Stitch Mistress

I've moved!

2006-11-07T10:28:00.001-08:00

www.fortheloveofstitches.typepad.com

I've gone Beta!

2006-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

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.

My Knit-aversary & Crochet anniversary!!

2006-10-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Hello Out There!!

2006-10-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

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.

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!

Knit Out & Crochet 2006

2006-09-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Back in the swing of things

2006-08-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

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!

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!!!

I'm Married!!!

2006-07-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

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.

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!

Going to the Chapel of Love....

2006-06-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

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:

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!!

I've been a bad blogger

2006-06-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

I know, I've been a bad blogger 'cause I haven't posted in what seems like a month, but I have been thinking about all of you. First I want to thank all of you for the well wishes you sent my way for the wedding :). This wedding thing is no joke. As it is only 28 days until the wedding, my time is becoming very limited. I haven't met with my usual knitting group. Yarn 4 More, in like a month or two. I know it sucks. The only knitting groupd I've been meeting with is the women I'm teaching to knit at work, and that's only because I'm at work. We have taken on a really wonderful project, which I left under my desk at work, that is really simple and quick to make. I can't wait to take a pic of it to show you. It really is an aweome project. Anyhoo, during this whole wedding thing, I was still able to get a stitch here and there and managed to finish the sexy blue and white striped top. I haven't had a chance to clock it and sew it upyet, maybe I'll do that tomorrow, but I managed to try and put the pieces together and took a picture of it. I will post the finished project later. You know how much I don't like to sew the pieces together, but I'll try my best to not take too long to finish it. Anyhoo, here's a picture of the pieces.

Oh yeah, remember the One Button Cardigan that I was working on while my hand was recovering? Well, I finally finished sewing the pieces together, but it took me forever to finally find a button that I liked or thought could work with it. I found the button, tried it with the sweater, didn't like it, and took it off. So now the One Button Cardigan is a Buttonless Cardigan. I made it in a size large for a friend, but ended up making her a shawl istead. In this picture, I had my mom try it on and it seemed a little too big for her around the shoulders (she's a size petite). So, I'll see if any of my other frieds who were a size large and likes the color green might want this One Button or Buttonless Cardigan. Well, here's a pic of the front and back of my mom modeling it. She's wearing it crooked and lopsided, but it is 11:30pm and she was just about to get ready for bed, so I was just glad that she put it on for me. Thanks mom! I love you!! :)!!
Okay, it must be a bad sign or this sweater is cursed 'cause blogger is having problems uploading the picture. *sigh* I'll try when I get home tonight.

Oy! I've been busy!!

2006-05-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy with wedding stuff that I haven't had a chance to take pics and post on my blog. I've made a lot of progress with the striped blue and white v-neck shirt and as soon as I got ready to take a picture of it, my camera dies. I'm charging the battery now as I type this, but wanted ya'll to know that I'm thinking about you and I'm still around. Just busy with trying to get married. Why didn't anyone tell me that this was like a second job that requires me to pay people? *sigh* 47 days until the wedding and off I go to Hawaii!!! Now all I need is to find some shoes for that day!!

Spring Cleaning PT.II - What's on my needles and hooks

2006-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so two weeks was an unrealistic goal, quiltyknitwit. lol. Who was I kidding? I'm getting married in July and I'm swamped with a whole bunch of little details that need to get done, and I have to pack my stuff to move in with my future hobby. Two weeks is not happening. So, I'm going to give myself until the end of the month to finish the majority of it. Anyhoo, I thought I would post the pictures of the projects that I'm making and the picture of the actual project and how far I got.

First, What's on my hook...

This beautiful Kenyan Bag from Vogue Knitting's Knit.1 magazine Srping 2006 issue. I don't remember the exact date I started this bag, but I think I probably started it when I bought the issue.

Yarn: Lion Brand Suede
Colors: 2 balls Desert Print, 2 balls Canyon Print, and 1 ball Coffee
Hook: Size H/8 (5mm)

As you can see, I'm almost done with it. I think when I'm finished I'll take a picture with the bag and pose just like this model ;). Yeah right.

Next is this beautiful ZigZag skirt I saw in Interweave Knits Crochet Magazine, January 2006 issue. Every time I crochet a row of this skirt, I get excited! I can't wait to see the finished results. I can see myself making a matching top to go with it. This is going to be hot.

