hand+crafted+atelier

Origami gift toppers

2011-12-11T11:04:00.000-05:00

This year, I've adorned each gift I am giving with an origami figure instead of using a gift tag like the ones I created two years ago, or with a decorative bow. The origami figure makes a fun statement especially when you use decorative papers, and it's a great way to distinguish gifts from a stack of other gifts. It also makes for an added bonus for children. What child isn't in awe in something crafted from paper. And the origami gift topper makes a wonderful addition to your Christmas tree or holiday decor.

One gift is adorned with an origami crane made with the same paper I used to wrap the present. The gift wrap paper is a printed snake skin against hot fuchsia, which I thought was fun and festive if not typical of the Christmas holidays. The other gifts were adorned with figures made with paper cut for the art of origami.

It's been a long time since I've practiced origami. I miss it and am glad I have not lost my finesse with the art of paper folding.

Terrarium: Update: Uh-oh!

2011-07-02T00:25:00.000-04:00

As you can see from the photo, it does not look good! Leaving the terrarium outside with the lid off was not a good idea especially when you forget to water it! I was devastated to find Rockefeller in this condition. Most of the plants are shriveled up because there was no water. The moss and succulents seem to okay. The stupid spider-webby mold is still there too! I think I will have to use a harsh localized solution to get rid of that. Perhaps swabbing it with peroxide on a q-tip?

I immediately sprayed the jar with distilled water in an attempt to try to save what remains of the plant life. I don't know if it will help it but I do hope it does. The new moss I introduced seem to not have made it either but we shall see what happens after I sprayed the jar. It appears from my mossery that they require more moisture. The mossery seem to be doing well. There is condensation, which I think is a good sign and they are still green. One of the mossery did not look too good and I can see it needed a bit more water so I sprayed that jar too and capped it back up again.

I will share pictures of the mossery soon.

Terrarium: Update:

2011-06-29T22:51:00.001-04:00

It's been a while since my last post but I am please to report that Rockefeller continues to do well. At week 4, the green in the moss is returning and new moss is sprouting too as you can see in the photo below. The succulents has reached to the top of the jar! Rockefeller is looking quite lush!

At week 7, Rockefeller shows great signs of not only growth but also incubating new growth as you will see below. As I mentioned, there were already signs of new growth back around week 4 and in week 7 it is spreading to other parts of the terrarium. It's really encouraging to see the cycle of life at work. At week 4, the succulent was already reached at the rim, and at week 7, the variegated creeping fig and the other plant (I don't know the name of) has also reached the rim too!

However I started to notice a new kind of growth that didn't like positive. It turned out to a be common white spider-webby mold found in terrariums when there is too much moisture and/or not enough air circulation. It creeped me out at first but it didn't seem to be damaging the plants but I did want to get rid of it. Some online comments regarding this problem suggested letting it air out while others suggested a very diluted bleach and water solution sprayed at the affected area. I wasn't sure how the plants would react to the diluted bleach and water solution so I decided to let it air out first and see if the situation resolves itself that way.

Other than that gross mold, the plants are doing well at week 10. So well, that some are sprouting roots, which I see as a good sign. I also planted some additional types of moss into the terrarium. I hope they will adapt to its new home. I will share on the next post where the new moss was acquired.

Terrarium: Update: Week 3

2011-05-09T10:58:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to report that Rockefeller is doing very well! The green in the moss is returning though there are still signs of brown. I am confident that the moss will eventually return to it's full green lushness. The succulents and creeping plants have taken root and sprouting like crazy. The succulents are especially thriving well in the terrarium. They just keep growing taller and taller!

Terrarium: Update: Rockefeller

2011-05-02T08:49:00.014-04:00

Week two and my terrarium seems to be doing well. The succulents are growing tall. The creeping plantings are also doing well; especially the Variegated Creeping Fig. The moss is not doing as well. There is some browning, and so I was concerned.

I thought maybe it was dry. I touched the moss and it didn't feel as moist. So I put a few drops of water (I need to get myself a little spritzer bottle). I was still concerned so I searched online for possible reasons, and found that I needed to use distilled water or rain water, and not water straight from the tap, which I did. Apparently (and this should have been obvious), the minerals and the chlorine in the water are not good for the moss. Well, as soon as I realized this was the problem, I filled a jar with water and let it sit for 24 hours. In the meantime, I took the cover off the terrarium so the water can evaporate.

