Saturday Night Sheep

Been a while

2009-07-23T06:58:00.003-04:00

Yeah it's been a minute. Haven't had the time to blog the way I used to, and that damn Ravelry takes up a lot of time.

Catch up time, I've been trying to stop the habit of bouncing between fifty million projects (trying being the key word of that statement).

I'm working on the Berroco pattern Abriana. What should have been a quick pattern is turning into a pain in the ass. Mainly b/c I keep screwing up. I did the back wrong, and I made two left panels. Just as well b/c one the panels was entirely two big. I'm going to try to finish this thing by next week, even if it kills me.

Well, here it is so far....

Sooo....

2008-04-08T10:32:00.002-04:00

So lets start with the fact that I lost that beautiful hat below. Yes lost, gone, never to be seen again.

Me, being the genius that I am dropped it on the train. I sent pics to the lost and found, but they didn't have it. Of course they didn't, why would anyone return my beautifully handcrafted hat. Would they care that Entrelac is a serious challenge for me? Would they care that I really love that hat? Nooooooooooooooooooooo!

So instead of making the matching scarf, I will be making another hat {{sigh}}.

I decided to start Sesame sweater over. It's nothing like getting half way through a project, and realizing that you made it two sizes two small. I guess in my mind I was smaller. Well this will be my last long sleeve sweater until next year. As you can see, it's coming along.

It's funny how you improve your knitting skills over time, but it doesn't occur to you until you realized that you just used an advanced technique. Below are two big improvements for me.

Carrying yarn up the sides (less finishing, yay):

Russian Join (this is my next best friend, also being filed under less finishing).

As far as my spring project...I have several projects in my Ravelry queue. I've been eying this bag for some time now. This would be the perfect knitting bag. I'm thinking that I can do it with a solid/variegated combo. I'm also going to make a wristlet, b/c my company acts like they have stock in Air Conditioning. Nothing like stiff fingers, while you're attempting to type.

I did finish my other hat Belle. It is the cutest thing ever!

Can I tell you that I haven't finished my Cycling Aran. The only thing I have to do it bind off the neck, and sew the zipper. Isn't that sad? I don't know why I can't just get it over with already.

Anywho, have to go.

Back

2008-03-21T13:11:00.002-04:00

I have totally abandoned my blog. It's just that all my free time goes to Ravely. That site is soo addictive. It has to be one of the best thing that has ever happened to knitting. I have to make some major changes to blog. I just realized that if you use internet explorer, you have to scroll all the way down to the bottom just to see the right hand column. I'm soo mad about that. I'm thinking of taking my site to another blogging environment. This is the second time that this happened. I fixed the issue before, after countless hours of sifting through tags in the templates. I know I could pay someone else to do it, but I'm a techie and really hate admitting defeat. Especially since I'm a Safari/Firefox user, who avoids IE like the plague.

Anywho, catch up time. I just finished my first entrelac project. Wait let me clarify, it wasn't my first attempt. It was my first finished entrelac project. For some reason, I can't get the process to click. So I basically wing it after the 2nd row. The directions always make sense until the second row. By the time I made it to the end of this hat, I was so making it up. I finished the hat in stockinette, and topped it with a pom pom to hide it. All in all it came out rather cute.
Now here's the kicker of all kickers. After spending 11 long days of hard work on this hat....I lost the damned thing a week later. Dropped it on the train. Do you know how mad I am right now. Nj Transit told me to check back b/c it take 3-4 business days for the lost and found items to make it to the hoboken station

Anywho, have to go now

Catch up time

2007-10-24T07:55:00.000-04:00

Ok, it's time to play catch up. I will edit the post tomorrow with pics, but I'll give you all of the details tomorrow.

First things first! I somehow screwed up my page again. And I have no clue of what did it b/c I just realized when I attempted to open my page within IE. I usually pull up the blog via Firefox, and it looks just fine. What is that about anyway? If the code is off, how come it's only off for Internet Explorer? This really urks me to no end. So now I have to play 'where's waldo' looking for that one bracket that threw the whole dern page off. I may just pay to have someone look at it. I feel like such a failure as a techy, but my 'lazy' wins every time {{sigh}}.

Ok, I got a chance to go to Rhinebeck again this year. I saw some Ravelry folks, but couldn't go to the party b/c I did the bus ride thing up there. I had some much fun this time around. My friends ending up backing out on me, but by fate I hooked up with Deitre (a fellow knitter from the morning train ride). She told about the bus ride, so I didn't have to take the train myself. Yaaay me.

Anywho, I was in heaven. A bus full of knitters is the best. There's no strange looks. Someone isn't going out there way (meaning: seeing you with your ipod, and deep in concentration) to get your attention just to say 'what are you doing?' or my favorite 'you should make me a _______.' If you knit in a public, I'm sure you can fill in that blank. I don't want to sound like a snot, but to me that's the same as interrupting someone while there reading to say something dumb like...'that's a good book hunh?' That burns me, b/c I'm a reader the way I'm a knitter. I think there should be a general rule. IF THE IPOD IS ON, I AM NOT INTERESTED IN TALKING TO YOU! Nothing says introvert like having your head down, and music blasting in your ears. I can see if people wanted to have an actual conversation, then I'm all for it. But don't be an arse! It's really okay not saying anything, when you have nothing to say.

Sorry, had to pull out the soap box for a minute. Anywho, the ride up there was peaceful. I got a chance to work on the Cycling Aran. I've been working on this thing forever. Well not forever, but I kept loosing steam. The cable section was fast, and kept me busy. By the time I got to the sleeves, I was so over it. I'm 50% done w/ the 2nd sleeve now. Once that's done I will only have to do the neck band and sew that baby together. I'm in serious danger of running out of yarn; which is unusual for me. Luckily Accents On Knits has more. I can’t wait. There are so many projects I want to start, it’s ridiculous. My queue on & off ravelry is insanely long.

I got a chance to look at Twinkle’s Big City Knits. I absolutely love this book. Out of the whole book, I will have to say that there are only 2-3 patterns that I don’t want to make. And that’s not even a definite no, that’s just no for right now. Loves It! I managed to score some yarn for a couple of those patterns at Rhinebeck. I also, scored yarn for an entrelac stole that the lady at the booth designed. But I’m thinking that I rather make Lady Eleanor from Scarf Style or this. I’m not sure about my entrelac skills, but hell it’s worth a shot. So, will basically be knitting every chance I get.

Well not every chance I get b/c the night time belongs to my latest acquisition. I didn’t just by yarn (and really fatty food) at Rhinebeck. I managed to score…(drum roll please {{insert drum roll here}}) the Kromski Sonata. Yes, that’s right. I got a brand new Spinning Wheel. I feel like I’m on a game show. Tell her what she’s one. Haha, I’m kicking coffee for a bit. You have to bear with me. I absotively posolutely love my wheel. I managed to get started on my own. I downloaded some basic how to, but nothing out there explains why the yarn doesn’t feed onto the bobbin. I tried adjusting the break. I assume I’m adjusting the tension. Any thoughts, anyone? I think I’ll take it to Knit Knack to see if can get a quick lesson on getting started.

K, have to go now. Promise to have pics by the end of the week.

Over, and out.

Viese

It's been awhile...

2007-07-26T15:03:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's been a while. I kind of fell off with the blogging thing. I read other blogs daily, but just didn't have the energy to update mine. And it's all due to LAZINESS! But that is okay, I'm back. I'll try to update more often now.

Lets play catch up, shall we. I just moved. I still live in Maplewood, but I moved around the corner. I'm back on my own. It's been hectic for the past month. I have absolutely no furniture. Which is kind of cool, b/c now I can pick all new stuff. It's coming along. I have to buy a new laptop, after I buy furniture. Everything will come together soon.

I'm knitting the Lovely Lace Socks from Interweave, I forget which season it's from. Here's a progress shot.

I'm resolving to actually finishing these before I start anything else. So far it's torture.

I signed up for Ravelry. Pretty cool website if you ask me. I haven't figured out how to get pics up there yet, but I will one of these days.

Oh, please be on the look out. Moving made me realize that I have......Oh it's just so hard to say.
{{sigh}} I HAVE TOO MUCH YARN! There I said it. It's bad when you have 3 over sized storage bins, and still have more yarn to pack. I'm not even talking neatly placed. We're talking stuffing to the point that the lid doesn't close. Which brings me to my point. I'm going to sell some of this stuff. I'm not quite sure how much of it I'm going to sell, but some of it must go.

K, gotta go.

Viese

I guess I'm a designer now

2006-11-16T11:42:00.000-05:00

I's a designer now! (ala Color Purple).

Well I won't go as far as to say that I'm a full fledge designer, but I did design a cabled scarf for my friend Reema. She wanted to make a Cabled scarf for herself, and wasn't sure what to do. So I came up with a simple pattern with seed stitch border. I'm pretty proud of myself. It's a scarf but I did it from scratch. So here's the pattern if anyone wants. I did the wrote it out as well as charted.

Pattern: Reema's 'Leaving on the Next Plane' Scarf
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride
Instructions:
Abbreviations:
Sl = Slip
St(s) = Stitch(s)
Cn = Cable needle
CO = Cast On

C4f = Sl 2 sts to cn & hold in front, k next 2sts, then k 2sts from cn
C4b = Sl 2 sts to cn & hold in back, k next 2sts, then k 2sts from cn

Pattern:
CO: 26 sts
Row 1: *p,k* Repeat ** to the end of row
Row 2: *k,p* Repeat ** to the end of row
Row 3: p, k3, p8, k2, p8, k2, p, k
Row 4: k, p3, c4b, c4f, p2, c4b, c4f, p2, k, p
Row 5: p, k3, p8, k2, p8, k2, p, k
Row 6: k, p3, k8, p2, k8, p2, k, p
Row 7: p, k3, p8, k2, p8, k2, p, k
Row 8: k, p3, k8, p2, k8, p2, k, p

* Repeat rows 3-8 until desired length.

This will be in a link on the sidebar later. Oh, I have this pattern in a word doc for anyone that ones it. Just email me: altaviese@gmail.com

I don't have any progress pics, but will have some by the weekend. More like Sunday b/c I'm going to the Billion Dollar Babes event Saturday. So much for budgeting!

Later,

Al

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T11:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Hday to all who celebrate it.

Okay, this spinning thing is not as easy as I thought it would be. I can get the yarn to twist, but I can't get the drop spindle to...spin. I twist it on my leg, but as soon as i let it go it turns in the opposite direction unwinding everything. Not quite sure what I'm doing wrong here. I'll have to watch the knitty gritty show again.

In other news, I have more pics to upload but blogger keeps timing out. Luckily, there's other options.

So I bring you Rhinebeck part deux:

Can you tell how much I bought?

Oh, I finally bought a swift and a yarn meter.

Now I will officially be able to sell some of the oddball yarn in my house.

And last but not least, here is the Tahki pattern I've been working on. It seems like it's taking forever!

A Basket Full of Firsts...

2006-10-27T11:07:00.000-04:00

Ahh, the first time. The excitement, the anticipation, the feeling of conquering something for the first time.

Well over the past couple of weeks, I had...well, a basket full of firsts. Yay Me.

While working on my sock (my first sock), I managed to conquer the whole heel/gusset/instep thing flawlessly (so shocked). And here's the product of that:

I'm quite proud of myself for that one. Now to only finish the darn thing. And one day, get to the other one.

I received my first order from Hancock fabrics. Loving them right now.
So I get this wonderful box yesterday, and look at what's inside.....I had to stop working on my No-Sweat Pants b/c I ran out of yarn. Of course the Bella Vista colorway was discontinued. But after some serious searching, I found it at hancock fabrics. Yay them. So here's the pic of what I've accomplished so far with this pants.

It's coming along, I may have them done before the winter is over.

This oversized tomato was only 99 cents. Definitely a first. I thought I was only getting this small cushion box. When I opened the box i was so happy. I can put all kinds of stuff in that bad boy.

Nice right?

anyway, the ultimate first went down this past weekend.....Rhinebeck! It was a first definitely not the last. I met up with a Jee from SNB yahoo group, and we carpooled it up there. It was a great drive. The leaves had already turned, and it was gorgeous. I don't have many pics, b/c when I got the I lost my mind. I did manage stop and and check out the mini zoo.

Oh, another first.....I saw a Kangaroo up close and personal.Isn't he the cutest? It was pretty cool. There were Lemur monkeys, but all I could think of was Madagascar. 'I like to move it move it,' haha. See...
I was tried feeding goats. I'm sorry people, but having a goat tongue going across your hand has the be the nastiest feeling in the world. EWWW!

Now on to the good stuff:

I'm just going to post a couple, you guys can check out my flicr (look to the right) for additional pics. Nice

I spun my first bit of yarn. What do you think?

I also bought books, but I can't upload the pics b/c blogger sucks.

Gotta go, will post later

This is why I can't get a damn thing done....

2006-10-07T00:16:00.000-04:00

Mini Post:

I have this on going war with one of my best friends. It's a video war on myspace (if you have nothing to do you can check it out at
http://www.myspace.com/viesespieces the war is with geekgirl.

Anyway, lately I've been spending all my time reading gossip blogs (i.e http://ybf.blogspot.com) and doing warring with my friend. And I just knew I had her this week. I thought I shut it down with this....

Now you have to admit, that's some funny ish! I almost passed out when I sent her this. Now normally, it's neck & neck with this thing. But she totally blew me out of the water earlier with this!

And let's just say that she won this round.

