stitch hitter

A Swedish Surprise

2011-04-28T17:21:00.006-06:00

Over Christmas, friends stayed with The Bosox Fan and I while they were in town from Sweden. Learned about how cold "cold" is where they live (-45F), interesting food packages (see picture and description below) and that Norway is more of a yarn mecca than Sweden. We just received this "thank you" collection in the mail.

Those tubes are cheese. Yes, tubes of cheese. High-end cheese. Elk, seafood & bacon cheese. Now, I'm vegan but this is a marvel of modern genius. Bacon and cheese in a tube. Bosox Fan is utterly ecstatic. And dark chocolate for me. *drool*

And the Swedish yarn... Love love!

In the mail...
The placket neck sweater and Aston hat was knit up for Megan's new little bundle, Lucas. That hat was so quick and fun. Thank you, Stitch Therapy Brooklyn. Lucas was born back in February and I was this slow in getting the package in the mail. Hopefully he'll get some wear out of everything before he gets too big. Amy's little one (same age) is next.

On the needles...
1. Tree of Life afghan. Quite a huge undertaking. Wedding present/gift with a June deadline. The more I read about this project the more I learn that this will be quite difficult to finish. We shall see!

2. Sorta.... I lost my Knitpicks Options set and case which meant I lost some Addis and other needles. I cried and screamed and committed Hari-Kari. Well, not exactly. I bought the WEBS interchangeable needle set. Lots of pluses and minuses were stated about this set. I am rather happy (so far). I love bamboo and having sizes going down to 16. The case is gorgeous and small. All in all, good investment.

3. Hourglass Sweater out of Malabrigo Merino Worsted. Mentioned before, but this WIP Finally! something for me! Now, I'm very embarrassed to admit that I have only knit one other sweater for myself, the Central Park Hoodie, but haven't seemed it for fear of ruining the seams. Sad, I know. But I WILL finish. I swear!

Holy Guacomole, Batman!

2011-04-14T15:35:00.004-06:00

Where has my blogging gone?? No idea!
Where has my knitting gone? Also, no idea!

Let's see if anyone still reads this. And in the meantime...

I will show a little knitting. Current project on the needles is the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Delicious Malabrigo yarn in a deep rich pink.

And what is also in the picture? My new swift! (Ball winder en route). Thanks to the greatest boyfriend ever! Only fitting that a favorite piece I made this past winter was this Patriots hat. For him. Cute, ain't he?

I will show a little fooding

Most recent delicious Strawberry-Chocolate Blondies. Mmm!

Now... to "acquire" more blogging buddies...!

So...

2010-07-03T23:17:00.003-06:00

It's 57 days until Burning Man!! And I already have purchased these amazing fluffies!

You would think I'd be knitting knitting KNITTING. Well, I sort of am. I'm also attempting to understand sewing and not be so petrified of the machine that sews. This bag of goodies will hopefully help me complete my first sewing project. Lining fabric I still need.

I also have fallen in love with my cookbook - Vegan Yum Yum. Wow! So instead of mentioning how little time I have left to knit, I'll leave you with pictures of my dinner.

Tahini Lemon Rice & Beans

Corn Fritters

The rice dish I cooked with Israeli Couscous instead of brown rice. And this was my first foray with using Old Bay. Took too long to find it at the store. Adore the flavors but the sauce mixture could definitely be used for maybe another 1-2 servings. And the fritters remind me of Thanksgiving as a kid, fighting with my cousin over corn fritters. Man, I love this.

Silly idea that entered my head: do a Julie & Julia, Vegan YumYum-style!

Recipes completed: 3 (1 not photographed)

Pictures from this year's Apogaea (Colorado's regional burning man). I actually was able to snap a few.

And let's not discuss today's epic failure of Francisco Rodriguez's save opportunity for the Mets against the Nationals. Man. I want my team to 100% show up! Not just the hitting but the pitching too! And... oh wait, let's not discuss this.

Wow, what a Season!

2010-04-24T20:32:00.006-06:00

It's been too long and not enough knitting. There has been plenty of skiing though. I devoted this entire ski season to pass my next level of certification of being a ski instructor. And I passed! 106 hours of training later. Well worth it. And now... in late April, I see this

Another foot of snow on the ground. And with the mountain closed, all I can do is stare at the white stuff. But I have my knitting. I've been working on the Hemlock Ring Blanket for a while, battling with rows 31-39 for months. I refused to knit for a week or more. The BoSox Fan even told me that I might need to give up.

BUT NO! I kept going and begging ravelers for help and here is what the wedding gift looks like now:

Halfway through the feather and fan section, I've fallen in love with this pattern. Yes, I'm a bit nervous to block it, but that fear can wait. I have until mid-June to finish it. Wedding is June 19 so knit on!

With the off-season or "mud season" (what we call the time between the mountain closing, mid-April, until summer season picking up, Memorial Day), I have picked up a book to read. I like the sociological approach to the book. I've also needed a vegan pick-me-up since we vegans out here are few and far between.

And to munch on while I read... vegan cookies from Liz Lovely in Vermont. Gluten-free options too! They are to die for.

Lots of things to occupy my time and in the meantime, The BoSox Fan and I went to see the Mets play the Rockies and the Avalanche play in the hockey playoffs. What fun! Check out a few pics on flickr.

Yarns, Stockings and Gingerbread Houses

2009-12-01T16:29:00.005-07:00

Thanksgiving 2009 - New York City & Maine

Don't buy yarn.
Don't buy yarn.
Don't buy yarn.

Woops. I bought yarn. For gifts: Hemlock Ring Blanket and a Patriots Hat.

While visiting Maine for the first time with The BoSox Fan, I visited TWO AMAZING yarn shops. First was Fiberphilia in Orono. Wow. Fiberphilia is chock-full of a fantastic selection of yarns and some of the nicest people ever. Knitty City's Pearl might have a run for her money for the best LYS owner! I will be ordering from her from now on. (And The BoSox Fan was asking MANY questions about swifts...!)

Second was Tess' Designer Yarns in Portland. Hands down most beautiful yarn shop I have ever been to. No talk necessary - just drool.

When not yarn shopping, The BoSox Fan and I helped his 8 year old sister build this.

And my knitting has been trucking along. One for me - knitty's Colonnade.

Also on the needles is my first foray into true fair isle. Knitpicks' Modern Christmas Stockings. For The BoSox Fan. I thought I'd iron out the kinks through his stocking and then make mine perfect!

Quick and to the Point

2009-11-05T17:20:00.003-07:00

My Gloves.

So soft. So lucious. So yummy. So (half) finished. Pretty happy how quick these knit up. Hopefully will finish the second one tonite and then...

Christmas Stockings! These two big ol' bags filled with yummy knitpicks yarn. Oh boy! The charts are rather daunting, but I think with the apartment to myself tonite, I'll hopefully figure this out.

P.S. A horrible individual that I work with (identity unknown) stole my iPhone from outside my locker while I used the restroom. Yuck.

Something Finished, Something New

2009-10-31T01:47:00.004-06:00

Something finished: Spring Forward Socks, care of knitty.com
Finally, a pair of socks for my feet. They came out wonderfully. A bit roomier than I would've planned but they're comfy. Made from some yummy Araucania Multi yarn on US 3.

Something new: Garter-Cuff Gloves, care of Weekend Knitting

My first set of gloves! I'm finally using the ultra yummy alpaca fingering weight care of Nu Leafe Alpaca (in VT) yarn I found at Rhinebeck back in 2007. The softest yarn I have ever felt! I thought knitting fingers would be difficult, but look how far I have gotten just tonight:

Next on the agenda: Christmas Stockings!

My "Saturday" Night

2009-10-29T00:16:00.004-06:00

Another foray into the vegan unknown.
Tonight's installment: Vegan Lasagna.

I did a spinach-mushroom mixture with caramelized onions. For a mock ricotta cheese, I mashed up soft tofu, olive oil, rosemary and lemon juice. I also added nutritional yeast in the tofu mixture and on each layer. Sauce of choice was a vegan bechamel. This didn't impress me. For the next try, I'll make an arrabbiata with fresh tomatoes.

Verdict?
The roommate and The BoSox Fan liked it, and they are rather carnivorous. And I enjoyed making it (in my leopard fleece pants... with a tail!)

Knitting side dish? Second sock of the Spring Forward socks. I also ordered the Christmas stockings kit from knitpicks and am excited and scared. I couldn't decide on the blue/white or the orange/green ... so I got both! But first things first.

Mountain opens Nov. 20!

Christmas Ideas

2009-10-22T19:52:00.002-06:00

Gift Idea:

Now, granted the recipient might be me.
Or The Bosox Fan.
Or Mom.
Or me.

What do you think?

I Can Bake Too!

2009-10-17T15:42:00.005-06:00

Sorta.

Banana bread was my first foray into not only vegan baking but high altitude baking. Let's just say this. Why did you need to learn how to add and subtract fractions? To bake at altitude. A conversation with my culinary-inclined mom surrounded every conversion known to man:

Tablespoons to cups
Cups to ounces
Ounces to pinches
A third of a cup into teaspoons (of yogurt!)

We laughed. We cried. It was better than cats. Baking at 8150 feet above sea level is hard. Add more water. Add less sugar. Raise oven temperature. Lower oven temperature. Man, my brain hurts. And then I had to start finagling my substitutions for animal products in my baked goods:

But, after Mom stopped laughing over the phone and I finished baking, I learned.... I can bake! At altitude!

Suggestions for my next baking foray?

Welcome to the 21st Century!

2009-10-04T11:58:00.006-06:00

Yeah! I have internet!
Yeah! I have internet!

Guess what that means? Blogging! I have been a busy girl. In no particular order:
- Went to Las Vegas for my birthday (in June)
- Went to Burning Man with the BoSox Fan
- Found some incredible knitting mojo
- Watched my Mets crash and burn and then crash again

FINISHED
Blue Riding Hood Cape (for Burning Man)

Leyburn Socks (for Nana)

Furry Bikini (for Burning Man)

Tall Tales Cardigan (as it dries)

ON THE NEEDLES
Spring Forward Socks

Plaited Cable Scarf (forgot about this one!)

NEXT UP
Colonnade Shawl with Mountain Colors Weaver's Wool (below) and probably some KnitPicks black around the neck

Gloves!
Hats!
(uh... and finish my CPH??)

I Miss my Sit n' Knitters!!

Unlucky Sox?

2009-08-09T09:53:00.003-06:00

So, anyone who knows me knows a few things:
1. I'm a BIG New York Mets fan
2. I don't like the Yankees
3. I cheer for the Boston Red Sox as well (omitting the '86 World Series, of course)

Now, I'm dating a die-hard Red Sox fan, so I decide to knit him Red Sox. They came out fairly adorable. Being a perfectionist I have my qualms with them (bigger toe and heel pockets next time), but he loves them and shows them off to anyone and everyone.

They are unlucky.

He starts wearing them and the Sox start losing. To the Yankees! Three in a row! Eek. Maybe I shouldn't make that hat to match...

In other news, burning Man cape coming along swimmingly! I leave for the playa in less than 30 days. Lots of knitting to do!

Some FOs and Then Some

2009-07-20T19:45:00.003-06:00

Realizing that I have been the worst blogger ever, here are some of the things that I've been up to out/up here in the Rockie Mountains.

Leyburn Socks - DONE
Jaywalker Socks - DONE

Red Sox Socks - 1 DONE

"Blue" Riding Hood Cape - in progress

Now I just need to send the socks to their appropriate recipients. The BoSox fan LOVES the socks that I'm knitting for him. He was all upset when I decided to start knitting the cape - since I was taking time away from knitting his socks. Aww...

The cape is my "coat" for Burning Man. I found it in Naughty Needles. Wonderful patterns in there! Debating whether or not I want to felt it or stitch a lining into it. We shall see...

Other Burning Man projects are on the back burning until I finish this. Ooh, I'm excited!

Blogging Mojo Come Back!

2009-06-08T18:58:00.004-06:00

I finally visited my only LYS - The Yarn Studio in Minturn, CO. Cute shop! The shopkeeper was extremely helpful in finding exactly what I needed.

