xie knits

Back-track..

2008-01-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

Finally got around to editing some of the pics from xmas gifts..

I find that I'm using Ravelry more often than I'm posting here... [pssst, that means you should add me as a friend there!]

I'll post a huge bunch of pics here anyway then.. the following is pretty much anything I've been working on that I haven't posted about here yet. To limit the number of pics on this entry, I'll only post one pic per item, but definitely check out my flickr account for the rest of the images!

Attempting some sort of order.. let's see, last pic post was for the pithyhat, so:

Major Underbitesnaggletooth

Pattern: Felted Skull, from LionBrand
Yarn: Off-white wool, from roommate
Hook: 10 N/P
Modifications: I think my hook may have been slightly smaller than what was called for.
Comments: First real attempt at felting.. took the pictures before giving him a shave; he was very fuzzy! My skull is also the featured pic for the pattern on ravelry.

Simple Lace Headband

Pattern: Simple Lace Headband from Inner Child Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Soft in Guacamole
Needles: US 6
Modifications: none

One Skein Wonder

Pattern: One Skein Wonder from Stephanie Japel/Glampyre Knits
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in Mulberry
Needles: US 5, 8
Modifications: none that I can recall

Herringbone Scarf

Pattern: Herringbone Scarf from Tangle
Yarn: super bulky Recycled Thrift Store Poncho, purple
Needles: US 35
Modifications: none. added fringe.

H2O Hat

Pattern: H2O Hat from Chic Knits
Yarn: super bulky Recycled Thrift Store Poncho, purple
Needles: US 19
Modifications: I think I may have gone up a needle size and eliminated a few rows.. the recipient has a large head circumference due to dreads.

Shelly Scarf

Pattern: Shelly Scarf from Joyful Abode
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Raspberry
Needles: K/6.5mm
Modifications: added a repeat width-wise (mum likes wider scarves)

18 Seconds to Sunrise Hat, redux

Pattern: 18 Seconds to Sunrise Hat from Daily Fiber Therapy
Yarn: N.Y. Yarns Gypsy in #4
Needles: US 9
Modifications: Added big pompom on top.

One Skein Scarf

Pattern: One Skein Scarf from Stitch n Bitch: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: unknown green variegated acrylic
Hooks: K/6.5mm + L/8mm
Modifications: I think I went up a hook size.

Essential Hat, redux

Pattern: Essential Hat, personal pattern
Yarn: unknown green variegated acrylic
Needles: US 10

and....
just for fun:

Beekini

Pattern: based loosely on the Queen of Hearts bikini from Stitch n Bitch
Yarn: Peaches & Creme cotton in Black and Yellow
Needles: US 5

Beekini (get it??) niiiiiiice..
Also amusing that it was posted just yesterday on my Flickr account (go check it out for more pics!), and it already has many views (compared to other images in my account). It's the boobs.

//x

sick!

2008-01-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

Alas.. I am sick. Supposedly it is just a really bad cold, but.. honestly, I can't remember any other cold wiping me out so bad. I called out of work on Friday and Saturday (Sunday I had off), went to the Doctor's Office today, and ended up calling out of work today as well. Started out with just a really bad sore throat, and has gotten worse.. takes all my enery just to breathe! So.. sadly, due to lack of energy, hadn't gotten as much knitting in as I would have hoped to (instead of just sitting on the couch... just sitting..)... but you know..

In any case.. I've finally cast-on for the Simple Knit Bodice Sweater by Stephanie Japel. I've had the yarn pre-ordered and sitting in my stash (KnitPicks Andean Silk in Hollyberry) for quite some time, but it has been often pushed aside in order to complete other knit/crochet projekts and schoolwork. So, I figured I would try to work on things I have in my stash.. and it's going along well.

So far this sweater seems to be working up quickly and easily. I'm almost to the point of separating for the armholes. I still have to go out and purchase the smaller size needles. I'm debating on whether I want to have a beaded carry-along string for the lace sections. I'm thinking perhaps not, since the lace will be decorative enough as is..? I don't want it to be overly decorative since I'll most likely want to wear it not for just special occasions.

Blagh! sick! back to sitting on the couch!
I HATE not having enough energy even to knit while I'm lying on the couch..
*cough*

//x

New Year

2008-01-02T02:03:00.000-05:00

So.. it's the new year, and I've been very much slacking in posts here.

Have been sucked into the wonders of Ravelry..
Should hopefully be able to get back to posting more regularly, especially since all the xmas knitting is done. Still have to edit the images to post.

Until then..

//x

no internets!

2007-08-06T20:08:00.000-04:00

*le gasp..*

Yes, I have sadly been not having much internet. Well, first... I went for a 2-week trip to the UK to visit my sister. And now, upon returning home, I have discovered that our internet that we shared with our neighbors, has been terminated upon them moving away. So, until we set up our own internet or strike a deal with the new neighbors, I am sadly without internet except for the snatches of time I get at the library.

I have been knitting though! I'll have to take pictures of things I've completed.
I've also been working on my website...

um.. I'll write more later, when I get back online again. Just wanted to explain my extended absence..

//x

How nifty is that?

2007-06-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Seriously loving ravelry (if you're already on there, come be friends with me).

It has been awesome poking around and seeing what everyone has been working on. Extra user-friendly.. I'm really liking it. Honestly, it's the sort of site that I'd be willing to pay for membership... and I don't say that lightly. (That being said, the site says it will always be free, which is good since I am broke. Perhaps I can scrounge up some pocket change to make a donation, though, because I do really like them.) Plus, they're using my pictures of garden scarves #01, #02, + #03, maryjane pithy hat, oh! baby, baby booties + stockinette stitch hat in the patterns library. ;)

I've been a little casting-on ADD at the moment. I still have a handful of strap inches to finish on Lelah, but in the meantime have also cast-on for a new Razor Cami and Danica. The Razor Cami was because I was invited to a knitting night with some co-workers. (I have co-workers.. who knit! And, it looks like they're going to be doing a weekly knitting night on Thursdays, woot.) Seeing as I only had a few inches left on the straps of Lelah, plus would need to keep popping it on + off to test fit, I decided that I should work on a different projekt, but the only other one I had currently on the needles was my mindless in-the-round stockinette of Accidentally-on-Purpose Vest. Sooooo, I cast on for a cherry red Razor Cami.

Theeeeeeeen, my roommate had picked up 2 beautiful skeins of Patons SWS to make vertical dropstitch scarves. I had three balls of SWS in my stash earmarked for a Danica (after seeing all the gorgeous SWS Danicas), and we joked around about doing a SWS-along, just the two of us. So then I had to! hah... I am really liking Danica -- definitely looks more complicated than it is; plus, with the SWS variegation, I don't have to weave in all those ends at the end of rows. Extra woot.

Still playing around more with Ravelry.. still loving it.
Might photograph my laundry-bag-full of yarn stash this weekend, so I can have it nicely sorted on Ravelry and be able to actually see what I have when planning projekts. Yay.

Oh, btw... What is UP with keeping on postponing the KnitPicks CotLin? It was supposed to be 5/11, then got moved to 6/15, then got moved to 6/18, then got moved to 6/26, and now says 7/11....wtf? I want it NOOOOOOOOOW.

//

Straptacular.

2007-06-06T20:51:00.000-04:00

Lelah has been sitting almost done for about a month, awaiting straps. Have completed all but an inch.5 or so of the first, must do the second. I've just been very busy with school and work -- my summer school class is from 8:30am to 4pm on Tuesdays and 8:30am to 2:30pm on Thursdays... yes, long long class. Also was running into problems figuring out how I wanted to do the straps, so did, and undid, and redid, and undid, and redid the straps a few times before figuring out what I wanted. But, looking like it should be finished soon, I hope this weekend.

BUT, YAAAAAAAAAY... I'm all excited and stuff. I just got an invite to Ravelry. And I'm pretty stoked. Haven't had much of a chance to scout around the site yet, as I just got home, but I'm definitely looking forward to it! YAY!!! :)

Off to make some grub.

//

Oooh, delightful.

2007-06-03T22:22:00.000-04:00

Haven't had the chance to post anything knit-related, but...

look! This looks like a fun little engraved gifts site: desk nameplates Yay :)

Back to painting... and perhaps will be able to update about knitting soon.

