Jigga What?

ravelry has inspired me!

2007-10-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

My recent invitation to join ravelry.com has inspired me to re-visit blogging.

Just cast on for Cables and the Lace Kimono Wrap Cardigan from sweaterbabe.com.

So far so good...It is a more involved pattern than I have worked on lately, so its definitely keeping me on my toes. Not like Thermal, which I could knit in my sleep (maybe thats why I'm STILL working on it!!)

I've also started a pair of socks that I plan on gifting to my gram for xmas...pics later...I have to ease myself back into the blog. (plus hubby is bring me Jack in the Box for dinner as we speak!)

p.s. boo hoo, my Buffalo Sabres keep losing! damn hockey!

a new look for the bliz-og

2007-02-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

hope you like...please be patient while I figure all of this newness out!

new thermal progress...

2007-02-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

heres my most recent progress shot of thermal:

Not too bad. I tried it on and though it is definitely curve hugging, I think that it will be perfect once it is blocked.

I haven't been updating the blog as often as I had hoped because hubby and I are in the middle of moving into our new house! YAY! I am very excited! So bear with me for the next month or so!

thermal progress

2007-02-21T20:18:00.000-08:00

coming right along...

first sock!

2007-02-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

I should have known better than to take up sock knitting. I am notorious for not finishing what I start. I have, though, finished my first sock! It is Monkey from Knitty. Yes, I said sock, singular. The other one is on the needles and I have great intentions of completeing it soon, be we'll see. For now I will show you my very lovely half a pair of socks:

The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock in Bittersweet. It is really beautiful yarn. And yes, I am truly that pale.

ok, ok!

2007-02-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

I guess that I have been gone quite awhile!

I've been knitting, so I will be sharing all of that excitement with a bunch of pics in the next few posts.

I have just finished my first sock...Monkey from Knitty...and have begun knitting Thermal (also from Knitty). Here's a quick pic of my Thermal so far:

I'm using the exact yarn in the exact color from the pattern. I am such a sheep!

More to come, stay tuned...(though I know that I am talking to the wall since no one in their right mind is still reading a blog that hasn't been updated in over 6 months!)

here we go again!

2006-07-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I took a break this weekend and started a quick diversion project.

Let me present Odessa (magKnits):

Its my first hat. I had planned on giving it as a gift for xmas, but my friend has a tiny pea-head and this fits my giant melon, so it will be huge on her. Too bad that I have little need for a hat. I think its pretty cute...even though hubby said it looks like a chemo-cap.

It is exceedingly difficult to take a picture of the top of your own head.

I used almost exactly one skein of KnitPicks Elegance in Burnt Orange. The beads are shades of orange and turquoise.

Next up:

Manresa

I hate to say it, but ICK! I thought that these were a good idea, but no. I finished one, but won't do the other. This one is getting frogged. I don't want to waste the yarn. It was a good exposure to fair-isle, but I'm just not feeling them. They look even sillier than I had imagined. (and thats pretty silly)

My little bro is coming to visit this week. Hes never been to Vegas before, so I have to take him to see the sites. He is going to die, It is going to be scorchingly hot this week. It's 11:30 am and its already 105.

Because of his visit, I have to clean out my car, I'm not used to having a passenger. Sigh...the things we do for family! Now, I must leave you and return to Magnum PI. Have a lovely Monday!

green cardi progress...

2006-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of quick pics of my knit1 cardi:

I have the back and left front finished. I added about two inches to the length. So far so good!

I need to start looking for some cute buttons. I think that they could actually make or break the sweater! More to come!

Adventures in Fair Isle!

2006-07-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

I cast on for the Manresa Leg Warmers over the weekend. They are definitely a challenge for me!

As far as my first attempt at fair isle, I think that I'm doing pretty well. I've got the two handed technique down and now am just playing with my tension. My one dilemma is...to weave, or not to weave! I hate the idea of the strands hanging all over on the back of my work, so I have been weaving them in:

The only thing that I don't like is that because this pattern is knit at a fairly loose gauge, I am able to see some of my contrasting color show through the front. Its hard to see in the photo, but much more noticeable in person:

I'm not complaining. I am liking my results so far, but I would not suggest this as a first fair isle project. Between the gauge issues and the double pointed needles, this is definitely a handful!

I am enjoying knitting this. I think that I like fair isle! (or stranding, or whatever it is properly referred to as) And I really like this yarn! Andean Treasure from KnitPicks. I love the colors and I will definitely use it again!

2nd post today?

2006-07-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know...you've heard enough from me for one day! Although it has nothing to do with knitting, I had to share this:

http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_4513

It's an interview with Will Ferrell in this month's GQ. The interview is Mad-Libs style and I laughed so hard, I nearly peed my pants...enjoy!

Yarn Snobbery be DAMNED!

2006-07-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

It seems that recently I have found myself purchasing some yarn that I normally wouldn't have considered.

