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Monday, June 27, 2005
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Wherein being an adventurous knitter bites me in the tush
I was (sort of) happily knitting away on my shrug when I decided to try it on. Certainly it was just looking small on the needles. I wrestled it onto my arm (my word choice should demonstrate that the size was not, as they say, anything resembling what it should be). Alas, I thought, it is too small. But blocking, she shall save me!
That's what I thought until I got to a round where the lace pattern switches to a smaller number of stitches across, and when I realized that I would have to become very anorexic very quickly in order to get the right fit. I love food too much to be anorexic.
So, I'm taking the damn yarn back from whence it came. The two wound balls will just have to get traded away at the stash swap, since I don't want 'em. (It's beautiful yarn, but I'm sick of knitting with it.) Maybe I'll exchange it for the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece that was a close runner-up when I was picking out yarn, and whose weight would be much more appropriate.
My knitting is in a serious, serious funk right now. I say IT is, because I want to knit. The yarn just doesn't want to be knitted.
I hope this isn't my subconscious way of trying to convince myself to spend, like, $100 on yarn for a fancy-pants sweater. Nothing like yarn you've been lusting over to jump-start your knitting. (But then, I haven't been lusting after yarn lately, either. What's wrong with me?? As my mother would say, "Let me feel your head. You must be sick!")
Tipper @ 3:31 PM * link
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Sunday, June 26, 2005
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Join the Twin Cities Stitch 'n' Bitch Yahoo group!
Tipper @ 5:15 PM * link
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Saturday, June 25, 2005
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In which gauge makes us sad
Last Sunday I was itchin' for a new project. Something fast, yet not simple, and wearable at the end. My sights turned to the Viennese Shrug in the Summer '05 IK. It calls for worsted weight yarn, and not too much of it, size 7 needles, and it's lace. Perfect.
So, I head to Amazing Threads, as I had to pick up a door prize donation for the Twin Cities Stitch 'n' Bitch picnic (if you're interested in coming, let me know, and I'll tell you how to join the group). Aha! I found some luscious Blue Sky cotton in "thistle" and thought it'd be perfect. I even bought a 20" Addi Turbo because my needles are in a box somewhere (I've been moving).
I got through an entire repeat and a half when I decided to measure.
Instead of 19 inches wide, I had more like 29. Instead of 8 inches tall, I was already up to 12. Whoops. I would like to defend myself here by stating that the pattern does NOT give a stitches-per-inch gauge in stockinette, only over the very sizable lace pattern. I almost gave up, but persevered. I ripped out my work (1 skein's worth) and cast on again, this time with one less repeat; this will make it about the right width, and I'll wing it the rest of the way. By golly, I will not let this beat me!
My slightly longer bus ride gives me more knitting time, but it's hard to get a lot of knitting done when you fall asleep as soon as your ass hits a comfy chair. I have high hopes for getting a sizable chunk of knitting done this weekend.
Here's a picture of my new baby, Louie, after his first bath:
I'd been misting him the past few days, but he doesn't get into that. Put a dish of water on the bottom of his cage, however, and he's all about bathing.
Tipper @ 8:42 AM * link
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Thursday, June 16, 2005
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I've arrived!
My very first hit-from-a-porn-search. Awwwww...!
48 inch bust porn
Tipper @ 8:43 PM * link
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Non-ugly vintage knitting
I went with a friend to an enormous neighborhood garage sale a couple of weekends ago. Almost every sale had a backgammon set and/or a fishtank; I figure that this means the neighborhood backgammon and fish clubs got into fights and vowed never to play the game or raise the fish again!
Luckily, they seem to have kept the knitting club, since I only found knitting-related items at one sale. Hidden behind the ubiquitous half-finished cross-stitch kits were about 10 vintage knitting pattern books and magazines, and they weren't half bad. Of course, they were priced at $4+ per book, so I couldn't grab them all (did I mention that these sales were a touch overpriced, as well?). I just grabbed my favorite.