I'm making Boston Red Sox socks for the BoSox Fan; he even helped me pick out the yarn! Granted, he picked up Claudia Handpainted at first - yup, he's a keeper. Ended up with some Debbie Bliss Rialto 4ply and the new issue of KnitScene. Aaah, I feel much better now.

Before all of the yarn extravaganza, I went "camping" this past weekend. The Colorado regional Burning Man event was this past weekend, Apogaea. Loved it! And check out what I got to see while driving.

And for what's on my needles:
Leyburn socks are still moving along. They will be for my Nana since they are a bit roomy for me. Such a great pattern though. (Yes, that's a Starbucks stirrer instead of a DPN. Man, am I good improviser!)

Another bikini (I lost the last one!). Twins from knitty will be a good addition to my Burning Man wardrobe. Only thing done is the band. Will this support "my" twins?

Another Burning Man need - a coat. Something simple in stockinette with some chunky weight yarn and an obligatory fur trim. Suggestions?

Slow and Steady

2009-03-25T18:14:00.003-06:00

Lookie what I got in the mail!

And since the lovely people at Bea Ellis Knitwear love me so much (that's what I'm telling myself), they sent me two free balls!

Now, I'm not a fun fur fan. Frankly, I find it tacky and not something I want to knit with, but I'm turning over a new leaf for Burning Man purposes. This sexy furry yarn will be transformed into some fun furry bikinis and halters. Fingers crossed they come out... presentable.

Next up for the needles is a new pair of socks. Going to attempt pepperknit's Leyburn Socks. Anyone done them?

And for a dose of Vail.... A sign I saw prior to dipping into my first backcountry experience for the Minturn Mile = a way from one of Vail's peaks down through some fun "louges" that spits out steps from... a bar.

Oh the view.

I'M ALIVE!

2009-03-02T19:17:00.003-07:00

And been barely knitting.

Almost 3 months and no blog posts. What have I been up to? Well, skiing, eating, drinking, laughing, going broke. It's a wonderful life out here in Vail, kids. And today and yesterday I have decided that I will be planning and carrying out some great burning man knitted ideas. Anything you'd like to see me try to knit... go for it!

Here are the jaywalkers that were hibernating under my bed while I was being swept off my feet by The BoSox Fan.

Yes, the image is horrendous. Yeah iPhones.

Burning Man list: (critiques/additions welcome)
- handcuffs
- furry halter top
- criss-cross shorties

Glad to be back!

Does it Feel Like Christmas?

2008-12-24T07:18:00.004-07:00

I'm not sure. This is the first Christmas I have ever been away from home. Christmas Eve is the biggest event in my family with upwards of 20-30 people, kids running around, tons of fish and grandparents usually asking the same questions. Christmas Day is recuperation day from the night before when I can fondle my new yarn and new chocolates I got stuffed in my stocking. This year I will probably be at a bar trying to score free drinks. Yes, I'm a bit down about this, but I have lots of others here to get me through.

FINALLY I have finished the Just Like a Peasant Cap. I ran out of yarn ages ago and was able to score some from Purl right before leaving the Big Apple.

Made with gorgeous Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Azul Bolita. Yum! I have a bunch extra (almost 100 yds). What should I make with it?

Other knitting news/suggestions - a good sock pattern for a guy in a black semi-solid? Yes, I've poked around on ravelry but wasn't 100%. Suggestions?

And Christmas in Vail... it's rather pretty. Lots more pictures to come (once I find the cable that connects my adorable camera to my sexy MacBook).

Apologies for the crude "I took these with my iPhone" pictures.

P.S. Leave a comment or two in between eggnog partakings. That will be my Christmas present.

Welcome to Vail, CO!

2008-12-11T20:55:00.003-07:00

Where have I been? Well, here's a recap:

- my laptop crashed
- I quit my job
- I moved to Colorado
- I am now working as a ski instructor at Vail (mountain), CO

So that should bring y'all up to speed. No pictures of knitting quite yet since... I have been QUITE the slacker. Instead, here is a few of my office. My view. What I see everyday (instead of excel spreadsheets.)

What does your office look like?

RIP: iBook G4

2008-11-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

My laptop died last night. Hopefully Apple or Tekserve can recover my documents since I, like Carrie Bradshaw, don't back up.

Fingers crossed. If not, who can donate to a new computer = $1300?

Where Have I Been?

2008-10-28T06:01:00.002-06:00

Knitting? Sorta... I finished that Aran Scarf for the "boy." The "boy" is someone that I met in London that I took a fancy to. Bummer that I won't be going there anymore to see him. Oh well. It gave me an excuse to knit something. And knit something I did.

Still working on smaller things like the Quick-n-dirty 2 Needle Fishnet Stockings from Stitch-n-Bitch Nation. I was working on them for Burning Man, put them down and completely forgot about them!

Speaking of Burning Man, this past Saturday I trekked out to Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn (WAY out there) to a big Burning Man party called Decom = to decompress from Burning Man. Amazing. Stellar. C'est magnifique. And, might I add, we looked hot.

Update to the skiing adventure: No more Squaw. It's out to Vail. There's housing there and a more "official" feeling. And the date is rather solidified: December 1st I'm outta here. *tear*

What a Weekend!

2008-10-03T12:53:00.010-06:00

This weekend, not only did I go to a crazy-fun swing dance party and plant trees, but I also received my neckwarmer from Sit n' Knit's Neckwarmer exchange!

Virginia made me this delightful cotton neckwarmer. I just love the bobbles. And it's big enough to hide from monsters.

My neckwarmer, the Zigzag Cowl, was tons of fun to make. Bright blue takhi botton yarn (Katy is vegan too) in a fun pattern with a great picot edge. I might have to make more cowls. Now, yes it's a bit floppy so if anyone wants to make this, don't cast on so many stitches but... that's why there are buttons!

"Secret" Aran Scarf
Why is it a secret? Merely because the recipient isn't aware of the gift. I also am going to try feverishly to knit up 350yds of Kathmandu Aran yarn in delightful olive for a gorgeous cabled scarf. Who's the recipient? A boy. *wink*

But thanks to She's Crafty in Springfield, Missouri, I was able to pick up some extra skeins of the same dye lot of this delicious yarn! Can you believe it? Missouri had the same dye lot. And check, check, checkitout

And the tree-planting. Panda and I went out to Brownsville in Brooklyn to plant trees around the Van Dyke Houses as part of the MillionTreesNYC. Super fun. So in digging these holes, we found this

Yup concrete. Heavy. Big. Annoying. But after everything, there was a tree. 450 total by all 300+ volunteers. Go us!

Just Vote

2008-10-02T11:22:00.002-06:00

What Kind of News Do You Want to Hear?

2008-09-30T08:43:00.005-06:00

Nothing Wall Street-related here!

The bad news first. The Mets are done. What a way to end their tenure at Shea. I can barely stomach it. I will always be a fan. I will not talk any further about it.

The good news. New Kids on the Block are BACK! Thank you VH1. Let me help you remember the wonderful "new kids dance."

More good news! Just got back from another London business trip. I'm usually a packmule for various work-related documents. This time, I brought back a bicycle helmet for a coworker's brother. She mentioned a surprise inside.

So what's in that helmet? Yarn of course!

How nice of her. More details on this later. No idea what to make with it.

Not Fair (not smart, either)

2008-09-19T07:26:00.002-06:00

I started my contribution for my knitting group's Neckwarmer Exchange. Fun pattern. Gorgeous yarn. This will be wonderful, I thought.

Not so.

What's the first rule of knitting in the round kids? Don't twist your stitches. Yeah, I did.

Thankfully I have a plane ride to London on Sunday night to make up for the mishap. But I'll be missing the last home games for the Mets. Just remember kids - don't be this guy, this drunk guy at a Mets game who got decorated. Skip to around minute 7:15.

Dear Secret Knitter

2008-09-12T05:53:00.008-06:00

My lovely knitting group, Sit n' Knit, is having another knitting exchange. This time it's neckwarmers. As I've never knit one before and I don't know my recipient too well, this should be fun! I thought I'd chat to my knitter (hopefully you're reading!) and give her some more insight into little ol' me.

Hi! First off, yes I'm vegan, but I still have lots of wool in my stash and haven't decided yet if I want to say adios to wool. Saying that, I'd prefer non-animal fabrics, but if you found something that I would just LOVE, then by all means, knit it! Also, I love color! I love bright colors, earth tones, all of em. Honestly, I'm not that picky. Just something soft in a funky pattern, and I'll be happy!

Little Leetle's socks are finally done! Here's the issue... As they are a size 5, I have no idea how to block them. Ideas?

The Fishnet Stockings are almost done. Blocking and seaming awaits!

And... FINALLY my Interweave Press books have arrived. Back in July, they had an amazing sale so Kate and I had to buy lots. Here's our installment.

Mine
Lace Style by Pam Allen and Ann Budd
No Sheep For You by Amy Singer
Knitting Vintage Socks, Nancy Bush

Kate's
Wrap Style by Pam Allen and Ann Budd
Best of Interweave Knits by Pam Allen and Ann Budd

Not Much Knitting But Lots of Playa Dust

2008-09-03T20:18:00.007-06:00

I just returned from Burning Man and what a scene it was! Having never been I had no idea what to expect. It was pretty amazing. Here is my (rather mediocre) flickr photoset, but check out any Burning Man pics on flickr.

Above you have my entry ticket, a Burning Man sticker, 2 awesome leather bracelets and a crocheted butterfly. The bracelets and butterfly were some goodies that people were giving out. I never got my act together to do everything that I said I was going to do except for the "cape." The fun fur proved to be very warm in the the desert at night!

Here's a quick rundown on how it all went.

Tuesday - fly from NYC to Minneapolis to Denver
Wednesday - drive in VW van with aunt from Denver through Colorado, Utah and Nevada
Thursday - arrive in Black Rock City, NV (appx 80 miles north of Reno). Get "devirginized" by rolling in the desert dust AKA the Playa. Lots of playtime in the Playa
Friday - more playtime
Saturday - more playtime
Sunday - drive back towards Denver BUT the van breaks down 65 miles outside of Reno. AAA tows us to Reno where we eventually buy plane tickets to Denver
Monday - fly from Reno to Salt Lake City. Beg Northwest and Delta ticketing agents through tear-soaked eyes to get me on a NYC-bound flight AFTER I pick up already-checked luggage since they SAID that they COULD get me on a flight. Can you sense my anger when they said that they couldn't? Fly from SLC to Denver.
Tuesday - fly from Denver back through Minneapolis to LaGuardia

Comments? Yeah, what a trip! But hey, at least I have stocking #1 of my Stitch-n-Bitch Nation's Quick n Dirty Fishnet Stockings done! Not positive how to seam these...

And waiting for me at work after a week's absence is a VERY belated birthday present - 100% Angora yarn in a gorgeous burgundy from London's Angel Yarns. Thanks Benn! Now what will I make with this?

And if you aren't pay attention, LET'S GO METS! First place! I feel that this September will be a much better one than last year's. If you don't know to what I'm referring, let's just not discuss Sept 07. It never happened.

Countdown til Burning Man

2008-08-21T07:20:00.000-06:00

T-minus 6 days til I leave for Burning Man. I'm flying to Denver and then driving from there with my aunt. Yes, my aunt. She's super cool [drives a VW bus!] so it should be awesome. Here's the to-do list:

Slip Solstice Socks
Must finish these for Lee. Her birthday has already passed. Pardon the crude picture. Silly iPhone.

Tall Tales Cardigan
My co-worker Cait, the recipient, is already on maternity leave so I want/need to get this done. Almost there.

Lacy Cape
Since Burning Man is such an eclectic and spontaneous event, I thought I'd dig out those tacky yarns that I'm embarrassed to say that I have in my stash. Casting on about 25 stitches onto US35 and increasing 2 stitches every other row, let's see how big this gets. And yes, I'll embellish it with some tackier fun fur trim.

Jazzed-up Undies
I'll be handsewing (ugh) or fabric gluing (yeah!) a 2x3 rib onto some boyshorts and then attaching fringe. These will be for me prancing around the desert ("playa" actually) and to give to newly-made friends. They are a bit... ahem, fitted. My most creative and wacky knitting project yet!

