Sittin' & Knittin'

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2012-02-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Lion Brand Valentine Banner

Love is in the air...

NYFW - Fall 2012: Altuzarra

2012-02-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

NYFW - Fall 2012: L.A.M.B.

2012-02-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

NYFW - Fall 2012: Tibi

2012-02-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

Oh my good God...

Fashion Week is already here again!

Here's some fabulous sweaters from the Tibi show..

Free Pattern Friday! - Valentine's Day Edition!

2012-02-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Free Pattern Friday from San Francisco!

Lion Brand "Hearts on a String" Mittens

And Happy Pre-Valentine's Day!

We're up north with El Hub this week and it's been a wonderful gorgeous beautiful week in the City!

Peanut at the Ferry Building (Bay Bridge in background)

If you know me at all, you know I love San Francisco.

It's quite possibly one of my favorite cities in the whole wide world!

Today is also our 5 Year Anniversary of marriage!

Happy Anniversary to El Hub!

It's been a wonderful, exciting, joyous, happy 5 years!

2012-02-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

Received my latest issue of Real Simple and this picture is in there (with an article about keepin' warm or somethin' like that...)!

You know I love my cables!

Cute, huh?!

Free Pattern Friday! - Valentine's Edition!

2012-02-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Valentine's Day and all things LOVE, this week & next week's Free Pattern Friday will be Valentine related!

This is Susan B. Anderson's Spud & Chloe Heart on a String hat!

The pattern is up on Ravelry and it's so cute and so easy!

I made this hat a couple of years ago (see post here) and I remember it worked fast and easy!

I think my heart could have come out a little better but, overall, it's super cute!

Happy Valentine's Day!

:)

KnitSchtick The Kate Shawl (Kate Middleton Shawl)

2012-01-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

And this is done!

We were up north (Bay Area) all last week and without a house to clean or dinner to make, I was so happy to have some time to really give to my projects!

I can not tell you how much I LURVE this pattern!!!

This came out wonderful and I'm soooooo happy with it! (Can you tell?)

As you can see on my model here, this shawl drapes so nicely!

Just like everyone else under the sun, I went nuts for Kate Middleton's forest green Minnie Rose shawl and I knew I had to make one for me!

Fortunately my LYS (KnitSchtick) was having a workshop for this pattern and unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend.

I was still able to buy the yarn and get the pattern well after and I'm so glad I did, 'cause this worked up beautifully!

I used nine (yes, NINE! All nine!) skeins of Sublime Soya Cotton DK in # 150 which is a coral tangerine pink! (perfect for being along the lines of this year's color of the year - Tangerine Tango!)

This yarn is wonderfully soft and super drapey. It hangs so well.

It works fairly well too but,

a word on this yarn...

It is not tightly woven, which is what gives it its nice flowy hang and softness.

But it is so loosely woven that it unravels fairly easy, making it hard to keep it together sometimes when picking it up on the needle.

My other beef with it was that there were parts of some of the skeins that had torn strands!

So bits of my work ended up looking unintentionally messy, which is a big bummer.

Other than that, the yarn is lovey. I don't know much about Sublime yarns but this particular yarn is not made anymore (and I only bought it last August!). I'm not sure if they produce small collections and then move on, or if they just pulled this yarn.

This pattern however, was very well written and super easy to follow!

I am not crazy about having to pick up stitches 'cause I'm not always so good at seeing where the stitches are that need to be picked up, but the way this pattern is written made it sooooooo easy!

The edge of the shawl has a yarn over at the end of each row, leaving a clear space for where the stitches are to be picked up!

Nice!

That edge, by the way, only fit on a 60 inch circular needle. 60 INCH!

I'm really starting to build quite a collection of loooooong circular needles, thanks to this project!

Adding the ruffle was easy and I like that the pattern offers two options for ruffle edge.

I chose this basket-looking pattern, just to try something new but I think the knit every row pattern would look just as pretty!

There were also two options for cast off and I wanted to try the option I'd never done ('cause I'm always up for learning something new) but I was so ready to be done with this one that I went with the old standard regular cast-off.

Looks ok, huh?

These days, I'm as focused on a clean wrong side (inside) as I am on a clean right side (outside).

All strands tucked in!

I wouldn't mind making another one of these for myself in an eggplanty deep purple.

2012-01-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

Check out this cute slideshow from CasaSugar on Cabled Knits home decor!

You know I love my cables!

I particularly like this chunky cable lampshade.

Which do you like?

Yarn Lady Asymmetrical Vest

2012-01-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

And this is done!

I bought this pattern from The Yarn Lady, oh let's see...

Um 2 years ago!

This pattern is sooooo easy and I have no excuse for why it took me so long to finish, other than that I distract easily.

:)

This vest is worked in three simple parts.

Start with the back, then make the right side, and then make the left side!

(When I assembled my sweater, I thought my right side was sewn came out a bit wonky but after looking at the pattern picture above, I think it's naturally wonky!

And it's all Rib and knit one row, purl one row! With some decreases thrown in there!

So Simple!

I used the Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe in Mercury and while I think this yarn is perfectly acceptable, I would like to make this vest again with a bit of a higher quality yarn.

I'm really working hard on keeping my insides clean with now random strands hanging out!

Looks wonky, no?

As you can see on my model, here...

This vest should drape loosly and freely.

I think I'll wear this with a black tank underneat and my cuffed boyfriend jeans & my red TOMS!

What would you wear it with?

Free Pattern Friday! - Berroco Touraine Cardigan

2012-01-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's Free Pattern Friday again and I thought this was the cutest sweater!

This Berroco Touraine Cardigan is knit with Berroco Pure Pima which is 100% Pima Cotton and has a nice drape.

I like that this could be work in Spring/Summer over a cute tank or Fall/Winter over something with long sleeves.

And you know I love this taupey mauvey color!

Happy Friday!

KnitSchtick Colorblock Workshop!

2012-01-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

Oh Please!!! Make it stop!

As if I don't have enough projects in the works...

I get this email this morning from KnitSchtick:

Cat Eyes shaped Sunglasses, and Color Blocking is what’s IN for Spring!

10 JANUARY 2012 NO COMMENT

Complimentary Color Block Workshop, Saturday, January, 28th, 10:30am to 12:30pm.

We can’t help you with the glasses, but we can with the color blocking! Join us , and design your own Spring Scarf. You” ll be sooooooo tres sheep! Call now to reserve your spot at the table. Please note, the scarf in the picture is not finished.

And you know I wanna go!

You know how much I love my stripes AND I LOVE colorblocking!

UGH.

Let's see... Let's put this into perspective here.

Here are the things I'm currently working on or have in line to work on next:

My Kate Shawl (Which I'm ALMOST done with)!

The Yarn Lady Asymmetrical Vest (that I'm ALMOST done with!)

There's the Blue Sky Baby Bobbi Bear that I started to make for our little peanut (last year!)

Did I mention the Twinkle Moonlight Picnic Wrap that I bought yarn for and have in line to make?

And I also bought a pattern (and YARN!) for this too cute Wainright B sweater from Berroco!

Oh and... not to mention the socks I want to make everyone for Christmas 2012!

Good God, am I having ADD or what?!

There's just tooooooo many good things out there to make!

Well... at least I have no shortage of ideas.

:)

What do you think?

Stick to what I'm doing?

or sign up for this fabulous colorblock workshop?

hee....

0:-)

Knit Schtick Post Holiday Pick-Me-Up Knitting Party!

2012-01-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Ran up to Knit Schtick yesterday for their Post Holiday Pick-Me-Up Knitting Party and I had so much fun!

I first heard about this nice yarn shop a couple of months ago from my neighbor, who'd seen it on groupon!

Not believing that a non-knitter knew about a knitting shop that I had not heard of, I immediately ran over there and corrected that situation.

