I finally got the yarn for the Interweave cardigan, and boy is it slow-going. I underestimated how long it will take to make this garment using the particular stitch and technique I chose to use. I'm about 3" up on the back so far, and that has taken me 2 evenings. I know it will be done on time, but jeez, I'll be working until midnight quite a few nights… I feel it already. Maybe I'll do the late nights toward the beginning of working on the sweater, that way it won't feel so bad toward the end. Hm… that's an idea.

I need to put that cardigan on hold this weekend, because I MUST finish the Classic Elite thing for next week. I plan on spending most of the weekend working on that. The last piece is about half finished, and it keeps decreasing so the rows go faster and faster. That one will be done tonight probably. Then I can spend the weekend working on the finishing, which, hopefully won't take the whole weekend.

My ISE4 Scarf will have to be put on hold until after the Interweave project is completed. I can't risk spending any valuable knitting/crocheting time working on something that is due a month later. I'll have plenty of time when the Interweave project is done to finish the scarf. Thankfully, it's almost half finished, so there isn't to far to go. Yay.

Oh, I almost forgot to show you guys! Tim got his hat yesterday and sent me a picture of it on his head. I'm so happy it fit. I was somewhat concerned.

Beginners Crochet Class

March 28th, 2007

Okay, I did it. One month from today I will be teaching my first beginners crochet class at Hub Mills Store in Lowell Ma. Here's the flier that I have in the store. If anyone reading this is in the area and is seriously thinking about joining me in this adventure. Please send me an e-mail so I can get a rough idea of how many people to expect.

On another note. Sometimes random old thoughts and memories just POP up without any outside influence. I don't know why... but it's entertaining none-the-less. Today as I was wandering around doing something-or-other the word "incomplete" randomly popped into mind, and it reminded me of the Incomplete Manifesto for Growth by Bruce Mao. I was first introduced to this when I was in college by my fabulous graphic design teacher Lisa Rosowski. It's nice to read once in awhile. The ideas are fun to implement and play with. So, I thought I'd share.

Inspiration

March 27th, 2007

Last night I was talking with a friend briefly about teaching. I feel that it could be a possible next step for me. There is a yarn store where I work, and I have been told that if I ever want to, I can teach something, so I'm considering doing a crochet class of some sort. I'm thinking I'll start with one class, then see how it goes before I decide to continue. I feel like I'm being driven to teach, and this is definitely a foot-in-the-door way of becoming comfortable with it. See, my only hesitation is that sometimes I have social anxiety, especially when it comes to being the center of attention. I think that by teaching in a place where I'm already very comfortable I will be much more at-ease than if I taught elsewhere. Plus, once I figure out how to teach people, then that alone will be a comfort zone, then I can begin teaching in uncomfortable environments.

The brief discussion I had last night had totally been shoved back into the depths of my memories. But, every morning I drink some tea when I get to work (yogi tea, it's SO good, I recommend trying the "Slim Life Green Tea" it's the best green tea I've ever had... anyway) and on each tea bag there is a little saying. As I was opening the package up today I got the feeling that this one would have some meaning and I might consider implementing it into my life. Here's what it said:

To learn, read
To know, write.
To master, teach.

So, it brought up the memory of the brief conversation I had last night, and I think it could be a message that I really should do something about it. Another thing it could be telling me is that I should do some more work on that book that I started quite a while ago that's just notes in a binder so far. Maybe both.

Preliminary Ivy Leaf Scarf Pattern

March 26th, 2007

Because I've had so many requests for this pattern, I figured I may as well stick it up here for everyone. I do plan on creating a free downloadable PDF when it's finished, complete with yarn requirements... but for now, here it is. I'm using Classic Elite's Wool Bam Boo for my scarf, and I'm knitting from a cone, so I'm not sure how much yarn it's going to end up using. I won't know that until it's finished and I can weigh it.

Use size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles
Or size to obtain desireable drape.

ABBREVIATIONS:
tbl– Through the back loop.
yo– Yarn over (1 st increased).
yo2–Yarn over twice (2 sts increased).
k2tog: knit 2 sts together (1 st decreased).
ssk: slip 2 sts knitwise, one at a time to the right hand needle, insert left hand needle into the back of these 2 sts and knit them together (1 st decreased).
sk2p: slip 1 st, knit 2 sts together, slip the slipped stitch over the k2tog st (2 sts decreased).

