Slipped Stitches

Happy one year since the last post-iversary!

2007-10-28T15:00:00.000-04:00

Egads! A whole year has passed, and not a single post by the knitters...maybe we've been too busy knitting, m'kay?
I'll post some pics of some finished prods...ok, well the motherinlaw scarf has been gifted, so that's a bit less yarn that's occupying my home. I finished the sassy Finnish style mitts, which I adore, and I am almost getting close to someday finishing that godforsaken daisy sweater. I hates it.

Huh. Can't post pictures...yay blogger. I guess I'll try later. Or maybe next year.

Is it time for more knitting yet?

2006-11-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Ahhh...I have so much wool! I am rich with wool...if there is a natural disaster and I am stuck indoors, I have enough wool to keep myself occupied for a while. Let's see... I've got a few UFO's happening. As you can see, there is one unfinished alpaca mother in law scarf (sucker for punishment that I am), one just started blue and white Finnish style mitten cuff, and one far too big (I think) double knit hat for the huge noggin of Mr. Sly. Hopefully I can trick the ladies into some knitting and wine this weekend...

WARNING - online shopping

2006-10-05T16:42:00.000-04:00

Ugh. I ordered some yarn from Yarnware.com (great sales, service, and yarns) but any savings I made were cancelled out by the ridiculous Canada Customs charges! Don't order stuff from the US unless you feel like paying through the nose! I wish I had thought of it. *sulking*

Motivation

2006-09-09T08:19:00.000-04:00

The weather has turned cool, and with it comes the need for more wool. I'm going to ponder some projects (though I really need to finish some existing ones...all in good time...), and hopefully I can earn the right, by using up old wool, to buy some new stuff. I think my MIL wants a scarf - I've been hesitant to make stuff for people if I'm not sure that they'll appreciate it, but she's requested it a couple of times, and oohed and ahhed over one that I made, so I guess it should happen. I've made enough stuff for her grand child that she knows the quality of my work (which is sort of amateurish, IMHO).

I just finished a couple of things - a pair of socks for me that turned out to be mismatched, blast it. I used hand painted bargain wool, but I ran out of the first skein, so I used the second, which was dyed a bit darker. Oh well, I'll look like a supernerd, and just wear them in the company of friends and other non-judgemental types.

I also bought some beautiful homespun wool on ebay...when I saw the colours, I had to have it so I could make something for my half Swedish baby niece...who wouldn't wear these fuzzy lovely socks?

Moss stitch tunic

2006-07-24T14:29:00.000-04:00

I finished the tunic for Coco...I followed the pattern from Zoe Mellor's Double Knits book. I used Butterfly brand mercerized cotton, which was nice to knit with, but it had a really weird drape once knitted up. It "slanted", so a rectangle actually hung like a parallellogram. I was worried, but assembly and washing helped matters. Also, I followed the pattern and knit for a 1 year old, but the arms looked terrible...the pattern required the armholes to be 13 cm from the shoulder seam, but when I assembled it, the armpit looked really constricted, and the sleeve puffed out awkwardly. I took a chance and re-assembled it, allowing the sleeve to fall where it wanted to - the result was a deeper armhole. I hope it's not too bulky, but it looks like it will be more comfy.

It will be hard to resist, but I'm going to try to hold out until Christmas to give this to her - if she grows really really fast then I'll just hand it over.

Bad knitter!

2006-05-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

Where have I been?? Terrible - no completed projects to report, just many starts. I am trying so hard to use up all of those earth toned wools that I'm bored of looking at, so I'm making a huge felted tote with the guidance of Sensei G. I think it will be lovely for me to lug my knitting around in! It's taking me a long time though - I think it's because I cast on something like 200 stitches...ridiculous, but necessary, otherwise once felted it would only be big enough to put one of Sal's poops in.

I've also been slowly plugging away at a daisy themed sweater for Coco, or possibly another kid who is the right size when it's done. Not sure who, but I'm sure there are some out there somewhere. Aside from the awful intarsia or whatever it's called, the yarn is gorgeous to knit with...it's like buttah! I love really good cotton ('twas on sale at Romni wools!). Here's the beast...notice I did not include a shot of the underside. It's gross...so many ends to weave in.

I love the idea of this sweater, but I feel like I need some instant gratification. This sounds like a job for....socks!

Online yarn shopping

2006-02-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

Long time no posty-posty, and the unfinished projects hyper-organized in totes around my home confirm I've nothing to post yet. Just wanted to pass along a great deal on Lamb's Pride worsted at yarnware.com. They have a flat shipping rate of $4.95 to the US and Canada, and at $7.00 per ball US, it's still cheaper than anywhere I've found on Canadian sites. Check it out. Have your card at the ready. You won't be able to resist this deal.

I bought 8 skeins in old sage to make hoody. It's gonna be wicked good once it's finished in 2008.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hi knitters! Coco's out, so in a small fit of domesticity, I knit up a wee hat for her using leftover wool from these mitts (Sauce I totally copied you)...

I used Brown Sheep Co's handknit originals wool...soooo soft. Anyways, I tried to get Sal to try on the hat for me (he's usually a pretty good model) but he was not cooperating.

Why do you hate me Sal, why?

Here's the hat, shapeless, and without feline model.

Felted Hat

2006-01-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

This one's a long overdue gift exchange present. The pattern is from Beverly Galeskas' Felted Knits. I added some extra rows in the body of the hat; the first one I made was a bit short. Felted it for one regular wash cycle. My roomie says it's too "Charlie Chaplin" but I think it's cute.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

Finally some time to get the hands busy again. Finished these mittens for my family gift exchange shortly after December 25. Promise to be more timely next year! The pictures are pre- and post-felting. This pattern, from Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas, fits really well. Good thumb placement.

Before Felting

After Felting

I'm almost finished Tara's hat. Not sure about the colours yet. Then I definitely need to give hoodie some attention!

Project Update

2006-01-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone, and the 2 main projects I wanted to complete are finished. The baby hat and socks were actually given in November as they were going to soon be too small. Here is the happy recipient of the knitted gifts.

Also, the second project, a scarf for my aunt, got finished miraculously. I notice in my last post that I indicated I was "almost done" the scarf. That was November 24th. Funny how EXACTLY one month later, the time had just flown by, with no scarf to show. Anyhow, it turned out great - I think I just work best under pressure. Here it is:

That's it for now! Latest Project is a sweater for myself from Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits. Big Needles + Big Wool Doubled Up = happiness. We'll see.

GD Hat

2005-11-24T12:41:00.000-05:00

Here is the final product!!

That damn I-cord was my nemesis. I thought for sure that I had figured it out, so in my excitement I started it as soon as I got home last night (I don't even think my jacket was off). Of course in the excitement I ended up dropping some stitches, which caused me to have to undo several rows. I'm seriously lucky to have salvaged it. I didn't realize what a pain it can be to undo the K2tog. I had them all twisted around. Wicked pain the ass.

Ah well, it all got sorted out and "Ta-da"!! All in all, now that I have the i-cord figured out, it's such a cute and easy little pattern. I did 99% of it in one night of knitting (~ 3hours).