//

Lelah progress

2007-05-07T14:09:00.000-04:00

Working on Lelah still. My speedy knitting was halted after I realized that the stockinette section, while it fit, was bunchy and lumpy, despite the math and measurements that I had done. Alas. I wonder if it's due to the fact that the sizing is done by the above bust measurement, and not the actual bust measurement and I am smaller chested than the pattern's creator? I don't know.

Either way, I decided that if I just finished it off, I wouldn't end up wearing it. So, better to frog it and try to figure out a way to have some decreases or other way to make it more fitted in the bust area, so that I'll actually like the top and it would get some use.

And, I decided on 1x1 ribbing. Which should hopefully solve all my problems and be easy like cheating (bust darts vs ribbing? yay, ribbing). It looks like it should work. It will solve the problem of the bunchiness and make it more clingy-elastic. Plus, the version of the top will have straps, soooooo.... hmm, we'll see.

I had my last exam today, so I should have a chunck of time to work on Lelah. Hope to finish sometime on Tuesday.. so I can start something else.. hah.

//

eTa: HAH.. I just randomly was checking my stat counter (I have one that monitors my website, which is not really up yet, and this blog) and it had a bunch of hits for Saturday. I was like, eh??? Forgot I had linked to the crocheted Garden Scarves on the knitting community on LJ.. hah..

Speed demon

2007-05-04T08:59:00.000-04:00

Well, well!
I ordered my books (Fitted Knits + Knitting Lingerie Style) on the first, and they already got here yesterday on the third! With the free super savers shiping! YAY. See, it doesn't usually take any longer with the free shipping... and it's FREE. :)

I'm really excited about the books, especially the Knitting Lingerie Style. I want to knit... everything.

Also, speaking of speedy, I think I'm almost half done with Lelah (CO: May 2nd). It's extra exciting for me, because that's kinda fast, plus this is the first mathly-knit. Usually I just pretty much match gauge and pick from the "S/M/L" sizing system; this time, I'm knitting with different yarn, needles, gauge, and am using mathliness to figure it out. Seems to be working so far from the times I tried it on (with a longer circular needle). I'm right under the bust, trying to determine whether or not I need another lace repeat. Pretty much all that's left is the decrease + eyelet row, then the stockinette section, and figuring out what the heck I'm going to do strapwise. Hmmm... ponder, ponder.

Wheeeeeee!

//

eTa: also, adding to the list of things to consider knitting for the summer: Lace Nightie from InterweaveKnits [PDF]. I've had it saved on my computer for a while, but just saw MidnightKnitter's version -- look at the back! How cute is that? IK doesn't have any back pictures on the pattern, but seeing the back really makes me want to make it now.. oooooo...

More thinkin' bout some summery knits

2007-04-29T14:46:00.000-04:00

So.. last year, I made a post about summery knits I was thinking of making (oh, bizarre! Almost last year on the same date.. Last Sunday of April, at least).
How many did I make? None.

SO! I'm going to make some summery knits this year!

Things in consideration for this summer:
+ OhMyStars' Razor Cami [craftster page] Yes, I have already made one. However, that one was for my little sister's birthday, and this one would be all for meeeeeeeeeeeee. (probably in same or similar color scheme, but debating stripes so as not to appear a copycat.. hm..)
+ Lelah [craftster page] modified with straps.. potentially out of some natural-coloured cotton. Velvety wine ribbon? hmm...
+ Loop-d-Loop Ballet T-shirt Top (Yes, I have also made these previously, but it was a very warm 3/4 sleeve version.. I want one for summer! Hm, I still need to post pics from the last one..)
+ Butterfly (dress or camisole version?) or Corinne (dress, craftster page) -- already have yarn for both, Butterfly would be (depending on choice of dress or camisole) either grey or pale pink, Corinne would be black
+ Mini-sweater/Boobholder [craftster page]
+ Cropped Cardigan with Leaf Ties from Stephanie Japel's Fitted Knits (which should arrive sometime next week.) Probably a number of other knits from that book as well!
+ Anything from Joan McGowan-Michael's Knitting Lingerie Style, which also arrives sometime next week. (I ordered the book without even looking through.. something I never do! I just love everything on her site, and the idea of knitting lingerie..)

+ Jaywalker socks (even those these are specifically summery, I haven't knit socks before, so it's a bit of a goal for the summer. Jellybean colourway.)

I had thought that I would start with the RazorShell Cami (since I've already made one, so I know how to make it), but I find myself very tempted with Lelah. So, I think that's what I shall do! :)

//

Oh, paper...

2007-04-26T01:30:00.000-04:00

Have I mentioned that I'm writing a paper about knitting for my ENGL200 course?
I haven't? Well.... I AM.

And I found a source (scholarly source, no less) about knitting blogs, specifically those in the Knitting Blog Ring. Which made me remember that I am sadly not a part of it because I haven't applied yet, because I don't post here regularly (aka, once a week) consistently.

Which also, unfortunately makes me want to post here instead of writing my paper.

Which sadly, has also been the theme when working on my paper: write about knitting? or actually knit? Knitting usually wins out in the end. ;)

Alas, back to paper-writing.

//

Ta-da! Hat!

2007-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Alas, I seem to make my images too large for my blog formatting.. I must figure out how to fix that.. in the meantime, click pic for larger image.

Pattern: MaryJane Pithy Hat from Little Turtle Knits
Yarn: Red Heart Soft; Guacamole
Needles: US5, US10

Modifications: I made it a little shorter than the short version of the hat, because I currently have a very short haircut and thought it would look a bit silly with lots of hat poof and little hair. I also was a bit timid with this style of hat, as usually my hats are of the snug-fitting variety, as well as with the color. It was a good experiment; I adore the color and the hat-style is growing on me. :)

In other news, I am thinking of placing the buttons on the modified Hardcore Hoodie to create a cross-over neckline. I've been wearing the hoodie, buttonless, around the house, with the front panels wrapped across the body and came to the realization that without the excess wrapping: a) the hoodies a bit boxy/shapeless, and b) I was still a bit cold around the neck because it gapes due to low neck button placement. Plus, the cross-over neckline with the hood give it a somewhat more sophisticated, fitted, Asian-inspired look, and less "I knit a hoodie that I will now scruff around the house in.." (With the wide sleeves, it looks very kimono-like.) So, now I just have to figure exactly where to put the buttons, as it will be in a sort of curve, to compensate for hips and whatnot. Should look nice when completed.. though I don't know when I will get around to it.

Waiting til next week Tuesday so I can order this (and this, because.. yes, I've been waiting to combine my Amazon.com purchases to get my free shipping.. hah!) Tremendously excited about both, particularly the latter after seeing some great knits others have made from the book. Hooray! :)

//

eTa: ooh.. I just saw this shirt linked from one of the LJ knitting communities.. I want! Perhaps I will keep an eye on it, to see if they make a girlytee version.. since I shouldn't really be spending money anyway. Just wanted to link to it here so I wouldn't forget!

Roadblock

2007-04-20T17:52:00.000-04:00

So, the Modified Hardcore Hoodie is done.. except for the buttons.
I can't really be arsed at the moment to put in the buttons, which is rather silly, as there are only FIVE (plus, the two added buttons and loops for rolling the sleeves up).. but still, don't really want to. Right now, it's sitting in an undignified heap on the floor.. ouch.

I've started work on the MaryJane Pithy Hat using Red Heart Soft in Guacamole (brighter green than in the picture even). At first, I wasn't sure about the green being so bright, but now I think it's pretty awesome (especially since my hair is currently red, and soon should be even redder). Still haven't decided if I'm going to make the hat loose like the pictured pithy hats, or more like a beanie/skull cap. I think I'm leaning more towards beanie/skullcap, since when I try it on, it's pretty close-fitting.. I'd imagine if I were to make it longer, it would just be close fitting, with a lumpy long bit on the end. I hope I actually end up wearing it -- while I have a good head for wearing hats, I tend to have hair that is bad for wearing hats.. but this hat looks like it might be a winner. I don't want to do homework, because I want to finish my hat!