Ever since then, it's become one of my LYS and one of my go-to's for unique patterns and good quality yarn!

How cute is this cupcake!!! It was made by the daughter of one of the gals that works there! It was good, too!

I think the first project I bought from there was the yarn and pattern for the Kate Shawl!

I'd been a bit obsessed with this shawl since the day I'd seen this photo (above) and I was happy when I saw that they were having a Kate Shawl workshop and then quickly bummed when I realized I couldn't go (I think we were outta town).

Fortunately, I was able to buy the pattern and yarn after and this has been my current project, which I'm almost done with! (I know, I know.. what about my UFOs?! I'll get back to those AFTER this one!)

:)

I'd thought about giving this to my MIL for Christmas and then thought, Nah...

This one's for me!

Well, you can imagine how happy I was when I saw that KnitSchtick was having a Twinkle Trunk Show!!!

Do you remember when I spent half of my time searching all of New York for Twinkle yarn and could not find it?!

So, naturally I ran right over there and bought myself some Twinkle Baby Chunky to make this wonderful Moonlight Picnic wrap (ahem... also for me.)

Well yesterday, because I don't have enough projects, I bought a new pattern and some more yarn!

0:-)

I have been looking for a circle vest pattern ever since I saw a very hip woman wearing a gorgeous circle vest about 2 years ago!

This is the Coco Knits Sofia sweater and I'm so excited about it!

I'm going to make mine without sleeves and I'm using the Blue Sky Brushed Suri.

I needed 6 skeins of a color and they did not have all 6 of any color so I bought 2 nude, 2 grey and 1 white!

You know I love my taupey nudes and I think it will be neat to make it with those shades!

I had so much fun yesterday and wished I could have stayed longer!

I got to work on my Kate shawl and I got to meet some very fun and lovely ladies!

I also like to see what everyone's working on.

I think I thrive a bit more when I'm surrounded by creativity.

I want to continue to get better as a knitter and make higher quality works (as opposed to the basic scarves I started out with 12 years ago).

It's nice to be surrounded with other serious knitters!

The one common topic that came up a bit was the lack of LYSs in our immediate area!

I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels that way.

There were gals there from all parts of town and I love that they'll go far and near for good knits!

I hope KnitSchtick will have more KALs or parties 'cause I'd love to go!

If you're in the area, stop by there and check it out!

Knit Schtick is at 355 Bristol, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Free Pattern Friday! - Blue Sky Shadow Capelet

2012-01-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

You know I'm not always a cowl gal but for some reason, I really like this Blue Sky Shadow Capelet.

It seems easy enough and it looks like it's worn inside out!

You know I love my stripes so maybe that's why I'm drawn to it so much!

How would you wear it?

Elizabeth and James Striped Cardigan

2012-01-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Have you met my new friends Elizabeth and James?

Aren't they great?

They are very nice. Unfortunately, they are expensive.

I saw this gorgeous wonderful fabulous wrap cardigan while walking through Nordies and fell in love immediately!

Does anyone know what this stitch is?

Eyelet stitch? Does such a thing exist?

In any case, it's gorgeous and I must have this!

In the time I try to make this for myself (on teeny tiny size 2 needles), hopefully it will just go on sale (a lot).

Elizabeth and James Striped Cardigan - $365.00 at Nordies!

Free Pattern Friday! - New Year's Edition

2011-12-30T17:48:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve's Eve!!!!

This will be perfect for your New Year's Party!

Wine Glass Holder pattern by Claudia Olson

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

LACMA - California Design, 1930–1965: "Living in a Modern Way"

2011-12-29T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ran up to LACMA to see the Monet/Lichtenstein Rouen Cathedrals exhibit before its closing and popped in on the California Design exhibit.

Came across this fabulous knitted cherry red dress.

"Sculpted the female body into an idealized hourglass silhouette..."

Yes, this is my idealized silhouette. I certainly don't have this silhouette, that's for sure!

It is neat that he's able to do this without the boning or padding.

That must be some tight knit!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

Spritz Cookies recipe from Joy of Baking

How was your Christmas?

Free Pattern Friday! - Christmas Edition!

2011-12-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas Eve is tomorrow but here are some cute patterns for this Christmas Season!

Purl Bee Mary Lou's Holiday Stocking

We have some old stockings to hang on the fireplace but I have NO idea where they are!

I'll have to make us some. :)

Whit's Knits: Candy Cane Bedroom Socks

I've never made socks before but I understand they're fairly easy!

I am already thinking ahead to next Christmas and making socks as gifts!

Maybe I'll start next month and do a set a month!

(Maybe... Hopefully... I'll try, anyway!)

:)

Merry Christmas guys!

Pong Sweater Vest (Berroco Peter Easy Pattern)

2011-12-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

And, this is done...

I have to admit, this one kinda put me off knitting (and blogging!) for awhile!

Well, for about a week anyway.

El Hub has been asking me to make him a sweater vest since FOREVER and when I finally agreed to make him one, he upped the stakes and decided he wanted a sweater vest with a retro video game image on it.

So of course I said Yes...

I'll do anything for that man.

He wanted to wear this to his company holiday party and even though I started this a month and a half in advanced, I still found myself doing a power knitting session at the last minute and was literally sewing it together as we were driving to the party!

My hands & arms were killing me!

But 2 advils and a glass of red wine, and I was good!

I found a free sweater vest pattern on the Berroco site and decided to go with this Peter Easy men's sweater vest pattern.

Since I settled on a Berroco pattern, I thought I'd check out the Berroco yarn and even though this pattern calls for Berroco Pure Merino, I decided to use the Berroco Vintage.

It's a Medium Weight yarn (4) and even though the pattern calls for size 8 needles, I ended up using size 7 needles instead, after doing my swatch. (Yes! I am FINALLY swatching! I'm lazy no more!)

Putting the Pong design on the sweater was fairly easy.

I used graph paper to draw out my design and then hoped for the best in terms of getting it right in the middle (between the ribbing and the V-neck).

I used a Berroco white and grey and it didn't take much at all!

Wound my skeins using the winding a center pull ball video!

I'd already done this once before a couple of years ago when I made that Relay for Life scarf with space invaders, pong, & Pac Man images!

El Hub found this image for me to go off of.

I've never even played this game!

This is El Hub's "Data Center".

This is where he controls EVERYTHING.

Do Not touch his cables and wires.

He has them all strategically placed exactly where he wants them.

Free Pattern Friday! - Christmas Edition!

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been very consistent with my Free Pattern Fridays and I'm sorry!

I know we're also about a week out on Christmas but here's a free pattern for Felted Bell Ornaments from the Purl Bee!

It's so funny how much design plays into things.

If I'd just seen these felted bells sitting randomly on a table, I wouldn't even give them two thoughts.

But seeing them hanging on these branches against a white background, I think they are just beautiful!

The winter white really conveys Holidays and Snow.

So Pretty!

I could see these felted bells on a Christmas Tree with Silver balls and white lights.

Gorgeous!

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango!

2011-12-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Pantone has announced their 2012 Color of The Year and it's

Tangerine Tango!!!

According to the Pantone site:

Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the

energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

I think it's just beautiful!

You know I love my bright colors and especially love ANYTHING orange!

Here are some yarns that come close to this gorgeous color!

Spud and Chloe Sweater in Firecracker (# 7509)

Berroco Weekend in Blood Orange

Cascade 220 Superwash in 907 Tangerine Heather

Debbie Bliss Andes in 22 Burnt Orange

I think I'd like to make myself a triangle shawl in one of these gorgeous shades!

Here's a nice article from Time about how Tangerine Tango is the encouraging color of 2012.

And here's a cute blurb from Bella Sugar on how this shade popped up all over Spring 2012 New York Fashion Week in makeup as well as clothes color!