PATTERN STITCHES:
Ivy Leaf Pattern: (multiple of 34 sts + 1)
(also, see chart)
Row 1: (RS) K1-tbl, *yo, k6, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sk2p, yo, k3, yo, sk2p, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, k6, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 2: (WS) and all other WS rows—Purl, working (k1, p1) into every double yo of a preceding row.
Row 3: K1-tbl, *yo, k2, k2tog, yo, ssk, k6, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1-tbl, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k6, k2tog, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 5: K3, *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5; rep from * across, end last rep k3.
Row 7: K2, *k2tog, [yo2, sk2p] twice, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo2, [sk2p, yo2] twice, ssk, k3; rep from * across, end last rep k2.
Row 9: K1, *k2tog, yo, k6, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, k3, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k3, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * across.
Row 11: K2tog, *[yo2, sk2p] twice, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k4, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k4, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo2, [sk2p, yo] twice, sk2p; rep from * across, end last rep ssk instead of sk2p.
Row 13: K7, *yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, k5, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k5, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k13; rep from * across, end last rep k7.
Row 15: K2, *yo, sk2p, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, k6, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k6, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, sk2p, yo, k3; rep from * across, end last rep k2.
Row 17: K1-tbl, *yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k6, k2tog, yo, ssk, k2, yo, k1-tbl, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, ssk, k6, yo, ssk, k2tog, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 19: K1-tbl, *yo, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 21: K1-tbl, *yo, k2, ssk, k1, k2tog, [yo2, sk2p] twice, yo2, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo2, [sk2p, yo2] twice, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 23: K1-tbl, *yo, k3, [ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k6, yo] twice, ssk, k1, k2tog, k3, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 25: K1-tbl, *yo, k4, ssk, k1, k2tog, [yo2, sk2p] 5 times, yo2, ssk, k1, k2tog, k4, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 27: K1-tbl, *yo, k5, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k13, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, k5, yo, k1-tbl; rep from * across.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Rep Rows 1–28 for Ivy Leaf.

SCARF
Using provisional CO method, CO 77 sts. Est Patt: (WS) [P1, k1] twice (keep in rib throughout); purl across to last 4 sts; [k1, p1] twice (keep in rib throughout). Next Row: (RS) [K1, p1] twice, work Ivy Leaf across center 69 sts; [p1, k1] twice. Cont as est until 7 or 8 repeats of the pattern are completed, end WS row 28 of Ivy Leaf. BO all sts knitwise. With RS facing, pick up stitches from provisional CO—77 sts. Est Patt as above on WS row. Cont as for other side for 7 or 8 repeats of the pattern. BO all sts.
Block piece.

Knitty weekend

March 25th, 2007

Wow, sometimes I really amaze myself. I know I've said this before, but I really underestimate the speed of my knitting. I get myself all worked up about how many projects I get going, then begin fearing that I'll never be able to complete them all on time… So, I start knitting, and before I know it one of them is finished. Here is Tim's Hat. I promised that he'd have this before his hair falls out... but then last week he told me that he's going to shave it before it falls out, so I paniced (I don't think that's spelled right). Friday night, Jim went to sleep, and I layed beside him and began this hat. I worked for about an hour and a half then went to bed. I woke up pretty early Saturday and picked up the hat and knit for another hour and 15 minutes. I finished the hat later Saturday afternoon. I guess when I panic things get done. hehe.

When the hat was done, I figured I'd start working on my ISE4 scarf. Again, I can't believe I already have 3.5 repeats finished. It's a pretty complicated lace pattern from one of the Barbara Walker books. It's an absoultely BEAUTIFUL pattern that I'm super happy to be working on. I've never really worked on lace this complicated, so it's slightly challenging for me, but I'm loving it. I also told myself that I have to at least finish the current piece of the Classic Elite sweater… so I did that too. Now there is only one piece left on that sweater. It's a small one too, so that'll be done soon too, thankfully.

Here's another picture of the scarf. I used a provisional cast on, which will be the center of the scarf. I'm planning on working 7 repeats then binding off. I'll then pick up the stitches from the provisional cast on and work in the other direction for 7 repeats. That way the leaves will be facing the opposite directions.

I really hope it's something my scarf pal is going to like.

It's Spring!

March 21st, 2007

I've received my scarf pal and I'm so excited to get started on her scarf! I've read through her blog and found out lots of little details about things she likes. I've got a pretty good idea of what kind of scarf I want to make her. It's going to be a lace scarf made from Wool Bam Boo. I haven't decided on the exact lace pattern yet, but I want it to have scolluped (I slaughtered the spelling of that word) or pointed edges. This is fourth on my knitting list right now. I need to finish up this Classic Elite monster first. Then I want to get a hat made for my friend Tim who will be beginning his chemo treatments on Friday. I also have a crocheted cardigan I need to crochet up for Interweave…THEN I can begin the scarf. Of course, I could always work on all of them at the same time, but I definitely need to get the Classic Elite and Interweave garments out on time… I guess they all need to get out on time, so maybe working on them all together would be the best bet… we'll see.