//

Froggie

2007-04-07T11:00:00.000-04:00

See? This is what I knew would happen.
Since I essentially "resurrected" my knitblog, I have much less desire to do homework, and instead would rather knit, post about knitting, or read other people's posts about knittings. (In fact, I'm currently listening to my first knit-podcast.. heh)

I've frogged an almost done Anthropologie-Inspired Caplet, as, while it looked nice, I don't think I would have worn it.. at least in the yarn I used. (For some reason, it was knit at a really loosely to get gauge, and it didn't quite "work" for me, especially in the soft pink. I'll probably try it again later in a different yarn choice.) I have 3 skeins of JoAnn Sensations Bellezza Collection Dolcetto in Pink (which I think has since been discontinued).. but! I've discovered something. After taking apart AIC, I measured to see how much yarn I actually had (I didn't recall cutting any of it, almost 99% certain, but as a "just in case"..)

The ball bands say "131.2 yards". The first large frogged ball I measure: 128 yards. The next measurement was of 4 smaller frogged balls of various size, added up: 128 yards. Hm.. I unwind the third untouched, unfrogged ball, just to see.. and: 127.5 yards... WTF? Blargh! Not a single ball actually the listed measurement, which I had been hoping for. I was thinking of making the Mini-Sweater/Boobholder, which calls for "approximately 400 yards" -- if I had all the yarn from the balls, at the appropriate listed amount, I would still be about 7yrds short.. and there's not a lot you can skimp on this sweater! hah.. Now I'm over twice that amount short, and wondering how "approximate" the "approximately 400 yards" is.. Perhaps I will still try for it, and make shorter sleeves? I don't know.. hm... oh well.

I'm supposed to be drawing! Back to work..

//

Xmas.. in April?

2007-04-04T18:07:00.000-04:00

Hooray, it looks like I can post from the other account now. :)

So, how bout a big post of xmas-present FOs?

Coronet + Fetching for the Momma:
Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Red

A Tychus for the Poppa:
Caron Simply Soft in Medium + Dark Country Blue

An 18 Seconds to Sunrise hat for the Brother (with tassel!):
Bernat Softee Chunky in Black

(a little hard to see in black..)

There was also a grey (with pink accents) Kittyville Hat for the little Sister, but I unfortunately don't have any pics of it? Hm.. I'll have to see if she can send me an image; I hear she loves it and wears it all the time, and perhaps that means I can have an image of someone else besides me modeling things, eh? hah..

Also, my friend and roomie (and fellow-knitter!!) Amanda used my "Essential Hat" pattern to knit a medium and dark blue hat for her boyfriend.. hopefully I'll have a pic of that soon, too. Supposedly she will have a knit/stashblog soon. You should see the random piles of yarn all around the apartment. Hooray for kniters living together. Oh, that reminds me.. I probably have yarnpr0n pics soon, since we jointly purchased some yarn on eBay recently.. oooo.

Oh, there was also this SWS Dropstitch Scarf from the LJ knitting community, intended to be a gift, but due to circumstances, was never actually given:
One-skein Patons Soy Wool Stripes in Earth

Hooray, loads of pictures! Sorry dial-up. ;)
eeek, I'm going to be late for class!

//x

Hmm..

2007-04-04T09:29:00.000-04:00

Well, let's see if this works..
I haven't been posting in a while since I have:
a) moved to Richmond
b) been uber-super busy with school
c) just submitted my portfolio for the gigantor review that determines what art program I will be able to get into
d) been having people (boy) trouble
e) been lazy
f) not knitting as much as I would have hoped.. Life now currently consists of living, thinking, and breathing AFO (the Art Foundation program, affectionately nicknamed "Art BootCamp").

mmmm..
oh, right -- and that I was not thinking properly when I transferred my blog from the OldBlogger to the NewGmailAccountsBlogger, and linked it to an email address I don't use as much. So, whenever I log into Blogger, it logs me out of my actual Gmail account.. which was frustrating. But, hopefully this will work: I've created a secondary account using the Gmail username I use most and have given myself permissions to post at this blog. Therefore, I should be able to post without having to log in and out of Gmail, but not have to transfer the entries manually or have to change the url of the blog.

Hopefully this will work, eh?
Afterwards, I have a handful of xmas knits to post. A little late, right? heh..

//x

FO Archive - 2007

2007-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

+ Modified Hardcore Hoodie; TLC Amore in black - for self (no buttons, no post.. yet)
+ MaryJane Pithy Hat; RedHeart Soft in Guacamole - for self

+ surely there's been something else, i'm forgetting?

//

LYS + future LYS?

2006-11-26T18:15:00.000-05:00

I mentioned that I will probably be moving at the end of this semester (IF I get my arse in gear and stop procrastinating on the application essay -- "Education + Life: A Personal Statement")..

In any case.. found these addresses, places to check around here before I go, places to check out when I get to Richmond.. I had them in a notepad file, but I'm trying to shut as many windows open as possible, so I figured I'd post them here so I could find them later.

+ *Village Stitchery, 97 Main St., Newport News, VA 23601, 211-224-7100 (Have been to.. lots of novelty yarn..)
+ The Loom Room, 83 Queen's Court, Newport News, VA 23606-2000, 757-599-3889

+ Unraveled, 9732 Gayton Rd., Richmond, VA 23238, 804-740-1838
+ The Yarn Lounge, 3003 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221, 804-340-2880,
+ The Knitting Basket, 5812 Grove Ave., Richmond, VA 23226, 804-282-2909
+ *Got Yarn, 2404 Wanstead Ct., Richmond, VA 23242, 804-422-3685 (I've heard, is no longer an actual shop and just online orders? hm..)

//

twisted

2006-11-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

It's kinda weird, but for some reason, I'm not really liking right-twist cables.. I'm making the second one of Fetching and you switch the cables from C4B to C4F so that the cables "twist fetchingly toward your thumbs." The cables look really strange twisting that way.

It's totally a mental thing -- the cables themselves are fine and done correctly.. Perhaps it's just that I'm so used to making them twist the other way, that these seem weird. Like when you hold hands with someone, and there is a certain order your fingers go in.. or even if you clasp your own hands together, interlacing your fingers, there's a definitely "right" and "wrong" -- for me, left hand fingers start; with the right, it feels so wrong!

Idunno... just random..

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

//

EDIT: or do I have the directions confused... I mean, regarding what is a right-twist or a left-twist cable? hmmm.....

local groups

2006-11-13T23:38:00.000-05:00

Why is it always that every local group has their meetings on Wednesdays, and every semester I have a class on Wednesday evenings?? That is very frustrating.. I would love to have a weekly or every-other-week-ly (or even monthy!) SnB group. *pout*

And, of course, by the time I no longer have Wednesday classes, I will be moving to a different city. Hm, perhaps I will start looking up local groups for over there in anticipation.... ;)

//

like, whoa...

2006-11-11T01:42:00.000-05:00

Hah..
I guess today is the day of knitting things almost finishing things, fast. I almost finished half-a-pair of Fetching (one done apart from thumb-bit).. AND in a moment of "must buy yarn and make something quick+new"-ness, I ended up with a skein of Paton's SWS in "natural earth" and making a dropstitch scarf -- already 2/3 to 3/4 done with it already. In addition to class and internship.. ;)

I have to shoot slides tomorrow.. ehhhh....
oh, and stop by the store to exchange a skein of green that is too dark for a more greeny-green..

//

midway

2006-11-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

I'm an in-class knitter. There's debate on whether or not it is rude to knit in class, but frankly, I don't care. There are situations where it is suitable and situations where it is not appropriate, and usually you can tell which is which. I figure that if the instructor does not approve, they will let me know (or, in cases when I feel that it is inappropriate, I stop). My five-hour Friday class would be unbearable if I didn't knit while the professor lectured. seeeeeeeeriously.

I'm working on xmas gifts. I think, as usual, I was a bit too ambitious, what with needing to do exams and transfer applications, etc.. so I will probably be knocking people off the knit-list.. especially those that I'm not sure would recognize/appreciate the time + effort that went into the creation. But I definitely wouldn't have nearly as much done if I didn't work during class.. Plus, it prevents me from falling asleep, or idly daydreaming.. I'm still being productive!

hm.. I should make an update with pictures..
Okay, knit-pictures post to come soon, but in the meantime, make do with a "I'm now growing my hair out!" image. ;)

On a side note, I thought I lost one of my US#5 DPNs about 8 times today..

