moonbirdblue

time for an update!

2008-05-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

i've caught the knitting bug again! seems like it's been so long. koolhaas is almost done, i just have to make myself finish the top.

i'm sure it's anxiety caused by "what if it doesn't fit!" that's taking me so long. i really think that's my problem when it comes to knitting items that will be worn - when they're done i may find out that i wasted all that time on something that doesn't even fit. makes me think i'll never knit a sweater.

ahhhh...but blankets! now there's something that'll get me excited! my first ever blanket - the hemlock ring blanket - i just don't want to put this baby down. i started it tuesday and feel like i'm doing pretty well.

lace really is more fun than anything else, especially done in a heavier weight like this - you get to see results so much faster. oh, and i'm finally using up my recycled yarn that i got from a thrift store sweater(learned how here).

after this post, i'm worried i'm becoming a brooklyntweed addict - well, thank you jared, you're an amazing designer.

mixtape!

2008-04-05T10:21:00.001-07:00

just found this super-neat website where you can make your own mixtape!

i'm back

2008-03-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

ok, so i haven't posted in a while. i was thinking of giving it up. that and i've been soooo frustrated with koolhaas that i've hardly been knitting. i've started that pattern at least 5 times and it never looked right. finally i realized this weekend that, as usual, i jumped right in thinking that i could figure out reading a chart on my own - obviously not the case. i started wondering why the row numbers were written on the right side of the chart and looked up how to read a chart. ahhh...so you're supposed to read the chart from right to left (every row for in the round/every other for knitting flat) - not so intuitive. maybe i finally learned that when there's something new in a pattern i should take the time to read about it first - or maybe not. now that i've got the pattern figured out i'll have to restart the pattern one (hopefully) last time since i remembered the boy's head is larger than average and i'll have to CO a few more stitches.

i've got startitis too,

2008-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

just like cosmicpluto! well, kinda. i haven't finished foliage, i started koolaas, and since then i've just about cast on for absorba and i'm checking my gauge for the hemlock ring blanket. i need to stay focused. at least i'm working towards some of my resolutions. even though by the time i finish the blanket it'll be warm outside i just can't stop thinking about how nice it would be to have it now. so, i checked the gauge of some recycled wool i've had for too long and i think it'll be perfect. this was my first time using my new knitpicks options needles and i must say they are fabulous. super smooth, i love the pointy tips and i even think the purple cable is great - very flexible.

a dilema

2008-01-18T11:24:00.000-08:00

so i usually meet a friend on thursday nights to knit and last night i was looking for something to work on and pulled out my Leg Cozies. ya, i had to unravel the few inches that were there because i was clueless as to where i was in the pattern (and i'm pretty sure i'd messed up along the way) but i was fine with starting over. then i started thinking - am i really ever going to wear leg warmers? i already have a pair and i hardly wear them...but these would be lighter - maybe perfect for seattle's spring/summer. and i already have all the yarn. hmmm...what else could i make with Lang Yarns Jawoll Color? well, i could try socks. i never thought i'd want to knit socks before - i thought they were boring - but there are some really pretty patterns out there and it seems like a decent project that could actually get finished in a reasonable amount of time. so i started looking on ravelry just to see what was out there and i found Hedera. yes, i've seen the pattern before but like i said, i wasn't into socks before, so i just ignored it. now i don't know what to do? knit something frivolous and fun? or something practical that i know i'll use and probably learn from?

Options!

2008-01-17T18:16:00.001-08:00

YAY! i just checked the mail and there were my Knitpicks Interchangeable Needle Set!!! - my xmas present to myself. should be a long time before i have to buy any more needles now!

workin on the scrap yarn

2008-01-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

today was full of music and yarn. got some new kimya dawson, tender forever and the blow. and i went through my non-acrylic/non-cotton scrap yarn (and i realized that i separate my stash into acrylic/cotton and everything else). i measured all my scraps, entered them into ravelry and wound them all into nice little center-pull balls.

now i'm just hoping (wishing) that i have enough to make a blanket. i've always loved Ashley's Garter Stitch Shawl but since i don't wear shawls i think it'd make a kickass blanket. and i've really been wanting to knit a blanket lately - could it be the cold weather?

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-06T14:04:00.000-08:00

maybe it's a little late to be talking resolutions but i've been thinking and i guess i do have a few this year. normally i don't do resolutions but i'm just thinking of it as things i'd really like to do, instead of just talking about doing them. so, knitting-wise my resolutions are:

knit rugs (Absorba & Bridgetown T-shirt Rug)
knit a sweater
use up my stash
learn continental knitting

that should keep me busy for a while. i was going to add 5. use recycled yarn - but i've tried to use some of it and decided i don't like it. i guess alpaca is a little too fuzzy for me. so, i'm not sure what to do with it. maybe i'll try to trade it.

i'm done with knitting gifts for a while - except the boy does need a new hat but that shouldn't take too long - i'm thinking Koolhaas.

to get me started i just purchased some yarn for Absorba. and i'm super excited since i just bought KnitPicks' Options Interchangeable Nickel Plated Circular Needle Set. so i shouldn't have too many problems making sure i have the right size needles for a project. the only thing i'm not too keen on is that there isn't a 16" cable - it's used a lot for hats. i've emailed and asked them what's up with that.

i emailed YarnCountry twice within the past 5 days about an exchange and still haven't heard from them. i can't finish my Foliage until i get another skein. so i'm left with nothing to work on.