The hat is the Umbilical Cord Hat from Stitch and Bitch. Minor modifications include:

- Used 2 strands of DK instead of Worsted that was called for.
- Knit on 4 double pointed needles instead of circular (I had to scurry over to my mom's to scam an extra DP).
- Added 8 stitches evenly over 4 needles for fast growing baby
- One extra row of decreasing k7 k2tog due to added stitches.
- I didn't adjust the height otherwise (stayed with 5 inches from brim)

I think that I would use a circular next time - I suspect that the rolled brim may be a bit nicer with less sloppy spots where 2 needles join, if you know what I mean. I could also just learn to knit more skillfully on 4 needles. Naaaah.

Now I'm back to my aunt's scarf, which I'm about 1/4 finished. Hopefully I'll be done that this weekend. That Baby Alpaca Sport wool is so incredible. I'm going to look for more when I go to Ottawa. I think the only way I can give this one away is if I know I can make myself one just like it. Now THAT'S the spirit of giving.

'Tis knitting season!

2005-11-22T19:19:00.000-05:00

I've almost been too busy knitting to blog - crazy. I did go "Paris Hilton" when Sauce and I went to Romni Wools in Toronto...so much fantastic wool! I really had the shopping sweats when we were there! I have not been able to post any of my projects, because certain future gift recipients (lurkers, you know who you are) are not to know of their possible knit gifts. In fact, an aspiring blogger who we shall call Momimbo has pretty much made it UN-possible to post for fear of my ruining Christmas. *sigh*

Here's some of my sexy wool and misc. non-gift projects...
This is just a scarf that I'm making, inspired by the moss stitch on Coco's blanket, using a favourite wool -
What can I make with this gorgeous wool? It's hand painted! Beauty!
An ankle sock made of variegated lovely orangey pink wool -
Finally, the wool that I'm going to use to make the cowl neck sweater from Stitch N Bitch (a little gift for me) -

I'd better get knitting...even Momimbo deserves Christmas.
Paris out.

Winter is coming

2005-11-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

Glad to be back! Here are two freshly finished projects felted from Lamb's Pride worsted. Love this stuff to bits. The patterns came from Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas.

I also finished a sweater for baby Kaeden, a miracle child who rolled over when he was just 2.5 weeks old! I made it with Cantata cotton crepe which was a dream to work with. The pattern came from Sirdar DK knits for babies.

Next up: a scarf in Manos del Uruguay, a black hat like the one above, a hat or toque for Tara, and hoodie - which has been patient and ignored for far too long.

Wool purchase second pic

2005-11-01T19:57:00.000-05:00

Wool #1 original size
Originally uploaded by MikeandJocy.

I'm not sure if you can Blog This for two pics at a time, or add to an existing entry? Anyway, here is the second picture of wool .... The Manos del Uruguay is probably going to be a scarf and the Purple Super Wash is going to be a pair of socks I think..... I've GOT to get on it.

Wool purchase first pic

2005-11-01T19:55:00.000-05:00

Wool #2 original size
Originally uploaded by MikeandJocy.

Here is the first batch of wool I purchased in the big city.... the Baby Alpaca is to make a scarf for my aunt for Xmas. I haven't decided what to do with the blue stuff yet - maybe a hat?

Gift well received

2005-10-14T20:45:00.000-04:00

Sauce, I am very excited to see Drew's little socklets. I loved the sassy pink wool you were using!

I am pleased to report that Coco's blanket and accessories were well received - I was very flattered when Mama Coco said she might have to start putting in orders with me. *blush* *patting self on back*

Alright people, I was just caught up in a frenzy of online shopping - chapters.ca just reeled me in.

I picked up that great book that I had taken out of the library about Russian style mittens...Knitting Marvelous Mittens has all sorts of patterns that remind me of the mittens that my aunts in Finland used to knit for us, and as I read the book I realized that alot of the designs are very similar.

I went in blind on this one, but it was five bucks - Double Knits - hopefully I won't be disappointed.

I couldn't resist Traditional Scandinavian Knitting - it looks like a pretty complicated book but hopefully I'll get good enough to apply some of the stuff in there.

I did pick up one non-knitting book - Popular Music from Vittula: A novel. It's had some interesting reviews...

Anyways, Paris is done shopping for now.

Baby socks

2005-10-11T08:46:00.000-04:00

Well, in the footsteps of Sly, I am trying to make a pair of those cute baby worksocks for Drew. I'm thinking that this is a great small, easy project, that I can complete in the midst of starting a sweater. I was so wrong.

I have now started (over) that pair of socks approximately 12 times - I can't seem to go more than 2 rows without dropping a stitch, losing a stitch, getting a knot in my work, or making a big hole in my knitting by increasing wrong. After I'd started over 11 times, I started to think that I had now worked the yarn way too much, because I kept catching only part of the yarn on some of the stitches, and then there would be a stupid looking knotted type stitch, and I'd try to fix it, but then I'd drop the stitch and of course have to start over. On my 12th time I decided to discard the overly abused strand of wool that I had knit with all this time, and start fresh. So far so good - I have 3 rows done now, and I'm restricting my knitting of this particular project to times of complete attentiveness and sobriety.

On another note of interest I finally opened up the latest issue of Bust, with Susan Sarandon on the cover (I swore I wasn't allowed to open it until I was done the last one). Did you know that Debbie Stoller is coming out with a new Crochet book called The Happy Hooker. I can't wait - I'm definitely putting it on my xmas wish list!!

Picture upload tutorial

2005-10-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

I need some help figuring out how to upload decent looking pictures. Sly - you and I have the same camera, yet your pics look amazing when posted, and mine are all grainy. Can you give me a play-by-play on how you do it? Here's what I do:

1. I take the pictures, with the camera set on the highest resolution.

2. I resize the picture so it isn't freakishly big. In this case I shrunk it 50%. I actually tried uploading one that wasn't shrunk at all and it didn't look any better, so I don't think this is the problem

3. I upload the pics to my Yahoo, and then "copy image location". Plug this address into Blogger. I think this is it - are you using your webspace from your home account for picture storage?

Help!!!

Believe it

2005-10-04T07:12:00.000-04:00

Well, thanks to the encouragement and enormous help of Sly (undoing my 3 needle bind-off, whoa), I have managed to finish the GD vest!! Here it is in all it's glory:

The picture is a little deceiving as I have all the ends tucked in, and I still have to do the little crochet border around the armhole and neckhole. I am so close....

I have already started my sweater from Yarn Girls and I'm having some Gauge Grief. I've never measured the gauge before, so I'm not sure why I'm starting now. But now that I have I realize that it's less/smaller than the gauge says, but I'm not sure how much is going to matter. I could just make one size up and hope for the best, or look for bigger needles (can't even imagine they exist, I already feel like I'm knitting with telephone poles). I'll have to get a consult from Sensei G. this weekend hopefully!!