Well, why I'm here I'll talk about knitting. I've found that Urban Outfitters is a very dangerous place to play. But I love going to the site b/c they sell the cutest (over-priced) sweaters. Especially the ones by Free People. I just noticed something; they (i only call them they b/c i don't know their names individually-for my kat william fans out there) design the cutest sweaters for guys. Yeah the sweaters in the 'women's section' is funny but the men's sweater are really funky. Like this one right here. It's a popcorn stitch pull over. Easy enough right?

I think I can easily substitute a stockinette sticth for sometime of popcornish stitch.

And I do realize that I do my planning then displaying of the knitting on this site. But I swear that I'm knitting, no really I am. I'll show progress shots soon.

I've decided to work on two other sweaters until I can find what the yarn I want. Updates to come.

Tired Now!

Al

Some times I just don't know what to do with myself...

2006-10-03T14:54:00.000-04:00

There I said. Isn't admitting your issue a step towards...well sanity. The down side of this knitting ADD is I can't get it together. I have more UFOs then I can count. I'm sure that's a lot of knitter out there. But it's really getting out of hand here. I have like 40 million projects I want to do for the fall (new projects mind you). Not to mention the ones I would love to finish from last year. And what's making the whole situation crazy as hell, is I can't seem to get it together enough to knit b/c I can't find the right yarn for the Cycle Aran Sweater. I want yarn similar to the yarn used in the pattern. Of course the yarn she used is discontinued. I have yarn coming out of every crevice of my flipping house, but none of it's right. So I guess you can say I'm having a knitting hissy fit. It's dumb I know, but that's the spoiled monster in me. I want what I want, and I want it now. Arggh! I'm going to try Smiley's Yarn this weekend. They are having a big sale, so it's worth the trek to Brooklyn. And while I'm there, I'm hoping they have Homespun 'bella vista' b/c I officially run out. I thought I had more. And now, I can't find it anywhere. You know why, b/c it's discontinued. So I'm hoping I don't have to start all over again. If so, that will be the 1st project put on the next year list.

I see the Holiday Vogue is avail. Have to pic that up this weekend. You know what I haven't picked up in a while....Family Circle Knitting. It was the first knitting mag that got me hooked. It was one of their holiday editions. I plan on making the Moose booties, now that I have someone to make them for...YAAAAAAAAAAAAY ME!

Oh, I changed my site in support of Breast Cancer awareness. Check GO PINK! for more details. Thanks to Erica B. for the heads up.

Sorry for the rant. But had to get it out.

Later,

Viese

I'm back from outerspace, no really!

2006-09-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Whew, it's been a while. But you know what, i've been on a semi-timeout. Well mainly, it's been busy here at work and I rarely turn my machine on at home. Oh, don't act like most of you would be on all the time, if you didn't do it from work.

First things first! I have an announcement. I am the new proud Godmother of a baby girl named Tanji. She's the miracle baby. I would tell you why but that would take too long to explain. But look at her isn't she the prettiest little someone?!?

Okay, so I stopped i was doing the day after she was born. And this is what I ended up with a couple of days later. This right here is what I love about crocheting. The fast, simple, beauty of it. Well for me, my knitting skills are not up to this level of speed.

And here she is sleeping w/ another shot of the blankey.

I cannot wait to make her all types of sweaters and other cute baby items. Yay!

Now onto me, my razo tank is so almost finished....I should be smacked in the head witha moldy sock for not having it done. No really, I should. I'm down to one strap. Not two but one. I've tried it on, it fits perfectly. So what summer is over, so what I could have been wearing it all the time. Ehh, what are you going to do. So I guess it's time to admit to another condition.

"unabletocompletestartedproject-itus"

yeah, that's a good name for it. sad I tell you.

anywhoot, I found the perferct yarn for the Cycling Aran. Yeah, I went shopping in my closet. Apparently I have a mini-warehouse in my room. I was look for every bit of Homespun I can find in my house. Apparently, the 'bella vista' colorway has been discontinued. Why, I do not know. It's ten times better than some of their other off balanced colors. But I guess that's just my opion. So, I've been trying to figure out if I have enough to complete the pants. Hancock Fabricks the color in stock, and I wanted to be sure to order enought to complete the pants & the matching sweatshirt (hood sweater, but we will pretend that it's a sweatshirt). Wow, I totally forgot that I was discussing the Cycling Aran. Gotta work on this ADD thing.Well, I came across the yarn I bought from Florence. It's brown, with multi-color specs throughout. I have to upload a picture later. I'm going to swatch it (haha, i said swatch) this weekend. Hopefully the gauge is too off. I'm crossing my fingers on this one.

Ok, the No-Sweat Pants. Started these on Monday, I'm at the thigh of the one part. It just dawned on me that I probably could have done this in the round. Which urks me, b/c I'm too far to turn back now. Yeah well, if I decide to make another pair.

Clappy, all I can say is that I'm getting there. There will be progress shots later. I just joined a couple of KAL's. One being the Fall Cables Kal. I also plan on making a pair of cabled legwarmers from the latest K1 magazine. It's a couple of things in the latest Vogue Knitting that I would like to make.I will sit down and do my to-do list over the weekend. I also joined Soctoberfest, b/c I am determined to finish my socks. I may have to start over b/c I lost my place. That's will be annoying.

That's all for now. Will update again this weekend.

Inspiration

2006-08-05T21:40:00.000-04:00

Remember a while back, I mentioned that I wanted to try designing/writing up my own pattern.

Well, I think I have found my inspiration. I was flipping through the latest Elle Mag, and what did I find...Miss Kimora rocking the illest dress for her Baby Phat Ad. Naturally, I must have this dress. I went to the site, it's not for sale. So it may not even be Baby Phat. So, I say what I always say. 'I can make that!' But this time, I actually can. Well at least I can give it a try. It's a ribbed cowl neck dress with bell sleeves. And get this, the dress is completely ribbed. Easy enough, right?

The only problem, I have no idea where to start. None what's so ever. The dress appears to be done in a very small gauge. Yeah, we're going to try to do it on 10's or higher. I'm a little to slow of a knitter to do it at a smaller gauge. I'm going to use the yarn I bought from Odd job. Hopefully I have enough. We shall see.

Oh, the razor is coming along. I bought Susan Bates needles (metal). I'm going much faster now that I don't have to fight it. It's starting to become one of those endless knitting projects. I've knitted about 12" of the tank, but it feels like i've knitted 50". Ehh, what are you going to do?

I'm only working on one project now, so don't have that much to update. Oh, I bought the Knit Simple magazine. It looks like cables are really in this season. I'm loving this Cardi from the front cover. There's a cabled vest that I've got my eye on, but I'll see what's what after I start my the Cycling Aran.

Off to my first attempt on the dress. Yeah, so all you designers out there...if you have any tips they will greatly appreciated.

My SP is the greatest

2006-07-26T14:08:00.000-04:00

First things first: Thank you SP for my package. I am truly spoiled. I've already found a pattern for my sock yarn. It has the prettiest colorway. I did a partial swatch for it already.

Ok, so SP here's a virtual hug {{HUGGIES}}.
My package contains handmade soap, lip balm, and German Sock yarn (so pretty).

Ok, I've come up with a solution to the sticky/stiff situation with the needles. I've just loosened my stitches. Don't get me wrong I don't knit super-tight, just snug enough to have neat stitches. Right now, it doesn't look bad. So that's a good thing. It has sped up the process. Yay Me! I have to get this done before the month is over (haha, who am I fooling). No later than the 1st week in August. I want to do the fad classic before the season is over. I might continue to do the tanks in the fall. I know I will definately be doing another Ballet Sweater. Since it's such a quick project I can easily throw it in there.

Then, I'll be in the clear for the Cycling Aran (see previous post). Oh joy, it will be after labor day. So, I can buy yarn for it. I'm going to hold off on buying yarn until I buy the yarn for this sweater. Speaking of not buying yarn. I'm doing soooo good with the SOS. I haven't bought an ounce of yarn. I've passed over sales, and everything. Sweet, right? So, in conclusion that means that I really don't need to buy yarn in the quantities that I buy them.

Ewww, that didn't even sound right. Yuck, I promise to never say that again.

Anywho, gotta go.

It's Friday!

2006-07-21T14:20:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone. I didn't do the YouTube Monday vid (basically b/c I forgot). But, that's okay. I have a funny for you.

I'm loving the Young Joc-It's going down song like the next man, but submitting failed attempts to master the dance to you tube is not the way to go.

At any rate, this is to funny not to share:

Enjoy the weekend!

It's growing

2006-07-20T08:04:00.001-04:00

I'm making progress on the Razor Tank. I'm loving the project b/c the pattern is pretty basic, but small needles are rough. I'm not a fast knottier so it's like I do 2-5 rows a day. Part of the problem is that I'm using Bamboo needles (crystal palace at that) with acrylic. It's been a fight, so I'm going to purchase metal needles to see if that will speed things up a bit. It should, if not at least make it a smoother process. This tank has been hard on the wrists.

And speaking of Crystal Palace; Am I the only one that has come to the conclusion that Crystal Palace (bamboo) needles are OVER PRICED CRAP!

I literally despise these needles. Let's start with both sz 15 circulars, shall we? First it was the insane squeaking (drove me batty). Then if that wasn't enough, the damn thing fell apart on me. Falling apart meaning, the cord came out of that little socket thingy. And you know the funny thing about that? I call myself upgrading to these needles b/c the plastic Bryspun (sp) did the same effing thing. So much for upgrading. Now on to the lovely sz4 i'm using now. The yarn keeps getting stuck on the metal socket thingy. Adding to my struggle. So, it's pretty much a wrap on Crystal Palace.

I'm going to stick with Susan Bates/Clover. So far I have no complaints.

In other news, Stitch Diva is hosting a knitting/crochet cruise. It's in April 07. I've been giving it some serious thought. Sailing through tropical islands like St. Thomas (where my ex from HS is currently residing) knitting & crocheting for ~2k. It doesn't seem like a bad deal. The only thing about this about it, is the time. Every year I travel overseas in Feb. This year I'm planning to go to London (or Spain). I'm not going to be able to get away with back to back vacations. I'll have to see how I'm going to work this.

Anywho, gotta go do some work now. Later People!

Al

Maybe I'll get some knitting done if....

2006-07-13T20:51:00.000-04:00

If I can stop watching these damn You Tube clips! I told someone earlier that YouTube is the devil.

It is isn't it. It really is the devil. But no, it's very addictive. Like take this little clip from Dave Chapelle about 2pac. I had to watch this like 2 times in the row. I still may watch it again before the night is over. This is funny. Then earlier, I stumbled onto a little vid of Tom Cruise doing the 'It's going down' Dance. Yes, then I was able to finally catch B's new video. I'm so loving her right now. See you get the point, I've been glued to the net all day. So not a productive day.

Ehh, what are you going to do. I did manage to get past my first five rows of the Razor tank. It's coming along. I realize now that it would be coming along much faster if I were using metal circulars as opposed to bamboo. B/C I feel like I'm fighting for my life with this yarn. It's a pretty decent acrylic, but obviously no friend of bamboo. So this weekend, I'm picking the metals.

I have that new project itch. It's bad. I wanted to at least put a bigger dent into the clapper before starting again. I'll fight it as much as possible, but I can't promise anything. I want to do something quick and cute. It's summer after all. I need another quickie to hold me over. Wow, I sound like a junkie. I may just start the unbiased really quickly. Oooooh, I know maybe a quick felted tote. I'll figure out something tonight. Yes, something with big needle. Yeah that'll do the trick.

Happily Dappily Monday!

2006-07-10T08:59:00.000-04:00

Yay, it's Monday YAY! Ok, I'm really not happy. But eh, I'm going to pretend. Maybe that will make the day go faster. I'll let you know how that works later.

Ok, so in honor of Happy Monday. Here's the cutest video that I found on YouTube (which is like the coolest site BTW).

So am I the only one that wants a kitten now! It really doesn't help that I kept seeing stray kittens all week. I have this animal rescue thing going on, but I couldn't catch any of them. They just ran :(

One the kittens look like the one from the pic above.

Ok, in knitting news. Why cannot I soooo not wait for fall now. Ok, September (that's when summer of stash ends). I really want to make the Cycle Aran Sweater. I don't care if it takes me all winter, I'm making this sweater! I'm just going to put this on my progress tracker now. Hehe, just can't wait. Oh Joy!

Yes, and I found the funkiest sweater by Gedifra on 'Knitting Creations..' I'm not even sure if I'm ready to handle Entrelac. I was going to start simple with the shawl, but after seeing this sweater....we're going keep the party going on this one.

See this is why I'm so addicted to reading blogs. I'm always finding something absolutely yummy to knit. So, yes my inspiration comes from other bloggers.

As you can see the caffeine has officially kicked in, woo hoo.

Okay, without further ado (sp) here are the progress shots:

Clap On
Clap Off
Clap On Clap Off
The Clapper!

The Ballet T
Yarn: Acrylic (big lots), and Bernat Matrix
Start: June 14, 2006
Finish: June 20, 2006 (yes, it was a quickie)
Knit again?: Oh yeah! Planning on doing one in pink, should be nice. I know I did this in the last post, but it's not official until you get a picture.

Sometime ago, Amy left me a comment about knitting groups in the Metro area (so I assume). I go to one in Maplewood NJ at Pen & Jens. I hear there is one on Mondays at the Barnes & Noble (route 22 location, springfield nj). I know there's a boat load of them in the City. Actually, there are a lot of SNB meetups, you can check yahoo groups.

So Amy, I hope that helps.