Yarn: Patons Grace
Colors: 6 balls tan and 6 balls black
Hook: Size E/4 (3.5mm)

What's on my needles...

So Vogue Knitting came out with a new magazine called Knit Simple. I absolutely adore this magazine and the many simple projects it contains. I found this sexy summer stripe top in their second issue, Spring/Summer 2006. Since I already had the yarn in my stash, I couldn't resist. On my needles they went. This required a size 3 and 4 knitting needles, and I don't really like working with such small needles. So, I just used the size 4 throughout this entire project. I'm almost done with the back. I love the way this top is coming out. It's just so adorable.

Yarn: Lion Brand Microspun
Colors: 3 balls royal blue and 3 balls lily white
Knitting Needles: Size 4 (3.5 mm)

Lastly, I have been in the process of making my future hubby this v-neck sweater that I got fron the little box of knitting (I think). I've started this sweater 3 times, not because it was difficult but because I got bored with stockinette stitch and started to look for something more exciting to make him. Alas, I ended up making the sweater in its original pattern. In fact, I started this sweater before I started any of the projects above, and as you can see, I'm not even halfway done with the back. I guess I get too bored too quick and need a pattern to keep me on my toes. Well, I am pushing myself to finish this for him before the wedding (July) or before this Fall (lol). We'll see how it goes.

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease Chunky
Color: 5 balls Evergreen
Knitting Needles: Size 11US

Well, that's all I have for now. Let's pray that I stick to these four projects and complete them by the end of this month before I start a new project. By the way, I want to apologize for my extremely bright yellow bed srpead. I'll post my progress on these projects when I make some progress :). Happy Knitting and Chrocheting (if that's a word)!!

Here's to Spring Cleaning

2006-04-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

I have decided to take the time this weekend and do some spring cleaning in my stash. This means that all those projects that I started months ago and have been laying in a basket, will be finished before the month is over. I will do this while attempting to avoid the temptations of starting anything new or buying any new yarn, until it's all done. This should motivate me to finish everything in two weeks :). I'll take pictures of the projects to show you, even though I am a bit embarrassed realizing how close I was to finishing these projects and didn't. Talk about major ADD.

I Got it!! I got it!!

2006-04-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

I made an unexpected stop at Seaport Yarn during lunch and I saw and purchased the new Interweave Crochet magazine!! I have been waiting for this magazine forever!!!

I was skimming through it and my heart just dropped! I said it dropped! when I saw the Joie De Vivre Dress. Translated, I think it means the joy of life in french. I have the itch, the itch to stitch. Must...fight...the...urge...

Happy April and Happy Easter !!

2006-04-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hello out there in blog land! I know I have been away in a long time, and that's mostly because I've been recovering. I am 98% better! YAY!! What have I been up to? Well, I have been trying my hardest not to get the knitting fever. You know, when you get a new pattern and some really orgasmic yarn and you just knit and knit and knit until You reach that climax that might take days to achieve. You stay up all night, trying to fight sleep, dream about the project and yarn, wake up the next morning and start knitting again. Food? what's that? lol. Well, it was my last love affair with a particular yarn and me catching the "fever" that made my arm hurt and forced me to put the needles down. So, I slowed down and just stayed to one project and knit a few hours at a time. I have to confess that I still buy, look at, and obsess over projects that I can't wait to make. I have ran out of yarn stores because the temptation was too great. It is driving me crazy, but I am staying true to this yarn/knitting diet of mine :).

I have a couple of ladies that I'm teaching to knit at work, and we had decided to do a simple project for them to learn yarn overs. We chose this simple angle shawl project done on size 13 needles with Caron acrylic yarn. I have to say that I am not a big fan of acrylic yarns, but this yarns feels so soft that it doesn't even feel like acrylic! Here's a few pictures of the shawl. It is still in progress so it hasn't been blocked or anything.

Introducing...Misty

2006-03-28T07:27:00.000-08:00

A while back, I met this wonderful woman, Misty, who I made a poncho for. She has such a great spirit. She sent me a pic of her wearing the poncho I made for her and I thought I would share. Don't you just love the black & white pic? Oh, and she also told me that she received a lot of compliments on it :-).

