Monday, July 16, 2007
The Yarn Harlot has posted several times about how sometimes a yarn doesn't want to follow the plan you have picked out for them. I understood, but not as fully and completely as I do after the epic Koigu journey.PART ONE
It all started two years ago when my cousin announced that she was pregnant with her second child. I had started knitting a year previously, and knew that this would be my first opportunity to create a beautiful heirloom that would be cherised for generations to come. I did not have a plan, but I knew that I would be knitting the infamous Big Bad Baby Blanket from SnB.
A few weeks later, during Christmas break, I found myself at one of Winnipeg's best yarn stores. They were having their annual New Year's sale, and they were selling Koigu at a discount. KOIGU AT A DISCOUNT!!!! My fate was sealed as I fondled and fell for six lucious hanks of variagated blue. I paid no attention to the fact that the store only had six hanks, and I needed eight. Koigu. At. A. Discount. How hard would it be to find two hanks of the same colour and dyelot?
Apparently quite hard. After returning home, I let my search for the two remaining hanks slide for several months. In the Spring, I decided it was about time to finally buy them. I looked at all the links that I had recorded on my computer. It was all gone, the entire population had been purchased.
Shit.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
I know, I know. I haven't blogged in quite a while, but that stops now. The reason why I wasn't blogging, is because I wasn't knitting regularly. No knitting = no posts.I seem to be suffering a serious case of Startupitis. I keep dropping projects because I either get frustrated or bored, and start new ones. Then I get frustrated or bored, and....you get the idea.
I'm currently working on the new STR sock club pattern for July. I can't rave enough about this club, I am so glad that I signed up. The patterns are (at least for me) challenging and interesting, and the yarn - impeccable.
(I'll put a photo of my socks here soon)
I think I'm about 1/6 of the way through my first sock, but I love the way the pattern and colours of the yarn combine to look think Phoenix feathers.
The brazilliance of everyone at Blue Moon astonishes me. Well played grrls!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Makes you think...
Monday, January 22, 2007
One of the things I loved most about being in Mexico was that I had seven solid days of egoknitting - that is, knitting for no one but myself.I really don't knit for myself very often. I'm not exactly sure why, I just prefer to knit for others. But I planned ahead for Mexico, and ended up bringing about five or six projects with me.
First things first, there was the beret from One Skein Wonders, an amazing book that I *highly* recommend after receiving it for Christmas. I am not so fond of flying, so I need a small, compact project that was easy and I could knit on bamboo needles. The beret fit the bill. It's not done yet, but I think I'm going to take my cue from Stephanie, and keep it exclusively for travel-knitting.
Then there was the Smitten, also from OSW. Since I was attending the wedding of a Canadian couple, and that was the main reason why I was there (the sun and icy drinks were just bonuses), I thought it would be nice if I made them something knitted as a wedding present so that they could stay warm and cosy once they returned to the great white North. The pattern was super easy, and everyone was all giggles when I presented it to the bride and groom. Alright, so 25% of my Mexico knitting wasn't for myself - but it was worth it.
I also had the chance to start working on my first pair of socks and first shawl. They're still in progress, but going very well. I am really in love with the Merino Socks kit from Fleece Artist. As well, with the exception of a small snag along the way, the Flower Petal Shawl from Elann.com is rocking.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Little did I realise that with all the crazy Christmas countdowning, that maybe a month before Christmas wasn't the best time to start a new blog. Plus I was on vacation for three weeks (I am very, very lucky - I'll post pictures soon).Regardless, I'm back and I have lots to discuss. But first things first - Christmas rewind.
I'm sad to say that I didn't end up finishing all my knitted presents for Christmas this year. Even though I stated off early, I had a slumpin the middle of December and had to drop a few projects as a result.
THE GOOD
Anneka's blanket was finished, and looked brilliant I might add. The Koigu KPPM colourway was the most beautiful blend of pinks, blues, greens and golds. Anneka's father has apparently asked if I could make three more to sew together and make him a blanket next. As much as I love him, I can't afford to make a $300+ throw blanket anytime soon.
All three pairs of pedicure socks were finished on time, and the girls loved them. We also figured that during the long, cold Canadian winter they could double as foot warmers for cold apartments and houses. I need to make myself a pair of these.
I also finished Kat's scarf for the staff party, which was fairly easy seeing as though it was held in early December. I didn't even stress about it.