Update on the whole sewing situation. Me, and the old sewing machine in my house have officially gotten to know each other. Now, all I have to do it buy the pattern for the dress I want to make. I discovered that I had the perfect material right under my bed. I have a lot of things that lurk under my bed. Some good, some not so good. But that's another story.

Recapping the 4th, I basically didn't do any knitting. I just hung out with the family. Here's the cutest pic of my Mini Me. Yes, I have a mini me don't be jealous.

Oh, and I don't know what if you heard about NJ being shutdown last week. Lets just say that this was a very very unhappy time for me. I am a true beach bum. The beaches opened sunday, and I was damned near the first one there. Yes, I was out my house like 7:30 am. See don't I look dandy. Just as dark as I want to be, and I'm loving it. Ok, smooches!

My love for the Mail man has officially grown

2006-06-22T15:25:00.000-04:00

I'm sure I'm not the only one on this. But, I love my mail man. He's brings me the goodies. This weeks goodies is my first shipment of Knitting books from my subscription to Crafter's Choice Book Club. They don't have the biggest knitting collection, but it's a good thing I didn't join for that.

I've been working on my crafting trifecta; knitting (of course), crocheting, and sewing. Sewing is the one area in which I'm having the most troubles. I'm going to the library to get books, and just sit down with the sewing machine until I figure it all out. I have test material, i just need to get to it.

The truth of the matter, is that I'm a little intimidated by the pattern process. I don't know why, but I am. And the craziest thing. Making clothes...fashion has been a {{secret}} passion of mine for a while. I still have my original guest book. And before we start with the pep talks, they sucked. Hahahahaha, but I loved to do it anyway. Basically, at this point in life....I understand the value of a hobby. Everything can't be about the almighty $$. I learned that when I first started knitting. I almost put the sticks down b/c making items for other people turns it into a job. Which took all the joy out of it, and naturally I didn't want to do it anymore.

I'm kind of selfish like that. Don't really like making items for others. I'd rather dish out cash, rather than make gifts. B/C I'm an 'appreciation whore!' I need to know to see that teary eyed look, when you say thank you. Otherwise, I feel like the item should be snatched back, and frogged on the spot. In that mommy dearest 'no wire hangers' breakdownish outbursty kind of way.

Haha, I guess there was a point to that...but I'm going to keep the party going b/c i just don't remember.

Hmm let's see...

FO's I finished The Ballet T.
Yarn: Acrylic (big lots), and Bernat Matrix
Start: June 14, 2006
Finish: June 20, 2006 (yes, it was a quickie)
Knit again?: Oh yeah! Planning on doing one in pink, should be nice.

The Clapper is coming along, and I realized that I am doing it right for a change. So there will be no frogging of he who claps.

I've started another project, I found another tank pattern called Razor. I like the semi-lace detailing. Slowly trying to work my way up to lace. I bought lace weight yarn in Italy, and I probably should get around to using it. No progress shots on this one. I'm just a couple of rows after the CO. Let's face it, it's not like you're going to go 'oooooh, that's a hell of a 5 rows.'

Anywho, back to why I love the mailman. He brought me the Knitter's Bible, Stitchionary, and a funky little # about refashioning you're own clothes.

And, if that's not all....

My book club shipments came, not to mention the Bare Essentials make up I ordered. Yes, this is why my mailmain is on my xmas list.

New projects on the horizon, well there's always a new project out there to be made. I'm going to try Unbiased again. I tried when I first started knitting, and it was a fiasco. No really it was that bad. But I have more sari yarn left, and I'm going to give it a go.

I'm itching to try something harder now, just not sure if it's going to be Fairisle, Entrelac, or a real Intarsia project. Hey, I may just do all three. Before I start, I just want to get further with the Razor tank. Further meaning, getting past the ribbing. I've been slow rolling lately. Well, I've been busy. Trying to get some personal stuff in order, not to mention traveling a little.

{{Sigh}} So much to do, and sooooo little time to do it in. I need one of those work from home jobs. That way I can squeeze crafty in between my work assignments.

K, bye now. I keep losing train of thought sooooooooooooooooo...Yeah

I've been digging in my crates

2006-06-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

And it feels good....

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I joined the Summer Of Stash buying yarn for the rest of the summer. And you know what, I'm doing good. The KAL started. Basically, I swore of at the beginning of this month, and everything is peachy. No feelings of withdrawal, no tics, or anything that would require a patch.

It actually turned out to be a good thing! I've been running around like mad woman trying to find patterns for the I already own. I've even been more diligent about completing some UFO's. Speaking of Completion, Ruby has a fork in her. And the fat lady officially dusted off the vocal cords last night. I've basically been finished for like 3 weeks now. Well the knitting part anyway. I just don't like to sew, or pick up. But I think I'm getting better at it, so maybe one day I will feel better about it.

Pattern: Ruby
Yarn: Campalmi Filati Merino (bought in florence, that's all the details I have)
Start: Early May
Finish: June 14, 2006
Will you make this again: You bet your bottom dollar! (yes I actually said that) Yes, there's me in all my chunky goodness.

I'm getting through The Clapper pretty quickly, eventhough I think I made an oopsie. I have to do my first drop stitch, and I swear there maybe a potential frog in my future. Let's just cross our fingers on this one.

I started a new project. I'm making the Ballet Shirt anything in less than a weeks time. Well, with the exception of x-mas. My family decided to not do the grab bag thing from the Loop D Loop book. Betsy from my knitting group said that she did hers in 3 days. So, you know I had to make it. I haven't made less than 5 days before xmas. It was ugly people. Well back to the sweater. My mom has been buying me yarn from Big Lots. She bought a crisp white 1lb bag of acrylic. Let's just say, LOVING IT! It's so soft, so I combined 3 strands of that and a strand of novelty yarn. It's coming along so fast. I started yesterday, and I would be past the shoulders if I didn't keep messing up. I mean going back whole rows messing up. I just wanted finish by the end of the week. That would be cool. Instant gratification! Gotta love it.

What about the socks? Socks, what socks? Yeah, I'm still a little on the >:O side about losing the needle. Oooh that just burned a hole in my drawers. I'm working through my issues, bare with me.

On the horizon...I have some new potential projects:

* Ruby's sister tank, Miss Diamond. I'm hoping this tank will live up to it's name, and be my best friend. I'm thinking of using the same yarn I used for Ruby but in a different color. I loved the yarn so much, I bought it in a pink color way. I'll have to see. I wanted to use the yarn she used in the pattern, but I'm not buying yarn so...yeah.

* I found this funky little tank call Ms. Marigold. I like this, I've been on this tank kick. I guess it's the only thing keeping me from knitting like 40 million bags. I've decided that I'm going to frog my Colchique for now, b/c I'm not getting through the translation. I'll try it again in the winter I guess. I used Merino Style in Harvest from Knitpicks for the sweater. The gauge is the same, and the yarn is light enough to wear in the summer. My favorite part about this pattern is the ruffle.

* And Fad-Classic has bumped it's way up to the top two of my next projects. I'm itching to see how my cotton candish yarn mix is going to look. I should spend some time spinning at least 2 or 3 more balls so I won't have to put the project down b/c of not wanting to spin. It did take a long time to spin this yarn.

And just a quick not to all who take the time to comment. I read them all, I may not respond to all. But I love them just the same, tnx for the love.

I feel so special {{sniff sniff}}

K, gotta get to getting before this rain hits.

Al

Just a mini posti-post

2006-06-06T15:49:00.000-04:00

Hey, just wanted to drop a couple of lines. I realized during the process of my daily blog grazing, that I did not post this week. I have to keep the weekly posting up to stay in the WWR (wonderful world of Rings). Right now, I have a 'booted' status for the Knitting Bloggers ring. It's so heartbreaking, I need to be connected. I need to be linked! {{sniff}}. Ehh, it was my own fault, falling off the blogging map on a couple of occasions. So to get back on there will be continuous posting. Something I should be doing anyway. So I guess i can thank the KB ring admins for keeping my @ss on the ball. (haha, on the ball...ball of yarn)

Well it was funny to me :P

I am finished my vest. Well we're using the word 'finish' very loosely here. I haven't picked up for the collar. Picking up scares me more than having to sew the damn thing together. I really need to take a finishing class. And just give up on my Self-Taught mojo.

I'm on hold for my socks, b/c I lost 1 out of the five of my needles. Pisssssssst, doesn't even begin to describe the situation. Man I was hot! So, now this is on hold until I can feel better about the situation.

Anywhoism, I started the Clapotis this past Saturday. I'm finally clapping like the rest. Eww, that sounds so unsanitary.

Well, gotta go. I'll post pics later.

I would like to thank, SOS, and what now?

2006-06-01T23:18:00.000-04:00

First off I would like to thank my wonderful pal. I received my package yesterday. She sent me the prettiest squares, coordinating fabric, and a lavendar sachet. Can't wait to put that in my closet. Smells soooo good.

I have to buy a new sewing machine. The one in the house is, well sucky. This summer, I'm really going to invest my sewing abilities. I want to make summer skirts and dresses. Yes, and my first official quilt.

I have a couple of yards of a really nice floral print that would make the perfect gypsie skirt. I have a thing for those now a days. I guess it's my inner flow child attempting to come out.

I joined the Summer Of Stash KAL. This is for my insane need to buy yarn. I'm doing this in hopes to get some space. B/c amazingly enough I have other things that need to be stored other than yarn. Here is just a sample of this madness.

Oh, and here is my original package. Sorry Secret Pal, I've been a lazy bastard.

I have to find new projects so I can decrease my stash. I committed to go the whole summer without buying yarn. I have the shakes already. Yikes.

You know what's crazy, I don't have any cotton here. Haha, this will be a fun summer of knitting. I'll be making a lot of bags. Bags bags bags bags. Oh and Ipod holders, and cell phone cozies.

One thing I do want to start is a scrap blanket made of all the extra yarn I can't do anything with. I will be one huge, oversized, enormous hot mess. But it'll be mine, and i'll love it. Maybe something to pass down a couple of generations. Haha, that will be my first generational curse. The Ugly blanket that will be passed around for decades.

Ok, I'm sleeepy now.

Will update tomorrow...

Me, and my camera are having miscommunications

2006-05-24T10:52:00.000-04:00

I know it's juicier to read blogs with pictures. Well I feel that way. But for some reason, I cannot get it together. Take today for example...I packed the camera (for a change) & the cord for the memory card reader. Guess what I forgot..no guess. I forgot the flizzipping memory card reader w/ the memory card in it. So basically I have a cardless camera, a cord, and a project awaiting pics.

I haven't started anything new. I've been working on my crafty ADD. I am less than an hour away from finishing this vest, and can't get it together. I keep saying I'm going to do it, but nope never happens. But can I let you in on a little secret, I'm a bit sheepish about having to pick up the edging. I can't pick up and knit! The last time I tried, i turned a button up sweater into a cardi-wrap thingamajiggy. {{sigh}}

Well at least I have my M I A pics. Yes, I turned 30 Sunday. And guess what? It's just another day. I had fun in South Beach. I love anywhere that has sun, and warm weather. As you can see, the weather was absolutely beautiful.

You see this guy right here. Yeah this one to the left. Look closer. He is wearing a red see through top and a light pink skirt. Oh, and did I mention he's wearing a thong. I may have to post a close up so you can see it later. Insane! I guess there are crackheads everywhwere!

No here's me with a HOTTIE (damn I love SoBe) in front of Versace Mansion. There were so many parties at this place this weekend. It was insane.

I didn't get much knitting done. It was just too much of a distraction. But I did get put a little dent in my sock. Those poor socks are just crying to be finished. It's a damn shame I tell you.

Well I have to go now, I'll be sure to post the actual knitting pics later. I still haven't posted the pics from my SP yet. I suck!

Real quick....

2006-05-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

Real quick....

I meant to do this yesterday.

THANK YOU SECRET PAL

Ok, I sooooo love this SP thing. I got my box yesterday. I love getting gifts! I don't have any pics, b/c someone (she who will remain nameless) forgot to bring the camera.

But let me break it down, hmm lets see.

* Natural Lip Balm

* natural Body Buddy

* Pearberry body bar soap. This stuff smells so good. I just want to keep, and let the smell saturate my room.

* Some quilting squares, to help launch my new addiction to quilting. SP, I love these colors...so fun!

* A really cool book about cabling. Nice, can't wait to try. Expect to see a lot of cabled sweaters this winter.

and last but not least....

* Bamboo yarn! I have the perfect sock pattern for this. I mean so what that I didn't finish the first socks. But I have to get this on needles stat! I'm mean like yesterday!

Of course you know, this launched a whole new way to clean out my spending account (aka my checking). This stuff is sweet!

I know this post is real cheesy w/out the pics, I'll edit this later on tonight.

But I would like to say that I am loving my SP!

I promise promise promise that I'll post pics later.

Oh, and did I tell you that I'm going to attempt to make myself a blocking board. I have a really cool idea on how to make one, that doesn't take up to much space.

I'm just going to wait until after next week. I gave my mom the pattern works catalog, that just so happened to have a lot of stuff circled. I don't know how the circles got there but ehh...it came in handy.

Okily dokily, gotta go

I was just behind the scenes

2006-05-09T09:12:00.000-04:00

First off I must say that Knitters (myself included :P ) are the nicest most helpful people in the world. I really mean that. I would like to thank everyone that dropped me a comment with the info about the progress bar. Actually thanks to everyone for the comments. I love them!

Now, I've been playing around with the toolbar. I finally found the progress tracker with images, the only problem with that is that I'm not too sure if I like it more than just the plain progress bar. I've decided to leave both on the page, until I can figure out which one I want to use.