//

sweater stone free offer

2006-10-22T12:34:00.000-04:00

I just found this free offer online. (free, as in pay S+H)

Sweater Stone FREE Offer

I just wrote out my check for Shipping+Handling, will hopefully send out the envelope tomorrow. I'm looking forward to receiving it.

I know depending on where you get the SweaterStone in person, the prices range from $6.99-$9.99. Since you have to pay S+H for the Free offer, it's only $2-$5 off and you have to wait for it to ship out, but.. seeing as I haven't seen it in person, I think I would probably be spending many more $ hunting one down. Plus, this way I can feel awesome about getting (free) things in the mail! Hooray, I love packages!

The offer's good through the end of the year, so you should try for one too. ;)

//

but i don't _want_ to work on my research paper....

2006-10-19T22:34:00.000-04:00

oi.. have been adding more and more to my personal knitlist.
sadly though, i feel that i should make more progress on my xmas knitting before starting up personal projekts.

but, before i can do that even, i have a crapload of homework, projekts and assignments to get done.

bahhhh.....

though, i have consoled myself by ordering handpaintedyarn -- merino lace yarn in plata (a light silver-gray color, possibly deeper gray-violet undertones) and in burgundy (no longer shown on the site, since i got the last one! but, if i remember correctly, was described as an "intense" red/burgundy.)

woot, new yarn. :)
overflowing stash? what overflowing stash?

//

mystery yarns, revealed

2006-10-18T15:59:00.000-04:00

A while ago, at a thriftstore, I picked up two fingering weight 1-pound cones of yarn, not really knowing too much about either.. but that they were on sale, and the shoplady was going to give me the both of them for $1.60. Now, thanks to the magic of the internet, I know a bit more about each.

First Cone
Label information: JaggerSpun. smeared text Ca*** Green. some numbers and letters - JOO5886 2 8 ML WL
Learned: 2 8 probably refers to 2/8, which I have discovered means "approx. fingering weight"
the smeared text says "CAPRI green"
most likely the "ML" stands for "The Maine Line" style of yarn and the "WL" for the content, wool.
Other information: for the 2/8 weight,there is approx. 2,240 yds./lb. - 1 lb. cones. it is 100% medium grade wool, Mothproofed. Cleaning: Dry clean or hand wash in cool water and lay flat to dry.

Second Cone
The second cone had a little more information to go on.
Label information: Nomis Yarn, 3/15 100% Acrylic, Sky Blue. 2700 yrds.
Learned: 3/15 yarn is about the same as a hand knitting fingering weight yarn.

This is probably intended for machine knitting.. but researching the numbers (2/8, 3/15) taught me some things about the yarn measurements (specifically at this page).

But, then again, in all honesty, I could have told you that by just looking at them.. ;)

//

headstart?

2006-09-28T18:29:00.000-04:00

This morning on the way to work, I saw a bumper sticker that said "Spindler on board".. heh.. I'd like to learn how to spin; however, it's not really practical until I finish at least this semester.. probably not for another year, actually. I'm already doing so much. Someday, though. After all, I haven't even gotten around to socks -- too small with fiddly bits, especially for taking the projekt around to work on during my rare free seconds.

Still no pictures to update of the Modified Ballet Top. I just realized I hadn't mentioned -- it was ready for the wedding I had made the top to wear to and it looked very good. I did take some pictures, but they turned out really bad -- I know that there were some images taken of it at the wedding, but I haven't gotten them yet, not sure if I will either.. Perhaps I will try again sometime later to take better images.

I finished Coronet -- it is an xmas present. I'm doing hats this year, mainly because I'm a little cramped for time and hats are quick projekts; if I find I have additional time, I will probably make other accompanying items.
Let's see... 2.8 xmasknits down, 2-3 to go. (or more, in case the 18 Seconds to Sunrise Hat I made for the brother does not fit his head.. which is quite a possibility -- he is a giant. If not, I think I will make him a monkeyhat.)

I am trying to decide whether or not I want to stripe Tychus or just have the two colours for the double stranding. hm...

Also, check out The Last Knit, an animated short.

//

panta and garden scarves

2006-08-30T23:52:00.000-04:00

I finished these a little while ago, but seeing as they were gifts for aubli, i didn't want to post them until they had been given to her. and now they have!

Panta:

Pattern: Panta, on the Craftster.org forum
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Black
Needle: US 5
Modifications: Shortened length (circumference)

Comments: I'm hoping to get a picture of it being worn by the recipient. She has dreads and I thought this would work very well with them. It was difficult for me to gauge what circumference to make, as since I have no hair, I'm missing about an inch or so of circumference (when i tried it on my bald noggin it was very large, but with the wighair, as shown in picture, it worked alright). Unfortunately, the black doesn't show well in the picture. I think i will be making a hat with similar ribbing.

Garden Scarves #2 + #3:

Pattern: Garden Scarf, from Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft; #2: soft yellow, soft pink, + raspberry; #3: soft pink, victorian rose, + autumn red.
Hook: I-hook

Comments: I decided to save time to display both scarves #2 + #3 in the same photograph. #2 belongs to me (yellow, pink, raspberry), and #3 has been gifted to aubli. Her's is very suitable for valentine's day. hah.. i think i'll be done with flower scarves for a while.

in other news, am working on a modified long sleeved version of teva durham's ballet t-shirt top from loop-d-loop. had to start over when realized that the medium/large i was making was very large. just about done with the body of the second try, must decide whether i actually want to add the sleeves or not. (i plan to wear it at a wedding in 2 weeks, it may be really warm still..) if i hadn't just started school, i would just make both versions, but since i'm a bit cramped for time... hm.

//

Razor-Shell Lace Cami

2006-07-29T18:28:00.000-04:00

Well..
Despite best efforts, the Razor-Shell Lace Cami was not done in time for the little sister's birthday... and SO close -- one day late. BUT, technically we haven't done the gift giving yet, so i'm still good.. woot. heh..

Razor-Shell Lace Cami

Pattern: Razor-Shell Lace Cami from Katie Knits/OhMyStars.net
Yarn: Lion Brand Microspun in Cherry Red, Patons Brilliant in Black Dazzle trim.
Needle: US 5 circs (don't know length.. i just use whatever interchangeable cable from my denise set feels best.)
Modifications: added extra pattern repeat, shortened body length, HDcrochet trim (instead of picked up +knit), criss-crossed straps (to prevent strap-slippage issues).

Comments: Quick, easy, attractive knit. Will probably make another one for myself; will probably incorporate some decreases at the top to prevent underarm crowding/bunching and strap issues, will probably also help front lie flat better.

In other news:
+ the scarf i made for Sheba was well received -- surprise: she collects scarves. so, hooray.

+ i had made two of the blind mice from the "catwarming set" from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation with leftover light blue + pale mint yarn (didn't get a chance to take pictures) for the boy's cat Orion. sadly, Orion didn't particularly care for them... BUT Sheba had found 3 kittens on the side of the road and had rescued them, and the kittens liked them very much. :)

+ have purchased Stephanie Japel's Simple Knitted Bodice Sweater. am tremendously excited. however, may be a while before i actually get around to getting yarn + starting, since i have decided that i must reorganize the room.. because it is a mess.

also, i... erm.. ought to finish other things i've started before casting on for something new. d'oh.

//

little drops

2006-07-12T20:21:00.000-04:00

Pattern: none.
Yarn:: Aunt Lydia's Madison Avenue Crochet Thread
Needles: US 13

Comments: super quick, lovely moving-away present for my new friend Sheba.
Next, and probably last time, I will see her is this weekend, so a quick knit was perfect. The light-weight scarf is very stretchy, so when stretched width-wise, can be converted into a summer wrap. hooray.

Now onto finishing up the RazorShell Lace Cami for my little sister's birthday, in 2 weeks!

//

addition

2006-07-09T11:17:00.000-04:00

Of course, I have started on another projekt before finishing up things currently on the needles.