Recovery progress: My hand is feeling much better now that I stopped knitting and crocheting. I've taken the time to fix my stash (that's right, I don't de-stash) and finish up projects that I had started a year or so ago and neglected. I finished sewing up the one button cardigan. All I need now is a button for it. I have arranged the yarn in my stash with it's correct project, so I can be ready to start over again once I get better.

Recovery Progress Report

2006-03-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

So, I'm still in recovery, but I don't think I'm getting better. Why is that you ask? Yes, I've been knitting a little bit, but that's not why. I think being at work and typing on the computer added more pain to the injury because my hand doesn't really have time to rest. I've been doing my stretching exercises regularly and it helps a lot. Why do knitters have to get this horrible disease? I can't stay and not knit, but I think that's exactly what I need to do. I know I have projects I need to complete, and I try to knit little by little, but my hand's not getting enough time to rest, due to my regular day time job, isn't getting any better. So, if this continues for another week, I'm going to go see the doctor and see if he/she can put an end to this. I wrote he/she because I need to find a new doctor due to my company giving me an HMO healthcare. HMO's are not that great, but that sall be another entry.

I'm taking this time to organize my stash and retrieve unfinished projects that are unfinished because I didn't put the pieces together or didn't finish the edging or something like that. I love to knit and crochet, but I can't stand the often tedious finishing process. Anyway, I found this One Button Cardigan that I started not too long ago for a friend. It's the same one button cardigan in Knit 1's last issue, only it's in green. I used Lionbrand Homespun and the recommended Size 10 needles. That's where my size 10's were! I looked all over for those! Here's a pic of the cardigan and the sleeves. It's the easiest project to do, and I can't believe I got so lazy and put it down. I was practically done. Do knitters have some sort of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)? Is that why we have so many projects going at once? Is this like the mystery of losing one sock and never finding out where that sock went? Okay, okay, here's the pic:

This is so true

2006-03-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

You Have a Melancholic Temperament

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything.
You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life.
You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you.

Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace.
You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life.
Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times.

At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you.
You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others.
You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

What Temperment Are You?

It turned out to be...

2006-03-12T21:43:00.000-08:00

A cabled purse. Ok, I was too lazy to go find more of the yarn to finish this project. I ran into some purse handles and decided to turn it into a cabled purse. This was good to do while my arm is getting better. Here's a picture of how it turned out.

Beatrice Update

2006-03-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so Beatrice ended before it even got started. Our knitting circle decided to get something that everyone would feel comfortable doing. An easier project that we all can finish pretty fast, regardless of our skill level. So, we are looking. I will probably make Beatrice at another time or create my own version of it. It's just too cute not to make.

In recovery

2006-03-03T07:21:00.000-08:00

I have been a knitting/crochet addict these past few weeks, even while I was making my coat (posted on previous post) I was still knitting and crocheting several projects, and now I have that awful knitters disease. You know, the one where you experience pain in your arm and wrists? Yeah, that repetitive something syndrome. So, I had to take a break from knitting/crocheting and do some hand exercises until I get better. Of course, I tried to ignore the pain and kept doing my projects but the pain just kept getting worse. So last night I had to put the needles down and decide that it was time to take a break. I don't know how long my recovery is going to take, but I will still do the March project. I may not be able to work on it as fast as I wanted to, but I can't sit on my hands all day. Well, I'll keep you posted. Here's a picture of my March project that I will be doing with my knitting/crocheting circle. It's a good thing it is an easy project. It's from Berroco.

Beatrice

Lickity Split

2006-02-26T10:19:00.000-08:00

My internet hasn't been working these past few days and the technician isn't coming until Tuesday. So, I haven't had the chance to post any pictures of my projects, until today. I had to go to my second home to use the net. Anyhoo, I went to Knit NY last week Saturday for my knitting circle meeting and there was this beautiful knit jacket that was displayed in the window. It stared at me calling my name the whole time I was there that before I left I bought the yarn and got the pattern to make it. I made mine in green and had to do some adjustments to it, so that it can fit me just the way I like it. Some things that I did different was make it longer, the sleeves a little wider, and placed the buttons a little lower. Oh, and I only added 3 buttons as opposed to the 5 that was on the display. Overall, I think it came out very nice. I like it so much that it is now my chill-out sweater coat for the weekends.