Take for example my Green Cardi from knit1...Its knit with some good old Wool-ease. Another recent purchase finds me in the company of some Caron Simply Soft Tweed (which IS soft and quite pretty IMO). I'm planning on knitting the Central Park Hoodie from the F06 Knitscene with it. And, of course, there is my Clapotis made out of Simply Soft.

And then there is Knitpicks...ah Knitpicks...how I love thee! While not acrylic, still looked down upon by some!

Anyway, my point is that while I won't argue the virtue and beauty of expensive yarns. (I do love me some expensive yarn!) I have found myself to be a much happier knitter in the past few months as I have thrown my snobbish ways aside and stopped the stereotyping of acrylic!

Hey, most of my favorite store bought sweaters are mainly acrylic or some other man-made fiber. They are washable (for the most-part) and very wearable (unlike my alpaca wrap sweater...what was I thinking!).

Enough of my rant. I just wanted to speak my piece and let it be known that I am a non-discriminatory, equal opportunity knitter!

Happy knitting all!

I LOVE Orangina!

2006-07-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Here is Orangina in all of her blocked glory!

I am soo pleased with how it turned out! I had been skeptical from the beginning and wasn't sure how well this pattern would suit my figure, BUT I kept a close eye on the KALs and took note of others FOs. I was able to modify the pattern so that it works for me!

First of all, I knit the smallest size which was a 34...thats down a size from what I would usually go with... and second, I added a lot of length...probably 4 inches to the lace. I think that its a bit more form fitting than the original was intended, but its perfect for me! This is probably my favorite garment that I have knit for myself!

YAY!

Orangina is DONE!

2006-07-09T19:53:00.000-07:00

There she is! Blocking as we speak! So glad that I can stick a fork in this one. Not that I didn't enjoy knitting this pattern, I really did! Its just that I thought that I would never finish. Part of the reason is because I added several inches to the lace section to make up for my longer than average torso. And I am SOOO glad that I did! When I tried it on before blocking, it hit just above my hip...so I'm hoping that the blocking will add at least an inch, or other wise, I won't be able to wear this to work!

I used the recommended Rowan 4ply Cotton. I really loved it and look forward to the next time that I can splurge on Rowan yarn! I only used about 3 3/4 balls and the pattern calls for 6! So I have two and 1/4 balls of yarn, which is enough to make, lets see, um NOTHING! Oh well...

I will post an action shot as soon as it is dry!

Check another WIP off the list!

Voila! Clapotis!

2006-07-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

I finished it last night! It doesn't look like much in the pictures, but it is very pretty in person. I think that I will definitely get some use out of it, much more than if I'd used a flashier color...here it is!

I am really impressed with myself, I think that I might actually get some more things finished soon! I am about 2 inches away from finishing Orangina...and dammit, I think that it may take forever to get that last bit done! When I work on it, it seems that I never get any further! All I have to say is that it had better look darn cute on me once I get it through with it!

And speaking of darn cute, heres Lola! Shut up, I know I'm a dork!

A couple quick things!

2006-07-06T14:36:00.000-07:00

First, I wanted to share the necklace I made a few weeks back. Its sterling silver chain and hammered sterling circles. Jewelry making used to be my big thing, but I don't have access to a studio here, so sigh...maybe someday!

Second, the ADD strikes again!

I decided to cast on for the Manresa Leg Warmers from the new Knitty. Its probably the only pattern that I'll use from this issue :( . I'm not a fan of socks and have zero need for gloves, fingerless or otherwise, here in the desert. Oh well! I ordered the yarn from Knitpicks (Andean treasure in Granite and Lilac), so let the waiting game begin! Maybe I'll take this time and finish some of my other WIPs! Not likely!

A-D-D!

2006-07-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I have self-diagnosed Knitting ADD...
take for example my Orangina:

You can see how wonderfully close I am to finishing this one! Only about 3 more inches of ribbing and then simple seaming, but do you think that I can just get it done? NO!

While avoiding Orangina, I decided to start a Clapotis! I have been looking at this pattern ever since I started knitting about a year ago, but I haven't been able to pick a yarn for it. Well, I got over myself and decided to cast on for Clappy with some luxurious Caron Simply Soft in a vibrant grey. Eye catching, eh? Don't knock it! I like the pattern and will do it again with something more colorful, but there is just something about things that are grey and soft that I just can't resist! And who doesn't love a $6 Clapotis?

Anywho...I have been making remarkable progress on this! It is such a mindless knit for me, I have been working on it while I watch TV. BUT I still have more that I should be working on!

I cast on for this about two weeks ago, but I can't bring myself to work on a sweater in the 110 degree heat! This is what I've got so far:

This is the back panel. I am lengthening it about two inches...we'll see how that goes when I get back around to working on it!