Fishnet Stockings
While in Honduras, I attempted the Quick-n-dirty Fishnets from SnB Nation but I had the wrong needles. Since I'm a no-gauge-swatch and barely-reads-directions kind of knitter, I knitted anyway; needless to say the stockings didn't fit. Second attempt this weekend. To be knit out of Flower Power Socks that Rock, another 2007 Rockin' Sock Club installment.

Too much on my plate?

And Honduras was awesome. Grouper, octopus, lobster, sea turtles. Wowzer! But here's the bigger news: I'M MOVING TO LAKE TAHOE! That's right kids. Yours truly is packing up her life in the big city to move out to California to be a ski instructor. After debating among many offers (Vail, Taos, where oh where!), I picked Squaw Valley (1960 Winter Olympics) in Olympic Valley, CA. If anyone knows anyone out there, let me know. This will be a whole new experience for me. Move out will be first week of December. Sad yes but exciting too!

What are YOU doing on your summer vacation?

2008-07-30T07:58:00.004-06:00

The age-old question for all children and teens departing school in mid/end June. Now that it's almost August, I can finally start enjoying my summer with...

SCUBA DIVING!
Daddy and I are hopping a Honduras-bound plane and diving for an entire week come a week from Saturday. It's been quite some time since I've strapped on my BC and purged my regulator so I was very happy to get this in the mail:

It's my PADI dive manual. I lost my old one [or it's buried in a box at either my Dad's or my Mom's house] so I need to brush up since it's been 10+ years. Next up, bathing suit shopping [as the chills run up and down my spine]. But the more important matter at hand ... what will I knit?

Probably my Tall Tales Cardigan for one of the imminent births by the many very-prego coworkers.

Enjoyed knitting the back on a Bronx-bound 6 train. Notice the lovely seats. Then came the front. I love these little giraffes!

Still working on the Solstice Slip socks from the tiny-footed Lee. Should be done shortly. Thanks for the tips on using Magic Loop. I just might start that. Thankfully the lovely owner of Yarntopia on the "Upper" West Side had some Clovers for me.

These both will probably be done before I go "leavin' on a jet plane." Hmm... more socks to bring? What is good tropical weather, chillin-on-the-beach knitting?

Someone's Out To Get Me

2008-07-23T11:40:00.005-06:00

Why? See the following scenarios.

Scenario #1
Anyone: How many DPNs have you broken?
Me: TWO!

That's right. I've snapped two KnitPicks DPNs, size 1. Not while knitting, mind you but while in my bag. I snapped one in London but since the wonderful KnitPicks sets come with 6 needles, I knew I'd be in the clear. Yeah... NO! Snapped another one just last week. So now, I have this:

The Slip-Stitch Sock from one of the 2007 installments from the Rockin' Sock Club. So I should buy another set of DPNs, right? Well, I can't. Why? No money. Why?

Scenario #2
Someone stole my ATM card number and spent all of my money and then some at a Home Depot in Missouri. This was over a week ago, and I have spoken to 5 different Citibank people, written letters and said more curse words than I knew possible. Just give me back my money!

So, I've been distracting myself with knitting and the gym. Anyone who knows me knows I adore step class. Until last night.

Scenario #3
I twisted my ankle. How bad? Bad to warrant ice packs, an ace bandage and a slight limp. I guess that means more knitting time.

Since I can't finish these socks yet, I started some other fun things: A bikini! I poached the Stitch n' Bitch Queen of Hearts Bikini pattern but am using a delightful Araucania variegated yarn.

Not sure if this is gonna fit me, but it's an idea for apparel for Burning Man. And next on the agenda... another baby sweater [pics to come] and some new sock yarn! A wonderful friend and his mom got me some Lorna's Laces sock yarn from Purl Soho.

So, please powers that be that I don't believe in, I know things come in threes. Don't throw anymore bad-ness my way.

Egad!

2008-07-16T05:45:00.002-06:00

Been a while, eh? I've been productive [shocking, I know]! What have I been doing?

1. Bought the new 3G iPhone. I was one of "those" people that waited in line for over 4 hours from 6:30am to buy one of those delightful metal cutie pies.

2. Solstice Slip Sock, one of those encounters of 2007's Rockin' Sock Club. Teeny weeny feet [size 5!] for my beloved Leetle.

3. Burning Man parapharnelia. First up, bikini tops! Let's just hope that these little knitted numbers can hold my goodies. Next up, flowers and kerchiefs. Other ideas?

4. Watching my Mets win 9 in a row. 9. NINE!!! Oh-so-proud.

5. Breaking my camera. Ugh, crappers, egad, poop! No clue what happened or what I did. Hence no pictures. Hopefully the camera gods will be good to me [or just those peeps at B&H].

Don't Steal My Knitting!

2008-06-19T18:32:00.004-06:00

7pm. East Harlem. Pick-Pocketing.
Me carrying: dry cleaning, clean laundry, day bag

Approach take-out place
What was that rustling?
Boy runs off
That boy stole my knitting!

I run, carrying said objects in flip-flops, up 2nd avenue around the corner.
Should I drop my stuff? No.
"Stop him!" "Help!" "Please"

I stop. I won't catch him.

"Is everything okay?" a nice bystander carrying heavy furniture says.
"He'll drop the knitting once he realizes it's not your wallet."

And there is my knitting bag, in the middle of street thrown away like trash.

I rescue it.

This punk violated me and my knitting.

RIP - Willie Randolph

2008-06-17T05:34:00.003-06:00

The Mets have fired coach Willie Randolph. Not sure how I feel about it. My boys haven't been doing THAT well as of late [hence my lack of commentary]. I just hope that Jerry Manuel does a good job and the boys upstairs don't start kicking themselves over letting their skipper go.

Enough baseball talk. A few other tidbits.

1.) My first cotton purchase!

It's Takhi Cotton in the most gorgeous (Mets) blue. I'll be making knitty's Everlasting Bagstopper [finally]. Not sure how important gauge is since my yarn is a bit off. We'll see.

2.) I'm taking a break from my mohair tank, self-explanatory given the heat, and picked up (what else?) but a UFO scarf! Yes, in this 90 degree heat, I decide to knit a scarf. Hey, at least I'm not casting on yet another project to just end up sitting there and not being finished.

3.) Thoughts on VERY large bridal parties? My [male] cousin is having 11 ushers. 11! ELEVEN. I think it's ridiculous and will make that god-for-saking ceremony that much longer. Anyone wanna go for me?

Who's Back?

2008-06-03T21:53:00.004-06:00

I'm Back!

Been knitting my fluffy lace camisole from Weekend Knitting in Kidsilk Haze. Very strange for me knitting mohair. Why? My first time knitting with it and given my vegan lifestyle, I'm still grappling with "do I or don't I" knit with wool. More on that in a later post.

Who else is back? THE METS!

Now, yes, they haven't had the greatest first few months but tonight's game against the San Francisco Giants. 9 runs in one inning! Granted, they should've won by 9-1 or 9-3 NOT 9-6 but I digress. And Pedro's back! So I have my knitting mojo back and kings of queens are playing ball and actually winning.

And I was tagged by Penelope so here goes:

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?

1998. High School. I learned to drive, danced a lot [ballet and jazz], became a vegetarian, watched my mom get remarried and fell in love for the first time. Aww...

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

Attend a silly 10am meeting [yum!]
Finish some check requests and follow-up
Try to make happy hour with some coworkers
Convince my coworker to do some sewing machine work for me
Call Mommy and check up on her heart monitor wearing shenanigans

3) Snacks I enjoy:

Fritos, strawberries, chips & guacamole, dark chocolate

4)Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Buy myself a condo/apt in Colorado. Donate to Greenpeace, NRDC, Housing Works. Get an around-the-world ticket and take 6-12 months and travel the world. Season tickets to the Mets. Give a million or so to my parents, siblings and friends - just cuz. Fund new schools in war torn countries like Nepal, Sudan and Iraq

5) Places I have lived:

Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Norwood, NJ
East Village, NYC
Chinatown, NYC
Florence, Italy
Astoria, NY
Upper West Side, NY
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
East Harlem, NY

6) Five People I would like to tag are:

Debbie
Tina
Pam
Amy
Allena

wow!

Where's My Mojo?

2008-05-28T11:25:00.002-06:00

Must knit.
Must knit.
Must knit!

Yeah, where did my knitting mojo go? Please send me some of yours. It's sad, really. Maybe I need to watch "The Kid" to harness some of his awesomeness in the slide guitar.*

*Shout-out to my brother. Debbie - make sure that he knows that I just referenced Crossroads (1986).

Good Things and Some Bad Things

2008-05-07T05:53:00.004-06:00

Good Thing #1
The lovely Sit-n-Knit Sock Exchange socks are done. Such a fun project! I made mine in Socks that Rock Silkie [back from the Rockin' Sock Club] in a Cloverleaf Rib, toe-up. And my recipient? Well, she's a talented knitter, super fun and... gulp, a Yankee Fan. I'm talking about Amy. Here's what I made her:

And what did she make for me? Well, my desires of having Pomatomus Socks have been fulfilled! Now, I know, I should actually knit them one of these days, but boy are these beyoootiful!

Good Thing #2
I found an awesome tube top pattern on Ravelry: Lelah top. And of course, I need to use the delightful Araucania Ranco yarn I got from Rhinebeck. How cute is my little swatch?

Good Thing #3
Way back, oh, in 2006 maybe, I started the Tank-Cowl combo from Weekend Knitting. Let's just say it wasn't working out according to plan so I left it in a ziplock bag for over a year. Over the weekend I finally frogged it and started up again. Now, I'm not the biggest fan of mohair but by george I WILL knit this pattern!

Bad Thing #1
Oh those Mets. Can they just win a little?

Bad Thing #2
A little over a month ago I went vegan. I'm feeling great and am really enjoying my new lifestyle. This isn't the bad thing. The wool that keeps staring at me is a bad thing. Now, certain yarn I will keep because I bought it and I want it and... there's no vegan police to tell me otherwise. There is, however, a lot of yarn that I am willing to part/trade with. Check out my stash on Ravelry and if anything tickles your fancy and, better yet, you have some bamboo/cotton/soy/etc. yarns, drop me line!

When Bad People Happen to Good Knitting

2008-04-21T06:22:00.002-06:00

The bad person would be me, yours truly, the silly one who lives uptown. Why am I saying that I'm a bad person? Where shall I begin:

1. Sock exchange in 2 weeks [extension, YES!] and still not at the heel of sock 1.
2. Have barely knit anything all year. All that beautiful yarn just sitting there.
3. I have a cavity [okay, not knitting-related but this proves that I'm not that good to my teeth either].

So now what? Well, knitting on subways, couches, bar stools. Ever get into that rut where your knitting, no matter who beautiful and scrumptious it is, just doesn't get the spotlight it deserves?

Just Do It!

2008-04-11T06:30:00.002-06:00

I have my sock exchange with my knitting group and let's just say that my middle name is Procrastinator. Well, I have started and I think she'll love em. I just happen to have her favorite yarn [in colors she likes] in my stash and I'm tackling a pattern she wants.

Let's hope I get these done on time.

Oh, and I need to get my blogging on more for two reasons:
1. work has replaced my knitting [been to london more than a month this year already!]
2. baseball season is upon us!

They Let Me Back into the Country!

2008-03-25T12:49:00.004-06:00

3 weeks in London - done.
6 days til I do it again [only a week this time]

Only 6 days until the beautiful New York Mets begin their 2008 season! This is the last season at Shea Stadium as well. Pretty soon, we'll all have to start referring to the Mets' home field as CitiField. Yuck. Along with Opening day, March 31st I get to board another Virgin Atlantic flight London-bound. Sounds crazy all of this London-ness, but here is some prettyness for all [4] of you.

My walk to work usually involved this pretty park. Buckingham Palace on one side and this awesome castle on the other.

Off to iKnit in Vauxhall, and I left with yummy only-UK yarns. First, some lucious blue dk wool spun & dyed in Yorkshire - Wensleydale Longwool. Nice and lightweight and great yardage. Hopefully a cute spring/summer top. Second is more sock yarn [cuz I needed it] from Easy Knits. Spun and dyed in South London and ONLY available at iKnit. I just HAD to buy some. How could you not with great color names like Venus as a Boy, Big Spender and When Doves Cry?

