You think you're tragic, But I know you're lost

Yoinked from the Witchypooh. :)

2005-04-12T00:40:00.000-04:00

You are "turbo" charged.
Fast moving and classy, you get things done with
power and grace. Your expensive tastes can be
deceiving, since what you really value is
quality and efficiency. As you're careening
around those corners in life, finishing a dozen
knitted objects each month, stop and smell the
roses. Don't miss the beauty of process!

What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

So.

2005-04-09T20:14:00.000-04:00

The Kitster is still a jobless blogster.

Feck. This sucks.

Giving Head

2005-04-09T01:09:00.000-04:00

Who could avoid a title like that? I finally got myself a styrofoam head for my business website so I could start taking photos. It was a plain white styrofoam head. $3.00 at a wig supply shop, which apparently are hard to come by around here.

Anyway, after some acrylic paint, she's all gothed up. Awww!

Isn't she cute?

I spent some time working on some knitting. Not much though. Mark's comissioned hat is almost done. I just have to add the dreadlocks. Drew's one dredlock, and the false ones I have to knit. I wonder if I felted them if they would look real??? Hmm.

So here are some pictures of the basic hat on my mannequin head. She needs a name. Any ideas?:

I can't get the colors just right on my photos. I don't know why that is. The burgundy was some yarn purchased looooong ago. The varigated were Mill Ends purchased at A.C. Moore. Anyone have any idea what brand that is? Or colorway? It's 100% acrylic. I want to say Red Heart, but it doesn't look like any Red Heart in the store. Caron, maybe?

I also went yarn shopping. Since we scrapped the shawl, and my Mother still needs a contest shawl, we found one in the new Vogue Knitting. We're (why do I say we? I!!!!) are going to widen and legnthen it into a shawl. It's the leaf scarf. We got some yarn at JoAnns. I had fun shocking my mother when she found out that TLC Cara Mia was $8.00 a skein. She nearly shat herself.

I also have knit up a couple new things for the website. A neckwarmer, and wristlet set in pink and white. I'm going to ad some lace to the wristlet, and ribbon to the neckwarmer. It'll be really girly and completely Elegant Goth Lolita.

My mother, for a change, spent more on yarn than I did. Considering we're in a tight financial situation right now, this was funny for me. Not so much for her. Here's the loot:

Two skeins of Patons Divine in Halo Blue. $5 a skein. Total of $10
1 skein of TLC CaraMia in Pistachio $8 a skein
1 skein of Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Pistachio. Unsure of the price.
1 skein of Lion Cotton in SeaSpray.

Then we had my shopping haul. All acrylics under $3.00

2 Skeins Caron Wintuk, 1 in Royal the other in Autumn Red
1 skein Lionbrand Chunky USA in Pacific Blue
1 skein Caron Simply Soft in Heather Grey
1 skein Red Heart Super Saver in White.

We then headed over to walmart to get the other beauties you see there. Each of the following clocked in at $1.50 each.
2 skeins of Mainstays Home in color 2942 "Old Time Country"
1 skein Red Heart Super Saver in Pale Green.

I also have the Mill Ends and Super Saver pink stuff from the A.C. Moore trip the other day. I'm buying quicker than I can knit.

We've got a knitting machine on layaway though. Which is good. Because if I'm doing this for profit, I need to up my manufacture.

Also, last time I'd forgotten to show you guys the best Ipod cover of all. The skull!

That pattern was a bitch to draft.

Coming soon:
Details on my PhillyKnits projects.
Cinnamon Bun hat
Finished Dredlock Hat

A long awaited update, Image Intense.

2005-04-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

A long awaited update (assuming anyone still reads this. If you do, please let me know. Kick my ass into updating more. Thank you!)

So I've been neglecting this blog because of personal reasons. First, the whole Deglan thing. That's still not getting any better and the hurt is still not going away. Go figure.

Secondly, ROOT CANAL. I had a root canal a few weeks ago and it's been agony recovering. I still have to get the post and core set, so until then, my mouth is pretty much screwed.

Thirdly, a lame excuse, Spring Break. Two (Three? I've lost all concept of time) weeks of spring break are here. And I've been sleeping like there's no tomorrow. Nina and I went out clubbing on Wednesday night, which was great, considering I don't get to Nocturne As often as I'd like. It was pretty awesome.

The whole city dies down after about 11 PM, And certainly any signs of life are extinct by two when the club lets out. So we were roaming the streets until the train station opened again at 5. Some good stuff. I'll possibly post more about that later, as it gave me inspiration for my first collection. Go figure!

Yesterday I had an interview with Craig of Loop Yarn For a job at the new opening store (Center City Philadelphia, people....Go there.). I hope I get it. I believe I also gave him the blog address, so if you're reading this....Hi!

I felt a little inadequate. He said he had a lot of responses to the ad, which was great, but I really already doubt I'm going to get the position. Every time something great comes along, fate screws me out of it. Also, I hate weaving in ends. A lot of the samples I brought the other day had loose ends. I felt like an amateur.

It was interesting. I walked into the store, and I think I was stunned. Yarn, yarn everywhere. Those of you who have been yarn shopping with me (Zach, I think.) Will know that if you drag me into a yarn shop, I'll start drooling. I believe I've been likened to a crack addict in a crack store before. Of course, I did liken yarn to crack during the interview, which I guess maybe was a little uncouthe. Oops. I think it went well though. I dressed up, not looking so much like a raggamuffin as I normally do. I even managed to find a pair of pants in my wardrobe without chains on them.

It was the first time the SEPTA ticket agent had asked me if I was travelling during peak hours. And if you know, peak hours mean rush hour. Rush hour means business people. She said I looked like a peak person. Which made my day, pretty much. It meant I fit the image I was trying to get to a tee.

It was such a rare occasion, for me to get cleaned up like that, that my mother even took a picture.

I promised you all updates on knitting, too.

Crefeld's StockFestPalooza was a great success. The library (IE: Me) made about $40. I sold one of my scarves, a hat, and some trinket jewlery, and I recieved comissions for several other things, including a Dredlock hat (complete with a real dreadlock care of my friend Drew), and a scarf made from Rowan's Kidsilk Haze. Mucho caro! (Way expensive!). Wow. Of course, that's Zach's.

I've also been knitting up a frenzy to get some stock before I go live with my website. Which I've been having issues with. Please do me a favor and check it out. It looks fine on my browsers (AOL and IE) but it looks crazy on Firefox and Netscape. Any suggestions???

