Wow, so I haven't posted in 2 months. Sorry about that. I also haven't been commenting on other blogs either, but I have been lurking so I'm not gone completely.
I'm officially putting Eat-Sleep-Knit on an indefinite hiatus. I can't say I'm ready to give up blogging completely, but I think I would like to just focus on knitting right now. Rest assured I will NOT be giving that up. Since October I finished the Baudelaire socks from Knitty, a sweater using my own pattern (a great success!), and right now I'm working on Starsky from Knitty.
I'm taking a class next semester in addition to my full-time work schedule, so I'll be a bit busier. But we'll see what happens. So please check in every once in a while, otherwise I'll see you on your blogs and on Craftster (as Knit_Dork24).
Happy Holidays to everyone! See you next year :D
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
A Socktoberfest Story: Some Moggle Response’s to a Twenty-Something KIP’ing
Preface: I don’t normally KIP, and that’s only because when I’m out in public I’m normally occupied. The only exception to this is when I’m waiting for my car at the shop. A few days ago I had my brakes replaced and state inspection which required an extended waiting period (I have to wait, because we only have one car). So after a walk to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast I came back, sat down in the rather cramped waiting room, and whipped out the Baudelaire sock I’ve been working on…
I noticed a couple lingering looks as I sat there with the lace chart and yarn ball on my lap and needles in hand (magic-loop! Yeah, baby). I brush them off. It was at this point I began to wonder when exactly someone would inquire/comment about what I was making. It was no surprise to me that the first one was an elderly man who waiting for his car to be prepped for his seasonal migration somewhere south of the Mason-Dixon Line:
“Watch ya making?” he asked. I sensed he was desperately trying to break the silence as I’m not one for small talk, “a hat?”
Now, I’m well into shaping the gusset on this toe-up sock that is meant for my rather petit step-mother. But I try to hide my “WTF?” look and muster a polite response.
“No, it’s a sock.” I lift WIP slightly to reveal the sock-like shape.
“Oh, definitely need those around here.” He replied.
Indeed. The frost on my car windows was quite thick and the act of scraping them off ended up making me a tad late for my 7:30 appointment. At least I don’t live in Buffalo.
About 30 minutes later…
The owner/manager of the establishment looks intently and asks “What are you making?”
“A sock,” As you can tell from my minimal response, I’m not much of a people person.
“Do you have kids, or something?”
Huh? My brain scrambles to make the connection between knitting and kids, which is somehow obvious to him but not to me. Does he think I’m knitting a children’s sock?
Again, politely: “No, I just like making socks. It’s a Christmas present for my stepmother.”
The owner/manager, who really is a nice guy btw, then adds that his wife crochets and he thought that’s what I was doing until he saw the two needles. In hind-site, I guess the “kid” question was a more politically correct way of asking me if I was pregnant. Thus, proving that the cliché of the “knitting-mother-to-be” is still alive and well. But this is just an assumption. I can’t help but to wonder, though.
Sometime time later, still knitting away in the cupboard/waiting room…
One of the mechanics squeezes into the cupboard for something, notices me knitting away, and gives me a wide smile.
Ummm, okay. Trying not to get too creeped out I continue on with my gusset increasing. I guess I was expecting something like “hey, check out the grannie!” So it’s not so bad, I guess.
500 years later…
The same mechanic returns to the cupboard but this time he has to wait in line for the boss-man.
“Man, you’ll have a whole (something or another, I couldn’t understand him since he had a slight case of mush-mouth) before we’re done here.”
I smile, interpreting it as a compliment to my mad-knitting skills, but before I could get a response out the owner/manager replies, jokingly:
“Maybe not, if you actually finish sometime this year,”
Hmm, come to think of it, I was there for a little over 2 hours. But I really didn’t care since I was knitting.
I noticed a couple lingering looks as I sat there with the lace chart and yarn ball on my lap and needles in hand (magic-loop! Yeah, baby). I brush them off. It was at this point I began to wonder when exactly someone would inquire/comment about what I was making. It was no surprise to me that the first one was an elderly man who waiting for his car to be prepped for his seasonal migration somewhere south of the Mason-Dixon Line:
“Watch ya making?” he asked. I sensed he was desperately trying to break the silence as I’m not one for small talk, “a hat?”
Now, I’m well into shaping the gusset on this toe-up sock that is meant for my rather petit step-mother. But I try to hide my “WTF?” look and muster a polite response.
“No, it’s a sock.” I lift WIP slightly to reveal the sock-like shape.
“Oh, definitely need those around here.” He replied.
Indeed. The frost on my car windows was quite thick and the act of scraping them off ended up making me a tad late for my 7:30 appointment. At least I don’t live in Buffalo.
About 30 minutes later…
The owner/manager of the establishment looks intently and asks “What are you making?”
“A sock,” As you can tell from my minimal response, I’m not much of a people person.
“Do you have kids, or something?”
Huh? My brain scrambles to make the connection between knitting and kids, which is somehow obvious to him but not to me. Does he think I’m knitting a children’s sock?
Again, politely: “No, I just like making socks. It’s a Christmas present for my stepmother.”
The owner/manager, who really is a nice guy btw, then adds that his wife crochets and he thought that’s what I was doing until he saw the two needles. In hind-site, I guess the “kid” question was a more politically correct way of asking me if I was pregnant. Thus, proving that the cliché of the “knitting-mother-to-be” is still alive and well. But this is just an assumption. I can’t help but to wonder, though.
Sometime time later, still knitting away in the cupboard/waiting room…
One of the mechanics squeezes into the cupboard for something, notices me knitting away, and gives me a wide smile.
Ummm, okay. Trying not to get too creeped out I continue on with my gusset increasing. I guess I was expecting something like “hey, check out the grannie!” So it’s not so bad, I guess.