Love that lippie!

Crochet in San Francisco...

2011-12-11T13:36:00.001-08:00

I saw this woman working on her crochet while sitting in the sun at

Yerba Buena Gardens yesterday, in San Francisco.

El Hub had to go up north for work and you know I just HAD to go too...

:)

So that explains the lack of posts & I'm sorry!

We were in Silicone Valley during the week & then Friday night we went into the city for his team's Holiday Party at the very swanky Mark Hopkins Fancy Dancy Hotel in Nob Hill.

We were able to spend the night there and it was a lovely hotel.

We had a corner room with 2 views of the city.

If you know me at all, you know that I:

Love Chunky Cables!

Love the color Orange!

and LOVE LOVE LOVE San Francisco (and the Bay Area in general).

When I'm in the city, it feels like I'm home.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to any knit shops in SF or in Silicone Valley...

But I have my SF Yarn Crawl from the past and I'm sure there are some great new yarn shops to explore as well!

Winding a Center Pull Ball

2011-11-29T09:59:00.001-08:00

I came across this great video on how to wind a center pull ball from the PurlBee blog!

These Berroco skeins are for El Hub's "Pong" Video Game sweater vest (yes, that's correct. A sweater vest with a Pong image on it. More to come on that one!).

I bought these skeins on sale at my LYS and they do not wind skeins when skeins are on sale.

Fortunately, this video is so helpful and I was able to do this myself!

Looks ok?

For the life of me, I can't seem to figure out how to put this video on here so...

Here's the link and I hope it's as helpful to you as it was to me!

Free Pattern Friday! - Thanksgiving Edition

2011-11-25T09:52:00.001-08:00

Lion Brand Tom Turkey

How cute is he?!

I know I'm a bit slow these days with the postings... sorry!

I've been sick all week and I'm a bit out of it, what with being all hopped up on meds and all.

:0)

Since yesterday was Thanksgiving, I thought I'd find a Thanksgiving-related free pattern and Lion's Tom Turkey is it!

I've never made an amigurumi before as it's never really appealed to me (it seems so teeny tiny and tedious!), but this little guy is so cute, I might have to start!

There are 61 Ravelry projects for this pattern and they all look really good!

You do need an account to see the Lion patterns but that's easy enough!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving day yesterday!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

Turkey Leg from HandmadeMonster.etsy.com

Pilgrims from WeeKnit

Pumpkin Hat

2011-11-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

This pattern is from my LYS and it worked up so quickly!

It's a quick K1, P1 rib for a few inches and then knit for a few inches and then decrease!

El Hub and our little Punkin. (Yes, we had a pumpkin about 10 months ago!)

Our pumpkin doesn't always feel like wearing a hat...

:)

I used this Plymouth Encore yarn and I really like it.

It's nicely priced at $5.50 a skein and works well.

You know I'm always a bit hesitant when it comes to yarn with Acrylic in it ('cause of past issues with cheap yarn and stretched out hats!) but this yarn holds tightly and I do like that it can wash easily too!

The stem is an i-cord and I had done i-cord before but am always up for reminders so I found this great video on i-cord and on binding it off!!!

Super helpful, no?

Here are some FREE pumpkin hat patterns from around the web:

Susan Esser Pumpkin Hat (Ravelry)

Crazy Aunt Purl Reversable Knit Halloweenie Beanie

Pumpkin Hat (about.com)

Sonnentaler Baby Hat

Sarah Hood Pumpkin Hats (Ravelry)

Free Pattern Friday! - Laura's Loop: Short Row Sweater

2011-11-11T21:41:00.001-08:00

It's Friday, once again!

Time for another free pattern!

This pattern is the Laura's Loop: Short Row Sweater from one of my FAVORITE blogs - Purlbee!

I love this opening in the back!

I'd wear this with a hot pink or fuchsia tank underneath (of course) but if I had a killer body,
I'd wear it as-is!

It'd be cute with a skirt or a pair of soft boyfriend jeans with some cute flats and a yummy full scarf!

Sarah Jessica Parker - Grey Cable Capelet

2011-11-10T10:04:00.000-08:00

Alright...

What is it about Sarah Jessica Parker...

Sarah Jessica Parker arriving at Melbourne Int'l Airport
on October 31, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia.

You know I'm not a Capelet person AT ALL!

And yet, I see her in this get-up,

and I'm lovin' it!

Geez!

Here are some similar capelet patterns, should you so choose to make one.

Cambia Capelet pattern from Knititude

Plymouth Alpaca Cabled Capelet Pattern 1646 from Noble Knits

Big Stripe Big Cable Capelet from The Thrifty Knitter

Shaped Capelet with Braided Cables from Interweave Knits

This has nothing to do with anything but I just thought it was cute.
:)

Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller - Sidewalk Shawl

2011-11-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

And... this is done.

I know I promised I would not take on any new projects 'til I finished ALL of my UFOs...

and I was actually doing really well with that,

until I realized that Christmas is right around the corner!

So I've abandoned the UFOs for awhile and am powering through some Christmas presents.

This lovely Stitch Nation Sidewalk Shawl will go to my Sis-n-Law.

This pattern worked up really quickly once I got the hang of it.

I will admit that I'd actually started it and realized I was doing it wrong, so I took it apart, restarted it and then got the hang of it and it was fine!

I'd read up on this project on Ravelry
and so many people had posted how quickly they worked this up!

Well, they were right!

I'd say it took me about one week exactly to get this one done and that's not even working at warp speed.

On a random side-note, I've come to find Ravelry sooooooooo useful
and helpful for learning more about a project!

Like this shawl, for example.

Lot's of ~~Ravelry'rs,~~ ~~Ravelriers~~ or ~~Ravelers~~ or people(!) had posted that when they followed this pattern to a tee, the shawl was way long and that if they were to make it again, they'd stop a bit short.

And they were right!

Anyway, it's become a great source of info for me to learn about a project before I start it.

:)

These little guys are called shells.

This crochet is not complicated at all... and you know how much I just LOVE crochet...

(uh huh...)

It's a simple series of triple crochets over and over and over!

Pinapples!

I did use the Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe and I just love it!

It's 55% viscose from Bamboo and 45% wool.

I don't find this yarn to be itchy at all.

It's soft, which I like and it works so well.

The other nice thing about it is that it doesn't get all curly/twisty as you're working it.

It comes out of it's ball (if you pull from center) easily!

So, unfortunately, my Photography for Knitters class/education is falling by the wayside because...

I can not find a damn model!

"Oh... I'm too fat..."

"Oh, I'm not done up today..."

"Is my face gonna be in the picture?"

GAH!

El Hub has told me that he will photograph me wearing my projects but, what is the point of that!

Yes he takes fabulous photos and has a fancy camera...

But I want to be the one to take the photos to put to practice what I learned in my damn class!

Other than that, it's fine...

:)

Free Pattern Friday! - Tahki Stacy Charles Fern, Moss and Shale Cabled Capelet

2011-11-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

I love! love! love! the BIG cable in this Tahki Stacy Charles Fern, Moss and Shale Cabled Capelet!

This seems easy enough to make and it looks nice and cozy for Fall/Winter!

This does call for 8 balls total of yarn (of Loop-d-Loop yarn) but that's 'cause it's worked with holding 3 strands at a time!

Well... at least the pattern is FREE!

Vogue Knitting Magazine Holiday 2011 Issue!

2011-11-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

YAY!

The latest issue of Vogue Knitting is in stores now!

I always look forward to their Holiday issue.

How gorgeous is the Martha cover!

I'm not usually a Martha fan (oh, get off my case... I didn't say I hate her. I just don't love her, is all...)

But I do love this cover!

As always, I'm happy to see the Twinkle in here.

And I'm loving these cables!

I'm excited for this latest issue!

If you have a chance, check out the VK360 page!