I also gave up on the Swallowtail shawl. It was too much to handle in the time period alotted. So I'm doing just a simple Knit y/o shawl for my mother's friend now. It should be done sooner than I thought, except I keep dropping stitches. Which sucks. So I'll need to find a creative way to cover that. Beads, or bows maybe? Maybe little rosettes. She wanted "uber-femme", and Uberfemme she will get.

I also happened upon some Lana Grossa Pep at The Tangled Web's sale bin And plan on making a drop stitch shirt from it. Not lace, but more of a fishnet. I've got to draft a pattern for that sucker soon. It's so soft, it feels like my cat. In fact, when reaching into the bag, my brother thought it WAS the cat. Unfortunately, my cat is not pink and black. Oh well.

I also happened upon more yarn at Netzie's Nook. Remnants are good for my soul. I made up an armwarner (spring version this time. Unlike the Camo Ridgeback ones I did (which I don't think I've shown a picture of), these stop before my finger joints). It's good for the carpal tunnel I've got. My mother and i keep fighting for custody of it though. It's Fuscia Lamb's Pride Worsted and Turqoise Lambs Pride Bulky Remnant. One of these days I may make another, if my other wrist needs it. Or maybe I'll just make one for the sole purpose of mom not stealing mine.

So, on to the web store stock. Finally. I've been making up about 7-10 of each type of item, which I figure is a good number to start off with. I still plan to open on May 1. Please let me know what you think of my suggested prices. Too high? Too low? You guys are my test audience. I trust you enough.

K1Y/O scarf. Much like the shawl, except I'm not knitting every other row. Done in LionBrand yarn...I forget the name right now. It's right on the tip of my tongue. Wool Ease! Wool Ease in color Wheat. I've still got about 2 pounds of it left. Ooohboy. $15

Another solstice scarf, which i believe you guys have seen before. Lionbrand Homespun in Corinthian. $10

This cotton candy dream is pure mohair. The same stitch I'm doing on Mum's friend's shawl. K1,Y/o, knit every other row. It's fairly long, and it's MOHAIR! And gorgeous, might I ad. Although mohair sheds more than my cat. $40.

The red Lana Grossa Venzia scarf from hell. It's red. And fuzzy. Rockstar all the way $15

Green Scarf done in Lion Brand Chunky USA color PINE. Long, warm and comfortable. Just a plain garter stitch. $20.

This is my baby, and I think I'm going to have to make one for myself. It's a long, skinny scarf, which apparently are in style now. It's white, and done in Mistake stitch rib. About six foot long, I'd wager to say. It's got two black rosettes sewn on the edges, along with fringe. This is so gorgeous, but so labor intensive. It reminds me of the "elegant gothic lolita" style. $60

White LionBrand Chunky USA, an Ipod case with a skull bead closure. $8

Lion brand Chunky USA white and Pine. An IPOD mini holder, with the "female" symbol on the front. $7

Striped Ipod cover, red and black. Caron Simply Soft black and Chunky USA ReddishOrange. $10

Blue and yellow Easter Ipod case. Random scraps I had left over. The back is completely yellow. $10

Checkerboard ripple Ipod Mini holder. Same as the red and black stripe yarns. $14

And finally, this little prototype....A wristlet with a bomb design. The pattern I drafted didn't come up too well, and it doesn't photograph well. So more tweaking on this baby.

Thanks for dealing with all the images! mwha!

Slacker

2005-03-17T10:32:00.000-05:00

So I know I've been slacking on the pictures, I'm sorry guys. I'm at school right now, so I've got an excuse.

I'll be selling my knit stuff tomorrow night at Crefeld's "Stockfestpalooza"....Whoo!

Pictures pending. I promise.

Pointe Shoes and Yarn

2005-03-12T17:15:00.000-05:00

Wow. It was a double doozy day.

I've been knitting up Ipod covers all week to get my webstore started. I've got a leisurely goal to open at the beginning of May. Please, wish me luck, I need it!

My art projects are going good. I've got a painting of my knit headphone covers, and a painting of my cat (with her tongue sticking out, no less!). My teacher comissioned a pair of shoes covered in eyelash yarn. Wonderful. In exchange, I'm getting a whole bunch of electric blue microchips to make jewelery from...They're made by Ducati. I'm so excited.

Also, I went shopping today. If you couldn't tell. Neitzie's Nook is closing, so all their stock is 25-75% off...Whoo! I got some Lamb's Pride Worsted and some Plymouth Galway. I think I'll either make a purse or a pair of slippers. Both felted, of course. I've been wanting to felt something for a while now. Turns out they also have Plymouth color 355...which, if you'll recall, I had to look all over for to get some for Tatania. Grrr. As of right now, they're only open on Saturday's....That place feels like Brigadoon. Seriously.

I also picked up a pair of Swallow Caesins this week...Last friday, actually. Or did I post about that already? Anyway, so far, I love them. I definately am going to purchase more. But at $10.95 a pair, I think I can restrain myself. For now.

In other news, You'll get to see some photos of me in my new Capezio Tendu II pointe shoes. The dance store was also going out of business. I got them, and a pair of convertible tights (which I've been dying to try for a while).

If you can't tell...Knitting and dancing are my two passions.

Now if only I could combine the two....

A little voice Inside my head said, "Don't look back. You can never look back."

2005-03-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

So I'm slowly recovering. Okay, not really, but I did decide to post here since so many of you were concerned. Thank you for letting me know you care, it really is appreciated.

Otherwise, I'm not really sleeping. Even with the sleeping pill it's still taking a while. I'm not eating, and what I do eat comes back up when I go into hysterics. Which is a shame since I had some lovely Focaccia bread from The Metropolitan Bakery And it was half price and a day old....which makes it even better.

I haven't been knitting much. I picked up some more skeins of Plymouth Encore 355 for Tatania. Hopefully I'll be able to finish her soon.

The only thing I've really knit up since this whole fiasco happened has been an Ipod case with a skull and bone motif for Lawrence in school. $10 was what I charged, which promptly got spent at lunch today.

On what, you ask? Well, I've discovered that the Knit With knitting store is within walking distance during lunch time constraints (50 minutes, give or take). And the Tangled Web doesn't have Swallow Caesin needles. So...I splurged. Size 8 Swallow needles. And they're all mine!

The store itself was pretty cool. Small, and brimming with yarn in brands I've never even heard of...which is a nice alternative to all the Lana Grossa, Lamb's Pride, Debbie Bliss and so on and so forth that every other shop carries.