I frogged an attempt at the Crusoe socks and casted on the Fancy Gentleman's Socks. I had my stepdad try them on, and they are a touch too big. We'll see what happens. I'm using Trekking that my mom gave me for Christmas so the yarn will come full circle!

Still in London...

2008-03-12T07:21:00.003-06:00

Wondering where I am? Well, I've been calling London "home" for the past couple of weeks. Work shuttled me here, and I won't be gracing the states with my presence for another few days. But don't worry, I've managed to:

1. Buy yummy yarn at iKnit
2. Drink lots of Guinness
3. Adopt quid, loo and lift into my vocabulary
4. Decide on an Asian trek for my big-bad summer [July-ish] vacation

Yarn pics soon! And if you've been to India, Tibet, Nepal or Bhutan, please let me know!

miss me!

What did YOU do this weekend?

2008-02-19T09:52:00.004-07:00

I learned to [finally] be a ski instructor! I went out to the Poconos to visit my mom and learned to teach the wee ones how to french fry and pizza. What an amazing time! And I also bought some new toys - new ski boots. Check these out

And yes, I have finally broken through my fear of my CPH and started on the hood. I have stolen Tina's idea of continuing the cable up over the hood. Don't hate me, Tina! And finally... I'll be flying across the pond for work for 3 weeks this weekend. Yes, 3 weeks! Don't worry, I've already scouted this knitting group.

Just Do It!

2008-02-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Plaited Cable Scarf is coming along deliciously. The gauge is rather tight but steam blocking with change that. The Kraemer Yarns Summit Hill is one of the smoothest, softest yarns - no cashmere but it'll keep me warm. Then again - will it get cold again? I'm a ski nut so having barely any snow this New York winter is breaking my heart.

And the Central Park Hoodie. Oh the red-headed stepchild in my knitting basket. Poor poor hoodie. But wait! I think I found some mojo to start seaming and finishing you. The finishing article in my new Interweave Knits!

Just my quick flip of the new issue, I already have 3 patterns I want to make:
1. Flutter Sleeve Cardigan
2. Banded Peasant Blouse
3. Drawstring Chemise [but that neckline might need some alterations]

Last on my nike catchphrase list is an overhaul of my stash storage. The Container Store is one of my best friends [since I'm a crazy organized person]. Suggestions for what I should use to store my stash? Wicker baskets are just not cutting it!

1. Clear stackable drawers
2. Canvas stacking drawers

All suggestions/ideas/handmade gifts welcome!

Too Productive?

2008-01-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

Back from wonderful skiing and what do I have to prove for it?

1. Finished Anastasia socks, to be blocked.

2. 3 wristlettes, one that my wonderful cousin permanently borrowed

3. Beginnings of the Plaited Cable Scarf

4. A continuous fear of seaming my CPH
5. More yarn!!

6. A team to cheer for in Sunday's Super Bowl. Go Big Blue!

That's what I got from spending a week at 10,000+ feet above sea level. What about you?

Don't Work - Play with THIS!

2008-01-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

KnitPro will generate any image into a knitting/needlepoint pattern. I'm in love.

Bring on the Snow!

2008-01-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

The annual family ski adventure will be upon us starting tomorrow. My crazy, silly, loud ski-obsessed family will be embarking on our pilgrimmage to Frisco, CO for MLK weekend o'snowy fun. Hopefully, apres ski trip, I'll have more finished knitting and maybe some new yarn...!

Speaking of knitting:

Sock #1 of the Anastasia Socks. Such a fun sock and now that I've down my first toe-up, I'm in love! Why would I ever do a cuff down again? Allena, you were right!

Now, the CPH. I'm having a stupid moment with the hood. Pattern states to knit across holder stitches [of the front] but my yarn is on the other side [from original stitches, not with new ball of yarn]. I'm assuming that the knitting police won't come and get me if I just fudge this ... right?

Or...

I'll recruit my Sit-n-Knit helpers!!

2008-01-08T07:58:00.000-07:00

Leading off: Central Park Hoodie
I finally threw my fears of "it won't fit" into the wind and blocked my CPH. It's almost dry and is looking yummy. Yes, my sleeves will probably be too long but who cares! I want to wear my first sweater already... even if it is 65 degrees out.

Second batter: Just Like a Peasant Cap
Such a fun pattern with the most delicious Malabrigo yarn. Unfortunately, I ran out of the yarn and need to find more. I put a call into What's Needling U in Frisco, CO where I bought it. Knit NY also has some, but it's not the same colorway. Hmm...

Newest Arrival: Anastasia Socks
My first toe-up socks! Go me! And it was fairly easy. With a crochet cast-on as my provisional and a straightforward short-row toe [from the pattern and on knitty], I was good to go. I was rather impressed with how it worked. And the pattern is fun, easy to memorize and does work well with a variegated yarn. And the yarn - Colinette Jitterbug in Fruit Coulis I got at Loop in Islington, London.

Batting clean-up: More Yarn!
No pics yet, but lovely mommy gave me trekking sock yarn and some fresh-from-the-farm handspun from the Poconos. Yup - yarn handspun from sheep raised in the Poconos. Thanks Mommy!

Next up: Finish these damn projects, young lady!

I Was Good This Year!

2007-12-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

First up... a new ipod! Finally! My current [2nd generation] ipod has gone through many mutations. If your ipod dies for real reasons [not "I dropped it in a puddle while drunk on the LES"], you can submit a request to apple and get a new free ipod [of the same model, though]. I've been doing that for 4 years. On my fourth one, I'm tired of doing this so I got a new ipod!

Next up... notions! Lovely brother and sis-in-law got me a box o'love. My Stash Enhancement 07!

And the grand finale... YARN! First up, my first installment of Cascade 220 in great burgundy-pink. I've never knit with it... what should I?

Next up... sock yarn. Sock yarn #1 is the envy of all sock yarns... Koigu. Finally, koigu for ME! And what an eclectic color! It'll probably look just as good in stockinette as in a pattern so... first toe-up socks!

And last, but certainly not least, is another yummy addition to my Araucania yarn that I got in Rhinebeck. This is my favorite. Fun socks or maybe a neck cozy or a bandana.

And my FOs made a great hit on Christmas morning. On top of that, family friends' kids got knit kits for Christmas so I became the teacher for the day. Start 'em young! And for the climax of our post - my new project - my Just Like a Peasant Cap! Now, it calls for double-stranding but my head is never THAT warm.... hmm...

And... What Time is It?

2007-12-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

A.) It's 1:29am.
B.) It's technically Christmas Eve.
C.) It's FO time!

First up: Fetching

Cute fingerless gloves courtesy of knitty.com will soon keep my stepmother's hands warm. In a wonderful Wool of the Andes from knitpicks, these darlings are also the same that I chose to knit up for my knitting group's holiday party. If only I had more time for a hat, scarf or neck cozy...

Second: Monkey Socks

Finally! These god-for-saken "Who are they going to be for? They are too big. Woops, I have three extra rounds of repeats on one sock" socks are FINALLY DONE! The random repeats had to cut out. Yes, cut. Yes, I applied scissors to my hand knit socks. Penelope started and I finshed. It hurt but now... you can't tell! These will also be under the Christmas tree tonight for Papa Bear.

Third: Urchin

On a whim, I cast on this great looking beret with some random Gedifra yarn [yes, yes, acrylic.] I thought that my 12 year-old sister would be the perfect recipient. Two balls of orange and one of green. Let's just say that the hat as a lovely green patch. Hopefully she won't get beat up in school for it... You know kids these days.

Last, a wonderful co-worker/great friend surprised me with these adorable stitch markers:

Such a great friend. Let's just see what ends up under the tree for yours truly [and my needles!]

I'M ALIVE!

2007-12-16T22:56:00.001-07:00

After a few weeks of work traveling, then thanksgiving, then more "let's work a LOT," my poor knitting got the shaft for ... ooh ... a while. Yesterday, was the first time since pre-turkey fun that I knitted. I'm ashamed.

So.... what did I do?

I made Fetching for Sit-n-Knit's Holiday Gift Exchange. My knitter made me this adorable neck cozy.

Finally, I'm knitting again!! CPH should be done soon....

Fina-freakin-ly!

2007-11-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

An FO! A real FO! Look mom! I CAN finish something.

Yarn: knipicks' Gossamer in Rose Garden
Needle: US 3 circular
Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

What a wonderful way to begin two tremendously arduous weeks at work. This is peak art season and what does that mean for me? For starters, there won't be much time for knitting. Secondly, I will be going to Geneva [leaving in 10 minutes] back to New York and then to London. Sounds more glamorous than it is. Ten-twelve hour days away from stash.

Status of my Central Park Hoodie: shoulder caps on sleeves. Put them down somewhere in between. Hopefully my notes are accurate. Thanks to Penelope and Tina - a simple measurement of my arms was all I needed.

As for my Monkey socks [daddy's birthday socks], I better get back from Geneva and have them finished...

only time and flying will tell...

Boston Wins & LA Loses

2007-10-31T20:52:00.001-06:00

It's all about the Sox! Now, yes, the wonderful Boston Red Sox have won their second world series title this millenium. Yipee! Go Sox! Speaking of socks, I should be finishing my dad's monkey socks, as his birthday is in 7 days. The mammoth of all mammoth socks should be finished... soon.

Why does LA lose, you ask? Because my beloved wonderful friend, Katie, is moving back east. The painfully bright sun was too much for her and decided that delicious New York winters were more her style. Yeah!

Aside from the monkey socks, I also have the Chevron scarf on the needles. Almost done...

Knitpicks' Gossamer yarn is so freakin' long! 440 yds per skein. Wow. For-e-ver [please say a-la Sandlot].

And the Central Park Hoodie. The sleeves are coming along. I might have to alter the sleeves slightly. I'm making the 40" bust [as the bust fairies blessed short me with a non-A cup frame] but I'm only 5'2" so my arms aren't 7 feet long. We shall see what happens. Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciatly

What else do I want to make?
- secret of the stole with knitpicks Shadow
- gloves/mittens with yummy Nu Leafe Alpaca I got at Rhinebeck
- fetching out of something from my stash
- hat/scarf set with some Malabrigo Worsted

So much to knit! And honestly... I am considering holiday gifts, but man, I don't think that I have the time, what with all that I have to make for ME!

Personal news!

I moved. I moved!! Such a wonderful time for me. I moved in with some friends, and boy am I happy. My previous situation was not the best so these new digs are spantaculous. No local yarn shop though, boo. Then again, I have enough yarn. That's right! I said it!

Signing off in baseball news - David Wright on the Daily Show on 10/31/07. Check my boyfriend out!

London vs. Rhinebeck

2007-10-21T17:49:00.000-06:00

Pop Quiz!

Who noticed I was gone for about 2 weeks? Thought so. Where have I been, you might now be wondering. London! Business again and too much work me did. The best way to unwind after a marathon work session is to ... go to the NY Sheep and Wool Festival!

1. Yumminess
Shepherd's pie. Okay fine, I wouldn't know that yuminess since I gave up meat about 8 years ago but you wouldn't find those tasty treats at Rhinebeck. Instead, homemade fudge, organic wine and bufala mozzarella for $4! But but BUT! London has some of the most eclectic international cuisine [best Indian!] led by some of the world's best chefs. As much as I love kettle corn from the "farm," the British Isle might trump this one.

London = 1
Rhinebeck = 0

2. Pretty Factor
Oh come ON! Fall foliage abound on the Thruway as we drove up to the "yarn expo." London, keep your rain!

London = 1
Rhinebeck = 1

3. Smiling Faces
Getting lost in London, some nice locals pointed me in the right direction. While I groped lots of yarn, wool purveyors happily discussed any crazy topic I desired. This might be a draw

London = 1
Rhinebeck = 1

4. Financial Impact
$2 grilled cheese, $10 entrance fee, free sheep petting!
£3 oyster card [without the money on it!], £5 guinness, need I say more?

Okay... I'm ignoring the bank I dropped on yarns but ... let's ignore that for now.

