painted my nails on Friday with Jennifer I thought, "Hmm. Boring." But as my friend Carolyn pointed out (and a fellow nail polish aficionado), sometimes you need boring because it's classic.