I've also been looking into learning how to spin. Does anyone who reads this have any tips? On how to get started? Or anything really on the subject? I'm clueless. I just know that I can get 100 lbs of wool free from Erdenheim Farms come springtime, and I really don't want that to go to waste. Especially since, well, it's free. If anyone wants some, let me know and I'll see if I can hook you up.

Of course, that still doesn't forgive the fact that.... I want sheep. So I'm a dork. Sue me.

I'm going to go. Maybe I'll work on something this weekend. Maybe not. More likely whatever I make won't be for myself or any of my current projects. I may focus on the business stock, because I need to feel detached for a while still. But rest assured, I am still alive, despite feeling horrible.

When does the hurt stop? And, more importantly, when do the hysterics stop? And even more importantly....when do I get my free wool?

Don't.

2005-02-27T20:16:00.000-05:00

Don't expect any knitting updates for a while.

After over a year, and completely out of nowhere, Deglan has decided to dump me. He says he needs to get his shit together.

I honestly love him so much, and he doesn't realize how painful it is to hear that he doesn't want me in his life, not for the happiness or the sadness.

I don't understand what changed so suddenly, and I don't understand why he still gave me that ring if he was having doubts.

There are people in the middle east who can just will their hearts to stop beating, and slip away. Why can't I do that?

On the Needles: Swallowtail

2005-02-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a long week, knitting wise.

I started work on the back of the Grim Reaper, finally. It's proving to be mindless knitting, which is good for the commute to and from school, as well as during classes. I don't think I'd be able to get through the day if it weren't for the knitting, although it sure is almost more expensive than a drug abuse habit. Heh. Maybe I'll take up crack.

On Tuesday, the pattern mom ordered from Needle Beetle arrived. It's the Swallowtail Shawl, which is absolutely gorgeous. I was so eager to begin it, and then, upon opening the package, I found out something horrific.

The entire pattern is a chart. I hate charts. Not because I'm mildly dyslexic, but because I'm a visual/verbal person. I prefer to have things written out. It's how I work best. (there, does that qualify as my senior learning styles analysis? I'm sure this joke is only funny to those of you who attend Crefeld, or a similar school that uses graduation by exhibition.)

Not only that, but they wanted me to use circular needles. Probably because of the size. I love DPN's, but lord(s)(esses) on high, I HATE HATE HATE circular needles. They are the bane of my existence. Sure, I can put up with them for a little while for, say, a hat. But otherwise, give me some cold, hard, inflexible steel...err...aluminium.

So, after some intial chart reading issues, and one round of playing Frogger (that is to say, I had to rip out 45 rows of intricate lacework that looked semi-decent but just wasn't right....) Had this not been a gift for one of my mother's friends, I would have left the erroneous rows and freestyled the rest of the shawl. Alas, it was not meant to be. I will learn to follow a pattern yet, if it kills me. I always did have problems with authority.

Anyway, I'm back up to row 20, and for you fine folks who can't stand to read an entry without a picture, here:

In other news, local boy Jay McCarroll won on the tv-show that I am absolutely addicted to: Project Runway . I so adore the show, mostly because the studio, the budget, and the challenges are an amateur fashion designer's wet dream, so to speak.

I'm torn, again, between what I want to do. Fashion design, or dance??? Both? Which do I go to college for? Obviously Dance. Although I'd love to take a couple courses in basic elements of fashion....of course, it's not going to happen. Financially, it's just out of the question. Just like dance classes outside of school at the moment.

So, I haven't started the Stitch and Bitch Nation newsboy cap yet. I still haven't gotten out of the house to a decent craft store (not Wal-Mart). Apparently a freakin size 8 set of double pointed needles is too much to ask for from a basic crafts department in WallyWorld. Apparently ANY SET of double pointed needles is too much to ask for. Apparently any circulars in a size other than 29" are too much to ask for. But really, had I expected anything better?

I still need to get up to The Tangled Web again. I really want to finish Tatania. Because I think she'll look gorgoeus. Stunning. Amazing. If only I actually had enough yarn to complete her. Out of all the LYS's in the area, only The Tangled Web carries that specific color of Plymouth Encore. Just my luck, really. It's so close to school, and yet just far enough that i can't walk there during lunch. So close, yet so far.

I slept soundly for the first time without a sleeping in a long time last night, and although it was still uneasy and shaky, it was far better than it used to be. Maybe things are getting better.

Yarn and smut

2005-02-20T18:17:00.000-05:00

Yarnwise, it was a good weekend. Deglanwise, it was a good weekend. He had to leave early because it's supposed to start snowing something awful soon. Which is bumming me out, but we had a good day.

I met him at the train station, and we headed over to Sophie's Yarns Which he was very good about. He didn't even complain when I kept going back and forth oogling the yarn (almost as much as I was oogling him.) We left, and went to another store ( Passional .) Didn't really stay for too long or look around that much. It's a fairly small store, which isn't a problem. It isn't too much of a problem until 10 people are in there. Then it's an issue.

Then, had a very pleasant lunch at The South Street Diner. Okay, kind of pleasant. We're teenagers, and horny as hell. It was madness trying to keep our hands off of each other. Now, I realize some of you are old enough to be my mother. And this is probably an offputting detail for some of you as well. So....if it is.....just disregard it. heh-heh.

We headed back up South Street, and popped into Zipperhead for some inspiration. They had a knit black top with a spiderweb cutout that I'm dying to draft a pattern for. Also the usual drop-stitch deconstructed stuff, which is a piece of cake. But I fell in love with the spiderweb top. And I'm determined to figure out how to make it.

Then we walked around for a little while longer, enjoying the sights, the smell of the sewer, and oh yeah, the people who either seem to have forgot the art of walking, or the ones who are pushy as all hell.

We stopped in Pearl Arts and Crafts. Three stories of craft supplies, I think I'd died and gone to heaven. I had about $15 on me though, and their yarn selection was horrid. I could have just as easily bought out their beads, though. But I didn't. I was good. That was yarn money!

We stopped in Condom Kingdom. I think the name pretty much describes it all. Condoms, sex toys, and novelty crap. I'll spare you the details of our purchases. This is neither the time, nor the blog for it. (Yes, I've got a separate blog for the sexploits. No, I'm not going to advertise it here. E-mail me if you have any interest. Otherwise, get back to knitting, you damn slackers).

We then went back up to Sophie's, and I finally made a purchase. Manos Del Uruguay color 43. It's a dark teal-turquoise color. 138 yards that I'm not sure I know what to do with. Originally I had wanted to do something felted, like the Letter Have it bag from stitch and bitch, but I also want to try out the newsboy cap from Stitch and Bitch Nation. So we'll see.