London = 1
Rhinebeck = 2

5. Yarniness
Uh, yeah. Here's what I molested yesterday.

Liberty Ridge Farms had about 1000yds for $30 of some delish DK alpaca/merino/silk cream-colored yarn. Fingers crossed I have enough for a sweater. An amazing deal that I couldn't pass up.

Carodan Farm Wool Shop from VA had some amazing tie-dyed Araucania Yarns that I fell in love with! Patagonian-raised sheep and hand-dyed, who can resist this? About 750 yds, I'm not sure what to make but this. Ideas??

The cream of the crop. The splurge. The "buy it and love it." The edible 100% Alpaca from Nu Leafe Alpaca. As I type, I'm drooling over this. Some ultra-warm gloves/mittens this yarn will be. But it's too pretty!

So who do YOU think won this fight?

P.S. Go Sox!

But I'm Still a Fan

2007-10-01T06:22:00.000-06:00

They choked.
They crumbled.
They crashed and burned.
They broke my heart.

But I'm still a fan.

Counting down...

2007-09-23T21:51:00.000-06:00

Postseason is almost upon us. Given that my stomach feels like it has been on a rollar coaster for the past week or two, I felt the need to hark back to a simpler time. A time when I wore keds and side ponytails. But more importantly, a time when my Kings of Queens were Kings of Baseball. Enjoy.

I signed up for the Secret of the Stole but am not sure what yarn to purchase. Three options: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Sand Heather, Shadow in Lost Lake Heather or maybe a Zephyr 2/18 but I can't find one that I like. Ideas?

Knitting with my cohorts on Saturday, we discussed my [insert your own adjective here] evening plans going to Dave & Buster's for a birthday. Oh. My. Well, it did allow me to drink large beers and win useless crap. Like this biting elephant. Cuz everyone needs a ... biting ... elephant.

Thankfully I didn't knit drunk. Or did I. Why, you ask? This one middle cable looks a tad longer than the rest. Does this mean that I can't count to ten?

Speaking of counting...

Who Loves September?

2007-09-20T22:20:00.000-06:00

Well, I don't. The weather has been lovely. Austin was fantastic. Work hasn't totally killed me. So why don't I like Septembers?

Baseball, that's why. The regular season is coming to an end, and the Mets [originally] had the pennant in the bag. In a suitcase. Dude, that pennant was signed, sealed and delivered. But instead, they decided to make it interesting. Too interesting. They are making it too easy for the Phillies to steal [that's right STEAL] the pennant. They better wake up because if they want to keep THIS fan [don't worry; they will], they better start playing real baseball.

In other baseball news, check out New York Magazine's latest article on my grandfather's favorite and only baseball team - the Brooklyn Dodgers.

In knitting news, my left front of the CPH has been complete [yeah!]. After a short "where the HELL did that needle go" fit at 11:30pm tonight, I immediately cast on the right front.

I also signed up for the Secret of the Stole and am using some of my Skacel Alpaca Seta yarn in a delicious light camel color. Unfortunately, since I only have 600 yards, I need to track down more. Who knew knitting from your stash would mean you need to buy more yarn?

Look What You Missed

2007-09-18T06:12:00.000-06:00

Austin. Wow. While you were sitting in your air-conditioned apartments, I paraded around a 14+ acre park with tens of thousands of music fans in scorching heat. Here's why you need to get your tickets to Austin City Limits 2008.

1. Heat. 95 degrees, limitless humidity. Gray tank tops turning black. 8 hours in this was ... there are no words.
2. Bob Dylan opening with "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35." Unfortunately, he sounded like someone was stepping on his vocal cords the whole time. But it doesn't matter. It's Bob Dylan!
3. A car. You need one of these to get around. Especially if you want breakfast. Otherwise, you'll end up having brunch at the 4 Seasons since you can't find anything else.
4. Tom's Shoes. Every time you buy a pair of these totally comfy slip-ons, "Tom" donates a pair to shoeless children in Argentina. And they're cheap. Buy a pair!
5. Marley. Ziggy. Stephen. Wow. Too bad Damian didn't show up out of nowhere, but more unbelievable sets.
6. Fire. No, not a bonfire but an actual fire! Flames and billowing smoke were a sight to see after a trailer caught fire during Pete Yorn's set. Thankfully no one was injured. But... wow.
7. Some unbelievable funk/jazz/alt-country coming from the WaMu tent. My top two - Railroad Earth and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
8. Katie had to leave early to work yesterday. Boo.
9. $3 cocktails! $3 cocktails! I have been living in NYC too long.

10. KNITTING! That's right!

Thanks to Allena, I made the $30 cab right to The Knitting Nest and picked up a sweater's worth of Peace Fleece, one of Allena's project bags and a few skeins of Kathmandu Aran in a delicious heathered green. Stacy was one of the nicest women. We chatted about yarn, ACL and NY knitting shops for a while. She has free WiFi, a great selection of yarn and fiber project bags and will print projects for you. I will definitely be returning.

So much more to talk about - big floppy hats, Pat the coolest cab driver, dumb-as-rocks "concierge" at our hotel.

What a concert. What a town.

What are You Doing on Sunday Night?

2007-09-14T03:52:00.000-06:00

I'm seeing Bob Dylan! Why? Because I'm going to Austin City Limits!

More knitting when I return!

Charts Aren't English

2007-09-04T20:47:00.000-06:00

I have never read a chart before. Any pattern that I have seen has had the row description below it, so I just jumped to this row-by-row explanation and ignored the chart. Onto the CPH. How hard could it be, I thought. Well, my cables are now reversed.

My lovely knitters at our mini-BBQ alerted me of this. Wabi Sabi Allena said. Hmm, maybe this looks a lot yummier than the written pattern. I'm using Lorna's Laces Worsted and it was well worth the purchase. The most luscious, springiest yarn. I can't wait to finish it.

And the other projects that have kept me busy - Chevron Scarf and the Monkey socks. Remember, silly me, mediumweight means some heavy sock yarn! These huge socks would never fit my lovely Philly friend. Oh well. At least Daddy's feet will be warm.

Sock Number 2

Take Away My Needles

2007-08-28T21:19:00.000-06:00

I shouldn't be allowed to knit. Here's the CPH Saga.

1. Cast on for bust 36" even though I know that I should do 40" for the roomy fit.
2. "I'll just block it out" was not received well by fellow knitters.
3. Frogged 2x to fix stupid mistakes but continued my 36" attempt.
4. FINE! I'll CO for 40" so on I casted.
5. Starting pattern ... but I ... don't have ... enough STITCHES!

why?

6. BECAUSE I DIDN'T CAST ON ENOUGH STITCHES.

Is the CPH doomed? I'm not posting any pics. The only thing I have going for me is the yummiest yarn... ever. Lorna's Laces worsted. mmm.

Mistake or Wabi-Sabi?

2007-08-26T08:15:00.001-06:00

Last night, I embarked on the Central Park Hoodie, my first real true "lots of yarn so you better like it" sweater. And it's for me. All for me. So, four inches later, I have the ribbing for the back.

But upon closer examination, I realized that there are a few "purl not knit" stitches. No, there wasn't excessive drinking involved but dimmer light, friendly conversation with friends and a "it's just 2-by-2 rib so I don't need to pay attention" mindset.

Do I frog it or just harness the Wabi-Sabi that Allena talks so much about and say that these aren't imperfections but what makes this handknit? Decisions, decisions. Thankfully I have the Chevron Scarf and the Monkey socks to keep my hands occupied.

Speaking of Monkeys, here's sock number 1.

Thankfully after realizing that these will never fit my dear friend Joey [her feet are not terribly wide or long!], I picked lovely Dad for these earthy socks. Strange though - the heel was not a sl1, k1 heel. And, even though my ball band "claimed" that I had the same gauge as the pattern, I ended up with a sock big enough to be pants. Hmm...

And then, last but terribly not least, is my baby afghan. All done! My lovely coworker "Rebecca the seamstress in her former life" helped me with sewing a flannel backing on the blanket to finish it off. Thanks Rebecca! I am so proud!

My Dad is a Monkey

2007-08-17T09:08:00.000-06:00

Back from Florida. Enjoying the less humid weather here in lovely New York - who knew I would ever say that! Made lots of progress with the Chevron Scarf and learned something hilarious about the Monkey Socks. The gauge for the Monkeys is the same as on the ball band of my STR - so I began knitting away, realizing they were a little... big. Oh, how big they are! They will never fit the birthday girl so instead... Daddy Socks!

Let's Go Mets... I mean Knitters!

2007-08-09T12:54:00.000-06:00

Wow! Stitch-n-Pitch was amazing. Hundreds of knitters and crocheters in Mets regalia. It was a sight to be seen, and I can't wait to go next year. Check out the photostream. Some highlights:

- Debbie Stoller handing our knitting goodie bags
- Lily Chin proudly displaying her complete Mets uniform, mitt, ball and hat
- Knitted Mets hats and banners
- My mom's rally hat
- Moises Alou's game-winning homerun

Newly cast on is the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I needed to bring something to the game that doesn't require me to read a pattern. I'm using up some Knitpicks Gossamer yarn in Rose Garden - leftovers from my first attempt at the clapotis; second attempt soon. I'm using two strands at once and it's pooling rather nicely. A snapshot pre-Mets game.

The Monkey socks [for Joey's bday] hit a snag last weekend. I knit the sock according to pattern but the heel flap looking absurdly huge. So I frogged it and made it more like a rectangle. Here's a pic to make you laugh.

Off to Florida this weekend. Should I buy yarn?

dry Dry DRY!

2007-08-03T06:26:00.000-06:00

Ah, blocking. Not my favorite part of the knitting process. My almost-dry cache-coeur bergamo is almost dry. I blocked it rather large since when I first tried it on, it was VERY "form-fitting" so out came the pins and stretched the knitting went.

And my cardigan. I am NOT happy the way this knitting looked upon it getting wet. Hopefully it'll dry nicely. And thanks to Penelope for the wonderful bobble idea. I love the way they came out! Next step is tacking a backing to the baby blanket. Fleece maybe? Make it nice and soft.

Just recently cast on are my first Monkey socks in Socks that Rock Monsoon. That's right, I finally am using my Rockin Sock Club yarn. Man, I'm slow. These yummies are for lovely Joey's bday at the end of the month. I'm rather confident they will be done by then.

P.S. Don't tell Joey I'm making these! Surprise her I will!

I Should Be Sleeping

2007-07-29T22:49:00.000-06:00

Weekend recap time!

Friday Night
I saw The Simpsons Movie with friends and had a blast! See it! If you like/love/adore/obsess over the show, see the movie. End of discussion. Oh, and I hacked off my hair [shoulder length to above-the-chin] and added very bold red highlights. Me pretty!

Saturday
Penelope, Allena, Tawana [congrats miss preggers!!] and I met up to enhance our stashes [even Penelope!] at Knit NY's sale. Unfortunately, nothing tickled our fancy. So, what oh what should we do [after making a pitstop at the apple store]?

Go to Purl Soho!

"Knit yourself a sweater, Nicole."
... that's why I have the Pear Tree yarn for the openwork sweater I will design.
"Oh whatever. Make the Central Park Hoodie."
... so much yarn, so much money. I'll buy cheap online.
"But you need to love the yarn and it should last. Buy here."

10 minutes of debating later... I bought some yummilicious Lorna's Lace's Shepherd Worsted.

And yes, of COURSE, I'm making a gauge swatch!

Sunday
Baby knitting is coming along wonderfully. A few annoyances here and there [look at the shoulder BO area. Yeah, why did I BO with yellow? Who knows.] I'm so psyched to start the bands. FO soon!

I don't hate the idea of knitting these flat as much anymore. I am improving my seaming. "Improving" is the operative word. In the future, though, I will alter the pattern to knit it in the round. Why seam if you don't have to?

And ravelry. Oh, ravelry. It's 1am and I obsessed with updating my projects.

I need to sleep.

Say it With Me Children...

2007-07-23T12:21:00.000-06:00

READ
DIRECTIONS

The Tall Tales cardigan is taking a little longer than expected because, well, I, uh, haven't been reading the directions thoroughly. Maybe I should start drinking coffee...