500 years later…
The same mechanic returns to the cupboard but this time he has to wait in line for the boss-man.
“Man, you’ll have a whole (something or another, I couldn’t understand him since he had a slight case of mush-mouth) before we’re done here.”
I smile, interpreting it as a compliment to my mad-knitting skills, but before I could get a response out the owner/manager replies, jokingly:
“Maybe not, if you actually finish sometime this year,”
Hmm, come to think of it, I was there for a little over 2 hours. But I really didn’t care since I was knitting.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
A Kni-story of Socks
I've been a little absent lately. With settling into the new place, shopping for decorations to adorn our bare walls, a family visit, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather I haven't had much time (or energy) to blog. I am just now getting some semblance of an everyday routine back, even though we've been in our place for several weeks. I have been knitting. Honest. I finished the baby Zoe project and I got a good start on my Socktoberfest project (the Baudelaire socks from Knitty). But first, in keeping with the Socktober-festivities, a gallery of my sock knitting history:
Traveler Socks from d-made in LB Wool-Ease
Rapunzel Socks, also from d-made, also in wool-ease
Hedera Socks from Knitty (first pair in actual sock yarn, Knitpicks of course)
The infamous Jaywalkers!
And most recently, a simple pair (my own pattern) in Knitpicks Simple Stripes for my MIL:
Three of the five socks above were gifts. If you're ever unsure what to knit someone: knit them socks! Here are my reasons: 1. they'll actually get used by the recipient (as long as they're not hippies) 2. they'll think that it's the most complicated thing you could possibly knit for them (you know their not but they can keep on thinking that for all you care) 2. knit socks fit the best (period) 3. Socks are convenient for you (they're portable and can be as quick or slow as you want them to be depending on time constraints).
So go knit some socks, dangnamit!
Traveler Socks from d-made in LB Wool-Ease
Rapunzel Socks, also from d-made, also in wool-ease
Hedera Socks from Knitty (first pair in actual sock yarn, Knitpicks of course)
The infamous Jaywalkers!
And most recently, a simple pair (my own pattern) in Knitpicks Simple Stripes for my MIL:
Three of the five socks above were gifts. If you're ever unsure what to knit someone: knit them socks! Here are my reasons: 1. they'll actually get used by the recipient (as long as they're not hippies) 2. they'll think that it's the most complicated thing you could possibly knit for them (you know their not but they can keep on thinking that for all you care) 2. knit socks fit the best (period) 3. Socks are convenient for you (they're portable and can be as quick or slow as you want them to be depending on time constraints).
So go knit some socks, dangnamit!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
So this is my Zoe X-mas Project. For those of you just tuning in Zoe is my baby neice. I find the degeneration of my original idea to what I actually have quite comical. I went from the super cute Trellis sweater to a square with some intarsia (or fair isle, colorwork, whatever). In the end I decided to make the square into a bib by adding some i-cord straps to the ends. It's not bad, but not completely X-mas worthy on it's own. I plan on making something else from the book Knitted Toys by Fiona McTague. I got it from the library along with Beautiful Knitting Patterns by Gisela Kloepper. It's another one of those books that just has stitch patterns and charts. I love it! It's inspiring to page through and drool over the lace and aran patterns. There's more stitch patterns in there but those are my favorite. Oh, if you get the Knitted Toys book you abosutely must NOT knit the clown. If you knit the clown it will come alive at night while you're sleeping and eat you. That's what my brother would tell you, which is why I should knit it for him. ;)
Next up is a knitted toy for Zoe. Hopefully, I can get a good start on that before Socktoberfest. I don't plan on starting right on the Oct.1, but I might gauge swatch or something to celebrate.
My mother is visiting this weekend so we'll be out and about today. We're checking out the Regional Farmer's Market, CNY Great Pumpkinfest, and of course, no Syracuse visit is complete without a stop by the Dinosaur BBQ. I hope she likes mounds of meat!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
One Cheek on the Saddle
First knitting news: *sounds of trumpets*
I joined! Have you? Click here to learn more. Thanks to Bryony and Erin for alerting me to the existence of such a fun event! It's perfect timing too since I was planning on gift-knitting Baudelaire socks for my stepmom soon. This will be my Socktoberfest project. I'm looking forward to it. I love knitting socks. I love knitting socks for other people. I'm pretty much convinced that socks are the best knitted gift EVER! My mom raves about them and now my MIL does too. She loved her b-day socks! And she said the fit was perfect so that's a relief. In conclusion: socks are awesome so join Socktoberfest and knit some socks!
NEXT!
Moving is pretty much over. THANK GOD! We did the U-Haul portion of the trip last night and my arms are quite sore. I had to stop and take breaks when we were moving our loveseat. My hands kept slipping on the leather (alright, pleather) and my arms were going limp in protest. Of course, out of the corner of my eye I see a pair of people in the distance looking in our direction. >.<>
Remember those chairs I said I would redo? I finished those and will be pictures posted ASAP. Also, I dumped Trellis. I was just going to take me too long. The cabling slows things down a bit. So I started experimenting with colorwork (how does it go: huzzah?) so I'm making something else for baby Zoe. What it is just yet, I'm not sure. But I'll post pics soon. I also have to make some curtains for our new, rather large windows. Eek, sewing!
Ta!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Taking the Backseat
Moving is so tiring! We just finished packing and moved our first load over yesterday. We were able to spread out the move over the rest of September so it shouldn’t be so crazy. Unfortunately, I won’t have much time for knitting and I won’t even be able to post from home until our internet is setup at our new place sometime next week. I can post at work though so don’t count me out completely. ;) But no pics for YOU!