On a lighter note, I have named my first terrarium, "Rockefeller". I thought it was appropriate seeing as it was first conceived at Anthropologie in Rockefeller Center. And besides, it will be easier to talk about it once I get more terrariums and refer them by name.

Terrarium: Update

2011-04-25T11:47:00.004-04:00

It's only been a couple of days since I brought home my glass Ball jar terrarium from the Earth Day workshop at Anthropologie. As I had mentioned, the terrarium suffered some damage from the transport but I was able to recreate it once I got home. Obviously, the configuration was not the same as before. If anything, it is better and the plants are doing very well!

The succulent that you see in the photo above is standing tall after being limp from the chaos, destruction, handling, and shock from being taken home.

The clipping of this plant (Variegated Creeping Fig) also looks like it is doing well and getting acclimated to it's new surroundings.

Anyways, Jojo advised that we don't move the terrarium around so the moss and clippings may settle and take root. Quite honestly, that will be somewhat difficult for me to do because I will want to see how well they are doing. Currently, the terrarium is at my BF's apartment in one corner of the room and getting some shaded sunlight. The pictures above were taken on the window of the balcony so I could get some natural light for the pictures.

Stay tuned for future updates of the terrarium.

Earth Day 2011.

2011-04-25T02:11:00.004-04:00

Last year, Anthropologie held a wonderful workshop in celebration of Earth Day, which I attended. The workshop was about creating your own herb garden. I brought home a lemon balm, which turned out to be quite a hardy herb. I still have it.

This year, Anthropologie held two workshops. One was using cork to create things with, and the other was to create terrariums. I've always wanted to make a terrarium since I was a little girl. There was something about creating a little ecosystem in a glass enclosure that fascinated me. I quickly signed up for the workshop.

Like last year, the workshop was held at the Anthropologie store in Rockefeller Center during store hours. Jojo of The Slug and The Squirrel were invited to demonstrate how to create your own terrariums. The materials were basic items you can find around your home and garden. Materials were provided for the workshop. Jojo demonstrated and explained what materials to use and how he goes about creating his terrariums. There aren't strict rules; just guidelines and recommendations that he offered like handling a small glass container at an angle so you can see what you are doing and have better control. He also explained that the world you create in the glass container should replicate the environment you found the plants in. He also added that he preferred to use found living materials to use because you never know what surprising life may grow from it. He explained that driftwood sometimes still contain the spores and bacteria to grow little mushrooms or tiny flowers.

After he finished his talk, we proceeded to make our own using glass ball jars. Each person placed a smoothed rock in the jar followed with some pebbles. Then we firmly pressed some clumps of moss into the jar, maybe even on the rock to stabilize it. Some put a piece of dried drift wood in there, too. Some people also added tiny succulents, and clippings of ivy type plants to complete the jarred living environment. When each person was done with their terrariums, they sprayed the inside with a bit of water and sealed it with a glass topper.

The workshop was great fun and informative. I was genuinely pleased with the terrarium I created but unfortunately, it did not keep during the transportation back. Luckily, the elements were simple and hardy that I was able to re-create my terrarium. Now that I have the knowledge of making terrariums, I am inspired to create others.
For more information about The Slug and The Squirrel and the terrariums that Jojo creates, please visit the website.

* The workshops from Anthropologie are free and materials are provided. Space is limited so signing up is highly recommended.

Lemon Balm Update 3

2011-04-22T11:17:00.002-04:00

It's been about a year since my last post. I've not been doing any knitting since the debacle of my last project, which you can read about here. And the Bernice tunic I started has long been on hold. I plan to rip it and wind up and do something else with it - I'm not sure what yet...

But I didn't come on here to write about knitting. I just wanted to post an update on my little herb plant that I brought home a year ago today in celebration of Earth Day. It's still alive and growing. And growing apparent low as opposed to tall. I'm not sure if that is the way it's supposed to be but from what I understand, it is a sturdy plant that lasted and survived through the winter!

When I rubbed the leaves between my fingers, the lovely scent of lemons was fragrant and zesty!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-26T15:36:00.002-05:00

I know it's 2011 as I am writing this but it's not going to keep me from posting some of the things I did for Christmas.

