Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
I've gone Beta!
So, I thought switching to the Beta version of blogger would be good, but it's not. I don't like it. There's no cool templates, I don't like the layout, and it's just plain irritating. The bad thing is I can't go back to the regular blogger. This sucks! I'm looking into another blog world I can join, but without losing my archived posts. If you have any suggestions that can help it would be great.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
My Knit-aversary & Crochet anniversary!!
I can't believe that I've been knitting and crocheting (is that a word?) for 10 years! Time really flew by, and if someone didn't ask me how long I've been knitting, I would've completely forgotten my anniversary. By the way, thanks ADD Knitter for the anniversary wishes, and I am so jealous that you are going to Stitches East. I so want to go, am I too late? I have to check it out. If I don't get to go, you have to take pictures and tell me everything you've learned. Everything! I'm so excited for you!
So, for my Knit-aversary and Crochet-aversary, I've decided to treat myself to a wonderful gift that will support my craft. If you have any ideas, please let me know. I was thinking of getting a cute bag or purse that I can carry my projects in and Sistah Craft had a really nice one that I'm still dreaming about. Well, let me know what you think might be a great gift that I can get myself.
As this is the year that I celebrate my K & C anniversary, I think it is only fair to share with you how I learned how to knit and crochet.
A long time ago, in a far away land called NYC in the streets of Manhattan, I was blessed to find a job as an HR associate for this school for autistic children. It was only a summer job and part of the job was to attend the camp with the kids and camp counselors that I hired at the end of the summer for two weeks. So, we drive up to a wooded area far up north in the middle of nowhere where the "city" life, which consisted of a bar and a mom & pop grocery store, was about 45 minutes away. It was a combination of 8 counselors and staff to a room and we each took turns going to the city at night, because we couldn't leave the kids alone. Our second night there, while I was sound asleep on the top bunk, I felt a gush of air pass by my face. As I am a light sleeper, I open my eyes and saw nothing. A few seconds later, I heard a loud scream from my fellow roommate. We all woke up, turn the lights on, and found bats (yes, you read right) flying around the room. The entire room, filled with women, started hollering and running out the door with their PJ's on to the men's cabin. In the middle of running and flipping out, I lost a slipper and got elbowed, some women lost balance and fell, hair was flying everywhere...in other words, it was a total disaster. The men came and checked out the territory and found that we had a bat cave (yes, you read it right) in our room. There was no way I or any of the ladies were going back in that cabin. We took refuge in another cabin for the night. The people who owned the property told us that it was ok and that the bats were harmless as long as the lights were on. Excuse me? What happens if the lights go off? We didn't want to know. We were forced to go back and our nerves were a mess. I didn't sleep at night for the rest of those took weeks. I took short naps in the designated office during lunch and break time and that was it. We all took turns taking naps and was up all night.
One night, Monica, one of our roommates, had a plan to keep us busy at night. We took a bunch of left over craft materials that the kids weren't going to use and created crafty little things. Monica found a stash of yarn and said "I wish I could show you guys how t knit." I responded "you knit? That is so cool!" She proceeded to tell me that she only knew the basic stitch (garter) and that we would need some knitting needles in order for her to show me. Another girl, whose name escapes me, suggested that we use some sticks. So, we went and found some sticks. Don't ask me where we got it. We just had sticks that we can use as knitting needles. We watch her try to remember how to cast on. Monica hadn't knitted in a very long time and didn't have the passion for it for she thought it was too slow, but it was perfect for this particular occasion. So, she remembered and passed the knowledge on to us. I remember thinking that this was the most difficult thing I've ever done, but was anxious to see the final product. By the end of that camp, we all had made a square, some were rectangular, others were of a different shape, but in all it was supposed to be a washcloth or dishcloth or something. I wish I knew how to contact Monica to let her know the wonderful gift she had given me during that time.
