Tuesday, January 31, 2006

FYI

The Kitty Pattern is buried in this livejournal post.

Ya. Sometimes you have to peck and hunt for cute patterns ;)

Monday, January 30, 2006

Okay, I admit it.

I admit it. I'm gothy. And I love frills and such. A lot. I generally don't go this dramatic however:



White Lies Designs is sure to be the death of me. *sigh* AND this one is knit in cotton initally, so I wouldn't have any of the saggy issues that Angelina had.

I think.

Actually, I'm trying not to think, which is the whole reason in posting to my knitting blog.

Ugh, Stiches this year is going to be hell on my pocketbook.

Meow



Meow. Completely easy kitty. Turned out better than Eternal Embrace ;) Heh. Well, the photo is still crappy, but hey, I took it this morning!

Friday, January 27, 2006

This gives vampires a bad name.

I finished this on Wednesday, but Ben took my camera hostage and forgot it at work.





Off with her head! This requires measurements, and math. Now, its very very easy. Ben took my back measurement. I got gauge. Somehow, Eternal Embrace was pretty damn huge. And it would of layed a bit better, if you didn't have to go down 2 needle sizes for the ribbing. It would have just been big, not poofy in all the wrong places. A quick knit, I now know I will never construct a sweater like this again. Too much room for error in sizing. I'd rather have something too long than too wide. My row gauge was off, BUT it should of made it SMALLER.

Insane.

Oh a better note, my goodwill towards stash busters got me this in the mail.



Mmm....soft. An excellent price to try out Misti. I know, I know, what kind of Alpaca knitter am I without having knitted (oh boy have I fondled though) Misti Alpaca! Not sure what I'm going to make, but all these colours will look good with black. Heh.

And yesterday, I got my package from Get Knitted! My Rebecca 31 came, and so did this!



Mmm...All Seasons Cotton. The colour is a dark grey, called Slick. It was only £20 for the bag! I call that a deal. I also got a few other balls, but those didn't ship at the same time.

And I like the new Rebecca as well. Then again, I'm a sucker for Rebecca. *sigh*

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

FYI

I know I don't get a lot of readers, but here is a public announcement:

The Peninsula Knitters yahoo group was deleted. They suck (and if you have heard me bitch about work, they suck in more ways than one!). Anyway, >Lu created a new one right here and you can join until we get this sorted out (or if we don't, it will be the new group).

I don't have all of your emails, so if you are stalking me and live in the Peninsula, this is our group ;)

And I really want to say how much I hate these asshats with the whole "Stich N' Bitch" legal crap going on. And I hate how Yahoo has bowed down to them. I work for a large company, and we don't kick everyone's ass when they use our images, our taglines, our NAME in references. Its all about a case by case basis. We aren't going to sue a mom for making a Hello Kitty cake, that's just ridiculous and greedy.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

I tried to resist.

I wasn't going to do the knitting olympics. Until I found a team I needed to be on:



"Apathy now! was their rallying cry, or it would have been if they bothered to have one."

Aw yeah. Okay, so I'm insane, since I might be moving REALLY soon*, but I'm going to complete the Fabulous Lace Inset Cardigan. Yep. Insane.


*move: Ben has a verbal offer, just waiting on the paperwork. Damn HR. We're already looking for apartments for March 1st or a bit before.

Wow, I can never keep up

Why didn't I notice Noro Lotus when it was out? The 152 is sooo pretty! Someone on craftster made a shrug thingy with it, turned out so cute.

But what the hell is it with the 55yds per skein. Freaks. I mean, what do you knit with that?

I can't decide.



Is she holding it down? Hrm. I really really like it. This one is barely being tamed by her pulling it down. I'm assuming if I add a different border or something, I can get the first one to lay flat. Maybe I just like it because it looks like my friend Nancy. Hrm.

I know they will have Hemp at Stitches, so maybe I'll get some. I do like the sweater but that's a lot of $$. However, both years I've gone, they didn't have any black in stock. Blasphemers. I might have to buy it on the site anyway. Sheesh.

Friday, January 20, 2006

Just because I'm a shit disturber....

I signed up for the knittyboard SP6.

One of the questions was Do you have any religious beliefs? .

Of course people are getting their panties in a knot. I won't respond to the thread, I'll do it here. My SP will read it eventually.

Relax. You are making the baby Jesus cry with your PCness. I want to know if my pal is kosher, dances with fairies, or worships the tv. I for one would LOVE to receive a note of authenticity written in blood stating that there was a sacrificial ritual done in my honour, but I think it would be above the $50 limit.