Block This!

2007-07-18T06:15:00.000-06:00

The Cache-Coeur Bergamo is almost done! Just need to block the hell out of it. Can ya tell?

On a side note, y'all should get out to Coney Island now before it becomes a Vegas-style amusement park with condos.

Tall Tales Cardigan coming along yummily!

If You Like Pina Colada...

2007-07-11T22:39:00.000-06:00

Some random tidbits for you all!

Austin City Limits
I'm going! I'm going! Katie and I bought tickets and I'm ready to experience 3 days of outdoor music and fun. I can't WAIT! Now where will I go yarn shopping? Austin, TX yarn shops, anyone?

A Mets Cookbook
As my mother was watching a Mets game, she heard our lovely announcers speak of a Mets cookbook. Oh my! Must google! And found I did. Granted, it looks a little ghetto but it might have to be purchased for its 80s glory. Pick up your copy of GourMets today!

Food(o)meter
I found an interesting article on Local Harvest about the distance that your food travels to get to you. Very interesting.

Rhinebeck
I'm going! New York Sheep and Wool Festivalwill need to prepare itself for my arrival. Lovely Kate will be driving as I provide the necessary driving munchies. We just might purchase a sheep.

Cache-Couer Bergamo
I'm really loving this pattern. I have tried it on post-armhole seaming and realized that I will need to block the HELL out of this. It comes barely underneath my bust. Next time I will pick the proper bust measurement that goes with the FULLEST part of my chest. Yeah, I didn't think about that part one. Fingers-crossed it fits. Here's a detail of the side bands...

Tall Tales Cardigan
Remember the Tall Tales Afghan that took me FOREVER to make? Well, it was supposed to come together with this cardigan. Since I have slacked off with my baby knitting, I started to get cracking. Hopefully this cardigan won't take a year and day the way previous baby gifts have. It will now be a birthday/christmas present for one of the many people [coworkers, friends, cousins] that have had children recently. The cutest kid wins! Here's the back.

And gettin' caught in the rain.

Anyone else get saturated in the NYC rain? My apartment smells like wet dog

Ain't No 4th Without Yarn

2007-07-04T13:54:00.000-06:00

My lovely SIL Debbie has the greatest and oldest ball-winder. So with about 7 skeins to wind, off we went.

Look at me go!

Two pairs of Socks that Rock [bottom] - one for me and one for daddy. Just have to see if the Rockin' Sock Clubs pattern isn't too "girly" for my masculine father. The two lucious oranges, now what will I do with those? Knit Picks Gossamer. Hmm... Ideas?

Best Way to Spend a Weeknight

2007-07-02T15:26:00.001-06:00

1. Listening to Mets on the radio [no cable for this one!]
2. Organize my stash on Ravelry
3. Scarf down some yummy Thai takeout
4. Indulge in some Lime and Violet podcasts.

If you haven't signed up on Ravelry yet, go for it! I finally found the time to poke around and am in love with the site. After listening to lovely Ms. Dane's Cast On podcast this morning, I made it a project this evening to see what all the fuss is about.

And what a fuss! Categorizing all of your yarn and needles. Queueing up all of your future patterns and possible yarns to use from your stash. Search all the patterns you desire. Pictures galore and new knitters to meet. I have found a new obsession! Find me on it: stitchitter.

And since the Mets have [slowly] gotten out of their slump, I say we relive the BEST catch EVER in baseball. Just watch. Watch and see what Endy Chavez did during the 2006 National League Championship Series, Game 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals.

You better say "Wow!"

Last Day to Vote

2007-06-28T11:50:00.000-06:00

Remember to vote for the All-Star Game! Voting ends today. Make sure that, among others, lovely Mr. Lo Duca, ultra-happy Mr. Reyes and of course, my adorable boyfriend Mr. Wright are all out there representing the National League!

LETS GO METS!

Better Be Enough

2007-06-27T06:13:00.000-06:00

Seduction Sock 1 = DONE!

Lovely Seduction Sock was cast on while flying across the pond and was completed the other night. I cast on the second sock this morning so hopefully I'll have a lovely pair of socks to keep me warm on these cold New York City summer nights. I'm sweating just thinking about it.

Think I can actually get Sock 2 out of that little ball?

Mind the Gap [in Intelligence]

2007-06-25T06:18:00.000-06:00

Back from the other side of the pond and let me say, I'm glad to be back. Some ideas I came away with:

- Bear left and don't get hit by a car.
- Refrain from using expressions like "Pip pip, cheerio."
- The Tube is too far underground.
- Guinness tastes better across the pond.
- Smuggling DPNs onto a Heathrow-JFK flight is easy but throw your water bottles away.

But certain quirks and scenarios got my blood boiling.

Service
Like in other European cities, service is included in British food and drinking establishments which means no tipping. Without a tip, however, servers don't "need" to work harder which means, in my experiences, mediocre service at best. No stitch-hitter stamp of approval.

Technology - workwise
As my company is in transition in our London office, our computer servers and bells and whistles are as well. This means that we are using our New York artillery to keep us going. So, not only were we already working in temporary spaces that resombled a World War II-style bunker, our computers were running slower thank a 56k dial-up from 1996. They would time out, bump you off, freeze, you name it. Horrible experience. Appreciate your internet.

Back to Land o' Knitting!

I went to Loop in Islington [northern London]. Wonderful! Such a great selection of yummy yarns at good prices. This being my third trip to the UK in a year and a half, I had to buy yarn! The lovely owner [I think?] was informative and made me feel right at home. I was on the prowl for yarn you can't buy in the states, but that was a lot harder [and more expensive] than I thought. Those yarns were hand-dyed cashmere yarns. I might have been treating myself for my birthday [last friday!], but I wasn't feeling THAT generous.

I'm thinking this Pear Tree yarn will make an adorable cardigan or lacy sweater. I immediately fell in love with the sky-like color and its softness.

Standing by the register, after I picked up the Pear Tree, some darning needles and a yarn cutter [finally, I have one!], this Colinette Jitterbug caught my eye. Delish! At 200+ meters, I'll be making enough socks to keep everyone warm! I might need to start using sock yarn for something else.

To the Plane Station!

2007-06-16T16:35:00.000-06:00

My lovely sister-in-law and fellow knitting/blogger Debbie refers to the airport as a "plane station." How painfully adorable.

Skipping across the pond I go. Look, I packed and with only 3.25 hours before my flight.

I even squeezed in some more work on my Bergamo shrug. Coming along rather well. Had to fudge some decreases here and there. Don't tell the knitting police. Just the left side and the side bands remain!

I decided to not take this project with me since it requires attention and not the treatment of a red-headed stepchild. Instead, I'm taking some Claudia Hand Painted sock yarn I bought back in Colorado and taking a crack at the Seduction Socks from Interweave. We shall see what unravels [ha! I kill me!]

Now, some of you might have noticed that me, a die-hard Mets fan, has been rather quiet regarding baseball. Unfortunately, my beloved Metropolitans have not been playing very well. Pitching not hard/fast/anything enough. Batspeed and swing leaving something to be desired. Therefore, I had to take a Ross-and-Rachel break from thinking/talking about baseball. I was still following the games but... crying on my Debbie Bliss cashmerino Aran.

Now off to London.

Slow and Steady...

2007-06-12T06:09:00.000-06:00

After my breakdown realization that committing to one project was not going to work [and Hila's wonderful explanation of why it's better for you as a knitter], I have been enjoying my Bergamo pattern. The Debbie Bliss yarn doesn't make it half-bad either!

The pattern is a purl-dot pattern that's rather simple but elegant. I'm rather intriguing on this provisional cast-on and how it all will come together.

Non-Knitting News
Panda [lovely Amanda] and I decided, on a whim while eating Indian food watching the Sopranos series finale, to finally go to the ballet. To our sheer luck, we caught one of Alessandra Ferri's final performances with ABT in Manon at the Met last night. Magical. Delicious. Impeccable. If you have the chance, see her before she says good-bye forever on June 23rd. Tickets aren't that expensive [our cheapo seats were only $35!] and well worth the beauty on stage.

I just might start dancing again...

I Cheated

2007-06-05T05:58:00.000-06:00

I tried to be monogamous, really I did. I didn't look at any other yarn. I didn't read pattern books and barely read blogs in the hopes that I wouldn't be tempted. Because of this, I have barely picked up the needles on my pink tank top. Oh that poor tank.

Now, I have this:

The beginnings of the Cache-Coeur Bergamo in Weekend Knitting. Maybe this [and the potential of a pair of socks and a few baby garments!] will show me that the tank top is not the devil incarnate. And now that auction season is almost over, I can focus on my lovely stash.

So, forget being a monogamous knitter. I'd rather be a knitting slut!

Annie Wants 7 Things

2007-05-29T20:25:00.000-06:00

But first:

I need to knit.
I need to Knit.
I NEED TO KNIT.

Here are your 7 things.

1. Yes, I adore baseball, that everyone knows. Specifically, I saw game 2 of the 2000 World Series [Mets v. Yankees]. Unbelievable.

2. Obsessed with Law & Order: SVU. I have messed up many-a stitch because of this wonderful drama.

3. I have a [disgusting] nervous habit of chewing on my lip. I'll gnaw and gnaw creating rather large canker sores. Because of this, you should all believe me when I saw that Campho-Phenique is the best remedy. Yum.

4. Summer camp circa 1994, I was named "Craziest Camper" by all of the counselors. Surprised? Within a few years, I was one of those counselors.

5. I'm allergic to nothing, never have been admitted to the hospital, never broken a bone or had an operation. Super Woman!

6. My first concert was in 1986, I was 5, at FDU [Farleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ] with my mother and older brother. I saw Tiffany. The following year the three of us saw Debbie Gibson. And yes, I was a member of DGIF - Debbie Gibson International Fan Club.

7. Excluding espresso [which is not "coffeed"], I have never had a cup of coffee. Ever.

NOW I shall knit.

Let's Go Mets!

You've Got the (W)Right Stuff...

2007-05-19T15:43:00.000-06:00

Baby
Love the way you turn me on.

Ah, new kids on the block. Gotta love em. And those Mets. Oh, those Mets! Loved the game with my mom and her fellow library crazypants. Great way to prep myself for what was to be an insane week at work.

About 70 hour work week, worked til 2:30am on Thursday. That's all I have to say. And no knitting.

No knitting at all!

And now, as I lay on my bed watching the Mets beat the Yankees, I look at all my lovely yarn and think, "I'm just too tired."

Someone wake me up!

Baseball is Simpler than Knitting

2007-05-13T20:51:00.000-06:00

Why?
Why?
WHY?!

Pattern calls for me to knit another 4 inches of the armholes/shoulders/"sleeves" of my pink tank top.

I tried it on and realized, "I look ridiculous!" These are only 15 stitches wide [on each side] and the base of the v-neck is at the base of my bust. Now, maybe I should have thought this through more, but I thought, "The pattern is smarter than me," and "The picture looks right."

Grr... I'll go with it and if I need/want to, I will host a frogging party since this "pattern" has the potential of being a strange vertical lace strip breast cover.

In other News
1. Went to a winning Mets Game with Mom for Mother's Day. Yeah! So wonderful. So yummy. So Dy-No-Wright!
2. Saw The Avett Brothers on Friday night with Kate via a "I have an extra ticket to a concert" text message. They rock! Or, shall I say, they bluegrass! Thanks Kate, you adorable knitter-meets-coworker you!
2. Bought 3 awesome books today:

So, You Want to Join the Peace Corps...

Crimes Against Nature

Bush Versus the Environment

I'm on a "Let's Learn about the Environment, how the government has messed it up and how we can change it" kick.

Peace Corps Update
Awaiting my medical packet to arrive.
Met a former Volunteer - awesome!
Trying to keep mouth shut at work.

Sunday night, already?

2007-05-06T18:24:00.000-06:00

Friday
With only 15 hours before Sit n' Knit's Sock Exchange, I feverishly knitted - on the subway, at home and... at happy hour. Yes, weekly drinking shenanigans had to make room for knitting. PBRs and mac-n-cheese at the Hog Pit later, I still wasn't done yet. Back to Brooklyn I went, an episode of The Sopranos, two of Entourage and one watching of Mallrats later, I was FINALLY DONE! Here comes the blocking. At 2am. Washed in my lovely green Ecover laundry detergent [for delicates!], I felt confident and passed out.