I’m starting the Trellis baby sweater today (hopefully). I have to do a gauge swatch, a necessary evil. I don’t despise gauge-swatching, but I definitely half-ass it in order to get onto the fun stuff. Some people suggest knitting a 6x6 square with a garter stitch border and then washing or blocking it. Holy crap, that’s just too much for me. I’m sure I would have better luck fitting garments if I did it the “right way”. But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t purposely try to make things harder on myself. I’m planning on knitting Trellis with some Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in something called “Pale Seafoam”. I would call it a unisex color. If I’m feeling adventurous I might even knit up a matching hat.
Is it me or is 100% cotton hard to knit with? I’ve heard comments like cotton is “unforgiving” and it has no elasticity. If that’s true, then I should be in for quite a treat knitting an uber-cabley sweater. Not the smartest yarn choice in the world, I’m sure. Luckily it’s mini-sized. I need to get my hands on some cotton blends like TLC Cotton Plus. I like the idea of cotton as opposed to 100% wools. Cotton is softer and normally machine washable, and unlike acrylics, allows your skin to breathe instead of forming pools of sweat which isn’t fun for anyone. I am likely to not wear something at all when faced with the possibility of hand-washing something (pathetic, I know). So cotton blends seem like the way to go when it comes to sweaters and other garments.
But I’m on an unofficial yarn diet. If I buy more yarn Mr.V’s head will explode and I don’t want that to happen because I like Mr.V’s head the way it is. So for the sake of Mr.V’s head, I will be stash-busting well into the New Year. So no new yarn for me.
The magic 8ball says there will be some more sewing in my near future. It’s saying something about window treatments…?
I’m starting the Trellis baby sweater today (hopefully). I have to do a gauge swatch, a necessary evil. I don’t despise gauge-swatching, but I definitely half-ass it in order to get onto the fun stuff. Some people suggest knitting a 6x6 square with a garter stitch border and then washing or blocking it. Holy crap, that’s just too much for me. I’m sure I would have better luck fitting garments if I did it the “right way”. But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t purposely try to make things harder on myself. I’m planning on knitting Trellis with some Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in something called “Pale Seafoam”. I would call it a unisex color. If I’m feeling adventurous I might even knit up a matching hat.
Is it me or is 100% cotton hard to knit with? I’ve heard comments like cotton is “unforgiving” and it has no elasticity. If that’s true, then I should be in for quite a treat knitting an uber-cabley sweater. Not the smartest yarn choice in the world, I’m sure. Luckily it’s mini-sized. I need to get my hands on some cotton blends like TLC Cotton Plus. I like the idea of cotton as opposed to 100% wools. Cotton is softer and normally machine washable, and unlike acrylics, allows your skin to breathe instead of forming pools of sweat which isn’t fun for anyone. I am likely to not wear something at all when faced with the possibility of hand-washing something (pathetic, I know). So cotton blends seem like the way to go when it comes to sweaters and other garments.
But I’m on an unofficial yarn diet. If I buy more yarn Mr.V’s head will explode and I don’t want that to happen because I like Mr.V’s head the way it is. So for the sake of Mr.V’s head, I will be stash-busting well into the New Year. So no new yarn for me.
The magic 8ball says there will be some more sewing in my near future. It’s saying something about window treatments…?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Ms Sniffles
Argh, so I've been sick this past weekend and I actually took a rare sick day from work yesterday. I'm not sick very often so when I am I'm always reminded of how much it sucks (damn you, microscopic germs >.<). I've also been reminded that sleep quality is directly related to your ability to breathe through your nose (stupid mucus). On the cute side, Mr.V has dubbed me "Sniffles" and has taken to adding his own fake sniffles to match my own, all in good fun of course. Humor helps. Anway, enough of this pitty-party. I've actually been a bit productive this weekend, considering. First, I finished my MIL's sock. This time it's the right size.
I've started the second one and I'm hoping to be done with it this Friday so I can mail it out. That'll be quite ahead of schedule, but starting next Monday we'll be moving our stuff over to our new place I don't think I'll have a lot of time for knitting or blogging. Especially, deadline knitting. But I knit a good bit of the second sock yesterday so I think I'll have no problem finishing by Friday.
I've also started a non-knitting project. I have a pair of old wooden chairs that my Dad gave me. I've had them for about 2 years now with the intention of re-finishing them and putting them to use. I was afraid these would be destined to live in the basement with the troll, but now I actually have a use for them in our new place. We actually have a private balcony where we're going, and it faces something that we don't mind looking at: trees!
So I plan on making these chairs our balcony chairs. I have the one chair sanded down and ready to stain already. We're hoping to eventually find a little table that we could touch-up and put out on the balcony as well. As far as knitting goes. After the socks are complete I'm going to continue with the gift knits, except these will be christmas gifts. I'm not knitting everyone something for Christmas, because in all honesty I'll go freaking insane. No. thank. you. Instead, I've decided to pick a person who hasn't received a knitted object from me yet and another person (or mini-person) who is just too small to care what she's wearing, thus, choosing what to knit is really easy.
- Knitty's Trellis for my niece Zoe
- Knitty's Baudelaire for my stepmom
I'm starting Trellis next so I can give myself a break from sock knitting. Not that I don't like knitting socks, I'm just the kind of person who likes variety. Other than that I probably won't be blogging much until after we're moved. :)
PS- Have you seen the new Knitty, yet? If you haven't do it NOW! I really like Viveka and the assortment of cute socks!
I've started the second one and I'm hoping to be done with it this Friday so I can mail it out. That'll be quite ahead of schedule, but starting next Monday we'll be moving our stuff over to our new place I don't think I'll have a lot of time for knitting or blogging. Especially, deadline knitting. But I knit a good bit of the second sock yesterday so I think I'll have no problem finishing by Friday.
I've also started a non-knitting project. I have a pair of old wooden chairs that my Dad gave me. I've had them for about 2 years now with the intention of re-finishing them and putting them to use. I was afraid these would be destined to live in the basement with the troll, but now I actually have a use for them in our new place. We actually have a private balcony where we're going, and it faces something that we don't mind looking at: trees!