2007 FO's

2007-12-30T10:59:00.000-08:00

here they are - the 7 items i finished this year. it doesn't look like much. especially after seeing tentenknits' knits of 07 - there were 8 sweaters! damn. well, at least i have something to work toward.

1. knitted ornaments, 2. knitted ornament, 3. shane's hat, 4. super-easy legwarmers, 5. here and there cables, 6. berroco knitting tote, 7. orangina

i think the ornaments were a hit with my sis and i'm pretty sure my brother-in-law likes his hat (i have seen him wear it more than once). i love my legwarmers but don't wear them as much as i should. i love the scarf i made for my sis and i think she does too - but i'm still not too sure about the color. the knitting tote may be one of my all-time favorite knits that i've made. and orangina - well, hopefully she'll be a FO for another year.

2007-12-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

i bought about 7 skeins of different colors of Lion Brand Worsted and Vanna's Choice (and 1 skein of Lamb's Pride that was on clearance) for my sis's ornaments. i think they turned out pretty well. i think they look better without the crocheted loop. next year i want to make little socks and maybe sweaters.

Pattern: Knitted Ornaments from HandKnit Holidays
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Loden, Grey Heather, Fisherman, Mushroom, and Forest Green Heather. Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in Chocolate and Navy. Lamb's Pride in Raspberry.
Amount: less than 1 of each
Needles: US 7/4.5 mm

i'm almost done with my snood. it's really beautiful. i''ve modified the pattern just a smidge and i'm hoping that it's the right size still.

2007-12-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

so my yarn came on...satuday, i think. 2 days - that's pretty fast. i'm sure it helped that it came from the same state. i'm pretty sure i'll be going with the olive. i love them both, but i really think this pattern would be lovely in green.

Malabrigo Merino in Olive & Praline

but Foliage will still have to wait, i'm working on some ornaments right now for xmas.

2007-12-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

so...yes, hawaii was fun. it's so hard to come back to reality though. i still want to go swimming. apparently now i have to pay for all the fun i had - i have a yucky cold.

back to the knitting...i decided i didn't like the color of Malabrigo that i have so i just ordered some more - this time with YarnCountry.com - it's right here in Washington. i'm pretty sure i can make Foliage with only 1 skein (had bought two before since i'm holding it doubled). i got one skein of olive and one of praline, hopefully i'll like one of those.

actually it's good that i have to wait on Foliage since i should be knitting ornaments anyway.

2007-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

hmmm...can't say i love any of the new patterns from Knitty. oh well, guess i don't get to add anything else to my "to-knit list".

so, i actually have another FO but...it's going to be re-knit. Foliage turned out too small. actually it's the perfect fit for my head but too small for what i wanted it to be, which is more of a beret/snood type thing. but that's ok cuz it was a super easy and quick knit and this way i'll have something to do on my trip to Hawaii this weekend.

look's like there's a new FO in town

2007-11-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

my my my, what a girl can do when she's unsure of her next project.

oh, what? what can she do? well, she can weave in all those pesky ends so her UFO doesn't sit in her closet for another month.

it's good i'm not into this color or else i'd want to keep it for myself - maybe one day i'll make one for me. (if you're in ravelry, there's more info here)

Pattern: Here and There Cables from Scarf Style
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Terra Cotta
Amount: 11 skeins
Needles: US 6/4 mm

2007-11-27T18:37:00.000-08:00

five days of vacation and no knitting to show for it! with all the family-time there wasn't much time to knit. and the time i had on the plane i was too tired to deal with my problems on this project. i've never knit a hat top-down before. i didn't think it would be this complicated. my needles seem to get all twisted and there are so many of them i can't even tell which is next. well, now that i'm home i'll try to tackle it again. oh, and the other thing - i'm not so sure i like the color of this yarn.

2007-11-21T14:46:00.001-08:00

ok, so i got my yarn yesterday...or the day before. but today was sunny so i could take a picture. it's so soft i can't believe it's 100% wool.

i had to make a trip up to weaving works today to get the needles for this project so i'll have something to knit on my trip.

and ofcourse while i was there i found some lamb's pride in a great color on sale for $3. this will be perfect for the ornaments i'm planning on making for xmas.

2007-11-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

i finally finished the scarf - at least the knitting part. now i have to weave in all those ends - ick.

it makes me want my yarn NOW though. i ordered from fabulousyarn for the first time and it said it should be here within 7 days. it's been 10 and the tracking number they gave me still isn't bringing up any info. i'm going to try and be patient though.

to procrastinate weaving in those ends a little longer, to get ready for xmas AND to satisfy my knitting urges i hauled out some REALLY old Wool-Ease yarn and tested out the pattern for Knitted Ornaments in Handknit Holidays (or free here). i think it's my first project that i finished in one day - not only does it feel great but makes me confident i can make enough for presents for xmas. and i had to learn how to do a crochet chain(thank you, youtube) - super duper easy and fast.

oh and i had to write out the pattern for only 4 dpns - size Small only (the rest of the pattern can be found here):

CO 12 sts: distribute evenly over needles. Join for working in the round.

