When the going gets tough, the tough get knitting!

Instant Legwarmers

2012-01-29T16:29:00.000-05:00

Warming up to Mohair

2012-01-28T18:12:00.000-05:00

For a long time pure Mohair was too itchy for me, byt the combination of Mohair and Silk can be lovely! Light and fluffy, soft as a cloud, and yet warm!This one in Rowan Kid Silk Haze Stripes (Kaffe Fasset colors), US 8 knit in the round and 3 needle BO with CO edge.

At the Market

2011-12-05T14:42:00.001-05:00

So many knits! My friends suggested I try to sell them, so, after much charity knitting, I am now selling at the GreenFlea market and on Etsy. Come and visit me on Sunday, 12/11 10-4, at GreenFlea, 76 street and Columbus Ave in NYC.

Dec 1 is World AIDS day!

2011-12-01T09:16:00.001-05:00

December 1st, today is World AIDS Day!Donate some money, buy the (RED) products! Together we can beat it!

Cowls photography

2011-11-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

Meet my dress form dummy- darling Clementine.... Great for photographing my knits for Etsy postings.

Snowctober!

2011-10-30T07:20:00.001-04:00

A snow storm hit NYC yesterday, so of course I drifted into my LYS, in my hand spun hand knit hat, and Malabrigo cowl. What else is a knitter to do on a snowy Saturday in October???

Rhinebeck 2011

2011-10-15T22:22:00.000-04:00

More lovely Cowls for the shop

2011-10-07T18:41:00.000-04:00

limited palette cowl

2011-09-23T16:20:00.000-04:00

The idea is to take a limited number of colors, that you think are related, and knit a scarf or cowl.
DK, US6, PCO, 3 needle BO.

Cloud Cowl

2011-09-21T09:25:00.002-04:00

My own Reversible Pattern
Reynolds Andean Alpaca Regal
US 13

Cowls of 2011 so far

2011-09-18T16:40:00.001-04:00

The Tale of Iro the Hero

2011-08-29T21:34:00.002-04:00

These days its all about stash busting and making something new out of something old. I set to clean up stash for projects and found some skeins of a lovely shade of Noro Iro (#40).
It just jumped on the needles and knit itself! Twice!

metallic honey cowl

2011-08-13T19:02:00.002-04:00

Metallic Honey Cowl
Lana Grossa Chiara
US 7

Rainbow Marriage Equality Scarf

2011-07-24T09:37:00.008-04:00

Mazel Tov to all who want to get married in NYS! Now you can!
Just pick carefully :)
Got up early and started my Rainbow Marriage Equality Scarf.
350 St on the needle take a while to get through...

7 rainbow colors from Knit Picks (some Swish, some Wool of the Andes) and US6.

6 garter ridges in every color, (12 K rows).

Took only one week. Not bad for:

350 st per row.

12 rows every color

7 colors.

29400 stitches!

Noro Kureyon Hottie Cozy

2011-06-14T11:13:00.002-04:00

Detail can be found here.

WWKIP Day 2011

2011-06-12T22:41:00.003-04:00

Big Circle Knitting, Bryant Park, NYC

Project Spectrum 5

2011-04-21T09:57:00.004-04:00

Lolly is starting Project Spectrum again!! Starting in May 2011, make your way around the color wheel with photographs, words, fabrics, paint, yarn, food, books, pencils… really in any way you want!

May – Red :: June – Green :: July – Blue :: August –Pink ::September – Yellow :: October – Cyan/Aqua ::November – Black/White/Grey::

Check it out on Facebook, on Ravelry, and flickr.

Directional Afghan

2011-04-16T19:00:00.002-04:00

This afghan is inspired by the Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts in NYC and Mitered Crosses for Japan.

Mitered Crosses for Japan

2011-04-02T17:41:00.003-04:00

Noro Kureyon

US 7 - 4.5 mm

Miter

Log Cabin

Very addictive! Beware!

Snood Dogg in the house

2011-03-22T09:21:00.002-04:00

One for Rachel (in Rowan Big Wool) and one for me (in Malabrigo Rasta)

Cowls of 2011- so far

2011-03-09T09:55:00.003-05:00

2011 Hats so far....

2011-02-27T19:48:00.001-05:00

EZ VWH

2011-02-14T19:51:00.005-05:00

Elizabeth Zimmerman's Very Warm Hat in leftover worsted. The 2 sides of the hat.

Sockhead Hat

2011-02-12T15:08:00.006-05:00

I’ve had this yarn, in a yarn cake, in my “one day I’ll find something to do with you” basket, when I came upon this fun and simple pattern.Needle US 3. Need help identifying the yarn- the yarn is very soft and squishy, and nice color transitions- anyone has a guess? I added the red stripe to liven it up. Stopped the stockinette part at 6” and had to make dec a little more rapid because yarn was running out.

Fighting this Brutal Winter with Style!!!

2011-01-26T12:40:00.001-05:00

Snow Emergency Day

2011-01-12T13:05:00.002-05:00

So someone has to do the heavy lifting!