So I plan on making these chairs our balcony chairs. I have the one chair sanded down and ready to stain already. We're hoping to eventually find a little table that we could touch-up and put out on the balcony as well. As far as knitting goes. After the socks are complete I'm going to continue with the gift knits, except these will be christmas gifts. I'm not knitting everyone something for Christmas, because in all honesty I'll go freaking insane. No. thank. you. Instead, I've decided to pick a person who hasn't received a knitted object from me yet and another person (or mini-person) who is just too small to care what she's wearing, thus, choosing what to knit is really easy.
- Knitty's Trellis for my niece Zoe
- Knitty's Baudelaire for my stepmom
I'm starting Trellis next so I can give myself a break from sock knitting. Not that I don't like knitting socks, I'm just the kind of person who likes variety. Other than that I probably won't be blogging much until after we're moved. :)
PS- Have you seen the new Knitty, yet? If you haven't do it NOW! I really like Viveka and the assortment of cute socks!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Knitted Happiness
I contemplated last night while I finishing the Simple Stripes sock how much I love knitting. Specifically, my adoration for such simple and clean touches like twisted rib and the kitchener stitch toe. There is something so neat and tidy about them. Maybe I'm attracted to these neat and tidy things because by nature I am NOT neat and tidy. I am the poster girl for disorder. But I am so proud of myself when I do things like this:
Well, the colors don't make it look real tidy, but you get the idea. I love finishing toes with kitchener's stitch. At first I thought it was sort of tricky, but then I discovered that there is a certain rhythm to it: knit, drop, purl/purl, drop, knit, and so on. The seamless connection is clean and professional.
Ah, twisted rib! Oh, how I love thee! I think most knitters would agree that twisted rib is WAY nicer than plain old 1x1 rib. The knit stitches are nice and snug and don't loose their structure when stretched. Genius! So last night after completing the sock I just sat there admiring the little details. Taking a few minutes to appreciate the act of knitting rather than just the finished object.
And then I tried it on and realized that the size was suited for a pre-teen rather than an adult. So next stop: Frogsville >.<
Well, the colors don't make it look real tidy, but you get the idea. I love finishing toes with kitchener's stitch. At first I thought it was sort of tricky, but then I discovered that there is a certain rhythm to it: knit, drop, purl/purl, drop, knit, and so on. The seamless connection is clean and professional.
Ah, twisted rib! Oh, how I love thee! I think most knitters would agree that twisted rib is WAY nicer than plain old 1x1 rib. The knit stitches are nice and snug and don't loose their structure when stretched. Genius! So last night after completing the sock I just sat there admiring the little details. Taking a few minutes to appreciate the act of knitting rather than just the finished object.And then I tried it on and realized that the size was suited for a pre-teen rather than an adult. So next stop: Frogsville >.<
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Hoodie Scarf from D-Made
Phew! I’ve been busy lately searching for a new apartment and such so blogging time was replaced with apartment searching, calling, appointment-making, etc (fun, fun). But, thankfully, the search is over and I won’t be busy again until about mid-Sept when we start moving. I’m really excited especially because we’ll be moving to a nicer area that’s closer to my job (and my job’s new location, come March of next year). We’re within walking distance to one of the nicest parks EVER! And the craft stores are in a good location as well. So once again, all is well over my way. So without further ado, my most recent FO:
Hoodie Scarf from d-made.com! This is my mother’s birthday gift, which isn’t until early Oct but I was really excited about the pattern I figured I get it done early. Plus, knitting on a deadline while moving is probably not a good idea. Where the heck did these time management skills come from!?
Pattern: Hoodie Scarf from D-Made.com
Yarn: Bernat Berella So Soft 100% acrylic in dark blue, less than 2 skeins
Needles: Size 8 Denise Interchangies
Mods: garter stitch edging on the scarf pieces
Woulda-Shoulda: Thankfully my mother doesn’t mind cheap acrylic yarns since that’s what she crochets with. So, no regrets there. Plus, a winter accessory should really washable. Stuff like that can get yucky pretty fast, and I know my mom would rather not be bothered with hand-washing. Secondly, for some reason my mind could just not accept this scarf’s construction so the garter stitch modification was my way of eliminating the wicked rolling on the edges. But I didn’t realize that the edge would be picked up and worked in 2x2 rib to help tame the edges. Read the pattern. Trust the pattern. The pattern is good. The pattern… is…. your friend…
And seriously, the pattern is good. I looked around quite a bit for a cool hooded scarf a few months ago and was disappointed. Then d-made came along and made everything all better. There's enough to this pattern to keep you entertained and easy enough to finish in a short period of time. Not exactly knit-stant gratification, but satisfying nontheless. Since this is my third FO from d-made I think that warrants an official link in the “Awesome Knitting Resources” section. So check out d-made’s quality, free patterns. NOW!
And since I’m on a roll with this gift-knitting I decided to start on my MIL’s birthday present which is in late-Sept. She’s getting socks made from some Knitpicks Simple Stripes. I'm following Knitty's Socks 101 tutorial for this, so it's nothing fancy. I’m about half-way through the first sock so it looks like I’ll be finished with this ahead of schedule as well. Nice!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
What's a Knittah to Do?
I was going to frog my self-designed tank, but I'm really not in the friggin' mood. I'm so tired of ripping and re-knitting the same thing over and over. I needed a new, smaller project. My mom's birthday is coming up in early October and I finally found a hooded scarf pattern that would be perfect for her. It's the Hoodie Scarf from D-Made. My mom requested one of these because she hates hats (since she styles her hair, unlike myself), but the winter chill is just too much to go without any insulation sometimes. She requested this last winter, but I couldn't find a pattern and I wasn't particularly inspired (or confident) to create my own. I CO for this the other night and I'm moving along nicely although the scarf part is kind of boring. But once I get to the hood part things should liven up a bit. I'm starting pretty early, but that's ok. I hate having to knit things at the last minute and feel rushed. Plus, my mom is visiting in late Sept so I want to give it to her then. PLUS, come mid-Sept Mr.V and I will be moving so I won't have time to fool around with last minute gifts. Plus, - just kidding. I'm done rambling.