After camp, relieved to be back home in my bed with no bats, I slept for an entire day. The next day, I managed to get up out of bed and head to a craft shop, Sav-A-Thon, and found this "Taught Myself to Knit" book and a "Taught Myself to Knit Crochet" book. I think those are the names of the books. I read the directions with the pictures and actually taught myself to do both. I found crochet to be faster and easier and put the knitting down for a month, until I met another lady at a previous job (can't remember her name either), who taught be the continental way of knitting. It was fast, just like crochet, because it was as if I was picking up the yarn with the needle like I would do with crochet. I can't really quite explain it. I found myself going back and forth with knitting and crochet. It was like one month was for knitting, the other month is crochet, and I collected all these books about both and just read and read and read some more. Ten years later, I have yet to take a class, and haven't put down the needles or hooks.
Well, that's how I learned my craft. How did you learn yours? I think there should be a story day where we all can share how we learned our craft.
I have decided to take a design workshop, so that I can learn how to make my own garments. I don't know when I will have the time to take the class, but I'm determined to do it. Also, I'm interested in becoming a sample knitter. At least that's what I think it's called. Can anyone share some light on this for me? Is a sample knitter like the entry-level position of a job? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
So, for my Knit-aversary and Crochet-aversary, I've decided to treat myself to a wonderful gift that will support my craft. If you have any ideas, please let me know. I was thinking of getting a cute bag or purse that I can carry my projects in and Sistah Craft had a really nice one that I'm still dreaming about. Well, let me know what you think might be a great gift that I can get myself.
As this is the year that I celebrate my K & C anniversary, I think it is only fair to share with you how I learned how to knit and crochet.
A long time ago, in a far away land called NYC in the streets of Manhattan, I was blessed to find a job as an HR associate for this school for autistic children. It was only a summer job and part of the job was to attend the camp with the kids and camp counselors that I hired at the end of the summer for two weeks. So, we drive up to a wooded area far up north in the middle of nowhere where the "city" life, which consisted of a bar and a mom & pop grocery store, was about 45 minutes away. It was a combination of 8 counselors and staff to a room and we each took turns going to the city at night, because we couldn't leave the kids alone. Our second night there, while I was sound asleep on the top bunk, I felt a gush of air pass by my face. As I am a light sleeper, I open my eyes and saw nothing. A few seconds later, I heard a loud scream from my fellow roommate. We all woke up, turn the lights on, and found bats (yes, you read right) flying around the room. The entire room, filled with women, started hollering and running out the door with their PJ's on to the men's cabin. In the middle of running and flipping out, I lost a slipper and got elbowed, some women lost balance and fell, hair was flying everywhere...in other words, it was a total disaster. The men came and checked out the territory and found that we had a bat cave (yes, you read it right) in our room. There was no way I or any of the ladies were going back in that cabin. We took refuge in another cabin for the night. The people who owned the property told us that it was ok and that the bats were harmless as long as the lights were on. Excuse me? What happens if the lights go off? We didn't want to know. We were forced to go back and our nerves were a mess. I didn't sleep at night for the rest of those took weeks. I took short naps in the designated office during lunch and break time and that was it. We all took turns taking naps and was up all night.
One night, Monica, one of our roommates, had a plan to keep us busy at night. We took a bunch of left over craft materials that the kids weren't going to use and created crafty little things. Monica found a stash of yarn and said "I wish I could show you guys how t knit." I responded "you knit? That is so cool!" She proceeded to tell me that she only knew the basic stitch (garter) and that we would need some knitting needles in order for her to show me. Another girl, whose name escapes me, suggested that we use some sticks. So, we went and found some sticks. Don't ask me where we got it. We just had sticks that we can use as knitting needles. We watch her try to remember how to cast on. Monica hadn't knitted in a very long time and didn't have the passion for it for she thought it was too slow, but it was perfect for this particular occasion. So, she remembered and passed the knowledge on to us. I remember thinking that this was the most difficult thing I've ever done, but was anxious to see the final product. By the end of that camp, we all had made a square, some were rectangular, others were of a different shape, but in all it was supposed to be a washcloth or dishcloth or something. I wish I knew how to contact Monica to let her know the wonderful gift she had given me during that time.