It is called, as you see, Fashions in Many Colors. They're not lying. There are lots of colors.
In a break with blogging tradition (not that I'm one for blogging tradition), I am not posting pictures of hideous vintage patterns, but of ones that I liked. The cover sweaters are one. I will say, however, that it looks like the little girl is shrieking because Daddy is grabbing her arm and telling her to stay still you little brat while Mommy looks on past the camera for her Valium because it's starting again.
Another one I like. I even like the colors. It is only in "junior" sizes, however, so I'd have to size it up.
But it's not like I wouldn't have to play with size, anyway. For instance, the sweater above on the right (my favorite) goes up to size 18. But nowhere in the book are they kind enough to talk about how many inches an 18 is. Luckily, they offer a table in the back comparing the yarns used with each other in terms of weight per skein and gauge. No yardage information; that would be too easy.
And other stuff
I really need to get shopping for my secret pal. Lucky for her, I just got paid, so I can buy things. Does anyone have any recommendations for not-your-usual stuff?
I'm at the heel of the second Broadripple sock. The end is in sight!
The third clue in the Mystery Stole Along was released early, and I must say, I'm not really encouraged to knit it. It's basically the same pattern from the last go-round, extended a little, and while it may be cute for other people, I'm totally not digging it in my Merino Lace. I've never knit with a lace yarn that's so thin and unlofty. It's screaming for size 1 needles. I'm just screaming.
Tipper @ 5:21 AM * link
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Monday, June 13, 2005
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Tonight we share
So, I'm getting married, to that Matthew boy you've heard about. He sucked me into his web of cuteness and kindness and sweetness and all that crap. He proposed to me in the most adorable way - I had drifted off to sleep after we talked about how cool it would be if we got married someday. He mentioned that he couldn't afford a ring. I said that he could just give me one made out of tin foil. Then I conked out (typical). I woke in the middle of the night and noticed a ring on my finger, a ring made out of, like, 100 layers of tin foil pounded together. And, thus, we were balled-and-chained. The ring was purchased at Goodman Jewelers - special ordered, mind you. They don't keep the cool rings in the cases. It's an antique replica with a 1/3 carat stone and it's groovy.
I will also share a picture of some sorry-lookin' Navajo-plyed yarn:
I have yet more news! I'm going to be a mommy! Right now, my baby looks something like this!
Now, I am going to finish up my gin and tonic (this ties with the mighty mint julep as the ultimate summer drink) and browse blogs. I will be talkative: this is your warning.
Tipper @ 8:07 PM * link
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Sunday, June 12, 2005
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Picture = thousand words
My first Secret Pal package came!
I always dreamed of getting beaded stitch markers from someone. I don't know why. I mean, really, why do you need stitch makers with beads? But I've wanted them regardless , and now I have some, and for this I am grateful.
I also finished a sock, and it fits, and it's pretty. I highly recommend the monochromatic sorts of Fixation, as the stripes are very fun and not at all gaudy (like some socks we know).
Have you heard of the Mystery Stole-Along? Now you have. I joined, and this is the result of the first two clues. I'm using Skacel Merino Lace and size 3 needles and I can't say that I'm in love. The pattern's okay (though I really don't like all-over eyelet stuff like the first clue entails), but the fabric that's knitting up is less-than-wonderful. I suspect I'll never find the right pattern for this yarn so I might as well press on. It might surprise me after blocking.
P.S. It's really friggin' rude to join a mystery knit-along such as this one and then demand that the designer post clues sooner than she had decided. Um, folks, it's not up to you. Shut up.
(You think I'm trying to show off anything in the pictures above?)
Tipper @ 9:06 PM * link
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Tuesday, June 07, 2005
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Move along, nothing to see here.
Although I'm digging my knitting again, I am too lazy to snap pictures. And I even have things to post pictures of!