I'm making it with some navy blue Bernat SoSoft acrylic that I have in my stash. So far, it's turning out alright, except that it's bunching up a good bit because of the cable and the ribbing. I'm hoping a run through the washer and dryer will help relax the acrylic because, of course, blocking is out of the question. Other than that...
Oh yeah, question: I need some project ideas that would be good for a 4 1/2 year old boy. I could go the stuffie route, but I've kind of done that already. I thought maybe a cool scarf or hat. He likes trains. I mean really likes trains. I don't know if I want to knit him a sweater because that's just not any fun for him. Anyone have any ideas?
I'm making it with some navy blue Bernat SoSoft acrylic that I have in my stash. So far, it's turning out alright, except that it's bunching up a good bit because of the cable and the ribbing. I'm hoping a run through the washer and dryer will help relax the acrylic because, of course, blocking is out of the question. Other than that...
Oh yeah, question: I need some project ideas that would be good for a 4 1/2 year old boy. I could go the stuffie route, but I've kind of done that already. I thought maybe a cool scarf or hat. He likes trains. I mean really likes trains. I don't know if I want to knit him a sweater because that's just not any fun for him. Anyone have any ideas?
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Boston Knit-a-Thon a Bust
Ok, I'm back. First off, Boston was awesome! I had a great time, but now I'm bummed to be back to the same old, same old. Here is some stash enhancement I procured while killing time in AC Moore in Danvers, MA. This was my first ever AC Moore experience, and it definately won't be my last.
"Mill Ends" 1lb bags of 100% cotton yarn. $5 ea. I got two bags and now I'm up to my ears in the cotton yarn. There are no labels but if I were to guess the multi-colored one is Bernat Handicrafter and the wine colored is Sugar n'Cream. Not that it really matters. Hooray for cheap yarn! If all AC Moore's are like the one in MA I think they definately top Joann's. They have a wider selection of yarns I actually want to knit with. And I thought their prices were slightly better than Joann's as well.
Now, lemme tell you how my Boston Knit-a-Thon turned out:
It didn't. I have absolutely nothing to show for my several hours of knitting the Licorice Whip pattern, and here is why: I got about four rows in during the drive to and then I realized I had to make even more pattern adjustments. Then, I had to knit back a couple of times, plus I didn't realize how much a pain 100% cotton yarn could be. Progress was slow. So by the time we arrived in Salem, MA I had about 1.5 inches of sweater. It was at this point I realized that I was NOT finishing this sweater during the trip. But I continued knitting in the hotel before bed and on the drive (though not as diligently). I even worked on it after we got home. At about 10pm last night, I flipped the page of my pattern and realized that there was a whole other inc row in the increase set. I counted my stitches and I realized I was not increasing enough along the raglan lines, (stupid computer print out >.<) So, I had to frog. The whole. F-ing. Thing.
So I now I have nothing to show for effforts which is extremely upsetting (not to mention a tad-bit embarassing).
So now, I think I'm going to return to the Trial and Error tank and make my adjustments to that. Man, it seems like forever since I've finished anything. I'm even thinking of ditching the Licorice Whip completely and knitting something else with the yarn. It's a lovely pattern, but I'm a little po'd with myself and I need to take it out on something. Sorry, sweater.
I'll post some Boston pics on my Flickr account soon!
"Mill Ends" 1lb bags of 100% cotton yarn. $5 ea. I got two bags and now I'm up to my ears in the cotton yarn. There are no labels but if I were to guess the multi-colored one is Bernat Handicrafter and the wine colored is Sugar n'Cream. Not that it really matters. Hooray for cheap yarn! If all AC Moore's are like the one in MA I think they definately top Joann's. They have a wider selection of yarns I actually want to knit with. And I thought their prices were slightly better than Joann's as well.
Now, lemme tell you how my Boston Knit-a-Thon turned out:
It didn't. I have absolutely nothing to show for my several hours of knitting the Licorice Whip pattern, and here is why: I got about four rows in during the drive to and then I realized I had to make even more pattern adjustments. Then, I had to knit back a couple of times, plus I didn't realize how much a pain 100% cotton yarn could be. Progress was slow. So by the time we arrived in Salem, MA I had about 1.5 inches of sweater. It was at this point I realized that I was NOT finishing this sweater during the trip. But I continued knitting in the hotel before bed and on the drive (though not as diligently). I even worked on it after we got home. At about 10pm last night, I flipped the page of my pattern and realized that there was a whole other inc row in the increase set. I counted my stitches and I realized I was not increasing enough along the raglan lines, (stupid computer print out >.<) So, I had to frog. The whole. F-ing. Thing.
So I now I have nothing to show for effforts which is extremely upsetting (not to mention a tad-bit embarassing).
So now, I think I'm going to return to the Trial and Error tank and make my adjustments to that. Man, it seems like forever since I've finished anything. I'm even thinking of ditching the Licorice Whip completely and knitting something else with the yarn. It's a lovely pattern, but I'm a little po'd with myself and I need to take it out on something. Sorry, sweater.
I'll post some Boston pics on my Flickr account soon!
Friday, August 11, 2006
The Boston Knit-a-Thon
The Challenge: Knit an entire project from start to finish, sitting shotgun while traveling to and from vacation destination.