After camp, relieved to be back home in my bed with no bats, I slept for an entire day. The next day, I managed to get up out of bed and head to a craft shop, Sav-A-Thon, and found this "Taught Myself to Knit" book and a "Taught Myself to Knit Crochet" book. I think those are the names of the books. I read the directions with the pictures and actually taught myself to do both. I found crochet to be faster and easier and put the knitting down for a month, until I met another lady at a previous job (can't remember her name either), who taught be the continental way of knitting. It was fast, just like crochet, because it was as if I was picking up the yarn with the needle like I would do with crochet. I can't really quite explain it. I found myself going back and forth with knitting and crochet. It was like one month was for knitting, the other month is crochet, and I collected all these books about both and just read and read and read some more. Ten years later, I have yet to take a class, and haven't put down the needles or hooks.
Well, that's how I learned my craft. How did you learn yours? I think there should be a story day where we all can share how we learned our craft.
I have decided to take a design workshop, so that I can learn how to make my own garments. I don't know when I will have the time to take the class, but I'm determined to do it. Also, I'm interested in becoming a sample knitter. At least that's what I think it's called. Can anyone share some light on this for me? Is a sample knitter like the entry-level position of a job? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Hello Out There!!
Life Update
I tried so hard not to be MIA in blogger land, but life happens and I get busy, but I still knit :-). I started school in August and that is a whole new life on its own. For those who are interested, I started my doctoral program in Organizational Leadership. I found out during the orientation, after I've registered and started class, that it's a full time program to be completed in two-three years. The words WTF? was written all over my face. Thank God they broke it down for me, and made it seem a little less overwhelming...a little. The good thing is that my hubby already got his Ph.D. and is willing to help me out with my process. The concentrations are completely different, but the process to get the end product is the same. So, here I am with books to read and papers to do and I think I like it. I am such a nerd!
The hubby and I are finally getting the place in order. I can finally see some major improvements and I'm happy. I can't wait to have a margarita, martini, wine, or some other alcoholic beverage type of party.
Mama, I want to Knit!
I was fortunate to be able to attend Knit Out & Crochet 2006 last month. As usual, I always enjoy it. I mostly go for the fashion show. I think it's so cute. This year Stephanie was there! lol. I always refer to people I've never met like I've known them for years. Anyhoo, She read some pages from her book At Knit's End, which I love. This book definitely is a must buy. After the show, I believe she went to Knitty City. Of course I missed it. I was all set to go, but remembered that I was due in Long Island (at my mom's house) around the time she was going to be at Knitty City. I got all turnaround that day and didn't make it to Knitty City or to Sister Craft to let her know that I wasn't going to make it. I apologize for that. Speaking of Sistah Craft, she was wearing this beautiful knit dress. It was the talk of Knit Out...okay, it was the talk of the area of Knit Out that I was standing at watching the fashion show. I'm mad that I didn't get a picture of her in that lovely dress. Not being a picture person, someone always has to remind me that I have a camera. Hopefully there would be a next time.
I also ran into Harlem Purls, Kellz Secret Sistah Pal!! It was really nice meeting you. Someone reminded me that I had a camera, and I was able to take a picture with her. Below is a picture of Drama Queen, Harlem Purls, and moi. I don't like the way I cam out in this pic, but I'm posting it anyway... for now.
I tried so hard not to be MIA in blogger land, but life happens and I get busy, but I still knit :-). I started school in August and that is a whole new life on its own. For those who are interested, I started my doctoral program in Organizational Leadership. I found out during the orientation, after I've registered and started class, that it's a full time program to be completed in two-three years. The words WTF? was written all over my face. Thank God they broke it down for me, and made it seem a little less overwhelming...a little. The good thing is that my hubby already got his Ph.D. and is willing to help me out with my process. The concentrations are completely different, but the process to get the end product is the same. So, here I am with books to read and papers to do and I think I like it. I am such a nerd!