AND I also joined a the Amazing Hoodie Swap 3 over on craftster.

I am ridiculously excited about this! I am a hoodie junkie. I can't wait to get started! See, I already want to move on and start another project...jeez, I think I'm hopeless!

What a weekend!

2006-06-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

I may have found my way out of my knitting slump!

It all started on Friday evening. I noticed a voicemail on my phone...It was Two Crazy Ladies yarn shop! They were letting me know about the sale that was going on this Saturday...

50% OFF ALL YARN!

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!

So I went. I brought hubby along to keep me from spending our savings...and I didn't mean to, but I left with a big bag full!

Are you ready to drool?

This is the softest yarn! It was inexpensive to begin with, but at 50% OFF, it was downright cheap! I'm going to make a sweater of my own design I think. A top-down raglan with a very deep V neck...we'll see.

I have always admired this SAMOA...not sure what I'll do with it, but I think that I will pick up a couple more balls, so that will have enough for something good!

This is a Cotton/acrylic blend from Reynolds called OLE OLE! I love the color. Its a very pretty orangy red. There wasn't much good light when I snapped these pictures. I want to make a vest with this stuff. I thought about Fad-Classic...maybe something similar. Any suggestions?

Last, but not least, my Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky! Wow! This stuff is sooo soft and nice. Its hard to tell, but its a beautiful pale blue. I saw it and thought, that would be perfect for the Anthropologie-inspired capelet that floating around on craftster...so, thats what I did!

If was SUPER FAST to knit. I modified the pattern a bit...I used reg stockinette instead of reverse, I added ribbing in the front and lengthened the body ane the sleeves quite a bit. I really like it. So soft and comfy. Perfect for this yarn. I think it would be too much to have a whole sweater knit with it!

My Woolease for the Cropped Cardi from knit1 will be here tomorrow (gotta love UPS tracking!), and then I am going out of town for a week. I think that maybe I will bring Orangina on the plane and wait until I get back to start the cardi...we'll see if I can restrain myself!

YIKES!

2006-06-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

Don'tcha hate it when life gets in the way? I have neglected my blog. I could give a million excuses, and many of them would be true, but I'll just go with laziness as my main reason.

Things are looking up! I have lost about ten pounds...about 20 to go...and I am on my very last summer vacation for the forseeable future (the school that I teach at is going to a year-round schedule...blech!)

Knitting has been going pretty well too...

here is my Something Red:

Its ok...I don't love it. I used KnitPicks Shine (thanks knittingmama!) My increases in the ribbing are too visible and I think that there is a better pattern for the yarn.

My Razor Cami...I like this one, but am having a little issue with the strap placement. I already frogged the straps and am in the process of devising a way to move them out from under my armpits!

Otherwise, it is super cute and soft. I used Microspun about two skeins and I cast on the extra twelve stitches for a little extra room.

The pattern can be found here.

I'm still working on Oragina...slow but steady. My next project is the the Green Cropped Cardi from knit1.

honeymoon cami and orangina progress

2006-04-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

here are a couple quick pics of what I've been up to:

so very distracted

2006-04-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

I am casting on for projects WAY faster than I am knitting! I am sooo loving summer tops! Bought the Orangina pattern today from Glampyre. I'm sure that you are all familiar:

I ordered the Rowan 4ply Cotton on eBay in the color Ardour. Its a pretty, greyish purple. I like! I thought about subbing a different yarn and after debating all afternoon I said, FUG IT! Its only $35 with shipping from the UK. I am on a budget, but I can't deprive myself!

I'm coming along pretty well on the Honeymoon Cami. I am adding a bunch of extra length cuz I'm long waisted. We'll see!

YAY!

2006-04-03T18:03:00.000-07:00

I received my 2nd SP package this weekend! It was full of stuff to pamper myself with!

heres what I got:

- some yummy chocolate (milk chocolate covered almonds and dark chocolate covered marshmellows PLUS a cute little easter bunny!)

- pedi stuff (pumice, salt scrubs, nail implements & polish!)

- wild honey body wash and lotion!

- 2 fizzy bath balls

- 2 facial treatments & a loofah body scrubber

- Neutrogena hand cream!

- A skein of Manos del Uruguay in a pretty chocolately redish brown color

- 2 balls of Lana Grossa Binario

YAY! Thanks again BUNNY!

On another exciting note, I found a new LYS!

I was minding my own business, runnign errands and driving around fabulous LV on Saturday. My eyes were caught by a sign by the road side that said, YARN 40% OFF!

Well of course I had to stop. There I found a nice little yarn shop tucked back in the corner of a plaza that I had never been through. It was packed with knitters shopping and knitting away. I found some super nice varigated cotton ribbon yarn that caught my eye and I snatched it up! I would have loved to buy gobs more, but I am currently on a budget, getting ready for the big move.

Anyway, I cast on for the Honeymoon Cami and am making good progress. (Starsky is on the back burner for now).