Destination: Beantown
The Project: Blue Alvarez’s “Licorice Whip”
Yarn: a crap-load of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in “Pale Seafoam”
The Needles: Denise Interchangeable Size 7 circs
ET-FO (Estimated Time to FO): 5+ hours up. 5+ hours back. Total = 10+ hrs
The Preparation: Checked gauge and subsequently adjusted pattern to fit preferred yarn gauge. Will be knitting sleeves to ¾ length instead of full length
Return Date: Wednesday, August 16
See you then!
Destination: Beantown
The Project: Blue Alvarez’s “Licorice Whip”
Yarn: a crap-load of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in “Pale Seafoam”
The Needles: Denise Interchangeable Size 7 circs
ET-FO (Estimated Time to FO): 5+ hours up. 5+ hours back. Total = 10+ hrs
The Preparation: Checked gauge and subsequently adjusted pattern to fit preferred yarn gauge. Will be knitting sleeves to ¾ length instead of full length
Return Date: Wednesday, August 16
See you then!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
WIPs and Reads
Ok, here is some knitting content as promised.
This what I've been working on lately. It's the umbrella cozy I keep talking about. It's not quite finished yet, but I figured I'd share it since I think it's fun to make this site slower by adding yet another pointless picture(bwah-ha-ha). All I have to do is finish the strap and I'm done. Yippee!
What exactly is an Umbrella Cozy, you ask? Well, it wraps your umbrella in knitted goodness and since it has a strap you can sling that bad boy on your back and you're good to go. This idea came about from scanning the umbrella rack at Wal-mart in search of a more travel-friendly umbrella. But you see, they're all freaking small and uber-flimsy. I like my big, heavy umbrella. But it's heavy and has no strap, not even an ergonomical handle. My umbrella was crying out for a knitted accessory! So I grabbed some inspiration from the Yoga Mat Bag in SnbN and started knitting. I'm kind of liking how this is turning out so I think I'll post a pattern when all is said and done.
In other news I checked out two knitting books from the library yesterday. These will be great reads while I'm laying on the beach in Rockport, MA next Monday:
Fair Isle Knitting by Sarah Don: This is copyrighted 1979 and is comically outdated as far as the patterns go. But what attracted me to this book was the 20 pages or so of fair isle motif samples. Well, that's pretty cool. So all I have to do now is actually learn how to knit fair isle.
The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee: I've heard this pretty good for helping you design your own sweaters. We'll se what it has to offer.
Umbrella Cozy pattern coming soon. Also, the Boston Knit-a-thon!
This what I've been working on lately. It's the umbrella cozy I keep talking about. It's not quite finished yet, but I figured I'd share it since I think it's fun to make this site slower by adding yet another pointless picture(bwah-ha-ha). All I have to do is finish the strap and I'm done. Yippee!
What exactly is an Umbrella Cozy, you ask? Well, it wraps your umbrella in knitted goodness and since it has a strap you can sling that bad boy on your back and you're good to go. This idea came about from scanning the umbrella rack at Wal-mart in search of a more travel-friendly umbrella. But you see, they're all freaking small and uber-flimsy. I like my big, heavy umbrella. But it's heavy and has no strap, not even an ergonomical handle. My umbrella was crying out for a knitted accessory! So I grabbed some inspiration from the Yoga Mat Bag in SnbN and started knitting. I'm kind of liking how this is turning out so I think I'll post a pattern when all is said and done.
In other news I checked out two knitting books from the library yesterday. These will be great reads while I'm laying on the beach in Rockport, MA next Monday:
Fair Isle Knitting by Sarah Don: This is copyrighted 1979 and is comically outdated as far as the patterns go. But what attracted me to this book was the 20 pages or so of fair isle motif samples. Well, that's pretty cool. So all I have to do now is actually learn how to knit fair isle.
The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee: I've heard this pretty good for helping you design your own sweaters. We'll se what it has to offer.
Umbrella Cozy pattern coming soon. Also, the Boston Knit-a-thon!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Like the new digs?
Welcome to the all-new Eat-Sleep-Knit!The tour begins after this brief introduction:
I didn't feel the generic Blogger template was really a unique reflection of me, as corny as that may sound. I want to make impression, dang-namit! And as some of you may know I would like to start posting some patterns so I felt that this place needed a cleaner, more professional look. In order to do that I had to immerse myself in the basics of HTML and CSS and I read up on some good ways to personalized your site and increase traffic. Easier said then done. There is definite potential for this stuff to turn your brains into gloppy-goop. But don't let that intimidate you.
Which brings us to the first stop on the tour: The banner. Mr.V in his infinite talent (and sweetness) created my very own banner using Photoshop. He also helped me place the banner neatly in the center of the page. 3 Cheers for Mr.V! (he's also helped me figure out other formatting issues that just seemed to elude me. Isn't he greatest?)
Stop Two: The elusive 3rd column. I just really like the look of 3 column formats. I needed to have one, but alas, three column-ers are not offered by Blogger. But that's where Pam Blackstone at Random Bytes comes in! 3 Cheers to Pam Blackstone! NOTE: to view all three columns you must have your window fully maximized.
Stop Three: Ah, color! Sweet pigmented, visible energy! It's brightened up a bit and I think this works quite well. If you think the background color is a little over-powering though, please let me know. I care about your retinas, really I do.
And the rest is self-explanatory. I hid most of my profile info because it pushed other important sidebar content too far down the page, plus this site isn't about ME it's about my knitting. So I wanted to make that the overall focus. But you can still access my personal info (at your own risk, of course) by clicking on my profile link.
Here is a list of the on-line resources that helped make this possible. Check them out!
-Random Bytes (for the 3 Column version of Douglas Bowman's Minima)
-HTML Dog's CSS and HTML Beginner's Guide
-Photoshopsupport's tutorial on Blog Design and Templates
Knitting content will resume shortly. Ta!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Squiddy!
Everyone, meet Squiddy:
He’s very pleased to meet you.