A new friend Sheba (friend/roommate of the boy) will be moving away to Montana! So... I am making a quick little going-away present for her. She's commented many times on the little knit cellphonecozy I made, so I thought she would like something knit. Of course, the next (and probably last) time I will see her is next weekend, so a quicknit is in order. HOORAY for drop-stitch scarves.

I had two little balls of Aunt Lydia's Madison Avenue crochet thread in Midnight lying around in my stash. Perfect-o. Started on Friday evening while watching some tv, already halfway done with an attractive light-weight scarf -- good for summer. It will be one of those items that while I will lovingly give away, but secretly want to keep for myself. A pity the swatch of Midnight is so small on the site.. it's really a lovely colourway -- the thread is made from like sergermachine runoff.. it's mostly black with the accent of colour in green, blues and purple. nice. :)

Should probably finish tonight or early in the week. Pictures to come, since I've been lacking pictures lately!

//

p.s. "working" on my website www.projektxie.com. oi. dunno if/when it will be done, but for now i have a lovely little placeholder "coming soon" page. progress!

lately

2006-06-25T01:34:00.000-04:00

Lacking updates a bit, since I've been uberbusy between working, sorting things out credits-wise at school (still unresolved), and dashing up to DC to visit the LDB.

However, looks like I will be freeing up a good spot of free time, since I finally decided that I can't be working 40hrs Mon-Fri at my internship and one or two shifts on the weekend at hot topic (can make for very long weeks.. ), so finally asked not to be scheduled at HT until end of summer, when i will be taking a full load of credits (surprise! not graduated.. on accounts of not being able to have the credits sorted out on time and needing a single ONE-credit course. bah!), only working 20hrs a week at the internship, and can possibly manage doing the weekends again. (though there has been discussion that i perhaps shouldn't work weekends in order to spend more time with a certain someone.... hm.)

Anyway, have had to put a hold to working on the Silk Ribbed Lace Corset because my little sister's birthday is coming up in July, and wanted to knit something for her. (Also, I have gotten the feeling that she perhaps feels left out that i have knitted tops for the mother + older sister, whereas she has gotten hats + scarves, but no sweaters/tops.) So, have started work on the Razor-Shell Lace Cami from Katie Knits/OhMyStars.net, working with Lion Microspun in Cherry Red, planning on the contrasting trim in Patons Brilliant in Black Dazzle. And, since she's in highschool and they have dress code rules against tank tops, I figure I'll knit a One-Skein-Wonder (also in the contrasting Black Dazzle) to make it a bit of a set. Though I will probably have to play around with the OSW + the BlackDazzle to make it work with the lighter weight yarn.

So.. yes, that's what I've been up to lately. The nice thing is that the little sister is currently in Argentina so I can sit + watch TV while I knit instead of having to do it all covertly. I'm probably about a third of the way done.

Unfortunately, I have a bad summer cold, so I'm actually too exhausted most of the time to do anything at all..

And speaking of which, time for more sleep.

//

the beginning

2006-05-27T09:02:00.000-04:00

Started swatching for the silk ribbed lace corset top with the Filatura Di Crosa "Brilla" in #406 Pink and size US6 needles.

Pre-washing/blocking, it was a little small, but afterwards, it looks spot-on.. still waiting for it to dry. It was fun dipping in in the water; the feel changed entirely, and the stitches (which looked a little wibbly due to being the first time working with this yarn) straightened up and looked lovely. The swatch is still wet, so the colour looks different, but the ball is the colour of the yarn (i tried to colour correct it to be more accurate..the picture still looks a little lavendar tinted..)

Itching to get started on the top, but have to go shower and try to sort out issues with the school.. I was supposed to graduate this semester from the Computer Arts program, and the Fine Arts program, and a multimedia certificate, but for some reason (unexplainable by all) i still have not received feedback about anything.. which is throwing all plans for fall semester into question. blaaaaargh..

//

p.s. regarding last post, the yarn did arrive in time for me to take on my trip, but i was... erm... distracted most of the time and didn't get a chance to work on it! hah..

not an online-yarn-purchasing virgin anymore!

2006-05-01T22:04:00.000-04:00

i did a bit more research into what yarns might be good for the silk corset top, and after narrowing it down to a few contenders [Filatura Di Crosa "Brilla", Knitpicks "Shine Worsted", and Patons "Katrina"], i ultimately decided on the Brilla in #406 Pink.

it turned out that i think i can only find Katrina online (and it's more expensive than the Brilla!) and the Shine Worsted looked like a good choice, but i wasn't quite sure i liked their shade of pink - "blush", and wasn't quite sure about how it would turn out with it being mostly cotton/modal.. [what IS modal? oh.. apparently it's essentially a variety of rayon and made from BEECH trees!.. hm..]

well, i knew that people had used the Brilla with great results. i've never made an online yarn purchase before.. so i wanted to get something that should hopefully work out well, based on other people's experiences. (if i make another one, which if it turns out well, i may very well do so, i would probably try out the knitpicks Shine Worsted, since it seems like it would be nice too. i'm kinda eyeing that "green apple".. hah!)

so i ordered 5 skeins from personal threads boutique, which.. erm.. i haven't heard any reviews of their shop, but it was the only place that could sell me the colour i wanted and at a resonable price online. so hopefully it will work out properly.. eek!

i, at very last minute today, was struck by the great thought of "if i order yarn for the silk corset top today, maybe i will get it in time for my week off.." but, i don't think it's likely, since i'd need to get it by friday before i head up to DC area. but here's to wishful thinking! i'm having a week off of work to celebrate both end of school (holy crap, i need to de-stress) and to go visit my long-distance boyfriend. (huh.. i typed boyfriend.. usually it's been "person i'm seeing..") but yeah, since he will be at work a few of those days, i thought that this might be a good projekt to work on (and ignore everything else on the needles/hooks. hah.) but i guess it will be a nice welcome home surprise.. as in, "gosh, sucks you have to go back to work, but surprise! it's a package full of yarn!"

//

thinking 'bout some summery knits

2006-04-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

so.. instead of studying for exams like a good college student, i am thinking about things i want to make in the future, after exams are finished..

lelah [crafster page]

jiffy tube top in a jiff [crafster page]

silk corset tank top [KAL]

glampyre's mini-sweater/boobholder (been on my list to knit for a looooong time)

...and much much more, but those are the ones i can think off the top of my head..

i bought the pattern for the silk corset tank top last night.. i'm a little nervous since it uses charts, but i figure if i settle down and pay attention to what i am doing, it should be juuuuuust fine. i was trying to find a not-too-expensive yarn that would still be nice, and someone online made theirs out of patons katrina, which looks like a good substitute, so i'm going to stop by michael's before work to see if they carry it (unfortunately, i don't think they do, so it will be back to searching for a good yarn to use). i was thinking about a nice pastel antique-y sort of colour, like pale pink or green with pearly white buttons, but hmmmm... a nice cherry red would be quite fun as well.

i think i'm going to pick up some yarn for the jiffy tube top when i stop by michael's today, since i believe their lion brand jiffy is on sale for $1.79-ish? or something. and i'll probably pick up a few extra skeins to make matching cabley armwarmers or a shrug to go with it. i might have to fiddle with the shaping to get the top to work well with my boobs.. mmmm... i ♥ boobs.

i also have been contemplating designing my own tank top. i was at walmart the other day at lunch, picking up a skein of caron simply soft for teh aubli's garden scarf (numero tres) and they suddenly have all these awesomely bright yarns.. i picked up a skein of bernat softee chunky in "new" hot pink [whoa!] to play around with ideas.. i think i might do something with black and pink vertical stripes. i'll probably end up crocheting it, since although i've been knitting much longer than i have been crocheting, i'm more confident fooling around with crochet without a pattern, since there's less opportunity for things to go horribly wrong.. haha.. i hope to start getting into designing more of my own things and getting away from being patternbound.

sadly, i feel like i should get a move on making the lil' devil baby hat for MP's baby boy, considering she just had him.. but.... i want fun summeryknits for me!

//

HDC Hat

2006-04-18T17:09:00.000-04:00

Pattern: modified from "Hat with Flower" (Designer: Annette Petavy), from Crochet: Pattern a Day Calendar (April.13.2006)
Yarn: Peaches + Creme, in Fiesta ombre.
Hook: US H
Modifications: No brim, no flower. Just base of HDC hat pattern.