The hubby and I are finally getting the place in order. I can finally see some major improvements and I'm happy. I can't wait to have a margarita, martini, wine, or some other alcoholic beverage type of party.
Mama, I want to Knit!
I was fortunate to be able to attend Knit Out & Crochet 2006 last month. As usual, I always enjoy it. I mostly go for the fashion show. I think it's so cute. This year Stephanie was there! lol. I always refer to people I've never met like I've known them for years. Anyhoo, She read some pages from her book At Knit's End, which I love. This book definitely is a must buy. After the show, I believe she went to Knitty City. Of course I missed it. I was all set to go, but remembered that I was due in Long Island (at my mom's house) around the time she was going to be at Knitty City. I got all turnaround that day and didn't make it to Knitty City or to Sister Craft to let her know that I wasn't going to make it. I apologize for that. Speaking of Sistah Craft, she was wearing this beautiful knit dress. It was the talk of Knit Out...okay, it was the talk of the area of Knit Out that I was standing at watching the fashion show. I'm mad that I didn't get a picture of her in that lovely dress. Not being a picture person, someone always has to remind me that I have a camera. Hopefully there would be a next time.
I also ran into Harlem Purls, Kellz Secret Sistah Pal!! It was really nice meeting you. Someone reminded me that I had a camera, and I was able to take a picture with her. Below is a picture of Drama Queen, Harlem Purls, and moi. I don't like the way I cam out in this pic, but I'm posting it anyway... for now.
Here's a pic of her knitted socks!
Excuse me, Ms. Drama Queen, what happened to your knitting blog? Did it get lost in blog land? Kellz, talk to your girl!
Here's a pic of the ladies in my knitting circle Yarn 4 More: (left to right) Tayo, Liz, and Drama Queen (the one with the missing blog).
I had fun at Knit Out & Crochet 2006! I can't wait to do it again next year! Another post is soon coming! I have to get some lunch. I haven't eaten a thing all day!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Knit Out & Crochet 2006
Knit Out & Crochet 2006 is this Sunday, September 17, 2006 at Union Square Park. Will you be there? I will. I go practically every year, and every year I try my best to go. In reflecting over this year, I realized that 2006 was a very blessed year for me. I got married, moved to a new place, called the Bronx, went to Hawaii, and in the midst of it all I remembered that this is the year that I celebrate my 10 years of Knitting and Crochet! Yep. It's my 10th year anniversary. I can't believe that I almost let it go by without celebrating. Well, I will have an entire post about my anniversary coming soon, and maybe get some advice.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Back in the swing of things
Hi everyone!! I know I've been M.I.A. for about a month and I apologize for that. Every time I get my stuff together to post something comes up. So, I started a "to do" list of things that I need to accomplish during the day before noon, and today is my blog time. Before I go on, I want to thank all of my blog buddies for all the wonderful well wishes you sent my way for a happy marriage. Thank you!
Married life is great. My biggest obstacle has been moving my stuff in and getting the house ready. It seems like the more stuff we throw out and the more stuff we clean, the more clutter we seem to create. It's so frustrating. I'm one who likes to entertain and have little gatherings and stuff and it is hurting me that I can't seem to get the house in order so that we can have people come over. It's a very long process that I didn't think was going to be that long. Hopefully we can take some time during the Labor Day weekend to get things in order.
My hubby has been recruited as my new camera man :). I'm very happy to have married a man that supports my passion for knitting and crochet. I finished the Raglan pullover that I was working on, and I don't think I'm too happy with how it came out. I'm not sure how I feel about raglan's and how they fit me. I finished it when I got back from the honeymoon, but didn't have a chance to post it...until now. So, here's a pic of the raglan pullover (I wore a turtleneck underneath and tried to pose like the model, but...lol):
I think I needed to give a little more attitude in the picture. Tyra doesn't know it yet, but I'm America's Next Top Model! :). I absolutely love the color, and wore that turtle neck so the color can really show. It's a good thing we have AC in the condo or else I would've burned up. It is extremely warm, and will be great for the late Fall/early Winter time when I just want to throw something on and go!