For the 2010 Christmas card, I decided to do a limited series of hand drawings of a reindeer and send them to friends who have appreciated receiving one of my handcrafted greetings. I sent a couple to "new" friends whose friendship I appreciate. I started off with a few sketches and finally developed this final sketch that I eventually used.

I made a total of 10 cards; I kept one for posterity while the rest were mailed off around the world! Below is an example of what I drew/made. Each card was unique, signed, and numbered.

I also decided to make my own Christmas gift tags after seeing some nice ones at Anthropologie. I was tempted to buy the ones I saw at Anthropologie but then saw the price. It wasn't terrible but thought I could do better by making my own and make use of my rubber stamp collection that I have acquired over the years. Below are the fruits of my labor! Very quick and easy to do!

Bernice Tunic - UPDATE

2010-06-10T23:25:00.001-04:00

I'm still working on the Bernice tunic, and was hoping to finish it
before traveling for two weeks in England. I didn't finish it, and in
fact, I ripped out the ruffled edge. It turned out I created too many
rows of increase, which resulted in too much ruffle action. After this
experience, I do not have any desires to ever knit ruffles!

When I returned, I just was not in the mood to tackle the project. And
besides, I have another blog to write for, a blog about my travels. I
am almost half way finished so now I feel ready for the challenge in
completing the tunic and making thy ruffled edge work. But after this,
no more ruffles.

It was originally meant for her birthday, which has long passed. And
now, I'd like to get it finised before summer is over so she can wear
it in the fall if it still fits her.

I also have flowers to knit up too and sew onto the tunic.

Wish me luck!!

Lemon Balm UPDATE 2

2010-05-09T01:48:00.001-04:00

Week 3 and she's sprouting like crazy! I think it helped that I
pinched off a few leaves last week to encourage the little leaves to
grow.
Yeah, she's a litke dirty because she's outside now. It had just
rained too.
Looking forward to her growing taller.

Lemon Balm UPDATE 1

2010-05-01T12:31:00.001-04:00

It's been a little over a week and as you can see the lemon balm is growing happily. She's getting bigger, growing more leaves by the base and I can see little buds coming off at the "branch" so I decided to encourage it's development and plucked the bigger leaves so the little ones can get more sun.

With this little experience, TH and I have decided to attempt another balcony garden with herbs and tomatoes. We've tried in the past but were not successful. A lot of time and money wasted! But with this I'm emboldened! So in June we will start our little balcony garden. Will keep you posted.

Product Review: LB Collection Superwash Merino

2010-04-26T00:24:00.002-04:00

I used this Superwash Merino for the Knitted Gift Drama sweater vest project. There is a lot of yarn; 306 yards for $8.00! You can't go wrong with the price for the material! The recommended gauge is US size 6, 22 stitches and 30 row for a 4" x 4" swatch. This yarn is available in limited color options.

The superwash merino was fun to knit with. It is soft and knitted up pretty quickly. The yarn is a plyed material and so at times I would accidentally knit between the ply. I also found that while I was knitting, the yarn would fuzz up a bit. But that seem to have went away after the project was washed. The knitted yarn became even softer and squishy after the wash.

I think the LB Collection Superwash Merino is a wonderful yarn to use especially for the price. You don't have to spend a lot of money to knit a gift using a natural fiber that is considered luxurious and high maintenance. I think it is ideal especially if you are knitting for a child. The knitted project using this yarn can be washed by machine and dried; just follow the instructions on the label.

For more information on LB Collection Superwash Merino, click here.

Knitted gift drama

2010-04-25T23:46:00.001-04:00

I don't mean to speak ill of my relatives but sometimes they are a gossipy bunch. I wanted to knit a gift for my cousin's son who was turning 2 y.o. in March, and it became the center of my aunt's plot against her daughter-in-law, my cousin's wife and mother of the young toddler. My aunt found out I was knitting something for the little boy because she saw her DIL struggling to get measurements off of the toddler.

I had this fantasy to knit a cute sweater vest for the little nephew. It was going to have an elephant appliqué pocket on the front! Trunk with big floppy ears, too! I was excited and couldn't wait to cast-on!