I've never really knit with a varigated yarn before and I like it! I had a little pooling in the beginning, but just as I decided that I liked it as a design feature, it worked itself out. Oh well. We shall see!

FASTEST. SWEATER. EVER.

2006-04-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

I cast on Thursday night and knit while I watched My Name is Earl and The Office, then last night I knit for about three hours after work and now...ta da! A completed sweater...IN ONLY 4 (or close to 4) HOURS!

And best of all, I LIKE IT! Wait til I drop ten pounds...then I'll LOVE it!

Its the Ballet Tee From Loop d loop. I used Cascade Sierra doubled and it only took 3 skeins on #15 needles! I did add three extra increases to add length at the bottom( a total of 12 extra rows).

BAD me!

2006-03-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

I have been so stinking busy that I have totally neglected my blog this month...some quick updates:

Started Starsky...I have finished the sleeves and am almost done with the back. I think that I may have made it a bit too small, but I won't know for sure until its done...bah!
heres a few pics from when I had just started the back...

I also Kool-Aid dyed some yarn. It was fun and SUPER MESSY! I tried to do a varigated look, but it didn't turn out so hot.

Decided to use it for a felted tote. I used the Kool-Aid yarn along with some red Patons Classic Merino that I had laying around. Still need to make the handles and then I'm going to do some embroidery on it. Here it is so far:

I have also cast on for the Ballet Tee from Loop d loop. I got about 1/3 done and then frogged it...I had been using the wrong type of increase...BAH! Back to square one. I will post pics as soon as I have some new progress!

Hubby and I are in the midst of contemplating an out of state move...PHOENIX! He has better job opportunities there...sigh...I hate moving!

Suicidal Bunny ROCKS!

2006-03-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Got a great package from my SP on Friday! Full of great stuff and it was all wrapped up individually in the box! Felt like Christmas morning!

Heres what I got:

- a GIANT sea turtle tote bag...(handmade, I presume...)
- an awesome mantee needle roll (also handmade) stocked with several needles! (I used the 5s

this weekend!)
- a notebook with some super cute stuffed dinosaur patterns
- 2 skeins of KnitPicks Memories
- a little notepad/journal
- a box full of rad little things like cool pens and cable needles (Bunny must have known that I

am about to undertake Starsky!)

Thank you Bunny! You rock!

Spherey is!

2006-02-28T16:22:00.000-08:00

Just a couple quick pics...I'm mailing him off today. I'll miss the little guy!

I said that I wasn't gonna, but I just ordered yarn for two more projects! Starsky from the Knitty Winter Surprise:

and Herringbone Leather Cuff from AlterKnits:

I'm actually knitting the cuff in waxed corded cotton instead of leather, cuz the leather was about $100! The cotton looks nearly identical and the spool of 100yds was only about $6!

Sweatery goodness!

2006-02-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Yay! I have successfully completed my first sweater! Its the Ballet Wrap from the Winter 06 IK. I'm pretty proud. AND I think that I will actually wear it in public! Too bad that its already 75 here. Not much need for sweaters at this point.

Its hard to get a good pic with the dark color, so I'll try again tomorrow, but for now...

I knit it in KnitPicks Decadence in Chocolate...gauge was a little off, but ended up working out great!

And I also am working on Spherey from Unusual Toys...its for my nephew's first b-day! so flippin cute. Just needs his arms and legs.

FRUSTRATED!

2006-02-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I knew that the weird construction on the Lace Leaf Pullover might be a little challenging. I thought, I can handle this! WRONG! I am in the midst of grafting the two halves together and I have to stop. It is a mess. I need to take it out and start all over again. So I am going to set it aside and worry about it later...much later. Sigh... Oh well!

I did get my copy of Unusual Toys for You to Knit and Enjoy today! So excited! I can't wait to get started! I don't know which one to make first!

On a different crafting front, I have just discovered PMC (precious metal clay) and I think that I'm in love! It is so great and super fun. Designing jewelry is my second favorite thing to do and this makes it sooo easy. No stupid solder or jewlery blades that snap every inch! I REALLY did not need another hobby right now!

SO much!

2006-02-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

I have been super duper busy and my poor little blog has been really neglected! I have soo much fun stuff to share!

First of all, I got my first little pressie from my SP...the one and only Suicidal Bunny! Super cute stitch markers! Yay!

I also FINALLY got my Polar for my Lace Leaf Pullover...It is knitting up pretty quick and so far so good! Its my first sweater and I think I will like it!

I did have some issues though. Many said that the Polar is a ggod sub for the Van Dyck that the pattern calls for, but I did not get gauge...even with the #13s called for by the pattern. A 15 would have given me a really loose stitch, so I decided that instead of trying to do the math, I would just make the largest size...so far so good, but we'll see if that comes back to bite me in the ass.