Bottom:
Rnd 1: knit
Rnd 2: [k1-f/b, k1, k1-f/b] 4 times -- 20 sts
Rnd 3: knit
Rnd 4: [k1-f/b, k3, k1-f/b] 4 times -- 28 sts
Rnd 5: knit
Rnd 6: [k1-f/b, k5, k1-f/b] 4 times -- 36 sts
Rnd 7: knit
Rnd 8: [k1-f/b, k7, k1-f/b] 4 times -- 44 sts

Work even for 5 rnds.

Top:
Rnd 1: [skp, k7, k2tog] 4 times -- 36 sts
Rnd 2: knit
Rnd 3: [skp, k5, k2tog] 4 times -- 28 sts
Rnd 4: knit
Rnd 5: [skp, k3, k2tog] 4 times -- 20 sts
Rnd 6: knit
Rnd 7: [skp, k1, k2tog] 4 times -- 12 sts
Rnd 8: knit

2007-11-06T18:04:00.000-08:00

i HAVE to stop looking at ravelry. oh man. there are just too many patterns out there for this little, slightly inexperienced knitter.

as i previously mentioned my next project is foliage and i just purchased yarn for her! it's the called for Malabrigo Merino(apparently it's super soft even though it's 100% wool) in the beautiful Chapel Stone colorway. can't wait! my first hat (that's for myself)!

2007-11-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

so, on thurs i thought i had joined the 2nd to the last skein for the Here and There Cables. i was so excited to see a light at the end of the tunnel i've been knitting more than usual. then last night (sat night) i go to get the last! skein and i find 2 in there! aww jeeshz. it was just so disappointing. i know, it's not too bad, but i thought i was so much closer.

and since i'm so close to the end of this scarf it's time to plan my next knit. after 5 years of knitting i've never made myself a hat. i thought Foliage was ok the first time i saw it but Skrilla's version made me fall in love. she used a double strand of Malabrigo Worsted, which is what the pattern calls for, but i'm not sure if i want it to be 100% wool. seems like it might get a bit itchy. but i've never felt Malabrigo Worsted before either. guess i'll have to see if i can find it at a LYS.

2007-10-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

yesterday i geeked out all day and downloaded tons of photoshop brushes (which i didn't know you could do). made my myspace all pretty like and will prolly soon change this here blog to something a lil more my own.

you are darkgreen
#006400

Your dominant hue is green. You're logical and steadfast, focused on figuring life out and doing what makes sense. You value being trusted because you know you're taking the time to figure things out and everyone should just follow you.

Your saturation level is very high - you are all about getting things done. The world may think you work too hard but you have a lot to show for it, and it keeps you going. You shouldn't be afraid to lead people, because if you're doing it, it'll be done right.

Your outlook on life is slightly darker than most people's. You try to see things for what they are and face situations honestly. You'd rather get to the point than look for what's good.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

other than that, the boy and i went to goodwill to get supplies for halloween costumes. i'm using threadbanger's tutorials for a pirate and a mummy - i'm excited but we'll see how this turns out.

2007-10-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

progress, progress, progress! i'm down to 3 skeins left (including the one i'm working on) out of 11 for the scarf!

finally looked through all those knitting books i got from the library. i'm a little disappointed - i was expecting more from these books, guess i'm just picky. well, here's what got added to my 'maybe to knit one day list':

from KnitKnit, i love the Missing Piece Hobo Bag, Bridie and who doesn't want a Car Antenna Cozy?

from Runway Knits, i'm into the Vintage Shawl but more as a small blanket on the couch.

from Romantic Hand Knits, i love the look of Vertigo and i've been wanting a light-weight scarf.

although i have to admit, i'll probably add more from each book after i start seeing others' FO's - sometimes i fall in love with a pattern after i see all the possibilities.

2007-10-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

i've never been too into crochet. there have been a few items i've seen that made me think, "ok, i'll just learn enough to make that". here are two more items to add to that list, from Crochet Me:

2007-10-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

what can i write about when i have no news!

ok, so we saw jose gonzalez but it was boring. we weren't really looking forward to a mellow night anywayz, but he did nothing but play his songs straight through. it was over really early. maybe he gets stage fright - i know i would.

and i got my hair cut! i was trying to grow it out but i needed a change BADLY. it's still long-ish? (at my shoulders) but textured to all hell and i have bangs.

mini update

2007-10-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

just got back last night from a 4-day trip to San Diego - did a bunch of touristy things (the zoo, seaworld, beaches) but sadly, there was no swimming. just not enough time. and didn't even get that much knitting done. however i did read about 75% of Maggie O'Farrell's After You'd Gone - i'm really into it so far. i may have to finish it today just so i can get some work done.

i did get a few knitting books from the library before we left, so i'll probably be adding more to my "to knit" list. sometimes i spend too much time looking for things to knit and not enough time knitting. the scarf is over half way done but it's at that hard part where i just want it to be over. but i really, really need to have it done by xmas. i can make it, right?