Then my mom told me she got a call from my aunt. It turned out, my aunt advised my mom to tell me not to knit the garment that was meant for the 2 year old boy.

Apparently, my aunt was trying to instigate some ill attitudes towards her daughter-in-law (my aunt's son's wife) by telling my mom in passing conversation that the D.i.L is a bit of a cheapskate, and threw in a few examples to stoke the flames. But it turned out there was a deeper internal family issue at hand, a detail I won't get into.

At first, my mom tried to convince me to not knit the sweater; not that she subscribed to what my aunt was telling her but I think to protect me from getting involved in their petty family gossip. This

all angered me and put me in a sour mood to even knit the gift. Despite this, I still wanted to knit this gift. The parents of the toddler were basically expecting it and to no knot it would most likely extend their negative family gossip towards me.

I decided to go ahead and knit the sweater vest I had intended. I bought the materials (LB Collection Superwash Merino) and had a pattern made to fit the toddler. I started to knit right away. The vest was progressing smoothly until I got to the elephant shaped patch pocket. I could not seem to get that to work out and time had already run out. I decided to drop the patch pocket and just gift a simple sweater vest. I washed it and photographed it for the blog. And off it went to the little boy.

I received a thank you for the generous gift but the neck opening was too small. The toddler could not fit his head through! This did not make me happy. I was already on my next project; another gift for a toddler. They asked if the sweater could be adjusted. I've never had to adjust a project after it has been finished. I considered knitting another one but I didn't have time for this endeavor. I thought about how I could possibly adjust it and figured out how I would be able to modify this.

The sweater vest was returned and I was told that the little boy had come down with an illness. You see, we were supposed to have a family dinner with my aunt and cousin's family but it was cancelled because

the toddler was sick. I worked the sweater vest on two separate occasion, and on both occasion, I was not feeling well but did not make the connection until after I was almost done adjusting the

sweater. Luckily, whatever the 2 year old was going through did not take a serious toll on me but it sucked feeling the way I was while trying to adjust the vest.

I washed the sweater after I made the adjustment and noticed how much bigger the new neck opening was. I can't say I was not pleased with this but at the same time, the little boy won't have any trouble getting his head through.

I haven't heard anything about the sweater, which I consider a good thing.

Below is a photo of the sweater vest I originally gifted. I don't have a picture of the vest after the modification.

Earth Day workshop at Anthropologie

2010-04-25T23:23:00.010-04:00

I attended an Earth Day workshop at Anthropologie at Rockefeller Center on Thursday April 22, 2010. The workshop was hosted by Anne Novak from Roof Top Gardens and Growing Chefs. We learned the basics of planting and gardening.Supplies were provided at the workshop. There were pots, soil, and herbs.

We each picked a plastic pot and then instructed to scoop up some dirt. The dirt should be filled loosely and 3/4 to the top. She then explained the benefits of growing herbs and edible plants, and then introduced the group to the three plantings that were offered for our growing pleasure. There was oregano, lemon balm, and another herb I have not heard of. It is apparently a spicy herb with dark green heart-like shapes leaves and has colorful blossoms. Anne advised us to dig a hole as deep as our index finger. With our planting in hand, she instructed us to loosen the dirt at the end so as to free the root tips for it's new potted home. We gently placed our plantings into the hole and then secured it in place by pushing dirt around the base of the plant.

Anne also explained when and how to prune our herbs for use and to encourage baby leaves to grow. She also advised us the best way to water our new plant, which is to set the pot in a dish and fill it with water. Potted plants should absorb the water from below as opposed to from on top. This encourages the roots to grow downward and stabilize the plant as it grows. She did not recommend watering from the top as the water may not drain properly, and may drown the plant.

I chose the lemon balm, and I think a did a great job potting her. Took it home without incident and as you can see, she is doing well in her new home.

Knitting Podcasts

2010-04-21T21:51:00.021-04:00

I recently (February 2010) discovered knitting podcasts when trolling for new material to listen to while at work. I noticed a couple of knitting podcasts and downloaded a few to test; I fell in love with them! Later I realized there are LOTS of knitting podcasts to choose from but I quickly realized that not all were of interest to me. I noticed the ones that I really liked tend to be podcasts that did not have too much banter between two hosts. I felt I jumped into an already in progress conversation. I also didn't know what they were talking about and eventually tuned them out. I prefer podcasts where the hosts aren't talking over each other or single authors.

