I'm Moving!!

I think I'm ready to make the big move... from now on, my blog posts will reside at http://www.kylewilliam.com/ - the direct link is : www.kylewilliam.com/blog.html for those of you who use links...

here's the RSS feed: http://www.kylewilliam.com/3/feed to update your reader...

Thanks to everyone who takes time to read my blog - and special thanks for those of you who post comments - getting feedback means a lot to bloggers - and it still amazes me that people take time to read my ramblings! -

See you on kylewilliam.com!

Kyle

Strawberry Festival!

First, a note about knitting - yes, I have been knitting - I am close to finishing my snowflake sweater, and the rust top down raglan... I'm plugging along on something special for a friend who donated a enameled box to the shop at www.kylewilliam.com - that piece is for sale to raise money for the Amanda Foundation... along with some other random items in the shop. Her gift is slow moving... so is the cabled vest I'm working on - the vest pattern is from Through the Loops! - she designed the vest in honor of her father, who is/was a respected microbiologist - check out that link - donate if you can, and get this pattern - if you have never cabled, before, this pattern is super easy - I'm doing it - only an inch or two into the project - but it's beautiful so far. (more on that another day; today is for the strawberries!)

What a beautiful day! This was the third time I have gone to the Strawberry Festival in Oxnard, CA and every time is as fun as the first... we always end the visit with our annual "Strawberry Shortcake Portrait" - me and my friend Debbie go through the line, making our yummy treats and sitting in the shade (thankfully) - and devour the delights...
There were hundreds (literally) of craft booths - we bought some candles, some candied pecans and almonds, and some neat magnetic bookmarks - but there were also beautiful artworks, glass pieces, windchimes, bags and hammocks, anything that you could imagine... today was the hottest May 18th since 1892 in Los Angeles - YIKES!
I recommend going to the festival - next year - it's over for this one... check out the link, and stick a note in your computer reminder service of choice - and next year, you'll be surprised with a wonderful early summer thing to do come 2009
The other beautiful thing we got to see was the Budweiser Clydesdale horses - this one beauty was laying down (which seemed kind of odd; but I think they just were driven for a few hours standing in their trailers, so perhaps he was sleepy)- my oh my - what beautiful creatures... they weigh over a ton each...


Here's one more treat - as I was getting ready to go this morning, the sun was SOOOO bright that I had to keep the shutters pulled... I left the shutters opened a tiny tad so that there was a sliver of light on the floor - Winky found that sliver and though she was the smartest kitty in the whole world... Watch the little movie to see if she's the smartest cat in the house or not!

Hissy Knits says Goodbye

ANOTHER (yes, another) Los Angeles yarn shop is calling it quits - this time it's sweet Annie Tyron and Hissy Knits - located in Highland Park….north of Lincoln Heights, south of Pasadena, off the 110 Fwy. 1601 North Ave 55 Los Angeles, CA 90042; (323) 550-8960

This weekend is her last weekend "open" - and she's having a beyond crazy blowout sale - major discounts (50% off!) - even on Noro! - I have already been - and cleaned up on Kuryeon (20 skeins!) and Silk Garden (I think around 16-18 skeins) as well as a few other odds and ends -

(yes, I know, I know... yarn diet) - truth is, by the time I got back home I was *almost* sick at how much more yarn I have... there's not really anywhere to put it - I will need to put it in a new bin... which means buying a new bin... :)

SO this brings me to a question - of the kuryeon that I bought, I got all kinds of different colors. My want is to make some sort of crazily colored, somewhat artsy (but not too girly) sweater - using all kinds of colors - sort of like a coat of many colors... I'm not afraid of intarsia or changing colors often - but I'm looking for ideas.

My first thought was to do something in the round, bottom up (or in sections figuring out how to keep the color changes somewhat consistent from one section to another) and change yarns every few rows or so - creating horizontal stripes... the second (and better, I think) idea was to do something like the gridlock cushion pattern from Kaffe Fassett; (essentially it's just a checkerboard sort of pattern) using all different colors and not having rhyme or reason to the order except that the same color can't border itself... My partner thinks that it might be too "girly" so I'm asking...

so to recap - like 15 different colors of Kuryeon (I had to double up on a few) And keeping in mind they ALL are color changing.... so lots of color - I want some sort of "artsy" pattern that a guy can wear... if you have ideas, please; pass them on - it's not something I have to start anytime soon... but it's something I want to figure out...

and lastly, if you're in the area... please PLEASE go by Hissy Knits this weekend - I know, it's hot - but the deals she's offering are amazing! AND - Charles is doing a yarn dyeing class either today or tomorrow - I can't remember - call, visit, take the class if you can, and have a great weekend!

High School Mural

I didn't know if it was still around - so I contacted my old High School (Deer Valley High School, in Glendale, AZ) - and sent a random request through their website and got ahold of one of the facilities folks - and she sent 2 photos - the second of which was actually the mural I helped paint in the early 90's when I attended school there!

I am happy that she was able to send a picture of this mural to me - I remember spending time after school with a few other kids, sketching out the mural on the wall, and using dozens of cans of wall paint to finish it... I did the flag, the smoke under the space shuttle, and the feather in the inkwell - I look at it now, as a 33 year old man and I see so much that could be improved - the perspective is all wonky, the blending needs work, scale is off - but in the end, it's something that I did and I'm really glad that I was able to get a photo of it -

It makes me think that there's other things I have done that I didn't document - they may not be the best examples of artistry ever, but they're part of my history and I want to try not to lose them...

This is part of what I love most about Ravelry - being able to document my knitting arts - I know now - (I have a record!) of every piece of knitting I make - what yarn I used, how much, needle sizes, progress photos, finished photos (sometimes; when I get it done) - and that's good - in time, I hope there's a way to print out these projects so that I can have them in bound form...

someday... someday... for now, I'll rely on the saving grace of people who still have access to the images and items left in my wake...

www.kylewilliam.com

super quick little update... of sorts...

I am working on a new website - (fixed the link; sorry guys!)

when you have a minute, and want to see some of the things I have made over the years, click away!

also, there's a shop on there (sparse so far, but there nonetheless) - that I started to help raise money for the amanda foundation - a group that is amazing at rescuing pets in the Los Angeles area.

bookmark my new site - check out the store from time to time... and if you're feeling generous and want to help out the animals, buy something! I plan on adding all kinds of items to the shop - including knitting books, yarn, finished objects, etc.

if you can think of something else to add to the store that might sell, let me know! I have a goal of giving $1000 this year - help me reach it :)

Tomato Update

They're groooowing!!!! I have been following the direction of the people who sold us the seedlings at tomatomania! - and picking off the flowers... I think they're big enough now to start producing yummy fruit... stuffed in these 2 pots are 11 different plants - it's going to be a crazy madhouse of plants soon - I think it's seriously time to stick some cages into the containers :)
For those of you who love 'em... just think... heirloom tomato after heirloom tomato... if you're in the area, I will probably be begging people to take them, so "sign up" early! :)

More Yarn? are you kidding?!

Before I get into the yarn that I got this weekend, here's another finished object:
I made another yarmulke using Jenny White's pattern from Greetings from Knit Cafe - I used KPM and this one turned out a bit too small - it's more "boy" sized - but fits pretty well as a skull cap on my day of the dead skull I got during our trip to Mexico this past February! - It'll eventually end up as a gift I'm sure; it is just a touch too small for me or Gregg...

OK - Simply Knitting was having a 50% off everything (but Noro) sale this past week - if you got to go, it's a great time to stock up - she does this a time or two each year to clear out inventory and to prepare for the next season - I got some goodies but forced myself not to go too overboard...


First, I got yarn to make something for my Pay It Forward pal, Jadielady from Ravelry - I am not posting much about the yarn (it is a potential secret to her) - but it'll be beautiful... it's in my list of projects on Ravelry, but I haven't started it... at least the yarn is acquired...

I scooped up 2 hanks of Marisol Sulka in a light grey - yummy and soft and beautiful - to make a hat... no pattern yet... but having supplies is half the battle...

I also bought up 5 hanks of each of these 4 colors - to make a sweater or vest of some kind - I was originally thinking of a striped sweater, but as the day progressed, I think my idea has morphed into some sort of vest - I have no pattern for a vest yet... if anyone has a suggestion I'd love to hear it! - I'm not opposed to some sort of intarsia or fair isle, but the yarn is kind of thick so fair isle might not be a good idea... but intarsia (or blocks of some kind) or maybe just good old stripes will be good - I think that cables are out of the question just because I'm not fond of horizontal stripes mixed with vertical cables... ideas? :) (also, do you like the stripes in this color order or would you change it?

I picked up this slow color changing yarn because of its yardage and because I thought I might be able to practice some of the fair isle pattern stuff that I want to do with other yarn in my stash - worst case, it'll end up as *another* scarf - but hopefully I'll find a nice chart to make some sort of pillow front or something...again, ideas?

I started a one row scarf (from the Yarn Harlot) using some Noro in my stash - it's my "carpool" project - I did get my car back from the repair shop - it's all better save a few touch ups - and the stereo is re-installed - but I still love my knitting time while carpooling with a coworker - I need something easy to work on that I can do mindlessly - without much thought - and this pattern is definitely easy - and pretty - and I love this yarn... I'm hoping I'll be able to get a scarf out of one hank of yarn - I have 2 hanks just in case... if I have to break into #2 I can always make a matching hat..

Hope you had a great weekend! :)

Passover, fixed cars and yarn sales

We went to Palm Springs for Passover dinner with my partner's sister's family - I made a yarmulke for my Brother-in-Law...
it's a really simple pattern - using some short rows - by Jenny White from Greetings from Knit Cafe - be sure to check the corrections page before starting the pattern - there are a couple mistakes in the pattern... but once I got through those, it's really a breeze!

I also went to Ultimate Point which has recently moved to a new shopping center - the store is chock full of good yarn - I bought some berroco alpaca something or other, and some KPM to make another yarmulke -

I'm also working on the multi directional scarf right now... carpooling with a coworker - so that gives me something to do while she drives... (Thanks, Debbie!) - I love my knitting time in the car -

OH! I also got my car back on Tuesday -it's 99% done; there are a few interior scratches that will be fixed next week, and the paint job looks AMAZING - but there's a tiny bit of lacquer or something that needs to be buffed out on one inconspicuous spot - (only I see it!) - and my stereo needs to be installed - which happens tomorrow.... once that's done (and a good detailing/cleaning) it'll be good as new.

Auto accidents are frustrating and inconvenient, but all in all, I can not complain - I was safe (not hurt badly), I was able to run after the fool as he tried to drive away, I had a camera and was able to photograph and document the accident scene, I had insurance, and the ability to pay the tow truck driver (even this can be a blessing; I have always been lucky enough to have a credit card when I need it) - and in the end, the other driver's insurance company accepted liability and paid the costs to fix my vehicle. Once they pay for the other charges I have incurred (the stereo removal/re~installation that happened because they said my car was totaled, then after I had the stereo removed it suddenly wasn't totaled so I have to have it reinstalled) and the tow bill, etc., it will be all better!

I'm trying desperately not to buy yarn - although simply knitting is having a 50% off yarn sale through this weekend... UNWIND in Burbank is arranging Stitch and Pitch bus trip, goodie bag, etc. for $40- contact them quickly if you're interested in joining them - I believe it's for June 2nd...

have a great weekend everyone!

:)

Thank you, Mr. Daniels!

I must thank Dave Daniels of Cabin Cove for spinning up this beautiful yarn for me out of some roving that I had bought way back when I first attempted spinning. I decided that there was no way that I was going to be spinning any time soon since I had attempted it in a class and failed so miserably, so I sent the roving to him... he spun it on his Kromski Mazurka (in walnut finish just like my new wheel!) and sent it to me wrapped in beautiful tissue, pinned with his CUTE "Cabin Cove Mercantile" pin (I want to know where he had these pins made; they're adorable!) and labeled with the type of fiber, yardage, etc. on a super nice little printed card - he even included a little lavender packet - he thinks of everything! OH! so, as everyone now knows, after sending all my roving stash to Dave, I decided to buy a spinning wheel of my very own - it's kind of funny that it wasn't until AFTER I rid myself of all my roving that I found my wheel - I always said though; when it's right, I'll know it; and the time was right for my wheel.

Thank You, Dave - for the beautiful yarn - I don't know what it's going to become... for now, it's sitting in my room and I'm admiring the skill and thoughtfulness you put into it just for me :)
I'm glad I met you online and I am thankful that I have the chance to know you. Check out his store - if you see something you like, buy it - and if you're interested in beautiful hand spun yarn - email him; I'm sure he'll make something just for you as well!

Hellos and Good Buys - Weekend in Review

On Saturday, we went to Tomatomania! - a great place to buy heirloom tomatoes... I bought 11 different kinds and can't wait (for 70 +/- days to go buy) until I have lots of neat tomatoes!! My favorite sandwich is heirloom tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, a little mayo, some basil and a lettuce of some sort - on a nice soft bread... YUM! - This place also ships so if you're interested, go to the website and buy some... I recommend trying any of the "black" tomatoes! :)

Saturday afternoon, I took out the Circular Sock Knitting machine and made a pair of socks! they're not PERFECT, but they're complete... I did something funny with the top hem, and the sizing is a little strange (although they do fit!) but all in all, for my first complete pair, I'm pretty darn proud! Some people told me not to throw out my first pair.. this would be the first set I completed - and I'll keep them. I don't know that they'll ever be worn (I need some way to make the top more elastic; maybe when I get the ribber working) but they're worth preserving for nostalgia!

here's my 2 socks fresh off the machine - the fluorescent color is my "waste" yarn -
More good news from the weekend: Meet my new Kromski Mazurka! Yes, most of you know that I don't know how to spin *yet* - but I couldn't pass up the great deal (30% off) I got on this one - Stick and Stone Fiberarts is/was closing... so on Saturday, I met up with my pal Kelli (who knows how to spin AND owns a circular sock knitting machine) - and we raided what was left of the store. I bought the wheel, some roving and a few hanks of beautiful yarn at 70% off - The owner arranged a meeting for us to be able to go to the shop for one last spree (thanks, Margarete!) - and we both got some goodies.

I was able to spin immediately with my new wheel - I don't know what it is - I just sat down, pedaled and started making singles - I definitely need some classes on how to use it, but I am excited and can't wait to learn :)

Another thing that happened this weekend - I stopped by Knit Cafe and got my book signed by Suzan - the store closed Sunday at 3 - I had a chance to give her a hug and congratulate her on making her dream real - She inspired so many people - I can't wait to see what she does next! I'm glad I was able to get her to sign her book for me - it's special to me to have a record of these businesspeople who are ambitious enough to open shops... get published... their knowledge and perseverance inspires me... her book goes next to the Kaffe Fassett books and the Elizabeth Zimmerman autographed books I have. I'm curious - what other knitting superstars are around that you'd want autographed books from in your library? I can think of others I want; but I am curious to hear who you list :)

I met up with Doug Laughlin and a group of guys Sunday from 1-4 in West Hollywood to teach how to knit - I didn't really realize how many new students there was going to be at this meeting - just Doug and myself knew how to knit, and about 10 new students were there wanting to learn - it was challenging to say the least; I am admittedly not the *best* instructor, but after an hour or so, everyone had casting on down and most were knitting! By the end of the visit, a few guys were even purling - I hope they'll keep trying and practicing - it takes time, and with time, they'll get the hang of it!

I didn't get much knitting done this weekend; a little work on my blanket is all I managed - we did a lot (including the chores and shopping/"stuff" I didn't' write about) - so the 2 days were pretty full... it's Monday now, and time to get back to work -- nose to the grindstone, and all that sort of stuff - which is hard to do when so many fiber hobbies sit at home patiently waiting for me :)

Knitting Needle Sale!!!

Need some brand new wooden knitting needles at a fantastic deal?

Today is your (very) lucky day!

I bought a BUNCH of bamboo (and other wooden) knitting needles from Bishop's Yarns when she was going out of business last summer. The big idea was to either use them in a business that I might open someday or to sell them online. I don't see the yarn shop in my near future, so I decided to post some needles here and sell them to whomever might be interested. The goal is to reduce some of the excess that I have and to share the good value of these needles.

UPDATE: - 5/7/08 - I have created a new website - www.kylewilliam.com - and there's a shop on the site that has my needles (as well as other knitting related items) listed for sale. a good portion of proceeds goes to the amanda foundation - a wonderful Los Angeles based animal rescue group who prides itself on saving animals from high kill shelters!

Check out the website store, and buy because you want to... and know that buying is saving lives. Can it get any better than this?

(and thank you.)

:)

Scumble Swap Signups! (Signup Deadline 4/25/08)

Originally posted on Ravelry, but I want to make sure everyone has the chance to play with freeform - this is a good way to get 3 different scumbles and some fun packages of goodies! If you’re interested, let me know by emailing me - Deadline for this signup will be April 25th, and ship date will be May 25th. This isn’t a “secret” swap if you don’t want it to be - if you’re interested in talking with your swapmate about the scumble you’re making for them, feel free.

Give the following info in your EMAIL to me:

Name:

Address:

City,

State, Zip:

Email:

Ravelry ID (if you have one):

Blog:

What colors do you want to do/trade: (note I’ll try my best to match you with similar color people- but the colors you get might be different) - that’s part of the fun of a swap! - I’ll do my BEST to get you at least ONE swap of the main color you wanted- and ONE of the scumbles you get will be a random MYSTERY scumble!

are you willing to ship internationally?

are you willing to help out if someone doesn’t follow through (sending an extra scumble to someone who didn’t get one):

Do you have any pets: Any allergies? (cats, dogs, wool, etc.):

I’ll compile the lists and put everyone together for the swap -
Email me with any questions :) This is going to be FUN! Deadline to sign up is April 25, 2008

Thanks!
Kyle

Goodbye, Knit Cafe :(

For those of you in the West Hollywood, CA area, some sad news has been discovered. Suzan Mischer's store, Knit Cafe is closing its location on Melrose Ave. She has yet to find another location with realistic rent, so, after April 6th, we'll only be able to shop with her through her website.

I spent a little time yesterday after work with Suzan at the shop, and bought a few things.... oh - did I mention? EVERYTHING IN THE STORE IS 50% OFF! - I didn't go overboard - but it would be so easy to do - she has tons of books, needles, yarn, bags... anything you could possibly want - now is the time to buy - there is a large selection of cotton summer yarns there also (and on SALE!) -

I met a new friend there also - Doug Laughlin (on Ravelry and Men Who Knit) was there - so that was neat - we talked about the upcoming crochet class he's going to be teaching this Sunday at the shop - it's 99% confirmed - if you're remotely interested, please call Suzan at the store and reserve a space. From what I understand, it'll be a basic overview of crochet - which, in my opinion, is a good set of knowledge to have; especially for those of us who like the whole free form thing!

Also, the following Sunday (April 6th), Doug is hosting a men's knitting group at his place in West Hollywood. It's the first of its kind - if you're interested in meeting up with the men's knitting group, contact me or him and we'll get it all arranged.

So, just a quick sad post - its frustrating that rent and finances must drive so many decisions in our big grown up world - but I understand the plight of the small business owner. I did beg Suzan to move her shop closer to the valley- she has the most amazing color sense and the products she carries (carried?) in her shop are stunning.

A pinwheel blanket update - I bought a 60" circular needle at Knit Cafe yesterday - the blanket fits on this size needle *already*! - So, I think I need to buy 2 more of them - but it's coming along. I am on a set of rows using Ozark Handspun that I bought a year or two ago from the Knot Garden in Encino - it was on clearance and I was in LOVE - I couldn't go to sleep last night when I realized that it was the next fiber in the blanket - and I HAD to do one round of knitting with it - it's so soft and beautiful and all the little tufts of fiber are gorgeous! I want more more more of this amazing yarn - and highly suggest if you're doing a blanket or something free form that you invest in a few skeins of this yarn!!

Go check out knit cafe one more time before it's gone - get Suzan's book if you don't already have it - and gather up a few good deals at the shop while you're at it! This location is closing for good on April 6, 2008. And, if you're interested in the men's knitting group, email me.

Pinwheel Blanket

I was inspired by ravelry member JavaMama - she made a beautiful pinwheel blanket for her soon to be born baby girl - I took the pattern she used, designed by Genia Planck (this link only works if you can get on ravelry; sorry) and chose this large crate or neutral colored yarn that I have been collecting:
This collection has lots of different yarns in it, including hand spun from a friend in VT, as well as yarns from VIP fibers that were made with Winky's hair (my cat) and Dakota's fur (our old doggie) - After starting and doing a few rounds on the blanket, I decided to get organized -

I laid out all the yarns in an order that I thought worked well - sort of a color arranging order - moving around textures and colors to try to get a nice even mixture of colors - once I was happy with the arrangement, I took some Ziploc baggies and stuck a piece of paper in each one, identifying the order of yarns by number (if I intended to carry 2 yarns together, then those 2 went into one bag) -

There are a total of 36 bags in this collection - once I'm done with the 36 bags, I'll probably stop and look at what I have and re-arrange the colors again - doing my best to ensure that I have enough yarn for the rounds needed - the larger this thing gets, the more yarn it'll take (obviously) - and I'm nor sure how far it'll be before I have to buy some more yarns... I hope I can make it large enough to suit me; since establishing a repeat, most of the colors I have been doing 4 rounds of... some of the harder to deal with yarns (or more flashy glittery yarns) have been getting used only 2 rounds... I like the way it's coming along - this "in progress" photo doesn't show the colors very well - it's pretty earthy though; browns, greys, creams, and just a hint of metallic golds and some indigo and deep olive greens...

I think I'm on the 20th color now (farther along than this photo) and I'm at around 340 stitches around - (34 stitches per section) - every second row the thing increases by 10 stitches - it's taking longer and l o n g e r and l - o - n - g - e - r to even make it around the circle! I still love it, and I'm happy with the idea of using all these different yarns in a round throw - Gregg still doesn't "get" how one would actually use a round blanket, but I know that if I can trick myself into making it about 5' across (it'll only take 100 years) and then if I add a neat ruffle using the manos colorway that's in the center piece, it'll end up being a beautiful blanket - I had a great time with the blanket and I'm not quite tired of it *yet* - I do know that I need to finish one of the sweaters that's near completion - before I get too far along into this monstrosity!