Saturday
9am - socks not dry
10am - go to spinning praying socks will dry
11:30am - socks still not dry
noon - shower, get dressed, right nice card, prepare wrapping
12:30pm - sock "dry enough"
1:30pm - arrive in Sheep's Meadow only to call sis-in-law 3 times because I couldn't find my fellow knitters
2:30pm - Aileen gives me these delicious numbers along with NY Mets stickers!! You ROCK!

2:35pm - give Judy-in-Progress her socks; she notices their "dampness;" we all laugh

Now, the rest of Cinco de Mayo, or Cinco de Drinko as my friends and I like to call it, ended on a ... much ... different ... note.

4:30pm - first 50 oz. margarita; Jason and I share
4:45 - 5:30pm - eat, drink, be merry
6pm - second 50 oz margarita; Jason, Amanda and I share
7pm - third 50 oz margarita; Jason, Amanda and I share

Only made it through the 3rd inning of the Mets game.

What
A
Night

Sunday
What happened last night? Those times don't sound right. Well, it was a Cinco de Drinko to remember. And today, I had these goodies to ogle

Check out the new copy of Interweave Knits. And, for all those that care about my "I will never find the right pink" for my cowl pink fuzzy tank top, rest assured I found it! I returned to Purl Soho to return the lonely pink skein that didn't match. One of the salesgirls remembered me and my ill-fated purchasing.

"This wouldn't work?" she said [I hate that I don't know her name], handing me a hank.

"Wait a minute," I said as I pulled out a swatch of my yarn. "It WILL work!"

And speaking of swatches, here's my first real true swatch. And it grew.

2 ½ Days Left

2007-05-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

Yell at Nicole
Before my knitting group's Secret Feet Sock Exchange. Someone please light a fire under my arse so that I finish the second sock. Last week, with lots of auctions and other work whosiwhatsits, I worked about 70 hours last week. I then took the weekend to take a voyage of beer [yummy Heartland], drop some dough at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters, do some much-needed laundry and... sleep. When did I knit? Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

My Mom is Better than Your Mom
The best piece of my weekend? My mom sent me a box of lucious goodies:

- bag of zucchini puffs [like bread only in mini-muffin shapes]
- a mini-loaf of banana bread
- a copy of the Harlot's new Casts Off

I scarfed down those puffs - you can't say no to Mommy's cooking. Mmm... A pic would've shown up but... I was too busy eating them. Thanks Mumu! You rock! Maybe some new socks in your future...?

Must knit
Must knit
MUST KNIT!

I'm Not Like My Brother

2007-04-19T20:37:00.001-06:00

See, my brother is colorblind. It serves for enjoyable holiday dinners when everyone asks, "What color is that?" and then snickers when he says "Red" when it's really yellow. "Reddish yellow, I mean." It's side-slipping when things are "dark" or "light" just because he doesn't want to deal with our chuckles at his "disability." Now, of course he can see colors - but it's his 3 million to our 10 million.

But I felt like him over these past two days yarn shopping for a Koigu Premium Merino Wool to match my lucious pink. I can remember the color, right? Here it is...

Try #1: Downtown Yarns

Nope. Kinda dirty pink. And this was after going into Knit New York, seeing the same yarn [that I have realized in hindsight] and trekking down Avenue A to purchase what I THOUGHT was the right yarn.

Try #2: Purl Soho

Wrong again. And I even had the wonderful ladies at Purl wind 2 of my 3 skeins since I was so certain this was the right color.

Third time's a charm? I'm not so sure. Next time, I'll not only bring a swatch of the yarn [go ahead, reprimand me], but I'll bring my brother since maybe his colorblind eyes are better than mine.

Insert expletive here

2007-04-16T21:19:00.000-06:00

Excuse me, but who invited you, Mr. Toe? I know that I didn't.

Delightful yarn plus wonderful new stitch equals . . . a rip? Not fair! And I don't even know how to darn socks. I never intended to learn - that and dusting. Never a fan of the dusting.

Expletive: Your choice 4-letter word

Easter plus yarn multiplied by lots of knots equals yum!

Left: Malabrigo Kettle Dye Pure Merino in Azul Bolita. Not sure what to do with this. Might need to purchase more skeins for a vest or shrug. Hmm... ideas?
Center: Socks that Rock! Finally, I can cast on.
Right: Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in Jungle. Socks for moi! Gotta love the additional jimmy-rigged kid sister skein, eh?
Shop [left & right]: What's Needling U? in Frisco, CO. Something so heartwarming about buying yarn in a cozy mountain town.

Expletive: hells yeah!

Secret Feet Status
Made the foot too big. Had to frog and tink then reknit THEN tinked some more since still too big. But these must be as close to perfect as possible.

Cowl Status
Ran out of yarn. What?!!? Well, I trekked to Knit New York AND Downtown Yarns to try and match the yarn and nothing. I even purchased yarn at DY thinking that it was the same but it wasn't. I can't even post a pic. Too sad. Need to buy online now. Poor poor knitting. FYI - Knit's new website. Horrendous! Check it out and let me know if you agree. There's no yarn search. Why have a website for a yarn store if I can't even see what you sell?!!

Expletive: grumble grumble

More Yarn to Oggle

For Weekend Knitting's Bergamo - Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, lot 610
For who knows what, Cascade Yarns' Bollicine Dolly [sale!]. Hmm... ideas?

Expletive: Creative adjectives using pornographic references

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Mz. Kwooz of "I have no stash or a blog" fame has jumped head-first into the deep end and received her membership card to the knitting blogsophere.

Everyone say it with me, "I told you so!"

Knitters vs. Non-Knitters

2007-04-12T14:16:00.000-06:00

Round 1.

DING!

Easter is usually the holiday when I eat too much chocolate and complain that there aren't enough vegetarian options, but not this one! My lovely SIL, cRazy sTitch, brought her ball winder over to my dad's on the Bunny Holiday for us to have some winding fun. Now, this winder has a history... about 25+ year history. I think it started in Long Island, at Debbie's childhood home, and then found it's way to Nanuet, where Debbie and Danny live now. A little before Bunny Holiday, I asked to borrow the winder so that I could finally wind not only my Socks That Rock! yarn but other skeins sitting in my stash. I didn't bring it all over but enough to keep us busy.

No swift.

How are we going to do this, I thought? Well, just stand there with your hands out, holding the hank, tilting and dancing the yarn dance and the retro winder will spin my beloved into a cute little ball/rectangle/thing.

And, some knots.

Debbie and I noticed some annoying knots in the first skein [STR] but were able to pick them out. One skein down, more to go! Bring on the yummy sock yarn from Colorado.

And, more knots.
A bigger one.
Huge knots to scare small children but not... Amanda!
And she's not a knitter!

I got very frustrated since this knot, this morphing of bad yarn, kept getting bigger and badder. I had to stop. Debbie tried. We had to stop. I had to have pie. But not Amanda. She wasn't dissuaded by the evil-knot-that-could. She hunkered down and picked that knot apart.

I had pie, Debbie's plum tart. Gotta love the Fruit of the Month Club!
And Amanda's delicious chocolate chip macaroons.

Knot begon! She fixed it! The non-knitter caused the knitters to "ooh" and "aah" in her wonderment. We decided that she can be taught and she will be taught [again; her grandma taught her back in the day, which, if anyone is counting, was a Tuesday].

Amanda will become a knitter.

Yes, I'm one of them

2007-04-04T08:01:00.000-06:00

One of the females that is enamored with David Wright, the Mets third baseman. One that would wear a "Mrs. Wright" t-shirt [I stress the word "would" as those shirts pack a heavy dose of cheddar]. One that when she opened her newest New York Magazine, she slightly melted when she read the Mr. Clean article. Yum. And my boys are undefeated! Now, don't start your yammering about how they've only played 3 games. Those three games [a sweep, oh fair ones!] were against the defending World Champions.

I'm also one of those knitters that loves to cast on. I love to start projects, pick yarn, sift through pattern books, bookmark ideas on webpages, ogle FOs on other blogs. Because of this obsession, perfectionism or just plain silliness, it causes casting on to be rather difficult and, moreover, ritualistic. This ritual occurred a few times over the past 2 weeks in my lovely abode in the big-bad-BK - secret feet socks and a cowl neck tank top. And of course, I have dreams now [and not just David Wright realizing that he's destined to be with me, but I have that dream too].

Dream #1: Socks must fit secretee. Oh socks must fit! But remember, no pictures until the secretee receives them.

Dream #2: My cowl neck tank top isn't TOO pink... is it?

Interview, check. What's next?

2007-03-29T16:27:00.000-06:00

Wow. I am wired. I am bouncing off the walls. I had my Peace Corps interview today and am feeling so invigorated. I walked into my old stomping ground of NYU and sat down with a wonderful former volunteer, they're called RPCVs, and immediately... freaked out. I was nervous [since I was 10 minutes late], scared [since I forgot every reason why I wanted to join the Peace Corps in the first place] and excited [since I was finally having my interview].

First question: What is the Peace Corps in your words and why do you want to serve?
My Answer: uhh... um... well... yeah...

That painted a fabulous picture of eloquent Nicole. Thankfully, I was able to remember that I wanted to be part of a community, learn a new language, immerse myself in a different culture and challenge myself on every level. Onto more complex questions surrounding:

1. Leadership experience
2. Conflict and differences with someone and how I resolved it
3. Not having traditional support system available
4. Teaching/Transferring knowledge or a skill set to another
5. Stressful situations and how to handle them
6. Being away from home/family/friends
7. Living conditions and lack of communication
8. Language and cultural barriers
9. Changes in appearance/dress [yes, my tatoo is a factor]
10. Prescribed gender roles
11. Dietary restrictions [I'm a vegetarian!]
12. Ideal placement

Wow. It was a hefty hour and a half, but I kept feeling the energy bubble inside of me. I yammered about passions for knitting and cooking, my love for the planet and how computer savvy I am. I explained my job and how stressful and time-sensitive it is which lends itself to incredible project management skills. She got excited as well.

"I want to find the ideal niche program for you." [I'm paraphrasing]

YES! ROCK ON! FIND IT! That's what I want. I want to use all of these passions and... do! Whatever that "do" is, that's what I want to do. If I'm in a straw hut without running water, so be it. If I'm in a bussling city with millions of people and internet cafes, I'll be great there too.

Next Step: my "nomination" with a general program and general region [no countries listed]

Then: medical, dental and legal review. Doctors, dentists and the FBI will poke and prod me with attempts to find nothing. Now, hopefully my immunizations are all up-to-date. There are no new shots out, are there?

Finally: my "invitation" with a specific program and country.

Wow. I am wired.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2007-03-27T12:34:00.000-06:00

Thank you David Bowie for changing a two-syllable word into, well, a long freakin' word. After seeing other blogs changing, particularly the lovely Tina's new template, I decided to add more [granted, non-knitting] stuff to the blog. So for the 4 of you that read this [Hi Mom!], I hope you will enjoy some new reading material. I won't be pushing my green views on you, just exposing you to them!

Knitting Related
1. Baby Afghan: needs ends woven in and blocking
2. Secret Feet: need a set of DPNs, 1s or 2s. Decided against using 3s even though I got gauge. We shall see...
3. Tank/Cowl neck top: delicious yarn! Pics to come. Possibly even a flickr album

Opening day is right around the corner, April 1st vs. St. Louis [away] to be exact, and baseball fun has already began! My "boyfriend," David Wright, is conducting a survey: "What song should David Wright Swing to?" So many choices with the additional option to write in your own. Personally, I chose "That was a Crazy Game of Poker" by O.A.R. What will you choose?

Thanks to Allena for pointing me to the direction of Stitch n' Pitch. This fantastical organization, sponsored by The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA), combines yummy baseball with yummier knitting. August 8th is the event at Shea/Citifield. Who's with me?? Hopefully, I can gather some Sit-n-Knitters to come.