Below is my list of knitting podcasts that I enjoy listening to and highly recommend.

*****

Ready Set Knit is a podcast recorded from a weekly radio show by the owners of WEBS Kathy and Steve Elkins, and Pixie, who also works at WEBS.

If you are not familiar with WEBS, they are America's largest yarn shop, located in Northampton, Massachusetts. They carry a huge selection of yarns of varying price ranges and fibers, as well as related accessories. Kathy, Steve, and Pixie are a perky bunch. I guess that partially has to do with their radio show being produced as a morning show. Steve talks about the latest yarn they have in stock as well as the popular close-out yarns. Kathy interviews knitting celebrities, which are always fun and informative. Kathy and Pixie also have knit-alongs where Pixie dispenses tips on the project to help you with your progress. I like listening to the WEBS podcast because it is my connection with what is happening in the knitting world; providing lots of information about knitting and crocheting that I don't think I would normally encounter on my own.

For more information about WEBS, click here.

*****

Never Not Knitting with Alana is one of my favorite on-going podcasts!

She has a great theme song; humorous and fun; worth a download just to listen to the song. Alana is the main host but welcomes listeners to contribute to her podcasts with their knitting stories; everyone has an interesting knitting story to share. She also interviews knitting personalities that range from authors to other handcrafters. Alana also reviews yarn and other products that may be of interest to knitters, and although it is not always easy to describe yarn that may be agreeable with everyone, her descriptions of them as it relates to her projects has gotten my curiosity. I recently purchased a few skeins of Meringue Merino by Wool Candy Yarns from The Fiber Fix. I took advantage of the anniversary sale and free shipping of 3 skeins or more. I'll blog about that purchase another time. I appreciate being exposed to yarns I have not heard of or may not be available at my LYS. I enjoy listening to the Never Not Knitting podcast while I knit. Her voice is sweet and kind and very pleasing to my ears when plugged in with earbuds. Listening to her podcast is like knitting along with a good friend. Oh! I must no forget! She gives away free stuff with each new podcast. And, depending on what she talks about, sponsors of the show offer discounts of purchases to listeners of the podcast! That's a win in my book! 

Alana has a wonderful website, which you may visit here.

*****

Knit Obsession is one of my favorites too, a podcast produced by zknits.

I like her podcast because she explains that she did not have many knitting friends, a quality I share. Listening to her while I knit is like having a knitting companion. Zknits talks about her obsession with knitting, her projects, her stash and anything else to do with knitting. I appreciate her enthusiasm with knitting and the desire to lean new skills and techniques. Zknits also introduced me to the Y Knit podcasts; another fab podcast. She has a great clear and calm voice, pleasing to the ears especially when listening with earbuds.  

You may visit zknits at her blog, here. 

***** 

Another knitting podcast that I enjoy is Y Knit, which is a podcast hosted by two men, hizknits and wonderMike.

They are funny and enthusiastic about knitting. Unlike some of the podcasts I listen to, they don't delve into talking about their projects. Instead, they produce interview based podcasts with various knitting personalities; some well known, and others that are lesser known; and all chock full of information. Yknit offers up a different perspective on knitting, which I appreciate. I suppose that has to do with the fact the podcasts are from a male POV. 

You may also download the podcasts on the Y Knit website, here. And if you want to get to know the hosts, you may visit their website; hizknits and wonderMike. 

***** 

Knit Science with Miriam Quinn is another podcast that I enjoy.

What makes her different from the other podcasts is her interest with the history and information science of knitting. She also shares her personal struggles and triumphs of her knitting projects, as well as her experiences with knitting, which many of us can relate to. Another element that makes her podcast special is that she usually ends her podcasts with a story from her son. I think it's a fabulous idea for her and her son to interact and be involved with each other's interest. It's a great way to bond!

Miriam Quinn also has a website where you may download her podcasts and view her projects, here.

***** 

And finally, Math4Knitters; an interesting podcast and what sets this one apart from the ones I enjoy is the author who is very much into math and approaches knitting from a mathematical point of view. And it makes sense because knitting has lots to do with math like adding and subtracting and geometry. Her laughter amuses me too; she almost sounds a bit loony (in a harmless way) when she laughs about or to herself.   