Biggest baby socks ever

2005-10-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

I quickly knitted up a final gift for the shower...I made the socks that I mentioned in the previous post, but man, they are huge!! I don't know anything about baby feet though...I'm guessing they grow fast, so I'm not too concerned. I can't believe how fast these knitted up. Baby knits=instant gratification.

Blanket complete!

2005-09-25T12:22:00.000-04:00

I finally finished the blanket...

I have some wool leftover so I might make some matching socks, possibly from this website. If anyone is looking for some good free baby patterns, I do like Knitting Pattern Central. That's where I got the pattern for those little cotton booties. Anyways, I'm blocking the blanket now, and it smells like sheep in my house. Yum...I guess it's a better smell than baby puke...

Whoa!

2005-09-20T18:39:00.000-04:00

Well the wool has arrived and it is Bee-u-ti-ful!! Thanks again for your help picking it ladies! It is also super soft - should pass the Mike test

Here's the wool I purchased on our recent trip

I'm not sure which I'm going to start first - probably mine only to iron out the wrinkles before tackling Mike's. I will also get a feel for whether this book I've bought (Yarn Girl's Guide to Simple Knits) is going to turn out good looking sweaters or not.

God help me - I'm in the final throws of the vest - I'm going to count rows (front vs. back) tonight, and finish up before embarking on the three-needle bind off! I may just wear this vest in 2005 after all!

More details

2005-09-18T13:10:00.000-04:00

So, I haven't actually written about my hurdles regarding this blanket. I had to get twice the yarn I originally had planned for because even though the yarn is DK, it is shorter than what the pattern needs. Luckily I was able to order from Knitter's Bazaar in Barrie, where I got the original stuff so I was able to get the correct dye lots. It ended up costing way more than I had hoped, but way less than if I would have used the koigu...or maybe not, since the yardage is different. It's a pretty cozy blanket though. Also, I thought I should clarify, I'm not done yet - this is how bad I am, I put unfinished projects on Sal. I can't even wait until it's done.
Here's my progress:

I have a problem

2005-09-18T09:37:00.000-04:00

I can't help it...I have to put all of my knit projects on Sal...he doesn't seem to mind though. I think he likes natural fibers. Anyways, here's Sal with the blanket:

Successful Yarn Shopping

2005-09-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

The Barrie trip was a success - I was able to find some wool for Coco's blanket. I was unable to find any koigu wool, but I decided on a beige tweedy wool combined with a soft pink...

I was even able to get a start on it, which is a good thing. I hope I can get it done in time for the shower, what with working and other interests. Here's how it looks so far...

Full speed ahead!

2005-09-08T17:38:00.000-04:00

The Coco blanket is a go! I am hoping that I'll find some good stuff in Barrie on our shopping extravaganza...if not, I'll be seriously up the creek. I didn't realize that the shower for which I'm making this blanket is 4 weeks away...better get knitting!

More for Coco

2005-09-05T13:49:00.000-04:00

Last night I finished a hat for Coco that will match her wee booties.

Do non-knitters really appreciate knit gifts? I do remember as a kid loving the knit stuff that my aunts used to make me, but I wonder, nowadays, do people still care? I have my doubts, especially when for some people babies are almost like an accessory that they can dress up in their fancy designer baby wear. If only I could knit a Gucci logo on the stuff that I make. I guess I'm just hoping that the slight imperfections seen in a hand-knit gift are easy to overlook.

So...depending on the needs and wants of Coco's parents, I may or may not make a final gift...the "big bad baby blanket" from SnB. However, it calls for 8 (!!!) skeins of Koigu Painters Palette Premium Merino yarn. Where can I get some for a reasonable price, and are there any substitutes that would work? Anyone?

Stupid cardigan...most boring post ever

2005-09-03T10:57:00.000-04:00

I hate the stupid "go-everywhere, go-with-everything cardigan" from S n B. I guess that my gauge is too teeny, even though my wool and needles are the right ones. Stupid thing. I'm feeling somewhat lazy, so I'm going to post the exact panicked email I just sent to Miss G...

The back panel of the cardigan is supposed to be 23 inches wide, and 23 inches long...I was counting stitches in the pattern, but it seems that my guage or yarn or whatever is a bit smaller, so I was needing more stitches to get to where I had to go. As a result, I've been using measurements.

Anyways, I've noticed that instead of the required 23 inches, the sweater is only 22 inches wide. Is one inch off going to make much of a difference? As far as the fit of the body of the sweater, I think it will be more than wide enough. My question is...
a) is this difference a problem?
b) will I be running into problems when I make the sleeves? Should I cast on 5 extra stitches for the width of the sleeves, especially considering the fact that my arms are pretty big? The shaping for the sleeves is pretty much based on measurements rather than number of stitches, except for the decreases...those were counted. The stupid shapings were supposed to be 3.5 inches from the edge for the extra large sweater, and they are only 3 inches. yikes.

I guess to summarize, the width is small because I didn't measure, I counted. The length is long because I measured. The width differences are about 1/2 to 1 inch.

What the hell should I do? I think I need a cardigan intervention. I'm only making small things that knit up fast...I've invested way too much time into this stupid sweater for it to not work.

I need a back to school sweater! I have no freaking cardigans!!

....update....

I just spoke with Miss G and it looks like cardi is a go. Full steam ahead! Thanks Sensei G!

Ill fitting, again

2005-09-02T07:52:00.000-04:00

I've just finished a pair of booties for Coco but I had a hard time getting the sizing right because the pattern is for double knit, and I could only find worsted that I actually liked. I had to modify the pattern from here. I had better bite the bullet and get the Debbie Bliss baby knits book, but I thought I heard not so great reviews of it...Anna, is this true?

I think that I may just pick up some ribbon and thread it through the cuffs so they're not so floppy. Or maybe I won't give them away. I really wish that these were for a knitter mom, because non-knitters don't always appreciate the hand knit gifts, especially if they're not perfect.

Auntie Sly

2005-08-31T09:04:00.000-04:00

So...seeing as I have a niece on the way, I could not resist using some more of that beautiful superwash soft wool to make a wee touque for the little one. She's due in December, so I figured that a chapeau might be in order. I've decided to call her Coco...so here's Coco's hat:

I think I'll look up a pattern for booties or slippers or something.

What the...?

2005-08-19T15:41:00.000-04:00

Has anyone seen my sloganizer post? I was feeling such intense emotions the day I posted that and I can't seem to find the post - I need it for support.
(heehee...just kidding)

Miss G - I can't believe the spectacular yarn you got!!!! Is that Lamb's pride I see?

New England, knitty style

2005-08-19T10:45:00.000-04:00

With all the fun and sun, it was a tough summer for knitting. But even if my hands weren't busy my head was. In early August, Anna and I took to the highways of New England with the Newport folk festival as our final destination. Along the way we stopped at Kaleidoscope Yarns in Essex Junction; a gorgeous shop full of stunning yarns and lovely staff. I bought the makings for a scarf, mitts and hat set using Lamb's Pride for the hat and mitts (felted!), and Manos del Uruguay for the scarf.
I also purchased "Felted Knits" by Beverly Galeskas, which is full of projects I can actually use, such as throw pillows and even a rug! And because I have a felted bag problem, I also bought wool and a pattern for one in neutral colours. I chose Cascade 220 in black and oatmeal.