Where do you freaks think wool comes from? Sheesh.

Joking.

Kinda.

No, really.
*cough*

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Grr #1897

"I'm allergic too. Like you wouldn't believe. Last time I tried on a wool sweater in a store I went home with welts. Yum. So when I started knitting I felt the same. Love the wool, hate the way it feels. But not all wools are created equal. Merino is my friend, and blends are fantastic. Cotton with a little wool (helps give cotton a little shape too). Silk with a little merino...some synthetics with a little merino. Anything that just says 'wool' I know I can stay away from. But merino baby...."

Um.

*@(&%&@!

Dear "Person",

Please look up the descriptions of "sensitivites" and "allergies" oh, and "chemical treatments" and maybe "merino" for good luck. I wouldn't expect anyone to love wearing a scratchy sweater made of low grade wool, or that has been coated in chemicals. But if you got WELTS, and NO WELTS from merino WOOL, you do not have an allergy to WOOL. Please do not tell a person who claims to have an allergy (be they have one or not) to just try merino.

You idiot.

Love, Me.

Why do I have to feel like I'm the allergy brigade. Ms. Clueless seems to think there's a magic property to merino WOOL than in a different grade? Maybe the sheep were blessed by the pope? Maybe they are so inbred that they aren't sheep anymore and are just a genetically modified beast? I just don't answer these threads anymore. I can't take it.

It drives me insane!

PS: This is one of my nice rants. I had to edit it a bunch, I'm feeling very pc today.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Perfect.

I know you have all been waiting with bated breath to see what I was going to make out of my Knitpicks Decadence...or something.

Well, the perfect pattern popped up on my radar!



If that doesn't scream Grape Alpaca is sexy, I don't know what does. $8.00 at SweaterBabe.com is a steal!

Monday, January 16, 2006

Coming Along.

Well, the Eternal Embrace is coming along. I'm halfway done the main knitting (I'm in the middle of the neck) but there's picking up collars, edging and such to be done as well. This is a pretty quick knit, since I did start it on Saturday.

Okay, I didn't do anything useful this weekend. Ben is still sick so I sat around and knit.

I'm still wary about the pattern, it just seems weird. I'm 2 st per inch off row gauge, which affects the back, but I'm not even sure if they checked the row gauge or just wrote what was on the yarn. The calculations don't make it easy to change up. So I'm not changing it.

Oh, and for my Secret Pal, my regular "blog" on Livejournal but I don't say much anymore. I knit more and post here than there. Heh.

And does anyone know about this "new" (I'm so abusing quotation marks today) yarn shop in San Mateo?

Nine Rubies Knitting
28 E. 3rd. Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 685-6408

Someone posted on LJ, and I haven't even seen it. I drive by all the time, it must be pretty damn hidden. Hrm. Okay, I have been taking 2nd Ave. a lot, but sheesh. You'd think I'd notice a yarn shop. Not that I'd go in. For long. My SP however is NOT allergic to wool and likes quality yarn, so um, ya. Looks like I'll be visiting Hollis soon! She keeps such a nice clean shop, I don't die upon entering! Aw yeah!

Saturday, January 14, 2006

Another sneaked off by Ben

Ben has put his stamp on Danica. Its his, I'm not allowed to give it away or donate it. Danica ended up about 10" shorter than the pattern, but he loves it and thinks its perfect for a jacket.

We live in California folks, my dear husband will really need to move us to Missouri soon if he wants to wear all these scarves he won't let me donate!



It could use a bit more blocking, but I'll get to that. Made out of Lionbrand Jiffy leftovers. Now only 1 almost ball of purple and 1 ball of black left! Yay!

Friday, January 13, 2006

So fun.

I didn't know how fun Entrelac was! Damn its great! Unfortunately, since I'm using up leftovers, I won't be doing it for much longer. Not that I can't start another project with it.

Its really fun. And easy. At least Danica is pretty damn easy. If you can follow instructions line by line, you can do it.

I'll have this done soon, and then photos!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Meet Ted.



Ted never wanted to be a bunny. Ted likes tea and blueberries. Ted has a funny nose, due to his bloodline crossing with Koalas many generations back.

Ted was made from the Compassionate Cub (or Katrina Bear) kit from Full Thread Ahead. A worthy cause!

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Womb

Yes, blurry and wonky, just like me after 2 days with little sleep. Sleep is good.



Womb, from Knitty.com. Made with Sugar and Cream, because it was the best colour. Turned out the size of a cat toy, which is kinda funny in itself.