I'm still debating as to whether or not I should add my unsightly UFO's to the situation. I mean, they are kind of 'in progress.' Hmm, have to think about that one for a bit.

Okay on to the updates:

1) My Ruby is coming along nicely. I'm glad I used the Campalmi yarn for this one, I wasn't sure of the actual yardage b/c I can't read the label. The pic at the left is last weeks update. At this point, I'm finished with the back, and like 10% of the front. It's coming along rather nicely. I want to be finished or pretty close to it by this weekend. I have a couple of projects to start.

I can't wait to see the finished product. I like this yarn. The colorway is insane. I'm hoping that it won't be too hot to wear. I would like to get a some wear out of it in the warm weather. I think it might even look good over a tankini, hmm. I'll have to explore that option. Either way I have to send Saunshine a note to let her know that I am digging this pattern. This pattern was a two for one deal. The other pattern is a bit more involved. But it's so pretty, so I may just go right from this to the Diamondonique. After all, Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Well that's before I discovered knitting. Yarn is my new best friend. Keep the Diamonds ( i lose them anyway) Give me yarn, the good stuff. Baskets and baskets of it. Oh, and while you're at it. I could use containers to hold it in too. Haha, can you tell I need therapy. Hi my name is Al an-and I'm obsessed {{sniff sniff}} with knitting. Haha, have to forgive me today. I am sooo sleepy today. I've been writing this post since 1pm today.

Me & Coffee decided that we needed sometime apart during this diet phase...no marthan. Coffee makes me jittery if I'm not drinking it with something heavy..bagel heavy. I'm aware of the fact that it's purely mental. It's just hard arguing with a vivid imagination, haha. So speaking of dieting, here's a pic of me 20lbs lighter than my starting point (you know the 'OMG, I'm four pounds short of 200. I can't be 200!' starting point). I'm pretty proud of myself. I have about 30 more pounds to go. But in the meantime here's a not so before not so after pic of me in my potential party dress. I figured since I'm turning 30, that I can really do it up this year. The only problem is, I'm going to South Beach. Yeah, ladylike and South Beach don't really hand & hand. So I may have to invest in shorts. Maybe I'll do a funky Sushi dinner, and change into something more fitting of the area later. But look at it, isn't it a fun dress? Pardon the serious case of red-eye.

Gotta go, it's past my time here. Hopefully I get off this call soon. I would like to go home before the sun sets. Arrggggggggg!

Ok, gotta go now.

Shhhhh...it's a secret!

2006-05-03T08:06:00.000-04:00

So here's the skinny...

* I found the code that I was looking for after some diligent researching. Stay tuned for the changes.
* I'm a little bit further on my socks. Woo hoo.
* I found yarn at big lots for $ .79! No that's not a typo. 79 cents a ball. They only had two colors, but lucky for me I liked them. So I bought 7 balls of cotton candyish pink, and 7 balls of turquoise. Altogether it came to $11.06. So my girlfriend gave me the best idea. She was saying since I could decide which color to use for the Fad Classic, I should do both. I wasn't sure about the stripes. I decided that I would just knit the vest with both strands held together, but then I remembered I own a hand spindle (from a previous attempt at spinning). So now, I have the prettiest cotton candy colored ball of yarn. I can wait to start. I'll post the pics later.
* I don't have it in my progress bar section yet, but you should see my vest. I'm like 85% done witht he back. I'm using the Campalmi yarn. It's going so fast. I can't wait to finish it. I want to have it finished by next Saturday. I'm going to take it with me to Miami.

Oh yeah, I'm going to South Beach (Oh! In my wife b OH!).

Sorry, I've been singing Grills since I decided I was going. Speaking of the b-day. I'll be the big 30 this year! Dun dun dun {{gasp}} I'm no where near where/what I thought I'd be at this time. And honestly, I don't care. What the hell did I know back then, anyway. I think I'm going to like 30. Just saying it to someone seems to hold some type of authority. It's like 'Yeah, I've been in this world a whole 30 years.' Of course that means absolutely nothing, but it's what I say to myself when i'm thinking about how old I am.

I think I'm ready to design something now. Being that summer is a coming, I'm going to try to design either a cotton vest or some funky doodle tank. I saw stitches in the knitting over the edge book that I want to try. This should be interesting, especially since I can barely follow a pattern. Yeah well, what are you going to do.

And last but not least...... SECRET PAL IS HERE! Finally I remembered in time to sign up. I'm sooooo excited. I'm going to put my questionaire in the side bar for future reference. For now, here's a little about the Viesely Piecely.

1a. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I'm in love with anything by Brown Sheep. But I'm a yarn whore, I'll knit with anything (with the exception of my next answer).
1b. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Fun Fur, that stuff scares me.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Don't laugh...an empty Costco size pretzel container.

3a. How long have you been knitting? About 4 years now.
3b. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate

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

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.): Candles=Banana bread/Caramel/vanilla (ok food like). Basically soft scents.

6a. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes
6b. Favorite candy? Chocolate, anything chocolate

7a. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Crochet, and learning to quilt. And I'm attempting to do the jewelry creation thing.
7b. Do you spin?I've attempted. Haha, I'm just going to go with a solid NO on that one.

8a. What kind of music do you like? R&B/Rap/Hip-hop/Alternative/Rock/Blues. Okay anything but that busy jazz. Oh, and country.
8b. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Yes

9a. What's your favorite color? Pink
9b.Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I love the pinks/peaches/corals. 9c. Any colors you just can't stand?Purple

10a. What is your family situation? Single
10b. Do you have any pets? Yes, Dior the superdog

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Yes, all of them. No wait, I'm not supposed to admit to still wearing ponchos

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Anything that can be knit on larger needles. Sweaters

13. What are you knitting right now? A vest, and a pair of socks.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes

15a. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circulars
15b. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Sadly, no

17. How did you learn to knit? www.learntoknit.com haha, I'm serious

18. How old is your oldest UFO? Hey, that's personal. 3years

19. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving

20. Is there anything that you collect? Magnets

21a. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Of Course! Simply Scarves, One Skein, and a Vogue's Stitchionary.
21b. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Vogue Knitting, and Interweave Knits

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Intarsia, better sweater finishes.

23. Are you a sock knitter? Yes, my first time. What are your foot measurements? 7.5/8

24. When is your birthday? 05/21

Well, tata for now.

Blogging is the best thing since sliced bread. No really!

2006-04-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, let's just say I have the absolute shortest tension spans ever. Which is a nightmare when you work on a PC Helpdesk. Yes, I am a headset wearer.

So while I sit on the phone with someone who insists on declaring that everything I have to say is wrong, and there can't be an easy fix to their issue.....I need something to do. I mean, I can always get sucked into the madness and argue my point on how I just may know what the hell I'm talking about. But I know one day, i'm going to need that extra breath. So I blog. Yes I blog blog blog.

Update the template of my blog (it's becoming an obsession), post a comment here and there, and read other peoples blog.

General blogs, humor blogs, techy blogs, GOSSIP Blogs (there's got to be a support group out there for this one), and of course I read knitting blogs, I love to see what other people are working on. I'm pretty much all about knitting 98% of the time. I try to stay in the know, but some of the stuff I find out there...it's amazing to say the least (i.e http://www.crochetmycrotch.com/index2.html).

***OH, warning it's not for the kiddies. Well, it's no more than you see in health. But still, I warn for the parents who monitor.

No where was I...oh yeah blogging. I also love to see how people up customize their pages. I'm always viewing the page source just to peek around a bit. It's the techy in me. But one thing I noticed, Progress bars. I've been seeing progress bars popping up left and right. So naturally, I want one. It's a cool little feature. Not the easiest thing to google but what can you do. I did manage to find the site Unlikely Words. This site has the code, and the breakdown of how to use it. Check it out for yourself. I added mine to the sidebar. Did a little customizing to the color sequence. It looks wonderful.

Oh, but a while back I came across a blog that had a progress with the actual pics of the projects. It was like little sketches of a sweater if you were working on a sweater, and a sock if you were working on a sock. Anyone out there if you see that can you tell me where i can get the script for this or the person who's writing the code. Help would be appreciated. If I find it, I will definitely post the source here.

I would post the progress of my sock, but honestly I really don't feel like walking upstairs. My room is the devil. It just sucks the life out of me. So I never get anything accomplished once I get in there. Yeah it's crazy. My room looks like a war zone b/c I haven't had the energy to do anything about it. See the damn devil.

Well I guess that's it for now. Oh, this going to be a busy be weekend. I'm going to try to make it that new shop KnittyCity. I'm not sure what time, b/c I'm going to the Car Show at the Jacob Javitz Center in NYC AND the Chinatown food festival in the Canal area....Yummmmm!

So, hoping to have more posts tomorrow. Fridays are slow at work, i'll pack my camera tonight.

Over and Outty

Viesillaly Piecillaly

How could I forget....

2006-04-14T11:51:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah, I forgot to share all of the new projects I just placed in queue. I can't have an small UFO, or even no UFO pile {{gasps}} .

I'll start with my wonderful socks. I'm on the top ribbing, and I'm loving it. The colorway of this yarn is just sooooo pretty. And I can't wait to finish. Maybe I'll get at least one sock done this weekend. I'm on the leaf pattern now. It's not really that hard.

This pattern is from the Winter 2005 Interweave Knits. The one with the ballerina wrap on the cover. I can't wait to see how the leaves turn out. Oh joy, and joy in the good old fashioned morning.

Ok, now onto the other stuff. I bought all of this yarn from Italy (oh yeah I never posted pics). I'll do that this weekend. I have like 5 projects in mind for it. I just have to match up the gauge.

I think I'm going to start another Celebrity Shawl. I was definately loving the pattern. I may need to sit down and give myself a real tutorial this time around. B/c honestly, mine looks nothing like everyone elses. I know that seems to be my claim to fame. But just once, I would like something to end up as it should. It's a mess I tell you.

I'm also doing another Glampyre pattern. I'm a fan of her work. I've decided to do the Tubular Cami. The yarn I have that matches the gauge of this pattern comes in two colors Ha, more like i bought it in both colors. I'm not a decision maker people.

Anywhooter, I'm also making Fad-Classic Tank over at Knit & Tonic. I haven't tried vests yet, so this should be fun. I like this b/c it reminds me of a crochet tank.

Oh, and I just remembered I bought the pattern for the One Skein Wonder. I guess I was a little pattern happy a while back.

There's more, but I'm still going through my pile of mags/books.

I may try to get through the socks, and the one skein wonder this weekend. Pen & Jen's is closed this Saturday, so I'm a little orphaned on the knitting group scene. I missed it last weekend, so I'm really not happy about not being able to go this week. I feel temporarily orphaned.

Anyone out there in the knitting world know of a group in the essex county area of NJ, or in Manhattan. HAVE NEEDLES, WILL TRAVEL.

Just for Saturday, morning/mid-morning. 'That'll be great, thanks'

Gotta go, gotta Leave

Vieses to the Pieces :P

Shrinking UFO's

2006-04-13T09:03:00.000-04:00

My UFO pile is shrinking. Yes yes, I've been busy at work. I've managed to finsih several projects. I'm quite proud of myself too. Rainy weekends are my new best friend.

Hmm lets see. Oh yes yes, the weekend satchel.....Je Fini! It looks totally different from the bag in the mag, but hey...I love it anyway.

Dior the superdog volunteered to be a background model. Isn't he a cutie?

Oh yeah the bag...
Like I said in the previous post, I kind of messed up on the strap. I don't know how I do that. I followed this pattern stitch by stitch. Ehh, my bag is funky. So I like it. It's really huge, haha. I carried it most of this week. The general reactions were...'wow you made that? that's nice...damn that's a big *ss bag.' haha, it is huge. I think that's what I like best about it. The hugeness of it. Oh, and it's suprisingly sturdy. I have put it to the test. Listerine bottles, 2 listerine bottles. Now that's strong.

Now, some UFO's from last year. I loved the Mini Sweater much, I made myself another one. so But this time, I made it in this funky doodle ribbon yarn. I love the colors on this, and can't wait to wear it. It was definately fun to work with. I'm thinking about adding two rhinestone buttons to the collar and two at the bottom for closure. I think this baby will go good with some blingy-bling. I'm finding that the ribbon has a little bit more give to it, which is always a good thing. I wonder if I'll be able to wash it. That's the burning question. I bought this yarn off of ebay. No labeling at all. So we shall see.

Now onto the another last yearer. See, I have knitting tantrums. When somehting doesn't go right...I drop it like a bad habit. This bad boy was supposed to be a poncho. But for some reason, I followed the pattern for a Medium. Now i'm not sure if you can tell from past pics, but there's nothing Medium about this chicadee. Trying to get there, but not quite there yet.

This Poncho was supposed to be a zippered poncho from the Vogue: Poncho's on the go book. It's really a nice pattern, but uhhh it was too small.

But the funny thing about it, I'm a little poncho'd out. Wait, let me do a disclaimer. This statement excludes the very first poncho I ever made. It's oversized (really really oversized), and I knit it in this pinkish LB Homespun color. It's just the prettiest thing. I love this thing like a security blanket. But outside of this, i'm a little done with ponchos for a while. My lastest obsession is wraps. Long wraps, short wraps. Knit/crochet....silk/pashmina-ish....doesn't matter.

Oh yeah, my poncho gone wrong turned into my capelet gone right (after severe 'put your elbow into it' blocking. Which reminds me, I need a blocking board bad. The bed is just not cutting it. I'll have to just fork over the money. Well my birthday is coming up, maybe I can get someone to go half with me. Or something...