Quick and easy. i wanted a nice cottony crochet hat for the summer so my bald noggin (or lazy-at-shaving ubershort hair'd head) won't get sunburnt.

Previously, I had attempted to make a hat with this yarn, but since i was very new at crochet and had never worked in the round, it turned out much too large (and was promptly given to aubli, who has dreads and i could pretend the hat was intended to be large.. even though we both know it was an accident.)

but this hat, this hat is a perfect fit. however, being really brightly coloured (uh.. should have definitely realized this before making it), i'm not sure how often i'll wear it, and have begun work on a black version. whoa, ohsogoth.

p.s. note my totally awesome shirt from magpie. rock on.

//

Garden Scarf

2006-04-10T23:36:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Garden Scarf, from Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft; soft yellow, autumn red, + raspberry.
Hook: I-hook

Comments: it was decided amongst the people in the office that all gifts for the bosslady/supervisor should be red+yellow (her favourite colorus) and flower-themed (she likes flowers). "AHA!," i thought to myself, "What a perfect idea!" when i decided to make the Garden Scarf from SNB Crochet figuring it would be quick and easy (which it was). at first i didn't particularly care for the scarf -- the flowers look really large on the model (swallowing her neck!), and it looked kinda dopey. but, hey, i needed flowers.

i started making it -- a super plus that you actually attach the flowers AS you make them, instead of having to stitch them all together at the end (ew..) i wasn't quite sure how i felt about it until i finished weaving in all the ends -- up until that point, well.. it's hard to judge with multitudes of little yarn bits hanging out the sides.. i put it on and really liked it.

but that's also due to the fact that mine turned out a lot smaller! my flowers are neat little ones.. i just looked up the finished measurements that the scarf was supposed to be (since in the picture, the scarf, wrapped around the model's neck so that both ends dangle in front, comes to about her waist.. whereas mine is boobhigh with one end thrown casually over the shoulder). turns out that my flowers are quite a deal smaller (my scarf couldn't have been over 40".. guesstimating, since the scarf was already given away.. their's was 63.") in some ways, the scarf was a little short, but i wouldn't do it too much longer.

in the end, i think i like the scarf.. and i'll probably end up making one for myself.. i like the bright colours (well, the yellow and raspberry), especially with my green shirt -- it's very "HELLO spring!" i picked up a shade of pink and will probably make my own spring garden scarf.. with the smaller dainty flowers..

and then take myspace-esque pictures with it.. haha, bathroom, shower curtain, over-head camera angle... oh jeez. (it was the picture that scarf showed up best in, since i finished it at like 1AM this morning and had to take pictures really fast before rushing out the door to get to class before wrapping it up and giving it away -- used the nice green tissue paper, as seen in the babyshower set post, so it was a very spring-looking present.)

she seemed to like it alright, though it will be used as office decoration instead of as a scarf (which it was potentially a tad short for).. oh well..

//

Angie's Baby Set, etc.

2006-04-09T10:34:00.000-04:00

sadly, the image is too large and messes up the layout, so click the thumbnail for full-size

Pattern: Stockinette Stitch Hat, from SheeptoShawl.com Knitting for Change
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby; pale blue, mint.
Needles: US6

Pattern: Oh! Baby Baby Booties
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby; pale blue, mint.
Needles: US4

Comments: this is the first time i've knit baby items (have not had any reason to yet, hah.. thank goodness. i mean, for other people, it's fine.. NO babies for me!)

Hat: Slight disappointment due to a little bit of laddering at DPN joins in hat, despite using the tips from the knitty post about DPNs. actually though, i think that was my problem.. i pulled too tight at the join to prevent the ladder, that the stitch after the join ended up being a great deal looser, since the ladder appeared in the stitch next to the join, instead of at the actual join. hm.. bizarre. it's the first time i've used DPNs for the entire projekt, so i think that also has something to do with it. all previous projekts on DPNs were started on circulars, so it had a more solid base. ah well.. practice, practice, practice. i don't think the baby will notice.. hah..

Booties: booties were quite interesting to do.. have not done any socks/booties to this point. i think they were quite nifty, though i don't forsee making any more anytime soon. i am quite pleased, however, that i did both of the pair, instead of making one and not getting around to its match. heh.. i think it helped that i did both cuffs first and then did the rest of the bootie.

and now must wrap them up (in the green tissue paper and blue gift bag, as shown) and get ready to go to the baby shower!

have also started work on the crocheted flower scarf from Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker for my boss. it was her birthday last week, but we're celebrating on monday. it was generally decided that people should make something flower-themed in shades of red and yellow for her birthday. aha! i said, i shall make that flowerscarf. which is actually progressing quite nicely (about halfway done), but i'm supposed to be working on actual school assignments (sigh) and i think it might turn into one of those "oh.. gee... thanks." sort of gifts. (i don't think she likes me particularly much.. alas.) but it will fulfill my bosslygiftgiving. :)

//

and in un-knit-related news: last night i attended the opening of the genesis exhibit at the peninsula fine arts center (genesis is the college student juried exhibition), where my friend fallon had submitted a photograph she took of me and another model. and the photograph won top prize ($500)! hooray :) so, this is the second image of me that has graced the walls of an exhibit, and this one won top prize. how fantastic.

[currently i only have a photograph i took of the photograph, so it looks better in real life.. shall hopefully get a scan of it soon.]

AND another friend lil ashley had two photographs in the show, one of which won a prize for photography ($100) -- and it was the image featuring the scarf i knit for her! (scroll down) hah! actual image here. hooray hooray :)

april is for babies

2006-04-02T16:59:00.000-04:00

so.. i have two friends with babies due in April. i believe both are due around 2-3 weeks.

Baby One: a classmate has invited me to her babyshower. oh.. oh bother, i thought just recently.. babyshowers = baby gifts.. oh.. hm. i have never been to a babyshower. but then i thought, aHA! i shall knit a wee little hat for the baby boy she is expecting. and perhaps some booties as well. and i even have some DK/sport weight baby yarn in pale blue + mint green in my stash already! how convenient! heh.. so yes.. did a bit of a google search (to find a pattern that would work with that weight yarn, and after realizing that the few babyhats i have seen, i don't particularly like.. then again, i never really paid much attention to the babyknits.. cuz.. yaknow.. babies.. oh jeez..), i found this pattern -- doing the rolled brim stockinette cap, striping it with the pale blue + mint.. haven't decided about the i-cord knot at top yet though.. i figure i'll test it out, and if i don't like it, i can always take it off.

so far though, i'm a little worried about the circumference of the head. it seems rather large to me, but then again, i haven't really measured a baby's head recently.. much less an unborn one! but, i figure, if it's too big, he can grow into it. besides, babies usually have oddly large heads, so it's probably just fine.. heh..

one time, a while ago, she asked if i could knit baby sweaters. truthfully, i told her that i didn't have any previous experience doing so.. she told me about how the family would give sweaters to the children/babies from Scotland, but the boxload had been upsurped by the husband's other sibling's family (or, she couldn't tell, if the whole box had been intended for the other family, or if it was for both families and they just took them all.. either way, it means NO sweaters for them..) honestly, i don't think i would spend effort knitting babysweaters even if i was paid for it though, since i'm so busy.. but it does make me want to give more than a hat, which i don't know is even appropriate for a babyshower gift (i mean, quantity-wise..) so.. i thought perhaps some booties as well.. but i haven't found a pattern i particularly like yet.

and then to make it more of a complete set, i was thinking about getting a rectangle of fleecey fabric that i can crochet a bit of a border on with the yarn. at first i was thinking white, but babies + white = no good, so perhaps if i can find a shade similar to the pale blue or mint, and use the contrasting color for the trim. or perhaps stripe the trim. i'm not sure. i'm not sure when the baby shower is anyhow, so i suppose i'll see whatever i can fit in.. heh..