I also had a great swap and I got some KnitPicks WOTA to dye! YAY! I am excited about that. I used to be into weaving and dying in college when I took my fibers classes.

I have to fly right now...but I have more to share...stay tuned!

Wednesday...stupid hump day

2006-02-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday is not my favorite day of the week...don't exactly know why, but it's definitely no Thursday thats for sure.

At work, I am doing clay projects with the kids and my hands are so f-ing dry! That clay just S-U-C-K-S the moisture out of my skin...and my hair, you should see the static electricity. I could light half the strip. Oh well. Its worth it to see the munchkins so excited.

I went yarn shopping the other day and my super dry hands just kept snagging on the yarn, I couldn't tell if the yarn was soft or scratchy. I felt like I was disabled...no yarn sensing abilities...NOOOOOO.

I was also sick this past week, so that means I put the weight loss resolution on hold for another week. I want to lose about 20lbs by the time my parents come to visit in April and its coming up quick...I need to get on the ball! I added my little counter dealy at the bottom of my blog, so wish me luck!

In knitting news, the Knitty SP round officially starts today...hoping to send my downstream a package by the end of the week. I made him or her a little sumpin and I would love to post some pics, but I might get found out that way. AND my super cool Bunny friend has announced that a package is already on the way for me! How'd I get so lucky!?!?

AND I am still waiting on my Polar for the Lace-Leaf pullover! I contacted the eBay seller and they have assured me that they have shipped over 7000 packages to the US and only two have gone missing...hmmm maybe three now. [grumble] want my stupid yarn, damn it! [grumble]

complain much?!?!

love learning new stuff!

2006-01-26T19:30:00.000-08:00

Started my Danica last night and I am really moving along on it! Love it so far! Its surprisingly easy and looks so cool!

It even matches my Vans!

Very cool!

this is sooo me!

2006-01-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

craftster has some freaking awesome stuff at cafepress.com. Including two that are Beastie Boys inspired (thats where the crafty_kt name came from!) I love it! I bought a Knitty sweatshirt from cafepress awhile back too. Gotta represent!

I am having a hard time waiting for my Polar to get here from England! Sooo impatient! I put in my first Knitpicks order, some Alpaca Cloud in Tidepool for my vertical drop stitch scarf:

And I'm on my way to Joanns to buy some Woolease for my Danica scarf...yes I know that I should work on a WIP while I wait to start my sweater, but I am itching to start something new!

credit to Jesse @ yarnboy.com for the beautiful example of the vertical drop stitch!

so impatient!

2006-01-20T16:48:00.000-08:00

I am trying so very hard to be patient as I wait for my Rowan Polar to arrive from England! It is sooo hard! Here is a picture to tide me over...
ahhh...thats better! I have also purchased myself the NeedleMaster set...I am so sick of having to buy new needles for every stinking project. So far, they're ok...I'll have to give them some more time before I pass final judgement. I really wish that I had a full set of Addi Turbos...well, a girl can dream!

YAY! Happy!

2006-01-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

I was kinda dreading my birthday...but it turned out to be a great day!

Slept in (Thank you MLK Jr!), then relaxed all morning. Hubby came home from lunch and brought me Taco Bell and a big slice of choclate cake (YUM!).

Then I went to the mall bought myself a couple of pressies and got a pedicure! And then dinner at Outback (YUM AGAIN!)

I saved the best for last! I bought myself some Rowan Polar for my long procrastinated Lace-Leaf Pullover Sweater! Yay! I am so excited! My first sweater! The POlar is supposed to be a good sub yarn for this pattern...I have my fingers crossed! Its a great color...zucchini, a really nice green.

Then today I was RAKd! What an awesome surprise! SO cool! A couple of Bamboo needles, rock candy and Toostie Pops! Definitely stoked! I wish that I knew who to thank? Anyone want to come forward?????

Go me, It's my birthday!

2006-01-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

Your Birthdate: January 16

You're incredibly introverted and introspective. You live inside your head.
You spend a lot of alone time meditating and thinking.
People see you as withdrawn, and at times they are right.
You are caring and deep, but it may be difficult for you to show this side of yourself.

Your strength: Your original approach to thinking

Your weakness: You tend to shy away from others

Your power color: Pale blue

Your power symbol: Wavy line

Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

I'm pretty sure that either my mom is lying about my real birthdate, or that thing is a piece of crap. None of those things are remotely close to describing me...oh well, what do you expect from a blog quiz.

Yes it is my birthday and yes I am now 27 years old. And that means that I can totally justify the fact that I am eating Haagen Dazs Vanilla Swiss Almond for breakfast.

I just want to thank Martin Luther King for being born on January 15 so that I almost always have a day off on or near MY birthday!

I don't have much planned...dinner with hubby tonight, but I am contemplating treating myself to a pedicure this afternoon!