I hope everyone had a good weekend? Easter was nice for us - we went over to my sister-in-law's house and she had a kids easter egg hunt/party for little 1-2 year olds - they were VERY cute - but I can now confirm that age 2 and under is too young to attempt egg dying! - no photos, but definately funny! (I don't have to tell you that I stayed clear of that!)

OH! One other mention - today (day after Easter) all that easter egg dye is going to be 50% off- go get it - buy it up from your neighborhood stores - and use it to play with yarn dying! I have yet to mess with dying yarn, but this is a good (and cheap) way to dye yarn... so try it out!

Top Down Raglan Progress and GAP suggestion!

This pattern is so easy and relaxing - I'm done with the body of the sweater and put the neck band on last night - it's time to pick up and knit sleeves! I'm being hopeful, I know, but I think I'll have this done in a week or so! - Things have been busy around the house- we are doing some fun spring cleaning - washing the eaves of the house, repainting things - scrubbing stuff... all that takes away from my knitting time... but it's necessary and rewarding...

Other good news for those of you following along - the other driver's insurance company accepted responsibility for the car accident I was in a few weeks ago - and decided that despite having sent me a letter on the 11th that my car was totaled, that it is actually not totaled! (I'm glad for this; it means I don't have to try to get a new car.... and it means that I get to get my car back and I don't lose the investment I have in all the money I have put into the car...

Car accidents are icky and I hope everyone will take a few minutes to just double check their policies - if you don't own or lease your car (and really, even if you lease) make sure you have proper GAP insurance to cover the amount of money you owe on your car vs. the "real" or "cash" value that an insurance company may pay if you are in an accident. If my car was in fact totaled, I would have ended up "upside down" a few thousand dollars - and from what I have researched, that cost remains my responsibility, regardless of fault - (of course, if I had to, I'd fight that in court; but who needs another battle!)

That being said, check it out - once I get my car back from the shop in a few weeks, I am most certainly going to add GAP protection to my policy!

OH! one other knitting related bit - I bought some Kauni Multi Effekt Yarn online (Shade EP)- it's a beautiful color changing (sloooooow) yarn that is amazing - you can see what the yarn looks like knitted up in a different colorway here - scroll down a bit till you see the rainbow looking sweater - NICE! - I bought a fallish colored version of this on Ebay - (from England) and can't wait to see it arrive - I won't be starting it for a while, but just knowing it's on its way makes me smile! I am up for the challenge of making the sweater but have to think also about how I want to do it - it'll be a lengthy project for me....

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Almost a Sock! (or what I did this weekend)

The weekend was full of lots of fun things - along with other errands, I picked up my 2 felted bags from the seamstress that lined them for me - I don't love this first one - it's too thin (I used one strand of yarn instead of two) and the strap is too thin - I still like the colors, and I like my little vintage patch I had her put on for me - lessons learned on this one - when trying to felt a bag, make sure you either do a test swatch of felting or use 2 strands of yarn... it makes for a more substantial fabric!

The second bag I did turned out much better - 2 strands together - beautiful colors - grey, green, black - and it holds some memories for me - I worked on this bag in February, 2007 when I attended my dad's funeral - I sat at the viewing for an hour or so and just knitted with him - life is short - and I think that objects hold memory for us - that as time goes by, this bag became more than just a bag; it became an object that marked the passing of my father.

Anyway, I had it lined and put a fun zipper in it:


inside the pocket is a brown/orange fabric lining - I also supplied wider strap for the handle for this bag - I know how to tie the strap to connect it to the 2 "D" rings on the right side, but I haven't figured out how to attach the rest of the strap to itself... if anyone has bright ideas, I'd love to hear them. My latest thought was to add some snaps up the side - to allow for adjustment... BTW- the label was given to me by a friend for Christmas - I think they actually came from Connecticut, and they are woven across the pond in England! Here's the website... and I love them very much!

The other fun thing I was doing this weekend was trying to get the parts together for my antique circular sock knitting machine - there were some missing pieces to the puzzle, as it were, and I needed these items to make my next attempt.

I found these bath scrubbie buff puff thingys at the $0.99 store - 4 for $0.99 (go figure)- I bought a 4 bags of them - I had heard from another sock knitting machine person that they can be taken apart and the mesh was a tube that could be used to start a sock on the CSM! A quick untie (literally took about 5 seconds; I was surprised how quickly they come apart) , and voila:

like 6' or so of beautiful mesh tube! This is a glorious find! Using this net makes starting a breeze - it's also possible to use onion sacks, but I prefer this because it's even the right size for the setup! After I had my netting for the set up basket, I still needed heel forks - so I bought some forks, some weights, and some key chain rings, and after some rummaging in the garage came up with these:

yes, I made 'em! I think I want the weights to be heavier, but they worked pretty well. So now, armed with everything I needed, I sat down in the messy garage and started to work on my sock. Gregg was organizing the garage and keeping me company while I studied and tried to make my Legare 400 do what I wanted it to do... for about an hour or so. I am pretty proud of how far I got, but I kept dropping stitches and the sock was messing up - It was a lot of fun though... and while it's a challenge still, I'm determined to make this thing work!

I tried really hard to finish the sock - holes, dropped stitches and all - and I was able to "fake" my way all the way to the toe before the sock was messed up to the point that I couldn't continue - I documented my attempt before tossing it out:

not bad for the "almost" first sock! I'm doing a 3x1 "mock" rib because I haven't figured out how to make the ribber work quite yet... I think that my first goal is to get a sock complete before moving on to other complications! I will say that this sock was too "loose" for my taste - I like a sock that hugs my leg more... But... can I just say, even though it ended up practice and garbage, for all the sock knitters out there... I did this much in an hour! eek! - using the old machines in no way replaces hand knitting, but it's a beautiful compromise! I can't wait to get good at this so I can use some fancy yarns! - someday in the future, I may try hand knitting socks again - but I believe the machine has spoiled me...

Oh! The only other thing that happened this weekend was Winky got her haircut... poor Winky! :) she's so skinny now!! She loves this blanket - it's so soft and cushy -

Good Old Rusty

I started a new sweater on March 7th - it's flying along... I'm a few inches past the armholes now (top down; my first!) and I love it! this yarn is so soft and at around $6.50 a ball it was a great deal! Here are some of the details (stolen from my ravelry page:)
Needles
US 6 / 4.0 mm
US 9 / 5.5 mm
Yarn
Elsebeth Lavold Silky Flammé
How much?
15 skeins = 1230.0 yards (1124.7m)
Colorway
006 Sienna
Purchased at
Simply Knitting in Santa Clarita, California

I thought I was going to be frustrated or bored with the forever knitting in the round to do the body of the sweater, but, surprisingly, I am calmed by it! There's lots of knitting that I want to be doing - but for now, at least today and tonight, I'm happy with working on this project. It's also nice that a friend from work is driving me to work until I get the whole car thing figured out, so I have an hour or so of knitting time while she drives! I guess, depending on how we look at things, there's good in everything... sure, my car is wrecked and I have no clear information as to when or how it'll get fixed, but at least I have knitting time!

bad news... good news

Bad News-

While on the hunt for a small table that I want to mount my new (old) circular sock knitting machine, humping from one Big Lots to the next, I was greeted by a wonderful man who decided to make a "U" turn in front of me- in the middle of the street - while I was going 35 mph or so.... which resulted in my not getting to go to Big Lots, my car being rendered inoperable and getting towed away, and the future number of weeks being annoying for me with dealing with auto repairs, insurance adjusters and claims folk... the good news: I am OK - no big cuts or scrapes or bruises (I'm very lucky; a huge box of stuff I was donating to Goodwill was in the back seat and flew forward, breaking the windshield and scratching up the interior) - including a portable phone, a ceiling mounted square metal light fixture, books, a tray, etc. Great news - it wasn't my fault - bad news, the guy tried to get away but the car wouldn't let him... it'll be a fun drama I'm sure - but since I'm OK, I'm willing to deal with the frustration.

I am glad I didn't get hurt, and that I have insurance. If you're playing with fate (tempting it) please go get insurance NOW. Having someone on your side is quite helpful. Here's a photo of my car, towed to it's temporary resting spot (purgatory) waiting for me to send it to the car hospital - it made it out there today... and should be fixed in a few weeks...

Good News -

last night, I finished my Lucci scarf - Winky agreed to model it last night while we were watching Big Brother... she's dozing off... only slightly annoyed that her daddy is puttin' stuff on her! I'm glad this is done - it's soft and nice, but strangly colored - I sort of like it...


have a great rest of the week, everyone!

Yard Sales, CSM Success and *almost* Finished Objects!

My my, how time flies - we're already in the 3rd month of 2008 - I can't believe it! This weekend was incredibly busy for me; we started by having a crazy yard sale on Saturday - we had lots of friends and neighbors come over to help out and to visit - and to buy our junk - a pretty good turnout, all in all - not the largest sale we have ever had, but go down our street and ask anyone; they'll tell you that our yard sales are a community event - one lady a few doors down always comes over to help -she's an amazing sales person - we don't tell her about the sale; but set out some stuff and put up some signs, she's there working hard and helping us out! We got rid of all kinds of stuff and we're happy to claim a little more space in the garage!

Saturday afternoon, I met a wonderful angel - her name is Kelli and she offered to help me clean up my circular sock knitting machine and get it going. (note that link isn't my machine; but it is similar)... Anyway, we met around 2 and in an hour or so it was cranking away - she was amazing - drove out to my house, brought her machine and all her tools, and was ready to dive in head first scrubbing and restoring my machine - she offered all kinds of advice and information - and we were both happy to discover that my machine was (is) clean enough to just start working! I still need to come up with a stand of some kind - but the machine works! we bent a few needles getting it going, but I'm beyond happy! We went to a yarn shop not too far away that specializes in cone yarn and fibers for spinning - I bought some cotton yarn (green) and we even turned a heel! it's not perfect, and I have LOTS to learn - but I am very inspired and so excited about my new toy! I will try to take some photos of it in action this coming weekend when I meet up with other circular sock knitting machine folk in Anaheim at Newton's in Anaheim on March 8th. I hope to learn lots from the folks there - it'll be amazing to be able to use my machine and make a pair of socks in 2 hours or so!

here's my first "heel" - my machine has been brought back to life! (Thanks, Kelli!)

In other knitting news, I continue to work on the Lucci scarf - 1x1 rib- I'm not in LOVE with this yarn, but with colors this strange, I can't imagine it being anything but a scarf - so I continue to knit it... I'm learning to like it more and more as time goes by.. it is soft... :)

On Sunday, I went to Simply Knitting and knit with my friend Terri - I didn't want to work on the snowflake sweater, and had some incentive (sale, returns, gift certificates) to buy buy buy... so, I bought 3 balls of yarn and tackled the striped beanie hat from Knitting for Him - it's an easy knit - I copied the page out of my book and just made notes on it as I go. I'm sad that I have so much yarn left over- I might try to make another one but with mostly blue... we'll see... I have yet to seam it up, but it's really pretty... I like the way it looks inside too!

I also bought 15 balls of Elsebeth Lavold yarn at the 30% off sale - I had some yarn left over from a project that I was able to return for credit, and I had a $50 gift certificate I had won from one of Simply Knitting's drawings - so with all things considered, the yarn for the hat AND all the yarn for this project, AND a set of circular needles ended up costing me under $30! I have a simple top down sweater pattern that I want to make designed by Diane Soucy - the neck down pullover #991. I have yet to try top down, so thought that it'd be interesting to work. I love this rusty color - at first, I didn't know if I liked it, but the more that I look at it, the more I love it! (sorry that the photo isn't quite the right color; I took it at night with a flash)

So, that's what happened this weekend - I'm pleased with the accomplishments. my goals for the week are to get the parts for my CSM that I need (or should have), to try to source a table for it to go on, and to finish the hat (should be done tonight), the scarf, and possibly make one more hat from the leftover yarn of hat #1.

:)

New Knitting Bag

I am a bag-a-holic. Not only am I addicted to knitting and yarn, but I am addicted to finding the "right" think to keep my knitting in... I have LOTS of bags - but can't have too many. Recently, I discovered military surplus (as if it's a new thing!) and found an online place that sells the name patches for uniforms, etc.

I ordered a bag and a name badge... they arrived, and I had the patch put on the front of the bag. it's a super cool bag (of course, I can't remember the website now!) but doing a simple search online will give you a number of them to choose from!

so this is my current favorite knitting bag - the straps on the front of the flap are velcro (ick) and go around brass hoops attached to the base of the bag to hold it shut - the rest of the closures are either snaps or zippers - perfect for a knitting bag!

What do you use to transport your knitting? anyone else have fun ideas for carrying or storing your projects? As far as storing projects in progress, I usually have each different project in its own bag - ready to haul out - and I just stuff all the bags *somewhere* in my closet - it's not a perfect arrangement; but it works.

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

Mexican Rivera Cruise (lots of photos)

I am back - We had a great time on our cruise - we traveled with Norwegian Cruise Lines on their "Mexican Rivera" vacation; traveling 8 (or 9 days, depending on how you count it) from Los Angeles to Acapulco, Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo), Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, returning to Los Angeles- it was an amazing and relaxing time - full of fun excursions - and actually quite reasonably priced! We went for Gregg's birthday - (he turns 40 this month!) Here are some photos (sorry for those of you with slower connections) - showing a selection of what we did. I was really photo happy on this trip (over 400 photos) and since my camera is waterproof, it made for comfortable photo taking in the pool area, snorkling, etc. etc.

Los Angeles (boarding day)

We saw the ship (WOW it's much larger than I thought!) - it didn't take much time to board and find our rooms - we toured the ship, found our room and began the muster exercises...

Here we are in our room - with our life jackets on - within the first bit of time on the ship, some law somewhere (international?) requires that we do a muster drill - putting on the life jackets, and meeting in our location in case we're sinking- of course, they don't say where to go if our section is under water or on fire... but I guess just knowing where the life jackets are is helpful.... but wow - there were so many people who couldn't even properly put on the life jackets... eek.
Touring the ship, I found this urinal with a view... aah the sights you can see while tinkling! (sorry ladies, I have no idea if your bathroom had such a view!)
All over the ship, they had these anti bacterial systems - motion activated dispensers that spit out the precise amount of solution to keep your hands germ free. The ship had some sort of incident a few cruises before and lots of people got sick - so they have these everywhere (you can buy them online for about $100) and for the first 2/3 of the cruise, we weren't even allowed to serve ourselves; the crew was serving our buffets, filling our glasses at the self serve drink stations, etc. It took a bit of additional time, but the precautions were appreciated. Near the end of the cruise, this procedure was removed, and we were free to serve ourselves....
In the room, I found my favorite spot - sitting in the window knitting - looking out at the waves as we sailed at around 22 knots (around 25 mph)- we were on the 5th floor (I think about 3 stories above the water) and it was nice. We had friends on the 10th and 11th floors, and they both had balconies - I think next time (with membership discounts, etc. we'll try for a balcony; the only part I didn't like about the room was that the window didn't open)...
there was art everywhere on the ship - this was part of the permanent collection - but they also had art for auction... I saw a Salvador Dali original that I loved and wanted to buy - we went to the preview to find out the minimum bid - and I left when I found out the minimum was $6,500.00! (eek) - that's a lot of yarn!
A view of things I don't understand at the top of the ship - lots of cameras everywhere... we were sitting playing cards when I took this pic... during this time, our friends were baking their backs... lobster red... ouch
towel animals inside the staterooms... cute!
during the morning walk I snapped this photo - on deck 6 - (7 is where all the lifeboats were) - 4 times around the ship on this level was just over 1 mile.
Stop #1 - Acapulco, Mexico

We left the ship (it is HUGE) and went on a snorkling excursion - the water was in the 70's - and was really salty (yes, I know; it's the OCEAN) - the water burned my face because I forgot that it's not wise to shave the day of a snorkling dive! The people we went with were lots of fun - the best part of snorkling was sitting on the boat, in the middle of a small bay, watching everyone search for creatures. The guide brought up a small octopus and a beautiful puffer fish for us to see!
We had our choice of many drinks, including Corona (after snorkling), Coke light (diet Coke) and these two - I tried the Manzanita soda - carbonated apple juice is quite tasty!
Here's the best photo of underwater friends - the water was kind of cloudy so it was hard to see - I had never snorkled before, so it was a little unnerving - we kept being moved slowly closer and closer to rocks that were covered with little crabs - I just couldn't handle it for very long so after about 30 minutes I had to get back on the boat...
My camera is waterproof - (I love it) - and I took this "self portrait" from under the water facing up at myself... silly.
Photos come out much better out of the water - here's a sailboat that was going around the peninsula across the way -
Either this house or one a few houses down belonged to a famous actor from Fantasy Island - or so the tour guide said!
In town, later that evening, I found these mermaids - Barbie has apparently undergone an "Extreme Makeover" in Acapulco!


Zihuatanejo, Mexico

(my favorite stop)

This town was quaint - and it felt untouched by tourists... although it was clear most of the shops were there to cater to us, it was still pristine.... the boat had to stay out in the bay, and we used "tender boats" (the life boats from the ship) to take us to the shore. There was no pier here and they're actually fighting against getting one - I bought a Tshirt here in support of this cause - the building of the pier will bring bigger commercial development and it'll mess up the beauty of the town - it's an adorable fishing community - they don't need a huge concrete pier - and they don't need the commercial "McDonalds" or "Wal Mart" mentality destroying the beauty (enough rambling)
Fishing boats and part of the fish market (I tried not to take photos of the fish for sale; ick)
funny shop - the fat mermaid.... I bought a tin figure of a mermaid (man) skeleton with a fish lower torso here - it also had wings (I think) and is cute...
I did find yarn in Mexico... at a rug shop - they had beautiful (itchy) wool and I tried to buy some just to have it... but they said that they couldn't spare any - it's used for incredible rugs they weave by hand - outside that shop was this spinning wheel - hmmm... I am not sure if it's a spinning wheel or not but sure looks like one!
angels and masks in the market
this person is beading a skull - it's covered in clay and then they put these tiny beads onto the clay, pressing them in and covering it in amazing patterns - time consuming (this person had the beads on a toothpick or a needle) - I'd like to try this one day but would want to take a class here... perhaps in a studio and not in the middle of the shopping area.... but somewhere in Mexico...

Puerto Vallarta

This birdie was right at the port - when we got off the ship - - it's an endangered species.... pretty.

We went on the "Canopy" adventure - about an hour outside of town in the wilderness - it's a zipline tour where you fly through the trees... here's how they describe it on their website:

On this spectacular eco-adventure tour you will experience what can only be
described as a pulse-stopping view of one of the most beautiful and complex
biological communities on earth. Feel the rush of adrenalin pump through your
veins as you whoosh from platform to platform, 90 ft (30 meters) above the
forest floor! A series of thrilling zip lines gives you the maximum opportunity
to marvel at the stunning, tropical setting as you effortlessly traverse through
the huge tropical trees, amongst wild orchids and a diversity of native birds
and reptiles.

FUN!

Pelicans on the bay...
heading out of town....
here's a donky (at the adventure place) - they didn't let us bring our cameras - I'm actually glad; it would not have been fun if I had worried about taking photos - of course, they had a photographer along with us - and we bought one photo each from the trip - we haven't received them yet.... so for now, the donky will have to do! :)
more scenery from the drives... one hour each way got us lots of gas fumes (we were in the back of a Mercedes all wheel drive millitary style truck)
Here we are in Puerto Vallarta - we did lots of shopping, but this was not my favorite port - I did buy a wallet but now I'm sorry I got it - it's not the most practial but it's pretty...
as we left port, I got a photo of the pirate ship (it's another excursion thing that you can do there... I thought it looked kinda fun but not something I'd spend precious port time doing) - cute photo though.... and an amazing ship!
dinner each night on the ship was multi course... 4-6 to be exact, and usually ended with a selection of desserts... I felt no shame in selecting 2 desserts for myself... (and as you can see, the others had no problem with it either!) - the food was almost always exceptional!

Cabo San Lucas

Here's a shot of a tender (lifeboat) taking people to the port - this was a long boat trip (about 15 minutes) and the water was actually kinda rocky by the time we ventured out...

more birdies...

Cabo was interesting - we did some walking - I found this guy climbing across that skeleton of framework - they were fixing that sign - look to the left - there's a store called "die trying" - it seemed like an appropriate location to be climbing around on the fragile framework of an awning... see where his ladder is on the right? doesn't look too smart, amigo....

Cabo Wabo - I took the photo - we went in for a drink - it was small and pricey. Gregg (and Tom) both went to the bathroom to wash their hands and the light didn't work - there weren't any towels... I went in about 2 minutes later, and flipped the light switch and the light came on... and there were towels.... I'm not sure if the wiring was wacky, or if they couldn't find the light switch, or if the people there changed the lightbulb or what... but it was wierd....

more boats...

back on the ship, we met lots of new friends from all over the country (others not pictured from other parts of the world) - a random passenger took this photo - she took another with her camera and said she was going to title it "Hot Man Soup" - funny.

The morning of the 12th we woke up to Long Beach (Los Angeles) CA port - we decided to do the unique "walk off" procedure instead of waiting for the regular disembarkation - basically, between 730 - 830AM you take your luggage and roll it off the ship - go right through customs and immigration and out the door - it was special for people living in the US - and we walked off and were in our car in about 30 minutes! A great end to a beautiful trip.

I got much less knitting done than I thought I would - but we had a fantastic time and so many memories of our time in Mexico. I recommend highly a cruise for anyone looking to do something really relaxing. it's not overwhelmingly expensive and it's definately good to get away - no phone, no internet (by choice; they actually had internet on the ship) and a true vacation. I am still working on the scarf I left working on... and hope in a few days to be back in my knitting groove... for now, I'm finishing this scarf~~

to be continued...

hey everyone- just a quick note to let you know we're going on a trip- a cruise to Mexico! - be good, have fun knitting, and I'll tell you all about it when we return!

Kyle

ps the kitties and doggies will be just fine; we have a friend staying at our home that promises to spoil them crazy!