It's always nice to see a pattern from all sides and helpful to see how it wears!

Happy Halloween!!!!

2011-10-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Lion Brand Can D. Corn Bib and Count D. Bib!

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!!!

Knit & Pearl Boutique - Santa Barbara, CA

2011-10-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

We were in Santa Barbara for a few days for a quick lovely get-a-way

and we came across this cute little knit shop.

Fortunately (for El Hub) or Unfortunately (for me), they were closed.

Knit & Pearl Boutique is located at:

5 E. Figueroa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Yarn on the House - Susan B. Anderson YouTube Interview!

2011-10-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Well... as you know, we don't have TV.

Besides watching Hulu and Netflix (streaming), I also love to watch YouTube!

So I was so excited last night to find these YouTube interviews with Susan B. Anderson of Spud & Chloe!

I love love love reading her blog as well as the Spud & Chloe blog.

I check them daily!

I wasn't familiar with Yarn on the House 'til last night and I love the idea of these knitter interviews!

Brilliant!

Here is her interview with Susan B. Anderson!

I hope Yarn on the House makes more videos!

I love 'em!

The Gap - Cable Sweaters

2011-10-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

This was in my email inbox this morning and it seems that...

Cable knits is having a moment!

You know I love my cables so this email caught my attention.

This email ad is from The Gap (which I rarely shop at but for some reason am on their e-list!).

Here's some Cable sweaters on their site...

The cable-front on this one reminds me of a Twinkle sweater.
I kinda like it... and it's on Sale!

This isn't something I'd wear. I'm not sayin' it's ugly.
I'm just saying it's not somethin' I'd wear.
Don't get all crazy on me.
:)

It seems Gap is having a quite a sale and a lot of things are up to 50% off!

Nice!

Lion Brand Think Pink! Yarns for October

2011-10-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Lion blog has posted a nice chart of their different yarns in various pinks.

I love the Cotton-Ease Berry color.

I always supposed Breast Cancer Awareness 'cause I love pink and every year I'd look forward to October when all the fun pink lipsticks would come out from Stila and Estee Lauder.

Unfortunately, as the years have gone by, I've started to be affected by this awful cancer personally.

Earlier this year, I lost an old friend to cancer.

My sister-in-law's sister battled breast cancer this year and my BFF has to be checked every 3 months from here on out due to some silly tumors in her breasts.

It's just too much and it really bums me out.

:-/

Anyway, I didn't mean to become such a Debbie Downer.

I love all this pink yarn and if there are 2 things I can do well...

It's knit and shop.

And if both of those happen to support Breast Cancer Awareness, then I will do my part and shop!

:)

VK Live! (LA) - Trendsetters Fashion Show

2011-09-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

I was able to catch the Trendsetter Yarns fashion show between my classes and it was reallly nice!

I'm not familiar with the Trendsetter yarns at all but from what I could see, they seem nice and luxurious!

Here's a few of the things that I liked (and the few pics that came out ok.)

Keep in mind, this is pre-photography class! :)

Love this rectangle cardi!

There is a specific name for this stitch and for the life of me, I can't remember what it's called. But it's nice.

Kudos to the announcer (who's in the left towards the back, in this photo above).

During his podium talk of each sweater, the Ferraris were leaving the convention they'd been attending and they were revving their engines soooooo loud and doing big burn-outs!

The announcer handled the loudness well and did a great job of making it funny.

VK Live! (LA) - Photography for Knitters with Amy Swenson

2011-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

My 2nd class for the day was with Amy Swenson of Indi Girl!

Amy is a knitting and crochet designer as well as photographer extraordinaire AND a software engineer (which El Hub focused and fixated on ALL the rest of the day as he is a programmer!).

Automatically, she was tops in his book 'cause she's a software engineer. Nevermind that she's a fabulous designer and takes amazing photos...

ANYWAY!

This was a nice sized class and I'm amazed more people didn't take this class.

With all the Ravelry posters and bloggers out there, we all need to improve our crafting photography skills!

Amy's class was great but thing I loved most about it was that it was Hands On!

We got to go outside and try to photograph our works or works in progress so we could get feedback and help from Amy.

Afterward, we came back and shared/discussed what we learned.

Four gals in the class grouped together and really took off with what they learned! They took some amazing photos that I would have believed to be professional.

They were great!

I only had my swatch to photograph plus the yarn I received in Josh Bennett's class so that's what I have to show you.

I'll show you pictures that I took before getting feedback from Amy.

If you've been following my blog at all, you know that my pics skills can use some upgrading!

Pre-feedback:

Bad...

Then after feedback...

Better, huh?

Not bad!

I really learned a lot from Amy (so expect to see some fancy photos on here from now on)!

I know this is going to sound so dumb but, it's even the little things like taking your work outside to photograph, that I never even thought to do!

I always just plop by Finished Object on the kitchen table and take a few pictures to post!

Sure it may give a fair representation of what the Finished Object is but...

is it exciting to look at!

Already after this class, I've started looking differently at how I photograph everything. Not just my knitting.

Amy really taught me how to see things differently compositionally.

If you can, take a look at Amy's patterns and you'll get to see her beautiful designs as well as her photographs.

Thank you, Amy!

VK Live! (LA) - Custom Knitting Design with Josh Bennett

2011-09-27T12:14:00.000-07:00

I took two wonderful classes at VK Live in LA and my first class was at 8 a.m.!

(Zzz...)

I am not a morning person AT ALL but I was up at 5:45a to be out the door by 6:30a and get to Culver City by 7:30a so I could register for my classes!

(I didn't want to be late for school! :)

Fortunately, a few cups of coffee helped... and this class was AWESOME!

Our class was taught by Josh Bennett of Boy Meets Purl. He came from New York for the weekend to teach and he was an excellent teacher!

Our class was three hours long and while that sounds like a long time, it went by sooooo fast!

He took us through the basics of using gauge and body measurements to create a basic sweater pattern!

Now... I'm not gonna lie. I suck at Math. :'(

So I was a bit confused throughout the class.

Not because of Josh. But because I am slow (and I'm not ashamed to say it!).

The class moves fairly quickly, as it should. I just need to be taught like a kindergardener.

But I still learned sooooooo much!

I learned so many tips and tricks that are priceless and not found in any knitting book.

I brought all my notes home and El Hub is helping me understand the math better which is great because...

my first project is to make him a basic sweater vest!

(he has been asking me to make him a sweater with a 'computer image' on the front since forever!)

So we'll see how it goes and I'm so excited to try my new design skills!

Josh has a lot of exciting things going on and his story is pretty amazing! (he's pretty much living my dream life... you know, the one where I live in New York and I knit for career).

Anyway, many of his designs are featured in Vogue Knitting.

He's currently teaming up with Rowan (Per their request! They sought him out!) and he was sweet enough to share some of their yarn with us!!!

YAY!!!!

If you happen to be in NY for the next VK Live 2012, sign up for his classes!

You will have so much fun AND learn a lot!

Thank you, Josh!

VK Live - Los Angeles!

2011-09-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

YAY!

I went to VK Live and it was awesome!!!

I took 2 classes and was able to catch one fashion show!

Here are the separate posts on those:

Custom Knitting Design with Josh Bennett

Photography for Knitters with Amy Swenson

Trendsetters Fashion Show

El Hub asked me to tell you 3 things I saw that others might not tell you.

So let's see...

1) There was a Ferrari convention going that same weekend at the Hyatt Century City. It was the CarWoo! Fog Rally where a TON of fancy-dancy Ferraris met after driving from SF to LA for charity!

2) I saw knitters everywhere! Sitting! Standing! Everyone and everytime was knitting... at ALL times!

3) Yarn Bombing!

Alexander Wang Bias Rib Knit Pullover

2011-09-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Oh... wonderful sweater...