Now I'm off to do some internet birthday shopping! YAY ME!!!

Its been a while!

2006-01-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

Wow...It has been a while! The holidays kept me plenty busy. Even got stuck in New York for an extra two days because of a stupid airline delay. Thats life I suppose! Got the iPod nano that I wanted, but not the Needlemaster set...Oh well. I'm sure I'll buy it for myself!

Today hubby and I waited in line for three hours to audition to be contestants on Deal or no Deal. I figured that at the least, it would give us a story to tell and what the heck, we could win a million bucks! No call back yet...we'll know by tomorrow if we were selected. At least we got to meet Howie Mandel (not exciting by the way).

In my absence, I finished Kate from Knitty...I LOVE HER! I am totally hooked on knit toys now! So fun! I love the personality that you can give the little guys! I think that I may have found my new obsession!

I've already started my second Kate. I had never really made a 3D knit object* before, so I ran into some rookie mistakes. I am finding #2 much easier.

*I do realize that all knitted things are 3D, but you know what I mean, right?

And for no good reason, heres a pic of my adorable nephew...

Lola's NEW Xmas Sweater

2005-12-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

So after Lola wore the first sweater for about an hour it S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-D like crazy and would probably now fit a 50lb bulldog! I have made the same pattern before but this time something went wrong...oh well...anyone have a 50lb bulldog?

I went and bought some yarn and used a new pattern and came up with this snazy new sweater, much more stylish!

Lola was quite as into posing as she was last time, she must have been tired!

Lola's Xmas Sweater!

2005-12-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

In preparation for our Christmas journey to the frozen land of Western New York, I dove in to the stash and whipped up a sweater for Lola...now, I just need something to keep me warm...

She is such a little model...look at her pose! I know, I'm a big dork...

Anybody have a pattern for knit holly leaves?

Another scarf done!

2005-12-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

I would like to say that this is my last Christmas gift... but unfortunately, I'm thinking about casting one last gift on this afternoon...I know, I'm nuts

Anyway, I found this yarn and knew that it would be perfect for my Grandma, so I did a simple 1x1 rib and added some little cabbage roses...I think it turned out great!

Bobblicious...done!

2005-12-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

I like this project, but not as much as I thought I would. But it was my first time with bobbles and what an even bigger deal, my first time with real seaming! I think I done good!

This project was hard to take pictures of, so sorry for the shoddy photography!

Still finsihing up xmas presents, but i have nothin but time this week! Yay!

so dumb, but quite the resemblance!

2005-12-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Selfish? ME?

2005-12-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

I have been feeling sorry for myself this week...Hubby is out of town on business and I needed something to keep me busy...Thank goodness for the new Knitty! I have finished all current xmas WIPs (still have to cast-on a couple though!) so I decided to be selfish. I picked the the most instant gratification-ish pattern that I could find...BOBBLICIOUS! Got the yarn and cast-on last night.

I'm thinking that it will take me at least the rest of the week and as I'm knitting it up, I'm wondering if it might make a good grandma gift for xmas, hmmm....

Anyway, I reduced the bobbles to two rows instead of four partially for fuction, but mainly so my husband doesn't make fun of me! I can't wait to cuddle up with it! Also looking forward to wearing it on the plane ride home. I hate the airline blankets and I am always freezing on the plane!

Here are a couple pics....

I decided to go with the same claret color that the designer used...its really pretty and after looking at all of the possiblities, I think that was my favorite.

And its really jammed on the needles! wish I had longer 15s or even circs! And my bobbles seem misshapen...I've never made bobbles before, but misshapen bobbles sound like a bad thing!

Another gift checked off the list!

2005-12-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

Just finished my Dad's scarf this morning and I am super happy with how it came out. I made up the pattern when I couldn't find one that was "Dad worthy". I was a little worried that it might look feminine, but it totally doesn't. I was also concerned because my dad is a big softy and hates wool cuz it's scratchy...I used a wool blend and it was feeling a little itchy to me(Dad and I share sensitive skin!). I used a tip that I read somewhere...use a few drops of hair conditioner in the final rinse while blocking to help with the scratchies...and it really worked! Feels soft and fluffy! And the blocking really helped subdue the patterns bumps and ridges.

And of course, the new Knitty is out...there are a few patterns that I am anxious to start...I was going to start Teva Durhams Lace Leaf Pullover after Christmas, but now I am going to do Tubey...seems like a nice way to ease myself into the world of sweaters...

Before that, I have to decide who else I am going to knit for for Xmas...I still need a gift for my grandmother and brother...I was thinking about doing Kate from the new Knitty for Gram and I don't think that my bro would really dig anything handknit. But I am planning on trying the Baby's First Tattoo sweater from SnB Nation for my nephew...that would fall under Xmas gifts also since thats when I will see him!

I am feeling a little selfish because I bought yarn to make another felted bag and its high on my priority list too...well...we'll see!