2007-09-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

aww jeeshz - almost 2 weeks since my last post. not that it really matters, i was just really trying to post at least once a week (hoping it would make me be more productive). still working on the scarf.

we did go to portland last weekend and i got to see my old roomies. there are some things i dearly love about p-town. like all the great shops and veggie-friendly food. and the cute lil affordable houses everywhere. i want to pick up a house from portland and drag it up here to seattle. we've been keeping our eyes open for a new place and ofcourse today we just happened to see something perfect on craigslist. a 2 bedroom duplex for $25 more than we're paying now! we're in a tiny almost 1 bedroom. but we're right in the middle of everything. this duplex is farther away (but still 3 blocks from a cool street) and it says small dogs only (our boy is almost 50 lbs!). we'll see - i'm trying not to get my hopes up.

2007-09-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

hehe...i just found Spell with flickr

2007-09-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

it's september right? then why is it 80 degrees? not that i'm complaining - just confused - i really love it though.

Bumbershoot was great. but we only managed 2 days. i was really sick - no voice for 3 days, just a squeak. Menomena is such a great band and their shows are always entertaining. Andrew Bird was also an amazing show. music never sounds too good outdoors so mostly we checked out the art, films, market, performance and literary discussions. i just wish i hadn't missed Miranda July's stuff on monday.

i read a lot of knitting blogs and it seems everyone is in love with the Tangled Yoke Cardigan from IK Fall 07. i have to admit i am too. coincidentally, i have been saying how much i need a basic button down cardigan. too bad i've never knit a real sweater. guess it'll just go on my "to knit one day" list.

well, i've been working away at the Here and There Cables scarf and i'm about half-way done. it looks really great but it gets boring. i forgot what it was like making scarves - they are never ending.

2007-09-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

ugh...i've been sick on and off for about 2 weeks now and it's finally got me. i started losing my voice yesterday and today all i've got is a whisper. and ofcourse we have tickets to all 3 days of Bumbershoot. guess i'll just have to tough it out. ;)

progress is being made

2007-08-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

nothing like a few ferry trips to get some knitting done. i may actually get this scarf done by xmas.

2007-08-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

we had a wonderful trip and there are so many pictures i'll never get through them all. soon enough they'll be put online. but for now - there's knitting! before the trip i was focused and knitted a real(!) gauge swatch for the Here and There Cables scarf. (the color is actually more orange and less pink)

using knit picks shine worsted i got: 20 sts & 25 rows = 3.5" in St st on size US6 needles. the pattern says 4" for size US7. i thought the scarf was too wide originally so this should be perfect. and today i started the pattern and persevered when i had given up before - after the first cable row this piece did not look right to me and that's why i ripped it a while ago when i first tried it - but i just kept going this time and now it looks great - just like it should. why do i doubt patterns? actually i think i just assume i messed something up. silly me.

mini vacation

2007-08-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

my sis's birthday was yesterday and i would have loved to had a scarf ready for her but i was not on top of things. but i did start her scarf. yay! yes, the one she wanted after xmas. it's still summer though, right? i've made a decision and i'm sticking to it - it will be Here and There Cables from Scarf Style. but before i can get too far on that we're taking a holiday! yes, the boy and i are heading out today for the Olympic Peninsula. First we'll camp in the Hoh Rainforest and then spend the weekend in Vancouver, B.C. i can't wait to leave life behind!

when, oh, when will i have another fo?

2007-08-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

let's see - orangina is actually finished (except for weaving in the ends) but she is too small for me to wear comfortably - i was worried this would happen. what do i do now? most likely i'll rip her out and try again - i've got plenty of yarn leftover. but that won't happen for a while - i need time to get over the disappointment. the scarf for my sis that hasn't been mentioned in forever will probably start up again - maybe even today since her birthday is next week. and then there's the legwarmers. i really should never try to knit lace when i'm trying to pay attention to something else - i think it was a movie. now i seem to be missing a stitch, so i'll have to rip a few rows and try to figure it out. all this disappointment - i just want something easy and fast - i need a hat for fall. i've never knit myself a hat before.

hopefully i'll finally get to take my bike out this weekend. i put pedals on her (obviously not in the pic) and new tape. the boy and i tightened the brakes last weekend. now i just need a rack so i can tie on my milk crate for errands! doesn't she look better?

i've been going to the beach about once a week and i forgot how much i love it. now if only the freakin water wasn't so cold. i really, really miss swimming.

i love this blog

2007-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

i think he's reading my mind.

i got a bike!!!