How I love thee...

Why must you be...

So Super Pricey...

la la la...

do do do...

Alexander Wang Bias Rib Knit Pullover...

$495.00 freakin' dollars...

Gah!

$#%&^(*(&!

UFO: Weekend in Stockholm Crochet Throw

2011-09-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Oh wow...

The UFO of all UFOs is done.

I can't even believe it!

The Weekend in Stockholm throw is done!

I honestly can't even remember when I started this project but it has taken me FOREVER to finish and now it's done!!!

So if you missed any of my other posts on this crazy project, you can see them here:

Round 1 How To

Round 2 How To

Round 3 How To

Looks like I started this back around April 7th, 2010.

By April 19th, still excited about the project...

By May 31st, slowing down...

And by July 3rd, pretty much over it!

I really enjoyed making the How To videos and now that I'm a bit better with it, hopefully I can make more!

This final edging around the throw was really easy to do.

It's just a series of 6 triple crochet (tr) in a double crochet (dc) and then skip over 2 double crochet and single crochet in the next dc.

And just keep going all the way around!

Looks ok!

So, if you notice, some colors are different in my throw.

There were 2 color schemes that I was not crazy about (the purple and red combo) so I decided to make my own color combos!

Then, just as I was about done with this thing, I happened to be in Joann's one day and saw that they had a GORGEOUS shade of Orange called Clementine!

So naturally I incorporated that into my throw too!

I'm not even sure what I was thinking or how this even happened but, somehow I had made 3 extra random squares.

My initial thought was to just toss 'em but...

I seem to be flat-out nuts these days so went ahead and made 5 more squares to complete & add one more row.

I was like, "Seriously! Please! Make it stop!"

:)

I'm glad I did though 'cause now that it's done, it looks great and is just that much longer, which is nice!

I'm sooooooo glad that this throw is done. I love it.

And of course, now that this thing is done...

no one is allowed to touch it or use it!

:)

(Kidding! Kinda...)

New Yarn! - Lion Brand Martha Stewart Crafts Yarn

2011-09-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

This just in!

Received my Weekly Stitch email email from Lion this morning and they are rolling out some new yarns by Martha Stewart!

Some of these look great! I'm excited about the Alpaca Blend and the Extra Soft Wool Blend. Even though it bums me out that they both contain acrylic, at least it's not almost all acrylic.

"Glitter Eyelash"... I dunno why but that makes me laugh. I'd never make anything with that. :)

I'm happy to see that the "Lofty Wool Blend" is more wool than acrylic.

The two that excite me the most are the Merino and Roving Wool. Both are 100% wool each and they look super chunky & cozy! I like the colors too!

Soft muted greens (think sea foam & sage), soft pinks and light lilacs.

Nice!

Price point doesn't seem to be too bad either!

These average about $5.00 bucks a skein, which is about normal for a Lion yarn.

Can't wait to try these!

NYFW Spring 2012 - Rodarte

2011-09-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Oh My Gawd!!!

As you know, Fashion Week kicked off last week (with Fashion's Night Out).

Every season, I always hold my breath for two shows. Rodarte and Twinkle by Wenlan.

Rodarte went on Tuesday (Sept. 13th) and as usual, it did not disappoint.

It was brilliant and beautiful!

For Spring 2012, the Mulleavy sisters were inspired by Van Gogh's works, two in particular.

His The Starry Night and Sunflowers.

We'll get these knit sweaters out of the way.

These are beautiful and we love them!

(kidding... they're great. See the contrast in fabrics - knit and sheer. Beautiful.)

OK... Now on to the Art!

Gorgeous flowy dresses inspired by Van Gogh's The Starry Night.

Beautiful prints.

Again, the constant running theme I see in the Mulleavy's works are juxtapositions of contrasts.

Soft fabrics with tough textures.

In this case, dark brooding colors on light flowy fabric.

This dress must have as much texture to the fabric as this painting has texture on its canvas.

If you've seen Van Gogh's works up close and personal, then you see how brilliant these next set of dresses are.

The lines in this green skirt are exactly like the textured lines in Van Gogh's works (like his Self Portrait, above).

Thick wavy lines of paint give movement to his works.

The rouching in these dresses give movement to the clothes.

Love these deep midnight blue/indigo purples.

This dress looks like a dark midnight sky.

Love those lines!

No comparison for this dress... I just like it and it's totally something I'd wear:

Bravo! Mulleavy Sisters! You're awesome!

Friends TV Series - Rachel's Heart Sweater

2011-08-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, we don't have TV.

No! We're not snobby pretentious a-holes!

We're just not TV watchers.

We'd just rather be knitting, reading, computing or out cocktailing.

;-)

Anyway...

From time to time, I do need to tune out and that's when I'll throw a DVD into the laptop.

Lately, I've been watching Friends and I came across this cute sweater on "Rachel" from Season 3, Episode 4 ("The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel").

I think this sweater is so cute and it would be perfect to wear on Valentine's Day! (which I know is like 1/2 a year away...) :)

Seems easy enough to make.

I found this cute sweater pattern from the Loop-d-Loop book (which, by the way, was 3.00 bucks at the Borders blowout sale!).

I'd like to try and make this Friends heart sweater. Will let you know if I do!

Etsy: Vintage Knit and Crochet PDF Pattern 025 Hot Pants from WonkyZebra

2011-08-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Ok... I was gonna make fun of this, but...

I actually kinda really like it! :)

This is totally something I'd make, and then NEVER wear it.

I don't even know how I came across this!

I was searching Etsy last night for crochet bibs and then, the next thing I know...

I'm showing this to El Hub, tee-hee'ing about their poses and thinking that there's just something really funny about this.

This Etsy shop is WonkyZebra and they have ALL KINDSA fun '70s retro patterns on there!

I dunno why but, kinda want one...

UFO: Lion Brand Easter Bunny

2011-08-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Well here's the bunny rabbit I made for Easter... which was just FOUR Months ago!!!

Well... this one didn't come out as cute as the picture:

and that's ok.

It's done and, at this point...

I don't care. I'm just glad it's done!

This pattern is from the Lion Brand site and it's the Easter Bunny (Pattern # L0137AD).

I used the suggested yarn which is the Lion Superwash Merino Cashmere and it was really nice to work with.

It's Weight Category # 4, which is a medium weight and it's made of 72% Superwash Merino, 15% Nylon and 13% Cashmere.

Hey! Any cashmere is better than no cashmere!

It's super soft and did not get linty or fuzzy at all!

This pattern is easy 'cause it's just a basic Knit 1 row, Purl 1 row with some decreases and increases in there.

It's worked on size 4 needles and works fairly quickly.

As always, I work on circulars...

I like that your work never slides off the needles with circulars.

The lil ears!

Maybe I didn't stuff it enough???

El Hub LOVES to make fun of this one and before I'd sewn the face on, continuously reminded me of how much it looked like a voodoo doll...

He said it looks like a stuffed sock and that I coulda saved time and just stuffed one of his gym socks.

Great! Thanks!

;-)

I don't care. At least it's done...

UFO - Fingerless Gloves - Wedding Knits by Suss Cousins

2011-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

And, these are done...

These were supposed to be my Maid of Honor gift to my Best Friend for being in my wedding...

Um, that was FOUR YEARS AGO!!!

And I finally finished them last month.

The good news is that she is always freezing (even in this 90 degree weather we're havin') so it's actually ok!

I used the Patons Brilliant (which is now in the Discontinued bin... that's how OLD this project is) and I will say...

This is about the itchiest yarn I've ever felt!

No wonder it's discontinued!

Visually, it's a beautiful yarn. It has little hints of silver shimmer.

And it worked up really well. The yarn laid nice and flat. It did not unravel as I worked it.

But when I tried these gloves on, my arms were dyin'! They were itchy!