The festival was perfect. I especially loved the shows by Old Crow Medicine Show, Bright Eyes with M. Ward and Jim James, and surprise guests Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Gillian Welch kills me. Run and buy all of her work right now.

On the way home, we stopped at Saratoga Needle Arts in Saratoga Springs. Another gorgeous shop staffed by lovely knitty ladies, but since funds were low and my project roster is full for next few months, all I did was touch.

I'm not allowed to start anything new until the cursed L'il Devil pants are done and at least 1/2 of hoodie is off the needles. See you soon!

Socks...too bad they come in pairs.

2005-08-04T14:45:00.000-04:00

I've finished one of Mr. Sly's socks, using a pattern from the sock page. I had a hard time nailing down a pattern, and I had to modify it partway through, but I think it should fit him ok now. I have to say, with much shame, that I used the 3 needle bind-off for the toes...I know!! It's a total no-no for socks, but the toe grafting would have left gaping holes. I don't think it would have held up to the strength of Mr. Sly's toes. Since Mr. Sly is gainfully employed, I'll have to be the sock model. Feast your eyes, people!

Now it's on to sock #2.

Here's the cozy

2005-07-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

I think I might put a snap closure on the top of the cozy...not sure yet. I am pleased with it, except that a bunch of fuzz from my washing maching (previously washed keenex) got felted into it. grrrrr...

Cell phone cozy

2005-07-20T08:04:00.000-04:00

Miss G has kindly given me some gorgeous Noro yarn, and using her pattern, I'm felting me up a cell phone cozy. It's taking forever to felt though, and I'm afraid because it wont shorten, so now it looks like...er...a hot dog cozy. That's it...
I'll post some pics soon.

Mohair madness!

2005-07-09T11:55:00.000-04:00

Bad news: some poor old lady with a mohair obsession died.
Good news: Anna bought all of this for $10 at the Salvation Army.

Attention deficit knitting

2005-07-07T13:45:00.000-04:00

Since hoodie is done, I'm sort of aimless in the knitting. I also have way more wool leftover than I thought I would, but it is nice, so I'm sure I can find a use for it. I've started 2 projects, but they're both on stupid small needles so I'm getting somewhat discouraged.

I thought I'd start some socks for Mr. Sly using leftover hoodie wool...here's a start:

The sock pattern from the sock page is really good, I think, and the resulting socks look alot like the ones that my late aunt in Finland used to send us.

I've also started the damned cardigan from Stitch 'n Bitch with the mohair trim...it is slow going.

Seems kind of dumb though...it's really nice outside, but I don't know what to do out there. Ah well, I have the whole weekend of fun in the sun at the Northern Lights Festival Boreal, which is a leisurely walk from my place. I'm particularly excited about seeing Ryan Bishops and the Bender Brothers, Sarah Harmer, and Jorane. Woo!

Finally!

2005-07-01T14:01:00.000-04:00

I finally finished hoodie this morning. It was a bit of a pain in the butt, especially the sewing of the sleeves - I had to do a fair bit of math, and some half assed modifications to mattress stitch. Ick.

Here's a pic...

I'm blocking it now...what shall I do next? On one hand, I want to get going on a cardigan with my huge spool of wool from Romni Wool, but I also want a smaller, less time consuming project. Hope the Montreal girls (and boys) are having fun! Happy Canada Day!

Bright Eyes

2005-06-21T18:00:00.000-04:00

My latest obsession (Corby who?) is Bright Eyes, who were recommended by a student. They're playing the Newport Folk Festival this summer, which I'm trying to coerce a fellow knitter into attending with me. I bet I'm about three years behind on this buzz as usual, but I thought I'd pass along the recommendation. The lyrics kill me. I also got Aimee Mann's The Forgotten Arm and the packaging is gorgeous, it's laid out like a book, using every song as a chapter with an accompanying illustration. I haven't listened yet but I can bet I'm going to love it.

Booga Bag is almost done, it should hit the washer sometime tonight. I love the colours and hope the sizing works out.

Booga Bag

Gardening news

2005-06-17T16:46:00.000-04:00

I think I have an intruder in my garden ..... see this nice picture of my lettuce garden. In the far left side of the garden, you'll see a clump of green (see closer up). I was excited because I thought this was my spinach coming up hard and fast, except it wasn't exactly in the right spot, row-wise. I think this is yet another Sunflower ... what do you think? These are popping up EVERYWHERE! I think I am being taken over ... it's feeling very "Day of the Triffids" in my yard right now.

Here are some other nice pics of my garden situation:
Peonies
Pansies - I transplanted these from my back garden twice until I found an Ok spot for them. All the moving seems to have made them stronger!
Lupines

I have a couple of mystery flowers - can anyone help with the id?
Mystery 1
Mystery 2

Next Project?

2005-06-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

I got my "Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits" today in the mail. I am definitely happy with it. There are many simple and nice projects, done on big needles with big wool. Just what I need. I may begin with this sweater. But I've got to get through the vest first, God help me.

Incidentally, I also ordered this book in my Chapters frenzy. I read about it in Bust, and it sounds super cool. All the better for lending.

Beginnings of a Booga Bag

2005-06-12T10:10:00.000-04:00

Started Booga bag yesterday, but I'm making a slightly bigger version. I cast on 44 stitches instead of 34.

I went to our new Michael's store to get double-pointed 6.5 mm needles for the I-cord. Long story long, they have practically NO sets of dp needles. I hope this means they haven't got all their stock yet, because it makes no sense at all. I hemmed and hawed about shelling out $14 for a bamboo set but I wasn't ready for the commitment. Anyway, I decided to settle on the 5 mms I already have, and when I went to my needle storage area (formerly a wine gift box), I found the set of long 6.5 mm needles shown in the picture. I didn't even know I had them! It was a knitting miracle! I think I picked them up when nanny moved from her house a few years back. They have a nice point and are metal to boot. Love 'em! I started the I-cord right away, and it's neat how it makes a skinny tube.

I-cord

Sly, love the pocket on hoody. I'm keeping you right beside me when I get to mine (in September). Saucy - no more sauce and cabling! Too stressful!

Bad Blogger

2005-06-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

Hey Ladies!!

Sorry I've been out of the blogging loop - It's been a crazy busy week at work!

Latest Knitting news for me - I have finally decided that I'm OK with the cable pattern in my vest. It is definitely not the traditional way of doing it, but the more I look at the picture in the pattern I think that's the way it's supposed to be. I am going "all in" with knitting the vest now.

To reply to your posts from the week:

Miss Gomm - I love your bag - and I can't wait for you to make the one with Noro wool - so amazing. I definitely think my next project is going to be a felted bag! Also, the wool you bought for hoodie is great! I think I may copy you when it comes time to do mine, and go with one solid color.

Syl - That's shitty about your tooth - you and Dan have the worst luck with teeth! It wasn't one of those old nail polishes that I gave you that chipped your tooth I hope? How is your Hoodie coming along?