You may also download old podcasts from her old website here. For current podcasts, you can download from here, too.

*****

If any of these podcasts are of interest to you, please go and download them. You can either download from iTunes or at their websites. If you have a favorite podcast, please let me know by leaving a comment. Happy listening!

Organizing my yarn stash with Ewe Stash

2010-03-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

I had downloaded a wonderful app for my iPhone a few weeks ago called Ewe Stash, and recently finished organizing my needles and yarn stash. It's a wonderful app that documents and organizes your needles and yarns. It also organizes crochet hooks. I don't know how to crochet and I only own one hook so I don't have any comments for the crochet hook organization portion of the app.

The needle organization allows you to document various needle types like straight needles, DPN, and circulars. There's also an "other" category in case you have a set of special needles. You can input a name for your needles, size, length, material, and brand. You can also input notes and take pictures of your needles, too. You can view your needle collection either by name, size, or type. I love having my needle collection in the palm of my hand. Now I know what I have before I buy!

Below is a screen shot of a new page for inputting new needles.

Documenting yarn is very thorough with Ewe Stash. You can take pictures of your yarn. This is very helpful as it is a great reference when considering projects when flipping through a book or magazine at your LYS. I don't know about you but I have not used any of my yarn stash and it's only growing... A new page for documenting your yarn stash allows you to input name, fiber, weight, color, brand, amount, as well as notes. For the notes, I wrote the recommended needle size as a reference, and additional fiber content if the yarn is a blend.

Once you've finished inputting the all your yarn stash, you can retrieve the yarn info based on name, weight, or fiber.

Here is an example of a yarn detail page filled out with one of my yarn stash.

This app costs $2.99 and I think it is well worth it. It's very easy to use however I must note that I had trouble saving my data when I took a picture of the yarn first. I found that when I start off with the name, I was able to save it and then take a picture. All information can be edited.

There are a couple of things I would love to see the developers improve. For instance, being able to access it on my iPod Touch. At the moment, the info cannot be synched between the two devices. Maybe Treeness can collaborate with Bump Technologies so I can synch the info with the same app on the iPod Touch.

Another improvement that I'd like to see is to be able to touch the little photo associated with the item and display it on full screen. Don't get me wrong, having a picture is very helpful but it would be great if i can see it bigger.

Also, it would be very helpful if I can duplicate a yarn detail page of a particular product so I can just edit the photo and color should I have similar yarn in my stash as oppose to re-entering most of the same info. I want to add that most information is stored in the app or device so when you type, it will drop down a menu of things you've entered and you can select those things; a shortcut to typing in the whole thing again. But it would great if I can duplicate a yarn detail page instead.

Ewe Stash isn't the only app out there that organizes your needles and yarn. There is another app, Knit Minder. Plus they do more than document and organize your yarn and needles but it also keeps count of rows and is a journal for keeping projects and pattern you're working on or planning. You can download the "lite" version for free. If you like it, it costs the same as Ewe Stash.

If you have either or both of these apps, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

For more information about the apps mentioned in this post, see below:

Ewe Stash
Knit Minder
Knit Minder Lite

Elephant vest

2010-03-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

I am working on a sweater vest, a birthday gift for my nephew. He will
be be 2 years old. It's gonna be a cute sweater vest! A simple vest in
a periwinkle blue with an elephant pouch on the front.

I received help with creating the pattern from my favorite yarn shop,
Purl Soho after getting measurements from the little boy.

I am using a superwash merino from Lion Brand Yarns and knitting in
the round with US 5 circular needles. So far, I like knitting with the
yarn but I will share my review when this project is completed. Will
take pictures when there's something to show.

Night of Hot Chocolate and Knitting

2010-02-20T01:30:00.000-05:00

Thursday February 18, 2010 I attended City Bakery's Night of Hot Chocolate and Knitting. Tickets were purchased in advance and it sold out quickly!

I arrived a little after 7pm and there was a super long line of eager and hungry knitters waiting to get in and the line continued to form behind me. I was worried if we were all able to fit. Once inside, I could see that it was just a mad house and I was starting to think perhaps this was not a good idea. There were crowds of people milling about, limited tables and seating, and there didn't seem to be any order to the food line. Luckily, the knitting community are a patient bunch and are used to being in crowded spaces (some yarn shops are a little on the cozy side).