So later that night, while we were on a moonlight picnic (it wasn't so much a picnic as an excuse to find a secluded place alone...heh), he decided to give me my valentine's day gift, which is the ring you see in the picture. Just as a reminder of him, he said. It's really gorgeous, from an antique shop. Dead People's Things. ewww.

Here's a picture of us this morning, looking exhausted and disheveled and, frankly, gross and sweaty.

That is all.

Tatania, Clapotis, and Swallowtail.

2005-02-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

So, I've been such a slacker in terms of updating. This week has been horrible. I went to see the endocrinologist, and my Insulin Reisistance seems to be mostly under control. The doctor moved to a new office, and in the process, all of our records were lost (my mother, unfortunately, suffers from the same.). And we were not paying 50 cents a page for 40 pages to have them copied from his previous office. Which is full of assholes.

In other catastrophic news, it was our advisory's turn to make brunch for the entire school. Our theme was "soul food", whatever the hell you can define that as. I took it as an excuse to make my killer Pecan Pralines. Unfortunately, cooking for 130 people is harder than I thought. Plus, the recipe didn't turn out well. They didn't harden. I got some pretty good tasting goo, though. So I was left with 10 pans of pretty good tasting goo. Most of which was spread around our walls at night by El Gato. But we managed to salvage some of it for personal consumption. Most of it hasn't hardened yet, but some has, and it tastes almost as good as the real thing.

But I ended up staying home out of anxiety and fear, and crying over my ruined pralines. I don't quite think I'm back to normal yet.

As far as knitting goes, which I'm sure is why you're all reading this, I swatched for mum's Swallowtail shawl. We're doing a dry run in Lion Brand Microspun color French Vanilla. It's going to be a birthday gift for one of her writing friends, Lois. Her birthday? Next month. I haven't even recieved the pattern yet. I get the feeling that she's going to be owing me a lot....of yarn. heehee. I had to go up a half size of needles, so it's being done on five's instead of four and a half's.

Tatania is coming along, not quite as quickly as I hoped. I still don't have enough yarn to complete her, but I will finish the back relatively soon. Maybe start the front.

I got kind of sick of diddling with Tatania, so I knit up a quick scarf this week. This is the first knit item of my store's inventory....I really like the colors and how it turned out. It was done in Lion Brand Homespun color Corinthian on size 13 needles.

Speaking of inventory, here's a couple examples of the stitch markers I'd made last week....I'm in the process of creating more now, since they're so fun and take very little time.

Pretty nifty, no?

I also finished untangling the Super 10 Mercerized Cotton that I'm going to use on Clapotis. As soon as I can figure out how to purl into the back of a stitch. heh. It took three days to unravel the mess from hell, but I finally did it.

In addition, I picked up a pound of Caron brand black yarn to work on Grim Reaper, who I've been neglecting something horrible. I also picked up a bunch of new beads for new stitch markers (as explained) as well as some Boye Baleen 2 needles. They're pretty cool, but I'm still holding out. I really want to try Swallow Caesin needles. But I can't find them locally. Anyone up for a swap???

I don't expect to update or knit too much, as my boyfriend is coming down from New York (New Paltz) for the weekend. I haven't seen him since March of last year, when he gave me Fib. Travelling is just such an expense...and its money that neither of us really have. So it's phone calls and whining until we get to see each other. Which would be this weekend. I'm really really excited. My parents are excited to finally meet him as well. Here's a picture of us together from last December. As much as I love him, this picture makes me feel so self concious. It makes me realize how far I've come (weight wise) since last year.

Oh joy joy joy.

Saturday Trip, and a lazy lazy sunday

2005-02-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

We burned gas driving up to Lahaska to check out the Stitch Inn, The Gazebo, and KneedleKnacks up in Peddler's Village.

KneedleKnacks is not Kneedleknacks anymore, but a gift shop that carries a very poor selection of yarn. Not the best place. It's now called "Cozy Yourself".

The Gazebo was amazing, and had an amazing selection. The yarn was just pouring from every nook and cranny, alas, they were closing just as we got there (around 4:00)

And it took us forever to find the Stitch Inn. Apparently it's not in the Peddler's Village plaza, but in the Lahaska Village Market, Right by the Lahaska Deli. Ooops. We parked right near it, but didn't see it until we'd hiked all over the complex (which is pleasant, if a little too full of time-killing yuppies for my tastes). In the midst of arguing with my mother about wanting to have left earlier in the day and in near tears, we stumbled upon it as we were getting into our car. Go figure.

They carried Plymouth, but not the color (355) I needed. That made me furious. The Stitch Inn, did, however, have a scraps bin. For $2.00 an ounce, I got some nice mohair/wool blend, and some wool. I'll post pictures later. The mohair is very fine and thin, and a sandy brown/semi natural color. I think I'll mix it with the Rowan in robin's egg blue to make socks. I'm envisioning a cabled sock of sorts with the two. I think they'd look nice.

The other wool appears to be hand dyed, and is a fine mix of lively oranges, whites, and pinks. It reminds me of sorbet ice cream. When I saw it, it immediately screamed "ARMWARMERS!". I'd had a pair of camoflauge ones that I'd knit up a while ago....but aside from them being two different sizes, the acrylic gets kind of scratchy after a while. And, I guess, as a depressed, cliche'd, teen goth, I can never have too many armwarmers. Plus it really helps when the carpal tunnel acts up.

I also got a hank of Butterfly Super 10 mercerized cotton in a dark forest/hunter green color to use on Clapotis. Usually I have no problems working from the hank, or winding into a semi-ball like shape myself....but I've never worked with mercerized cotton before. They had offered to wind it for me before I left the store, and I should have listened. Within a moment of getting the label off, it became one giant knot. Quicker than I could even imagine! I don't know how or why that happened, all I know is that I'm kicking myself now as I try and sort out the mess. It's a pretty color, but not a pretty mess.

When I got home, without the yarn I so desparately needed. My neighbor was throwing out a cabinet, which I thought would look much better in my room as storage space (compared to the cardboard boxes I've got holding my stash right now). So I took it in, and behold! My stash fits perfectly inside. Okay, maybe not perfectly, but it *does* look better than the cardboard boxes. And it was free. That cabinet is so cool that it almost makes up for the excursion being so crappy.