We should definitely do a ladies trip out to Michaels, and maybe Linen and Things also! I am going to knit like mad, so I can justify buying wool for a bag and maybe another Big Needle Project of some sort. I am tied up with Paula's baby shower this Saturday afternoon. Maybe the weekend after, or even on Sunday!

Guitar news: Jesse taught me "Big Yellow Taxi Cab" this week. It's not that hard to play, but I think it will be pretty challenging to get the Guitar + Singing going on. I gain more and more respect for Dan's Campfire Guitar Playing Prowess every day. The song is played in an alternate tuning, so I had to retune every string on my guitar but one. Being lazy about these kinds of things I've decided I'm leaving it like that all week. Mike is going to hear a whole lot of BYTC this week!

That's all for now!

Simple Tote

2005-06-04T12:05:00.000-04:00

Here is my latest felting project, a basic tote in basic black. I added a pocket to the inside. The length turned out just right. Very satisfied! Also -to Sly - I have lots of yarn ends in many colours that would be just enough for a cell phone case, if you're interested.

Still chuckling to myself

2005-06-04T12:02:00.000-04:00

My mom, god love 'er, made this neck pillow for a parish fundraiser craft table. I laughed and laughed and laughed when I saw it. Then I marvelled at her sewing skills and decided it was worth a post. So funny!

Early dismissal for me!

2005-06-03T20:55:00.000-04:00

...but not actually a good thing - so I got home early today, but it was because I broke my molar at work today. It was so gross and disturbing - I don't remember the last time I had chips of tooth in my mouth. Um...maybe never. Anyways, if you know me you know that I abhor dental work, but dammit, I needed it bad. Anyways, I managed to squeeze in today (up until today I was going to find a new dentist, but now he's my hero), and got it fixed up. Here are some highlights of my experience...

-he started drilling unaffected teeth
-he almost broke my jaw trying to jam some gadgetry in my tooth hole (shut your tooth hole...)
-I sat up after the procedure was over, all relieved, only to look down and see my bib covered with spots of blood
me - "I don't care how many needles you have to give me, I don't want to feel a thing"
...also, I asked the hygenist..."Do you guys provide laughing gas?", and she answered "Not anymore, it gives the dentist a headache."

???? Whaaa?????

Shopping news!

2005-05-31T09:22:00.000-04:00

I think Michaels is opening tomorrow - it may be a nice alternative for our wool needs. I think (I mean I hope) they sell the paton's wool. At least we know that they'll have some groovy novelty yarns. Who knows...maybe they'll get wool too.

It was all on sale...

2005-05-30T21:56:00.000-04:00

Stopped in Barrie on my way home tonight, and my timing couldn't have been better. Michael's is changing suppliers and they're unloading needles super cheap, so I stocked up. The greenish-gray wool on the right is for felted slippers. Then I went to Knitter's Bazaar, who were also having a huge sale. Inspired by Sly, I'm tackling Hoody in the grassy green wool. I decided to go solid after fretting about colour combinations for a long time. The Noro is to make the oh-so-trendy Booga bag. I'm such a joiner.

I have enough supplies in stock to keep me going for a loooooong time!

Hoodie update

2005-05-28T14:49:00.000-04:00

I'm finally done the back of hoodie, after having to rip it back 2 (!!) times. I've learned that I hate hate hate undoing a bind-off...so close, and yet still not good enough. I made it about 2 inches too short the first time, and even now I'm afraid. The odd thing is, there is no armhole shaping. Ah well, I don't know very much about sweaters, so I will have faith in Stitch and Bitch.

Here is the back of hoodie, posing with Sal.

Supplies!

2005-05-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

My Freedom wool by Twilleys order from Wool N' Things in Orleans (near Ottawa) arrived yesterday, many thanks to Gisele for being so helpful. I've decided to make a plain black bag for everyday use. I think the multicoloured wool might become a deluxe camera bag with a divider and pouch, but I'm still working out the pattern. Not sure about the light blue stuff yet.

More felting

2005-05-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

Here is the lopi tote and two camera cases. The case on the left is the prototype, but I decided I didn't like the purple on the strap so I made another in all red. The strap still ended up slightly too short - being new to felting I'm having a hard time judging fit after washing. I used Alafoss Lopi for the blue tote, and Freedom Wool by Twilley's for the cases. I adore the Freedom wool! Makes such a thick, rich felt.

Ripping back sucks

2005-05-16T17:14:00.000-04:00

I went ape trying to finish the stripes on the back of hoodie, and I even had pics ready to go...unfortunately, the yellow stripe was riddled with mistakes (4, at least)and I couldn't bear to look at it, so rip-back happened. I'm bitter, but I'm sure it will be for the best.

On task!

2005-05-15T10:51:00.000-04:00

So I joined the digital age yesterday, and thus had to make a felted camera case to carry around my new toy. I've posted some pics below. I kind of wish I'd made the straps all red.

P.S. Bad news - I share my home with a Stewie. Yikes.

Camera case - before felting

2005-05-15T10:47:00.000-04:00

Camera case - after felting

2005-05-15T10:46:00.000-04:00

Oh dear...

2005-05-14T16:52:00.000-04:00

I'm simultaneously worried and delighted.

Here's me

2005-05-14T15:38:00.000-04:00

.

Overworked and Underappreciated - Kind of ironic considering my recent work burnout.
Hey... does that mean Sylvia and I are going to get married?
Also, I'm anxious to see if anyone is going to turn out to be Stewie?
I'll have to watch my back with that person from now on.....

Which Family Guy Character are You?

2005-05-14T12:16:00.000-04:00

Which Family Guy character are you?

Yay me!!

Design question

2005-05-11T21:18:00.000-04:00

Here's the deal...I've been working on hoodie and I've finished the sleeves and started the back. However, the big stripe is supposed to match the sleeves...but I won't have enough red wool for that to happen. Instead, I think I might use the red as the contrast stripes, with the yellow as the wide stripe. Are these colours crappy together? Will this even work? Here is my vision of hoodie. What do you guys think?

Half done?

2005-05-08T20:12:00.000-04:00

Well here is the final pic of the back of my vest - at long last. Gotta love the big wool/big needle combo. I had to undo a ton of rows at one point, and I was worried that it would look extra fuzzy from working it so much, but I can't even tell now where the badness happened. Pretty forgiving wool actually - I think it will be alot like Scully in that way.

I was also able to get a certain family member to pose with the vest to give you an idea of how it's going to fit ... I can't wait to start the front. I'm going to cable like crazy this week!!

Have a great week ladies!

The Law of Constant Zucchini

2005-05-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

I recall a CBC program where Arthur Black was discussing gardening, and the law basically states that you will grow the most of what you need the least, and I've come to realize the same might be said about my felted purse obsession! Prior to a month ago, I've had the same MEC purse for about five years. For every occasion, every outfit. Now I have purses in all shapes and colours, and I have a feeling they might not wear out from use. I'm not exactly a nut for accessories!