So yeah back to this capelet. It's really cute! I wore it yesterday, I think it cand stand another round of blocking or just a wet stretch. But overall, it's a keeper. So the moral of this story (haha), we here at 'Wing It' international will never make anything in vein b/c there's always plan b: Wing the hell out of it! Haha, Coffee is a hell of a drug. Oh yeah, and here's some fuzzy pics. It's hard taking pics of yourself in mirror when you have a capelet on. I don't know why.

Let's see what else did I finish...Ah yes, the celebrity shawl. Well that counts as a partial finish. My tension span kindly let me know that at the rate I was going, there's no way in haven I was going to finish that one. So, I did 30% of it and gave it to one of my best friends for her birthday. And you know what? She loves it, I mean really really loves it. Talk about motivation! Now I want to make another one. I think I'll make mine in a multi colored cotton. The shawl is pictured like 2 or 3 posts before this one. Or you can check January. Yeah, I'm a blogging slacker what can I say.

Well gotta go.....

Today is a new day!!!!

2006-03-17T14:59:00.000-05:00

First I must apologize for my previous depressing note. I know it was not my normal chirpy self. But I was lost.

But now I am found! Yes, I'm back. It took a pretty little bawl of yarn to bring me back. Well not little. It's actually a 360 yard ball of happiness, a.k.a Socks That Rock.

I would like to thank Trek for posting this beautiful yarn. It's funny, I was just drowning in my own funk, when I received approval for the NJ Knitters ring from Trek. I went to her site and fell in love.

I will now make sock using this beauty right here >

Isn't she a beauty??? I plan on dropping everything I'm doing to make these. Well, I will when my yarn gets here.

But now that I am back....(from outta space, I can finally wipe that look up off my face). I'm sorry, I have a thing for old disco songs.

Okay, so now that I'm back. Let's play catch up. We've already covered the yarn experience in Florence. I do have one correction. I spent $68 Euro. When you see what I bought, you will be amazed that I only spent that much.

I'll wait to debut the intended projects later on tonight. I want to post the actual yarn with it for the full effect.

In other knitting news, not working on much, just the Sesame sweater from previous posts. I basically have the back done, so that's an accomplishment. I need to finish it. It would a great spring sweater.

Ok, gotta go know. Ten more minutes until I'm free to go get blasted from Green Beer. Hey, it's St Patty's day, and how does the saying go...'When in Rome..'

Side Note: it feels weird saying that in Rome. I felt like @ss every time I said it. I don't know why.

ehh, anywho

PEACE

I've temporarily lost my knitting mojo...

2006-03-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

People, I have a problem. And not the usual yarn buying problem (that's always going to be a problem); I {{sniff sniff}} have hit a knitting rut.

I seem to have lost my Knitting Mojo!

{{gasps}} No not the knitting Mojo....say it aint so SNS, say it aint so.

Yes my friends, I'm totally numb on the knitting side. I'm just knitting a sweater I never finished b/c it's something to do. It's disgusting I tell you. Don't get me wrong, I want this sweater. Hell I started it last year. It just wasn’t at the top of my list.

Wanna know how bad it is? I went on vacation, had a blast. I even found the famous Campolmi in Florence. I spent 80 Euros for regular size balls of yarn & 2 large hanks (400grams) of ....hell i don't even know what weight/material i bought. I just know, it's grey and soft. that's all i can say.

I just don't know. I'm thinking it's a residual feeling i'm having about the last couple of projects not turning out the way I wanted them too. Mainly my weekend satchel. I'm so so so so heartbroken. everything was going to plan. the intarsia came out great. i even made it though the sewing part (which is a challenge).

{{yes, I am needle & thread challenged}}

But, it's the straps. I effed up on the straps. They are short as hell. Don't know how, b/c I could have sworn I made them too big. So now I have a bag, w/ no straps.

And the kicker, it's felted... no frogging :(

It's effing sad, a strapless bag.

I'm going to go sing my version of the Ne-yo so sick song...

Said i'm so sick of eff ups, so tired of busts. So sick of wishing it came out right.

Sigh

Al

Itarsia, dun dun dun dun....

2006-01-25T09:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've startte the front of my bag. I pushed my fears aside, and I started adding in the red.

Let just say, it's not impossible...but it's not the easiest thing to do either. It's a bit on the awkward side. And of course, me being me, I have the holes b/c I didn't twist properly. Which is interesting b/c I followed the instructins fromKnitting Help, but I still ended up with the holes. It's ok, for now. I'll just go back and secure everything this time. I'm on a time crunch for this bag. I need to have this thing felted by no later than the 3rd. So I can order that hex frame. I need this bag for Italy, and i'm leaving on the tenth.

Speaking of Italy, has anyone out there been to a LYS in Rome??? Anyone?

Ok, back to the bag. I had to leave it at home, traveling with all the strings is a bit much. I'll put a major dent when I go to my knitting circle this weekend. I have to get to smiley's I believe I'm going to be short two balls in the brown, and I may need another ball of red.

Yeah well, gotta go do some work.

Don't ya wanna Panta, updates, progress, FO's, some WIP's, and other little tiddlibits.....

2006-01-24T14:18:00.000-05:00

Hmm, where should we start. I have a lot of juicy tidbits.

Well, I guess we'll start with the delurking thing that I missed last week. I'm always missing something. Missed the damn Secret Pal once again. So um, oh yeah. I putting the Delurking button over at the right b/c i think it's the cutest. So what delurk week is over. I operate on my own time line over here. It's my world over here at SNS.

Ahh yeah, moving right along. I guess we can go with some '05 finished objects. It's not all, but it's what I had laying around last night.

Panta
Yarn: Manos of Uruguay (moss)
Needle: Size 5
I have almost half a ball left over. It was a relatively quick project if I say so myself.

Here is a Shawl rap thingy
Yarn: Blizzard (tan)
Needle: size 15
My beautiful hat/scarf set
Yarn: Nahua Wooly Stripe (lilac)
Needle: size 9

Okay, I think that's it for the FO. Now onto the almost doner. The illustrious weekend satchel, that will be completed in less than a month. It's my first knit-along that i'm actually...um well alonging (it's my word don't bother looking it up).
Yarn: Filatura Lanarota Chaco (#66)
Needles: size 15

And now the shameful UFO's

My Celebrity shawl in some sort of Gedifra & my sad sad Colchique along sweater. I can't seem to get it together to finish these two. I have more UFO's but I dare not share the full shame of my knitting baskets.

Now that you've seen my hall of shame (well like 1% of it). I am off to post on the KAL pages.

Laters,

Al

Panta, Panta, don't cha wanna....Panta?

2006-01-13T16:49:00.000-05:00

Hey, it's me Ole Compulsive One... :)

I've found a new pattern. It's called the Panta. I'm loving this little pattern. I've been looking for a hankerchief/headband pattern for a while now. My little princess Lavanna (who is actually my 17 year old cousin, hey she's still a princess to me), called and asked me to maker something out of a Delia's magazine...How could I refuse the princess???

Anywho, I packed some balls of yarn on the way out the door. This project is ideal b/c it's superquick & i can't get rid of all of those 1-2-3 balls of "what the hell am i going to do with this."

Now I know, and I'm so happy. Yay me....

Now what should I do, hmmm.

Will decide tomorrow.

Oooh yay, a good one...

2006-01-12T16:31:00.000-05:00

Hellllllllo Nurse!!!! Damn I miss the animaniacs {{sigh}}. Okay so I have a lot to report. Hell I even have pictorials (it is a word...in my world).

Let's get started with my new pride and joy. My Orange sweater it is the pretiest of sweaters! What? What was that? Why is there a stick in my sweater? Oh, see what happened was....

I found this really cool cardigan pattern, right? And I said I can make that no sweat, right? So I made it and realized toward the end that the directions were clicking, right? And basically I picked up too many stitches along the edge. Hence the ruffle effect on the left. So, I said to myself...SELF you really can't pull this off with the buttons. Especially since the hood is more of a ruffled flap instead of a hood. So now it's a cardi, a beautiful one at that. I'm using a chop stick until i find a broach, button that tickles my fancy.

I love love love love it to pieces.

that there is a KAL for the IK FALLNow on to yet another KAL, I'm going k-k-kalizy. Ahh, you like that. At any rate. I just realized 05 weekend satchel. Sweet, right? And the cool thing is I've already made a serious dent in project. I've finished the back already and currently working on the buttom strip. I only have a pic of the back. But I should be finished the bottom strip by the end of the week. Well, I've would've been done by now but I left the strip/needles/mag at my knitting circle last saturday. And they haven't recovered the.

Well gotta go now

I survived X-Mas knitting

2005-12-28T16:53:00.000-05:00

Well, xmas is over, haleluah!!!! My family decided at the last minute that they weren't going to do the grab bag. Lets just say, I haven't been able to look at my needles all frikin' weekend. And if I see another ball of Lion Brand thick & quick....I'm urling on my shoes. {{shiver}} Just thinking about it gives me the skivies.

Well, now where am i. Oh yeah, I did manage to do some purging this weekend. So that means, more room for the yarn. Actually if I get rid of all the misc. balls of nothing under my bed. I have officially came to the conclusion that if you can't find anything to make after 1.5 years, it should go. So ebay will be my friend tonight. Yeeehaw!

Umm, yeah so. I have some new stuff I want to make. But I must finish my colcique. I have the cutest skirt to match it. So now it's a necessity. I need it man. I'm on the bind off section of the back, but I'm not so sure that i should be binding off 1 st every end (every other row). it's like binding off over 68 rows. I love the length but is the sweater supposed to be that long. And will the front match. I'm not sure. I need to revisit the translation to make sure.

Well it's quitting time. Will check back later.

Over and Out!

Al

Someone gotta Gift Card

2005-12-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

Yeah so what it's not xmas. But I'm the anxious type and people get tired of trying to hide things from me.

I'm easy to shop for, but I have the tendency to figure things out before I can get the box open. Ask my Mom.

What can I say, I'm the biggest of kids!

Now {{maniacally rubbing hands together}} what shall I do with the gift card. Of course it will have to do with Knitting. I mean what else is there to buy? Well, outside of shoes. But I'm on a shoe punishment. Yes its said when you have to put yourself on punishment.

Where was I, oh yes.....Shall I buy yarn (that's always good). Oh, or a swift/ball winder. Lord knows I need one of those. Hand winding yarn is a bit prehistoric. Or I can get some Pyrex needles. Ummmm, glass needles {{salivating}}

I don't know, I would go shopping in the city but since that's out b/c of the M-effin' strike. I guess I'll check out some resources in NJ. I can't recall seeing a ball winder/swift set in the All about yarn, but there's supposed to be a really good yarn shop in Montclair. I know they have the glass needles, so they should have everything else.

On another note, I joined another KAL. B/c I just can't help myself people. I just really love the thought of being able to see other people knit what I'm trying to knit. B/c sometimes. I wonder about the patterns published in these mags. Like, I'll read through it first just to see if it's doable. It's looks pretty good, and i'll get through most of it. Then at the end, it's like there's a whole paragraph missing. Like WTF!!! So, i'm not that advanced so I put it down, come back & reread. I even tried rereading after drinking a half of bottle of wine (you know some of us work better with sauce). Just doesn't work. So I just wing it. And believe you/me....winging is the funniest thing to see. I'll tape myself to share one of these days.

Oh, yeah I've joined the blog & here is the picture of the lovely sweater I shall make one day {{snickering}}.

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL??? I haven't found the yarn for it yet. I'm kind of like the darn olive/brownish combo.

But I shall see.

Ok, gotta go now. Effin' xmas knitting. I have like 2 scarves and a wrap to go. Well that depends on how far along i am by the end of the day.

Gotta go knit....Is the xmas season over yet????

Holla!

I'm Back From Outer Space....

2005-12-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

Hello Knitting World! It's so so so great to be back. My site has been under serious construction for the longest time. My side bar up and decided it wanted to be apart of the footer {sigh}. It was bad business all around.

But now I'm back. And soooo happy. I'm in the process of holiday knitting...Oh Joy! I've finished the scarves for 2 out of 3 of my girlfriends. I have to finish this here...erm surprise project. For my friend that does read my blog. I'll post the pic after x-mas.

Can I just say that I really don't like making stuff for people. Don't get me wrong, I love giving & I love knitting. I just don't like to knit 'n give. This is taking away from all of my superstash busting projects. And as you can see from the pics below. I need to spend every waking hour attempting to use some of this yarn.

Still no pics to share, but it's coming. I finally found the charger for my camera, but left the damn camera in my cousin's car. Effin' genius I tell you. Well hopefully, I'll have my cam back by next week. I would like to officially get back into the swing of things by next week.

Sooo my adoring fans, you will accept this pictureless update in the meantime.

My orange sweater: Lets just say I need to be shot. I could've had this damn thing done last winter, but it's like I have a block when it comes to seaming. I'm like less than 40 mins away from finishing it. I don't know why....

Colchique: It's turning out to be fairly easy but I'm slow rolling on this one too. I just have this insatiable new project itch that I'm trying to fight. On top of it being a pointless effort, it's effecting my ability to continue on with existing projects. Does that classify as an illness?

Sesame Cardigan: Well, I have one word for that one.....FROG! Apparently, I had delusions about my actual sizing. Finished the back and realized that my back and that back didn't match. Yes, I need to have a talk with my imagination, it's causing problems.