Actually, Squiddy was supposed to be an octopus but Mr.V informed me that a pointy head is squid thing. Oh, well. He’s still cute.
Pattern: Mr. Octopi posted on Craftster.org (no link for you, it’s seems Craftster is kind of slow at the moment so search for “octopus” in the knitting boards and you’ll find it)
Yarn: Some scrap LB Wool-Ease and part of the Clapotis I never wear.
Needles: Denise Size 6
Mods: The pattern suggests making two increases per increase round. I did that and I would suggest doing that too, otherwise you might end up with a REALLY narrow head. But I guess it all depends on what yarn and needles you use.
Woulda-Shoulda: I kind of fudged the base (which you seam on separately), but you can’t really see that unless you actually look, so it’s alright. What exactly does a grown 20-something do with a knitted stuffy? She’s sits it on a bookshelf at work, of course. He can be my pick-me-up when work gets dull and slow- a reminder of the fun activity that awaits me after hours.
And yes, I did sacrifice a Clapotis to make a leg and the base for Squiddy. I’ve probably committed some knitting mortal sin considering how popular the Clapotis is. But before you cast the stones hear me out: I don’t wear it. Not because it’s a bad design. It was because I chose the wrong yarn. It was my first big knitting project and I didn’t know any better. I plan on making another one (possibly mini-sized) with some variegated yarn like the pattern suggests (possibly even dyeing my own since Knitpicks has expanded their Dye-Your-Own yarns to different weights, plus superwash).
Thanks for all the feedback on the Trial and Error Tank (aka, the TET)! I’m a little less critical of it after reading your gracious comments. I do think I’ll frog the ribbing part and re-knit it with some more shaping and less ease. But I will be keeping the ribbing thanks to your input (and I’ve finally gotten over my “it makes me look fat” mind-set, sorry for that). I also think I’ll be adding some crab stitch crochet edging to the straps and top edges to battle the “rollies”- thanks to Cheryl for that suggestion (you rock!). So it seems the saga of the TET continues.
I’m back to inventing the wheel with my new project. An umbrella cozy? Just wait and see.
He’s very pleased to meet you.
Actually, Squiddy was supposed to be an octopus but Mr.V informed me that a pointy head is squid thing. Oh, well. He’s still cute.
Pattern: Mr. Octopi posted on Craftster.org (no link for you, it’s seems Craftster is kind of slow at the moment so search for “octopus” in the knitting boards and you’ll find it)
Yarn: Some scrap LB Wool-Ease and part of the Clapotis I never wear.
Needles: Denise Size 6
Mods: The pattern suggests making two increases per increase round. I did that and I would suggest doing that too, otherwise you might end up with a REALLY narrow head. But I guess it all depends on what yarn and needles you use.
Woulda-Shoulda: I kind of fudged the base (which you seam on separately), but you can’t really see that unless you actually look, so it’s alright. What exactly does a grown 20-something do with a knitted stuffy? She’s sits it on a bookshelf at work, of course. He can be my pick-me-up when work gets dull and slow- a reminder of the fun activity that awaits me after hours.
And yes, I did sacrifice a Clapotis to make a leg and the base for Squiddy. I’ve probably committed some knitting mortal sin considering how popular the Clapotis is. But before you cast the stones hear me out: I don’t wear it. Not because it’s a bad design. It was because I chose the wrong yarn. It was my first big knitting project and I didn’t know any better. I plan on making another one (possibly mini-sized) with some variegated yarn like the pattern suggests (possibly even dyeing my own since Knitpicks has expanded their Dye-Your-Own yarns to different weights, plus superwash).
Thanks for all the feedback on the Trial and Error Tank (aka, the TET)! I’m a little less critical of it after reading your gracious comments. I do think I’ll frog the ribbing part and re-knit it with some more shaping and less ease. But I will be keeping the ribbing thanks to your input (and I’ve finally gotten over my “it makes me look fat” mind-set, sorry for that). I also think I’ll be adding some crab stitch crochet edging to the straps and top edges to battle the “rollies”- thanks to Cheryl for that suggestion (you rock!). So it seems the saga of the TET continues.
I’m back to inventing the wheel with my new project. An umbrella cozy? Just wait and see.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Trial and Error Tank
Ok, so that self-designed tank top is finally finished. It's not bad. But I think there a few things I might change.
1. The straps roll (due to the St st) and my first attempt at blocking didn't help. Bugger! >.< So I'm afraid I might have to add some kind of edging either knitted or crocheted to tame the rollies. But first, I'll attempt a wet block and see if that helps.
2. It could probably use a little less ease in the body and better shaping. This was a trial and error design, so I was trying it on throughout various parts in order to get the fit right. I think some better pre-planning would have helped. But, alas, I am impatient.
3. I can't decide if it's the ribbing or the ease that gives this top its "fattening factor". I definately don't want to be designing garments that make people look fat, including me. The shot above doesn't look too bad (if you look closely you can see what humdity does to my hair, yippee!). But the straight on poses were definately adding on some poundage.
So what I think I will do is go back to the drawing board and plan some adjustments. I think this will get frogged for a take 3. But I'll be taking a break and doing some other things first.
So tell me, honestly, what do you think? I'd love some constructive feedback.
1. The straps roll (due to the St st) and my first attempt at blocking didn't help. Bugger! >.< So I'm afraid I might have to add some kind of edging either knitted or crocheted to tame the rollies. But first, I'll attempt a wet block and see if that helps.
2. It could probably use a little less ease in the body and better shaping. This was a trial and error design, so I was trying it on throughout various parts in order to get the fit right. I think some better pre-planning would have helped. But, alas, I am impatient.
3. I can't decide if it's the ribbing or the ease that gives this top its "fattening factor". I definately don't want to be designing garments that make people look fat, including me. The shot above doesn't look too bad (if you look closely you can see what humdity does to my hair, yippee!). But the straight on poses were definately adding on some poundage.