2007-07-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

i've been wanting a road bike (my first) for a while now - just to get around the city. after waiting a month for a bike to be rebuilt for me at 2020 Cycle, i realized it was too big. how disappointing! but then the boy fell in love with it and he bought it. i was (am) very jealous. so i spent the next 2 days searching craigslist and i got myself a bike:

it's a Sekai (ya, i've never heard of it either - but i don't know much about bikes)

maybe you noticed there are no pedals? ya, i'm about to remedy that. oh, and these hideous things are changing to simple black:

then i'm going to get a rear rack and tie on a milk crate for errands and it'll be ready to go!

and Raja finally got a new tag, it's sooooo him (one of his many nicknames is pi-face, like cutie-pi, precious-pi, sweetie-pi)

a fun-filled weekend

2007-07-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

i finally got to the lace part on the leg cozies and it's sooooo much more fun than the ribbing. actually it's going much faster than i had thought, and i never want to put them down.

yesterday the boy and i went to Cal Anderson Park to see Orkestar Zirkonium, then we headed to West Seattle to see The Blakes at Summerfest, then we went to the Cinema on the Lawn and saw Breakfast at Tiffany's. it was a busy day - but lots of fun. we got to the lawn early, drank some beer and i knitted while waiting for the movie to start. they had a few trivia questions before the movie started and i won! the question was something like, "what did the clerk at Tiffany's offer Holly and Paul for under $10?" do you know?

today we finally went and checked out Ballard's farmers market - it's so much bigger than ours! and it was my first time to use my saturday market bag.

but the man was very happy when we got home

a day at the beach

2007-07-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

on wednesday it was 95 degrees here in Seattle!!! that temp. set the record in 1951 for that day. assuming it would be just as clear and close to that warm (hey, it was the forecast) on thursday, my sis and i headed out to the beach (at Golden Gardens) it was chilly and there were gray clouds everywhere. we were so disappointed but we stuck it out even through the little drizzles that threatened our picnic. finally there was a break in the clouds (dun dun duuuuunn)

and it just kept getting clearer and warmer. it was a GREAT beach day.

and nothing goes with sun like brown bag'n it.

sometimes my sis and i get together and can't stop laughing - it was one of those days - and that was before the beer! these are her lovely sand slippers that were so funny:

after the beach i went and knitted with a friend and actually made some noticeable progress on those leg cozies - almost ready to start the lace part.

i just got this lap desk and let me say that it is heaven. i have a laptop and that sucker gets hot on my lap. i used to put in on my ottoman but then my back would hurt - this is so much better. and when i'm not using the laptop i use the lap desk on the futon for plates and cups. (ya, i know i'm a geek)

4th of july pics - just a little late

2007-07-11T11:22:00.001-07:00

who wants to knit in this heat? i don't want anything warm anywhere near my lap right now. but i have knitted a little bit - just not enough to really see the progress. so let's see, i got my tattoo finished up on saturday. i'm waiting for it to heal before taking pics. just got the pics from 4th of july off the boy's camera - too lazy to make it fancy, but here's the best shots of the fireworks:

here are those amazing Miniature Tartlets with Walnuts, Brie and Grape Salsa (the Butternut Squash, Corn, and Cilantro Phyllo Rolls didn't come until a few days later - they were a LOT of work):

mmmmmmmmmmmmm...easy AND yummy!

4th of July

2007-07-04T10:08:00.001-07:00

yay for getting the 4th off!!! waking up at 5am everyday is hard - but worth it cuz i only work 4 hours....hehehe. so in the past couple of days i've cast-on for the leg cozies (those are size 3 Brittany needles - the smallest i've ever worked with and i feel like i'm going to break them. i have a feeling this project will take a looooooooong time to finish)

and i made the boy's favorite Nature's Burger Primavera Casserole. mmm.....

i took this at the Seattle International Beerfest last weekend. guess we were too buzzed to get any shots of the craziness around us. ;)

tonight we're going to hang out on my sis's roof down in belltown - should be a great view of the fireworks and hopefully not too many crazies. it's going to be a potluck affair so i'm making Miniature Tartlets with Walnuts, Brie and Grape Salsa from Vegetarian Times and Butternut Squash, Corn, and Cilantro Phyllo Rolls from The Real Food Daily cookbook.

Legwarmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

2007-06-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

those pesky Super-Easy Legwamers are done! just in time for um....summer? maaaaaaaaan are they warm. even if i don't wear them out and about they'll be used at home - but i think i dig em enough with skirts that they'll get some use. why do they make me wanna dance?

Pattern: Super-Easy Legwarmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: 2 skeins Cascade 220 Wool #8400 Gray, 2 skeins Madil Kid Seta #689

why can't i be a dancer?

2007-06-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

i really love this video. i want to watch it over and over again.

do you love to read?

2007-06-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

so....a while ago i found LibraryThing and thought it was pretty neato and now i keep track of all my books there. but the best thing about it is that i found BookMooch through it. in LibraryThing you can click on one of your books that you want to get rid of and on the right column it says "swap this book (x/y)" and x is the number of books out there that people are giving away and y is the number of people that want the book. it's completely free but you do have to pay postage to send them off - but you get free books too! so if you love books and have books that you wouldn't mind giving away, you really should check out BookMooch. here's what i've got (not much i know). i just received my first book, The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera and i've got 5 more coming and 5 to send off. it's pretty cool man.