THE BAD
After waiting for what seemed like forever, I finally got my eight skeins of Lambs Pride Worsted in the mail from the US. Unfortch for me, I just ran out of time. I managed to finish one pair for my sister, but as it stands, I still have three pairs left to knit. I ended up buying some awesome pjs for everyone from Old Navy, but even so, it wasn't the same.
THE UGLY
I haven't even begun to start working on Owen's BBBB, and I was aiming to have it done when I saw my relatives in Mexico. It's balled up in my stash somewhere, taunting me with it rows upon rows of plain knitting. Hopefully, I'll get motivated enough to complete it before Owen's birthday.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
This year I swore that I would start my Christmas knitting on Canada Day - 6 months in advance. My plan failed (big surprise) and I didn't start until around Thanksgiving.I feel like I've been knitting constantly since, althoughI think I'm in better shape than last year - when I used every single spare moment to knit. I'm talking about staying up late, skipping lunch, waking up early and knitting all. weekend. long. It was crazy, it drove ME crazy.
As promised, here's a rundown of my WIP's:
Scarf for my Secret Santa office buddy. The scard is a basic 1x1 rib in Rowan Spray. I got a wicked deal on this yarn - seriously. It normally costs about $18 a skein, I found it for $4!!! That's right - four bucks! I bought it on spec, just for the savings, but it's working nicely for this scarf.
I also have two Big Bad Baby Blankets to finish before Christmas (that's 16 - count em - skeins of wool that need to be handwound into balls, I am totally getting tendonitis. I also have a slew of non-knitting crafts. While we're on the subject:
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Hello, hello. Welcome to the blog, my fifth so far. I once blogged about my life, then books, then I had a failed Star Trek fiction blog, then blogged about a failed relationship and the oozy mess that followed.Now? Now I blog about knitting.
I promise it'll be interesting.
Although I keep my personal info pretty quiet, I thought that in the interest of you my dear reader, I might as well give a little something about me. And so I bring you my first meme, shamelessly stolen off of Eunny's site.
What is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
That's a toughie. I looove Koigu, soft and beautiful and delicious colours that I just want to gobble up by the skeinful. I'm also (im)patiently awaiting the arrival of eight glorious skeins of Brown Sheep Company's Lamb's Pride Worsted, to make slippers for Christmas. I have never knitted with this yarn, and even though some may claim that it's on the plain side, I'm excited because it's impossible to find in my hometown. I. Can't. Wait.
Your favorite needles?
Bamboo circulars, without a doubt. I love the way they feel in my hands - so organic.
The worst thing you've ever knit?
It has to be the butterfly from the Butterfly scarf from SnB Nation. It was a mess, I ended up tossing it and kept the scarf plain.
Your most favorite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it...but it was the most fun to knit)
I am loving the Pedicure Socks from Knitty. First - brilliant idea! I don't know how many times my feet have frozen on the way home from a pedicure appointment. Actually, it was once, but it was memorable: flip flops in October, brrr. This has been my first attempt at anything sock like and the pattern is soo easy to follow and understand. Each step goes by so quickly, I've been whipping through them. I can't wait to have the time to make myself a pair.
Most valuable knitting technique?
Grafting. I *just* learned how to do this a few weeks ago. I was amazed at how the stitches just lined up in the end. And with my newfound passion for sock knitting, it's the most important asset I have in my repertoire - for now.
Best knit book or magazine?
Interweave Knits is my favorite. They have really strong designs that always impress me.
Your favorite knit-a-long?
Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics. My entry is still awaiting completion, but it was fun while it lasted. Brilliant idea Steph!
Your favorite knitblogs?
Yarn Harlot, Crazy Aunt Purl and Eunny Knits.
Your favorite knitwear designer?
Eunny Jang. I covet her design chops big time. Everything she produces just baffles me.
The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
I actually own very few of the items that I've knitted. I have a tendancy to knit for others and neglect myself. Of the two items that I've knitted myself, my favorite has to be the Kittyville hat from SnB.
C'est tout pour aujourd'hui! Tommorow I'll give a rundown on Christmas knitting.
About
I work, learn, live, love and knit in Canada.
Archives
October 2006November 2006January 2007February 2007July 2007
Christmas 2006
Pedicure Socks for Em
Pedicure Socks for Lili
Owen's Big Bad Baby Blanket
Anneka's Big Bad Baby Blanket
Fuzzyfeet for Dad
Fuzzyfeet for Mom
Fuzzyfeet for Jenn
Fuzzyfeet for Jason
Keyhole Scarf for Kat
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Crazy Aunt Purl
Yarn Harlot
Eunny Knits
January One
Fig & Plum
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