Baby Two: The other baby is expected by a model i worked with.. she's an alternative model and trust me, anything "typical baby" would probably make her scream. hah.. or at least, something more "alternative" would definitley be appreciated more than generic-baby items. so.. perfect -- lil' devil baby hat! plus, i still have some caron simply soft in some shade of red (must be autumn red) which should definitely be enough to make the baby hat. i've made the similar adult version (the kittyville hat, not the adult devil hat, so i'm already familiar with the process, so it should go nice + quick).

so hooray for baby items that do not involve going out and buying more yarn..

so.. knitting for babies.. and then BACK TO ME. ;)

//

rambley post about stashbusting crochet

2006-03-24T23:29:00.000-05:00

so.. a bit radio-silent as of late.

have been pretty busy actually. a few weeks ago was spring break, where instead of kicking back and relaxing, my "days off" consisted of going to internship (2.5 days) and then driving 3 hours up to the DC area to spend some time (2.5 days) with someone who.. i'm becoming "involved with".. and then 3 hours off to charlottesville to spend some time with my sister + her fiance (2.5 days), and then 3 hours driving back home in the wee hours of morning to go right back into the work/school schedule. i know, i know.. complaining. and people who have real jobs could argue that they don't have a spring break. but.. bah. i mean, in many jobs, you do the work during the hours you get paid for and then don't have to commit too much personal time outside of work. school, you go to class during the day, then the evenings are used for homework and lab time on weekends. then also doing the internship. and working at the mall on weekends, so usually ending up with a 7-day work/school-week (but, luckily luckily, i haven't been scheduled to work as much on the weekends, so i am getting some time off.)

and then have been having carpaltunnely issues.. boo..

but anyway.. took some of the FO's off the progress tracker on the side, as well as some projekts i'm not actually working on (aka, the kittyville hat for my little sister, which is for her birthday -- not until july, and i just have to do the ears..)..

have been doing more crochet lately. i have a bunch of not-so-nice yarn i purchased "back in the day" from thriftstores when i had been thinking about making yarn hairfalls.. which of course, i never did as.. yarn hair falls aren't tremendously nice looking -- very "i made this myself at a low cost" sort of look.. which it essentially would have been.. heh.. so some yarn in lots of different colours, but not nice quality yarn. like, i mean.. not terrible, but not something you'd wear against skin. kind of the redheart acrylicky sort.

so i had thought to myself, what would be the best way to use all this up? i had originally thought toys.. but then i stumbled across this crochet star blanket pattern. or technically it's an afghan pattern.. what is the difference between an afghan and a blanket? i like referring to it as a blanket. because crocheted afghans?? that is definitely something i did not see myself ever making.

well, it stems back from when i was in the video classes of the computer arts program, and render time for video would take forever, so i would bring along some knitting to work on while my projekt would render. and there was this girl who liked to imitate what i did, and so she started bringing crochet projekts to work on. i, at that point, did not know how to crochet, and had attempted to teach myself but couldn't figure it out (and it actually turned out i was doing it right, i just couldn't tell!) so i asked about her crocheting.. until i found out she only knew how to double crochet and was not interested in expanding her knowledge, just content to make panels of dc that she would seam together to make an afghan for her boyfriend. (she also didn't know how to start or finish). and i thought, dear god, how boring.. i eventually took one of those 2hour courses at michael's to get a kickstart in crocheting and after a minimal amount of time, knew more than she did.

of course it's not the who-knows-more game.. it just really bothered me that she had no interest in learning more. expanding horizons and whatnot. i don't understand! but in any case, i definitely associated afghans with boring. (and her's wasn't even the grannysquare sort of afghan.. it was like sewing together 3 large scarves. of plainness.)

so.. yeah.. surprisingly i am crocheting an ~~afghan~~ blanket though. but mine is different! it's shaped like a STAR! which will be perfect for cuddling under -- if you turn it upsidedown so that the point is at your feet, it's perfect for tucking around your body. the point would go under + around your feet. the next set of points would be tucked under your legs and the uppermost would be tucked around the upper body.. mmm, cozy. and even though it isn't the most nice feeling yarn, usually blankets are used with clothes on underneath, so it wouldn't be directly against the skin. perfect for on the couch watching tv and cuddling up with the blanket. plus, i plan to smother the blanket with fabric softener to make it nicer.. heh..

in any case, its turning out nicely so far.. have done a goldenyellow, orange, and red orange (each with some rows of black separating).. next is maroon/burgundy.. and then i haven't decided what comes after that.. i was thinking greens, so i could move on with the rainbow scheme (frog green, dark green, bluegreen, lightblue, dark blue, purple), but i'm not certain i want the red and green next to each other (too christmas).. hm.. shall have to think on this..

anyway, rambling..
must go off to bed. i've been sick lately as well..

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ETA: holy crap, this is a long entry!

mmm... tempting.

2006-02-26T14:52:00.000-05:00

so.. yes..

i had attempted to register for the knitting olympics, but i was late so i never realized that stephanie (aka the yarn harlot) had actually registered me.. and since i didn't know, i didn't do my goal for it! oops.. so no gold medal for me.. oh sadness... :( uhh.. we'll just adjust my goal (which i had considered instead) to be finishing the top for the mum's birthday, which i DID. yesterday. woot. I WIN. *coughcheatercough*

Pattern: Tempting, from Knitty.com
Yarn: Recycled yarn from a thrift store sweater, $2. (Ribbon, spool $1.) Total: $3 + time.
Needles: US8

i think it turned out nicely. the mother kept mentioning wanting something in a sort of burgundy colour (it's darker than in the pictures.. more actually burgundy-wine-ish.) the picture make it look a little strange, since it's an off-the-shoulder top, and i had to try to hold the camera to get the picture right.. so.. yeah. it can also be tied higher to be less off-the-shoulder, which is how the mother will probably wear it most often.. [boooooring..] but she looks great in it.

i swear.. i am not going to knit for other people anymore! i always finish things and then don't want to give them away! hah... and then whoever i make things for never send me pictures! *coughAUBLIcough*

oh, and since i never got around to posting a picture of it (because i didn't like any of the images, since they were taken in the dark with a flash.. oh bleegh... but i'll post one anyway), this was my friend ashley danger's scarf for xmas. (~~which was used as a photoshoot prop, and can also be seen here.~~ [oh, nevermind..locked entry. oh, here! it's somewhere in the middle of all the pictures.] though in neither place is modeled by her. boo.) she wanted something orange + yellow.

Pattern: none/simple dropstitch scarf
Yarn: yellow - unknown DK acrylic (thrift store), orange - target $1 section yarn on clearance for 25cents a piece. (used 4things -- double stranded.) Total: about $3?
Needles: US13? i don't remember..

(hah.. obviously i'm a cheapo knitter... hey! i'm an art student! that's combining the "broke college kid" with the "starving artist"! i think i do alright.. heh..)

anyway... yes.

so.. right now, doing laundry. i had to days off in a row! yesss.. (cuz they messed up my schedule at HT. oops..? bwhahah..) considering starting on a new projekt.. messing with the serger.. or.. i suppose start studying for the art history mid-term? oh, no fun..

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knitting olympics (or where xie comes across as a moron. again.)

2006-02-08T22:53:00.000-05:00

so.. i had been debating about participating in the knitting olympics:

had thought and thought and debated and thought.. thing is -- between going out to cville this weekend to visit sister aubli + stephen this weekend (and, if all things go according to plan, also hedwig + the angry inch and moment of flight), a photoshoot next weekend with ms. purgatori + nihilus, and a maya projekt and coporate identity projekt due, i don't think i'll have the time to cram something "challenging" from start to finish in 16 days. ohhhhhh well.....

but then i decided to perhaps consider the time limit part the actual challenge, with everything else i need to do, and make something not terribly complicated.

so i emailed ms. stephanie about joining in..

AND THEN, afterwards, found a post in the blog dated yesterday that the deadline was last night, midnight.

d'oh.. so, i missed the deadline. oh well. of course, i found the spot where it said it AFTER emailing about it, which means i come across as a moron. oh well.. c'est la vie.

i might perhaps do it anyway, unofficially.. but then again, i have a lot on my plate at the moment..

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p.s. not knitting related whatsoever, but thought i'd post here anyway.
awesome people draw me. because i am awesome.. [hah.. j/k..]
click the thumbnails for full images (because it messes up my layout otherwise).

by alorah, from myspace

by james riot, from deviant nation (beta-testing)
[how AWESOME! yeah yeah yeah! ♥]

ow..