2007-06-19T21:22:00.000-07:00

yay, i finally knitted! no, i didn't actually start anything new. i decided to try and finish something first. that, and i met with my friend on thurs for our weekly knit night and needed something easy and these Super-Easy Leg Warmers from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts really are easy.

2007-06-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

i finally took a look at Knit 2 Together by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark. at first, i thought it looked lame - the silly cover and all. but it's actually really great - patterns i actually like, funny tidbits from Tracey and great little stories throughout. i think it may have actually inspired me. especially since Mel's parting words are, "Don't stop knitting, even in summer." how appropriate.

here are my pics from the book:

linen kilt - a beautiful skirt that hopefully works (none of that baggy-ass thing)

house slippers - finally some slippers i would actually wear

luxe neck warmer - still undecided on this, but interested

butterfly pullover - i can't tell if it's the top, or the way the model makes the top look, that i like

pimlico shrug - i've been looking for something just like this!

table skirt - i can't help it, i like it

novella socks - more legwarmers! but i can't do ruffles

grownup bonnet - cute and functional

rowena cardigan - i'm not 100% sure about this one yet

and ya, they have a pattern for that darn sweater on the cover, but it's not making it on my list.

so, i've been thinking i maybe i should ease back into it...i really need some dishcloths!

2007-06-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

i just spent waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long checking out ThreadHeads - ThreadBanger's lil show. i've watched almost all of them - it's pretty entertaining if not a little silly (which is great) - and there's always good information. and because of it i have just purchased my very own INSPI(RE)D shirt - all the profits go to AIDS in Africa - i love what those guys are doin - go check it out.

2007-06-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

there was just so much going on this last weekend. it started with a trip to the beach thursday evening. i found out that i kinda kick-ass at frisbee. then friday we saw my new favorite movie, La Vie en Rose, which is playing during the SIFF. then after that we rushed to Neumo's to catch Menomena and that was one of the best shows i've seen in a long time. you must go see that band if you're into their music.
saturday i got my tattoo worked on (pics to come once it's healed) then hung out with a friend from Portland. sunday the boy and i went roller blading around Green Lake. that was so much fun. i hadn't roller bladed in way too long.

i just have to say that i love the new Pirates movie. it was my first time at the Cinerama and that place is pretty kewl. i read enough bad reviews that i wasn't expecting much so i thought it was a good time.

knitting, shmittimg.

2007-05-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

i got my yarn on friday! it's 75% new wool, 18% nylon, 7% acrylic and it feels really soft. i think it's going to be really great for the legwarmers. the color is off in these pics by the by.

i still need to get the needles before i can actually start on the legwarmers but it's getting close!

on a side note, i LOVE ravelry. it's still in beta and adding people slowly so hurry up and add your name to the list!

2007-05-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

well, there's no turning back now. i just ordered some Lang Jawoll yarn for the Leg Cozies. i searched and searched online to see what others were using for this pattern and finally asked Delana at Memoirs of an Obsessive Compulsive Knitter what she was using - thankfully it's cheaper than the Zarina. now i just have to get the needles before the yarn gets here.

2007-05-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

well, after finding that Weaving Works only had 2 colors of Filatura di Crosa Zarina i came home with the intention of just ordering it online. then i started having my doubts about paying about $50 for the yarn plus i still need to get the needles. so i think i found a good substitute for those Leg Cozies - Laines Du Nord Giunco - which i've never heard of before but it's a good price and the right color (#608). so i posted on livejournal to see if i could get some advice cuz substituting yarn gets me kinda itchy.

have i told you before that i love Miranda July? ya she's great. we got to see her do a reading & interview at Neumo's last thursday. she's so real and so talented - i can't wait to start her book - i just bought it yesterday. from what i've heard it's amazing and i love the website for it. i'm not too into Lavender Diamond but Becky Stark was great - she's really funny. Sarah Rudinoff has an amazing voice and her original song was very Fiona Apple-esque.

2007-05-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

ok, so i think i know what's going on - with the knitting. i think i've been in a standstill because of my sis's scarf. she left it up to me what pattern to choose and i really want her to like it so i keep changing my mind about which pattern to use. i need to get excited about knitting again and not feel like it's another thing "i have to do". i don't want to spend a lot of time on a scarf that my sis potentially won't even like or use. oh ya, and the fact that's it's almost summer and i'm trying to knit a scarf? maybe that's slowing me down too. i may just force her to choose which pattern she likes so i can be sure it'll work out - now i just have to worry about the yarn i've already purchased working with whatever pattern she may want.

i have to add that while i'm typing this i'm thinking that maybe i'll just go back to the originally planned pattern - the Here and There Cables. maybe i gave up on it too quickly - i was having problems at the beginning. i always want to jump into a project and have it go smoothly from the very beginning - if it doesn't i get really discouraged.

so i'm thinking of jump-starting my knitting by starting a new project i'm excited about - those sexy Leg Cozies from Lace Style that i've mentioned before. i think i'll use the recommended Filatura di Crosa Zarina but in Dark Camel #1730. i'll try to stop by Weaving Works on thursday when i meet my friend for our stitch n bitch.