This pattern is super easy (which is all the more embarrasing that it took me so long to finish this project).

It's a simple k1, p1 rib all the way.

The thumbhole was easy to make with adding another skein of yarn and working from two sides.

There is a teeny bit of increase in this pattern towards the end (upper arm area) which is easy.

Come to think of it, this project would be a good starter for someone just learning how to knit!

Anyway... I finally gave these to by BFF and she said "Thanks... I'll wear these when it's not 90 degrees out."

Well she better!

Vogue Knitting Magazine Fall 2011 Issue!

2011-08-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Vogue's 2011 Fall Issue is coming out soon and their preview is up online now!!!

You know I love my Twinkle and fortunately there are two Twinkle patterns in this issue!

I really like both and it seems they'd both work pretty quickly!

This is cute too...

Check out the Vogue 360 as it's updated for Fall 2011 as well!

Free Pattern!!! - Debbie Bliss Garter Stitch Jacket

2011-07-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

Yay! Free Pattern Time!

Debbie Bliss has a new Free Pattern up on her site!

This one's super cute and I'll be adding it to the already long list of things I'd like to make after I finish my long list of UFOs.

This is a Garter Stitch Jacket knit with Debbie Bliss Bella Yarn, which is a Cotton/Silk/Cashmere blend and knit on US size 6 knitting needles...

Sounds soft and cozy!

I'm loving this cherry red color.

Fabulous!!!

Paper Source Crafter's Night Out Event - Bastille Day

2011-07-22T23:03:00.000-07:00

Last week, I went to a Craft Night class at my local Paper Source.

This is just about one of my all time favorite stores in the whole wide world!!!

The crafter in me goes melty everytime I set foot in there. Who knew an entire store full of paper would drive me nuts! (in a good way, of course...)

I've been to a few of their craft nights and last week's was on Bastille Day!

So we made all things French!

We started off by making magnets, which I thought was brilliant!

With left over random pieces of thick French postal decoration paper, we used the Xyron machine to make the paper adhesive and then stuck it on to the magnet sheet. Then we cut the magnet sheet into shapes we liked! Love it! This would make a great (quick, easy, fun) Christmas present!

Then, we made pretty cards and decorated sheer envelopes with stamps.

Then we made fans... which I'm not sure what you'd use for but I love that we got to use the eyelet setter!

We decorated clothes pins with paper. It's not so much that I get excited about clothes pins as I get excited about covering EVERYTHING with paper!

Finally... we made these teeny-weeny tinsy lil envelopes with little eedy-beedy cards.

I know... Completely impractical but absolutely adorable!!!

God, I love that store!!!

UFOs...

2011-07-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm finally feeling back up to knitting (and making things in general), I've been wanting to start a new project!

I really liked this Sketchbook Cardigan from Lion's Studio Knit-along.

I thought it'd be fun to join in on this knit-along (all the way from the West Coast) until I thought, "oh wait... I have like 10 UFOs that I should probably power through..."

Then, the knitting (and crochet) world went nuts (along with everyone else) for Kate Middleton's Minne Rose green Grocery Shopping Shawl...

And I decided that I needed to make this for myself too...

Until I remembered again... I have like 20 UFOs sitting in a huge storage tub, waiting to be finished!

So I have decided that before I start ANYTHING else, I'm going to power through those UFOs.

I'll post them lil by lil and hopefully be done sooner than later!

It's like shopping in your closet...

HowTo: Weekend in Stockholm Crochet Throw Round 1 (Debbie Stoller)

2011-07-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Gina for her comment on the Round 2 video of the Weekend in Stockholm Crochet Throw! Here's a video for Round 1...

Gina's comment has motivated me to pick this back up and keep on workin' on it!

I'm focused on my UFOs these days, which I'll show you in another post.

I can definitely add this to the long list of UFOs that I need to power through! :)

Here is the video for Round 2 and Round 3...

And at my YouTube channel!

Back in the Saddle...

2011-06-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a long time and I'm sorry.

I have been out of sorts these past couple of months and have not been in much of a knitting or blogging mood.

I've been rethinking the whole blog thing for a couple of weeks now.

It's funny how things come in waves or groups.

Within the last 3 weeks, four of the (non-knitting related) blogs that I follow have rethought their blogging focus or have decided to just flat out take a break from their blogging, all for various random different reasons.

I started wondering & got to thinking if the time of the blog was done.

It made sense to me since I've not been in much of a writing mood lately and thought maybe my time had come to an end too...

But I still have things to say and knitting learning to share so I'm sticking around.

Having said that, I'm not knitting anything right now!

But I will.

I'll get back into it and I think I'll start with one of the like 10 UFO's that I need to complete.

Rodarte - NYFW Fall 2011

2011-02-16T23:39:00.000-08:00

YAY! Fashion Week is upon us once again!

You know I love my Rodarte.

I look forward to their collections every season and I love that they always incorporate some form of knitwear.

This season's no different and it's quite interesting!!!

There's something going on with Prairie and Americana right now...

From Jeannette Walls 'real-life novel' Half Broke Horses about her grandmother's ranch life to model-of-the-moment Arizona Muse's beautiful south-west inspired Manifest Destiny in the February 2011 issue of Vogue.

It seems the Mulleavy sisters were inspired by some time they spent in North Dakota, as well as by a movie called Days of Heaven and the Great American Plains.

There is something a bit 'YFZ'-ish about some of these pieces, which is kinda odd and haunting, but that's what makes them so cool.

One of the things I always love about Rodarte's collections is that they usually incorporate some type of juxtaposition between textures. Soft flowy fabrics with stiff course materials. I love seeing how they play these two up.

Here, they do it with knit vs. fabric.

It's in the dress above with the light flowy material of the dress and the solid stiff fabric of the long coat.

These loose-fit knit sweaters with the geometric shapes have a bit of an '80s quality to them.

I do love these neutral shades, tho...

The colors in this one being my favorite! You know I love my taupey-neutrals!

Does anyone else see Ad Reinhardt's Abstract Painting (1957) in this sweater?

Some other random pieces from this collection that I love:

I Love! Love! Love! the A-Line shape of this dress!

LOVE this fabric and gold color!!! This fabric has such great movement. It's like liquid! I think this would make a great nail polish color.

Beautiful shape and movement. I'd absolutely wear this!

I LOVE this one. I love how it's fluid and drapey. You know I love anything angular.

I get such a kick out of this one!

Again, I love the blending if different textures. That silky chiffony dress under a solid stiff apron like upper dress.

LOVE IT!

Vogue Knitting Live!

2011-02-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

Yay!!!

The Vogue Knitting Live site has been updated and it shows that it will be in L.A. later this year!!!

Can't wait!

Are you going?

Love is in the air!

2011-02-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner (as well as my 4 year Wedding Anniversary just a couple of days away - YAY!), love is definitely in the air around here!

So to get us in the mood...

Here's a lil mood music:

And some cute Valentine's patterns!

You know I love my Spud & Chloe.

So here's some cute lovey-dovey patterns from Susan B. Anderson...

;-)

Sweetheart Hat Pattern

Heart on a String Hat Pattern

(you've seen this one on here before)

Heart Tape Measure Pattern

Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine Spring/Summer 2011 issue

2011-01-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

Yay!!!

The new issue of Debbie Bliss is up on their website and according to their FB page, the new issue is out next week!

And!!! According to their site, all patterns will be new!!!

Yay!

Per website and FB:

Welcome to the new Debbie Bliss Magazine! Beginning with this issue, all of the projects in our fashion section will be brand new, designed solely for these pages. We'll also bring you more up-front features as well, starting with an article on mohair and also on the huge revival in lace knitting.

Here's a teaser preview!

Yay! Can't wait til next week!