I adore handmedowns. Maybe it's an ingrained thing because I've always had to accept them, regardless of whether I like them or not. But while my brothers bitched and complained about getting old stuff, I flourished in it. Every item of clothing had some potential for art, everything could be completely redone in a new way. Or furniture, I always used to wonder the story of the furniture that we found or had passed on to us. Who had owned it before? What was their story?

I think I wonder that about everything, though, which is precisely why I love hand medowns, and recycled and freecycled and thrifted things, and especially handmade items. I see each thing I ever recieve as a gift. And a gift should be cherished simply because of the thoughts put into it by the person who is giving it. Everyone's expereinces color their own thoughts, and those experiences also color what they own, how it's used, or, especially, what they make/create/knit.

You could knit up one pattern a thousand different times, and each time, it will be a different piece. Because each time you do that, you're putting a little bit of yourself into the piece. You could have been angry one day, upset the next, happy the next. And all of that would go into the scarf or what have you that you're working on. It shows in your stitches, no matter how forgiving they are, that emotion is still there. It's like handwriting.

Which is why, I guess, I like reading letters and correspondance as well. My handwriting is atrocious, but I love having pen pals. I frequent PostcardX often. It's a beautiful, unique thing. Each letter is another creation, another thing to be cherished.

Today, though, was a lazy day. I didn't do much. I worked on unknotting the Butterfly Super 10, which I made some headway. Nothing noticable though. I also got a couple more inches done on Tatania. I'm up to almost 10. At 13 inches, I get to start the decreasing for the armholes. Which will rock, because I'm getting sick of doing just straight ribbing. I need zing.

I did this all while watching a series of DVD's, whilst curled up in my brother's room, and then my mother's (when she wasn't using it.)

First I watched Wicker Park, with Josh Hartenett starring. It wasn't great, but it also wasn't what I expected. The dance scenes were filmed beautifully, but this is coming from someone whose two obsessions are knitting and dance, so I'm very biased. Over all though? I wouldn't reccomend it. I want that 2 hours of my life back. Minus the 8 minutes total of the dance scenes. If you ever get the chance, see the original "L'Appartement". Monica Bellucci is in it, whom some of you may recognize as the Sicilian (Italian and Siclian are two very different things, as my grandmother will gladly go on a tirade about) prostitute from Le Pacte de Loups (Brotherhood of the Wolf). She's absolutely stunning, and gorgeous, and amazing as an actor. And if you haven't seen Le Pact De Loups, but are interested in fashion design, or design in general, I would reccomend it. Visually, it's a gorgeous film. Right up there in terms of style with Eyes Wide Shut, in my opinion.

Although, on Friday, me and my mother curled up together and watched The Forgotten with Julianne Moore. That movie is one I would wholeheartedly reccomend to each and every person that is possibly reading this. I've seen dozens, if not hundreds of horror and thriller movies. And this is the only one that has ever successfully been able to make me jump, flinch, twitch, and, on one occasion, turn my head from the screen. The effects are so subtle, yet so out there, so that its easy to imagine it being reality. I absolutely loved it. This seems to be turning into a rant about films though. Tack that onto the growing list of obsessions. I can never do just a "little" of anything....I always dive head first until I've consumed everything on the topic I can. It's horrible, and wonderful at the same time.

Back to today: after groaning over Wicker Park, I slowly made my way through The Simpsons 4th and the beginning of the Simpsons' 5th season. Funny stuff. Even better to knit to, I must say.

I wish Judging Amy would come out on DVD. Roseanne too. Not that that would impact me signifigantly, I don't have a DVD Player in my room.

My technology is somewhat outdated, mostly by my own choosing. The tv in my room is a handmedown, my mother's and father's first tv. They got it as a wedding present. It's a JC PEnny brand from 1978. It still plays well, except a little lag at the beginning when the power turns on; and the sound is shot almost, but you can still hear if you crank it up loudly. The only other problem is that it gets only two channels. News and Church. Which is fine, if that happens to be your thing, but to get cable, we have to insert the line through the VCR (again, a handmedown. One my Aunt thought was broken, but just needed some interior cleaning...I just got that last year, to replace the one from 1984...another handmedown, can you see a theme?). So I have a VCR, mostly for the sake of being able to get a few meager channels more, even fewer that i actually watch. But I am a movie buff, and this comes in handy. VHS is so durable and, well, I don't think I can ever be convinced to give it up completely. What about all the classics and things that will never be converted to DVD? What about the home movies and the afterschool specials recorded on VHS??? I don't want to lose that.

At the same time....I am beginning to see the advantages of DVD. If only because I'm one of the geeks who actually watches the film with director's commentary on after completing the regular viewing.

There will be more interesting things soon, I promise. I'm working on getting my business website up and running, giving it an overhaul. I'm also working on tidying up this blog. You'll notice to the right of your screen, I added a list of knit blogs that I read on a daily basis. It's just a real shame they aren't all updated on a daily basis. Add blogging to the list of the above obsessions. hehe.

I know this has been a big wall of text, but I will have some pictures up for you guys soon, hopefully all knitting oriented. My meds have levelled out some, so I should be more steady and on topic soon. I hope.

Knitting Porn

2005-02-12T01:18:00.000-05:00

So, as I was saying in my earlier post, it hasn't been a good month for me. I more or less stayed up all night with a friend, who did, in fact, keep me from being self destructive.

Among the many things we talked about, was knitting porn. Is there such a thing? Upon my websearch today, I've discovered that, yes, there is. Not quite the type that was envisioned, though.

What do you expect from me? I'm a perverted, hormone driven, 16 year old. Of course these things are going to pop into my head. What with the needles, and the reptative motion. Actually, there was an article in Knitty a while ago about sex as compared to knitting. I think I read too much for my own good.

I've run out of yarn for Tatania. I've got 9 inches out of one skein, which isn't bad, considering I'm making a size large for myself. I'm actually thinking it may turn out a little big. Does anyone know if Plymouth Encore shrinks a bit??? I'm kind of hoping it does. And it's mostly acrylic, so does that mean blocking is out of the question?

It's good to know, though, that Plymouth is based in Bristol PA, which is, about five minutes from here. They're a PO Box address though, which sucks. This town should be transformed into a major knitting hub. Because I said so.