i finally got some pics from last week when my mom was here. this peacock was showing off at the Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Seattle from the ferry:

Seattle from Pier 66:

2007-05-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

yea, ok. so nothing really new here. my mum was in town this last week so i was super busy with fun touristy things and lots of eating out. we went up to the beach in Golden Gardens park and did some wine tasting (my first) up in Woodinville at Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery - yum yum gimmee some. we took the ferry out to Bainbridge Island and right back - just for the views. luckily the weather was better than the forecast - rain off and on the first day but plenty of sunshine after that - at least now my mum believes me when i say how beautiful Seattle really is. i didn't take my digi along so i'll have to wait around for someone else to send pics over before i'll have anything to show.

i did get Lace Style from the library. the knit-worthy are:

Leg Cozies (i know i've mentioned these before)

Lacy Waves Top

Retro Redux Shrug

still no knitting???

2007-04-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

i'm blaming it completely on spring. it's finally getting warmer and sometimes even sunny! here in Seattle and i just don't have the same urges to knit. but maybe it's just because i don't have anything on the needles that i'm terribly excited about. don't you hate it when that happens? it's like i have to start a new project just to stay interested in my old projects - jeeshz.

well i spent a beautiful saturday catching up on reading: BUST, Yoga Journal, and i finished Girly finally. hopefully i'll be slightly more productive today.

oh and yay for only having to work 2 days next week! my mom's coming to visit so there will be lots of eating, touristy activities and probably even less knitting. hehehe.

2007-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

what is going on? there's been hardly any knitting! all i wanted to do on my birthday was lay around and watch movies - ok, i actually got some productive things done too. i ran some errands and made yummy yummy summer rolls!

i could eat these things nonstop for days.

so ya, actually i did the tiniest bit of knitting on thurs (when i meet my friend for a mini stitch n bitch). i was working on my sis's scarf but just couldn't get the damn pattern to look right. stupid here and there cables. so i changed it to something like this cable scarf. the cable pattern is from the Log Cabin Socks in Handknit Holidays. so there's really not enough progress on that for a pic.

but i do have a pic of the tattoo that i got yesterday. just remember that it's not done.

the boy had gotten me a gift certificate to Madame Lazonga's 2 xmas' ago. this is my right ribcage and let me tell you that there is no way i could've sat through this without the numbing topical that she used and i've got a high tolerance for pain (at least i thought so). i would recommend this shop to anyone. Jacqueline was amazing and super nice - really made me feel comfortable. the rest will be done in June - once it's healed and Jacqueline gets back from Paris.

2007-04-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

argh...there has been no knitting for way too long! i'm enrolled in the UW's Certificate Program in Web Technology Solutions and haven't had much time for anything else. although i am super happy about this class i'm in (and becoming even more of a geek) i really do miss knitting. lucky for me, tomorrow is my birthday. i took off today and tomorrow because i knew i would just hate myself if i had to work on my birthday. so i have big plans to knit and do anything else i desire all day tomorrow. today is going to be dedicated to school.

don't worry i did get a bit of a knitting (-related) fix this weekend. finally got Stephanie Japel's (aka Glampyre) Fitted Knits from the library. ohhhhhhhhhhhhh...now i have at least 6 more items i want to knit.

if i ever feel comfortable in tube tops i'd make the Coquette Lace Tube Top

i LOVE this Textured Tunic with Side Buttons, mainly because of CanopyFairy's version in blue.

the Airy Wrap-Around Lace Sweater is on the maybe someday list

and just because i love boatneck's - the Boatneck Bluebell Sweater. although i'm not so much for the bluebell sleeves - i'd probably modify that.

the Drop-Stitch Lace Tank is really cute although i think i'd leave out the ribbing towards the bottom.

another fav is the Split-Neckline Cap-Sleeved Tee. probably one of the first i'll make from her book.

2007-04-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

aw, i just found this great pic (at BrooklynVegan) from the John Vanderslice show we saw at the Triple Door April 7th. he is so amazing and real. he let anyone who wanted to get up on stage from the audience come up. people were running down the aisles. oh ya, and he thinks "encores" are b.s. - completely.

2007-04-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

i love Miranda July (writer and director of Me and You and Everyone We Know). i saw today she's going to perform at Neumo's next month! and while checking out her website i saw that she's got a book of short stories coming out next month also!!! if nothing else, you should check out here totally original website for the book. do it!

Zitron Unikat

2007-04-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

so...i fell in love with this yarn quite a while ago in Portland when i was visiting some friends and the only reason i haven't purchased any (besides that i have no idea what i'd use it for) is cuz it's so freakin expensive. but i still keep checking online every once in a while to make sure it's still there and so i can remember it's cute little name. part of this whole blogging thing is just so i can have a resource all in one place of my projects - past, present and future. and ofcourse for the yarn i love.