Didn't need a quiz to tell me this...

2005-12-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

You Are 40% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!

How Weird Are You?

Viva Las Felted Bag Pattern

2005-11-28T17:16:00.000-08:00

Here it is...by popular demand (yeah, right!)

Viva Las Felted Bag

Materials:

Cascasde Pastaza # 072 (3 skeins)
Berroco Lazer FX # 605 (1 skein)
#9 circular needle (I did it on a 12", but I'd go larger if you have it!)
tapestry needle
large toggle button
and of course, a washing machine to felt!

Gauge:
to Pastaza label specs

DON'T FORGET TO SWATCH AND TO TEST FELT YOUR SWATCH!

here we go....

strap:

CO 175 with Pastaza
join to knit in the round...be careful not to twist!
K each stitch for 20 rows
Bind off

now you have the strap section finished...set aside

sides: (make 2)

CO 60 with Pastaza
pick up Lazer FX to carry along
Rows 1-20: knit in stockinette
(for less flash, you can drop the Lazer FX every other row)
drop Lazer FX
Row 21: K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Rows 22-30: knit in stockinette
Row 31: K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Rows 32-38: knit in stockinette
Row 39: K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Rows 40-44: knit in stockinette
Row 45: K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Rows 46-50: knit in stockinette
Row 51: K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Rows 52-54: knit in stockinette
Row 55: K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Rows 56-58: knit in stockinette
Row 59: *K1, K2tog, k every stitch until last 3, K2tog, K1
Row 60: p every stitch*
repeat from * three times (to Row 66)
Bind off

flap:

CO 20 stitches with Pastaza
K in stockinette for 40 rows
Bind off

assembly:

Thread the tapestry needle with Pastaza and stitch the side panels to either side of the bag strap. Stitch the flap onto the top edge of one side panel...

you are now ready to felt...put your bag in an old pillowcase and wash with hot water and a pair or two of jeans...check it often!!! (my swatch took two cycles, while my actual bag only took half of one cycle!)

When its reached the desired feltiness..block it into shape (I used a shoe in the bottom of the bag.)

After it has dried...sew on the button and then cut a TINY (I'm not kidding, it will stretch!) slit into the flap in the appropriate buttonhole place

Voila! Viva Las Felted Bag (I'm mixing my foreign languages here...)

Now...take into account that I have never written out a pattern before, so this may either be redundant or missing things or both...please let me know, and for heaven's sake...show me your bags when you are done!

In progress and finished bag pictures in previous postings!

ENJOY!

My felted bag!

2005-11-27T21:54:00.000-08:00

YAY!!! My first felted project! I love love it, but DAMN it really felted up! My swatch was not even close. The swatch took two cycles through the wash and the bag only took half a cycle and felted like crazy. So because of that, its a little smaller than I had hoped, but its still pretty nice! Not too bad for coming up with the pattern on the fly!

Have you ever been obsessed with something?...

2005-11-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

If I have ever been obsessed with anything, this felted bag project is it! I knit like a fiend yesterday and am hoping that I can finish this thing tonight! I am just anxious and excited about my first felted project! Here are some pics...

Here it is...about to go into the washer! Let the magic begin!

What Christmas Shopping?

2005-11-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I ventured out to the mall this morning and battled the masses on this lovely Black Friday. We didn't buy one single gift...just stuff for us.

I looked and looked for a new bag for myself and found nothing that I loved. I decided that I would take the plunge and not only try to design my own purse, but a felted purse none the less! I have never felted...the swatch is in the wash as we speak. I am super stoked. I got some Cascade Pastaza and Berroco Laser FX. It should be interesting!

I love the colors and I think that the sequins will give it a little pizzazz and keep it from looking like someones grandma's bag...I also love the button! That bluish, greenish, turquoisey color is my color of the moment!

I must admit that I am procrastinating a little bit...I really need to start the dog sweater that I promised the bro and SIL...but I have until xmas for that! This is a project that I can start enjoying immediately!

Who has time for Christmas shopping when there is knitting to be done!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2005-11-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

As I pass the time before Thanksgiving Dinner watching the National Dog Show, I thought that I would check in.

Not too much on the knitting front...I finished 2x2 rib scarf...just needs blocking. My Dad's scarf is about 1/2 done and I am still contemplating who else is going to get a knit xmas gift. (I'm asking for an iPod for Christmas, along with the Boye Needlemaster set.)

Hubby and I will be having Thanksgiving dinner at a wonderful buffet! I miss the fam, but we are heading home for xmas, so we will see them soon enough!

Tis the season for SCARVES!

2005-11-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for WIPs is more like i! Three scarves at three different levels of completion...first, my 2x2 rib!

I LOVE this yarn and I can't wait to have it finished! Only about another foot left to knit! I think that I will have enough yarn left over for a skinny scarf for my SIL...OR I could make myself a matching hat, but that not entirely practical seeing as how I have never worn a winter hat in the Las Vegas desert!