Speaking of "because i said so's", is anyone else absolutely appalled by the news that Prince Charles and Camilla are going to be married? I mean, I know it has little to no bearing on me whatsoever, and i shouldn't be concerned, but, well, I just don't like her. So they shouldn't marry. Why? Because. I. Said. So. *grin*

Mum and I are going to go scope out the yarn shops in Lahaska tomorrow, assuming they're still there. Every one on the LYS list that's floating around on the net seems to be closed when we go by (Neitzie's Nook in Bristol) or defunct (Simply Knit in Lambertville). So, that leaves us with Lahaska, Philadelphia, Trevose, and Princeton. None of which are less than 25 minutes drive, without traffic, on a good day. This sucks.

But, as I touched upon briefly before, the new JoAnn Crafts opened up. So, to satiate me until tomorrow, we stopped off there. I got some stuff for my partner in the exotic yarn swap on Craftster. and some supplies to make stitch markers. I'm still working on getting my website up, for my business, but I really am being lazy about it. I like designing stitch markers though. It's insanely brainless and a switch from knitting. But still knitting related.

Also while at JoAnn's, mum and I decided that for her contest shawl, we wouldn't use Rowan, because of our current financial situation. Instead, that lovely Swallowtail shawl will be done up in a lavendery-blue Lionbrand Microspun. For almost 1/3 of the cost. I didn't realize microspun was so soft!!!! Well, cheap. And soft!

And you know what this means????

I get to keep the Rowan yarn for my personal stash. What the hell should I make??? Socks? Mittens? Ooo, I've got so many ideas.

I'm thinking that, after seeing Christina's Mariah, and Cari's Clapotis, I have decided both are going on my list of things to knit for greedy old me. This list, is, in fact, growing.

I used to think Clapotis was ugly, but the photos on that person's blog just changed my mind completely. The poetry, not so much. But definately the photo about V. and VI. Yes, beautiful and gorgeous!

And Mariah, well, that's just fun and funky and screaming "KITTEN! MAKE ME!".

I am not addicted. I can stop any time I want.

The question is, why would I want to?

Stitch Markers, JoAnn's, and More

2005-02-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

So, today was another day home. Anxiety is through the roof still. Which is driving my family nuts. Especially my mother. For those of you out there who are parents, please realize that when your child is upset/angry/miserable, it isn't always about you. Seven out of ten times (and yes, I did the math), it really isn't something you've done. It's nice to know your parent cares, but it's hard to take care of their depression/anxiety problems while dealing with your own.

Our new JoAnn craft store opened up. Their yarn selection is fair, far too much Red, White, and Blue fun fur for my tastes, though. The fabric section is incredible. The best part? It's less than ten minutes away.

I can hit A.C. Moore, Michael's, The thrift store, and JoAnn's all on one run. And JoAnn's is right next to the Barnes and Noble.

This could be dangerous to my budget.

Who am I kidding? I have no budget. Expect another post later tonight. This is just a preliminary whine. heehee.

Wow.

2005-02-10T19:31:00.000-05:00

I'm in a bit of a funk, so no new knitting pictures for you guys today.

Yesterday I worked a few more inches on Tatania, but that was it. I've been out of school for a few days due to my depression and anxiety acting up. My sleeping pill hasn't been working right, and the nightmares are back. PTSD is fun.

My friend Brandon was arrested yesterday, so that was a big issue too. He was arrested for selling pot to another friend, Paul, on campus. Which is an automatic expulsion. Unless your parents happen to be insanely rich and you aren't at the school on financial aid. Then it's practically impossible to be expelled.

Take C for example. I'm not going to post his full name, because frankly, his family is fairly prominent. His grandmother is Betty Freidan. His family is filthy rich. He's done so much worse, and not gotten kicked out.

I'm just a little disenchanted with my school right now, as I have been for a few months. Talking to the founder has cleared up a lot for me. The school is, basically, compromising its values and principles for funding and tuition. Which is completely against the basics the school was founded on.

It's just not right.

Updates, Updates

2005-02-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

Whew. It's been a crazy few days.
Grim has been put on hold for a few days, until I get up the desire to work on it again. I like it, i just don't like working with those large, size 11 needles. They irritate me. But I will come back to it. I'm pretty sure I haven't got enough yarn to finish it, and I really am afraid to ask for more until I use some up. Someone called it a yarn diet.

I also started Tatania. So far, so good. 4 or so inches of the back done. It's *all* knit 2 purl 2 ribbing, which, while tiresome and tedious, also makes me think just a tiny bit. Which is good. It's mindless, but not too mindless. I'm digging the color. But as with Grim, I know I'mg oing to need more yarn. I buy enough to get started, usually, and that's it. Which is, you know, not "right", but it works out pretty well for me.

I finished up Paul's MP3 player cover, and that will be posted soon, if I get a picture of it. A strap and everything was added. He loves it. I have to make an Ipod holder for Lawrence (Skull and Crossbones) and a CD player cover for Amelia (same, skull and crossbones). Proceeds from these go to The Crefeld School's Library, which I am the unofficial librarian of. So, if you'd like to buy one, or donate, or have a book suggestion, please, do.

In the meantime, here's a picture of me and my kitty, Fib. Forgive the fact that we both look miserable, the past few days have been tough. I've been having panic attacks every few minutes, and my poor kitty is in heat.

Yarn Haul

2005-02-03T18:58:00.000-05:00

From Kathleen in my local freecycle group:
114 yards of Lion Brand Fun Fur in "Mango"
114 yards of Lion Brand Fun Fur in "Tropical"
370 yards of Lion Brand Homespun in "Corinthian".

Not bad, considering it was all free. Mmmm. I'm having a ball. My Blue Hawaii bag is going to have a gusset of "Mango" fur mixed with Carron Simply Soft Grey that I've got left over from the Sx3.

Then, it was off to my psych appointment, which was less than satisfactory. We're upping my Prozac and hoping that helps. Wish me luck.

My psych is right in Plymouth Meeting, which is right near Chestnut Hill, so naturally we had to stop in to visit The Tangled Web .
The haul from there is...well, some great (expensive) great stuff. 191 yards of 100% Merino Wool Rowan Four Ply Soft in a pretty seafoamy bluegreen color. This is for the contest to announce the release of my Mother's New Book, "The Law Man". I'll be making up This shawl in it. So It's going to be pretty. And once the contest is announced, you should all check it out. Because my mumsy is an amazing writer.

Moving on, I got a ball of Lana Grossa Venezia to make Sx3 in for Paul, who asked me to. Bright red, this time. Paired with Black worsted yarn, I think it'll look damn cool. It's for his MP3 player.

400 yards of Plymouth Encore in a really pretty mulberry color (355), and 200 yards of Plymouth Encore in a turquoisey color (2946) to start work on Berroco's Tatania.