Finished the blue felted lopi tote tonight and I adore it. I did the 3-needle castoff for the first time - ladies, you must try it! Simple, neat, and only one end to work in. Practically invisible after felting, too. Here is a great primer.

Now I'm deciding what to do with the stunning Manos del Uruguay skein in woodland I splurged on last weekend. It's going to become a narrow scarf of some description. Try to get your hands on some of this sweet sweet stuff.

Purses

2005-05-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos of my felted projects so far. I'm just getting started on the lopi tote in royal blue.

Messenger Bag from Stitch N Bitch Nation

My own creation for my sweet godbaby

Noro Kureyon leftovers little purse

We must get together and knit soon! I have a new baby to knit for - my cousin gave birth to little Jonah last night. I think he'd look great in the Sal hat in blue.

Hoodie Wool

2005-05-03T16:43:00.000-04:00

Sauce - this is regarding your request for the hoodie wool info...I'm using Paton's Classic Merino Wool (204m/100g).

Miss G - those pics are great...it looks like so much fun!

Thumbs Up!

2005-05-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

What a great weekend! Visited some fabulous yarn shops in Ottawa and bought some real beauties for new projects. I'm going to have to stop making felted bags, or else get more stuff that needs to be carried around. Here's a pic to show just how excited I was.

Even more exciting was last night's Corb Lund Band show at Barrymore's. It was part of an Alberta Scene festival, which meant Ottawa had a whole different feel to it (read: less uptight), for example, you don't usually meet people like this. Here's a picture of me and Corby, who was nice enough to pose for a shot. Great show! Two encores, and good stuff from their upcoming album. After the show we had a chance to chat with the rest of the band, and this is how they reacted when I told them all about our knitting projects and blog. They are such nice guys, very down to earth and not pretentious at all.

Corrections FYI

2005-04-27T20:58:00.000-04:00

Just a note in case you haven't found this, are corrections to the Hoodie pattern posted on the Stitch and Bitch webpage:

Under the Hoodie: Under "Pocket Shaping" should read: Rep rows 1-6 four times more.

More corrections for S&B can be found at Oops I Knit it Again

I have a problem with quantities

2005-04-25T16:40:00.000-04:00

I just got back from Toronto, where I hit Romni Wools on Queen St. West. It was so amazing there - very overwhelming (floor to ceiling balls of wool), but so much selection. The ladies there were super helpful and fun, and they were all over Mr. Sly (he was patiently waiting and helping me...we were in there for about 1 hour or so, poor guy). I discovered the basement where they keep big cones of wool - I bought a 2.6 lb cone for about 30 bucks (it's wool, so not bad). The cool thing is that if I want, I can use what I need and next time I'm in town I can bring back the unused bit for a refund! Even if I bring it back years and years from now!! I can't imagine though, I love the colour so much...I'm going to use it to make the S'n'B go with anything cardigan (I'm going to put yellow mohair trim on it...), and I'm going to make S'n'B hoodie with some Paton's merino worsted that I picked up. I'm going to FINALLY use the red stuff that I've been slowly consuming (beige body, red strip and sleeve, yellow accent stripe maybe?). The beige wool I got has a much nicer colour than what is seen in the picture - it has a sort of tweedy look to it.

Other than that, not much really was purchased - not very Paris-like at all. The coolest was Saturday eating, the day of no forks!! We had Dim Sum for lunch in Chinatown, yum yum, then shwarma for second lunch, and Ethiopia House for dinner (no cutlery!).

I still can't get over the rain though - I felt like I was doing fieldwork up in Abitibi or something. Anyhow, we need to get together for some knitting - I have a hankering for cheese and wine and wool.

Invested Vest

2005-04-24T20:51:00.000-04:00

Well, after all the measuring frenzy to figure out where to start shaping the armholes of my vest, I took a look at the actual suggested measurements from the pattern (a novel idea?) and MY measurement was 2 full inches longer than what the pattern called for - something is very wrong here. I split the difference - we'll see how it goes. It did involve a bit of undoing, but I hate sweaters that are too long.

Also, I got a little carried away with the casting-off armhole shaping - "decrease 2 stitches at the start of the next 4 rows" ended up as decrease 4 stitches every row until you give your head a shake (only 2 rows thankfully). I had such a good time undoing my casting off - so very much fun.

I listened to Michael Enright interview Jane Fonda about her new book on CBC radio this morning - if anyone listened to this crappy interview I'd love to hear your opinion (I guess mine is pretty clear). I now see that it's so easy to interview someone... just keep asking the same stupid questions over and over, throw in some rhetorical questions until the person you are interviewing gets mad at you, and then ask the same old questions again. Arg....

Can't stop felting

2005-04-24T11:15:00.000-04:00

Hello ladies, was struck down by a terrible flu this weekend, lots of time to surf for patterns but not enough focus to knit. Made my sweet godchild a tiny felted purse from yarn leftover from my purse. Pictures to follow. Next weekend I'm heading to bigger pastures to visit a fellow knitter, see the Corb Lund Band, and visit some yarn shops to buy wool for my next project, a felted tote. Yay!

Vest update

2005-04-22T18:59:00.000-04:00

Well, I can't put it off any longer - I have to start shaping the armholes for my vest. I have measured practically every sweater I own and I think I've come up with a reasonable measurement for the length to start this at - who knows?

I won't post a new pic yet since it looks basically the same as before but longer. Hopefully a completed backside with picture will be the topic of my next post (in the near future). I feel this project is gaining some momentum now. Actually I am pretty excited to get to the front, with the cable'ing and whatnot...

Chausettes!

2005-04-20T20:02:00.000-04:00

Is that french for socks? Anyways, they're done!! Next time I make myself socks, I'll want them to be bigger though; maybe even with bigger wool. Here's a pick of them... Socks!

Spectacular!

2005-04-19T17:06:00.000-04:00

You MUST check out this link... these ski masks are to die for. Eeek! Reminds me of cuz's mask of doom.

Another brainstorm

2005-04-18T20:11:00.000-04:00

So, I have been contemplating projects lately, and I think that it would be cool to make baby Jupes a jumper like the one here in knitty. Only, instead of flowery, I'd like to do a super funky one. I have some thoughts for colours.... maybe black cotton with white fun fur fuzzy trim, or maybe pink variegated with black fun fur fuzzy trim? Am I losing perspective? Am I pretending that baby Jupes is a doll? Hmm...maybe I need to step back from this.

On an exciting note, I think me and Mr. Sly are going to Toronto this weekend - I'm going to try to hit yarn shops! Any requests from my knitting gals?

New Aimee Mann!

2005-04-17T22:27:00.000-04:00

Just read that Aimee Mann's latest will be out May 3 (and yes, I should be doing report cards instead...I know, I know). Yay! Check out the cover art, sort of reminds of Golden Smog's Weird Tales.

Okay, I'll get back to work now.

Happy Birthday Sauce!!

2005-04-11T19:13:00.000-04:00

Yay!!

I finished red sock, and am starting the second. The pic is a bit weird because it looks sort of shiny, but it's merino wool, we swears it is...Anyways, I got the pattern at this awesome sock page.