Short Row Hat/Scarf: Je Fini!!! And I must say, it is hot! I get sooo many compliments on this one. My favorite is, "It Look Professional. You know like one you would buy." I may not be the most advanced of knitters, but I'm trying to figure out what I've made thus far that looks bootleg. Like my sweaters have sleeves coming out the stomach or something. But it's a compliment, so I will leave it at that.

Umm, I think that's about it for now. Will post later, and maybe I'll even have pics.

Arggg is an understatement!!!

2005-11-24T17:46:00.000-05:00

I'm not really sure if I have a following. I kind of hope someone see's my site, and says hey this is pretty cool let me bookmark this. Or something to that affect.

Side Rant: Oh the days of longing to be seen on someone's link list...sniff sniff. One day....One day it shall be....!

Ahem, sorry about that. At any rate, if you do venture to my site or even if this is the first time; you'll see that I haven't really updated it. Partly, b/c I lost my charger for my damn camera. I have no clue how i did that. Another reason is, I discovered that my formatting to my beautiful page is off. When I say off I mean that my right hand bar appears on the right, BUT it starts at the bottom of my posts. Now WTF is that about??? I have tried everything. Well, everything that I could think of. I am no web developer. And tags are not my friend right now.

I discovered this b/c I thought the bar was a little to close to the left, so i asked the WD guy at my job to take a look at it. Well apparently if you use IE (which I tried to avoid at all cost...Viva Le Firefox!!!!) you see the wacked page. Now I've tried to ride the boat down the denial river, but I just can't knowing all of the effort. Well all the mind effort, and having button created. It's just sad.

I should have paid to have the whole damn thing changed. I said no, I can just tweak the template a little and all would be fine. See it never pays to be cheap. I don't know how many times I have to learn that lesson.

I tried testing some things, and changing my template. Well, all other templates work access for the one styled like mine. I tried using others. It just doesn't look the same, and it's sucks some mean butt.

I'm going to go cry now, and attempt at this pumpkin soup.

Will return in a bit with knitting news. This is a knitting blog, right???

Fuzz Factor

2005-11-03T19:56:00.000-05:00

And I'm not talking about the crest commercial. I'm talking about fuzzy feet. I've joined my second KAL. I know I haven't posted a single pic from the first one. But that's okay. Its not that I haven't worked on it. I just can't seem to find my battery charger for my camera. So, I'll be doing text updates until I can remedy that problem. To be honest, I've been hot under the collor eversince I've discovered that the damn thing was missing. How the hell am I supposed to sell my soul on ebay so I can afford the yarn i'm constantly buying, and at the same time continuously update my beautiful knitting blog (aka my slice of sanity).....sans camera?

I just dont know. So I'm going to destroy my room looking for it, only to find that it's prob not there. Keep your fingers crossed, i'm dying here. I feel like a bootleg blogger. Text and no pics :(

Oh, what was I saying. Ah yes, I've joined the fuzzy feet along. And luckily I don't have to buy anymore yarn, b/c I have a basket full of lambs pride that should work out fine. For once, I didn't have to buy yarn for a new project. I just want to know why i have all this yarn (in every crevice of my existence) but I can never use it. See that's just the sickness. I need to sell this crap. If you live in the Maplewood NJ area be on the look out for a parking lot yarn sale. Some of this crap has to go. Ooooh, I know...the knitting circle at the train station. I pack my basket saturday to see if they want some, yes that's what I'll do.

On another note.
*My poncho, still doesn't have a zipper.
*My pink/purplish hat/scarf set is fini
*I only finished the back of the sesame
*I just remembered that my orange sweater is an hour away from finishing
*My pants are still on that portion of a leg. Sad...

You know, I realized I suffer from "Startfiftymillionprojectsbutonlyhaveenough
tensionspantofinishmaybeoneortwo-itis"

I think that's a medical term. Just don't quote me on it.

Well I have to go, my voicemail notification won't stop beeping at me.

Over and out.

Viese's Pieces

Real quick

2005-10-18T16:14:00.000-04:00

It's me, you know the one that swore off yarn. I'm trying to be strong, but when you go to mailbox to find things like the Holiday 2005 Vogue Knitting, with this kind of cover....what do you do?

I mean, and the cover is just the starters. I've been through this magazine for like 10 times already. There's a little blip about Pyrex needles. I so want a pair or two. I called The Point, they have them in stock & they are $34. I want a pair or two. I just have to figure out what needles size(s) I use the most. I definitely have to update my wishlist. The are sooo pretty. I think I will get like a size 8 or 10 then maybe one of the super big sizes b/c they are hollow. I wonder how durable these needles are. I know you can purchase a hard case, but I'm the clumsiest of people.

But look, tell me this is not so worth it.

The bottom pic is the sz 17/19 tubes. Can you imagine doing a chunky knit anything with these babies. I'm salivating just thinking about it. Maybe I can work out just getting cash for xmas.

I know that's all I do, buy buy buy.
But believe it or not I knit too. I finished my poncho. No need for photo b/c it's looks just the same as my almost finished poncho. I guess i can throw up a quick post blocked pic. But I think I'll save it for the finished projects section.

I've zoomed through my short row scarf. Two balls down, not sure if I'm going for the whole 3. I only bought 5 (pricey yarn). So I'm going to start the hat, and use whatever's left over from the hat. Hopefully that will be a decent length.

My pants are on hold again. One day I shall finish. And no i have started my colchique. Bad knitter! The sesame sweater back is just about done, just doing the armhole shaping. And, I still have a stripey turtleneck in to be knit bin that I haven't discussed. More details at a later date.

TTFN

There has to be help out there...!

2005-10-09T20:02:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm figuring that I'm not the only one out there with this problem. So here's my formal request, is there a thing called Knitters anonymous. I need help man.

I can't stop buying yarn. But ehh, I guess it's better than shoes....right???

But I officially have to stop. No more yarn until I put a considerable dent in my stash. So until I get through a good 5-7 projects, or just sell all the yarn under my bed that hasn't seen the light of day. NO MORE BUYING OF THE YARN.

Alright now, wanna see what I got??? The LYS in Maplewood is closing it's doors on Oct. 15th. yes very sad :( . Everything is 75% off now. So with that said, I got like 250 worth of yarn for 60. Some things you can't walk away from. So what i have no room for it. And I officially have yarn taking up I'll say 40% of my room. It may not see like a lot, but i have plastic bin/baskets all over. its crazy! But I guess that's what we call crazy in love. yupper, crazy in love with YARN. glorious glorious yarn. yeah!!!

Yes my broadway skills are something to be desired.

So here' the group pic of pretty much everything. I'm going to have to give you a project by project breakdown of everything. I'm so excited about my next 5 or so project. Yes Yes, the precious!

Ok, now lets start by saying that I've noticed on every knitting blog I have seen in the past year. I have not seen one without Clapotis. So I've came to the conclusion that if I'm going to be an official knitting blogger, I too must make the Clapotis. So i'll have one in my completed projects too, now :P

As yummy as Lorna's Laces look, I'm not fooling myself. I can't afford it with the way I've been dropping cash on yarn lately. So, I've found a decent substitue. Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim Aran, it's the same gauge (well according to the label), but we shall see. But I'm kind of liking the colorway, it will make a great clapotis. You can see it better in the close up pic. But I'm thinking it should be cool. I can always make another one. Later on with the Lornas Laces.

Now moving from clappy, we're going to jump to a couple of seasons from now. This greek dress from the Spring/Summer 04 Vogue Knitting. This shirt/dress is hot, and is a definate must make. I'm like yeah, clothes that I would like to incorporate. into my wardrobe. I'm a little weird on the clothing thing, and since I have conquered designing just yet I'm a pattern follower. But some of the stuff I come across is a little ehhh, not me. This little ditty, I'm definitely liking. Hot, right?

Hmm, what else to we have. Oh yeah, I've been trying to find the pink mohair for this project, but for some reason pink is not the easiest to find in the amount I need. But alas, I've decided to substitute the red for the pink. And it's a good thing b/c I just realized that this sweater would go great with some red shoes in my closet. I'm doing this sweater in the Red Katia, and black cotton. Should be interesting. Not quite sure what color I'm going to do the belt. Prob something red/black. Or may something with a little shimmer to it. Either way it should be cute.

And last but definitely not least. I got this absolutely fabulous variegated yarn in two colorways. I'm sooo in love with this yarn. Nashua Handknits: wooly stripes (100% wool). It's soooooo soft. I realized that in the hat/scarf department, that I'm still wearing my first hat and scarf. Which I love. But I think it's time to step it up a bit with some color.

For the pinkish colorway I'm doing a short row scarf, and hat. Finding the pattern for the hat was a little on the difficult side. I've decided that I'm going to use the hat from Knitty Mens issue. Eventhough that pattern is geared more towards striping. I think this yarn will definitely put an interesting spin on it. So it will interesting to see how that turns out. But in the meantime, I'm doing a short row scarf from magknits. It's my first short row project. It's actually easy. The brown colorway is in the 1st pic. I'm going to try entrelac with that one. At least the entrelac tam. I may just do the shortrow scarf again.

Now for progress of two of my existing projects. I'm like an hour away from finishing my poncho. Yay, was starting to get tired of it. So perfect timing. Just have to get a zipper made, b/c I adjusted the length. But we're getting there. And the striped sweater is coming along nicely.

And last but not least. Bouton D'or has two really good patterns. I can't wait to try. I think I have enough yarn here for the black project.

My first knit-along :)

2005-09-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

My very very very very first knit-along. I so Appy! You wanna know why, I'll tell you why. This sweater is HOT! I originally found out about the pattern from the Stitch&Bitch yahoo group. People were talking about translating the pattern b/c it's in french. Well naturally I was curious, b/c I love all things french (don't ask). The sweater is so pretty. The detailing is gorgeous, and it's not complicated (ha, well for most knitters but i've been doing good on the cable front). Well at any rate. I downloaded the pattern. Got out my best translation sites. And you know what? It's very hard translating french knitting abbreviations. I mean the very basic (very very very basic) french helped out with a word or two. Babelfish & Ultralingua helped with the rest.

So lets just say I am sooooooo absofabulutly happy that someone who actual has a handle on the french language decided to translate the pattern. Happy happy Joy joy. So now I belong to my first knit-along.

See the sweater, love the sweater. You know you want to join now.

I was so excited I ordered the Merino Style from Knit Picks in Harvest. That's close right? I already have big plans for this sweater. Yum! So I have my needles ready, and being that other people started swatching with the Merino Style, I'm pretty sure I'll need a size five. Yes, I can't wait. I really don't need to start another project but, I'm casting on as soon as that box hits my doorstep. I know it's obsessive, but what are you going to do. This sweater has thumbholes. I have a brown sweater like that. I love it b/c my hands are always cold. Yes this is going to be a great knitting fall/winter.

K, over and out.

Al

Here to report on my progress, sir

2005-09-26T14:40:00.000-04:00

So October is basically here, and the mornings are getting down right nippy padippy. Which means it's crunch time. And since I did not complete one effin project in September, I have to get on the ball. Hell get on something, b/c it will be summer and I'll be stuck with a whole boat load of incomplete projects. Now, I have limited myself to only the stuff I want the most. So I chucked the intarsia project for a while. I'll pick that back up later.

Without further ado, I present to you THE CURRENT PROJECTS. It's overboard, I know.

Here we have the Sesame, from MagKnits.

Now low and behold my version made with Debbie Bliss alpaca silk dk in black, and cream. That may not be their official color names. Actually the color name is 26001 (black) & 26002 (cream). For all those that may want the yarn.

Now we have a progress report on my wonderful Cable Zip Poncho. Isn't in beautiful? Of course it is.
I'm on row six of the last cable pattern before I start separating the stitches for the shoulder works. Yeah I'm so excited. I didn't realize that I was more than half done. I've just been working my little butt off. Yummy cable detailing.

I'm soooo proud of myself on this one. B/C I just knew cabled anything would be damn near impossible. Now I can' t wait to do more cable project. With more details, the harder the better. WAIT! Does this mean, I've officially graduated to Intermediate? Woohoo, I'm not an Advanced Beginner anymore. Cool!

Okay, moving right along to my other project. I can't wait to finish this. It's the No-Sweat Pants from Interweave Knits. I need to hurry up. Have to make several pair of these.
You are looking at the back right leg. I'm pretty much done w/ this part. I just have to do a couple more rows of the thigh shaping. Also, I must get circulars. I've come to the conclusion that straights just don't work for me. I have them around, but I just prefer the circulars. Speaking of which I need to go on ebay to see if I can buy a bulk lot of circulars in all sizes. But the color on this is wonderful. For some reason I couldn't get a better pic of the colorway. I'm using Lion Brand Homespun, and it's coming out soo pretty. I may make a hooded sweater to go with it, depending on how it comes out. I have to see after I finish making everything else.

Oh, did I mention that my Orange Sweater still does not have sleeves (they're made, just not attached), nor does it have a hood. I don't know why I am soo intimidated by sleeves. Oh well, I guess I better get with it. I need that sweater.

Well I should be more productive this week since I basically put myself on the Do Not Walk list. Being the clutz that I am, I fell down the grassy hill in front of my house. I sprained my ankle, and now I'm forced to walk in blasted crutches for the next couple of days. But can someone tell me why crutches are damn near impossible to work with. I mean, are they supposed to be helpful. My hands hurt for supporting my weight, and we definitely can't have that. I need to knit. I may be using them wrong, that's always a possibility. Well here's a wonderful picture of my foot in it's fandangled splint.

Nice, right?

So, I'll have plenty of down time.