So what I think I will do is go back to the drawing board and plan some adjustments. I think this will get frogged for a take 3. But I'll be taking a break and doing some other things first.
So tell me, honestly, what do you think? I'd love some constructive feedback.
Friday, July 28, 2006
YARN! and ML Blanket Update
It's Baby Zoe! And she's sitting on the Mountain Laurel Blanket I knit for her. That's why she's smiling ;) I received this pic in the mail along with a Thank You card from my brother and SIL. I couldn't resist posting it. She's too damn cute!
Anyways. This is just a quick update. I've finished my tank top and will post pictures this weekend, so check back. It turned out pretty good for my first self-designed-knitted-garment-thingy.
And the knitting fairy left me a knitalicious combo on my doorstep yesterday:
Fiber Fix!
Tonight: CO for Mr. Octopi
TGIF!
Monday, July 24, 2006
SmockTop Sundress Finished!
My first successful attempt at sewing without a pattern. I'm quite proud of myself. I LOVE this fabric. It's light and silky and just perfect for summer.
And me modeling, not the best picture, but whatever:
If I were to do it again I would make the "bodice" piece a bit wider. The top section lies right at my natural waist, which is something I'm not really comfortable with. I like stuff to sit below my waist. That's just me.
Overall, I'm happy with the results. But I definately got the sewing bug off of me. I probably won't be sewing anything again for a long, long time.
I'll make up a tutorial if anyone's interested. :)
And me modeling, not the best picture, but whatever:
If I were to do it again I would make the "bodice" piece a bit wider. The top section lies right at my natural waist, which is something I'm not really comfortable with. I like stuff to sit below my waist. That's just me.
Overall, I'm happy with the results. But I definately got the sewing bug off of me. I probably won't be sewing anything again for a long, long time.
I'll make up a tutorial if anyone's interested. :)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Shhh...
Don't tell Mr. V, I just bought MORE yarn. Well, not that I really need to keep it a secret. I'm not afraid to tell him or anything (not that it'll be secret for much longer), but even he's been noticing the large amounts of yarn laying idle in my craft area. My stash has quickly outgrown it's plastic container and is now overflowing into shopping bags (note to self: purchase more plastic containers). Now, my stash isn't exactly large by most knitter's standards. I'm normally pretty good about buying yarn when I actually have a project planned. Normally.
But I've found that stashing just CANNOT be avoided under the following circumstances:
1. Loving family members give you random balls of yarn as gifts. They don't realize that buying one ball of yarn in one color limits the project possibilities greatly, but they're heart is in the right place and you appreciate the thought. Plus, you have something to fondle while trying to figure out what exactly to knit with it.
2. Evil on-line yarn stores (*cough-knitpicks-cough*) offer free shipping after spending X amount of money. Even though you realize that spending more to get free shipping doesn't really save you money (unless you're buying really expensive yarn *cough-noro*) you still frantically search the site for yarn that you will "probably, certainly, most definately" use in the future.
3. Yarn sellers discount yarn to such a ridiculously low price that you feel you MUST buy it because it will never again be in your grasp. Again, it forces you to buy yarn for some glorious mystery project ("I'll find something to knit it with, really!"). I almost fell victim to this earlier today (damn you Herrschner's !!)
Wait! Actually I did eventually fall victim to this. But in the end, it only cost me $3. I found an awesome Ebay store where I got a 10pack of Bernat Cotton for $5 (which I'm planning to knit Licorice Whip with) and a 3 Pack of Bernat So-Soft for $3 (this is stash enhancing purschase, I'll use it really!). I actually made sure to read the auction a couple times to make sure I was reading it right. They say they sell discontinued items and overstock and that they're an actual yarnstore located in Nebraska. And for once, the shipping costs didn't make me want to commit manslaughter. Here's the link to the store: check them out. NOW!
Sundress and Tank top are coming along. Sundress will finished first though. Perhaps tonight. I was hoping for earlier, but well, me and sewing don't get a long very well. I had a little mishap that required some back-tracking. >.< God, I love knitting!
But I've found that stashing just CANNOT be avoided under the following circumstances:
1. Loving family members give you random balls of yarn as gifts. They don't realize that buying one ball of yarn in one color limits the project possibilities greatly, but they're heart is in the right place and you appreciate the thought. Plus, you have something to fondle while trying to figure out what exactly to knit with it.
2. Evil on-line yarn stores (*cough-knitpicks-cough*) offer free shipping after spending X amount of money. Even though you realize that spending more to get free shipping doesn't really save you money (unless you're buying really expensive yarn *cough-noro*) you still frantically search the site for yarn that you will "probably, certainly, most definately" use in the future.
3. Yarn sellers discount yarn to such a ridiculously low price that you feel you MUST buy it because it will never again be in your grasp. Again, it forces you to buy yarn for some glorious mystery project ("I'll find something to knit it with, really!"). I almost fell victim to this earlier today (damn you Herrschner's !!)
Wait! Actually I did eventually fall victim to this. But in the end, it only cost me $3. I found an awesome Ebay store where I got a 10pack of Bernat Cotton for $5 (which I'm planning to knit Licorice Whip with) and a 3 Pack of Bernat So-Soft for $3 (this is stash enhancing purschase, I'll use it really!). I actually made sure to read the auction a couple times to make sure I was reading it right. They say they sell discontinued items and overstock and that they're an actual yarnstore located in Nebraska. And for once, the shipping costs didn't make me want to commit manslaughter. Here's the link to the store: check them out. NOW!
Sundress and Tank top are coming along. Sundress will finished first though. Perhaps tonight. I was hoping for earlier, but well, me and sewing don't get a long very well. I had a little mishap that required some back-tracking. >.< God, I love knitting!
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