2006-01-29T03:26:00.000-05:00

i was cleaning my boots from when i went to the club a while ago [they had gotten a bit of saltwater and puddle on them] and there was a bit of the bottom/sole of the boot that looked puckered like i had stepped on a rock and it indented the rubber/plastic.. there looked to be a bit of a flap, so i thought i would push it down to try to make it lay flat against the rest of the shoe.

obviously, since this story is worth retelling, it was not a flap of the sole, but instead a piece of glass (that camoflaged itself well.. it is clear, after all..) and i had pushed my finger down along it and sliced my finger open. owwwww...

and i'm supposed to be finishing a hat by tuesday for my friends birthday. needless to say, he's going to be getting it a bit late. i've also been sick. i'm full of excuses.. heh.. ;)

but OW, stupid finger-cutting glass... :(

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list-o-mania... but not yet.

2006-01-18T01:09:00.000-05:00

i need to start making a list of things. like WIPs + FOs and things planned to do in the near-to-distant futures... otherwise i might forget.

i've been drooling over the lelah top [craftster thread].. i think i would use some of that cone of cotton [natural beigey looking] and modify it to have straps.. perhaps make a little shrug to go with it.. heh..

currently i'm working on tempting for the mother as a xmas/birthday present.. it's going well, i just attached the sleeves to the body and am working on the yoke.. just a handful of inches more and then finito. i'm pretty excited about the sleeves, as actually (with the exception of a vest, sleeveless, duH) it's the first wearable thing that need more assembly.. it looks like there might be a bit of gap-age at the part that needs to be seamed, but i can take care of that while finishing.

let's see:
in the near future, must complete:
+ simple scarf for laura
+ kittyville hat for eddie
+ tempting for the mother [also, matching knecklace?]
+ one skein wonder for koryn and kittyville hat [just needs ears!]
... other things i'm sure i'm forgetting..

other things i'm thinking about:
uhhhhh......... i have the random desire to knit legwarmers.
it's far past my bedtime, and i really can't think straight.
listmadness, postponed!

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leo

2006-01-16T01:49:00.000-05:00

Other previously made items:

Leo

pattern: variation on geobabe's knitted kitty
yarn: generic worsted weight acrylics from thrift store.
currently owned by: jeff (the leo), as a birthday present.

hm.. i thought i had another couple of images handy to post, but i suppose i'll have to look for them later.

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picture post!

2006-01-15T18:17:00.000-05:00

i figured i might as well post some images of things i have knitted in the past.

i knit a lot of things for other people, but unfortunately i tend to give them away right as they come off the needles so i don't manage to get a picture of them.

the following are some images of knit things i did manage to get pictures of -- the majority of them are faux-promo images for a made-up website [for a webdesign projekt to make a site for a business, which was "knitwerks"]. [also note, these are from a few years ago when i first started knitting, so they're rather simple projekts.]

click the image/link to see other views of the item.

HATS

cloche

more views

pattern: from boogie knits
yarn: red heart bright & lofty in "beach"
ribbon: found object. [at work, probably came from a dress or top. hm.]
currently owned by: teh kAt-baby.

essential hat

more views

pattern: vaguely original pattern. will be available on my site. black + grey hat knit in the round, varigated green knit flat + seamed.
yarn: black + grey yarns -- caron simply soft. green -- unknown worsted acrylic, from thrift store.
currently owned by: black + grey, me. green, the little sister.

pocket

more views

pattern: from melanie falick's kids knitting
yarn: black + white yarns -- generic worsted acrylic. navy -- bernat softee chunky. yellow -- unknown sportweight(?) acrylic, from thrift store.
currently owned by: black + white, me. navy + yellow, teh kAt-baby.

SETS

licorice

more views

pattern: hat, chic knits H2O hat (when it was available free.) scarf, winged it.
yarn: red heart bright & lofty in "licorice"
currently owned by: tempus.

SCARVES

fizzy

more views

pattern: winged it.
yarn: lion brand fun fur in "confetti" (perhaps?) the mother purchased it for me to knit scarf for the little sister.
currently owned by: the little sister.

MISCELLANEOUS

technicozie

more views

pattern: from stitch n' bitch
yarn: black + grey yarns -- caron simply soft. white -- generic worsted acrylic.
currently owned by: me.

those are the images from knitwerks.. i've got other pics i'll post later i think.

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who's a yarntard?

2006-01-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

i'm supposed to be saving my money, but ended up getting 4 skeins of yarn on clearance at walmart [the novelty sort, but nice ones.. but scarve-capable only.], one skein of lion brand magic stripes in jellybeanstripe [for my future forays into sock making], and both the knit-a-day AND crochet-a-day calendars... but they were half off! *impulsive twitch*

however, i can't just blame it on yarn addiction, as i also spent money on other things such as new piercings [nostril + navel] and new hair.

oh! but i also did get a handful of thriftstore sweaters to recycle and found a vintage 1953 knitting + crocheting book! hah..

and now it's the first day of school. so i must be off.. with small knitting projekts stashed in my bag. ;)

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FO Archive - 2006

2006-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

+ Red Scarf - for Laura, post-xmas.
+ Tempting; recycled burgundy red - for mum's birthday
+ Orange+Yellow Dropstitch Scarf - for Lil Ashley, xmas
+ Baby Set; baby blue and pale green hat and booties - for Angie's baby shower
+ Garden Scarf #1, from SnB the happy hooker; red, yellow, raspberry - for JLab boss's birthday
+ HDC Hat; fiesta variegated cotton - for self.
+ Madison Avenue Dropstitch Scarf - for Sheba, moving away gift.
+ Two Blind Mice; cat toys - for Sheba + Robert's adopted kitties, no post.
+ Garden Scarf #2; red, pink, rose - for Laura
+ Razor-Shell Lace Cami - for Koryn's (little sister) birthday.
+ One-Skein-Wonder; black - for Koryn's birthday (to go with cami)
+ Panta - for Laura
+ Garden Scarf #3; yellow, pink, raspberry - for self
+ Modified Ballet Tshirt Top, from Loop-D-Loop - for self, no post
+ Cat String Toy - for Orion, Rob's cat, no post.
+ Voodoo Wristwarmers - for mum, pre-xmas, no post, potentially lost by giftee.. :(

Xmas Gifts:
+ Coronet - for mum
+ Fetching - for mum
+ Tychus - for dad
+ 18 Seconds to Sunrise - for David (brother)
+ SWS Dropstitch Scarf - gift for friend, never given
+ Kittyville Hat (grey, pink; for Koryn, no post)

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FO Archive - 2005 and previous

2005-12-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

+ previouslys - various hats, scarves and accessories completed prior to this blog:
Cloche - gift for Kat-baby
Essential Hat (own design; Grey+Black) - for self
Essential Hat (own design; Green, variegated) - gift for Koryn
Pocket Hat (Black+White) - for self
Pocket Hat (Navy+Yellow) - for Kat-baby
Licorice Hat + Scarf set - gift for Tempus
Fizzy Scarf - gift for Koryn
Technicozie - for self
+ Leo; modified knittykitty toy (lion) - for Jeff's birthday (Leo)
+ Kittyville Hat; black + white striped with red pompoms - secret santa for HT boss, no post
+ 18 Seconds to Sunrise Hat - xmas gift, never given, no post
+ Accidentally-on-Purpose vest; black - for Laura (older sister) xmas, no post.
+ several Knitty Kitties - multiple recepients, no post
+ Essential Hat (own design) - Anton's birthday, no post
+ Black Crossed-Mock-Lace Scarf - mum's birthday (I don't recall actual stitch pattern name, nor can find it online..), no post
+ Caron Feathers Scarf - gift, no post.

I'm certain there was more, but I don't recall; I didn't blog about my knitting back then and apparently have lost track of many things I've knit, as many were gifts.

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knitting bandwagon..

2005-12-30T18:21:00.000-05:00

well.. hopping aboard. making a knitblog. so my non-knitly friends don't want to strangle me with my own yarn. heh..

first post lameness.

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