I will post my progress soon. Happy knitting!!!
Married life is great. My biggest obstacle has been moving my stuff in and getting the house ready. It seems like the more stuff we throw out and the more stuff we clean, the more clutter we seem to create. It's so frustrating. I'm one who likes to entertain and have little gatherings and stuff and it is hurting me that I can't seem to get the house in order so that we can have people come over. It's a very long process that I didn't think was going to be that long. Hopefully we can take some time during the Labor Day weekend to get things in order.
My hubby has been recruited as my new camera man :). I'm very happy to have married a man that supports my passion for knitting and crochet. I finished the Raglan pullover that I was working on, and I don't think I'm too happy with how it came out. I'm not sure how I feel about raglan's and how they fit me. I finished it when I got back from the honeymoon, but didn't have a chance to post it...until now. So, here's a pic of the raglan pullover (I wore a turtleneck underneath and tried to pose like the model, but...lol):
I think I needed to give a little more attitude in the picture. Tyra doesn't know it yet, but I'm America's Next Top Model! :). I absolutely love the color, and wore that turtle neck so the color can really show. It's a good thing we have AC in the condo or else I would've burned up. It is extremely warm, and will be great for the late Fall/early Winter time when I just want to throw something on and go! In the middle of everything that's going on in my life, I am still knitting. It's my passion and I make no excuses for it. I'm a true knit-a-holic :). I'm currently working on a seed stitch coat that was in the Vogue Knitting Fall 2005 issue. I'm almost done with the right side and will soon start on the sleeves. This project was the challenge I gave to the ladies I taught to knit at work. So far, they love it. They are very excited to see their progress, and every Friday we meet to see how things are going, but of course they ask me questions and I help them out during the week. I'm so proud of those ladies; they have come a very long way. Here's a picture of the coat below, mine is done in a wine color (I'm trying to break away from earth tone colors). Okay, this was a long post. Here's the pic:
I will post my progress soon. Happy knitting!!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
I'm Married!!!
I'm back as a married woman!! I still can't believe it :)! Everything for the day went perfect. If anything did go wrong, I wouldn't know. My Day of Wedding Coordinator and his assistant did a fabulous job, and I was truly happy that all of my hard work paid off.
I had beautiful hot weather (just how I like it), and even the limos was on time. The only thing that went wrong is that the wedding didn't start on time because my mom and I had to go back to the house because we forgot DH's wedding band. I was freaking out! To make matters worst, neither one of us had keys to the house, so the limo driver and photographer had to break into our house to open the door for us so we can get the ring. It was hilarious! I felt like I was watching an episode of the Benny Hill show. Straight comedy! When I came back from the honeymoon, my brother told me that the doors to the house were never locked! This made it even funnier because no one ever tried to open the front door. I guess we wanted to be real adventurous by breaking in. The photographer's pics aren't ready yet, but friends and family are sending me pics through email. So far, every pic I see of us, we're kissing (lol). When I get pics of our faces, I'll post.
I had beautiful hot weather (just how I like it), and even the limos was on time. The only thing that went wrong is that the wedding didn't start on time because my mom and I had to go back to the house because we forgot DH's wedding band. I was freaking out! To make matters worst, neither one of us had keys to the house, so the limo driver and photographer had to break into our house to open the door for us so we can get the ring. It was hilarious! I felt like I was watching an episode of the Benny Hill show. Straight comedy! When I came back from the honeymoon, my brother told me that the doors to the house were never locked! This made it even funnier because no one ever tried to open the front door. I guess we wanted to be real adventurous by breaking in. The photographer's pics aren't ready yet, but friends and family are sending me pics through email. So far, every pic I see of us, we're kissing (lol). When I get pics of our faces, I'll post.