Next is my Harry Potter scarf! I just cast this on Friday night. I got swept up in the whole movie whirlwind. I even took a test to determine what house I would be placed in!(Ravenclaw...FYI!)I am really liking the colors and the trapped bar pattern!

Last is the Dad scarf. After spending so much effort on my mom's scarf, I started to feel bad that I wasn't going to knit anything for my dad. He's a business man who wears a suit to work everyday. I know that he wears scarves, but I've only seen him wear those finely woven scarves with trench coats and such. So I feel like I am going out on a limb a little with this. I couldn't find a pattern that was sufficantly "manly", so I came up with this...

Hopefully he likes it!

I love finishing projects!

2005-11-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to be finished with this scarf! It was first time with "lace" and I got the hang of it pretty quick once I figured out the pattern...dumb yo.

If this was for anyone else but my mother, I would have tossed it in the UFO pile. BUT...I would suffer it again because it turned out so darned purdy!

The yarn is beautiful with all of the great color changes, but it wasn't my favorite to work with. But I'm an instant gratification kinda girl and I usually like to stick with at least worsted weight.

Next on the needles:

* finish my 2x2 scarf

* dog sweaters! I've promised two people that their dogs would be clothed by xmas!

Yay for Short Weeks!

2005-11-09T19:21:00.000-08:00

Or should I say, Yay for long weekends! November is the month for short work weeks. Last week I had Monday off for "Staff Development" and the week before I had Friday off for Nevada Day...Then I have this Friday off for Veterans Day! Next week is a full week, but after that I have a three day week for Thanksgiving!

It messes up my work schedule, I can't ever get anything done, but hey...who can really complain about paid days off!

My "Misty Garden" scarf is coming along nicely, but the yarn is so thin and the needles are so small that it is taking a freaking year to get anywhere! I will post a pic soon...Its an xmas gift and I am overly paranoid with getting it finished, so I am sure that it will be done within the next week. I really want to get back to work on MY scarf!

The next pattern that I want to do is the Clapotis from Knitty...I'm just not sure if I will use it. I have been scouting yarn and there is no way that I am paying about $100 for yarn for something that I may not even put to use! So maybe I can score a deal on eBay or something...

Well hubby and I off to watch Tivo (Wednesday night TV sucks!)

What a week!

2005-11-05T14:09:00.000-08:00

This week flew by! Probably because I was so busy fretting over misread patterns and nursing my poor puppy back to health! Yes thats right, we had Lola spayed on Tuesday. I felt so bad for the little gopher! She's back to her normal, destructive self at this point...stitches will be out next Saturday.

My other big issue of the week had to do with stupid yarn overs. I had been going with the incorrect assumption that a yo was a stitch when it is actually just bringing the yarn over the front of the needle. DUH! I spent three nights on that one. The pattern that was giving me the problem was Misty Garden from Scarf Style. Now that I figured out my yo issue, it is coming along quite nicely!

Another DUH revelation... my genius husband suggested that I go to the library to see if they had any knitting books JACKPOT! They have tons of current knitting books full of pattern for me to try! Who would have thought? Obviously not me!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2005-10-31T15:34:00.000-08:00

I took pictures of Lola in her bad-ass skull sweater. Last week we went to a Hallo-weiner picnic. It was all dachshunds dressed up in costumes...hilarious!

It is starting to seem as if all I do is knit and talk about my dog. I promise that I'm not that lame. I will have to make sure that my next post is more diverse!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Knitting!

2005-10-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

sooo yesterday I went and dropped $75 at my LYS. I should never go in there without an agenda. I now have a bunch of yarn and no good project ideas. I'm thinking that blue will be a new scarf for ME...and the fushia mohair stuff will be an xmas gift for my mom. Hmmm, I'd better start brainstorming.

I started knitting up a basic 2x2 rib on the blue, It really wanted to highlight the cool subtle color change. I will probably keep it simple on my mom's scarf too.

Check out my dog, Lola, in the pic. She loves yarn. But not in a good, constructive way. She loves to grab it as soon as I turn my back and completely trash it. She was just waiting for me to look away while I was taking the picture...she knows that she can out run me. I started the Bubby bear from Knitty.com. Lola got a hold of it and chewed a big hole in it. She must have sensed that my gauge was off. Oh well. It will just be more practice for when I start it again!

As I tried to take pictures of my mauled Bubby...the monster struck again!

Official Blogger!

2005-10-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

What a dork. That is how I think of myself most of the time.

This could get interesting. Random thoughts from my crowded mind!

Welcome to my blog! I plan to fill this space with frequent updates on my life...knitting stuff and arbitrary thoughts mostly, but I'm sure that there will be lots of other dorky junk as well!

Bring it on!!!!