Long Beach Swap Meet and Knitting Fun

This weekend was pretty productive - here's some of the things that happened in no particular order:

I started (and finished) a hat for Wanda Wisdom - a 32 year old single, sober drag queen who podcasts for Lavender Media in Minneapolis, MN - I promised a hand knit hat to him/her before Christmas because he/she runs a lot - he actually has lost a great deal of weight this past year by working out and running and eating more healthfully! - I enjoy his podcast - he makes me laugh and smile and I'm glad to know him... this hat should go out to him sometime this week.

I got a wonderful package from a friend in Vermont - he's a knitter who found my blog - and wanted to send me some goodies to thank me for all the new resources (including Ravelry) that he had discovered by reading my posts. He's a special friend and I LOVE all the handspun he sent me - a gorgeous collection of merino, wool, even some cotton - that I plan to mix with other collections of yarn and eventually will add to a blanket I have planned - Most of you know, I tried spinning - and it wasn't really my thing - I admire those who have the patience, but for now, I know I'm not quite ready for it... I'll just have to appreciate the talents of others until I have the drive to slow down and practice! (Thanks, Chris!)

I also finished the collar on the green sweater, and attached it... I'm in the process of blocking that sweater now - it needed to be about 1" longer than it was hanging unblocked - everyone seems to think that it'll be fine - so I'm trusting all the experts - I wet it, pinned it out to dry and it's drying (slowly).... can I just say, yarn that has not been washed stinks when it gets wet! ick! I put this out, then we went out for the afternoon - when I got back, the house smelled like mold - it was gross! I hope that stink doesn't stay in the sweater... I might have to spray it down with cologne or something... (anyone have suggestions on what to do re: the stinky wet sweater?)

I also finished up another bag - this was the "first" felted bag I started way back in December, 2006 - it sat in the closet about 50% done because I knew that it wasn't going to be perfect (I used only one strand of wool instead of doubling up) - it turned out a little thinner than I wanted, but it's still pretty neat... Anyway, after felting it in the washer, I put some plastic boxes in it and laid it out to dry outside overnight on the lounge chairs - in the morning, I was surprised to find that when it's c-o-l-d outside, felted things freeze!
stiff as a board - but looked pretty cool... I let it lay out there all day, then last night transferred it to the garage - it's pretty dry now - I just have to find the right fabric to line it, and a strap and then it's off to the finishers!

We went to the Long Beach Swap Meet on Sunday - and I found some neat goodies I wanted to share.... I had wanted to find some neat patches to put on the bags - and I found 2 of them (for $5) at a booth - then, I stumbled upon the holy grail of patches... $.50 each! - the lady had bought thousands from someone, and had been selling them forever - these were the leftovers, but I found some fun ones:

I also found these really cool felt flags - they're from cigar boxes (or so the ladies told me) - there were smaller ones (around 6" x 9" or so, and larger ones, around 18" x 26") and I guess they were some sort of giveaways... anyway, I thought they'd be cool inside a bag, or sewn into a lining in a jacket, or as a pillow backing (the bigger ones) ... I have no idea when I'll use them, but I had to have some of them because they're interesting.... and like I told the ladies selling them, If I don't buy these, I'll regret it and never see 'em again - but if I buy them, they'll be everywhere! I bought 5 little ones and 2 big ones...

I started a new scarf last night - since I was exhausted from the day and literally walking in circles trying to figure out what to knit - I didn't want to work on the snowflake sweater (too complicated for me being so sleepy) and I didn't want to tackle the guernsey (math involved in figuring out how to center whatever patterning I decide comes next) so I found a neat diamond seed brocade pattern in a stitch dictionary, grabbed some yarn (from my stash earmarked for scarves/hats/etc) and started working on it. I like the way it's turning out - it'll take a little concentration being an 8 row repeat, and since I'm not an expert at paying attention, having this as my "TV" knitting will be good for me...

Hope everyone has a great week!

Kyle meets Kaffe Fassett

I went to Wildfiber in Santa Monica, CA last Thursday and met Kaffe Fassett (he was touring signing his latest book) - if you have a chance like this, go see him - spend a few minutes with him; he is inspiring and has lots of fun stories to share (one he told me was about a meeting he had with Elizabeth Zimmerman in a pub outside London) - he told me when she first heard that he was knitting she sent him a set of circular needles and wrote "try these; they'll change your life." -
If you don't have the chance to see him, at least check out his books - they're full of inspiration and when you look hard at what he's doing, it's not really complicated - it just takes time (some patterns a LOT of time) -

Oh - and a note about Wildfiber - what a beautiful store - Natasha there was so nice to me - I want to take some classes there and I'm waiting to see what they have to offer this year - I felt very welcome and "at home" surrounded by so much luxurious yarn - they had tons of Manos del Uruguay and a literal island of noro - it was yarn heaven! I ended up buying 2 skeins of yarn and one of Kaffe's books (his pattern library) - I already own his latest book, so I had him sign these two. What a treat. These books go in my collection next to my Elizabeth Zimmerman signed book - I find inspiration in creative books autographed by their authors - knowing that there's some sort of connection with those people. I like having met Kaffe - and meeting him has inspired me to attempt at least one of the projects in his latest book. I haven't decided which yet (but I think I have narrowed it down to 3) - I'm waiting to be sure which I want to do so that I can slowly acquire the yarn

(wait... I'm supposed to be on a yarn diet, aren't I?!?!)

:)

Kitty Kisses

Winky gives Willow a little bath:

Just a few notes to share:

• The cats were exceptionally adorable last night while I continued to work on my green sweater. I am almost finished with the first sleeve - which leaves sleeve #2, collar and assembly - yippee!
• Tomorrow, I am going to Wildfiber in Santa Monica to meet Kaffe Fassett - he's going to be there Thursday, January 10, 2008 from 5-6:30pm! How exciting is that!
• My friend Karen at Simply Knitting was able to find more yarn for the snowflake sweater for me [in the same dye lot!] and that should be here sometime this week! I couldn't be more excited!
• Have a fantastic Wednesday!

Best of 2007

In honor of knit lit blog post, here's my Best of 2007 - feel free to do the same!



here's the premise posted by knit lit:

you spend so much time reading other people's blogs. but how often do you
look back on your own? that's the idea behind "best of 2007." inspired by a
super creative food blogger, i've decided to host a similar event for knit
bloggers. so take a stroll through your blog archives and share your own best of
2007 post. your post should highlight the very best that your blog had to offer
this year. feel free to write about anything you like. here are a few thoughts
to get you started. after you write your post, send a link to me and i'll post
all the links here next february. don't have a knit blog yet? maybe 2008 will be
the year you start one!

1. your best FO of the year - 2007 this is a hard one for me - I guess the Sunday Brunch jacket I made for my Niece





2. best FO of the year made by a blog you link to: probably anything done by the Rainey Sisters - they're amazing!!





3. best yarn you tried - wow that's a hard one - I am loving anything with merino in it - the yarn I'm making my varigated sweater in is my favorite right now... Autunno! (YUM!)





4. best new book/mag/pattern of 2007 - I have to say that I don't love the magazines - they show lots of good girl patterns but the guy patterns are either silly or too cably for me... bookwise, my recent favs include the new Kaffe Fassett book... so inspiring!





5. best new knitting technique or gadget you tried in 2007 - probably learning how to hide my ends in as I knit... it's a timesaver! my fav. gadget would probably be the KnitKlips.... so cool





6. top 5 inspirations--what five things inspired you the most over the past year?

1.) Saying goodbye to Bishops Yarns - knowing the courage and determination required to run and have a business for that long - over 30 years I believe - knowing that knitting will always be a part of my life
2.) The workshop I had with Janice Rosema - learning that no pattern is no problem - making it up as you go is fun and having courage with colors is OK -
3.) Simply Knitting in Santa Clarita Valley.... Karen is amazing and the people there make me feel so welcome. this LYS, even though it's kind of far from home is worth the drive, because of the way the people there make me feel. I appreciate feeling so at "home"
4.) Ravelry.com - let's face it; it's revolutionizing the knitting world - from organization of my projects and photos to helping me find new yarn and resources, this is the new "go to" place for inspiration and information
5.) All the blogs I read - I love google.com/reader - my friends on there inspire me - and knowing those people makes my life richer.




7. designer who most amazed & inspired you throughout the year - She's worth mentioning twice - Janice Rosema - so creative and positive - patient and talented... can't say enough about her!





8. knitting resolutions for 2008--what's next for you and your blog? getting rid of WIP's - trying to finish what I start.... and most importantly, to try to buy with purpose - I want to reduce some of my stash - so I have decided not to buy yarn until July 4, 2008. I know I'll fall off the wagon a few times, but the important thing for me is to reduce some of the quantity of works in progress, and the works just waiting to be tackled....


Happy New Year everyone!

Happy 2008!

I am still working on the snowflake sweater -for those of you who have told me I am not allowed to start another project *but* I am running out of the blue yarn! I have my LYS searching for it and once I find out what they can find, then I'll move forward further on that project... but for now, I had to start something new... so I cast on (late on Dec 30th) for the back of this jacket which is from Debbie Bliss Simply family - it's a zippered jacket with ribbed sleeves - and I finished the back on New Years Day! - the yarn is an Italian yarn called Autunno and is 100% Merino Wool!

I wanted the striping of the yarn to be consistent from the left and right half and the expanse of the back... but the back of the sweater is twice the size of one of the sides... therefore, the stripes on the back would be half the size... so I cast on 1/2 of the back with ball A, and the remaining 1/2 with ball B.... I worked back and forth with both skeins for the entire back, twisting the center stitch - and came out with this:
The striping looks about the same on the left front that I have started and I'm really pleased! I didn't want the stripes to "match" - I just wanted them to be pretty much the same size... and it worked! The project seems to be moving pretty quickly and I'm excited to see it progress - maybe I'll be able to finish it this month!

On another note, when I went to Simply Knitting a couple of weeks ago to buy the Marisol yarn (I made the hats out of it) I also bought a friend yarn to make a shawl - I bought enough to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate... and I WON! - I'm very excited about it and have my prize now... I'm waiting though - since it's the new year, I did say I wasn't going to buy yarn until July 4, 2008.... it's only day 2 of my waiting... and I'm already trying to talk myself out of that deal!... I'll "cheat" a bit I'm sure... but as long as I'm MUCH more careful about randomly purchasing yarn, I'll be happy!

We had a pretty uneventful New Year's Celebration - Gregg did some cooking and baking and we had a few friends and family over. The baby "stole the show" with the singing - I was a bit manic with her running around carrying the mic - I just knew she would yank the machine over - of course, we were watching it (standing guard) the entire time she had it, and I kept "reeling her in" when she got a little too far away. it was too cute for words... if you can bare to watch, check it out:

I hope you had a wonderful and safe celebration with your family -

Happy New Year!

Holiday Wrap-Up

We had a pretty quiet holiday - I was off from work for 4 days (hooray) and got some knitting done... I started (and finished) 2 hats made from yarn from the marisol project - bought at Simply Knitting - it's amazingly beautiful yarn and I loved the colors - I made one adult hat and one child hat out of the 4 skeins I bought (they're only 50 yards each)
Here's our fun tree this year - during the break, Gregg and I went down to Orange, CA (near Disneyland) and shopped at the antique stores - we found lots of fun antique ornaments to add to the tree. I think that next year will be a "vintage" Christmas - we are both enamored with the old glass ornaments - I like the ones that are really old and worn out - cracked paint, etc. and he likes the crazy fun colored ones! This is our "fake" tree - we had a live one a few years ago, but I just get a little too manic about the idea of a cut tree drying out with lights on it in my house - so the fake one will have to do... we invested in a good one so it looks pretty real...

Here's our holiday portrait; Christmas Morning, 2007 - (it's early, and we're not quite awake yet!) I'm in my favorite Charlie Brown Christmas shirt!

While we opened presents, Winky sat in her favorite chair and watched - not too close... until we opened her Christmas gift (Winky and Willow both got kitty cookies!)

Willow was around too - running around under the tree, getting glitter all over herself - they had a good time! I'm lucky to have such a loving partner - and loving animals.... and my family seems to all be doing well - I talked to some of them - and all the gifts arrived, and the kids liked their presents - so.... all in all, a pretty good holiday.

I also worked more on Gregg's snowflake sweater - finished sleeve #2

(not a great photo of them - it was early in the morning, and Willow just HAD to be in the photo!) - I made one tiny mistake, (but I'm not telling!) - I sent Gregg to buy a longer circular for the body (believe it or not, I didn't have it!) and I'll start the back tonight!

I hope everyone else had a great holiday - and that their families are all safe-

Happy Holidays!

Stuck... (help?) this pattern is confusing...

OK folks - I really need your help! I'm working on the "MEDIUM" (or second) size of this snowflake sweater... I'm on row 19 of the chart (row 14 was the last row before decreasing, row 15 and 16 were "bind off 6" rows, and row 17 and 18 were "bind off 4" rows... (which finishes me at the end of the "Shape top:" portion of the instructions below) BTW in the "Shape Top" section, I woul d have ended with 69 stitches...
I'm stuck with the 1st row and 2nd row instructions- the thing that's frustrating me about patterns in general is the "word problem" quality they seem to have... saying things like "do "x" 4 times, every 3rd odd row"... or whatever... it is soooooo confusing - and since I'm working a chart, and the chart is patterned (see below) I don't really understand where I am supposed to do what... now I do notice in the photo on the cover of the book that this pattern comes from, that there appears to be a few stitches of solid white where the sleeve and front attach, but I don't see that in the chart and while I know it's hinted at in the instructions, I don't know what I'm doing... so I'm asking for your help!

here's the chart - If you know how to decipher this and think you can explain it to me, I'd love you forever! :) - I am thinking that I do the "with A, K2, K2tog" while ignoring those stitches in the chart - and then just continuing the chart as it's written until the end... and at that part, I "with A, sl 1, K1, PSSO" like the pattern says... again, ignoring the last 3 stitches in the chart... but I want to be sure (because I don't know if I could rip back very easily in this chart!)

Here's where I am so far - I'm SO excited about this and can't wait to finish this sleeve - I hope to hear from some of my expert friends on here that might be able to offer help :)

I love how it's turning out and I WISH I knew what I was doing... but since this is literally the first time I have tried to read a chart, I don't think I'm doing too bad... I am hoping to get to finish the sleeve tonight... if you have suggestions, please let me know :)

Thanks for your help! - Happy December 12th!

It's Working!!!

Hard to see in the photo (my circular needles are making the sleeve twist around) but I'm following the chart and I'm seeing the beginning of snowflakes!! Now I just have to try to decipher what the pattern means from here on out... it is asking me to bind off on some rows, following the chart - and I just have to sit down in a quiet room and "decode" the info... but I'm feeling confident :)

SWATCH! measure... then CAST ON (now I get it!)

I am a bit frustrated with getting halfway through a project only to realize that it's too small... so I am trying hard to get gauge right this time... which leads me to what I have learned: The first step... whether we want to acknowledge it or not.... to a nicely completed project... is t swatch... and from what I am learning, making a 4" x 4" swatch in pattern isn't always enough - there's a great podcast called knitscience that had an episode about swatching and she suggested, after combing through everything related to swatching she could find, to create a swatch just over 8" x 8" - and measure your gauge swatch FLAT on a table (not on your leg, or on your bed) - with a RULER not a fabric tape measure - and to measure in MULTIPLE places (not just one) and to count stitches in a number of places, and take the AVERAGE of those measurements. THIS, I am learning, is the BEST way to get gauge...

Why 8" x 8" - because if we're knitting just a 4" x 4" swatch, we're probably hurried - and the cast on edge is part of our calculation - and we just wanna start... the 8" x 8" makes me slow down a bit - to relax; and knit the way I knit... and hopefully it'll be a better indication of what my knitting will measure in the final product.

With all of this in mind, I cast on my swatch for the snowflake sweater last night...
it's 45 stitches across - and so far, I'm getting 20 stitches/4 inches... right on gauge... but I must knit more - to measure my row gauge and to make sure I'm getting this stitch count consistently! :) Here's the sweater I'm hoping for-

it's a gorgeous sweater that Gregg wants me to make for him - from a book by Patons #500993 "Indigo Days" that I picked up at Bishops this past summer... I'm using Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran yarn - and it's sooo nice to work with!

I also got my scarf from my Ravelry Scarf Exchange pal - it's a beautiful entrelac blue and grey scarf that she made for me - using a knitty.com pattern - I have looked at trying that pattern but (like her) I have never done entrelac; and since I have such a limited attention span lately, I haven't found myself hankering for a project requiring that type of concentration.. constantly picking up stitches...

Last news - I finished the free and easy pie shawl a few days ago - I haven't blocked it yet (I actually haven't even woven in the ends; even though there's just two of 'em!) - and I'm a bit suprised that it's so small... I like it; but it has no home yet.. so for now, it'll go in my FO stash...

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Pay it Forward (in honor of Linda)

I am "borrowing" (stealing) this idea from Linda - and I love it... here's what she wrote in her blog post:

How would you like to promote the spirit of handmade and get something in
return? All you have to do is reciprocate and it just goes from there.
“The
idea of the exchange is I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who
leave a comment on this blog post requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t
know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next
week, but you will receive it before winter's end, that is my promise! The only
thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on
your blog.”And so I have!

As you know, I am a sucker for giving things away - and getting packages always makes me smile too... so I'm happy to send some goodies and cheer out into the world... just promise that you'll repost too like I did :)

It's almost December!

:)

Kyle

Thankful.

A finished object: I finished my noro striped scarf - started on Friday it's a k/p across, k back creation of 4 balls of noro silk garden - a lot of work and still drying on my blocking board but I'm excited about it... I think it's about 5' long but I'm not sure...

What am I thankful for? Here are some things I thought of today (in no particular order):

1. My family - all of them - even the ones who make me crazy or upset me from time to time - all the way to the ones who have broken my heart. Each and every one of them has helped me grow to be the person I am today.
2. My partner - he's my life. Sharing everything is so much more fun with him!
3. Knitting - and all the creativity I have been gifted with - from the interpretations of others' designs to the ability to see art in everyday things
4. opposable thumbs (yes, it's something to be thankful for) - actually, having the ability to move at all - to be lucky enough not to be struck with the challenge of being confined to a wheelchair or bed
5. my pets - the kitties and doggies - they're my heart.
6. gifts of sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste...
7. Health in general - being able to breathe clearly, and not being sick
8. I am thankful for living in all the different places I have during my life - across the U.S. - having the chance to meet different people and learn from all of them.
9. Friends - both on the internet and those who I know face to face - I may not have thousands of friends, but those I do have mean so much to me - people in my life will stop what they're doing, fly across the country and help me out if I need it. (they'll also slap me in the face and give a true "reality" check when I need it, too!)
10. Hot water - let's face it; a good long hot shower does wonders -
11. My Grandma's chicken and dumplings - so good even the memory makes my mouth water - also banana salad which lots of people think is wierd, but for me is part of tradition.
12. HGTV
13. Clearance Sales - buying things that are priced 80% off makes me happy.
14. Transportation - being able to afford a car, and to like the car I have is a good thing
15. Martha Stewart - she's a good thing, too!
16. yarn stash (even though it's sometimes a hinderance)
17. candlesbyvictoria.com - her candles are amazing
18. wandawisdom.com - my daily laugh
19. goodies in the mail - receiving cards or notes or packages always gives me a lift - so does a day without any bills in the mail!
20. having bills - even though they're a pain, responsibility (and the ability to be responsible) is worth being thankful for.
21. YOU - the "invisible" folks who visit my blog and read the things I write - and the "not so invisible" folks who comment - and those of you who have become friends - you're all important to me - and I'm thankful that you come back from time to time to check in with me.
22. Peanut Butter. Let's face it; I love the stuff!
23. my computer - it was a gift from a close friend - AND it's a MAC! - and while it's a few years old, it's an amazing piece of equipment and I can't say how thankful I am for it - it's reliable and perfect!
24. My history - everything I have gone through to get me here - the bad times and the good - all the steps I have made to get me to this day - aside from the temporary hardships that challenges place on us, the lessons we learn stay with us for a lifetime.
25. My future - however long it is, on this planet, with this blog, with my family, at my job, in California or wherever I end up, I am thankful for this moment and every second that leads me forward. It's all a process - and it begins with being grateful.

If you have some things to be thankful for, why not list a few of them in the comments - or if you have a blog, send me a link and make a post of your own...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Kyle

It's what's on the inside that counts...

When we went on our trip this summer, we stopped in Kentucky - literally in the middle of nowhere - a friend has some property that's somewhat remote; the best way to describe where it is would be:

1. drive down the highway (markings on the road)
2. turn off the highway onto a country road (no markings but there's civilization)
3. turn off the country road onto a gravel road (it's not a driveway!) - no houses - but there are barns... keep going for a few miles
4. turn off the gravel road onto a dirt road (cows - birds - but not even barns)
5. drive through a creek (I'm not kidding) - this is where we parked our car and joined my friends in their big van - the rental we had wouldn't go through a creek!
6. turn off the dirt road (again, I'm not kidding) into a FIELD!
7. drive through the field to a gate, stop, open it, drive through, close it to keep the cattle in, and keep going
8. repeat number 7 two more times -
9. drive a little longer - and round the bend to a dirt "pull off" - driveway spot... drive down the dirt - then gravel driveway to the picnic table and swing - we have arrived!

We had a wonderful picnic here of fried chicken and peach cobbler - it was good to hang out with my mom and these family friends - this is their property - acre after acre of untouched land. we went on a walk (about 1/2 mile) through the woods - through a dry creek, up and around a lake (which was also dry) and as we were rounding the bend back to where the van was, Gregg found a turtle shell!

I wanted to document this occasion, so I took a photo of him holding the shell - Gregg had been amazed at the bones that were laying around - from animals that had been eaten - this one was cool and our friends gave it to us to take home. We wrapped it up in tin foil to keep it protected and packed it in our suitcase for the long trip back to CA.

For Halloween, I sat it out with some other decorations - a cast "baby head", and a snow globe with a skull and a spider figurine in it... it was my "spooky display"

Then, a few days, later, I noticed something... a spider web surrounding the shell - we had a new pet! I showed Gregg and he said to just leave it. The housekeeper came in about 2 weeks, and she'd clean it all up - and it's kind of neat - spiders, Halloween... looks neat and spooky! (I was really surprised that he let me keep the webs... and that he didn't make me tent and spray the house down with bug killer!)

