Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows..


Nothing sweeter than an FO is there? 2? Even better. I woulda had three (which is a magic number ya'll!) but I got irritated at the yarn and pulled it out, but more on that later. For now, in chronological order.. Helens Lace Shawl in Tickled Pink. This was easily the most fun you can have knitting lace for a lace-a-phobe. Spectacular results, no charts (I know, I KNOW CHARTS ARE YOUR FRIEND right D?) no fuss, no muss. Short rows with no wrapping and turning, and if the pattern was written a teeney weeney bit clearer (you move that damn marker every row ok?) it would have been sublime. Ok it really was sublime. And fast. Did I mention fast? Because holy helena handbasket this was SUPER FAST. Like BULLET TRAIN fast. I loved it and want to knit more. The extra super cool? It is such a gossamer light whisp of a thing it is easily worn as a straight up scarf. Pulled through ala the french girl chic style. It is so yum. I definitely see me making more of these.





Oh and I also got 9 repeats of the pattern out the ridiculous 1200+ yards. The pattern says to do 6, but 9, well 9 is so much more a magic number innit? I have maybe 20 feet left over. I hate to waste dontcha know. Look at that yummy little fringe at the end? Isn't it just sweet? I didn't block this, and don't think I have any intention of blocking. I like the semi scrunched look, and think it actually works in this case.

Next is this smashing little summer weight cardigan I designed just for this luscious yarn. Its Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb in Mineshaft and if you haven't had the pleasure of touching this stuff.. I just don't even know what to say. It has maybe ruined me for all other yarn. It has the the softest hand, and feel almost cottony but with a smoothness and bounce that is hard to believe.

I was especially thrilled with the button band. After one small mishap that involved me pulling out the finished band (and OMG I DIDN'T CARE the yarn really is *that*nice to work with) and getting some advice (pick up 2 out of every 3 stitches for worsted or bigger yarn vertically! Thanks Amy!) and going down 2 needle sizes (and some corner mitering thanks D again), it came out exactly like I'd seen in my head! Shocking when that happens eh?

A quick steam block and it was more than ready to go. I am so absolutely pleased with this. It fits like well.. like it was made for me ha ha. Really though the side shaping is perfect, the 3/4 length sleeve is fantastic and I just couldn't be happier. Oh and it took less than a week and less than 5 skeins. GO ME!

Now I have to ask you all in deh blogosphere.. its a serious question ok? About um.. Socks That Rock. Now I come to you with an open mind, I have knit socks before. Worsted weight socks even. Using... um.. I am almost scared to write this... WOOL-EASE. Ok its done. No big right? I am the girl who knit her first sweater out of Lion Brand Homespun (and I'm sure its keeping some homeless guy really sweaty right now. It got donated so fast it was almost a bending of the space time continuum) so long ago huh? But I digress..

Ok, now you all know that I picked some STR up in Edmonton a while back . The purple skien I wanted to make a mini clapotis out of. In fact I was almost done it up until yesterday. I had been merrily knitting away since Saturday on it. Now I'm not sure if I am going to be tarred and feathered for this (SERIOUS QUESTION HERE-->) but does this stuff not seem all that soft? In fact does it feel gasp*plasticky* to anyone else? I thought because I had been knitting with manna from heaven nothing would feel soft like that again and was really enjoying the colour if nothing else and really hoped it would soften up after a good wash/block. But upon getting it out of my knitting bag to show a customer at work yesterday she remarked in the same thing. HAVE I BEEN SUCKERED BY THE INTERNETS? Or am I taking yarn snobbery to a whole new level? Aside from the fact that I unravelled the whole thing due to some user error.. I am now a little alarmed at this turn of events. Maybe socks need to be um.. sturdy? I dunno bloggies.. it is possible that I am ruined isn't it?

On the needles now (not a clapotis!) is a pullover Weasley Type sweater out of Phildar Pure Laine. Just started the collar last night.. will update when have more to show.

PSA

Book signing at Make 1 Yarns this Saturday. 7 pm. Come one come all! Maybe you can get Felt up all over :)

xoxo

me

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

HOLY SHIT!!!



Go HERE!. Buy this FANTASTIC BOOK. Check out my AWESOME PATTERNS (and photo!) and MARVEL at the amazing-ness that is all there. Big shouts to Dana and of course Amy who is teh awesomest of all.

OMG PUBLISHED!!





Thursday, April 05, 2007

Happy Zombie Day!








Max says Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate it.. and to those of you who don't, Happy Zombie Day. Stubbs says: Eat your brains chocolate and be good now!



Remember.. yarn is always an option for gifts too :)