I used Alchemy Yarns of Transformation which was great to work with. I loved that yarn. Every ball is a surprise because you don't quite know how the colors are going to work out. It's truly a transformation. I used size 13 needles, and was able to finish this in less then a week. I think it took me 3 or 4 days to make. If I wasn't planning a wedding and working full time, I would've finished it within a day.

Instead of going back and forth knitting two rows in each shade, I thought it would look cool if I made it into a fading design. So the bottom is a darker shade and it gets lighter as it goes to the top. I think the fading technique came out ok. I was still working on the pieces here. Nothing is sewed together.

This is a picture of the pieces spread out side by side. I was in the process of sewing the pieces together in this pic. I wish I was able to lay it on the bed in a way that it didn't look lopsided. The back is the piece in the middle. The fading idea didn't come to me until I started working the front pieces, and I was too lazy to take the back apart and start over again. I don't think it makes that big of a difference, but I didn't really care because I love the way the color was working out.

Here's a picture of the finished project. Of course this is the front, and you can see how low the buttons are. I have a fear of buttons being too high on clothes, so my buttons are always lower then the normal button wearer. It's weird, I know.

Here's the back.

That's all folks! Hopefully my internet will be up and running again so that I can post pictures of my previous projects that I finished but forgot to take pictures of. Happy Knitting!

Gangsta Knitter

2006-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

You just need to check this out on your own and create your own opinions about this:

http://www.pisadesigns.com/gangstaKnitter.mov

My favorite line is "I can knit so fast, make you both be my bitch"

Hilarious!

Cheap People Frustrate Me

2006-02-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

Now, it could just be me that have this irritation about people that are cheap, but it really irritates me. I'm not saying that one should go around spending all of their money on lavish things and going in debt, but if one wants to do something nice or plan a special occasion, why be cheap about it? Why are they holding on to the money? Why work so hard and not enjoy the benefits of what you've earned. *ugh* it just really irritates me. Everything in life cost money, and it depends on how nice of things you want. If you were planning something for so long, why not save your money to buy the nicer things? I'm not saying to buy the most expensive, but dag! can it not be ghetto! Yes, we all have bills to pay, and life does throw us curve balls, but it just amazes how one can be cheap and still be broke. I mean having no money saved for anything! I'm so frustrated by this! Could this be a mis-management of money? Could it be that the person is just picking about where they spend there money? Whatever it is, I don't think I care any more. Life happens only once, and you don't know when it can be taken away from us, why not enjoy it as much as we can by treating ourselves and others to the best possible things we can afford? I know what you're probably thinking: "what if the person can only afford what's cheap?" well that will be another story, because if that's all you can afford, then that's all you can afford. I can't be mad at that. However, I can be mad at knowing that's not all you can afford and that person is just being cheap! *UGH*!!!!!

What's up?

2006-02-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

I'll tell you what's up. For those of you who don't know, I'm getting married in July and the wedding has me busier then a bee. While planning the wedding, I'm also trying to pack up my stuff to move in with my future husband. That means, I have to pack up my yarn. This has not been an easy task. I get caught up in my stash and a project comes to mind...well, you probably guessed what happened. The kneedles or crochet hook comes out and the packing is put to a hault.

So, I decided that I would take the extra balls of yarn that are left over from different projects I made and make things out of it. Just anything. So I found this left over ball of LionBrand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick and one ball of Patons Brilliant. I set them aside and kept looking through my stash. With my stash there are a couple of pattern books, magazines, etc., and while looking through one of them aI saw this cable pattern that I thought was so cute. So, I decided to take the yarns I set aside to try it out, and this is what I came up with:

Remember, I don't know what to make with it, but this cable was so much fun to do (I know I'm a cornball getting excited about cables) that I decided to finish the balls of yarn. This isn't such a great picture, but it looks so much better in person.

Now I'm done. It took me less then a half hour
to make and it just looks like one big swatch. As weird as it may seem, I like the way these colors worked out. Again, it looks much better in person. Someone tell me how to take better pictures of my projects.

Here's another view:

I still don't know what to do with. I'm headed to the yarn/fabric shop to see if I get any creative ideas.