Oh, don't forget girls, knitty's spring issue is out! I think that I might make knitty socks for Mother's day...knitty has a great breast cancer awareness supplement from last fall with cutsie patterns. I think I'll make the Lou Lou comfort socks. You can check out the supplement here. Just pick one of the download sites...it takes a bit to download, but there's some cute stuff there.

Well, since I got lots and lots of marking done today, I'm going to reward myself by allowing a guilt-free evening of knitting.

My new obsession

2005-04-08T23:32:00.000-04:00

Oh my God. Seriously, ladies. You've got to see this! Felting is the way to go. Fast knitting, bobbly tension problems disappear, it shrinks by half and is so freakin' cute. I can't wait to show you. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Zero self control

2005-04-08T22:40:00.000-04:00

I just finished the messenger bag and lasted five minutes before starting the felting. I'm sorry ladies, I said we should do it together but I just couldn't wait...

It's swishing around as I type. More details later. So exciting!

Ill fitting...

2005-04-06T18:10:00.000-04:00

I finished the Jupiter hat and little sockies...I think that I blocked the hat way too big, but it'll be easy enough to shrink next time I wash it...I'll just have to try it on the wee rock star and we can take it from there. I hope the sockies are not too small.

The booties were super duper fast to knit up - once I sorted out my stitches, a sock took me about one hour. I got the pattern here. Very useful website.

Miss G, note the geology trick with the loonie in the picture...I remember you had mentioned that once. Sauce, I really dig your vest - I love the colour too...it's deelish. I think I'll start putting a dent in my worsted merino wool by making some socks. Finger cramp city.

Consumer Report

2005-04-05T20:23:00.000-04:00

All packages have arrived, and I'm so happy with the services of Wool-Tyme in Ottawa and Woolneedleworks in Salmon Arm, BC. My Noro Kureyon wool in #128 for armwarmers arrived from Woolneedleworks today and they included some cute scarf wool samples to boot. I highly recommend these sites for your online wool shopping pleasure!

Completion!

2005-04-03T20:35:00.000-04:00

Ahh...the ebay scarf is done! I'll post pics later, once it dries. I also finished a wee hat, I was hoping for baby J. Unfortunately, I know nothing about baby heads, so I think I made it too small. I'm going to block it with the hope that it will stretch our a smidge...it looks nice on Sal though:

By the way, Miss G, I'm excited about that messenger bag! Post some pics of the wool you're using.

Messenger Bag

2005-04-03T17:47:00.000-04:00

Bought the needles for messenger bag today, and man are they beasts. 10 mm! Between those monsters and the fat wool I should be done the bag within the hour. I think we should get together at felting time.

Thanks to the Sauce for hosting such a lovely tapas party last night. Mmm mmm good! Sly, why don't you combine the patterns and make hoody with the striping pattern on the sleeves?

Also here's a picture of the tiny tiny wool for baby devil pants.

No decision making skills

2005-04-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what my next project will be. I'm still finishing up ebay scarf, and I've started a wee orange hat but I have no idea what the final size will look like, or what size kid it will fit. I love working with that orange wool though...

I'm on again off again with hoodie...I'm going between that and Janda - unfortunately, Janda does not come in XL, and I ran into issues with that before with a knitty pattern (remember stupid orange love/hate/mostly hate sweater? Ex-actly).

*sigh*

Well, since somebody is insisting on cleaning the garage today, I guess the best thing for me to do is just stay out of the way...perhaps knitting is in order. I do what I can for the harmony of our little family.

Nigella v. Christine Cushing

2005-03-30T18:33:00.000-05:00

Now there's a catfight I'd pay money to see! Nigella guested on CC Live tonight and somehow Christine got even more annoying. She was alternately kissing Nigella's ass and bossing her around. At one point Nigella said "Do you have a little sister?" Ha ha ha. Good old Nigella. She rocks my world.

My first batch of wool came in today! The red wool for devil pants is sooo tiny. I need a set of 10 mm needles for messenger bag, which I plan to start ASAP. Wool-Tyme

As for movies, I didn't get to watch any plane movies, but I did curl up on my couch with a tiny pillow and three-cornered blanket and watched:

13 Conversations About One Thing, which was sort of like Magnolia Lite. I really liked it and one character wears cool handknit items the whole movie. Lots of stuff to make you think about right/wrong, happy/sad, rich/poor...

The Lonely Guy, old school Steve Martin that made me laugh out loud.

All the Real Girls, another movie about young love in rural USA. Not too much new under the sun with this topic, but the special features had a deleted scene of sloppy drunkenness that was achingly accurate but funny. "I can't even make myself puke right..."

All or Nothing, a slow and sad British movie that made me sort of cry but also got on my nerves because the first fifteen minutes were just people telling each other to f off. Nice ending.

I'm confused

2005-03-29T21:25:00.000-05:00

I think that I'm going to tackle hoodie next (from S n B)...I have been looking up yarns, and I'm having a hard time figuring out the weight. In the pattern it says that 50g is 151 yards (or 140 m), but I've been looking up both double knit and worsted yarns, and none of them match each other, let alone this yarn. It calls for Rowan Kid Classic, but I'd like something that is readily available. What do you ladies think?

Movie Review

2005-03-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

Since we've decided to expand the blog to all things US, I decided to give a brief review of the movies I saw on the plane.

Sideways: Both Mike and I really really liked this movie. My aunt on the other hand said it was the worst movie she ever saw, and I do respect her taste in movies. Honestly, I have a weakness for Paul Giamatti ever since I saw him in Duets. Lots of cool wine talk too. I think it's definitely worth a viewing if you haven't seen it.

Finding Neverland: watched this on the way home because I figured Mike would never want to watch it. In hindsight I think he would have liked it. It was a really nice movie and Johnny Depp is beautiful. Thumbs up from me. More than a little bit of an eerie parallel to Michael Jackson thought (unwarranted and probably just bad timing).

Wimbledon: Well, I swore I wouldn't see it, but I have a weakness for Kirsten Dunst. Again, I didn't think Mike would want to watch it and I was definitely right about that. BUT having said that, I liked it alot more than I was expecting. It wasn't a great movie, but it wasn't as corny as I thought it would be, so for what it was, I enjoyed it.

Garden State: Couldn't resist watching it again, and still loved it like crazy. Killer soundtrack. I have since taken to watching SCRUBS which I would highly recommend.

That's it for now.

Back in the Game

2005-03-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back from vacation and am going to step back into the knitting game tonight over a new episode of 24!! I was glad to see I only missed one episode - so obsessed. Speaking of my love for Kiefer, he was on Inside the Actors Studio yesterday and he was fab! James Lipton on the other hand, I can't decide whether I love or hate. He's almost become a caricature of himself. Oh well, he's got great guests most times.

Blog news: I reposted those pictures once again, god help me. Let me know if they work out, and you guys can see them! I think using the website is key, since the picture of me in my profile is done that way, and still seems to be fine. Fingers crossed.