SO... here's the good part. On Friday, I went into the office to check my email and when I did, I saw a black shiny spider in the middle of the web - about 2" across (leg to leg) - and I thought - wow that's a big spider! I got a bit closer to look at it, and the survival classes I had kicked into gear:

you can't see it in this picture very well, but it's a BLACK WIDOW! - eek! - a female, and holy crap it terrified me! The bugger scampered into the shell again - and I (being dumb) waited for it to come back out - she didn't. I wanted to take a photo before getting rid of her... but my fears trump the "documentarist" in me (that's not really a word but I like it anyway) and we sprayed the heck out of the shell until finally she crawled out, and fell on the floor.

I took this right before squishing her. ICK! - so the moral of this little story is:

if you see a spider web suddenly appear in your house, don't keep it (even for decoration)! - get rid of it - you never know what's on the inside...

and the best part? Gregg was HOLDING a BLACK WIDOW SPIDER out in the middle of nowhere - yikes. I am still freaking out about it - what it he had been bitten?

I told this story to my mom and will share it with her friends - I am sure they already have an insect kit at their property, but I want to make sure they know what happened so that just in case they don't, they'll know to be ready if another spider comes to visit...

Altered Images - Neat books (and a new obsession)

We were at the bookstore (Barnes & Noble) on Monday and as I was looking through the knitting books (I know, surprise, surprise) I stumbled upon a book that was in the wrong place- it was all about manipulation of photographs for use in scrap booking. I have always been interested in photography - so it piqued my interest. I left without buying anything - but couldn't stop thinking about that book. SOOOO... last night, I returned to find that book.

I couldn't.

I started searching through the stack of books and came upon 6 or so different and very interesting books related to photo and image manipulation, as well as a few books on creating altered "art" - which seemed a great reference for the construction of altars as well as creating collages. I bought two books -
I bought this one because inside it has all sorts of inspirational projects - assemblages of old doll's parts, rulers, wire, photos, paper, ribbons, fabric, paint, dye; you name it... I am always interested in collages and creating "altars" of different types - although I don't do much actual making... I think I'd almost need a craft room to be able to set these things up... work on them as inspiration strikes, but allow them to "sit" in their various stages of "un-completeness" until they are "done"...

Of course, the other question I have raised for myself regarding this type of work is where does it go when I'm finished - there's only so much room in the house for three dimensional art to be displayed... This doesn't stop me though.. I still want to make some pieces - and I will!



The other book I bought "Mixed Emulsions: Altered Art Techniques for Photographic Imagery" should be a more used reference - it explains very simply the processes involved in photographic manipulation; offering many different examples of each process. I hope to use these techniques in scrap books, installations, artwork, and maybe even just snapshots to frame...

I don't know how long it'll be before I actually start to use these books - but the references are safe in my library now - waiting for inspiration to strike!

A "MEMEME" Survey (in honor of Elem)

I was checking out the blogs this morning and found this survey (stolen from Elemmaciltur )- so I thought it'd be fun to answer and post here - feel free to post your answers in my comments, or leave a comment linking to your blog so I can find out more about you :)

01. Can you cook? I can cook but I'm not amazing at it - I'm better at baking and best at making a mess in the kitchen!
02. What was your dream growing up? I have yet to grow up - but I know it had to do with being creative - at one point I remember singing in my room (I was probably 8 years old) to Willie Nelson doing a duet with Julio Iglasis "To All The Girls I've Loved Before" - and thinking one day I'd be on Star Search performing...
03. What talent do you wish you had? music - I'd love to be able to play the piano
04. If I bought you a drink what would it be? most recently, sex on the beach - with a touch of Sprite or Seven - Up! - anything with an umbrella in it for me :)
05. Favorite vegetable? hmmm. I don't give this much thought - I guess corn... or hominy
06. What was the last book you read? I start many books but don't get through them... probably Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon
07. What zodiac sign are you ? Virgo
08. Any tattoos and/or piercings? used to have my ears pierced but not any longer
09. Worst habit? blowing my nose at the dinner table (eew!)
10. If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride? if I knew you absolutely.
11. What is your favorite sport? is ice skating a sport? if not, then baseball
12. Negative or optimistic attitude? realistic. (does that translate into negative?) ha!
13. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me? if the elevator was literally stuck, I'd probably help us get out...
14. Worst thing to ever happen to you? the loss of my father
15. Tell me one weird fact about you. I am really interested in death and the mourning process and the customs associated with death and funerals.
16. Do you have any pets? I have 2 doggies and 2 rescue kitties
17. What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly? probably let you in and sit back down to my knitting :)
18. What was your first impression of me? I am impressed by your talents and your language skills
19. Do you think clowns are cute or scary? cute
20. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? hair... being bald is fine, but I'd love a nice head of hair...
21. Would you be my crime partner or my conscience? both
22. What color eyes do you have? hazel
23. Ever been arrested? never
24. Bottle or draft? ick. I don't drink beer - :(
25. If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it? pay credit card debt and send my mom and a friend of hers on a cruise
26. Would you date me? I have a life partner, so probably not - but if we were both single, and living on the same continent, I'd certainly want to meet and hang out with you - who knows what life can bring - that being said, I couldn't be luckier in the relationship dept.
27. Where's your favorite place to hang out? any LYS
28. Do you believe in ghosts? yes. sometimes, I think we are the ghosts... like in "The Others" with Nicole Kidman
29. Favorite thing to do in your spare time? Knit!
30. Do you swear a lot? not really
31. Biggest pet peeve? people throwing trash onto the street... especially cigarette butts!
32. In one word, how would you describe yourself? Passionate
33. Do you believe in/appreciate romance? absoultely
34. If you could spend 12 hours with me and ask/do anything you like, what would it be? we'd have an intense 12 hour class on knitting socks and cables and lace and any other bit of knowledge that I could squeeze out of you!
35. Do you believe in God? yes - but I don't know that humans are smart enough to figure out who/what God is... I believe that there's a bit of truth in all religions..
36. Will you repost this so I can fill it out and do the same? just did, Elem.... thanks for the questions!

Forgive me Chuck, for I have SINNED.

I made a mistake - when I was helping my friend Chuck learn how to knit, I gave him the basics - how to knit, how to purl, casting on, changing colors, counting rows, understanding gauge, etc. but I didn't really cover preparation of yarn... specifically, what you can and can not knit from... you CAN knit from a skein of yarn - center pull or from the outside, I don't think there's a big difference. IF you have hand rolled your yarn into a ball, there's no problem - even using a ball winder, there's no issues...

what you can not do - is buy hanks of yarn, untie the little pieces of yarn that hold the hank together, and knit from the pile that remains...
Mind you, he had already started and had done considerable work on his scarf. He is visiting us for a few days and brought his yarn into the room (it looked like a pile of spaghetti) and my heart froze - I am so upset that I didn't tell him this vital piece of information! He has a fantastic attitude about it though - he's going to just keep knitting and pulling yarn, untangling as he goes and he's determined to finish his scarf.

What I CAN say about his knitting is that it's beautiful; perfect almost - he has amazing tension, he's changing colors like a pro, and ribbing like a madman... I'm sure in a few months, he'll be doing cables and fancy colorwork - it's just a matter of time.

I felt bad about my not fully instructing him, and actually attempted to gift him (a'la niecy nash from clean house) some bouton d'or yarn if he agreed to just throw out the wool he was working with... he's determined to finish his scarf - but this was his prize anyway...

sorry for not being the best teacher, Chuck! - I'll be sure to point this out for every new knitter I encounter... and for those of you who pass the craft onto your friends, make sure you mention this too... it's important information!

Formals, Felines and Finishin' projects

Gregg and I went to a wedding last night - in Santa Monica - it was at a beautiful hotel next to the ocean - an evening wedding, and lots of fun. We didn't get a very good photo of us during the event, but we did have a good time! The food was amazing; they didn't ask what kind of meal you wanted; each plate had steak (yum!) salmon, AND portobello mushrooms! - also served were asparagus and mashed potatoes... beautiful ceremony, delicious food and we're happy for the couple. (it's Gregg's cousin that got married) - congrats, David!

On the kitty phenomenon front, Willow has decided that when we get ready in the morning, that is her duty to "sit on the pot" and meow. I have no idea what she wants - but she sits there, watches through the shower door as I take my shower, and stays there while Gregg and I brush teeth, get dressed, etc. I think she has figured out that shortly after this "ritual" we leave for the day and she'd much rather us sit in the bed, knit and watch Sally Jesse Raphael (is she even on still?!) all day. Sorry, Willow; daddy has to work!

I also finished up two scarves - the ravelry scarf exchange scarf (that needs to get in the mail and sent off to its recipient) and another one I had done a few months ago both got blocked and they're all cute and ready - so I started another scarf - this one is using Gedifra Fashion Trend Color - 51% wool, 49% acrylic - on size 7's - it's knitting up nicely :) - I'd rather be knitting today with my kitty but duty calls....

boo.

Violence of the LAMBS!

http://www.blacksheep-themovie.com/

check it out - watch the trailer and TRY not to laugh so hard that soda flies out of your nose...

(the best part: it's REAL!)

xo
Kyle

Spooky.

Not much happening on the knitting front - still knitting away on a scarf for that ravelry scarf exchange project - hoping to get it done tonight actually :) - I'm planning some more knitting related stuff soon... but did get a good photo of Willow (left) and Winky (right) [in case there's any confusion which cat might have been named winky! HA!] -yes, she has only one eye... they don't normally lay near each other like this - so it was a rare kitty love moment!

Last night we went to my Sister in law's house and went door to door with her 2 kids - it was a LOT of fun - carrying around a tiny baby (she's just over 1 year old) and watching the older sis (I think she's 7 or 8) go door to door. it was an early night - (we were home by 9pm) and I went quickly to bed - I was exhausted! It wasn't until this morning that I even thought about the 400,000+ people partying in West Hollywood - OMG - the litter and mess that's still around even AFTER they did the major cleanup! - Part of me likes the idea of dressing up - and the "day after" every year, I vow that next year I'll do something crazy and fun...


Here's a random "sunset" photo driving down the 118 near my house - I thought the sky was beautiful - aah, nothing more responsible than flying down the freeway at 70-80 mph snaping photos of the sunset... I noticed a few moments later that another guy was trying to take a photo of the same sunset with his cellphone... I guess I'm not the only nutcase in CA!

Not much else is going on - I am thinking though that since I have so much yarn, I won't be buying yarn till the new year - remember, I have over 1000 balls of yarn in my stash.... clearly too much! -and since I have so many projects I already want to do, I'm focusing on getting some of those completed before moving on...

I have a funny story to share... I got an email yesterday from the office of a vendor we use at my business - it went something like this:

I found your blog online :)
I think its you anyway… design consultant in LA
with the same name as you..?
If it is, you are totally talented! How much
would you charge me to make a pretty fuzzy scarf?
If its not you.. sorry,
you probably think I’m crazy lol :)

I responded and told her yes, it's my blog - and of course I'll make her a scarf - so it's on my list of things to do- and I hope she's reading my blog on a regular basis now... (HI sweetie!) - after our exchange I started to think... did you google my name? I was kind of curious.... but didn't ask her... and it's sort of flattering -

Everyone is OK

While the wildfires seem to be still burning in many parts of So. California, I am happy to report that I heard from Charles and from the Weavers Cottage. Charles had lost power for a few days, but they're doing alright, and Weavers Cottage is untouched by the fires - but they did have some damage from the winds.

My heart goes out to the folks who have lost their homes - but there are two good stories to share:

first, I heard one woman commenting on the news last night about how she knows that fire is supposed to be regenerative - and she said while she's sad about the loss of her home and everything in it, there's something freeing about the chance to start fresh. I admire her courage and her positive point of view!

second, there were a number of great news stories about New Leash on Life and how they are working hard to save animals who had been left in the fire- it's an amazing organization - I had worked with them briefly a few years back and while my life got crazy and I don't make time to do it any currently, I was really proud to know that they're still out there, day in and day out, caring for all those animals! If you feel a little generous today, and want to help out with the efforts, feel free to visit their site and make a donation - even a small $10 donation would help feed and house a pet!

As for us, everyone around me seems to be OK - except that we're all getting sick - Gregg and I both have sore throats (his is worse) and 2 or 3 people at work are sick with colds or the flu! - I'm eating Vitamin C and praying that I don't get sick -

on the knitting front - I'm working on a scarf for the Ravelry Scarf Exchange - and on my Lorna's Lace pie wedge shawl - I have high ambitions, I know, but I'd like to get both of those done this weekend. I guess it depends on how much knitting I'm able to do.

Happy Friday everyone!

:)

Fires - what would you rescue if your home was burning?

There's not much to report right now... as most of you know, we're in the "fire zone" - I live in the "valley" - near Porter Ranch - and while it's not burning yet, there have been so many fires lately, it's terrifying.

I'm worried for Charles and for the Weavers Cottage - both are in Canyon Country - which night before last was evacuated. I sent an email to both hoping that they're OK - keep them in your thoughts - this "fire event" as they have been calling it scares me - to think that everything that you have could be lost - it's frightening. Many of you know that the fire claimed the Malibu Castle- and the owner gave the most powerful statment regarding the loss - "I own posessions, posessions do not own me."

So far, the only damage we have received has to do with the yard - the leaves blew off of the rose bushes (all of them!) and the upper part of our privacy fence in the backyard broke off and fell into the planter - the plants are holding it up there for now, but it needs repair. The other two gates in the yard have been torqued and tweaked so they both need repair as well - the plants are all beat up by the weather. The air is hot, smelly, filled with soot and ash and the sky is red and scary. Life is not good this week in California.

Last night we were eating dinner at home, watching the all news all the time channels and all the houses burning and folks being evacuated is just scaring me. What do you take if they say it's time to leave?

Part of me is trying to come up with that list - to figure out what it is that's most important to me. I'm curious to hear what's important to you also. SO - here's the request. Please list the 5 things you'd take if you found out your house was going to go up in flames. The stipulation is this - you can't take huge things (Granny's armoire is not going to fit in your Jetta) and you only have a few minutes to decide - it's hard to think what is important...

I have an idea of what I'll take - but I want to hear what you think is important.

keep good thoughts for everyone affected.


___added notes:____

I see that lots of people are concerned about their documents - just to give an idea, it's not a bad idea to create a yahoo mail account (or some other sort of email account) and send some of those documents to yourself - online storage programs like this will help keep some of these documents, etc. safe... it wouldn't be a bad idea to make copies of important insurance papers, etc. and if they're not in a fireproof safe to perhaps store them at the bank in a safe deposit box or even at a friend's house - I have some files that belong to a friend in PA - and since I'm on the other side of the coast, chances are one of us will have them if they're ever needed. This is just a thought.

I have been thinking about the 5 things I would take - of course, without doubt, my pets would be saved - I don't think I even consider pets one of the 5... after that:

1. The print of Doe Run that my dad signed for me the day he passed away
2. My computer and the backup disks - I figure most of my photos are saved here
(can I tell you I'm literally almost in a panic trying to figure out what I'd want to take!)
3. Files - all the info from my desk (the bills, insurance papers, checking info, etc.)
4. One of my mom's quilts - or the big crocheted blanket she made me
5. The print that hung over my Grandma's couch... it's framed and in the entryway...

I figure all the pottery I have I can collect again - collecting is what's fun. I know that yarn can be had again... and that clothing is easily obtained - and there's a fine line between irreplaceable and sentimental...

another quick note (and hint) from a customer today - she has been evacuated 3 different times because of threat of fire - she suggests that if you have time, to take your digital camera and photograph the interior of your house - open the closet doors, photograph inside the closets, the garage, etc. - it might be valuable later if there's any question to some of the items you may lose. I figure it's worth passing that bit of info along.

My list of what I'd take will probably change from time to time - right now, I'm safe and very thankful that this is just theoretical for me- I hope that everyone else is safe as well - pay attention to the news and be aware of what's around you - knowledge is what keeps us safe!

Women Accused Of Stealing Yarn

from one of the blogs that I read regularly comes this little yarn related scandal!!!

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9268970/detail.html?rss=atl&psp=news

Jury Duty and Fixing the Frame

Yes, I got Jury Duty... on Monday, I had to report so I decided to bring my Lorna's Lace free and easy shawl to work on - I have my handy dandy chart and it's really easy to work on... so I knitted away for about 4 minutes in the jury pool (a collection of a few hundred people who had been called to report that day) before I was called to be part of a jury veneer. (the veneer is the group of 50 people that are gathered for jury selection in a case)... the first selection from our group was brought up and they were questioned for hours... this was going to be a 12 day case... eek.

Then, we broke for lunch - and I worked on my shawl a little more, after eating something strange that was supposed to be bbq chicken and rice from a sushi place..
Walking back from lunch, I spent a moment or two at the museum of contemporary art's gift shop, then took a few photos of now famous Disney Hall (which is where I parked!) it's an awesome building -

once we got back, and defense had done their cross-questioning, a total of 7 people were thanked and excused from that group of people - which meant 7 more people had to be pulled from the remaining group and more questions would need to be asked. I was one of the 7 selected. The plantiff's lawyers asked lots of questions, but we weren't able to be questioned by defense so they asked us to return again on Tuesday at 10AM - which we did...

When we got to the courtroom the next day, at 10AM, we were brought into the courtroom, quickly thanked for performing our civic duty, and everyone was excused. We don't know what happened exactly, but most of us believe that they decided to start over with jury selection for one reason or another. All in all, I think the whole experience was interesting, and I like the idea of serving on a jury - and if it weren't so financially burdening, I believe most people would be proud to be part of this system. Unfortunately, because our employers aren't forced to pay for days missed resulting from jury duty, and because we are legally bound to perform this "civic duty", it seems to make people not want to take part...

Something else that happened this weekend - I worked on repairing the antique frame that came with the print that was destroyed - it's all part of a process I'm attempting to save the piece... here's the frame as I received it:

lots of the paint and moulding has chipped off... I went to the crafts store and bought some paints - found a gold almost identical, and some browns and umbers that mixed well to conceal the parts that are missing. I worked on this with a tiny brush for about 45 minutes or so - and I'm really pleased with the result!

It's not perfect by any means - but it does look a lot more "together" now - and will be beautiful when it's back up on the wall. The next step is to get the print put back in it... maybe I'll get to do that this weekend...

Flashback Friday - #5 - Downtown

Aah. Greater downtown metropolitan New Middletown, Indiana - also known as Harpool's General Store. This is right across the street from the only other convenience store in the town; Kigers. There used to be two gas pumps in front of this store. When I was around 10, my mom had asked me to go to Kiger's and get a gallon of milk. She gave me the $1.50 that it would cost and send me on my way. I ran down the country road to the store and bought the milk. As I was leaving the store, I ran down the stairs swinging the purchase. It slipped out of my grasp and the milk leapt into the air, landing right next to the gas pumps, shattering the plastic container and spraying milk everywhere. I tried to go back in and get another gallon from Mrs. Harpool; citing that the jug must have been defective, but she didn't believe me. I ended up going home, getting more money from my mom, returning to Harpool's and buying the replacement milk, then working to earn the money back to pay my mom. Lesson learned: don't run and fling around gallons of milk! I guess I'm lucky I wasn't a child a decade or two earlier when the milk came in glass jars (of course, that might have meant that milk would be delivered and this unfortunate situation may have been totally avoided!)

Pushing Daisies

I love the new show Pushing Daisies!

Emerson Cod knits under pressure - I was so happy when I saw this in episode 2 of Pushing Daisies that I shreiked in joy - (of course, sitting my own knitting down long enough to comment that it didn't look to me like he REALLY knows how to knit) -

I am liking this quirky show on ABC -

If you haven't watched it, check it out - it's a great show - and this past episode featured cars that ran on dandelions! - it's fun, quirky and reminds me a lot in the way it's formatted of Desperate Housewives and Six Feet Under (I think the guy who came up with this did Six Feet Under as well) --

and my all time favorite: Kristen Chenoweth - she has a gorgeous voice (she was Glenda in Wicked on Broadway) and sings in this episode.... love her love her! - and she's sexy and cute and spry and soooo curious -

I'm hooked. if you're even remotely curious about the boy who touches dead things and can bring them back to life, then check it out - watch a few of the episodes and let me know what you think!

My Favorite Find - Summer Trip 2007

I wanted one of these prints about 10 years or so ago when I went to Middle Tennessee State University. I loved antique stores even then.



When we went back to TN during our vacation, we toured Oaklands Mansion - where they're doing an ongoing exhibit for the month of October on mourning customs. At the end of the exhibit, I saw another example of this print which reminded me how much I wanted one. Basically, during the 1900's, when a loved one passed away, a type of "funeral announcement" or notice would be printed - on a black paper with gold lettering - there were all sorts of customs associated with these mementos; all the way down to details like the thicker the border on the document, the longer the person had lived (or the more important they were in society).

Anyway, that announcement would be put into a frame behind the larger "mat" which is the beautiful piece above - the gorgeous dove, with its banner "Gone but Not Forgotten" - and down below, you can see the name of the boy who passed away (at age 17). In the bottom opening is a poem dedicated to him.

I bought this piece at an antique mall, and LOVE it! - I drove it back to Louisville, KY (where my sister lives) and while visiting with her, we shipped all kinds of stuff back home - this piece cost over $150 JUST TO SHIP! -

long story short: it arrived with the glass broken. Because of its age and the way it was kept, the document (paper) stuck to the glass. some of it had ripped off, but most was just sitting there, stuck to the glass.

I brought it to a conservation framer yesterday afternoon, and they didn't have any grand (inexpensive) options for me - it could be restored, but it'd be a great expense. Since the frame is already really messed up (which I like, actually) I can't justify spending the money in preserving it further.

I took it home and followed the conservationist's advice - lay the piece flat, and slowly try to use a blade to cut the ink from the glass... slowly.

so I tried it.

RIP.

eek.