City Bakery is known for their sweets as well as their savory foods so I was not disappointed when I finally was able to chow down. They served comfort food of fried chicken, mac & cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizzas, salads, to name a few. They were also sampling 10 of their hot chocolates. I only got to sample 4. They were quite rich, decadent, and delicious!

I didn't participate in any of the knitting workshops but was able to grab a couple of patterns that were being demonstrated in the workshop to knit at my leisure. I did however learned to spin yarn with a drop spindle and that was a lot of fun!

At the end of the evening, I left having had a good time, picked up another interest and a goodie bag! The goodie bags contained a few discounts to participating yarn shops, which is a great incentive to check out other knitting shops in NYC, a tote bag made of recycled material, some yarn needles and a packet of yarn soak, cookies from City Bakery, and a free pattern as a promotion for Wendy Johnson's new book, "Toe-up socks for everybody".

Striped sweater vest - so close!

2010-02-08T01:46:00.000-05:00

I've been working really hard with the striped sweater vest and it has been coming along nicely. I learned to do short rows on this particular projects. I completed the cap sleeves and am currently working on the shawl collar. I knew from the beginning when I started this project that I was short a skein of the Alchemy Silk Purse in Persephone's Pomegranate. Now I am at point where I am running little on the yarn and in need of more to complete the whole project!

I've emailed Alchemy for help and although I did get a response, I have not heard further from them now that I am ready to order that extra skein in the color I need but I am hopeful they will respond. If I don't hear from Alchemy, I have a back up plan. I don't exactly like the cap sleeves that I knitted and so I may consider ripping out part of it and modify the cap sleeves, and then use the remaining in the shawl collar although I'm not sure if that will be enough either...

...to be continued...

Review: Kathmandu Chunky by Queensland Collection

2010-02-08T01:19:00.003-05:00

I bought a ball of the Kathmandu Chunky by Queensland Collection when I saw a hat knitted up in KnitWit Yarn Shop in Portland, Maine. I made my own comfy ribbed hat and it was a great ball of yarn to work with. It is a mixed fiber yarn comprised of 85% merino wool, 10% silk, and 5% cashmere; and as a result, it is soft, squishy, and warm! It has a tweedy character, which I like. It knits up fast and easily; and holds it's shape when washed and blocked.

The price for this yarn wasn't too bad; $18.

Unfortunately, Queensland Collection does not have a website but you can find more information here. You can certainly buy this yarn online or at KnitWit Yarn Shop or possibly your local yarn shop.

Finished comfy ribbed hat

2010-02-07T23:40:00.000-05:00

I finished my first project of 2010, the comfy ribbed hat by Kris Percival from the Knit Knack Kit. A very easy and fun project, and it was especially a joy to work with Kathmandu Chunky by Queensland Collection. However it would have been helpful if a gauge was given so I understood the size of the hat but I guess the gauge was based on the yarn that was used by the author. In any case, I had to add more stitches to fit TH's head. As I explained in my last email, his head is oddly shaped; deeper than wide.

Anyways, the hat is completed, washed, and gifted to TH as a Valentine's present. He loves the hat, and it looks great on him! It doesn't make his head look narrow.

Hot Chocolate and a Night of Knitting

2010-02-03T20:47:00.005-05:00

Well, we're in the second month of 2010, and I recently found out that
February is hot chocolate month. City Bakery is hosting the 18th
Annual Hot Chocoate Festival. I don't know if this is an official food
festival celebration or just a marketing ploy but along with the
tasting and consumption of hot chocolate infused with different
flavors offered each day of February, there is an evening of knitting;
Wednesday February 18, from 7pm to 11pm. It's an event co-sponosered
by a handful of NYC's favorite yarn shops.

Purl Soho
Downtown Yarns
Brooklyn General Store
Knitty City
Gotta Knit
Wool and the Gang

Each of these vendors will be demonstrating knitting techniques, selling products, and doing workshops.

Dinner and dessert will also be provided by City Bakery as well as 10 of their 28
all you can drink hot chocolate. This one night event
costs $30, and tickets can only be purchased on-line. It sounds like a
fun event and I'm hoping to meet other knitters.