Oh yeah, has anyone noticed that most of Lionbrand's yarns are discontinued? Does this mean they are making way for new yarns? Those who have the scoop, go ahead and clue me in...I know you want to.

Also, I think I'm going to get rid of my other blog. You know, just combine it all in one blog. I can't seem to keep up with both blogs, plus I like writing in my knitting blog more. *Smooches*

I got it !

2006-02-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

Well, I went to the yarn store today (what else is new?) and saw that the Spring issue of Knit.1 was out! This really made my day. The cover is hot and there are sooo many projects that I want to do ( #'s 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, The entire Mile- High Club section). So, I want to make everything in this issue. Am I wrong for that? I need to go in my stash or add more to it. Well, there goes that whole New Year's resolution of knitting/crocheting one thing at a time. I just can't help it. Here's the cover of Knit.1. Is it hot or what?

The first project I'm going to make is #8. I LOVE IT!! I'll scan the picture when I get home. *singing* I' so excited! and I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like!!

Flashback

2006-02-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning out my old albums of crochet stuff and found a picture I took with my favorite top that I crocheted. I still wear this top and I just love it. The color, the style, everything about it! So I just wanted to share.

I've received a lot of request about where I found the pattern. This pattern is displayed in Patons Heat Wave booklet. You can't really see it in this picture, but there is a string that is tied in the middle just underneath the breasts. That's what give us the support we need ;-).

The Prayer Shawl Ministry

2006-01-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

I bought a copy of Woman's Day Specials Easy Knit & Crochet Ideas at the grocery store over the weekend, and found this article on how to give back to the community. They included this special on prayer shawls. I've never heard about this ministry until I read the article. What a wonderful gift to give. I have been insoired and it is heavy in my heart to start or be part of this ministry. I know so many people that are going through so many trials in their lives, that I want to help and comfort them, but never knew how. ..until now. These shawls are quick to make and different colors stand for different things. For example, Maroon: bravery, strength. For more information, you can go to www.shawlministry.com , it has a break down of everything you need to know to make a shawl. Also, Lionbrand has instructions and prayer shawl kits in their charity section. Let's give the gift of love.

Yay Pics!!!

2006-01-29T21:17:00.000-08:00

Okay, I finally got a chance to upload my pictures of the rest of the Christmas gifts I made for my friends. Now that they finally received them, I can post them on my blog. Okay, so here we go, the wonderful world of scarves and stuff!

iPod holder I made for B-Nice in her favorite color! I added some pearls for our wonderful founders. I'm not great at sewing, but I tried my best to sew the velcro. I should've put a button on it. This iPod holder was single crocheted in the round, so I didn't have to sew the sides. Remember, sewing is not my thing.

These scarves were made for my friends Ali and Max. Both scarves were made with Patons 100% Merino Wool, and double crocheted. I've added some close ups of the stitches.

Here's a scarf I made for my little godson. His favorite color is green, and he called me to tell me that he liked it :-). It is a straight garter stitch. I used Lionbrand thick and quick.

While I was on my Patons binge, I decided to buy this color and make a scarf for my boyfriend with it. I bought a multi-color and a solid color. I didn't like the way they looked mixed together. The solid color wasn't even noticeable when the yarn worked together. So, I decided to make a scarf with the solid color, and make a sweater with the multicolor for him. With that sweater, it will definitley be a color he doesn't have in his closet, but I'm going to make it and see how it comes out. I hope it doesn't turn out to be too busy of a sweater. We'll see. This is my first time making a sweater for a male. I'll update on how it's going. Can I finish it by Valentine's day? Who knows...

I've been Tagged!

2006-01-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by DQ and Kellz. So, here we go. I can't be that weird :-)

The first player of the game starts with the topic, "5 weird habits about yourself". People who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits, as well as state this rule clearly. In the end you need to choose the next 5 people to be tagged, and link to their web-journals. Don't forget to leave a comment in their blog/journal that says "you have been tagged" and tell them to read yours.

- I Daydream all the time. I know I may not seem like it, but I do. I daydream about how things might be or replay a situation in my head about how a situation could've went differently and all sorts of other things. At times, if something happens that I wish could've happened differently, I spent weeks replaying it in my head over and over again.