On another note, Spring is finally here… well technically, not temperatly. It was a nice surprise to receive 3 dafodills from my boss as a "Happy Spring" gift. That was thoughtful of her. Last night I hardboiled 2 dozen eggs. I'm hoping that we can soon decorate them. I wanted to do it last night, but it just didn't happen. I'm hoping Kevin and Michelle will join Jim and I in the decorating festivities. I purchased one of those PAAZ coloring kits, but now I'm rethinking using it... I just found a link on how to color eggs naturally using spices, herbs, etc… So I'm definitely leaning in that direction now. I'll give the PAAZ kit to my little sister to enjoy.

Long, fun weekend

March 19th, 2007

This weekend seemed longer than most. We packed a lot of really fun things into it. Friday night we had Kevin and Michelle over, Jim played us a little concert and we just hung out for most of the night. It was really pretty enjoyable. Saturday Michelle and I wandered to Salem Massachusetts and spent quite a while in one of the stores there. I swear, we must have looked at every single thing in there. She's recently discovered the energies that reside inside crystals, and I've been picking up the interest again. This store (Pyramid books; new age store) has a fascinating selection of gemstones and crystals that are relatively inexpensive. I picked up a bunch of stones to add to my collection. I have been collecting for as long as I can remember. There are so many stones in my collection, many I don't even know what they are or where they came from. I have a huge amethyst cluster that I think might have been given to me by one of my father's cousins when I was pretty young, but I can't be sure. The stones I collected this trip are: Moonstone—a stone that I don't have that is related to my birth sign, Pisces; Dalmation Jasper—good for a "pick-me-up"; Ocean Jasper; Aquamarine—another stone for my birth sign; Jet—this is a beautifully light-weight black stone, the lightness of it fascinates me; Opal; … I think there were a few others but I can't remember what they are at the moment.

Sunday evening Jim took me out to dinner for my birthday. A little belated, but the restaurant just opened, and he had to make a reservation before-hand, so we went last night. It's called "The Melting Pot". They specialize in fondu's of all sorts. It was quite a great experience. When he made the reservation they asked if it was a special occasion and he let them know it was my birthday. So they had balloons, a bar of Melting Pot fondu milk chocolate and a birthday card sitting at the table for me. All the wait staff had signed the card. It made me feel pretty special. We got to sit in a section of the restaurant called "Lovers Lane" All the tables are divided by walls and they're very cozy and private. The atmosphere, food and service were all great! I would highly recommend going at least once.

How many times can I use the word "excited" in one post?

March 14th, 2007

So, I was pretty excited to learn that Eunny Jang will be the new editor of Interweave Knits. Change always excites me. I usually don't have issues with the way things are being done, but once I hear of something changing, I get all amped up and eager to see what will come from it. For me personally, this is a change that will be effecting me, so I'm even more excited. Eunny being the editor of Interweave means that Pam Allen will no longer be that. She will instead be working with me at Classic Elite, as the creative director. I learned this months ago, but had to keep quiet until it became public. So, now that it's out, I figured I'd tell you all how excited I am. I don't know what will come from this. I think it's a change in a great direction for Classic Elite. Pam has done great things, and has a lot of knowledge… so yeah, I just can't wait!

Handmade Gifts!

March 13th, 2007

I think handmade gifts are my favorite kinds of gifts. They're always unexpected, made with love, and unique. These are two of the gifts I received for my birthday. Both handmade.

The one on the top left is a small clay bowl that was painted just for me. It has "Sam" painted in the center with glow in the dark paint. (for those of you who don't know, my friends call me Sam… it's a story I may get into someday). I don't want to put anything into it, cuz then I won't see it glow. The outside is painted with 4 of pretty colors in a neet design. Thanks Kevin! It's awesome!

The mittens were given to me this morning by Cecily! I've never received a handknit gift. My mom has crocheted me things, but this is my first KNIT gift. They fit great, and they're in such a warm yarn, Tigress. I kinda wish it wasn't warm out now, so I could wear them. I'll probably wear them anyway, just because. Thanks Cecily!

Sorry about the quality of the image, I don't have my camera with me today, so I just placed them onto the scanner…

Colors

March 12th, 2007

This weekend was a design-oriented weekend. It caught me off guard. Lots of drawings, a few schematics and 2 swatches popped out of me. That's pretty good for one weekend. Most of the designs are still Fall/Winter oriented, so I wanted to check what colors are being predicted for next Fall. I found some GREAT information on the Pantone website. I figured you guys might be interested to see. I'm loving these colors! Dusk is one of my favorite colors of all time, so it's exciting to think of it being in upcoming clothing lines!

Questions

March 9th, 2007

I'm going to be in a few swaps coming up, and I found these questions in the internet ethers somewhere. I love answering these things for some reason.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My favorite to knit with would have to be… um… Angora, but anything really soft is fun. Preferably something that gets around 5.5–7 sts to the inch. I'm not really of a fan of itchy yarns. That leaves out most wools and acrylics (not all, but lots).