Lion Brand Ed's Hat (Pattern # 80200AD)

2011-01-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Lion Brand Ed's Hat (Pattern # 80200AD)

Yarn:
Spud & Chloe Outer in 7201 (Flannel)
Blue Sky Bulky in 1219 (Atlantis)

Needles: Size 13 - 16" inch circulars

Well, I won't bore you with too many details on this one...

Considering I've made this hat at least 10 times!

;-)

This one's for my other nephew, who's a Sk8er Boy! ;-)

He is funny... He wanted a hat with a Pom Pom.

I said, "Done!"

I had not made a Pom Pom before so I checked a How To out on the old internet.

Here's a nice one on the Hipknitized site.

The one skein of Spud & Chloe Outer wasn't enough to finish the hat so I used the rest of Hubby's Blue Sky Bulky.

It came out pretty cool!

Spud & Chloe Heart on a String Hat (without the heart on a string)

2011-01-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Spud & Chloe Heart on a String Hat

Yarn:
* Spud & Chloe Sweater in 7514 (Turtle)
* Small Balls (Yarn Candy - Pick Up Sticks) in Moss

Needles: Size 11 - 16" circular needles

So this one's for my nephew. He loves his RC Cars (radio controlled cars) and had asked a couple of months ago if I could make him a beanie with "RC" on it.

Unfortunately, my "R" and "C" are a bit further apart than I would have liked...

But hopefully he won't care and he'll like it and wear it!

I really liked this Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn (another excuse to try this yarn!). It does not shed or get linty. It's really soft and feels great in the hands! I'll be curious to hear how it washes. I should chuck in the washer myself just to see what happens to it but I'd kinda like to just get it off to him.

They had this yarn (at my LYS) called Small Balls (Yarn Candy) and it was perfect for the letters cause I didn't need much and I didn't wanna buy a whole skein just for 2 letters.

It worked out perfectly and I have quite a bit leftover! Maybe I'll crochet a flower outta it or something...

Here's what the inside looks like:

I used graph paper to make my chart out...

I wish I had made my letters just a lil bit smaller and definitely a bit closer!

Oh well...

Now I know for next time!

Knitting Today! Magazine January/February 2011 Issue

2011-01-06T10:24:00.003-08:00

I had popped in to the bookstore to try & buy the latest issue of Vogue Knitting...

and I saw the latest issue of Knitting Today! instead!

I thought this Camel Cape was cute.

And I LOVE this hat!!! (I want it for myself!)

But I LOVE love!

Yes... I do still make my Hubby celebrate our 'Monthiversary'!!!

We will be romantic, if it kills us! :)

Cute!!!

The latest issue of Knitting Today! is out now!

Tahki Stacy Charles Baby Cabled Hat with Chin Strap

2011-01-05T21:19:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Tahki Stacy Charles Baby Cabled Hat with Chin Strap

Yarn:
    * Spud & Chloe Outer in 7206 (Sunkissed)
    * Spud & Chloe Outer in 7205 (Sequoia)

Needles: Size 13 - 16" circular needles

And this is done!

This is a belated Christmas gift for my lil niece!

She saw a hat like this while we were walking through Nordies one day and asked if I could make her one like it!

Of course I said "Sure!!!" and then took forever to do it.

;-)

I used Spud & Chloe's Outer and I LOVED it!

I'd been waiting for an excuse to try this yarn out and I thought it was perfect for this hat project.

It's made of a wool/organic cotton blend and I like that it didn't get linty and hairy like the Blue Sky Bulky did.

And it's nice and soft!

I just hope it retains its shape (on of my big beefs with yarn these days).

I did modify this pattern just a bit...

The "modification" being that I ran out of yarn!

The pattern calls for a crochet rim around the hat, which I didn't do.

It also calls for one long strap and one short strap.

I wanted to do 2 long straps and in the end, it didn't matter since I ran outta yarn.

Still looks ok, though?

I'll have to get a pic of my niece wearing it!

Vogue Knitting Magazine Winter Issue

2011-01-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Yay!!!

The latest issue of Vogue Knitting is out today!!!

AND!!!!!!

There's a Twinkle pattern in it!!!!

Double-YAY!

Even though I'll probably never make this, I'm soooooo happy to see a new Twinkle pattern in this issue!

It's classic Twinkle with cables and chunky yarn goodness!

And speaking of cables, this is cute too:

You know I love my mags!

The latest issue of Vogue Knitting goes on sale January 3rd!

(per their Facebook page).

Spud & Chloe Boy Meets Girl Hats (Pattern # 9201)

2011-01-02T22:08:00.000-08:00

Pattern: Spud & Chloe Boy Meets Girl Hats (Pattern # 9201)

Yarn:

Blue Sky Bulky in 1212 (Grasshopper)
Blue Sky Bulky in 1219 (Atlantis)
Blue Sky Bulky Naturals in 1006 (Brown Bear)

Size 11 - 16" circular needles

Well I love the Spud & Chloe patterns...

And you know I follow their blog religiously.

I've made two things (the Braided Scarf and the Heart on a String hat) from the free patterns on their blog and they were so easy & came out so cute!

This hat was just as easy to make and came out great!

I made this hat for Hubby 'cause he gets so cold in our tile house!

He picked out the yarn and the colors and I thought the combo came out great!

Hubby was drawn to this hat because of the sides that cover his ears.

He is a surfer and his head (and ears) get soooo cold after a long surf session.

He's always looking for a hat to cover his head and keep his ears warm & this hat seemed perfect!

(isn't he cute!) :)

I did a combo of the two patterns 'cause I thought it suited him better.

I made the ear-flaps & body like the Woman's Hat...

and I made the graphics from Chart 2 (from the Men's Hat).

I thought the checker pattern fit Hubby better. :)

Ok... So I know this is totally silly but...

I LOVE that the way this pattern is presented is like a sewing pattern!

It's such a cute way of packaging & presenting a pattern!

The paper instructions come in a cute little envelope, similar to the way a sewing pattern comes in an envelope.

There is an actual 'Pattern No' (just as sewing patterns have #'s) and they have broken it down by Level, Materials, Size, etc.

It's toooooo cute!

(yes, I am a sucker for packaging and marketing...)

(oh, and all things cute...)

The Blue Sky Bulky yarn is 50% Alpaca and 50% Wool.

I do like it but boy is it linty!

I had little lint hairs all over whatever I was wearing whenever I worked on this hat!

Not bad or good... Just an observation (although I do catch Hubby pulling little hairs off his stubble whenever he wears this hat).

Per Hubby... his comments are:

Hubby likes that the hat is snug ('tight') on his head.

He said it feels pretty warm and heavy (which he likes).

He likes the 'checker board' pattern.

We are interested to see if this hat will stretch.

That is a pet peeve of ours that we find in more inexpensive (ahem... cheaper-quality) yarns...

I have found that when I've made things with an Acrylic/Wool blend (heavier on the Acrylic than the Wool), whatever 'it' is tends to stretch out.

So we are curious to see how this yarn will hold up.

Will let you know!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!!

So, I know I haven't been so good lately but...

One of my New Year's resolutions for this 2011 is to be better at Blogging!

I'd like to try and update my lil Knittin' blog daily.

I know that will be a bit of a stretch but I'd like to at least try!

I'd also like to be better about my content.

Hopefully this year, I'll add info that will be useful to you and helpful with knitting technique and yarn use.

Happy 2011!

Twinkle's Seventh Avenue (Classic Elite Yarns)

2010-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun post from the Classic Elite Blog on the latest Fall 2010 booklet from Twinkle - Twinkle's Seventh Avenue!

Yay! Finally, more patterns from Twinkle!

There are 6 new designs in the booklet and they all call for Twinkle's Soft Chunky yarn.

I love this...

Here it is on the runway! Looks good, huh?

And how cute is this?!