- I can control the outcome of my dreams. I really can. When I'm having a nightmare, I tell myself that it's just a dream and I need to wake up or I tell myself, while I'm still dreaming, that it's just a dream and change things. Like, I would have a nightmare, and say in my dream "okay, this is just a dream. Let's make the dark alley a classroom" or something like that, and it happens. I also dream in color. All of my dreams are in color. Doesn't everyone dream in color?

- I talk to myself too! Sometimes I do it out loud without realizing that I'm doing it.

-I think a lot. I think about everything and anything all the time. My mind is always working. Sometimes I'm in such deep thought, walking on the street, that I zone out. That's not a good thing in NYC. I got better at it though. I'm more aware of my surroundings, but I'm still thinking.

- I'm always making something with my hands. I can't sit still with idle hands. They always have to be working, hence my obsession with knitting and crochet.

Max, B-Nice and Ex-Factor...Tag! You're it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2006-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Well, a New Year is here and it's time to make some changes, or at least try to make some changes. No promises. One of my New Year's resolutions is to reduce my yarn stash. Yep, that's right, I said it. I will take the yarns and make the projects that I have always planned on making and never have enough time to make. Really, I will do this. Okay, so I haven't started yet, because I'm still trying to finish up some Christmas presents (got distracted during the holidays), but I hope to start before February. My other resolution was to stop buying so much yarn! well, I don't have to tell you that went out the window. I saw this beautiful yarn from Berroco (no surprise there) and I had to get it. It's Berroco Cottontwist. I bought it in this beautiful blue color ( I will upload picture when I get home later). I was thinking of making this top with it.

On another note, Last summer I made this cute little baby outfit for a woman who wanted to give it to her co-worker as a gift for their newborn baby. The parents wanted to be surprised, so they didn't want to know the sex of the baby. I made the outfit in a soft yellow and cream color. I crochet the pants, sweater, hat, and blanket. I used Lionbrand Babysoft, which was surprisingly nice to work with. I'm not a big fan of acrylic yarns, but yarn companies are making them softer. So soft that you may have to take a double look to make sure that it is in fact acrylic, like Bernat Satin. That yarn is amazing! Anyway, they sent me a picture of their new baby girl wearing the outfit. Isn't she just the cutest?

By the way, VogueKnitting magazine came out with a new magazine called KnitSimple. It has a bunch of easy quick projects for people that don't have a lot of time to devote to their knitting. I know, I know, there is no such thing as not having enough time for knitting, but let's face it we all have to support our knitting/crochet habit by working some type of full time job. Oh, the new Knit 1 magazine comes out on Valentine's Day!! Cute, cute, stuff. My hands are just itching to get a hold of it!

Now, how am I supposed to keep up this New Year's Resolution of mine with all of these great things that are out this year? It's going to be hard.

Office Gifts

2005-12-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

Remember I said I was going to make some scarves for the people I work with? Well, here they are! They are just simple scarves, but since I'm trying to stay up to date with my blogs, I didn't think it would hurt to share. Both scarves are made with LionBrand Thick and Quick.

Well, here's the first scarf for one of my office mates: (I'm modeling it with my trusty Mickey Mouse sweatshirt that I got over 10 years ago. Yes, it still fits)

For the Record, DQ is a much better model then I am, but I did try. I was going to make the scarves longer, but these men don't like the long scarf look. They think it's girlie when a scarf is too long! Isn't that crazy?! Anyway, here's the second scarf.

These scarves definitely look better in person and I think my Mickey Mouse sweatshirt didn't help bring it's beauty out either.

Okay, on to another adventure. Oh wait! I still have one more scarf to crochet for my sorority sister. Okay, I should be done with it by tomorrow. I'll post it over the weekend when I'm done. I hope she likes it.

scarves are great gifts! They're fun and quick to make! Until next time my fellow knitting and crochet bloggers!

I'm back!

2005-12-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

I guess you can say that I took a break. I know what you must be thinking. "How can she take a break from a blog that she barely post on?" and you are right. I barely post on this blog and here I am talking about "I'm back" and most of you are thinking "When did she leave?" (lol)

Well, my Secret Pumpkin exchange has passed and guess who had me as their secret pumpkin? Guess? okay, you'll never guess, so I'll just tell you. It was Kellz! She made me this awesome shrug! I wouldn't wear it with that particular top, of course.