Progress report:
Dibs on Ribs: I have finished the sleeves! Now I only need to sew up the seams, put the remaining rib inserts in (maybe not the neckline ones; we'll see if there's enough yarn or if they're necessary), do the crochet neckband, and block. I am on ball #10 of Kureyon with a tiny fraction of another ball left over. I hope this will be enough to finish the sleeves and collar off.
Broadripple socks: I am at the toe decreases for sock #1. Why is it that the last one took me two days and this one is taking forever? I will note that this one is prettier, however.
Spinning: The only spinning as of late has been in the form of a couple of ounces of handpainted Coopworth roving. It's awful stuff. Either the breed doesn't make for the kind of fiber I like or the dyer did a little felting of the fiber (very possible, as it doesn't seem to match the description of Coopworth I've seen). It spun up with lots of chunks and didn't take twist well and broke a lot while I Navajo plyed. It's not as nice as I wanted it to be, but I can't say that it's awful.
Mansocks: I haven't picked these up since last week. I'm naughty.
I got my Loop-D-Loop in the mail. Such a pretty book!
At first I was underwhelmed by the IK fall preview, but it's grown on me. Except for that horizontally striped vest monostrosity.
To Secret Pal: don't worry I resisted the urge to look at your website and deleted the comment.
Speaking of secret pals, I gotta get shopping!
Tipper @ 8:12 AM * link
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Thursday, June 02, 2005
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SP5, Baby.
So, I did SP3(?) and only got one item from my secret pal. I was expecting more, since she said more was coming, but it never arrived. Ah, well. Things happen. I'm trying again, since I had so much fun sending out gifts last time.
A repost (with some changes) from the last time:
Here's my little secret pal questionnaire. I took out some stuff that I didn't feel was pertinent.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I'm a proud yarn snob. It;s not that I hate Red Heart or Lion Brand, it's just that, all things considered, it's not worth it to me. I can spend just a little bit more and get exactly what I want. Why settle? I do love the new yarns that Lion Brand is developing, though I don't have much reason to use them. Cotton-Ease, I have just discovered, is one of my favorite yarns.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I do spin, with a wheel (Jensen Tina II). I also kind-of crochet; I can't pull myself away from knitting long enough to get more into it, though!
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
None, altough I prefer more subtle scents and can't stand visiting candle stores.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Off and on since I was nine, but I never really got into it until a couple of years ago, after I picked up Knitting for Dummies. Then I became obsessed. I consider myself an advanced knitter; I haven't done it all, but I'm pretty certain I can!
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes - Amazon wish list.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like almost anything, except for things scented like food.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
I have a whole mouth full of them.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I sew a little, and do Ukranian egg decorating and sewing sometimes, but that's about it. I don't have time for anything other than knitting!
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s?
I can play MP3s, but I don't listen to music much and it's difficult to categorize what I do like (Bjork, Sigur Ros, the Coral, the Beatles, Beck, and the fiance has me liking punk stuff).
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I love them all, but I especially adore leafy greens and pink and teal blue. And brown, and orange, and red, and blue, and purple... Um... all?
11. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I prefer animal fibers (alpaca and wool/silk blends are my favorites), and I love handpainted yarns. My biggest weaknesses are laceweight and sock yarn.
12. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I'm not a big fan of mohair, unless it's blended with something, or in the form of Kidsilk Haze/Douceur et Soie.
13. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Right now, I'm in a slump. I want to do some fancy lace shawl knitting, but haven't found the perfect patterns (though I love the ones at Fiddlesticks and Heirloom Knitting).
14. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Complicated lace, socks, and sweaters that require seaming.
15. What are you knitting right now?
A pair of Broadripple socks, Dibs on Ribs, socks out of handspun, a lace scarf out of handspun. None of it thrills me at the moment.
16. What do you think about ponchos?
I want one, but I haven't gotten around to making one yet. I'm not sure which yarn I want to use and what style it should be.
17. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circulars, specifically Addi Turbos and shiny Inox circulars. I prefer metal needles in general. For DPNs, I like metal needles or Crystal Palace bamboo.
Tipper @ 9:20 AM * link
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