Days til Peace Corps Interview: 1.5

Something entertaining to get you through the day and remind you days of yore

Don't Call the Police

2007-03-22T05:46:00.000-06:00

First off, happy baby to Annie! I am so happy for her, her lovely little tyke and her happy hubby. Seeing how quickly she posted post-delivery shows her devotion to knitting and the blogosphere. On to knitting...

ATTEMPT 1
4 St blocks, 29 st each therefore CO 116 stitches for border of baby afghan
K 8 garter st rows
[attempt] to PU BO stitches
Scratch head in disbelief that I could be this silly

ATTEMPT 2
PU BO stiches on WRONG side [both senses of the word]
Slap face repeatedly in shock that I could be this silly ... again
Consider calling Knitting Police to arrest me for fraud

ATTEMPT 3
PU BO stitches on RIGHT side [both senses of the word]
Eureka, it works!
Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton. Sorry, I love quoting Fast Times at Ridgemont High

PLAN OF ATTACK
PU BO stitches on all four sides
K 8-10 rows of garter
Seam corners

See that little tiny green border? Wait, let me get you my magnifying glass.

OTHER ATTEMPTS
Getting gauge on my Secret Feet socks
These need to be perfect!

Speaking of socks, I gave Katie and Margaret their socks last weekend, and they immediately threw them on and paraded around in joy. Look how happy they are [and how short Katie is!]

Countdown to Peace Corps Interview: 7 Days

They Say It's Your Birthday

2007-03-15T19:35:00.000-06:00

Well, it's not my birthday too, but it was Margaret's birthday a few weeks ago. And here is my gift.

Yarn: Knitpicks' Sock Memories in Gladiolus
Needles: size 3, DPNs
Pattern: Chevron for self-striping from Sensational Knitted Socks

And that afghan. That poor unloved afghan. It has been sitting pinned [unblocked!] to my towel on my floor for quite some time. All of this procrastination because I don't want to cast on 140-something stitches. So instead I think, "What will I cast on next?!" Of course I will begin my secret feet socks [not sure of the pattern, cables maybe], but I need something else to distract myself from the afghan. And this next project MUST be for me. I do have lovely Socks That Rock! yarn to knit up, but alas, since I don't have a ball winder, that yarn is sitting in knitting basket since I do NOT have the patience to wind almost 400 yards of sock yarn.

Options:

1. Lace Camisole & Cowl from Weekend Knitting - some tasty Koigu Merino and Madil's Kid Seta. Using this tasty yarn combo would be a nice textural change for my fingers.
2. Meee socks - yummy French Yarn Debbie brought back from her honeymoon with my brother
3. Bergamo capelet/shrug also from Weekend Knitting - something else yummy for me with some lucious burgundy Debbie Bliss merino wool

Votes?

Jealous?

2007-03-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, after a rather difficult day with auction catalogue drama, a coworker of mine walks up to me and hands me a USPS box. What could be in it? Garden gnomes? French unpasteurized cheese? Fluorescent pipe cleaners? Oh no you Corey Feldman fanatics. It was my first installment of the Rockin' Sock Club! Inside was a hippie-inspired binder with a welcome letter, sock/foot know-how, a fresh pattern and some tasty yarn not yet available. I'm tingly all over.

Now, not that I'm a perfectionist or anything [hee hee] but I was reading the sockaholic's recent entry and wow! She received the yarn AND knit it up already?! What kind of alternate being is she? Now, yes, I'm jealous but I'm also too busy marvelling in the Postal Service gods that brought me these tasty treats. Just look at this Monsoon hand-dyed mediumweight Merino.

*drool*

Reading Directions Wastes Time

2007-03-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

The lovely baby afghan is almost finished, just have to add the garder stitch border. Shall I block before or after? A rather interesting project to say the least. I still am not certain as to how I was supposed to construct this piece; the directions half make sense and got more and more complicated each time I read them. My best guess is that I was supposed to create strips and not individual blocks. I give up trying to figure out "shoulda woulda coulda." Instead I give you this...

Not bad, not bad. And the afghan's poor little remnants, my obsession with yarn ends, the yarn afterbirth or, as said on the streets, the yarn throw-up.

Next on the agenda is another pair of socks. I'm still working on the birthday socks for Margaret but I have another fun pair to cast on, as stated in a previous post - the sock exchange socks for Sit n Knit. I bought the yarn since I had no yarn in my stash that fit the parameters EXACTLY - just another excuse to hit up Knitty City for a fix. I actually brought lovely Margaret with me who couldn't help but caress each cubby hole filled with delicious sock yarns and alpacas and... Now I just need to figure out the right pattern; thankfully my sock-ee is not picky.

But here's birthday sock 1: chevron pattern for variegated yarn, snatched up from Sensational Knitted Socks. Tasty!

And in non-knitting news, Spring Training has begun! Who knows what this season will be like for my beloved Metropolitans from Flushing but we shall see. I have hope. And my Peace Corps interview is March 29th! So excited! If any of you know anyone that has served, please contact me. Now, off to watch Brick. Gotta love NetFlix.

I'm not this cute

2007-02-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Now.... here's a darling little munchkin.

And I must say, what an amazing sweater! Who made THAT?

Pencils Down

2007-02-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm Done!

Pattern: Winter Wonderland Pullover from Creature Comforts
Yarn: Knitpicks Main Line, 5 and 7s
Alterations: Attempted to knit in the round first. Scrapped that plan at sleeves.

Now, my seams are rather primitive but the little tyke will just have to tolerate not putting his arms down. Ah pictures of "A Christmas Story" are running through my head.

On to things for me!

Pattern: Le Slouch
Yarn: Jaeger Extra Fine Merino, 7 and 8s
Alterations: CO 102 to get gauge

A little slouchier than I had anticipated but delightful all the same. The Jaeger Extra Fine Merino that I purchased at John Lewis last october in London was delightful to knit up. Slid through my fingers, nice spring and such a softness. Delicious!

And now to seam up the Tall Tales Afghan and those Birthday Socks. But what will I cast on next? Decisions, decisions!

gotta love 90s sitcoms

2007-02-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

Lots of knitting has been accomplished once I found the glory of watching old 90s sitcoms on my trusty ibook. That's right, I've been catching up on some of classics like Boy Meets World, Clarissa Explains It All and some pathetic attempts to watch My So-Called Life. It seems the latter is rather hard to find on my fantabulous pirated websites.

So here's some stitchy progress:

Pullover
Need to sew up side seams [grr, why couldn't the pattern just work in the round?!] and attach neckband... and weave in ALL those pesky ends.

Birthday Socks
On to the heel flap! These have been wonderful to knit up once I was enlightened to the glory of Sensational Knitted Socks. And thank you Allena for being a good knitting friend and suggesting that I knit these little wonders on a bigger needle size. Since I'm a very tight knitter, the original socks barely fit around a water bottle! Hopefully Margaret will like these insane rastafarian socks! Similar looking to Jaywalkers...

Afghan
thanks everyone for the 3-needle BO suggestion. things are coming together on this on. just need to sew up the seams and then CO the border!

And a detail. I'm just so proud!

Le Slouch
So close to finishing. 16" circular is too small so in my quest to find my 8 DPNs, what did I find? 6s, 7s, 15s... no 8s! Grr. That means that I HAD to go to amazon and I HAD to buy 8 DPNs and 1s and 2s and 0s and a copy of Sensational Knitted Socks and a copy of Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. Y'know, I just had to.

bring on the yarn!

2007-02-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

thanks to allena i now am a member of blue moon fiber arts' fantastic rockin' sock club. man o man, when i saw the sockaholic's pic of a most recent received shipment, i stared salivating. practically edible those yarns look. now some people might think spending $210 in one fell swoop on yarn that you haven't picked out is crazy but any sock knitter [or any knitter for that matter] knows that this is the mecca of all knitting. i can't wait!

my wonderful knitting group, sit n' knit, is having a sock exchange. now, i will be using some of the new yummy socks that rock yarn but what pattern will i try? hmm...

current projects:
winter wonderland: second sleeve was completed while watching 2 luscious hours of 24. the body of the sweater is what i will tackle tonight. UPDATE - front is completed. onto the back.

le slouch: decreasing away! need size 8 DPNs.

margaret's birthday sock: there's a good inch on 'em. being set aside so that i can finish the pullover and the afghan [status on this later.]

ready to make... some knitting!

2007-02-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

ah the glory of the internet, or the lack thereof. no i don't steal internet [i "borrow" from my landlord upstairs, password and all], but lately i haven't been able to get on. grrr... so no knitting pics now. thankfully i've had my le slouch and a new pair of socks to keep me entertained. and what else kept me entertained...

the grammys!

usually i don't care about or for awards shows but this tickled my fancy since two of my favs were nominated - red hot chili peppers and the dixie chicks. i might be a jersey girl raised by queens/brooklyn-bred parents but i love my fire-spitting texans! i happily saw their documentary alone - the only movie that i've seen alone in the theaters. i saw them at the garden last year and screamed at the top of my lungs to every word of every fantastic song. and those immensely talented musicians won all 5 of the grammys they were nominated for [album, record, song, country album, country song]. yee haw! sweet victory from the business after a painful showing by their fans of boycotting their music. buy their cds, download their music - learn the glory of the chicks!

back to knitting... as i watched this
i started my decreases on wonderful le slouch. almost done!

and as i smiled with joy and glee at this...

i began some crazy socks for margaret's bday. granted, her birthday has passed but when she saw this yarn, she asked/demanded/pleaded "can i have socks out of that?" how can i, as a generous lovely knitter, say no?

must make second sleeve
must make second sleeve

sititch and be happy

2007-02-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

here's the baby sweater in progress.... the little munchkin currently has one sleeve. does he really need two? i mean, come on. gucci probably has something fancy on the runway with one sleeve and no neckline. i'm starting a trend! i'm using knitpicks mainline yarn. so soft and great. i love knitpicks. a+ in my book.

i currently have another eye infection. so not fun. so frustrating particularly because i had this problem already - a corneal ulcer. drops in my eye every hour, ointment at night, wearing glasses, ugh! this happened last october and now i'm debating whether or not i should be wearing contacts, especially if they're going to cause me this much trouble. and don't even ask about lasik. i don't need to be that 1 person they mess up. as you can tell, i have enough eye problems. thankfully i can still see... it is a little blurry though...

eye drops anyone?

psst... feb 16th, pitchers & catchers report!!

something finished, something new...

2007-01-28T21:44:00.000-07:00

the jaywalkers are done! blocking to be done... soon... and yeah! pictures!

le slouch has begun in a delicious jaeger extra fine merino wool that i bought in london at john lewis. hopefully my next UK adventure [this weekend] will also provide some more british woolies. finally, something for me. question... the pattern calls for the first round of seed stitch to have a kfb at the end of the round. is this to be repeated for every subsequent round?

ticket for jaywalking and not reading patterns thoroughly

2007-01-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

first off... i have misplaced the cable that attaches from my camera to my computer so no pictures. i apologize to all [none] of you out there. the cable, i think, is across the pond in london living with my old roommate. i hope to regain said cable in next weekend when i make the transatlantic voyage [for business].

down to business...

THIIIIIS close to finishing my second pair of jaywalkers. lovely katie, another old roommate, is the recipient. they were supposed to be a christmas present but oh well. red/white lorna's laces, a purl soho exclusive. mmm, tasty

two other gifts = pullover and an afghan.

PROBLEM 1
Afghan: about 20-odd squares all on stitch holders. do i bind off and seam them together? do i kitchener them together [tried that = eek!] or, as was recommended, a 3-needle bind off?

PROBLEM 2
Pullover: completely frustrating since i didn't read the pattern well enough to notice that it is to be knit flat NOT in the round; furthermore, you can't JUST knit in the round for a flat-written pattern. there is not spot for arms!

SOLUTION
anyone want a sweater sans-sleeves?

welcome... me!

2007-01-24T14:10:00.000-07:00

i have finally entered the blogosphere to join my knitting companions. this fun-filled venue will be used for me to:
- vent my knitting and purling frustrations
- brag when i have FOs
- hang my head in shame when i can't figure out a baby sweater [that horrendous story to come]
- discuss my love for the new york mets. knitting + baseball watching = :-)