I tore a cute 1" hole in the middle of the Banner...

there is still about a 4" diameter part of the piece stuck to the glass (I stopped after that last rip) and I'll still try to get it off of the glass - I was able to save the part I ripped off the document - and I think I can put it back with it not looking that bad - since it's so old and faded and warped, etc. I believe it'll just add to the "old" look of it.

I'll try to keep you posted as to what I do with it - I'm sad that this one arrived damaged and that after almost 100 years, I'm the guilty one responsible for messing it up - but I have learned something -

when shipping pieces fragile like this in vintage frames: take the piece OUT of the frame - have it wrapped in acid free foam core and well taped so it's safe and secure - then ship the pieces together - and insure them for a LOT - so if this happens again it can be restored.

If anyone happens to see one of these, please let me know - I am interested in getting another one...

Kyle

Flashback Friday - #4 - Fund Raisers

Every year there was a "fund raiser" activity. In one of these, with the help of my Mom and Dad, I helped New Middletown Elementary School earn money to help build the playground. I was going door to door, peddling my wares (a huge collection of ceramic bisque bird bells crammed into Styrofoam packaging) and I came upon this home. It is across the street from the school, and has a view of part of the playground (they would be able to see the teeter totter and maybe some of the swings) - they also had the joy of watching bus after bus load in while picking up and dropping off students every day.

They either had an affinity for small bisque bird bells or they had pity on me, because as I remember, they bought 1 or 2 full CASES of these bells! I didn't ask what the reasoning was; I was just happy to make a sale and get closer and closer to whatever prize I had been eyeing....

My Mom and Dad both took the bells to their jobs; my dad was in construction - I believe he was building some towers in Louisville, KY at that time - and he sold quite a few of these bells to his workers. My Mom was working for the Census Bureau (I think it's in Jeffersonville, IN) and she sold quite a few as well.

I have good memories about going door to door selling things for fund raisers - when coworkers or friends come to me asking me to buy something for their child's fund raiser, I have a hard time saying no; I recall quite clearly how happy I was when my parents came home and showed me all the folks from their work who had committed to helping me out with my mission...

Vacation Recap

First, a side note... I don't really get the whole "uploading photos" thing on blogger... I can't figure out how to put them up so that they show up in the right order... and it's making me bonkers! I apologize for the photos being out of order... If any of you happen to know how to upload lots of photos using this system (or how to rearrange them when composing an entry) let me know :)

On the plane flight, I was able to knit knit knit knit knit.... and got LOTS of my Guernsey knitted.. about 5" of the boring stockinette (in the round) was done on the flight there, and I did about 3 on the way back - I'm getting close to being ready for the armhole increasing - the gussets that must be made....

Here are some highlights (and photos) from the vacation:

The trip went like this: - Flew into St. Louis for a few days, then drove to Indiana and stayed a night with my mom - we drove into the woods of Kentucky for an afternoon and had lunch with an old family friend on their property (which is literally JUST property; there's no buildings on it; we had to drive through 3 or 4 fields just to get to the place we were going to eat at!) - following that, we went to Murfreesboro, TN (south of Nashville) for a night at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast) - the next day we drove to Louisville, KY and stayed 2 nights with my sister, followed by driving back to my Mom's house in Indiana for a night, then a family reunion in Indiana, and back to Louisville for one last night before flying home via Cincinnati... it was a great trip full of driving (over 1100 miles in the rental car!) and lots of photos - sorry that the photos are out of order!

Look closely - in the puddle here (this is a drained out lake at the property in the middle of KY) - there's a 6' long snake down there swimming! - you might need to click on the photo to see the monster.... ick! - we didn't go down there...

During the visit to the property (in the middle of nowhere) we walked about 1/2 mile in the woods - literally in the middle of wilderness - for a city boy it was a great experience - except for the chigger bites I got on my ankle!

After that trip, we drove south to Tennessee and stayed at the Byrn Roberts Inn in Murfreesboro... what a wonderful night we had there. The house was built in the early 1900's at a cost of $35,000.

Beautiful beautiful (and on a corner lot!) - on historic Main Street in Murfreesboro. If you have a chance to stay the night, I highly recommend it!

The front parlor

The main staircase

The fireplace in our room - (there was even a fireplace in the bathroom!)
The innkeepers left nothing out - they had a candle there for us in the room ready to burn (with their logo on it) - amazing soaps... a manicure set ready for use, postcards with images of our room and of the inn (stamped even!) - there was a convenience center with sodas, ice, juice, water, etc. and candy and snacks - all complimentary - an exercise room, movies and DVDs for use (the list goes on and on)- and the best part of all - the bed was soooo comfortable!

The only negative I could say is that the shower didn't have great water pressure - but what do you want from a house that's over 100 years old - it was clean and relaxing... and honestly, none of the showers we took when in the south had great water pressure... so it might even be a regional thing...

The trip was awesome from beginning to end... Going back to the beginning, we started by flying into St. Louis, MO and met with Gregg's friend Chuck - we stayed 2 nights at his house (which is really cool; he lives in a beautiful area which I think is a suburb of St. Louis) - and he's very creative...





Chuck collects things. He is in love with old rustic and unloved items almost as much as I am. He has old photos of people he doesn't know hanging on his walls (just like me) and when he finds something, he collects it. He has collected (recently) old hand held mirrors, antique oscillating fans, and my favorite: shoe forms! He had a huge bin of them in addition to this installation he had made over the bed in the Master Bedroom:

what a creative guy! - and I was inspired...

We went to an old barn somewhere in St. Louis and it was just filled with all kinds of neat things - including old carding tools, spinning wheels, winding and drying racks, etc. Plus lots and lots of old furniture, boxes, metal buckets, and even license plates! I had a great time digging through this place - we bought a few old license plates from MO. and it was here that I decided that I want an old plate from each of the 50 states - I plan on arranging them on boards and hanging them in some sort of installation. My immediate idea is (was) to use it as a headboard in a guest room at some point... but step one is to get all the plates I will need...

We went to the top of the St. Louis Arch - in the tiny tiny pods that you're hoisted in... it's fun but a little scary - at the top you're 630' above the ground... neato!

The view from the top is amazing - it's worth the visit and definitely a once in a lifetime experience...

We were exhausted when we got home - it was almost 11PM on Sunday night - and I had to work the next day - AND we were used to a different time zone so it felt 3 hours later than it was...

We shipped lots of stuff back home from the trip - and it should arrive on Friday - maybe in the next post I'll try to show you some of the goodies that we found :)

back home safe and sound

we made it back - though we're both a bit exhausted - we flew to St. Louis, MO last Saturday, then rented a car Monday and drove to Indiana, stayed the night, went into the woods of KY (see the above photo) and had a great lunch with family friends, then drove to TN for a night in a beautiful bed and breakfast in Murfreesboro, TN - the next day we drove to Louisville where we stayed 2 nights, then back into IN for a night and then one more night in Louisville before flying home Sunday afternoon (with a fun 2 hour layover in Cincinatti, OH) and getting home really late.

I'll post about the trip sometime soon - but I'm still trying to catch up with the laundry and unpacking and getting caught up with the mail, etc.

Everything is fine though - and we had a wonderful trip! :) - I did get some knitting done on the plane - still working on my guernsey - I have *almost* finished the plain knitting in the round part of the body - I'm a few inches away from where the armholes will start - then I'll have to get to work on the sleeves.

more to come.... :)

<

Flashback Friday - #3 - Kickball

#3 Kickball


One of my favorite recess games was kickball. I know that I wasn't very good at it but I had a lot of fun. We played with a big brick colored "recess ball" - not sure what else to call it - it's the same kind of ball that we played dodgeball with when we played in the gym on rainy days. I remember kicking that ball into someone (the guy who pitched it to me) and I remember one time someone actually kicked the ball over the building! We hated that! - it meant 5 or 10 minutes of running around the entire building to retrieve the ball; which used up so much of our recess time - by the time we found it, it was time to go inside and get back to classwork.

The doors in the photo are where we went into the building (from what I remember) and on the left were the classrooms - starting with first, second, and third, then the hall turned right - for fourth, the principals office, some "front entry" doors, then fifth and sixth - then the building turned right again and it went on for seventh and eighth... then more doors going to the back of the building which would be where the baseball field and track are, and farther down the hall was the cafeteria and gym...

---------------------------------------------------

As a side note, I'm going on vacation - so I don't know how active my posting here will be - I'm going to St Louis, MO, then driving from there to Indiana, then through Kentucky to stay in Tennessee for a night or two, then up to Kentucky again - it's going to be a fun trip - and we're looking forward to it - it does mean, though, that there's a chance for no "Flashback Friday" this coming week. I'll be back home on Monday October 1st. :)

I have been tagged

I have been tagged by Andy so I'll play along...


OK, here are the rules:Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you,then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they've been tagged...

I'm realizing very quickly that it's difficult to come up with eight things at all about me.... but I'm willing to give it a shot - in honor of Andy - here we go:

Eight Things about me:

1. I have lived in more than 30 different places my first 30 years (all in the USA)- moving mostly because of my dad's job as a construction superintendent... he'd finish a job, be done and the company would have no more work for him - so he'd get laid off, and have to search for a new job... I remember mailing out his resumes for him - 30-40 at a time - and we'd move around.. Indiana to California to Arizona to Mississippi to Tennessee... and lots of places within those states... I'm glad I got to move around - it makes adapting pretty easy - and keeps me feeling like there's always a "home" to go visit no matter where I am in the country...



2. I have 2 cats that were both from rescues in Los Angeles - both were at their respective rescues for more than 6 months because people didn't want disabled kitties. Willow is missing a leg and Winky is missing an eye.... they are both "normal" in that they don't suffer from their missing bits... they're my babies.



3. I used to say I was good at anything crafty except anything involving yarn. - I also have painted, sculpted, done enameling, drawing, etc. - when I was young, I actually exhibited in the Boys and Girls Club Epstein Fine Arts Exhibit National tour... I even have a medal to prove it! :)


4. In 1999, I decided to quit my job, cash in my tiny 401K and go to Paris, France for the Millennium. I did this because I thought if I wait until there's time and money to do a trip like that, it's possible that the trip will never happen. I went, and I'm very glad that I did. The memory of walking around Paris alone on cold late December days makes me smile.

5. I collect McCoy pottery (mostly the white ones), old photos from Disneyland (from when it first opened (I have a photo album of around 100 of these pictures) and vintage photos of people I never met (because it makes me sad that people may have been forgotten... I actually have framed a few old vintage photos and have them up - they're not my "family" but I still think about the "souls" of those people... I wonder about them - where did they grow up, what country.... what language did they speak... did they do well in math... (did they knit!?) etc. etc. and most of all, were they forgotten except for these leftover images...

6. I have always wanted a tattoo but I have yet to get one. I want a passage from the diary of Frida Kahlo inked around my ankle... it says (in Spanish) "Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly" - it's beautiful - but I haven't done it because - I'm not real good at dealing with pain.... I don't know how I'll feel about a tattoo on my leg when I'm 75 and it's all wrinkly and faded... and because I don't know what colors I'd have it done in (the original images are done in red)...

7. I worked for a number of years in floral design and some mild event planning/coordination - Some of the weddings I worked on were incredibly huge; and I think one of my favorite things is being under that immense pressure to make things beautiful. I love "figuring things out" when there's little time and it just has to "work"! I miss working with flowers and events; maybe someday I'll get to do that again...


8. When I was in 1st grade, I did something that I am not proud of, but it makes a good story... we had just learned the alphabet and for reciting the ABC's, we got a lollipop. Jalisa (a girl in my class) gave hers to the music teacher to show him her reward. He started to tease her and wouldn't give it back to her. I told him that he needed to give it back, and I was getting really upset that he was being so mean. I marched around the upright piano and bit him on his hind end. (yes, this is true.) He gave the sucker back to the girl, I ended up in the Principal's office, my dad was called, and I got a spanking... I don't remember really who did the spanking - but I know my dad was there - and while I understood that I had done something wrong, I didn't understand (still don't) why the teacher wasn't being punished for not giving back the sucker!...



Here are my victims, and I have chosen these people because I read their blogs constantly and hope they'll indulge me with playing along:



1. Charles


2. Matt


3. Eric & Tony


4. Eikon


5. ADD Knitter


6. She Knits By The Seashore


7. sko_G Knits


8. Under Sask Skies

I hope they'll all post - check out their blogs -I have them all on my google reader - OH - and if you don't know about that.. go to www.google.com/reader and sign up - you can put all the blogs you read (including mine!) on there and when a post comes up, it shows on your reader... you can click, read, comment and actually keep up with lots of blogs without looking at 50 of them to learn that only 4 had new posts since you last looked! (neat!)

Long Beach Aquarium and Harvest Festival

The aquarium is lots of fun! I went with Gregg, my sister and brother in law, their 2 children and my friend Debbie - we met up and got on the subway at Universal Studios and rode it all the way to Long Beach! It was amazing to get that far so quickly. Ready for some out of order photos? here we go!

Sea urchins, starfish, etc. (you can touch them - with 2 fingers because touching with one finger is poking!) - starfish are not fluffy. The water was C-O-O-L-D toooooo!

The Jellyfish were beautiful - it's kind of hard to take photos of the animals in the tanks because the flash reflects on the glass - I ilike the way this one turned out though...

This is the booth from The Wood Mason - they make these amazing banks out of the old post office doors - I bought one (it's pictured down below) - this was at the Harvest Festival...

On the subway (train) going to Long Beach - with my 2 nieces (and Gregg in the background) - working on a guernsey sweater....

this stuff is pure heaven - I didn't take their card but we had the cherry pie butter spread on a toasted english muffin this morning - and Gregg and I both liked it :) - click HERE to see their website... we should have bought more of this!

these candles are yummy - my friend Debbie swears by their lip balm... http://www.pleinairlife.com/ makes yummy soy candles - we saw these at the strawberry festival earlier this year - it's always nice to run into them at a show!

Here's the bank I bought - it's so amazing - and I love it.... if you're interested in a bank, you can email them here and maybe they can help you find one for yourself. They don't have a website - each piece is really one of a kind...

amazing dip fixin's from http://www.coyotecountry.com/ - mixed with 1C of Sour Cream and 1C of Mayo (yum!) - it's pretty good. we tried the cheddar bacon last night but didn't have any mayo - I think the 1C/1C mix is what makes it awesome...

these things are yummy too (it's the land of food that's bad for you!) - from Dazzles comes gourmet oven baked corn - they say this is good for folks who can't eat seeds.... it's fluffy and good and tastes in texture kind of like the Trader Joe's Pirates Booty - but the kind we got (churro) is a little crunchy on the outside - because of the caramel!

soup soup soup (just add water) check out Plentiful Pantry Soups - email them here and see if you can order them - all the soups were very good - we got only 2 - the packages were a bit big to lug around...
but I still lugged this one around... hand cut wood, airbrushed and decorated - this was soooo cute... I had to have one - $20 - can you believe it! too cheap!

We also bought this teriyaki sauce... and some other goodies.. it was a great day - full of crafts, food and live fishies! check out the Harvest Festival to see if it's coming to your area. Also be sure to visit the Aquarium if you're in the Long Beach area..

Flashback Friday - #2 - Parallel Bars

#2 Parallel Bars

I was in second or third grade. The day was chilly and overcast, with a sharp breeze. I was swinging by my legs on one of the parallel bars, with the back of my head facing the fence, watching some of my classmates play kickball. My head was probably a foot from the ground. I lost my grip, fell, and landed on my head. I remember that we were pretending to smoke right as I fell. I was knocked out, and was revived by a teacher. They didn't seem as frustrated with me this time (it wasn't the end of recess like when I was knocked out at the teeter totter) - I was asked to sit down and rest against the gym wall. Reluctantly, I obeyed. I was probably frustrated that I had fallen and now I had to sit and rest - it was like getting a double punishment! This is my last memory of playing on the parallel bars at New Middletown Elementary.

Something I have noticed recently is that there's a lot of blacktop in my old hometown. In Los Angeles (where I live now) it's all concrete - it feels nice to be on blacktop when I go back to visit - I remember on really hot days how soft the roads got - and I remember some dips in the roads where heavy trucks had pushed the road deep into the ground - patches show up clearly too... my favorite part about the blacktop is how shiny it gets after a rain - so shiny.

Touched by EZ - claiming memories

Yes dear people, imagine the luck. I decided for my birthday to treat myself to a tiny gift - behold - the first edition of "Knitting Without Tears" from Elizabeth Zimmerman - yes, it's a bit worn on the cover, but inside it holds many gifts - along with the stories and gentle guiding hand of EZ....

it's also autographed!

I am so excited to have a copy of the book that was physically held by the genius herself (even if it was just for a second in 1979 so she could sign it) - I know it's a bit silly to feel this way, but I have a part of me that feels connection to things of the past - I like knowing that the artist herself held this book; now my book - and that somehow I am now connected to her through this object - she was real (just like me) and fleeting (just like me) -

The book has some notes written by a previous knitter - just inside the back cover - it's these gems that make me smile - knowing someone before me was holding the book, learning (as I am) and taking the same path I am taking. This person has most likely passed on now - but their memory lives on, and I find a bit of comfort in this. It's the "dust to dust thing again; remembering that sooner or later, we're all going to be gone - and while she is having influence on me even never meeting me, that maybe one day I will have influence on someone else - even after this life is gone. I heard someone say in the past few months - that life is terminal - it was a paralyzing and comical thought - life IS short - I know that - and I also know that sharing stories with others is important - honoring someone with memory is the greatest compliment we can offer them - I love my book and I'm honored to be its keeper until I pass it on to someone else...

Flashback Friday - #1 - Teeter Totter

I thought it'd be fun to post some of the photos I took in 1992 when visiting my old hometown (New Middletown, IN) - I documented some of the stories I remembered as a kid - my plan is to post a photo and short entry each Friday. Let's see if I can do it! :)



#1 Teeter Totter

I was in elementary school one late fall day in New Middletown, Indiana. It was recess and all of the kids were outside bathing in the warm sunshine. For a good part of the playtime we had, I was playing by a tree; digging my toy cars in and out of the dirt between its giant roots. I decided to go ride on the teeter-totter for a few minutes before our recess was over. Someone (I don’t remember who) joined me. I sat on the green painted plank of wood, facing the brick building and went up and down and up and down. The time flew by. The bell rang unexpectedly and whoever it was that sat on the other side jumped off while they were low and I was way up high in the air. My side came crashing down with a huge thud and I bounced along with it. I was holding the metal handles for dear life, but didn’t have much time to react. I am not sure if I was just stunned for a minute or if I blacked out, but the next thing I remember is my teacher standing over me telling me it’s time to come in from recess –

I was a kid when the playground was installed – I remember the fund raisers we did to earn the money to put it in. When I visited and discovered that the playground was “gone” it struck a chord with me – you can always go back, but you can never go “home” again.

The Results! How Much Yarn you ask? I can now tell you.

WOW! That was a lot of work! - I had my friends Terri and Shawn (and Gregg) hang out while I assembled all of my yarn in one pile on Saturday - I got *most* of it together (I realized while we were going through yarn that there was more... that I had included in my collection photos but had not pulled out... then I remembered a little more yarn that I had totally forgotten but wouldn't have affected anyone's guess too radically) -



my goodness - even I can't defend all the yarn in one big pile... it doesn't look like as much in the photo for some reason, but keep in mind that it's covering my entire living room and some of it is stacked 5' high! (eek)



Terri was armed with a pen, Gregg with a calculator (and Shawn with her brain correcting the miscalculations done by Gregg on his calculator) while I flung yarn around - we divided (as best we could) all the knitting into projects (sweaters, shawls, etc.), scarves, hats, and general lumps of yarn...

Here are the projects (most of them)
oh wait.. these two tubs are projects, and I think I included the mitered square blanket in the project list... There were 26 projects ready to go - many of them need patterns but there's enough knittin' to keep me busy for a year or two... Then we moved to hats and scarves...

we put the hats and scarves into this container - there were 12 hats - or yarn that was bought or bundled to become hats... I have already pulled one of those sets to make my knucks which will be the precursor to my first set of attempted real gloves at some point in the future...

I also had 13 scarves ready to go - of course, none of these have patterns, but they're bagged and ready to go.

In the blanket front (aside from the mitered square blanket) I have 2 collections of yarn that have been earmarked for blankets - one green blanket (in the big copper colored metal bucket) and that one has 46 balls of yarn... the other blanket is brown and other neutrals - including among others, my favorite yarn from Ozark Handspun, my cat and dog hair yarns that were made by vip fibers, and my own first attempt at spinning... this collection has 60 balls of yarn and is ready to go when I decide to get it going. I haven't figured out what I want to do with these collections (what I want the pattern to be) - part of me thinks I might want to do something freeform, but I don't know for sure yet... the best thing to do when I don't know is to do nothing... so they sit.

I didn't include the tiny skeins of yarn that show colorways for woolmeise - but I did count another sweater, so that kind of evened things out a bit....

I also have 20 balls of what I called random yarn - which included the yarn for the master knitting program and the lambs pride I bought to make those little bullion crocheted thingies that we learned in freeform class...

I have lots of yarn piled by color - here's the breakdown:

Oranges: 80 balls

Red: 35

Purples: 101

Brown: 129

Neutrals/Whites: 36

Blues: 71

Greens: 63

OK OK I have too much yarn -

the grand total was 1003 balls of yarn - the closest guess was 974 - from Josiane (kimianak on Ravelry) - I sent an email via ravelry letting them know they won - and I'm waiting to hear back so that I can send the prize - :)

Thank you so much for everyone who took a stab at guessing - I'm very happy knowing more about what I have to work with - and having it more organized helps to get me motivated to knit away...

:)

Kyle

Too Much Yarn? (a peak at my yarn stash)

UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2007: THE RESULTS ARE IN - AND THE CONTEST IS OVER - THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO GUESSED! :)

I was thinking last night... do I have too much yarn? Driving home, I was trying to recall where all my yarn is... and the truth is that it's all over the house - under the bed, in closets, in drawers, in bags stored in the garage.... everywhere! Really, I was wanting to buy yarn for another sweater (another sweater? I have 5 sweaters in progress right now... one that's almost done, two that are gettin' close, and two that have a ways to go) not to mention the 7 (yes, 7) sweaters in queue waiting to be started - I don't know for sure that these all have patterns, but I do know that they're "sweater quantities" of yarn... I think there's 2 of these that are waiting for a pattern... here's (most of) the sweater stash:

It's right next to my EEG machine - one of the original prototypes designed by a doctor in Pasadena, CA - it was in his office after he passed away, and the family allowed me to go through to get anything I wanted out of the house - this is my favorite thing - it's super interesting - although I'd NEVER plug it in (I think I actually cut the plug off) and I have no idea how it works - all I know is that it was used to measure brainwave activity, and that the cabinet is a beautiful wood and I love it.