First order from Knit Picks

2007-04-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

yay! so thursday i got the yarn i ordered from Knit Picks for my sis's scarf. it was just in time too cuz friday night i had to go to a basketball game with the boy and i really needed something to occupy my time. hehe...here we have it in my brand new plant pot made from recycled materials from Madison Market.

even Raja can't take his eyes off it

2007-04-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

i had absolutely no time to knit this weekend (or seam, as it were). i'm taking a course on web publishing and there is a lot of reading involved! ahhhh...back to school - no time for me, lots of stress, and not much fun. why am i doing this again?

2007-03-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

the boy and i went to this show on thursday. she is sooooooooo amazing and unbelievably hot. her voice isn't as nasally in real life either. she is so little and i had no idea she was 42 - looks nowhere near it. lots of jokes about tv shows that the boy and i didn't get and ofcourse the obligatory jabs at politicians. but everything else was great. i didn't want it to end.

i'm getting so antsy waiting for my Knit Picks yarn. i really want to start on my sis's scarf so she can wear it a little before it gets warm. and maybe it has something to do with the fact that Orangina is pretty much finished and waiting for me to have the energy and determination to seam her up. and ofcourse i'm only a tad worried that she won't fit or look right - her being my first sweater and all. and then what if i do finish her and the yarn isn't here, so what will i do then? hmm? have no project to work on? wha? ok, so i guess i could break out the stash and figure out what to do with all those half-skeins and recycled yarn. but that's just NO FUN. ok ok i'll get in gear but only because i really want to wear orangina next week.

2007-03-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

my head is buzzing. today was filled with scanning patterns from the knitting books i got from the library: Scarf Style, Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers, Vintage Knits and Loop-d-Loop. to be honest, i'm really not sure if this is ethical but really what else would you do with a knitting book from the library (i mean use the pattern for free). i don't plan on giving the patterns to anyone else so i guess it's ok. i only do this with books that i'd never buy because there just aren't enough patterns to justify the cost.

anyway, the majority of the morning was spent researching the kind of yarn to use for my sis's scarf. it's a pain since she's allergic to most animal fibers and i really want it to be warm. i think i'm going with KnitPicks Shine Worsted in Terra Cotta. it's 60% Pima Cotton, 40% Modal - supposedly super soft and great for cables. i'm making Here and There Cables from Scarf Style.

2007-03-21T21:07:00.000-07:00

oh oh ohhhhhhhhhhh...Sexy Knitters Club is doing Sahara for their next KAL. if only i could justify starting it now. :( well, at least i've got Scarf Style waiting for me at the library. time to finally start my sis's xmas gift.

2007-03-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

ebay is great. i got an $88 pair of boots for $37 (ya, that's with shipping).
***********************************************************************************
so here's my progress with Orangina so far. i have to say that putting the "front" back onto the needles from the scrap yarn was NO FUN. boo. next time i'll use another pair of needles. i've posted a question to livejournal about what to do with the tail of the "front" but i guess i'll go ahead and start the ribbing cuz i just can't believe how close i am to finishing my FIRST SWEATER.

2007-03-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

i've finally found the perfect shoes and they're no longer available. stupid stupid.
i'm also lusting after these legwarmers from Lace Style so they'll probably be next on the needles

starting/FO's

2007-03-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

ok so i'm going to actually start using this blog. i had a website but decided it wasn't worth the $5/month for hosting. this is basically all i should need to blab about my knitting and ofcourse the rest of life's little obsessions. here's a list of knits thus far:

Woolly Wormhead's Ribbed Beanie - Karabella Aurora #286, 1 skein

Berroco's Knitting Tote - Berroco Suede #3716 Maverick I got the handles here.i've got tassels!close-up of detail. only a few dog hairs in there ;)

and ofcourse Knitty's Clapotis - i used Noro's Silk Garden #47, which was inspired by Dogs Steal Yarn's Clapotis. although mine is slightly smaller - i couldn't really afford it. so, i only used 4 skeins and these mods: Section 2 - Repeat Increase Rows 1-12 four (not six) times more. Section 3 - Repeat Straight Rows 1-12, until slightly less than one ball left

Ribbed Scarf taken from pretendingsanity.com's ribbed scarf. Katia Gatsby #88503 & Debbie Bliss cashmerino chunky #17001

Kemp Bag from Simply Noro - Noro Blossom #4 mods: cast on 46 sts. on 6th line - repeat last 2 rows until there are 26.

Mikado Ribbon Fingerless Gloves - Manos del Uruguay Granite/#108 mods: cast on 48 sts so they come out to be shorter

a tie from Interweave Press - Lily's Sugar'n Cream in Soft Ecru

Magknits' Saturday Market Bag. the top one here i made for myself and is made with Lily's Sugar'n Cream in Warm Brown and Black. the bottom one i made for my sister and is made with Lion Cotton in Sagebrush.

Knitty's Pasha the penguin - black is cheap acrylic, i think the beige is Lion Brand Wool-Ease probably in Wheat, and brown is Lily's Sugar'n Cream (100% cotton) in Warm Brown

the Knitted Clock from knit.1's very fist issue - some sort of acrylic purchased from Micheal's - it's been too long to remember.