Then, it was on to WalMart. For A second skein of Lion Brand's Mediterranean for my mother's mothersday/christmas present. A shawl, from the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework (given to me by my grandmother).

So I'm pretty stocked for a while, I think.

Intervention, please!

2005-02-02T22:07:00.000-05:00

This needs to stop. Now. This is an obsession bordering on unhealthy (Okay, it *is* healthy for a variety of reasons, which I may or may not get into later. Basically, I picked up knitting again to help me stop from self injuring. It's worked fairly well, all things considered)

Anyway, yes. I'm working on the Grim Reaper sweater, which I haven't done anything more on.

I'm also working on a variation on the Manhattan Beach bag. In blues. Calling it Blue Hawaii. This one is for me to keep, since I liked the one I gave to Becky so much. I still haven't gotten my pig.

I've also signed on for my first Craftster knitalong, of the Tatania sweater from Berroco's site.

I'm getting more yarn from someone on the Bucks County Freecycle list tomorrow before I go to my psych appointment.

This. Has. To. Stop.

On the Needles: SnB Skully/"The Grim Reaper"

2005-02-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

You will, of course, have to forgive the sketchy rendering on Microsoft Paint. I'm not one to do detailed concept sketches of anything. Just feel free to ask my art teacher how *that* works out.

Anyway, this is the concept sketch for the alterations to Stitch And Bitch's Skully sweater. In addition to the skulls on the sleeves (which will be knit in pink), I've added stripes to the torso, as well as creating bell sleeves (As opposed to straight sleeves), with stripes just before the bell. In addition to these, I'm adding a hood, with pink trim.

I'm working on size 11 needles (again, because of the tight knitting issue), and I'm creating the size medium. The yarn I'm using is, I think, Carron Simply Soft, but I'm not certain. I got one of those 1 pound bags of Mill ends at A.C. Moore a while ago, and I'm pretty sure that's what it is. Also, the pink is Red Heart Super Saver.

So far, I've got the front finished, and I'm finding the instructions to be a little bit ambiguous in places. Because, well, I'm a stickler for (some) details. Written details. I've been shitting a brick lately.

But that's what I get for being so ambitious on my first sweater, right??? Regardless, I know I'm going to lurve it.

Finished Project: Knitty's Sx3

2005-02-01T15:32:00.000-05:00

What?: SX3
Source: Knitty.
Materials: Lana Grossa fuzzy Venzia yarn, Carron Simply Soft in Heather Grey.
Technical Specs: Knit on size 10 needles.
Notes: This knit up surprisingly fast. I went up to size 10 needles, and still didn't get quite the right gauge. I'm a damn tight knitter, apparently. I also couldn't find my size 10 straight needles, so this baby was cranked out on two itsybitsy double pointed needles.

The greatest thing is, now everyone at school wants one. Which means I may be busy for quite a while.

I'm not sure how I like the grey with the Lana Grossa stuff. It looks a bit "dirty" and dark, but that's probably just me. I also found a perfect button to match the grey. It's a little grey cell phone button, and it's awesomely cute! But it gets a bit lost in all the fuzz.

Also, I didn't exactly "gather" the headphone covers. I sewed them directly onto the phones. The foam pads that usually are on headphones were ripping anyway, and I can still hear perfectly fine from them, so no harm and no foul.

Special thanks to our guest model, none other than Mr. Piglet himself.

I think I've had too much cough syrup for my own good. *grin*

Meme: Music

2005-02-01T15:23:00.000-05:00

First things first, though. I've been tagged for the music meme!
1. Total amount of music files on your computer: 240-something.

2. The last cd you bought was: Otep - House of Secrets

3. What is the last song you listened to before reading this message: Remembering Never - Big Jim's MisTake.

4. Write down five songs you listen to often or that mean a lot to you:
(1) Big Jim's Mistake - by Remembering Never. It keeps replaying over and over and over in my head. The beginning is extremely haunting.
(2) You - Candlebox - I've been listening to it, for, god, how long now? And it never fails to evoke some kind of emotion.
(3) Glycerine - Bush - Much for the above reasons. Me, my father, and my brother would listen to it when I was just an itty bitty widdle girlie.
(4) Romeo and Juliet - The Dire Straits - Brings back memories of last year's camping trip at school, also is a kickass song that everyone ever should listen to.
(5) Join Me In Death - HIM - See all the above reasons. I'm such an emotional girlie. Heh.

5. Who are you going to pass this onto (3 persons) and why: I'm not particularly sure, but I'll figure it out.

On the Needles: Knitty's SX3

2005-01-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

So I've been working on Knitty's Sx3. Ever since, well, yesterday.

Crefeld (School) has a knitting activity, two hours every friday. Yesterday was the second meeting, and it was a field trip to the yarn store. The LOCAL yarn store, The Tangled Web, where one of the teachers (Stacey) happens to work part time. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go, as during activities period, I have to meet with my shrink. It's necessary, I guess.

Although, I did get a friend (Hazel) to buy me some yarn. I didn't tell her what exactly, I just said fuzzy and pretty. She brought back the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen.

Two skeins of Lana Grossa Basics yarn. In fuzzy eyelash. So I combined that with some Carron SuperSoft in Heather Gray, and ended up with (so far):

I've got done one earphone cover, and part of the stereo cover. This is just so fun to knit with.

Also, on the needles, I have Stitch and Bitch's Skully, but modified. I'm thinking I'll call it "The Grim Reaper"...you'll see why, once I give it its own post, I'm sure. I'm not sure how far I want to take the modifications yet, so as soon as I figure it out, that will be going up as well. Also, as soon as I take some pictures. Whoo!

On the Needles: Purple wool WWI Socks

2005-01-25T23:34:00.000-05:00

Dear god. These are the socks from hell. HELL! They look so warm, and so comfy, and I want to wear them so badly right now. Because my feet are cold.

But this presents a minor problem. A couple minor problems. The fact that my hands are raw and chapped. This wool is tougher than I thought, and it's biting into my skin. The fact that, the top calf part is far too tiny. This could be solved in blocking, maybe, if I'm lucky, but more likely I'll be unravelling from the top and reknitting it to be wider. Also, when I picked up stitches for the heel, I missed a couple. So there are some fairly inconspicuous (I can never spell that for the life of me) holes in my heel.

So, I finished sock one today. I may set it aside until I figure out what to do with it, whether to attempt blocking it, or unravel the calf and start over again (my best bet). I didn't count on the wool being so biting. But it is. So I'm kind of sick of working with it right now.