On to more yarn....

In the garage, I have some huge tubs full of yarn sale grabbings - these are not organized, but I do notice another sweater in here... a tiny baby sweater that's fair isle and going to be made out of teensy yarn - that one is ready to go, but the yarn (drops alpaca) that I was buying took so long to aquire because of its cost that the baby is too big to knit it for now... it's going to take a long time... and I'm not wanting to tackle that one right now...

In the garage... 2 more garbage bags FULL of yarn - some of this has been divided by type of project - but most of it is just piled together - and that's Dakota - she's wondering what I'm up to - flopping yarn bags all over the place, snapping photos.

Another bin full of yarn - waiting for assignments. Maybe this weekend I'll work on getting my yarn in order - wouldn't that be nice! :) I have to get organized so that I slow down on the purchases and figure out what I'm going to do with what I have!

This is my Noro stash - it's for my mitered blanket - this bin is stuffed 2 skeins high - lots of yarn but at least it's spoken for!

This is a collection of neutral yarns (hiding in the close) for a blanket possibly. I haven't figured it out - there's lots of yarn I love in here - some stuff from Ozark Handspun (yummy) - and the dog and cat fur yarn that vipfibers made for me - oh! AND the first try handspun stuff I made when I tried spinning a few weeks ago. Part of me thinks this will become some sort of freeform blanket, but I am not starting anything with it until I at least finish mom's freeform shawl -

THEN, there's the big drawers of yarn sorted (sort of) by color- the top drawer has a number of skeins (I think 6?) of the sari yarn - made from bits of cloth or fiber that are leftovers from the sari making business... beautiful - but no project planned... another drawer of oranges, browns, etc., and the bottom drawer of whites/creams...
the OTHER big 3 drawer thingy - with creams/oranges,/reds in all three drawers -
This is really work in progress yarn - the blue color is for a cabled sweater I'm working on, the green is for my "first" sweater (that I'm killing myself to finish; I have the first sleeve ALMOST completed, and need to do sleeve #2 then get it assembled) - the grey is leftover from a funky shape blanket I made - saving it so that if I want to *fix* it someday, there's yarn here to do it...

yarn for my master knitting program (in the white bag) and my newly aquired lambs pride that I got to make a million of the little bullion circle crochet things we learned to make in freeform class - a tiny (wacko) part of me thinks a blanket of these (thousands of them) would be cool... (yeah, that'll happen!)
oh look... more yarn - orphan skeins from the abandoned circle scarf project - it needs to be put somewhere, or reassigned - man - I do need to get my knitting stuff organized!
junk in my travel case - most of this is from freeform knitting class - it needs to get back in the big tub of purple/blue/pink/cream yarn that I'm pulling for that shawl...
these are just samples from woolmeise - I have yet to order any actual yarn from her - it's SO beautiful though - even the samples make me smile!

this is the big bin of green yarn that I had at one point planned to make a blanket out of... I have so many random collections of yarn.... it's scary.

here's the tan/brown/rust/etc. under bed bin of yarn - and the blue/green bin... oh and my foot. :)
here's another blue/teal/green bin and the previously mentioned bin of pink/purple/cream/etc. yarns...

I am thinking of getting a friend to help me organize this during the weekend -since we have Labor Day and there's 3 days, it might be nice to organize my yarn, get it organized (along with needles, etc.) so I have a good grip on what I have and what I might want and need.... I can also be generous and get rid of (donate) yarns that I will never use...

so I ask you... should I be out buying yarn? is this too much for a "stash"? do I have a problem or is your stash bigger? - I know that a LOT of my stash came from Bishops when they were closing - and lots of it was too good to be true acquisitions, but there's thousands of dollars worth of yarn piled in my house -

Take A Guess - How Much Yarn Does Kyle Have?

How many balls of yarn do I have - put your guess in the comments - and the person who gets the closest to the actual number (or the number we arrive at after the re-organization effort) will win a fun (most likely yarn based) prize! I have tons of goodies to give out and love sending packages - I know having your number in the comments is not very "secret" and everyone else will be able to see, but since it's SOOOO random, (and since even I have no idea how much yarn I have) I think it's still fair! I should have the results next week. Good Luck!

aah the plans of a yarn whore! :) Happy knitting everyone! -

Secret Pal - Fiber Fest - Freeform Knitting

What a busy weekend! On Friday, I got a package from my secret pal from the yarn stash swap - Jenny from Stash and Burn (Thanks, Jenny!) - she was wayyyy generous in the awesome yarns she sent -

I got 2 skeins (yes, people, TWO!) of Lisa Souza - I think almost 1000 yards of a gorgeous dark eggplant yarn - then, the thing from her stash she hated - it needs no more introduction than the red in the photo... She also sent some pretty muted tomato colored yarn that's just like the other Lisa Souza, a pretty hand made book, a card (love the bunny!) and a cool little patons pattern book for mens patterns (which has a nice simple half zip sweater in it that I like). The swap was pretty successful, and I definately learned a little about organizing them with this first one... I also finished my self striping socks last week - I didn't think I'd be able to make them, but here they are! The only problems I have (which can be fixed next go around) are that I didn't get the two socks quite the same length (I think they're around 1/2" different in length) and I don't know how to kitchener stich or graft the toes... I tried to follow the tutorial, but when I was doing this, it was late and I was anxious to just get DONE - so I winged it. It's not horrible, but I don't think they'd win any competition for best first socks. I love them; and they're done. I have tackled socks. Hooray.

On Sunday I went with Terri to the Santa Monica Fiber Festival - we were suprised at how tiny it was (around 50 booths) but it was a great time - we found some neat needles and goodies at Carolina Homespun's booth (my favorite) - and we were inspired by some of the other crafting folks there. We saw 2 people here spinning yarn from the class we took on Saturday (I will talk about the class in a second) and I discovered a few cool buttons from one of the vendors. I saw some beautiful shawl pins from Cats & Cobwebs - but most of the show seemed to be about quilting - and the ONLY book booth I saw was selling the books at full price - the lady wasn't the most pleasant when she told me that the books were brand new (well, of course they are - but I for one am looking for deals I can't pass up; the yarn at the show was new, but priced a little more competitively than the non sale regular price yarn at my LYS) - Needless to say, I didn't buy any books...

I did see some cute animals though -

I wanted to take home the angora bunnies! I loved them - so cute (and big!) soft and fluffy - and nameless... these 2 were $50 each - and I wanted more than anything to take them home. I learned that they get plucked (yes, plucked) every 3 weeks or so - and that if they're not plucked, they groom themselves (like a cat) and get hairballs but they can't digest hair - so it's not a good thing to put off. If I were on a farm, or if I were really in love with spinning at this point in my life, I'd be more apt to dive into angora bunny fur harvesting - for now, I'll just admire them and pet them every chance I get...

In the morning before the show opened, it was a hoot to watch the alpacas coming in - walking through Santa Monica - helloooo little friends! I didn't go pet them, but they're super cute!

I also found out all kinds of info from the display from Michael Cook - and his company Wormspit - They were very informative and explained that these icky looking silkworms (which are very sweet and gentle) grow up, and spin a coccoon, then transform into beautiful moths (butterflies?)

Terri told me that lots of kids (including her and her husband when they were in Kindergarten) did some sort of experiment with these worms to learn about the metamorphosis - I didn't do this as a kid in Indiana/Kentucky - probably because these critters didn't live thre - but now, I'm in California, so things are different. I was entralled with how tiny the silk thread is, and how complicated the process is to get it into thread, even before it's woven or knitted into fabric - it's an amazing world we live in.

But wait - I also went to a Freeform Knitting and Crochet class at Simply Knitting taught by Janice Rosema on Saturday with Terri - we spent the day learning about this art and some of the techniques Janice uses in her projects - she brought a few pieces along for show and tell - and I fell in love with the art

A beautiful shawl out of greens that had lots of knitted "Leaves" in it

A fun freeform shawl that had lots of neat crocheted pieces mixed in. I learned about making the little bits and then trying to fit them together - I had the idea of making a blanket like this, but that blanket is turning into some sort of wrap probably for my Mom for Christmas - it looks fun and interesting - so I'm starting by knitting and crocheting bits to put together. I would love to have more experience in crochet - since I literally do not know how to crochet - I'm just improvising and having a good time at it - here's what I have started - on the left is my "class" piece that I did during the Saturday session, and on the right is a piece I made last night. I am mostly happy about the little bullion circles that we learned how to make - fun fun fun!

It was definitely a full weekend - I'm tired and ready for some rest - but I am anxious to continue working on my projects and to continue discovering new crochet techniques I can accomplish even at my beginner stage. I am wanting to try to find a doily pattern that's easy to do to be able to add into this shawl... if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to let me know :)

Lesson One: Spinning ain't easy!

It looks a lot easier than it is - I guess that's the way life is; we think something looks neat and those who are accomplished fly through this stuff like it's no big deal - I have to remind myself that this is how it was when I first started to knit too - I didn't understand how to make a knit stitch... and now look at me; I can knit!

Spinning is a different story. I went to a beginning spinning class at the Weavers' Cottage in Canyon Country, CA this past Saturday - it was a very long class - and really informative. The teacher was wonderfully patient and clear about how the process works (more about method than anything) but since I lack any knowledge at all about spinning, it was a crapshoot - it's kind of like getting behind the wheel of a car not knowing how the stick shift works, and trying to just "drive".

The Weavers Cottage is an adorable little yellow house out in the middle of wilderness in Canyon Country (sort of near Magic Mountain for those of you who aren't familiar with the area)

The gate is awesome - the owner's husband (I think) made it for her - I loved the spider the first time I saw this! Of course, this time (second visit to this place) I realized that the pickets on the fence are actually shuttles which are used in weaving! how cute and creative - love it love it!

there's tons of rovings and fibers on the shelf for purchase by the ounce - I liked the fibers and LOVE the natural colors (even the not really natural colors) and really wish I was better at this art right off the bat!

here's one of my first attempts at spinning - with the direction of our instructor, I was able to turn roving into "singles"

the "singles" are plied together (spun together) into one yarn - I was amazed that it took such a long time to create such a tiny bit of yarn - I'm sure that it's faster with experience - but I have LOTS of learning to do.

I want to buy a spinning wheel - but didn't know if I loved it enough to make that investment - so I rented one from the shop - they rent wheels by the week, and it's an incredible deal - I checked out the Majicraft Rose wheel - it's the one I was working on in my class - and while I am happy it's in the house, I am not very good at it! I keep waffling back and forth wether or not to buy a wheel this soon into my interest for spinning - on the one hand, why spend that money when it's something I'm not "good" at yet, and on the other hand, I think that if I am learning, I'll learn better on one wheel instead of going from wheel to wheel - AND the value of owning an expensive (and beautiful) wheel may help entice me to continue learning.

I bought roving for play and practice - a few different fibers from wool to alpaca/wool, etc - and I'm anxious to try spinning with them - but I can't get the wheel to work the same at home - without a helping hand or watchful eye of the instructor, I'm just too "green" at this art. I think I need more lessons - and maybe to go to a spinning group to get help from some other fiber enthusiasts!

Willow (left) and Winky (right) love the wheel - I don't know what they love about it but when I brought the rental wheel into the house, they saddled up right next to it - it was soo cute! - I'm torn still about wether or not to buy my own wheel - I want one; we'll see what I decide. I do know that I'm going to try to check them out at the Santa Monica Fiber Festival on Sunday - hopefully I'll be able to make my decision then.

One sock just ain't enough!

I figured it out! - lots of revalations last night - one was that I am able to knit a sock - I was a little mixed up at the toe because I didn't read my directions slowly until I understood them - I did figure it out though, and it looks good even with the "making it up as I go" knitting I did on a few stitches (hehe)... NOW I hear about SSS (Second Sock Syndrome) and I know about it.... but I haven't had it *yet*.... I thought last night that if I just cut off my other foot, then I only need one sock... it'd save me time in knitting socks for myself...


This is not a good idea, however. Cutting your foot off would make it more difficult to walk, and it's not a desirable fate. Lots of folks have to deal with missing a foot or leg - I also kind of think that the healing time and pain associated with chopping my foot off are a greater burden than just sitting down and knitting sock #2. I did not cast on the second sock last night - mostly because it was getting late, and we were watching a tribute to Hal Fishman (the KTLA news anchor who passed away yesterday) I was tired and getting a little sad thinking about my dad, and it was so late that I needed not to start it yet... I want to try to find a similar repeat location in the next ball of yarn so that I maybe get a similar patter on sock #2.

I listened to Lime n' Violet on the way into work today, and they had 2 neat websites to mention... LittleKnits and Gosh Yarn It! which both look like good places to shop... I have also been digging around on the net for a place to buy my spinning wheel - I think Paradise Fibers is going to be the place - it seems to be a good site full of lots of roving and materials and I want to buy my wheel (the Kromski Minstrel in Walnut) from a place that offers lots of other goodies - so that I build a relationship with them. I would, of course, buy it locally from my LFS (Local Fiber Shop) but I don't think they offer Kromski wheels...

That's it for now - I'm happy about my sock - and excited about the wheel :) If anyone has any suggestions about buying a spinning wheel please let me know - I take my first spinning class on Saturday and I just know that I'm going to love it :) - if I am not somehow convinced otherwise, I will probably buy the Minstrel next week!

Turning the Heel & Storing Circulars

I think I'm happiest about 945 every night - all cozy, in bed, knitting like a madman - and doing something new like turning a heel - realizing suddenly that it's NOT hard! - it's just paying attention, following directions and being brave... I got this far last night:
So I am now knitting the foot of my very first sock - I am so excited about it - and at the same time, a little concerned because by the time I get done with this sock, I have to cast on and knit another one. I understand why people love socks - they're compact and actually seem to move fairly quickly, but I doubt I'll be a sock knitter all the time - I am sure to get this sock done, and I know to immediately cast on the second sock - but I have no idea how long it'll take to knit sock #2. I am using an amazing tutorial from the net for my first socks...

I went to Wal Mart this weekend (yes, the evil Wal Mart that my friend calls the "Land of the Missing Teeth") - it can be a scary place late at night.. but I was there during the day... and it's back to school time!

I found these pencil binder pouches for $0.97 each - and they're the PERFECT size to store my circular needles. I don't think they're going to fit into a binder once I have them full of needles, so I plan on buying some sort of plastic bin to keep them in. I haven't figured out a good way to label them yet - any ideas? (I don't really want to just write with a sharpie pen)

Lastly, while searching for my Cascade 220 yarn to use on my Master Knitter Class, we discovered a new knitshop... Simply Knitting - I went with Terri and we were both amazed at the store - (first off, they're having a 50% off sale on most of their yarn - which was a big suprise for us! Walking in, we found antique furniture with yarn displayed beautifully (OMG - it's my dream store!) - I have a business plan for a store very similar to the one we found - the folks working there were very nice, and UNLIKE some other stores I have been to, I didn't feel second class - they welcomed us with open arms - there's plenty of room, and I think there were 10-12 folks knitting away in the shop - it's very comfortable and homey...

We're going to a freeform knitting and crochet class there on the 18th - taught by Janice Rosema - it's going to be an all day fun extravaganza - and I'm VERY much looking forward to learning more about being creative and improvisational with my knitting...

I am also signing up to take a beginner spinning class at the Weavers' Cottage on Saturday the 11th in the morning. I have a hankering for a spinning wheel - but first must try them out to see if I even like it!

Lastly, the Fiber Fest 2007 is coming up August 17-19th - I believe that we're going to go one day during the show - although I don't know if it'll be Friday or Sunday.

SO many things to do and all I want to do is knit! :)

Bishops is gone - Joining the TKGA - My First Sock

After the shop closed on Saturday, a group of us helped Florence bag and inventory the rest of the yarn - dumped into bags and labeled by type of yarn (brand), quantity and price, we filled (I think) 33 bags of yarn - over 4,000 balls! eek - it's a lot to be left over after the big blowout sale - I think Florence is going to try to sell it online -either through ebay or craigslist.... I'm not sure. It took almost 2 hours to pack everything up.

I drove by the store yesterday, and it's up for lease - the store is empty now, nothing in it - and it's very sad - sad that the "legacy" is gone - even though Florence could be cranky, it was a safe place to go and knit - and now it's gone. I'm sure most of the "gang" will still meet up at a house or somewhere else, but the "shop" not being there is just strange... it kind of feels like a death - and I'm sad about it.

the bags were HEAVY - it's LOTS of yarn - I'm not sure where they put it - I guess they hauled it to Florence's house for now until they can figure out what to do with it - I wanted it for a short period of time, but suddenly realized that I don't need that much yarn! I saw a blogpost that was listed on ravelry that showed me the most insane yarn stash http://mochimochiland.com/weblog/?p=111

I don't want to end up with more than I have ... in the words of my grandmother, my cup runneth over - I have plenty - there's no need to be greedy :)

So... bye to Bishops Yarns... Florence and I took a quick photo - I got low for her because the first photo we took looked like she was standing in a hole - I couldn't stop laughing!

Other news... I joined the TKGA - The Knitting Guild Association - and I signed up for the Master Knitting Program - it's a multi step program that covers many aspects of knitting - and I want to move (slowly) through the process- it's not something I'll accomplish quickly - but it's a goal and something I have wanted to do for a while. SO, for my birthday month present I bought the master class (first level) and my membership. Check out the TKGA at http://www.tkga.com/ and a link to the masters program can be found on that page.

Lastly, I started my first sock... and I'm very excited about it - it's very much a beginner sock (just a rib) but I am using one of the fun self patterning yarns - and it's neat to see the colors change - I am slowly climbing down the leg of the sock - I'm anxious to try turning the heel - but I'll probably wait to do that with some friends who know what they're doing so that I don't mess it up!

More yarn? Are you crazy!?

I went to Bishops to visit (and knit) on Saturday and wouldn't you know it, there were probably 15-20 people in there clamoring for yarn - I walked in expecting a few shoppers, but the frenzy I encountered sent me into a grabbing fit - I was meeting my friend Terri and she was already there - within about 10 minutes, we had filled a HUGE bag full of yarn - both of us felt like if all these people were buying, then there must be good yarn that we hadn't seen before... and since it is 70% off we MUST buy it!

We came to our senses during the course of the visit there, and put most of the yarn back (including the 70% off dollar yarn which was $0.30/ ball!!) and only bought the stuff we really liked. I did have a weak moment as I was being rung up and bought 9 balls of burgundy ribbon yarn for a shawl or wrap of some sort...

THEN we heard about the display cases sitting at the vacant tattoo joint 2 doors down from the yarn shop. Florence told us that they were there for the taking (and actually at one point tried to get Gregg to pay her for them?!) I'm not sure what she was thinking... anyway, we went this morning to meet the landlord there and picked up the 4 cases - they're now in the garage, and Gregg's car is (once again) banished to the driveway! I did lots of knitting this weekend - Saturday at Bishops for a while, then Saturday night we went to Mountasia with some friends, and 3 of us sat at the table and knitted for 3 hours while Gregg played with the kids - bumper boats, go-karts, arcade games... it was a great time! I finished another "halfdome" hat - and worked on my mitered squares.

This morning, I had another mini knitting group and saw Terri and Vera for a while (after we picked up the display cases) - it was really good to see Vera - we hadn't seen her in months! I finished another mitered square, then got the BUG to start my scarf out of the GGH Coco yarn I bought on Saturday... I messed around with gauge and whether or not to do ribbing... and ended up deciding to rib using 35 stitches, 5x5 rib, on US10 needles... I LOVE the way it's looking. I wish I could stay home tomorrow and knit on this all day but alas, I must work if I want to continue to irresponsibly purchase yarn!



Chuck comes in tomorrow night from St. Louis. He has been advised to bring an extra suitcase for yarn and I talked with Florence about him coming in early on Tuesday so that he can get his yarn fix in before going to work... it's always good to see him.

Another weekend gone - other things that happened - we fixed the sprinklers (I need to put photos of the backyard on here!) - I cleaned, did laundry, etc., and got things together for my yarn stash swap pal - I almost have everything together for that shipment but I'm not ready to send it out quite yet... :)

it's darn hot here - even with the air on - but we're surviving. I wish it was rainy and cool. I'm happy though with my yarn - and my projects - and our new cabinets - they just create an issue of what to do with them, and force us to organize the garage again... ugh. :)

Plastic Sandwich

The tiny little fruits met their fate today at lunchtime - coupled with mayo, avocado, and microwaved-to-perfection precooked and prepackaged bacon! My daily BLT, er, BTA (no lettuce, add avocado) has been lovingly termed a "plastic sandwich" by my coworkers. There's something to be said about grown fresh on the vine tomatoes - ripe and yummy, if you like them, it's the best treat - almost like candy! The only thing I'm not loving is the tough skin these guys have - but wow the flavor! it makes me miss home (TN/KY/IN)

I am in search of heirloom tomato plants for next year (OK, I'm not really in search, but it's on my list for next spring) because I love heirloom tomatoes even more than just the normal ones...

and yes, I know I'm a little strange - first for using cherry tomatoes on a sandwich, second for slicing them, third for photographing them, and lastly, for blogging about them! So, instead of searching the internet for yarn or knitting, or playing on ravelry this lunch hour, I am raving about my sandwich - it's a change of pace for me.... but of course, I will still find a minute or two for some knitting related browsing!

I must say, though - for those of you who can understand, I am in heaven eating my yummy sandwich - with home grown goodness off of the plant Gregg gave me earlier this summer.

YUM!

I love my tomato plant!