Well at any rate, I'm thinking of starting a FO section. Well if I get a decent collection of FO's. I may start that for October. Yeah, I just have to figure out how to do it. I always see that on typepad pages, but not blogger. I'll have to figure something out.

I need to find a cute hat/scarf pattern for myself. I think I want to do the beret this year. I'll have to see.

Well time to go, later :)

Yeah I still exist...

2005-09-22T16:19:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the lack of updates people. I have been all over the place.

So here's the skinny:

My poncho is coming along. Yay, it's not hard at all. And this is the part where I promise pics. Yeah, you know the drill by now.

I have taken on yet another new project. Why, b/c I have compulsive disorders. Haven't you realized that by now. I can't help myself. And it doesn't help that I keep going back to that damn Seaport Yarn. It's the Devil! I went for a simple birthday gift, for someone else mind you. I walked out that Devil's playground with $270 worth of stuff. I'm getting help as soon as I can afford it I promise. I guess I should tell you what i'm doing now. I've decided to try the new fanny pack thingamajig from Knitty. Wait, let me get you the actual name. Ahhh, yes HIPSTER. This little fun diddy include intarsia. Fun Fun

Well I'm 20 rows in, and guess what it's not sooo hard. The only problem with the whole project is that I didn't gauge (bad knitter). So it's looks like a friggin' wallet. Isn't it wonderful. Just genious! Well here's what it should look like, but you'll see that mind looks nothing like it.

Well onto to more less depressing news, I am revisting the No-Sweat pants from last years spring edition Interweave Knits. So why does the pattern make so much more sense now. I looked at my first attempt, and realized that I must have been experimenting a lot back then. Looks nothing like what it's supposed to look like. I guess that's why I quit in the first place. Oh wait, here comes another picture promise.

I'll be starting several projects over the next month. It's almost October and I don't have any fall projects completed yet. So this weekend, I'm taking the knitting bag to the Hampton/Grambling game. I'm even prepared to be the to be the odd man out. I'm just going to look at the gawkers with the biggest screw face i can manage, and saw. Hey are you going to finish this poncho for me?

haha

I'm tired, and gotta go.....

Commentarily Commenting on Comments

2005-09-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah i know, but it's catchy. Well this wonder dunder post is about comments.

First I would like to apologize for not responding to everyone's comments. If you haven't guessed already...I ride a slower bus on a good day. So I just realized that people were adding comments. But thanx a bunchie to all. I love the comments keep them up. Loving the attention! You know how it is for us only childs. I promise to visit all of you pages and make my presence known. I believe that's proper blog etiquette.

Okay, now on to the spammers. IS ANYONE SAFE FROM YOUR MADNESS?!? I mean, why would I want to know about 'automotive stocks' on my KNITTING BLOG. It would have been half way okay if you would ended with, 'btw, nice site.' Or something!

Dun Dun Dun it's the attack of the comment spammers, lol. Okay it's late, well not really late. But I spent the w/end w/ my friends kids (2 & 5) with the personalities of two old ladies...Yikes! Which basically proves that I'm not ready for motherhood. If I can't handle a couple of hours, what will happen when I can't send the home. Oh the horror, haha. And they are good kids. I don't know...

Alright, now onto the knitting. After all it's a knitting blog. I'm LoViNg my zippered poncho. I'm pretty much finished with the first ball and you know it's looking very good. Yupper, I'm sooooo excited. I can't find my camera charger so pics are not possible at the moment. We are having technical difficulties. Stay tuned.

Until then, I'll try to upload a crappy camera phone pic.

And yeah, why do people keep asking me to knit them stuff? What do I have Master Knitter written on my forehead. And it's never something simple like a hat or scarf. My last request was a VERY detailed cabled poncho. It's more detailed then the one I'm making. Like ummm, yeah pal wait for it. Ahh don't you just love people.

At any rate, I have to finish my orange sweater. Winters-a-coming. Someone should be able to help me w/ sleeves since i don't plan on making my arms different lengths. yeah the sweater came out great, but the arms. Ugh, lets just say the arms are pretty shameful.

Okay, beddy by time.

Bad Blogger!!!

2005-09-02T13:49:00.000-04:00

Yeah so, I have been a sucky blogger. I have just been running around like crazy. So here's the lates updates. Since summer seems to be exiting stage left (quick fast in a hurry); I decided to put a hold on the Hush-Hush & make it an in between project to be ready for next summer. Or even something cute to wear out. I stopped the 2nd mini sweater but I think I may go back to it, since it's going to be nice this weekend.

Now that we have the UFO's out the way. Now onto newer, bigger and better things. I took my friend/coworker to Seaport Yarn this past saturday. And she lost her mind, haha. No really, she has knitted in years. She bought enough yarn for three different projects.

Ok, now me me next....I absolutely love the place. So that's my excuse for spending $120 in yarn. Yeah, I can't help it. It's all the pretty col-lourssssss! Haha, I'm mad. So I got some offer in the mail about sign up to get knitting over the edge and you'll get ponchos to go for free. Mind you, I did this almost a month ago. Well the books came at the perfect time. I've been straying away from the whole poncho phase, b/c it was getting to be a bit much. Damn ponchos were everywhere. The word 'poncho' was starting to turn my stomach. UNTIL I opened the poncho to go and saw this absolutely adorable Zipped Cable poncho. (excuse the pics, i used someone's sidekick)

Seriously, I don't care how many ponchos you have in your closet. There will always be room for a zippered poncho. Can you imagine not having to eff up your hair that you spent x amount of hours fixing. I could, hence the reason I started it this week; wednesday to be exact. I decided to go w/ Lamb's Pride Bulky (85% soft wool and 15% Mohair =100% yummy) in charcoal. The darker color doesn't show the cabling detail as much as I would like. But I can tell, even with only 9 rows completed that this poncho will be the love of my life. I can see my friends adding it to the 'items we must burn' list. I think this will go w/ just about everything in my closet, and if it doesn't I will pretend that it does. I may make another one, who knows. I might just hold off. I'm trying to go the one of these festivals. Who knows what I'll find.

Umm, where was I. Oh yeah, my poncho is coming out quite lovely. Also, I decided to do the stripped sweater from an insert page of the new vogue. I thought it was knitted w/ a variegated yarn, but I found that I was wrong. So I bought eight different colors for this sweater. The should be interesting, i'm not good w/ the color changing. So here we have another first. I forgot my camera once again. I know I suck. I'm thinking about forking over the big bucks for the Treo, so i'll always have some type of camera with me. I can see it now. I'll be able to take all types of snapshots. Yes! For now you will have to accept the sidekick pics above.

So tune in later on today. Will have better pics posted. I promise

Update: No update

2005-08-19T14:31:00.000-04:00

Hello all out there in knitting land. I have no update for you today. Oooh, no I stand corrected. I went out last weekend and purchased the new Vogue Knitting (muah ah ah muah ah ah muah ah ah). Now i'm sure you all have figured by now that I'm not the most experienced of knitters. And I'm and not ashamed of that. But I tell you this, I will muck my way through this pattern on the cover. The Shrug/Jacket jammie. It is absolutely breathtaking. I want it soooo bad. I should start it now.

So, I have to take a trip to Seaport Yarn tomorrow. I have some projects that I'm going to need yarn to complete.

As for my current projects, I am mucking along. I would have been done w/ they new mini sweater if I would actually pick the darn thing up. I'm just bored I guess. It's the Hush hush thing. Its like no end in sight, and i'm like if i can just get through it. But it never seems like I get anywhere no matter how long i work on it. I'm really going to try to knock it out this weekend.

Well gotta go, will check in later.

Later,

Vieses Pieces

Quick Update

2005-08-11T00:06:00.000-04:00

K, been a week or two so here's the skinny. I decided to make another minisweater. I'm using the sherbert colored ribbon yarn. Actually i'm halfway done.

I still haven't decided if I'm going to use the Katia Jamaica for the shrug. I'm still working on the gauge.

And oh look the never ending beginning. Still working on my dress.

Bannerific

2005-07-28T16:21:00.000-04:00

First things first.....

I would like to publicly thank Missa (Midnight Knitter) for my FANTABULOUS banner/button. I'm so in loving it.

Ah ha ha ha, staying aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive.

I have some more pics that I will have to post later on tonight. I went to Downtown Yarns in NYC Sunday, and guess what I got??? Come on guess? Ok Ok, i'll tell you. I bought my very first hand spindle (i think that's right), and a bag of pre-dyed/processed roving. Me soooooo excited! I was so excited that I rushed home to get started on spinning my very first ball of yarn. I didn't need to buy any books about it b/c I have 'You Spin Me' saved on TIVO (knitty gritty-diy network). The show basically covered the very basics of spinning, process wool, and even how to make your own spindle using a cd. Anywho, I had everything prepped in front of the tv to only find that for some reason, i deleting the bleeping show. I have all the other shows saved (well all the ones i liked). I even had duplicates. Talk about upset with a capital U. And to make matters worse, the stupid show is not scheduled to air again until August 4th. Now how f-n sucky is that.

Yeah so, now i have to wait until then. They have clips online, but i know i need both hands for this madness.

Bottom line, I'll let you know how my spinning goes on Aug 4th.

On a happier note, I decided to try the one skein wonder with a ball of Katia Jamaica in some rainbowish color that matches Hush Hush (seen earlier posts). It's cotton, and the weight maybe off. But what the hell, right? I can try right. I'll do the gauge, and see if i can tweak it a bit. if not, i'll own a 12.50 dishcloth. Hey, what can you do?

Oh, I almost forgot. I almost trashed the whole hush hush project. I got like 15 rows in, only to discover that the damn thing was twisted when I joined. Let me tell you the curse words I said that day. Boy oh boy, haha.

I did say that knitting gave me peace, right? Yikes...!

But on the brighter side of things. I'm glad I did discover this oopsy, b/c I didn't gauge right. I must have been involuntarily high or something, i don't know what the hell happened then. After de-needling (yes i like to make up my own words. stay tuned for that Viesters Dictionary), i found that i could fit at least one and a half of me in that wonderful loop of mine. Fun Fun

So, I restarted. To be honest the only reason I did is b/c of that $12.50 ball of cotton I bought to match the thing. It just looks like I'll won't be able to wear it until next year at this point. Isn't that just special, in that special kind of way. :)

Ok, time to pack it up. I'm outta here. Pics to come when I get home.....

Later,

Viese

I was sucked in....!

2005-07-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I was sucked in. >:o

This lady that rides the train w/ me wants me to make her a boob holder. It would be cool but she's no small filly. Now b4 anyone gets offended. I'm no small philly eihter, but she's bigger than me. I'm not that fast of a knitter, why didn't I just tell her that I'm doing other projects.

Arggggggggggggg, I'm going to think this over. I'm not trying to spend the rest of my summer knitting for someone I barely know. So what if she's trying to pay me. Its not even my pattern. I'm being paid for labor. But I don't want to be paid, b/c I don't want to do no stinking labor!!!!

We didn't even discuss payment, but she did give me $20 for the yarn.

OOOOh, I have to work on this no thing. 'Do you make things for other people'

NONNONONONONONOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

NO

Uhhh, taking the joy. This is my solace, not my job!

Ok, i'm going to tell her that I won't be able to get to it for a while b/c I have to be true to my other commitments (like my friends bikini). Among other things. It's the truth, I've been working on this one cup for the last month.

Darn darn darn darn darn darn darn darn.

(sigh) I'm done, just thought I would vent a little.

Sorry for the mood. Promise to return to my normal chirpy self after I weasle out of this madness.

bye :(

Extra Extra, read all about it....

2005-07-16T01:25:00.000-04:00

Ok, I'm so happy. I have updated pics and new goodies. I finally took a pic of my boob holder, and i must say taking pics of urself when you're attempting to get details is not easy at all. Tres difficile!!!

But here's my finished work. Go Viese Go Viese! The crowd is going wild, haha.

Okay, it's the end of week one and this is my progress....hey, i'm going as fast as I'm can. But if look closely you can see some of that ribbing, and some of the fan edging. Coming along, tomorrow is another day.

Now onto the goodies I found at my PO Box, Ribbon yarn. My very first hanks of ribbon yarn!!! Its funny that after 2 years, I still have a lot of firsts....

But look at it, It's yummy. The colors remind me of sorbet. I think i'm going to make another mini sweater, i think that will be gorgeous in these colors. The seller on ebay only had ~400 yrds so i'm limited with the ideas. Whatever I do, it'll be Fantabulous.....

Oh, and looky looky. More circulars. I have come to the conclusion that straight needles don't work for me. So I'm a Circular girl. CG that's me. Also, I have my funky dunky size N crochet needle. I forgot why I ordered it, but it doesn't matter b/c its so darn cute cute cute.

And last but not least, Knit Picks. I love these people...Affordable yarn. Need I say more.

Well it's late, I'm going to bed now. Maybe, I'll have a pattern for my new yarn tomorrow.

K, going to bed.

Later,

Viese

It's not so bad at all

2005-07-13T08:58:00.000-04:00

No pics, but why would you want one of the 3rd row. The pattern is interesting, and requires my undivided attention. But not difficult at all. I guess I'm officially a Tangy (intermediate for all of you outside the knitty spectrum). Whoo Hoo!!!

Now only if I can just be faster. I need to work faster faster. I need to be able to spit out projects more than once a month. I need to become a mean knitting machine.

Ok, now onto the blog business. I must apologize to everyone that comes across my blog. I spent an hour last night just looking at other knitting blogs. I came to realize that my blog is sucks in comparison to all the other ones out there. :(

It's just sad looking. But I plan to change that today. Throw a little color or something. I don't know.