My Secret Pumpkin was Drama Queen (DQ)! She and I went to a yarn shop Knitting 321, of course and she picked out this beautiful Berroco Cotton Twist yarn. If you know me, you know that I have a love affair with Berroco. It's like, it was my first love or something. Anyway, she picked out the yarn and color and thought I was going to use it for my secret pumpkin. Whether or not she knew I had pulled her name out of a hat, she kept dropping hits of wanting a shrug. So, I made her a shrug with the yarn that she picked out!! She was so happy with it!! I'm glad that she liked it. Here's a picture of the shrug I made for her: By the way, she's an actress and she's modeling the shrug for the camera :-).

I have started my Christmas gifts and they are nothing extravagant. I decided to make everyone I work with at work (which is 3 people) scarves using LionBrand Thick and Quick. I knock those suckers out within an hour! I made one for my brother, who made it clear that he is not accepting this as an X-Mas gift. With snow, wind, and temperatures in the teens and soon to be in single digits, he used it the very next day (lol). I will post pictures of the scarves that I've made for my co-workers. I think I'm only going to end up making two scarves because one of them likes to drink and would rather have a bottle of wine or something. I don't know, I'm torn. What do you think I should do? Anyhoo, I promise not to take a long time before I post on this blog again. Happy Knitting and Crochet!!

Knitting 321 ROCKS!

2005-10-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

Finally, a yarn store that I can go to where I am treated the same regardless of what level knitting experience I have. These ladies are fabulous! Karen, one of the owners, was so helpful! I told her about my want for designing my own patterns and she gave me such simple instructions for starting. So, I decided to make my own pattern for my secret pumpkin gift. Hopefully I can finish it on time.

I'm so frustrated and disappointed

2005-09-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

I hate when I follow a pattern and finish the project only to realize that there were mistakes with the pattern and the designer didn't bother to correct the mistakes. Worst of all, there's no way of contacting the designer to inform her. I finished this project last night, my gauge matched the pattern perfectly, but when I finished it, it was too short! I was so upset. I spent all this time only to be disappointed later.

I am planning on purchasing Sweater Wizard V3 so that I can start making my own patterns and designs! No one knows the pattern better then the designer.

Ughh!!!

2005-09-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my knitting circle deicded to do a secret pumpkin, which is the same thing as a secret santa, but it's aroung Thanksgiving. I've been working on her project for about 3 days and I'm almost done. I'm getting frustrated because the pattern had said two use a certain amount of skeins only to realize that I will need more then that. Then I start to look at it, and I'm not quite sure if it's going to turn out the way I want it to. Unfortunately I can't post pics of the project yet, because I don't know if she reads my blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'll post it in November after I give it to her.

In the mean time, after I complete her project I will start another one tonight or tomorrow. This one I will post pictures. Stay tuned!

Why can't this be my full time job?

2005-09-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

*sigh* Why can't knitting be my full time job? I would be able to set my own hours and knit as much as I want! I can just see all the things that I could make in a couple of days. Those projects that usually take me a week would only take me two days. My yarn stash will be gone in a few weeks, and I can go buy some more yarn without feling guilty or wandering about when I'm going to have time to make all those wonderful projects I have in mind. Oh, how I wish knitting was my full time job. If I was able to make the amount of money I'm making now in my full time job just knitting, I would quit tomorrow!! I would love to knit and sell my projects for a living, but where do I start?

Is knitting your full time job? If so, how did you get started? Share your secret those that love knitting and want to do it all day, every day!

Knitting Guru?

2005-09-21T14:14:00.000-07:00

I don't think I'm a knitting guru like the quiz says. I do alright with my knitting and love exploring new projects. I'm a yarn-a-holic, which I currently have under control...for now, and I am trying to discipline myself to make one project at a time. Is it working? somewhat. I have two projects I'm working on as opposed to my usual four or five at the same time. Anyway, I don't know about this whole knitting guru thing. You'll see my projects and decide for yourself. Happy knitting!

What kind of knitter are you?

2005-09-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

I found this quiz and thought that my end results would be a great way to start this blog.

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting
and do it all the time. While finishing a piece
is the plan, you still love the process, and
can't imagine a day going by without giving
some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation
involves leaving ample space for the stash and
supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn
ends and you begin.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
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