The honeymoon was wonderful. We both turned our cell phones off the entire time and just enjoyed every moment. First, we went to Hawaii a.k.a. The Big Island. It was very much country and slow paced. There was only one road that took you everywhere on the island, the people are extremely nice and the weather is perfect. Not too hot and sticky, like NYC summer, and not too cool. It was just right. We took a helicopter ride to see the active volcano (of course that wasn't my idea) on the island and the pilot was a little too comfortable for me. He got the helicopter really close to the lava, and was pointing out places he could land if he ran out of fuel. Ummm...excuse me? run out of fuel? It was only a 45 minute tour, but it felt like forever. Near the end, the fumes from the volcano made me nauseous. We also visited a Black Sand beach. Yes, it was actual sand and it was jet black. It was beautiful and scary at the same time. We tried to go to the red sand beach but couldn't find it.
The second island we visited was Maui. It was more of a city atmosphere, but not too fast. The pace was still a nice slow pace. It rained the first two days we were there, but they were sun showers and my clothes never got wet. I thought that was so weird. At the end of the showers and at times during the showers, there was always a rainbow in the sky. It was so beautiful! We went to a luau, a dinner cruise, and horseback riding through the rainforest. There was much more to do in Maui. I wasn't too fond of the horseback riding through the mountains because there was no path for the horses to follow. They pretty much had to make their own paths and there was a whole bunch of rocks all over the place, plus it started to pour! It felt like someone took a bucket of water and just threw it in my face. I was soaked! My husband (so weird writing that) loved it! Can you tell that he's the adventurous one in this relationship? Yeah, the dinner cruise and luau were my ideas.
I haven't developed any pics from the honeymoon yet, but will post when I do.
It was really hard for me, but I made a point not to bring any knitting with me so that I wouldn't knit during the honeymoon, Sahara, it was hard :). I did look to see if there were any yarn stores on the islands that we visited, but there weren't any! I started to think that knitting wasn't big over there, but then I found out that Honolulu is where all the yarn stores were. Oh well, next time. Quilting is the "in" craft there. There's quilting classes and materials for quilting all over the place, but no yarn. Quilty Knitwit, you would love it!
Here's another pic of us after cutting the cake. See, still kissing! lol! I had so much! I really feel like I married my best friend!
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Going to the Chapel of Love....
Well, it's 3 days before the big day. 3 days before I become a Mrs.. I can't believe how fast it came. It just flew by!! During all the planning and getting all the little details in place I was still able to keep up with my knitting group at work. I'm missing them a lot this week, I took the week off, and I think they are missing me too :-). Even most importantly, I'm missing my outside work knitting circle "Yarn 4 More." I haven't seen these ladies in months! I hope you are all keeping up with your knitting!
Anyhoo, before I leave for my two week honeymoon, I thought I would show you the pictures of my Raglan pullover that I finished (work knitting group project). Of course it's not sewed up yet, and may not be until I get back from my wonderful vacation :-). It's a great, quick and easy project to make. Here's a pic of the Raglan in Black and White:
Here's my progress:
Yarn: BurlySpun (Yes, it's very hot!)
Neddles: Size 17
Color: Brown
The Collar:
Anyhoo, before I leave for my two week honeymoon, I thought I would show you the pictures of my Raglan pullover that I finished (work knitting group project). Of course it's not sewed up yet, and may not be until I get back from my wonderful vacation :-). It's a great, quick and easy project to make. Here's a pic of the Raglan in Black and White:
Here's my progress:
Yarn: BurlySpun (Yes, it's very hot!)
Neddles: Size 17
Color: Brown
The Collar:Word on the street is there's a few yarn stores in Hawaii! hmmmm.... I'll post pics when I get back. :-)! Have a wonderful 4th of July!!
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