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a naked old coffee can that they're all just sticking out of. No real organization to them. It kinda drives me nuts.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about 2.5 years, I taught myself the basics, then started working at Classic Elite where I was surrounded by genius knitters who could answer any question I could ever possibly come up with. I'd consider myself an advanced intermediate. There are still things I'm not so sure about… like short rows. They astonish me.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, Amazon. I update it pretty regularily, whenever I see something I might want someday.

5. What’s your favorite scent?
That's a strange question. I really don't know, mostly nostalgic scents. So, I guess there's no way to explain them.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I do. Milk chocolate is definitely my weakness.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I mostly knit, but there is occasionally something crocheted. I pulled out my sewing machine recently too. It's not much like riding a bike. I can't go in a straight line yet. I'll have to keep practicing. I do have a drop spindal that has some brown mohair on it right now. It's the first spinning project I've started, and it's still not done, so I wouldn't necessarily say that "I spin".

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I can play anything, computers are great. I have a really wide range of musical tastes. Ambient, trancey sorts of things are nice to zone out or meditate to. I don't really like anything that is too intense or noisy.

9. What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand?
I tend to lean toward naturals and earthy colors. I really don't enjoy anything really bright.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
It's me, Jim and Jelly (my kitty)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves and mittens, definitely. Hat's I'm pretty picky about; I wear a clip in my hair constantly, and many hats require me to remove it. I don't like doing that. I've never worn a poncho…

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Sweaters. :)

13. What are you knitting right now?
Something for Classic Elite's Fall 07 line. I can't say. But I just finished knitting a cardigan for myself. There's a picture at the bottom of this page (scroll down)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes! They're my favorite.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
It depends on the project. Most of the time I enjoy wooden straight needles, but there are some projects that you just shouldn't use straight needles on. In that case I'll use aluminum circulars.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No, but we have one at work that I can use, so I don't think I really need one.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Probably just about a year old. I haven't been knitting too long yet.

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Halloween.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I really try not to collect things. I have enough junk that doesn't have a home.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I get a bunch of magazines at work, so I don't necessarily need subscriptions: Interweave Knits & Crochet, Knitscene, Knit 1, Knit Simple, Vogue Knitting and anything else put out by Vogue… I'm also a member of TKGA, so I get Cast on too. I do love stitch pattern books. As a designer those always come in handy. The only ones I have are the Knitting Stitch bible, The ultimate sourcebook of knitting and crochet stitches by Readers Digest and 200 knitted blocks.

21. Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn?
Short rows!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I had a sock phase. It didn't last too long. I tried knitting one recently, but it really didn't want to be made, so I've set it aside again… so I CAN knit socks, and I do like to, but it just doen't happen very often.

23. When is your birthday?
Monday. (March 12)

I gave in.

March 9th, 2007

Classic Elite is vigerously preparing for the Fall 2007 photo shoot, and there have been more things to be knit, then they have knitters. So, as much as I don't like doing it, I agreed to knit a garment. I'm using size 13 needles, but it still seems to be taking forever. The piece is HUGE. Like, almost down to my knees, plus a hood. So each piece is like knitting a back. So far I have the back and one of the side pieces completed. I've just started the left front, so I'm hoping I can finish that up over the weekend. Then I only have the other front and side pieces left. Which is less overwhelming. I think it's taking me so long because both pieces I've knit I've had to rip out and reknit. The row gauge really stretched out from the weight of the piece, so I had to refigure the pattern for the new row gauge. Then pull out the back hood, and down about 3" into the back… then reknit the hood. The side piece I ripped out because the shape wasn't what I had envisioned. So that got rewritten and reknit also. At least I know that the other side piece will look okay, and I won't have to reknit that too. The front's I'm not so sure about. They've yet to be knit. I've got a good feeling about them though.

So, that's what I've been up to.

Coming this weekend: Jim and I plan on going out to look at bikes (of the bicycle sort). He wants to start biking to get into better shape. So, I'm going to ride along too. I haven't biked since before I got a car, which was before helmets were normal… gee, kinda makes me feel old. Speaking of old. My birthday's on Monday too. So that'll be fun. Just cuz it's my special day. Even if nothing special happens, I'll feel special.

New Pattern!

March 6th, 2007

The Beatrice Ribbed Tie Coat pattern is now available! Check out the details on the pattern page.

Please send me pictures after it is completed, I would love to see!

I'm in the process of getting some more pictures up onto the details page. They are of the back with the collar up, and of the front and back with the collar down.

I love this sweater so much, I wear it every day when I get home from work. It's better than turning the heat up.

My Raw journey

Patterns for Sale

Tweed Beret

Violet, the Slouchy Head Friend

Lush Woven Scarf

Petal Socks

River of Life Socks

Crochet Motif Cardigan

Beatrice Ribbed Tie Coat