P.S. I'm super interested in felting! I saw a pair of slippers in Knitty and also a beautiful bag in Stitch and Bitch.

Later!!

Feedback already!

2005-03-28T13:19:00.000-05:00

Just got an email from wool-tyme, the lovely Theresa noticed I had put in two separate orders over the weekend, so she put them together and kindly refunded one shipping fee. Excellent service! My yarn will be sent out tomorrow. I highly recommend them for selection, service and price.

Step away from the credit card

2005-03-28T10:39:00.000-05:00

Bought wool for three projects from two sites wool-tyme and woolneedlework, I'll return with a consumer report once the goods arrive.

All three projects are from S N'B Nation. First is handwarmers from page 196, I think they'll be perfect for spring and fall campfire season. I bought a purply-orange-green blend. Next is L'il Devil pants (p. 205) for my cousin's baby due April 30. Finally, I'm tacking felting with the messenger bag (p. 154) in pinks and purples, using Alafoss Lopi. It has about the same weight as the yarn called for, but is available in reasonable CDN$.

So excited! Anyone interested in felting with me?

I love Monday

2005-03-28T08:22:00.000-05:00

I love having Monday off - I wish every Monday was off. Yay!!! 24 is on tonight. I'm very excited to get my Kiefer fix. Finally, I'm so happy that the Sauce is back! It's all coming together.

I'm pretty sure that I'm going to spend the day knitting, unless my mother convinces me to go for a walk (probably not a bad thing...the March break was especially slothful for me). That's right...must be that all inclusive livin'. Don't judge me...

I may not always do the "cool" thing, but at least I know how to have fun.

Will it never end?

2005-03-25T13:18:00.000-05:00

I finally fixed my photo issues...I had to go old school and ftp my photos into my disaster of a webspace. Damn you, yahoo photos! I am so tired of the stupid scarf. I don't even need a scarf. I can't wait till it's done...I'm going to knit something pink. I'm not sure what, but something. Or maybe, just maybe, I should use up some of my stupid yarn. I was thinking about using that beautiful orange stuff that I made that blasted sweater out of to make hat and mitts (with daisies!!) for wee Jupiter. I think she'd look sassy in it! Miss G, I think that we should do some felting - what about those cool bags in the S'N'B nation? I had to laugh when I read about your beanie...I could almost picture it. I know how that is...I made a made up toque for Mr. Sly, and I really had to stretch it to get it to fit him. All I can say is thank god for blocking.
I'm thinking, tis the season for light cotton sweaters...can you say, finger cramps?

Back in the saddle

2005-03-25T11:46:00.000-05:00

After a long break, I return.

I've made a set of mitts and a toque, love the yarn but the sizing of the hat is wonky. More beanie than toque. It looks good for about 10 seconds after putting it on but then rides up until it is balancing on the top of my head. I've discovered my flaw as a knitter is fear of making things too big (see cable knit sweater, an unintentional cropped fit!) Knit and learn.

Now I'm working on a fab pink and black (very Coco Chanel) sweater for baby Jupiter. The classic styling and colour is paired with hip skull and crossbones stitching. Pattern courtesy of Stitch N' Bitch Nation, edited by Debbie Stoller.

One more thing - anyone else had trouble with cracked, bloody fingertips from knitting too much?

Update on project

2005-03-07T19:16:00.000-05:00

So here's what I've been knitting away at lately .... I can't believe how fast the knitting goes when the yarn and needles are large.

Vest

I should be done this wool vest just in time for summer ..... I'm thinking it whould be great over a bathing suit in the baking hot sun.

I can't even look at my other sweater - maybe once the vest is done I'll feel like giving that one a go for a while.

Perspective is officially lost...

2005-03-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

Alright, this is it. From now on I'm only knitting very useful and logical items. I'm done with the sunglasses case / finger cymbal (zills) case...it looks bizarre.

An update

2005-03-06T10:32:00.000-05:00

Yay!! The blog is back!
So, I've been knitting...here are some of my wacky projects.

Completed - Crazy Hat...I am trying to use up some yarn scraps but is it really worth it when I make such a clownish freakshow? I don't know...it's so soft and warm, but so...how you say..."Regardez moi!". Yikes.

Also completed - Zeeby's bag from Stitch and Bitch. I love it...it's made of merino wool, but the handles are so stretchy! I was hoping to carry my bellydance gear in it, but those coin belts are stretching the hell out of it.

Work in progress - Devil sunglasses case...I don't know how practical this is, really, but it's an attempt to use up some more wool.

Piece de resistance....
Ebay scarf! The wool was my first ebay purchase ever! I love it so much...it's hand dyed and spun from some sheep in Ottawa. The scarf is just a garter stitch thing, so as not to interfere with the beauty of the wool.

The Scarf ... Finally

2005-03-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Here it is at long last. A labour of love ... and hate. The Pattern came from a great book called Stitch and Bitch by Debbie Stoller.

Alien Face Scarf Pic 1

Alien Face Scarf Pic 2

Slacker!

2005-02-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

Oh, I've been a blog slacker...not a knitting slacker though. Well, sort of. As I posted earlier (I think) I finished the orange beast. I also bought some super cool wool on ebay which I am going to make a scarf out of. Hand dyed! I finished "zeeby's bag" from stitch and bitch. The pics are forthcoming.
Sauce...post your latest item! It's spectacular!! LOVE IT!!!!

Fellowship of the stitches

2004-12-27T09:59:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited - the Slipped Stitches are convening for a not-so-secret meeting today. I'm looking forward to showing my newest additions to my freshwater aquarium as well...however, that's not something for a knitting blog.
I'm working on the V sweater, but now I'm confused...I'm supposed to start the V part, and I just don't understand the pattern. Miss G, I need help! Can't wait to be done this sweater - it's giving me gas. I want to make something groovy next, but what? Perhaps Miss G's Stitch 'n' Bitch Nation, combined with Sauce's original Stitch 'n' Bitch will inspire me...does that mean I'll get to buy more wool?

Anyways, I was bragging to my ultra-knitty aunt that I was into knitting - she was pleased, I think, and started regaling me with really cool crochet stories (yes, there are crochet "stories" out there...).

And finally...who here is glad that Christmas is over? ;)

2004-12-26T14:17:00.000-05:00

FUBAR beer cozies

Kris Kringle

2004-12-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!

Thought I'd include a photo of my favourite completed project so far. These were a Kris Kringle gift that luckily made it into the hands of someone who'd appreciate them. Check out the movie FUBAR for more information.

Boxing day - a perfect time to enjoy the silence and begin a new project.

Miss G.

I'm still here...

2004-12-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

So...I've been slowly working away at my orange V-neck. I'm done the back, but I'm afraid of it...it looks like it's very long and skinny. I'm hoping that blocking is going to save it.
Au naturel...

Spread out (hopefully how it will be when I block it)...

It's a weird shape, but it's not like I've made tons of sweaters. I'm getting bored of it though. One colour is boring...I'm already looking forward to making my boring red sweater. But that's another story...

Speaking of which, here's my favourite link of the day...
Hammy Hamster