Bishops Yarns - CLOSING - 70% off EVERYTHING

Bishops Yarns
21820 Devonshire St.
Chatsworth, CA

Tuesday - Saturday 10AM-4PM

818-407-1069

EVERYTHING is 70% off - yarns, books, notions, even the bookcases and fixtures are for sale - Florence (the owner) is 89 and it's just time to shut down - she's an incredibly feisty lady and I love her terribly - this is my LYS - and I'm sad to see it go - BUT I want to tell all of you that are within the Los Angeles area about the sale so that you can come in and load up - there's TONS of yarn left...

I'm going to post about what I bought on Saturday after the store closed - at 70% off I made a killing.... it was 682.50 worth of yarn and I paid 204.75 (plus tax) - amazing amazing... the only bad thing: it's adding to my stash. the madness must stop soon!

:)

Kyle

Falling off the wagon (again!)

INSANE yarn purchase - I bought 77 balls / hanks / skeins of yarn and 6 sets of circular needles on Saturday when I truly intended to just drop into the store to say Hi to Florence and Jackie - to check in on them and make sure everything was going well during their last few weeks at the shop...

Instead, I got wind of the sale that's starting on Tuesday and twisted some arms to get in on the action after they closed because my job prevents me from seeing them during the week!

Look at the receipt to see the breakdown... but the end numbers are as follows:

Subtotal: 682.50 (too much money to be spending at a yarn shop when I have so much yarn already! -

SAVINGS: $477.45 (getting to be more like it)

Total (before tax): $204.75

OK so I fell off the wagon, but saving almost $500 on yarns I can always use seems smart to me - almost frugal - since I won't have to buy yarn for 6 or 7 years now! (ha! right!!)

I did my best to let everyone know about the sale - she's totally shutting down on the 28th (2 weeks) and I'll be helping her close up - I can't imagine what it's like to stop doing business after so many years - I know she wants to continue running her shop, but she's not able to teach any longer, and honestly I don't know how good her business sense is any longer... Everyone I talk with seems sad that she's closing, but glad that she's making this proactive move to preserve her "legacy"... it's a sad day, but sometimes it's OK to be empowered enough to realize that "it's time."...

Mitered Squares take Forever!

I have been working on my blanket for a week or two now - and I was anxious last night to see how the squares look when laid together. SO, I pulled the 10 that I have completed out of their respective baggies (all individually marked with the order they were created, the date and even some info on where I knit them, along with the color of yarn I used) and laid them on the bedroom floor. I am excited about the way it's looking, but it isn't what I thought it would look like... while I didn't really have any specific colorway in mind, I didn't think that the blanket would end up so random in its colorway.

The good news is this: NORO is awesome. the colors all seem to work together anyway - and it's going to look amazing when I'm 75 years old and it finally gets completed. For now, I'll knit away at my little squares and be happy making the "little" projects - and later... much later... I'll focus on the second little project: assembly!

Which brings me to my question.... does anyone know how to assemble blanket blocks so that there's no seaming on the back? I want to assemble these pieces (at some point) so that it can be fully reversible. I did find the best way to weave in ends (thanks to www.sockpr0n.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-to-weave-in-ends-while-knitting.html - the tutorial on weaving in ends!) If anyone knows a good link for assembly of blankets, email me or post in the comments please :)

An update on the yarn stash yarn swap

I am going to make the cutoff this coming Sunday July 15th - and the following week I'll send out the emails to everyone with the info for their partners - thanks to all who joined up - it should be a fun way to force us to dig through our stashes!

Bishops is Closing

As I mentioned before, Bishop's Yarns in Chatsworth is shutting down - this is her last month, and everything is 50% off! - she's selling all her display cabinets (most are gone), as well as yarn, needles, books, etc. - if you are in the Los Angeles area, I'd strongly suggest coming out to see her store and buying what you can while you can - LOTS of good yarn still left for the grabbing...

Bishops Yarns

21820 Devonshire St.

Chatsworth, CA

818-407-1069

I believe their hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10AM - 4PM

Good News... Bad News

Good News: I am on Ravelry (yippie!!) - I have been on for a week or so and I love it - it's pretty intuitive as far as how to use it - you need to check out http://www.ravelry.com/ and get on the list if you're a knitter... they have thousands of folks in the queue waiting to be invited (it's still in beta testing) but the sooner you put your request in, the sooner you'll get invited! I think they're going to be opening it up for everyone in a month or so - but until then, I'm already in - and can I just tell you, it's the program I was wanting forever - it organizes my projects and gives me a place to post my photos, etc. - I'll be making lots of notes there about all the things I make.
The thing it doesn't do (yet) is allow me to print out individual project pages - I sent an email to them and they're going to try to figure out a way to make that happen - If they do, then I'll be super duper excited...

Bad News: Bishops Yarns is shutting down - Florence has decided to close the shop - so she's having 50% off everything (good news?) including books, needles, supplies, yarn, everything... she's even selling her bookcases and fixtures! I bought 2 of the handbuilt white bookcases that she had made years and years ago - for my "someday" yarn room - they're really neat and it'll be a nice reminder of her and the experience I had at my first LYS -

I started my mitered square blanket in Noro Silk Garden - it's turning out neat - I have 4 squares done so far - it's going to be expensive though - I have 32 skeins (which will make 64 squares)- and I'll need just over 150 to make a queen sized blanket - I guess when I have my 64 made I'll lay them out and then try to decide if I'm interested in making 86 more squares... :)

Something for Mama

I guess since my mom isn't on the internet, it's probably fairly safe to blog about her holiday gift - I found a simple pattern for mitered squares and decided, after rearranging my yarn stash this weekend, that this would be a good pattern for the multiple yarns I have to work with in the colorway that I think my mom will like. I started the first square last night and I'm pretty close to finishing it - I have yet to figure out how many hundreds of squares I'll need - this one is about 7" x 7" square so far...

Here's the box of yarn that I'll be pulling from for Mom's blanket:

I obviously have a long way to go before being done - the hope is that I'll have a blanket in time for Christmas....

and if you know my Mom - don't say anything to her :) - I want to blog the progress but I hope she'll not hear what her gift is - the first present I made her (the sweater) didn't fit her and I never heard anything else about it - I think it was tragically small....

My "First" Sweater (Continued)

I am continuing this darn sweater.. (finally) although I'm aching to start something *else* new... I cast on the sleeve and while it seems HUGE at the cuff, I'm not comfortable with making it smaller because I think I would have to make other random complicated calculations in the pattern to make it fit at the shoulder. I am just taking a deep breath and hoping that it all fits and works out. I was fighting with myself thinking that I don't really want a plain boring half zip green sweater anymore, but I realized also that if I were to add some colorwork (like a fair isle band on the arm) it'd look funny the way it attaches, or if I put it where the sleeve connects, it'd be really low on my arm... So I am sticking with my initial idea which is to make a simple green (boring) sweater. It's full of "beginners" mistakes (I am still a beginner) but I'm learning. Slowly.

It's obvious that I haven't gotten to the chapter about gauge swatches yet... I'm still in the "fake it" stage... I think of my knitting habits a lot like the I Love Lucy show where she's working at the chocolate factory - just "acting" like she knows what she's doing... I do know a little; and I do know better than to work on projects and assume they're going to fit when I don't do a gauge swatch... and while this sweater seems a tiny bit big, I think it'll be OK.

I want to get it done -

I also get frustrated with patterns that say things like "increase on the fifth and every following twelfth row until the stitches = 102. I stop and get out paper for these instructions, and literally list out every line - it's kind of cryptic to anyone else, but I understand what I need to do from row to row - then as I work I cross off each line in my worksheet. I made this form for the increasing on my sleeve, and I then copied it... so I have one for the second sleeve. If I follow my pattern, then they'll be the same (hopefully)

I hope to get one sleeve complete this weekend.

I got a few responses for the yarn swap I offered - I am waiting for one or two more replies with the answers to the questions we posed - then I'll be matching each person with a pal.

Yarn Stash Swap Questionnaire

JULY 16th UPDATE: The swap is closed - thanks to those who have joined - email me if you're wanting to participate in future swaps :)

To be included in the yarn swap, copy this post and email it to me with your answers - I'll post again with deadline info, etc. but as of now you have a week or two :)

this is gonna be FUN!

Yarn Stash Swap Information:

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email:
Blog:

The idea is to trade yarn and goodies with another yarn hoarder – in an effort to mix up our stashes and create a need for us to each go through our collections – hopefully it’ll help some of us to organize our stashes and prioritize the materials we have “at the ready” – knowing what we have to work with might inspire us to match up existing stash yarn with project ideas – and get them in the queue for production! My request is that you agree to send (at least) the following:

1. Minimum 200 yards of yarn that you believe your pal will like for a project. It’s ok to mix up the yarns – just try to keep in mind that the recipient is hoping for neat stuff just like you are – I’m planning on putting together a little project – maybe socks, a scarf, a hat, etc. (maybe even send a pattern along?)

2. ONE skein of your least favorite yarn in your stash (no matter what your pal requested, this is your chance to ditch an orphan skein, or make someone laugh) – I would suggest complete skeins only, though –

3. Add some personality – put in a few things you love – handmade stitch markers, cards, a knitting magazine or book that you have read and loved and is now just sitting on your bookshelf, candy, something of “local” flavor – like handmade local soap or a candle or something fun – everyone loves opening up goodies – make it fun for your new friend!

4. Reveal your identity – Let your pal know who you are – send your name and your email so that the two of you might begin a little chat or conversation. If you have a podcast or blog, shamelessly promote it here –


Name 3 interesting things about you:

Are you allergic to anything? Cats, Dogs, Smoke, Scent (like in candles, etc.), Wool, etc.? let us know:

Do you know how much yarn is in your stash? If so, how much? (you can guess by number of skeins, approx. yardage, boxes full, or how many storage units you have filled up):

What do you usually make when you are knitting?


Colors – remember, the more specific you are, the better chance your secret pal will have in supplying you with yarn you will love!

Favorite Colors:

Least Favorite Colors:

Yarn Content: - please rate each of these on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being least loved, 10 being most coveted. If there are other materials you like to work in, name them for us

Alpaca
Acrylic
Baby
Bamboo
Cotton
Mohair
“Novelty”
Silk
Wool
Cashmere (or a blend)

Yarn Weight: - please rate each of these on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being least loved, 10 being most coveted. If there is some other descriptor of the type of yarn you might like to get, let us know here:

Fingering
Aran
Baby
DK (Double Knitting)
Bulky
Chunky
Hand Spun
Hand Dyed

Allergies: - if you’re allergic to anything – smoke, cats, dogs, wool (you poor soul), etc. please speak up – I’ll do my best to match you up.


Anything else we should know? –

When you get your package, if you have a blog, try to take photos and talk about your experience – you can email photos to me also and I’ll post them on my blog – maybe we’ll do this a few times a year!

If you’re interested in other swaps, what would you want to do? I am thinking of doing a scarf or hat swap – just to keep the exchanges going – any ideas? 

Thanks for participating – fill out the form and email it to me – to kyle.kunnecke@yahoo.com

Once I have gathered up the information from each of the participants, I’ll send you your buddy’s information!

Email me with any questions

Kyle

UPDATE:

Thanks to Stash and Burn for posting about this swap - I'm holding off for a week or two to give everyone a chance to sign up - if you're interested in participating, send me an email - :)

Yarn Stash Yarn Swap - preliminaries...

I am organizing a yarn stash yarn swap.... I haven't worked out all the details yet but we'll figure them out - at this point I'm drumming up interest - we will have a questionnaire that you'll be able to fill out, I'll match folks up to (as best as I can) provide each of you with someone who has yarn of a type that you might be interested in...

get in touch with me - either by posting a comment here (with a way to get in touch with you) or personally at kyle(at)kunnecke(dot)net and let me know you're interested - I know I have lots of yarn to select from, and I'm always excited to get packages in the mail...

sign up ya'll - let's have some fun! - keep watching here for information on the swap

:)

Kyle

Stitch and Pitch 2007 at Dodger Stadium

Knitting at a baseball game is difficult but is certainly worth a try!!

I went to the Stitch and Pitch event at Dodgers Stadium with my friend Debbie on Tuesday May 22, 2007 - it was awesome - check out the Stitch and Pitch website here and you'll find the information about the program and if it's going on in your area - it's where all types of fibercrafting folks get together and go knit at a baseball game! we were WAYYYYY up in the boonies but it was a great time - had a dodger dog, some nachos and I actually got some knitting done although not much knitting because all the neat folks there were just too distracting - It was neat to hear from the ladies around me - how two of them joined forces together to grow each other's yarn stash - the husband of one lady said she can't have any more yarn, so now she stores her recent stashes at her friend's house! - I thought that was hilarious!

I also got a flyer about a contest at the LA County Fair for men knitters - called "Real Men are Knitting" - and while I don't know if I'll enter, I'm sure that I'll attend - (at least I want to) - I guess that while I think I'm pretty good for a beginner, I don't know how I feel about being judged... I'll have to look through my finished objects to see if I have anything worth entering and see what happens.

We're off to Palm Springs this weekend (Memorial Day) to visit with family - it'll be a nice weekend getaway. I hope everyone stays SAFE and has a good relaxing weekend. My favorite part of trips like this: the drive (knitting time) of course!

Kyle

Lorna's Lace Shawl and WIP List

I just finished the first panel of Lorna's Lace Shawl (the pattern comes free attached to the hank of yarn). I bought this yarn at Alamitos Bay Yarn Co. a few weeks ago, and I'm slowly tackling this project. It's literally as thin as crochet thread, and I'm surprised that I can do this - BUT I must say in all sincerity that this is EASY stuff - the entire pattern consists of casting on, knitting, turning (not wrap and turn; just turn!), yarn over, and bind off... if you can do those things, along with moving a marker, I am confident you can do this pattern. I did make a spreadsheet for this pattern because you follow the pattern so many times for each panel - I find that if I make a checklist or matrix to check off with each box, it's a lot easier for me to keep track of my rows, etc. I don't have an easy time remembering what row I'm on - I literally must check a box after the completion of each row.

I also have been working on a baby sweater for someone special - it's not quite finished yet - but it's turning out very cute! I did my "make 1" stitches a little differently than I think I was supposed to for the collar, and it made tiny holes across the top and bottom of it, but I like the holes, so I kept it. They look neat to me (kind of like eyelets!) - I will talk with my knitting gals to find out how I should have made my "make 1" so that next time I will know what I did wrong!

The Phoenix sweater is moving along slowly - I have found that I love to start projects, but finishing them gets difficult. I would rather cast something else on than complete something even if it's near completion! I'm trying to think of what's on my needles right now... let's see:

• scrap scarf that I started forever ago - maybe 50% complete - this will probably never be worn - I thought it'd be a good idea but I don't like the way it looks but it just looks silly. I should just finish it and bind off and be done with it - so it's at least not on my list any more!
• "circle" intarsia/fair isle scarf - maybe 10% complete (kind of complex for me) This one will take a while! - I need to pack it all together so that all the yarn and pattern are in one place.
• baby sweater that I just talked about - need to do the button band and sew the arms on and it'll be complete (hooray a finished project soon!)
• "Phoenix" sweater - 5% done - I am about 6 or 7" up the back - there's a long way to go
• "Mystery" sweater (a present) the back is done, one side, and I think one arm... maybe both arms - I need to work on this one - there's quite a bit of finishing to do on it (including sending it out to get a zipper put in)
• my "First" sweater - the green one I am doing in Snuggly DK - back is done, the front is almost done - I just have to knit from where the zipper starts up to the collar - maybe an hour of knitting to do on the front. I bought some colors of yarn to do a fair isle or intarsia band on the one arm for some interest - it's SUCH a boring sweater - and with all its mistakes, I will want to wear it... so I need to come up with something. This one could be done in a few weeks if I'd just work on it -
• Lace Shawl - (the reason for my post this morning) - it's 1/6 complete -
• Test sock - that first one that I started to try to figure out how to make a sock - it might just get frogged... socks are not hard but they take a LOT of time- I will make at least one pair in my life but maybe not right now! :)

Of course, I want to cast on my Quiviuk hat, and another 2 or 3 sweaters are itching to get started... I need to focus on finishing some of these pieces - the reason I don't get stuff "done" is because I'm spreading my precious knitting time across too many projects! Right now, I'm working on the lace shawl, the baby sweater AND the Phoenix sweater... so my stitches are spread out.

The other comment I want to make is I am trying to find a book or form or computer program (mac preferably) to keep track of my knitting projects. If anyone knows of a good form or program, email me or post a comment - I want to try to record when I made my projects, for whom, and have a place to remember the yarns, patterns, etc. - in 50 years I might want to look back and see what I was doing. The blog helps keep track of some of it, but I would prefer a different format.

Thanks for any information or ideas you might have :)

Shearing my Sheep

I have been saving my cat Winky's hair for about 1-1/2 years now. I know; it's an odd thing to collect. She's a rescue kitty that I got 2 years ago this past Valentine's day from a shelter in Los Angeles. She's very special - and was rescued from a high kill shelter - saved because she had already been through so much. We don't know really how she lost her eye, but the story I was told is this.... apparently she ended up on someones doorstep, with her eye torn out of her face, bloody and beat up from a fight - clinging to life. I don't know the details, but I do know this caring person took her to the vet, where they apparently sewed her eye closed and saved her. Somehow, she ended up at the pound where she was rescued by a group who kept her at their facility for over 6 months until I found her and took her home. By this time, she was very depressed and not really social, however, she's doing GREAT now. I don't know for sure if the details of the story are correct (or true!) but I do know she's missing her eye and it doesn't bother her at all. She's a very sweet cat, loves to get pet and scratched under her neck and behind her ears - and she keeps me company while I knit at night. She's not a lap kitty; but she does love to lay by my leg and *almost* touch me while she rests.

Winky has a long coat of hair that I love but my partner is kind of allergic - and the hair (in the summer) gets to be pretty warm... so, to keep her comfy (and Gregg from sneezing) I get her shaved a few times a year. I found a company about 1-1/2 years ago called VIP fibers based in northern California that takes pet hair, cleans it, then spins it into yarn! I thought it was the coolest thing and had to try it. I did this with my dog's hair (Dakota) and it turned out neat, so I started to save Winky's hair. 3 shavings later, here's the result:

I know it doesn't look like much, but the bowl that the fiber is in measures about 15" across - it's also very deep! I mailed this off to VIP fibers this morning and can't wait to get it spun up. I asked them to make a dk weight yarn for me, similar to Sirdar's Snuggly. I am thinking it'll end up as striping or accents in a sweater - but who knows... I need to see what it looks like to get final inspiration.

The process is explained on their website, and they're very friendly folks. If you love your pets and want to try something totally different, check 'em out - it's not much different than wool, alpaca, or even quiviuk - it's an animal fiber that's being spun - it just happens to come from the most beautiful long haired kitty in the universe (Willow would be the most beautiful short haired kitty - while she's no good at donating fiber, she's very good at cuddling and sleeping in the crook of your arm at night. Willow is also a rescue, with 3 legs - I have had her about 4 or 5 years now.)

Drip... Drip... Crash...

Something bad happened Saturday; it rained. Not a lot, but enough to make the old ceiling at Bishops leak. We were lucky though because not only was it a "small" leak, it happened to leadk only on the register/desk portion of the store, sparing all yarn!

Something bad happened Saturday; it rained - not a lot, but enough to make the old ceiling at Bishop's yarn shop leak - we were lucky though because not only was it just a "small" leak, it happened to leak only on the register/desk portion of the store - sparing all the yarn! We knew about the previous leaks from the stains in the ceiling - I had talked about painting the ceiling at one point, and had not thought for a minute that the roof would still leak! I am also happy that we didn't go through all that work just to have it destroyed by some rain and water!

Everything survived except the ceiling patches, the telephone and the credit card machine...


SO - Florence (the owner of the shop) is going to order a new card machine, and the landlord is fixing the roof. He came out on Saturday and did some repair/patch work. I hope that he repairs it the right way this time to keep something bad happeneing to the yarn in the shop!

Moving on to the other fun event: Gregg's sweater is ripped apart (Thanks, Florence!) - I didn't get rid of the bottom cable band or one of the sleeves yet - I won't reuse either of them but I decided that I shouldn't go through the work of ripping these pieces unless I have to use that yarn... so I'm being patient and waiting. I started a new sweater this weekend - it's a neat v-neck with ribbing on the sides - and stockinette in the front and back - it seems to be a good match for the yarn so far (although I STILL think the stitches look loose) - I have decided to call it my "Phoenix" sweater - for the yarns ability to rise from the ashes and become something new. I am also kind of excited at the idea that this tragic sweater can be knitted up, analyzed, and dissected - from dust to dust, yarn to yarn - and if I'm careful, I could keep doing this over and over - knitting up fabric, looking at it and then ripping it out --- yarn is kind of like play dough! - how cool that the sweater I make consists only of a continuous strand of fiber!


We also had knit night again on Friday at the house - Chuck, Vera, Terry and I attended, Gregg had another friend over to entertain him while we knit. I have become a knitting fiend - knitting at gatherings, in the car, and I have decided that it's just too far to try to knit in my sleep; although I think it's a good idea (sleeping should be productive too) I think I'll drop too many stitches!

Kyle

Quiviuk Splendor from Knit Cafe

I have been WANTING this amazing yarn for a while; ever since my trip home in January to see my dad for the last time - I think I was in Memphis in the airport waiting for my next flight, when I was digging through a magazine and discovered a plethora of classified ads raving about this fiber. I knew that surely I'd be able to find some of this stuff in Los Angeles when I got home, so I ripped out an ad and stuffed it into my backpack. I called one of the suppliers in the magazine to try to find out the cost... it's expensive! I HAD to at least see and fall in love with the fiber before buying it - so I waited.

I went to see Suzan Mischer of Knit Cafe after that trip and asked her about a ribbed hat pattern I have been searching for - she was really helpful (and she has the most beautiful store I think I have ever seen!) but we weren't able to come up with a pattern. It's OK though; I have put that project on the "back burner" for now... too many more exciting things to think about!... Anyway, I also mentioned this fiber, and not only did she know about it, she had seen it at the recent show and ordered it! It was going to take a while to arrive, she mentioned... so I waited.