Monday, January 09, 2006

Pretty bad at updates

I finished Womb on Friday I think. Turned out much smaller than I thought, but I knew it was going to be small. Bella has deemed it a perfect cat toy, which is kinda good since the recepient has a cat, so its kitty approved. I'll take a photo of that later. I forgot since I came to work very early and it was still dark out. Blah.

I'm working on the head of Ted, the Compassionate Bear (or Katrina Bear). I'm calling him Ted, but trying not to get too attached. The Pagoda is ultra soft, squishy and lovely for a bear. Its pretty damn soft and nice for an acrylic novelty yarn.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

Secret Pal 7

Please note: There is no section in this new questionaire for allergies. I am allergic to WOOL and LANOLIN. Please don't send WOOL to me. I break out in hives, it swells my throat and I can't breathe. Its not nice to kill your secret pal. Don't worry if yarn or something has been touching wool, but don't send WOOL in my package. Please.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?

One word: No. I do prefer natural fibers, but honestly I'll knit with anything that's not wool. Even better when its black.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

No, I don't want to spin, and I'm afraid of crochet.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I use mostly interchangeables, but I'm DYING to get some storage for my DPN collection. I want something that holds 0-10 (at least), I know they make them!

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

A few years this time around. I learned as a youngin :) I think I'm an intermediate I guess, I'd be an advanced knitter if I cared about more things like charts and steeking I guess.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Absolutely. My Amazon wishlist is here, and my Froogle wishlist is here.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I own a soap company, so I'm pretty open to scented items. I'm really like Almond and food scents lately.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Yep. I like chocolate, and gummy candies. Like worms.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

You name it I've done it at one point. I'm pretty much sticking to the whole knitting pastime lately. I'm also addicted to video games. *sigh*

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like 80's stuff and goth/industrial.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

Black. I can't stand brown. I like black, if all fails, buy me black yarn and I'll love you. No, really. I love jewel tones. Pastels just won't work out.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have a husband, a bunny (Raven) and a cat (Bella).

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

No, but I make a lot of scarves, hats and mittens. I run from ponchos.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Alpaca, soy silk, bamboo, cotton

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Wool. I'm not to into those ladder novelty yarns either, but they look cute in some scarves I guess.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

Using stash so I don't have to feel so guilty. I love patterns as well.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Toys!

17. What are you knitting right now?

A womb, and a bear. There's a list a few posts back.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circulars all the way. I have 3 different sets of interchangeables!

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Bamboo above all.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes and yes...well, waiting for the swift in the mail.

22. How did you learn to knit?

My grandma taught me when I was 3. I picked it up again as a teen, and then again a few years back.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

Uh, I knit 1-2 items at a time, I don't collect UFOs.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

BUNNIES!!!! And for birds: Peacocks. I have a huge back tattoo that's peacock wings.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

My birthday, November 14th.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Bunnies, and hobbies.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

None.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?

The new book by Joan McGowan-Michael that will be out in the spring (White Lies Designs). I do love books, but don't have any from specific companies like Rowan (Calmer, yummy!) or Debbie Bliss books. Those would rock!

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I'm just cruising along. I like to knit all things from socks to cables and so on.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I do, but I usually give them all away. I'm a size 10 womens.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

November 14th ;)

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Wavy Gravy



The ends aren't that different, the one just got pulled in before the photo. Doh! Anway, I stopped this one at a little over 5ft. It said to go to 58", and honestly I was done.

Its plush and made out of Bernat Soft Boucle. These skeins never end *sigh*

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

To Do List.

I think I need a list for the next few months. *sigh*

And then I can move on to other things.

  • Katrina or Honeymoon Cami
  • Hourglass Sweater (do swatch!)
  • Cream Tea
  • Julia Tank
  • Frida Tank
  • Lace Camisole (Vintage Knits)
  • Airy Scarf (LMKG)
  • Rebecca Chinese Top


And yes, this is all stuff I have yarn for already. Eek!

Skull Mittens

A bit of a distraction Sunday from things like cleaning and such. I made a pair of basic mittens, with skulls on them.



They will look better once they are washed. Super fast, a couple of hours I think. But fun!

Note: This is part of the yarn for the slippers I hated. Well, all of the burgandy. No way in hell I'd have enough for 2 slippers when I got just 2 mittens out of them!

Cthulhu Eats.



Wow. Crappy Photos! This fuzzy fun guy is based on H.P. Lovecrafts loveable (heh) Cthulhu. Perfect for any squid shaped elder god loving baby. Watch out, he might eat your young! He went to a friend (not the original friend I made it for) who begged for it on NYE.



Those little blobs are wings. It makes more sense if you know who the hell Cthulhu is. Honest.