They're all cute patterns and now I am in search of this booklet!

Will let you know when I find it!

Anthropologie Ball of Yarn Candle

2010-12-02T23:33:00.000-08:00

For the life of me, I can not remember where I stumbled upon this cute Anthropologie Ball of Yarn Candle.

I'm assuming it's one of the many knittin' blogs I follow but I can't find it anywhere now!

Anyways! :)

It's cute, huh?

$20.00 at Anthropologie.

Moskatels - Downtown L.A.

2010-11-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

Um...

How in the world was I not prepared to buy yarn, especially at 20% off!

Went to the Flower Mart in Downtown L.A. and popped into Moskatel's since we were right there!

This is a crazy big craft store with anything and everything you could want or need in crafting!

Like EVERYTHING!

Decorations, Candles, Stamps, Wedding Stuff, Baby Shower Stuff, Whoozits and Whatzits!

But on a huge scale. Like for professionals!

Fortunately, I stumbled down their yarn aisle and all yarn (except for Red Heart) was 20% off!

Unfortunately, I had nothing to buy for...

They really do have a nice BIG selection of different yarn and brands.

Everything from Lion to Bernat to Caron.

I'm not sure how long that sale was lasting but I wish I'd had a project to buy for...

:)

Moskatels is at:

738 Wall Street

Los Angeles, CA 90014-2316

(213) 689-4590

Purl Soho - Tustin, CA

2010-11-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

When we were in New York last winter, one of the many yarn shops I visited on my Yarn Crawl was Purl Soho.

I knew their warehouse was here in California and their cute little shop in Manhattan.

You know I follow their blog Purl Bee religiously...

But I also follow a local (Orange County, CA) blog called Inchmark!

Well, Thank God she had a post about the Purl Soho warehouse being open to the public 'cause my mom and I went!!!

This little warehouse has so much good stuff!

Mom was really excited about the material (as she's a quilter) and I was really excited about the yarn!

I was good, though and didn't buy any... (THIS time!) :)

I did buy this cute retro material, though and I love it!

I LOVE these colors!

I decided to make some retro cool napkins for our new 1950's table!

And I also made some place mats to go with the cool napkins!

YAY!!!!

I love this retro chair pattern!

This material is called Circa 50 from Birch Organic Fabrics and I think the name fits it perfectly!

Now...

I don't normally get into the whole 'organic' thing (I'm not a very organic gal) but I can tell you that there's definitely a difference in the feel of this fabric.

It does seem to be higher quality and it has a nice soft feel to it. It's not scratchy, as some Cotton fabrics can be.

It feels gooooooood...

These came out cute, huh?

I love both sides and I love those colors!

These will make great place mats for our new 1950's table, which I just realized I did not take a picture of our table and place mat together!

Will get it together and do tomorrow.

In the meantime...

What in the world is this and why did I not see it at the Purl Soho warehouse!

Must go back and buy this...
:)

The Purl Soho Warehouse is at:

15431 Redhill Ave

Suite D
Tustin CA 92780
(800) 597-PURL

It is open to the public and you can go from 9 AM to 2:30 PM, Tuesday through Friday.

For sure, go if you can!

New Project!!! - Asymmetrical Vest (pattern from Yarn Lady)!

2010-11-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

Yay! A new project to work on!

After all these booties and crochet bibs, I was seriously looking for a new project that would

keep my attention
not be teeny-tiny

I have a lot of UFO's lying around but, why finish those when I can start something new?!

;-)

This pattern is from my LYS and I love it!

It's so fast and easy!

Now... I'm not typically a 'vest' girl.

But I did think it was cute and I think I can funk it up my own way. :)

I've finished the back so far...

And now I'm working on the right side...

The pattern didn't call for any specific yarn to use, so I'm using the Debbie Stoller Bamboo Ewe in Mercury, which I luv!!!

It's a gorgeous shade of blue-ish grey.

You know I love my taupey neutrals.

New Magazine!

2010-10-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

A new magazine!!! YAY!!

You know I love my mags... So naturally I was super excited when I saw this Knitting today!

I'm always happy to see any new take on knitting and patterns.

This is a holiday issue so a lot of it is 'wintery' stuff...

But there are some cute things in there, like this Miss Susie Scarf Wrap.

And I do like how the pattern gives additional instructions to make it 'adult' size (not just kid size).

This 'Chi-Chi Slouchy Beret' hat is cute. (Is that supposed to be like "she-she"? Or "shi-shi"?)

:)

I have hats on the brain as I'm thinking ahead to mass quantity Christmas presents.

Last year, it was the Cowl that everyone got for Christmas (well... the gals, at least).

I was reading the latest issue of People StyleWatch (yes, I love it!) and apparently slouchy knit hats are in this season (like what cowls were to last winter season).

Which is nice cause I can definitely power out the hats.

:)

Lion Brand Can D. Corn Bib (Pattern #: 90520)

2010-10-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

Cute!!

Finished this little guy from the Lion Halloween Crochet Bib collection and it came out so cute!

This one's very cute and just as easy to make!

It's also just as tiny.

Here it is, next to a regular sized Halloween Card!

(He's a cute little Count Dracula!!!)

Count D. and Can D. Corn together!

Vogue Knitting Holiday 2010

2010-10-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! The holiday issue of Vogue Knitting is up on their website!

Still no Twinkle in this one...

But there are a ton of other cute patterns in there!

I really like this circle vest...

And I find this scarf interesting. I like that it has texture. Seems easy enough to work up! A potential 'Power 'em Out' Christmas present idea?

And I honestly can't figure this one out... But that's what I like about it!

I know... More pink scarves. But I like this one.

I like that it's light and chunky at the same time (as opposed to chunky yarn to create a bulky feel). And I do like that shade of pink!

This one too... It just looks cozy!

This issue goes on sale November 9th!

Halloween Yarn Ball Wreath - Write it Down

2010-10-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

Ok... How cute is this Halloween Wreath!?!?!

This wreath is courtesy of

Write It Down.

(I came across it through the CasaSugar site)

This is so cute and I'd love to try and make it!

It comes at a perfect time as,

I have a cute Fall wreath from Paper Source but I can not find it anywhere!

So this might be a nice Halloween wreath, til I find my Fall wreath.

Knit Placemats - 1950's retro table!

2010-10-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Yay!

Did I tell you we got a new dining room table?!

El Hub were up in Fullerton, exploring downtown when we came across this lil vintage shop where our table was waiting for us!

And I love it!!!

It's very retro.

It is an original table from the 1950's and it's in great condition, from the original owners!

Of course, now I feel we need some great placemats to go with it!

I'm liking these "Choose Your Own Adventure" from KnitPicks.

(anyone remember the old "Choose your own adventure" books from childhood?

Or am I totally dating myself?) :)

And I'm really liking these "Seedy Diner" placemats from Craft Leftovers!

They're really cute and pretty much what I had in mind!

OMG... and look at these! I know these aren't knit but...

They're so cute!

These are from Swizzlestix, which has a TON of cute retro fun patterned stuff!

Knitting Industry Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice article from the Examiner from October 4th on how the knitting industry is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is a nice list of the yarns that sites that contribute something to Breast Cancer Awareness for the month.

From Bernat to Mary Maxim, and even the fun Knitty PDF mini-issue!

It's neat to see so many actively participate in such a great cause. :)

Classic Elite Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Scarves Series!

2010-10-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Classic Elite Web-Letter has a nice write up about Breast Cancer Awareness month as well as their Blog (YAY! A new blog to follow!). :)

For the month of October, they are doing a Pink Scarf Project.

For four (4) weeks, they'll feature free scarf patterns to recognize survivors as well as those who have lost their battle. :-/

I really like this scarf from Meg.

I like that shade of pink and I like the way she's wearing it.

I like that it's something different than a standard basic scarf.