Time passed till yesterday, when I was looking for the Debbie Bliss Sublime Baby book - I'm working on something out of the book and decided I want to own the book instead of just borrowing my friends copy.... and I thought that Knit Cafe might have the book... they didn't.

but they DID have my Quiviuk!

I didn't spring for the 100% pure yarn for two reasons - first, it was REALLY expensive - ( I think it was around $75 per ball) and it was really "fluffy" - I wanted to be sure that I loved the thing I made out of this yarn if I was springing for something this rare... I bought the 45% Quiviuk, 45% Extrafine Merino, 10% silk - and it was about $50 a ball - I wasn't going to say anything about the cost because I didn't want anyone to admonish me for spending so much on yarn - but I decided that I had a tiny bit of extra money from the second job I just left, and that this would be the thing I was buying as a reward for my hard work and efforts. I'm sure it will be a one time thing; this purchasing way over the top yarn - while I'm a huge fan of fine materials for my knitting, I can't be spending money like this!!! eek.

Anyway, I got a pattern from Knit Cafe as well - the mock cable hat pattern from www.windyvalleymuskox.com - which I will use to help figure out gauge - I was thinking this morning that maybe I'll use the pattern on knitty.com for the "halfdome" by Jesse Loesberg - (www.yarnboy.com) - the pattern can be found at: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATThalfdome.html

I haven't figured out if it'll work yet, but I think the little cables in the pattern I got yesterday may be a little too much for my style - I love the simplicity of the yarn and the fiber itsself should be the "star" - so I am most likely to dive into Jesse's pattern before doing cables with this stuff.

I promised Suzan that I'd bring in the hat when it is finished - I didn't think I'd be diving into the project very quickly, however, I'm already hankering to get started! :)

Go to www.knitcafe.com and if you're in the area, swing by Suzan's shop - it's beautiful and stocked to the brim with amazing yarns and supplies.

:)

Kyle

We Knit!

My friend Vera and I taught Chuck (Gregg's best friend) who is visiting from St. Louis how to knit this weekend - he was curious, and in a matter of minutes has figured out the "knit" stitch - he's well on his way to making a garter stitch scarf - all in olive green Manos del Uruguay yarn (recycled from the ripped out attempt at a scarf I was making for him last fall)...

On Sunday I went to Alamitos Yarn Co. (at Seal Beach in the Marina) - kind of near Long Beach - for their big sale - I bought some amazing mohair for 50% off - and some hand dyed yarn from Lorna's Lace - I wound it and it's ready to be turned into a beautiful shawl!

We had a great time but the traffic going home made the 1 hour drive take about 4 getting home - it was a slow drive but a rewarding yarn hunt. I can't wait to start the shawl!

I love my yarn buddies!

Kyle

My friend Vera and I taught Chuck (Gregg's best friend) who is visiting from St. Louis how to knit this weekend - he was curious, and in a matter of minutes has figured out the "knit" stitch - he's well on his way to making a garter stitch scarf - all in olive green Manos del Uruguay yarn (recycled from the ripped out attempt at a scarf I was making for him last fall)...

Ripping My Heart Out - or the rise and fall of Gregg's sweater

It's all in the details -

(and sometimes if you photograph something just right, the way the details look close up isn't all that bad!) - notice the beautiful raglan sleeve? the colors blending from one hank of yarn to another...

the beautiful cable edging that I had such a hard time with...

Pinning it out and blocking it to get it all even - it's a beautiful piece - it's just that it doesn't FIT. After finishing Gregg's sweater and put it on him... I already knew that things were "odd" with it - the fit was strange - it was too long - seemed too big - the collar was wacky (probably because I had sewn up the two ends different ways!) and the center part was not in the center! I was disappointed - and fruatrated - and in a fit of decision I handed it to Florence (the owner of Bishop's Yarns) and asked her to rip it out for me. I did a REALLY good job of weaving in all the ends - so it took her a while to get it started. I won't be around for most of the dirty work (I hope) and I don't feel that badly about tearing apart months and months of work - it's just that if it's not right, and doesn't fit well, what's the point of keeping it?

Here are some "farewell" photos:

I have found a different pattern to re-use this wonderful yarn - and I asked Gregg to pick a new yarn and pattern for his next sweater. He'll get one - just not this one. He's OK with it - he knows the amount of time involved in making a piece - and he knows I love it (and him) and want it to be right. SO - unravel it shall, and I will try again.

I'm OK with this - really. It's all about the process and learning and leaving behind pieces we can be proud of. (Thanks, Brenda (from Cast-On) and Terry (from Bishop's) for making me rip my heart out.

:)

Kyle

Only as Perfect as Life

I finished Gregg's sweater. Kind of. I listened to Brenda Dayne of Cast on and addressed the issue of my mistakes in the end of the sweater, ripping them out and re-doing those parts - I felt very empowered by the ability to revise this garment. I got it finished and bound off this weekend, and tried it on Gregg - he's such a good sport! - the bottom of the sweater was sagging low, and the back of the sweater was riding high - things weren't really lining up - I took it off of him and tried laying it out; I knew that when I had put the sleeves in that they were off a little bit; and I didn't think it'd matter (I had figured this out a few rows into the joining process which, I am finding, is somewhat difficult to explain in words) - Anyway, this means that the sleeves aren't lined up centered on each side, and it also means the center part (the right and left panels) is not in the exact middle - which in turn, made the collar not exactly in the center... it looks OK - just a little frumpy and I'm sad that it didn't turn out amazing. I did a pretty good job of the knitting, and the yarn is beautiful... it just is a little upsetting to try to make something so charged with feeling for so long, spanning so many things (I was working on this piece at the foot of my dad's bed the last days I spent with him before his death... I worked on the sleeves on the plane flight home to bury my dad... the piece was to be for Gregg's birthday and too many things happened that forced me to miss my deadline back in February) -

The good news: I am not giving up! I am STILL in love with yarn, with creating, with knitting and learning. I don't think that I have learned enough to actually pay MORE attention to the details, but I think that comes in time. Being a "new" knitter of only a few years, I have a long way to go.

I am working now on a tiny baby sweater - finished the back last night - it's way adorable. I did a little modification on the binding off at the top (not paying attention again) but I made notes in my pattern, and I am figuring at the end, what's one stitch difference in the grand scheme of a sweater!... we'll see when it is assembled.

Gregg loves his sweater - it still needs a zipper - maybe putting the zipper in will miraculously fix the thing.

Kyle

Catching up on Cast On

I have become an addict. I admit it - step one (I have heard) is admitting you are powerless. I am powerless against the voice of Brenda Dayne from Cast-On. She's my inspiration of late; talking to me through her podcasts on the drive to and from work every day. I actually was almost late today because I had to download another episode onto my ipod - I love hearing her talk, the music she plays, and I fantasize about moving to Wales to be more worldly.

I love my projects and all my works in progress (which need to be roped in) - I have so many things going on right now and it seems not a lot of time to work on them - I have to finish Gregg's sweater - it's near completion again, after frantically realizing I had messed up on part of the picking up - messing up by knitting up to the collar instead of stopping where I should have... anyway, I don't want to re-hash it all again... I sent out some frantic requests to friends and most of them chimed back the same as my buddy Brenda:

"it is a mistake. It's sad, but it's there... you'll notice it every time you see the sweater... have a glass of wine, and rip out the mistake, pick up your stitches and fix it. it won't take a lot of time; and you can do it... and once it is done, you'll be very proud of yourself."

I did exactly what she said - and she was RIGHT - ripping out was scary - but I did it and it's fine. I'm almost finished with that piece - I hope to get it finished and assembled tomorrow - then I can find a zipper and get the zipper put in - Just what Gregg wanted; a sweater in time for summer!

it's all about the timing.

Anyway, I'm slowly catching up on the Cast-On episodes and anyone who hasn't listened to all of them, I suggest starting at the beginning and taking it show by show. Going through the history of her podcasts has taught me much about Brenda; but not being there when they were released makes me sad... I think about where I was the fall of last year, before I discovered cast-on, and it makes me sad that I didn't listen back then and that I didn't comment on whatever topic she had covered. I'm catching up though - which is nice... it is, however, going to be hard to fall back on the once a week podcast that she publishes.

I love ya, Brenda! you're my hero! - thank you for your creative energy - you inspire me!

Kyle

Zipper Fiasco - open to suggestions!

I am still working on this raglan cardigan for Gregg and I was finishing it up this weekend - as I was sewing down the collar I realized in a fit of horror that I had accidentally picked up stitches along the collar for the zipper cover thingy - (this is the "Avast" sweater from knitty.com) -

I don't know what to do, because after you pick up and knit the right and left zipper cover things, you pick up around the bottom of the sweater and knit around that - so I can't just take out that zipper cover and re-do it, and I'm terrified of cutting it - I'm open to suggestions. It's my first cardigan, and my first "in the round" sweater - I think it looks pretty good, and I'm painfully aware that the arms aren't *exactly* in the right places - but I have tried it on, and it seems to be OK - as far as fit -

I think I'll just pick up along the other side of the collar, and knit it - doing this might make the collar a little bulky on the side I haven't turned down (the "oops" side) - so I don't know if it's the best idea - maybe I'll pick up and knit all the way along, then add enough stitches to wrap back into the collar and then when they fold and seam, it'll all kind of balance - it might even be a big suprise and match in thickness to the zipper... I am turning to all the fabulous knitters who know so much better than I to see what they come up with

help?

:)

My dad passed away in February - so here's a tribute story: When I was little, I remember going into his closet and STEALING his wheat pennies to go buy candy - growing up, I realized how horrible it was of me as a child to do that, and whenever I found one I'd send it to him with a little note - I don't know if he appreciated it or not, but it makes me think of him. (the wheat penny was also the item I decided to place in the coffin with him- it's in his shirt pocket) and now seeing wheat pennies as they are noticed brings a smile to my face... SO... I got a roll of wheat pennies on ebay - all from 1941; the year he was born (amazing what you can find on ebay!) and drilled one to make a necklace for myself - I had 49 more, so I realized I could make stitch markers - here is the first attempt at them - I drilled them so the heads were facing "up" - and didn't realize it until it was too late that the wheat (which is more important to me) was facing "down" when they were assembled - SO I am drilling more today and will make another set -

I love making these - it's lots of fun - I have often thought of selling them but I have never done it - I might build up a little collection of them and start to sell them at my LYS - it could be fun :) - especially since I have the Los Angeles jewelry mart at my disposal for boxes, bags, etc. - presentation is everything!

Yarn Paydirt - Bishops has a SALE

Bishop's yarn in Chatsworth, CA is going to have a HUGE yarn sale this coming week - they have already put out the yarn and it's ready to go - they open on Tuesday at 10AM - I think they're selling all the "fun fur/funny/railroad, etc." yarn for $2 a ball - on Thursday the actual sale hits, and they'll be selling it all for $1 a ball!!!!) - I'll be there on Saturday to help out, but I did my pre-purchasing today while we set everything up - it's an amazing opportunity for those of us who like novelty yarns (even to bulk up our stashes) - for charity knitting, scarves, hats, baby things, whatever... I love Florence - bless her heart, she has thousands of balls of this specialty/novelty yarn - and even when ALL of the sale yarn is gone, the store is well overstocked! This sale, should all the yarn go, will help to clean up the store - getting rid of lots of the piles of yarn that are on top of the bookcases.

The girls also suprised me - when I came in on Saturday to knit, they had thrown out all the spinning pattern racks and put the patterns in those cardboard holders for magazines! it opened up a TON of space - maybe we can put some club chairs or a love seat and a couple comfy chairs there - with a few tables - it'd be neat to have a "living room" type arrangement - to sit around and knit!

We are also thinking (kind of) about buying the store. Florence did mention that she was considering selling the business - owning a yarn shop sounds neat to me and I'm all about buying giftware and merchandising - we have a few people interested in going in on it with us; but we have lots to think about before we make a decision.

I finished the shoulders of gregg's sweater, and the collar - I now have to put the band on the right and left side (where the zipper goes) and around the bottom of the sweater (which I might actually rib; I'm not sure) then get the zipper put in, and sew up the arms... then, voila! it'll be finished! (only a month or so late!)

:)

Kyle

Happy Birthday Gregg!

Yesterday was Gregg's 39th birthday, and, since I have been out of town because of my father's passing, I didn't get his sweater completed! I put the half finished item in a box and explained to him that I had been working on this since November of last year - but only at the yarn shop and only on Saturdays - I got stuck and couldn't move forward because I had never attempted a raglan sleve. Now that I see how it works (kind of) it seems pretty easy. Better still, now that he has seen it, I can work on it at home in front of him.

I love the yarn - it's 100% alpaca - self striping -

The pattern is "Avast" from knitty.com - and while I have found a few glitches in the pattern, they were nothing that a moderate knitter such as myself couldn't decipher. (for example, when it is time to join the arms to the sweater, the counts were off for knitting - instead of the directions that were given, I just knit to the bound off part under the arm (on the row before, it was something like p45, bo 4, p 95, bo 4, purl to end) and then knit on the sleeve, when the sleeve was done, I continued past the 4bo section, then the other sleeve in the same fashion. As far as I can tell, it all looks like it's lined up correctly. Only time will tell!

I am very excited about this piece - it will be a while before it's done - I have a while to go till I get to complete the sweater, then I have to get a zipper put in it... :)

Felted Bag - Experience Counts!

I made this bag out of patons wool (the grey) and lion brand (the lime) and did it with a single strand of yarn - the pattern was from knitty.com - actually I have made almost 3 now - but this one I had assembled the pocket onto it, and have yet to sew on the strap - anyway, I was felting it last night in hot hot hot water and kind of left it alone, and let it run the entire cycle - and wow did it shrink! I still love it - I just named it a handbag instead of a messenger bag :) - and I learned my lesson with this smaller bag.

I promise promise promise that I will pay attention to my knitting when I am felting it from now on! I now realize that when they say it'll keep shrinking, it'll REALLY keep shrinking!

Painting Progress at Bishops Yarns!

On Saturday, I spent the day at Bishops painting and patching. Terry (one of the girls that works there) enlisted her husband (Lloyd)to help me patch and move things around. We had bought the paint a few weeks ago but I have been busy and had to go to Indiana to say goodbye to my dad. Dad isn't doing well; he's on morpine and an IV, and they have stopped the chemo... he's in his last days - so that trip was important.

Anyway, when we got to the shop, not much had changed with regard to the back. The girls have been working diligently at getting as much yarn out of BAGS as possible (they have been having great sales days since they started taking stuff out of plastic!) - we started taking down all the posters, etc. and Lloyd was patching - I put in a "Before" and "After" so we can see the change. We painted some of the walls (the accent walls) a mossy/olive green - and it looks so nice! We are going to put up some shelving on the back wall - between the two green walls - That back wall that goes against the very back of the store will be painted some sort of pumpkin or rust color. We haven't figured out what the store will be painted (the main part of the store) but I think we're going to end up with some sort of cream or yellow or maybe the ralph lauren "Devonshire" color that looks like a manilla folder. We need to do something with the ceiling, but charity has to stop somewhere!

Florence (the shop owner) loves what we have done and is much better than she was when we took her to the hospital. She spent a week or two home, lost 15 pounds (she started off skinny as a rail!) - but she's getting better.

SO. That's how I spent my Saturday. I am happy and it looks nice. The people who are coming into the shop are happy with the way it looks, and I can honestly say that there's a difference in the sales in the store - directly resulting from the rearranging of the shop and the small cosmetic changes we have made.

I wanted to put some sort of big photo or something on that back wall, but since it's a yarn shop, I thought most recently that we might hang a blanket on a curtain rod there - using clips and an inexpensive iron rod. I don't know what piece we'll display there, but that's what I would like to do next (probably the same time that we paint the back wall rust and do the shelves.)

I was also thinking of hanging a curtain back where those shelves will be (to hide the backstock) - what do you think?

the charity shall continue. it's good to do for others!

Kyle

Re-Working the Yarn Shop

So yesterday I met up with the 2 ladies that work at my LYS (and the 88 year old woman who owns the place) around 10am - we had her permission to move everything around to create a more comfortable atmosphere - moving the clearance yarn away from the front window, moving the "knittting table" closer to the front window, rearranging bookcases, etc. She has owned the shop (in this location) for around 28 years... and she'll be the first to tell you all the other locations along with the years she was there, and what was in the spot before and after. I love her; she's a quirky cranky spunky lady - and she's the reason I love the store.

The first photo shows the store "before" at the register. We moved the desk to the other side of the store, next to a pony wall - and cleaned up this area. We got "rid" of all the machine cone yarn - it's hiding in bins in the back now (eww) - and redid that corner to be all the notions (along with a few bookcases of yarn to cover the gross window that noone ever looked through.

The second photo is the best "after" that I have - it shows the wall of yarn, along with a glass display case that we "rescued" - and put finished pieces in - it's the closest thing to a display that we could muster up - behind the case are some racks for patterns (there are too many of these!) and behind that are 4 more tables (originally for knitting machines, now they're good for people to knit around - we just need to get chairs to go around it that all match - hehe...

Along the back wall you can kind of see what the store looks like - it's full of bags of yarn... Florence (The Owner) likes the yarn in bags to keep it clean. I think she's right, but it doesn't "look" as nice as I'd like it to.... oh well. It's NOT my shop!

I haven't painted yet, and there's LOTS still to do, but we did succeed in getting rid of a GROSS clearance rack that was hand made and half done, with its back showing out the front window.... and we also moved the notions/needles/etc. to the back of the store, cleaned up the register area, and put hanks on a long (10-12') wall - and arranged them by color -

Today, while I was only there a short while, everyone couldn't stop commenting on how different the store looked, and how I was crazy for doing it for "free" - I couldn't get these people to understand that I did it because I love the shop - not necessarily to help the owner- but having more people at the store and getting more business to it is my ultimate goal. I'm not 100% positive what my motives are (or if there really are any motives at all) - perhaps I'm "practicing" for when I get my own store a number of years for now... or maybe I just wanted to make a tiny difference in the knitting world.

Next on the agenda: the girls are organizing yarn, and I'm knitting (and taking Advil for the muscle aches!) - in a week or two I will paint a couple walls - we bought the paint - I just need to gather the time and strength!

Kyle

Intarsia Tangles

Intarsia is fun.

I am learning quickly how to do this - working on my "circle" scarf - but at the same time figuring out that the back is ugly. I have figured out that the bobbin things aren't really necessary - it's easy to make a "figure 8" loop of yarn and twist it together to hold the yarn together - it also pulls out of the center and seems to be working well. the little ball of yarn fits good in my hand when I'm knitting using that particular color too! I'm freaking out a little about the way it looks on the back - I think I will end up making two of these scarves (wishful thinking since this is difficult for me) and just stitch them together somehow - the biggest problem would be that I only have enough of my main color to do one scarf - I guess it's not that bad though - I can always use a second color for the back - one of the colors from the other side of the scarf.

I talked with the guys on menwhoknit.com and they had some suggestions about how to keep the back as tidy as possible - I think once some of the ends are woven in it won't be THAT bad... - the good news is that the circles are actually looking like circles! not to shabby for a boy who hasn't really done much of this colorwork stuff!

Kyle

Mom's Sweater

I finally found someone to pose in my Mom's sweater - I finished this a week or so ago and was trying to find someone who would hold still that I could get it wrapped around! (I am learning quickly that it's hard to find people to play model; many folks don't want their faces photographed) - this one was a bear for two reasons - problem number one was I ended up needing 3 more balls of yarn to finish the sweater, but there was none left in this dye lot - Luckily, Bishops had a color almost EXACTLY the same - it's not noticeable at all. The second problem was when I was attaching the pieces together - part A: - I sewed one of the sides totally wrong - so it has the seam on the outside - very fashionable but not the look I wanted - so it had to be ripped out and redone - (luckily, I know the trick of using a "different" yarn to sew up my pieces - so it's easier to see the yarn you use to attach the pieces!) - part B: - I sewed my last arm on inside out! (I did this on the other sweater I made for Sheila also!) -

I mailed this out to my mom in her Holiday package today - she will get it in time for Christmas! I hope she'll wear it, and with any luck, I might get a photo of her in it - I didn't do it, but I was thinking of sending out a gift certificate for a photo package at walmart or something in the hopes that she'd model it for me also! Oh well... Gregg and I plan on going out there in February - maybe I will be able to get her to model it for me then..

Kyle

Star Hat

I just finished my first attempt at fair isle knitting - a "star hat" - I did this in the round - and knitted it too short. I went to Bishop's yarn shop and one of the ladies there picked up the stitches around the brim for me with a crochet hook and I knitted a 2x2 rib on the bottome - it made the hat the right length - it turns out that a hat should be about 7" tall, and around 21" in circumfrence.

I started my next hat - the same design but in burgundy and brown for the stars. I also changed it up a little; I did the same 2x2 rib for the base, and the same single line in the contrasting color, but I didn't do the ribbing on the main part of the cap. we'll see what it turns out to look like. This hat is destined for a secret pal - I need to get that packet shipped out tomorrow!

Warm Winter Exchange

Gregg, my friend Laura (from San Jose, CA) and I went to Long Beach this past weekend to buy a new sofa for the front living room - and on the way there, I was lucky enough to get to sit in the back of the car and finish the hat I made for my Warm Winter Exchange pal! (I hope he doesn't look at my blog; although the chances are pretty slim that he will) - I made this hat with manos wool from Uruguay, and added in mohair that I bought from turkey to create the different stripe colors. I am really pretty proud of the hat; I think it turned out really well! My friend from work, Mike, modeled the hat for me so that I could get a good photo of it before sending it off. We were next door to my work to do our "photoshoot" - I think I am going to make something else for my pal before shipping everything out around December 10 - the exchange thing is fun - I love making pieces for people almost as much as I love mailing out packages!

I am happy that this morning it was actually COLD - we bundled on blankets last night, and today I wore a sweater and hat and heavy coat to work - I love the winter and the holiday season! I think we are going to put our Christmas trees up this weekend (yippie!)

KK

just finished my kitty's first sweater - I took a dog pattern and improvised it (annoying my cat along the way) to get her a new warm coat for the winter! I made quite a few mistakes while making it, but I learned a lot and I am ready to try another one! (lots of other projects in the works though so not sure how quickly I will be able to do it, although Debbie from work wants one for her doggy!)