I finished on the van this morning, on the way to school. Because Eli doesn't know how to shovel his street, which is a side street, so all the plow runoff gets shoved there. We were stuck for an hour, so while everyone else WASN'T taking my suggestions (put pine branches behind the wheels for traction, which they eventually did), I was knitting away on this sock.

On the Needles: Purple wool WWI socks

2005-01-24T17:08:00.000-05:00

YARRGHH!! #*^$M)&^!!!!!!!! Jeebus. This sock thing is harder than I thought. I'm attempting These socks, from the original World War I pattern. Originally, I wasn't sure which sock pattern I wanted to use, so I just kind of winged it. Bad idea. Rip rip rip.

Three tries later, the above product is what I came out with thus far.

Since I wasn't using sport weight yarn, but a really really bulky recycled thrift yarn in lovely purple wool, I figured I'd cut the number of stitches called for in half.

Bad idea. I'm pretty sure it's coming out too small. Not only that, but the math involved is a nightmare. Sure, it's just division and percentages...but have mercy!

The finished result, I'm sure, will look nothing like a sock. I think I need an easier, beginners sock pattern. Would something toe-up be easier???

Finished Project: Take on Zeeby's/Manhattan Beach Bag

2005-01-24T17:00:00.000-05:00

What?: "Manhattan Beach" bag
Source: Many many alterations to Zeeby's bag from Stitch and Bitch, edited/compiled by Debbie Stoller. It started off as Zeeby's, but took on a life of its own.
Materials: Recycled thrift varigated yarn, lion brand wool-ease in "wheat"
Technical Specs: Knit on size 8 needles.
Notes: What a pain in the ass.

This took a lot longer than supposed by this blog. I'd kept putting it off, but now that it's finished, I'm glad. Shown above empty on my floor (excuse the mess, letters from colleges and a guest cameo by my combat boots), and holding something (my younger brother's literature book).

Closeup of the inside pocket:

I had such an amazing sense of happiness and relief when this was done. It was christened "Manhattan Beach" by my mother, who thought it looked like an overly sophistocated beach bag. This project was a breeze, compared to what I am currently undertaking.....

On the Needles: Take on Zeeby's Bag (SnB)

2005-01-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

I had originally set off to make a bag for a friend, in exchange for a lovely handblown glass piggy bank (with a coin slot in it's ass. What could be better?). I looked all over for a suitable pattern, and finally ended up slightly altering the Zeeby's Bag pattern from Debbie Stoller's Stitch And Bitch.

The main color (MC) yarn I'm using is a pinky reddy purply violety whitey variegated yarn from a salvaged thrift store sweater. The contrasting color (CC) is Lion Brand Wool-Ease in the color "Wheat". My grandmother gave me a whole bunch of jumbo skiens of it, and I've got so much I don't know what to do with. But that's okay. It's a pretty color.

In Zeeby's pattern, the main panels are knit almost entirely in Stockinette Stitch. This, my friends, drove me up a wall. Somewhere along the way I knit a purl row, and ended up with a fluke in the fabric. So I went with it. I've also made my panels a little wider than called for in the original pattern.
Then, deciding to take some more liberties, I decided to make the fluke rows a contrasting color to add some flair. The piece seen above would now be the back panel of the bag. The piece below, the front. I think it looks pretty damn good, although it's impossible to capture this variegated color on camera, for some reason.

Then, following with the motif I'd set forward with the fluke rows, I knit up the inside pocket in the same manner.

Currently on the needles is the gusset, which I'm making a bit skinnier than called for by Zeeby's. 39 inches of garter stitch lay ahead of me. Tedium. But in a good way.

Still to do: Straps, Block, Assemble.

I'd say it should be done by Monday at the latest. Then the pig is mine!

Finished Project 1/12/05: One Hour Baby Booties (SnB)

2005-01-18T20:06:00.000-05:00

What?: One Hour Booties
Source: "Stitch and Bitch Nation" edited/compiled by Debbie Stoller
Materials: Red Heart Super Soft (acrylic) in Red
Technical Specs: Knit on size 9 needles.
Notes: Never, ever, never, try fitting your project on your cat.

These were knit for a friend's baby, although I highly doubt I'll see friend in question before said baby outgrows the little things. They'll probably end up being donated to the local hospital, or some such.

Taking on these was an incredibly daunting task to mount. For one thing, I couldn't find a source to tell me what the direction "turn" in a pattern meant. Of course, it's self explanitory, but I wanted to be certain. I hate frogging my work. Even more than that, I hate swallowing my "perverse sense of pride" (as someone once called it) to ask my grandmother for help. It's not that I mind asking for help...oh, wait, yes I do.

So once I figured out that "turn" meant...well...TURN, I was sailing through these. But because of my apprehension, the first bootie took 2 days. The second? less than an hour. Adorkable.

Finished Project 1/4/05: Ribbed Wrist Condom

2005-01-18T19:57:00.000-05:00

What?: "Ribbed Wrist Condom" Wristlet
Materials: Recycled purple thrift store yarn. 100% wool, completely feltable.
Technical Specs: No pattern, knit in the round on size 3 double pointed needles.
Notes: This is a picture pre-felting. I don't have any pictures of the wristlet after felting, although once I can find it again, I'm sure I will. (el gato has made off with it).

One day, whilst walking through the aisles of the local thrift store, I thought i would peruse a much thought of idea: scrapping a sweater for yarn. Through trial and error, I figured out what a bitch this is...and the result is yard upon yard upon yard of lovely bulky purple wool, which cost a mere $3.99. This is my first project working with wool.

Finished Project 12/16/2004: Stripey Legwarmers

2005-01-18T19:34:00.000-05:00

What?: Legwarmers
Materials: Red Heart SuperSaver (acrylic) in Purple and Sugar n' Cream cotton in Lilac.
Technical Specs: No pattern, knit in the round on size 3 double pointed kneedles. Completely done in stockinette stitch. 18" long.
Notes: Next legwarmer set I think I'll add ribbing to the top, as they slid slightly the more they stretched over a person's calves.

Made for my ballet teacher Emily as a Chirstmas gift. My first completed project in years. My grandmother taught me to knit when I was 7. I stopped for a while, and didn't pick it up again until this year.

Incredibly enough, I waited until the last possible minute to finish these legwarmers, and miraculosly got them finished in just enough time to present them to my teacher the day before christmas break.

2005-01-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

First post. Nothing substantial. This is the place that will eventually house my knitting projects and rants.