Below is an official description of the event:

Experience the full flavor of City Bakery's 18th Annual Hot Chocolate Festival.

A one-night only opportunity to taste at least six City Bakery hot chocolate flavors. All-you-can eat Special Night of Knitting and Hot Chocolate Dinner, wine and beer.

Enjoy a full menu of "hot chocolate" inspired knitting how-to workshops from NYC's favorite knitting stores, plus a yarn spinning demonstration:
- Marshmallow Man
- Hot Chocolate Mug Cozy
- Marshmallow Hat
- Chocolate Bar Coaster
- Intro to Knitting

A collaboration between City Bakery and Brooklyn General Store, Downtown Yarns, Gotta Knit, Knitty City, Purl, and Wool and the Gang.

Hot chocolate lovers, beginning knitters and experienced knitters who want to knit their own projects are all welcome.

FAQs

DO I NEED SUPPLIES?

Each shop will sell all necessary supplies on the night of the event. If you want to bring your own, below is a list of supplies needed for each workshop. Information is also available on www.hotchocolatefestival.com and in the bakery.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE PART OF THE WORKSHOPS?

Not at all. There will be a yarn spinning demonstration if you just want to watch. Everyone is welcome. You can come and knit your own project as well. The workshops are there for anyone who wants to participate but are not obligatory.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNIT?

There will be a beginners workshop, or come and enjoy the hot chocolate and food.

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES

Again, each shop will sell all necessary supplies for the workshops at the event. For those who want to bring their own, details follow. No purchase or participation necessary to enjoy the event.

Marshmallow Man (Brooklyn General Store)
- White yarn and needles
- Small amount of black fingering weight yarn or buttons
- Pipe cleaners and white roving

Yarn Spinning Demonstration (Downtown Yarns)
- No supplies necessary

Hot Chocolate Mug Cozy (Gotta Knit)
- One ball of worsted weight wool
- Two pairs of 24" #8 or #9 circular needles

Marshmallow Hat (Knitty City)
- One skein of white chunky yarn and size #10 â16 inch circular needles.

Chocolate Bar Coaster (Purl)
- Yarn: Cascade 128 Superwash Wool (100% Wool; 128 yards; 100 grams). 1 hank each Ecru #817; Bitter Chocolate #872. This is enough yarn to make at least 6 coasters.
- Gauge: 19 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern (14 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch).
- Needles: US Size 13 needles (Please note, this is a larger needle than you would typically use for this yarn but is necessary for the stitch pattern).

Knitting 101 (Wool and The Gang)
- Needles
- Yarn

If you want more information about the hot chocolate being offered at
City Bakery, check out their website. And if you want to learn more
about the Night of Knitting event, click here. You may also try and
call each yarn shop and inquire what they may be presenting that
evening if you're unsure if you wan to shell out $30. Although i hear
the food is really good so it may well be worth it...

Comfy ribbed hat for 2010

2010-01-27T00:41:00.005-05:00

Started my first project of 2010; a knitted rib hat for my TH. He
needs a hat for winter and the knit hats in stores just don't look
right on his head. That's because he has atypical shape. His head is
deeper than the width if that makes sense. His head is not like the
Alien creature head. But it is certainly narrow. Hats either don't fit or make his head look even smaller when looking straight at him.

While we were in Maine, I saw a wonderful knit hat in a yarn shop,
KnitWit Yarn Shop, made with a brown tweed yarn. I thought the knit
hat looked great and when he tried it on, he looked great!
I bought the same yarn used on the sample hat, which is by Queensland
Collection, Kathmandu Chunky.

85% Merino wool
10% Silk
5% Cashmere

I am using the comfy ribbed hat pattern from the Knit Knack Kit.

Make your own plush workshop.

2009-12-20T15:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I participated in a fun workhop to create your own cute plush with Jenny Harada at Gallery Hanahou as part of their 3rd Annual Luv-able & Hug-able show. It was great fun and such a simple plush toy to make. Materials and templates were provided at the workshop. Jenny was a fantastic instructor and was very helpful. Here are some pics of the progress.

Here are pictures of the finished plush. I made him with one antler and placed in the middle of his head like a unicorn.

I named him Uni.