K, gotta get started....

So it begins...

2005-07-12T10:39:00.000-04:00

Ok, more on that small needle thing. THIS IS HARD!!!

It's not so much the pattern, but the counting. Casting on 400 w/out losing count 50 million times is an event.

But I'm on the first round, and the color is already jumping off the needles. This is going to be sooo pretty. It may even come out better than my boob holder. Which received so many compliments yesterday. Yes, I know I'm fly...no need to stare. HAHA

Well here's pics of my one row.... :)

Monday Morning Update

2005-07-11T11:24:00.000-04:00

Okay, I finished my boob holder. And you know what, I forgot my camera. So I can't take a pictures of me wearing it. It came out sooooooooo cute. I have like 5 orders to make more. Little do people realize, I'm not in the business of making items for other people outside of holiday time. HA!

On another note, I'm on to my next project. I am going to start my very first small needle project. I'm talking size 3, YIKES!!!

Ok, maybe the rest of you out in knitter land may think this is nothing. An everyday 'so what.' But I have the attention span of a lab rat. So this shall be interesting.

Oh, duh I'm starting
Hush-Hush from Knitty. This should be interesting, but challenging. I'll def. do constant pic updates so everyone can see the progress.

Ooooh, I'm basically finished the cabled clutch I did with the silk sari yarn. It's nice! Just in time for the weekend of partying I'm planning.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before but the bikini is coming along great. I have to get more yarn from my fav ebay seller. I hope she still has the same color. I'll see how much she has left.

Well I'm going to pretend to do some work for a while. Will update later if I come across a camera before the day is over.

Outti,

Al

Okay, and missing pics

2005-06-27T15:29:00.000-04:00

Umm, I don't know what the hell happened to the pics. >:(

See, when I go home tonight. I going to get this site together.

No pics, is sooo boring.

I don't know what happened. But I'll fix it tonight.

K, bye :(

Missing entries

2005-06-27T15:22:00.000-04:00

You know I just realized that I left a major self descriptive out of my profile. I meant to include that I am down right certifiable.

I know that I do not devote the proper time to my knitting blog, and that's fine. But even with that fact my blog shouldn't be this empty. It looks like I have touched the dag on thing in months.

Well Bugs and Germs, after some investigation i've found that my updates are posted to my other 2 of 3 blogs.

NICE!

So needless to say it's Saturday Night Sheep all on my personal journal page. Fun Fun

I don't have the energy to move the crap, so there it will stay. But I assure you that from now on, I will post to the right site. In addition to posting more than the one pic of a partially knitted orange sweater.

Over and Outie....

SNS

Where have you been???

2005-06-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

Umm, I've been go so long. Did you miss me?

Anywho, will update when i get home diddi ome dome dome.

Saturday Night Sheep

2005-04-13T15:55:00.000-04:00

Hey, I changed the name of my blog. Now everytime I come here. I'm singing, ha ha ha ha, staying aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiive.

I'm thinking about getting a custom button, and a banner. I was checking
Midnight Knitters blog. From what I've seen, she's pretty good. Might have to invest.

On another note. I'm slowly but surely re-familiarizing myself w/ html tags, so bare with me. I promise all posts going forward will have links when referencing other sites. Now if only i can get that picture thing working. Damn Picasso! At any rate, I'll have it up tonight. If it kills me. I'm almost ashamed to admit that i'm a tech. I shame my people.

Ok, so i'm here at work. And i've run out of things to do. No, rephrase. I've run out of ways to make it look like i'm working. ITS SLOW!

Why do these fake deputies expect you to be busy when it's slow. I can't make the work. Its a call center. NO CALLY, NO WORKY.

k, sorry about that. Now back to this knitting thing. I am officially 60% finished my sweater. Go Al go Al. And being that spring doesn't look like it's coming any time soon. I should be able to wear it. Yeah baby, Yeah!

K, gotta go look busy. Over and out

So what's new....

2005-04-08T14:21:00.000-04:00

Updateration...

I have finished my very first sweater. Yes, it's a miracle. I made the Cathode sweater from the Winter 05 Knitty (http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTcathode.html).

So lets talk about this sweater. It probably wasn't the best sweater to be your first sweater. But it's a great way to dive head first in the land of sweater making. Ok, let me not be nice. That crap was hard as h e double hockey sticks. But, after very freaking annoying do over. I mastered it. Now I feel like I can do anything.

I'm the kind of person that doesn't follow directions well, so it doesn't look like the original. They have similarities, but that's about it. Where's the Pics, you say? Well I have an issue with getting pics. It's called, C.R.S (Can't Remember Shagnasty). I'm working on it. I know you heard that before, but one day you're going to come across this page. And it will have pics. No really, I'm serious.

Moving right along. I am now working on the Seed Stich Jacket from the Winter 04/05 Vogue Magazine. Since it was the orange that caught my eye. I've decided to knit it in orange.

I'm only maybe like 20% of the way through, and I'm loving this sweater! I mean, I cannot wait to finish. This is my first time with seed stitch, I love the texture of it. Especially in the orange. I just took some pics of it. So, i'm going to attempt to get them up here. It shouldn't be too hard.

Oh, and I almost forgot. I now officially have a favorite designer. Her name is Stefanie Japel (Glampyre Knits). She's the one that designed the Cathode sweater. I love her b/c her designs are outside the box.
And I especially love how all her designs are to be know top to bottom in one piece. NO SEWING! Love it love love it. My next project by her will be the Mini Sweater. It's the cutest thing, and it's perfect for those strapless shirt days when you're in the office. I want to make the new Orangina sweater. I don't think i'm that good yet, but I may just buy the album just to support her. She rocks, my friend.

Well gotta go, off to get this pic thing going.

Oh yeah, I do have a knitting blog...

2005-03-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, so this has to be the absolute worst knitting blog out there. I don't even have pics on my page. Working on it, I swear.....I mean I really will do it this time.

Okay, so for the verbal update.

-The poncho is finished!

I have since finished...

Tan wrap made with alpaca
Ipod cover

Oh, yeah and xmas gifts for my girls (Tif: crochet poncho/Kyle: funky scarf)

Now for the works in progress listing.

Cathode Sweater (www.knitty.com)
No sweat pants (interweave knits)
Needle Case (patons, pattern came with the yarn)

And last but not least....Can't wait to make projects!

Orange sweater (Vogue Knitting)
Pink slip/chemise (www.knitty.com)
Rust color Poncho (combo pattern, attempting to design it myself)
And like 3 or so projects from the spring/summer K1 mag.

Soooo, I brought back like 3 packages of acrylic yarn. Will take the pic later. Nice colors. I wish I had time to find other yarn stores, but there's always next time.

K, gotta go now. Will come back w/ pics later.

Updateration...

2004-11-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

Okay, so after looking at my last blog. I realized that some updates are definitely needed.

1. I finished the 'Blasted Poncho.' And of cause it came out a zillion times better than mine. I was so tempted to keep it. But the guy was paying me $50 beans. So I had to give him the better one. You know that whole better business thing. It came out soooo pretty. It's ridiculous! I didn't steam the edges b/c I was able to make it work for me. I let the collar roll in so it look like a puff roll neck capelet. And the lines that I messed up on (you know knitting when you're supposed to purl. got a little happy on those lines), lined up perfectly.

Maybe One day I'll upload all of my pics. I need to b/c I need to start progress charts.

2) I started and finished the scarf that matches my very first hat. So now my very first set is complete. Yay Me! The scarf is supppper warm. I made it wider than the traditional, and waste length. Very nice, looks like I spent 25 bucks on it. Yeah, I'm getting good at this.

3) Still working on these, I mean this wristwarmer. It's the dpn's. Whose idea was this to knit with this many needles. It's the most awkward thing in the whole wide world. I feel like a spaz when I knit with these things. Well I am a spaz, but I feel it more than usual. But it seems to be coming along, and that's all that counts. I have to start working up to the thumb (button whole area). Really interesting. We shall see how this turns out.

And last but not least. A certain someone was able to make the trip to Seaport Yarns this weekend. I absolutely love this place. It's in the fifth floor of an office building but the whole floor is yarn. Yarn everywhere. When you walk in the door, you're greeted. They sit down and work w/ you if you have a pattern in mind. They let me put my stuff down, and helped my find everything. The even gave me options for alternative yarn, considering my pattern called for Tahki which was $14 a roll. I need six rolls. So you can do the math on that one. I ended up getting six rolls of alpaca, which was 8.50/roll. On top of that it was 10% off alpaca. How cool is that. Love a good sale! And if that wasn't customer service enough, she took the time to show me how to properly gauge (hey I'm a beginner, gauge smauge. what did I know). But she gave me an example of why I should, and it made sense. So I'm truly grateful. On top of that, I picked up measuring tape shaped like a sheep & a yarn cutting pendant. Which was needed b/c I never have scissors. Which is annoying when you need the to continue your project, when you're away from home.

Overall, that was the best experience I have ever received in any store. It was like having a personal shopper. I love this place! It puts AC Moore to shame. Bad AC Moore, bad!

I picked up 3 more knitting magazines. Like I needed it.

K, gotta go will check back later....

You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer.
You are through those knitting growing pains and
feeling more adventurous. You can follow a
standard pattern if it's not too complicated
and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've
started to experiment with different fibers and
you might be eyeing a book with a cool
technique you've never tried. Perhaps you
prefer to stick to other people's patterns but
you are trying to challenge yourself more.
Regardless of your preference, you are
continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as
well you should since your non-knitting friends
are probably dropping some serious hints, these
days.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by quickly

I see the promise land...

2004-10-26T14:33:00.000-04:00

So after my big tantrum about finishing that poncho. I decided to work on it as fast as possible. And what do you know. I've picked up speed. Who knew aggrevation was such a motivation.

Well anywho, i have to stop by the dollar store to get the gift bag, and tissue paper. Presentation is always the way.

I'm just bubbling thinking about all the new yarn I've purchased. Now that i'm done make (well done in the next day or two) making the poncho for this guy. I'm going back to being selfish. Me Me Me, more yarn, more projects. More More More!!!

I so want to this recycled silk yarn from Nepal. I would love to make the Unbiased bag in this issue of Knitty. Absolutely love that bag, and it's so me. I can't wait.

I think i will alternate between my wrist warmers (5 dp needles uck). and my knitted sweatsuit. gots to get chopping can't wait. yes, the excitement is overwhelming.

hmm, ah yes. Once my new yarn gets here. I'm going to give that Donna sweater a try from Magknits. Being a little on the bustier side, this should be interesting.

I've actually changing my xmas wishlist to yarn yarn, and yes more yarn.

K, gotta go. Might try to join my first knit along...oh joy.

Obsessed w/ yarn is such an understatement.

Outtie!!!

Sooooooo

2004-10-25T17:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, I so suck.

I still haven't finished this guys poncho. Why, you ask? B/c i'm bored out of my f-n mind w/ it. it seems like it not growing. i've been knitting, and knitting.

Maybe if i would have done another color. But this is the same one that i made myself, totally identical. Driving me insane...

Meanwhile, my sweatsuit is just dying to be made.
That blue blanket will just have to wait, I don't know why i started that.
My poor armwarmer. Knitting with double pointed needles is def a challenge. But I had to step it up. tired of doing hats and scarves. and that damn poncho. geese.

Well i just ordered all of this yarn from ebay. It's sick, i know. i need help. already, i'm addicted to KNITTING! I'm sure that has to be meetings, I can't be the only one.

Well gotta jet....

1 addicted yarn ho :P

Okay, back to knitting news

2004-10-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

I am working on like 4 projects, and I haven't done anything this week.

1) a poncho that's 1/2 of the way payed for, that i told him would be ready by the next week. And it would have if I would have worked on it for the last month. I guess i'm just in a rut, b/c i just made myself the same poncho. so he boredom bug has bit me. yeah, so i guess i'll be busy this weekend. ohh welll

2) the scarf that completes my hat set (my first btw), that i made last year. i need to hurry before it gets extremely cold on me. I love the hate, and would hate to wear it another year w/out the accompanying scarf

3) I started a hooded sweatshirt pattern, which i discovered would be great with No-sweat pants from Interweave knits spring (a pattern that was practically impossible to get a hold of...) good thing wonderful person from the stitch-n-bitch yahoo group had it. she was nice enough to mail it. so now i'm joyful, and i shall use the pattern to complete my knitted sweatsuit. Yay

4) which brings me to the fact that I went through all of that damn trouble to get my hands on the pattern, then didn't even finish. what type of mess is that.

I have a great feeling that this weekend, shall be the productive one. I can feel it.

Oh, and did i mention that I want to make H/S sets for my god kids (i have 3 btw). So much yarn, and so little time. Yeah well, better get cracking.

over and out.....

Al Knits....Who Knew...

2004-09-15T15:03:00.000-04:00

Al Knits....Who Knew...

And so it begins.....

2004-09-09T15:24:00.000-04:00

Okay, since I don't have the time to keep a paper journal these days; something had to give.

I need to do mental dumps BEFORE the end of the day.

Anywho, for those of you reading this.....

I'm AL, from NJ. I know kind of vague right? I think it's best to keep it that way, never know if i will post anything scandelous. And everyone will know my secrets.

Oh the horror....

I just taught myself how to knit in the winter. My first project was a hat. I bought this Lion brand teach yourself to knit kit. It was pretty cool, it came with needle and everything. Needless to say, it's my absolute favorite hat. Wore it to death. I guess i'll make the matching scarf soon. Winters a comin!

Later....