This year seems to be the Year Of The Cowl!!

Looped Cowl
Catalina Yarns Baby Silk
Addi US8

Lava Cowl
The Road To China
Addi US8

Fall Colors Cowl/Hood

2010-11-15T20:28:00.004-05:00

Needle: Addi circ 16" US 8 - 5.0 mm

Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino

0.5 skeins each in tart, sequoia and crumble.

And hat to go with it. Lined with an inner shocking pink..... (Details)

Needles: Addi circs US 7 - 4.5 mm

Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted, and Madelinetosh Tosh Merino

Therapeutic Magic Ball Log Cabin/Miter Noro Afghan

2010-11-06T10:52:00.005-04:00

Noro Kureyon, in many colorways.

Left overs and purchased on sale, at random.

Addi circs US6 (4.00mm)

Based on Log Cabin and Miter techniques.

Have some Noro left overs? Make a magic ball.

Start with a log cabin.

Keep going until you have the width you like.

Try to weave in the ends as you go.

Knit one row of miter squares on two ends.

Knit two rows garter. BO

Knit a row of miter rectangles on top of the squares.

Knit two rows garter. BO.

Pick a neutral solid color (Lambs Pride Worsted pairs well with Kureyon since it is also a single-spun.) and do a 3 stitch applied iCord. Sure its tedious, but its worth it!

Get some tea and snuggle on the couch.

You can see some more detailed photos of the progress here

Holly Jean Hat (modified a bit)

2010-10-23T12:44:00.004-04:00

* Holly Jean Hat (slightly modified because I had only so much yarn)
* Addi circ US8
* Cascade 220
* Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
* left over yarn can be gorgeous!

* Brilliant technique to PU and knit second part.

* To make it easier for myself, I CO in 2 colors.

Fall is in the air!

2010-10-22T17:02:00.004-04:00

This fall I am busy finishing up UFO, and sneaking in a few new projects.

Sunflowers

2010-08-07T17:00:00.004-04:00

Work in progress
Sunflowers Market Satchel by Asami Kawa (Ravelry link)
Noro Ganpi Abaka Tape I had in my stash for years, not knowing what to do with it.........
(I am using this tape double to get the right size. )
Flowers from Barbara, who always inspires me and told me, just do it, (whatever "it" may be) the next 3 years will pass anyway!

This is the perfect project for me now!
Crochet for my “knitting elbow.”
Good texture for summer (Ganpi is the fiber of Ganpi woods bark, generally it is used to make paper.)
Light and airy pattern.

The Mahawk

2010-05-07T00:08:00.002-04:00

Using the NK86 Ladies Hat

Needle 7.0 mm
Noro Kureyon and Silk Garden magic ball. Never throw your Noro bits of yarn away.....

This and That

2010-02-28T09:50:00.001-05:00

Opening Ceremony Team USA Knit Hat

2010-02-19T05:32:00.005-05:00

When I saw the opening ceremonies on 2/12 for the winter games, and noticed team USA kool RL hat, I had to get it. Turns out its sold out. Too bad RL, you could have sold millions! But- someone on Ravelry charted a similar item!! Need I say more?????
Mods: made the hat shorter, and the decreases faster (Olympics, right?) still a bit too big. Perhaps if I shrink it a bit? Also, using alpaca for the white color, (which was just a bit thinner than the cascade 220,) was not great, cause it changed the tension. Voilà! Ready for the slops of NYC!
Pattern: Olympic Reindeer Hat by Helena Bristow (Ravelry link)
Yarns: Cascade Yarns Eco Alpaca, Cascade Yarns 220 Wool, Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
Needles: Addi circ, 16" US 6
GO Team USA!

Just can't stop.......

2010-02-14T14:47:00.000-05:00

I am running out of Noro scraps, and went Noro shopping.....

When the going gets tough

2010-02-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

The tough go to the living room and start a mindless/ log cabin/ magic ball/ not sure what I'll be when I grow up/ project. Lovely bag to keep the run away magic ball, by Tomo.
Noro scraps (Kureyon and Silk Garden). Addi US 6. Just keep going till you feel better.

Care for a Cozy?

2010-02-07T11:44:00.003-05:00

Yes, thank you very much, don't mind if I do! It must be all this cold weather that is driving me to keep knitting tea cozies..... This one uses an old Noro hat pattern that spirals, and magic ball from Noro scraps. I am not sure how to finish this yet.

And then there where three.....

2010-01-29T08:41:00.003-05:00

I think I can feel my groove back. It took "a bit" of Noro in the stash to kick some mojo into this knitter, but by the end of January, I think I'm BACK!
Noro Kureyon 165 (almost 2 skeins)
Addi circ US7
Pattern from Saartje Knits
One extra rep from what the pattern calls for since I like hats to sit low on the ears.
One happy knitter- priceless!

The tale of the two tea cozies.

2010-01-23T15:47:00.004-05:00

In honor of Ravelry's Global tea party on Sunday, 1/24/2010, I have decided to knit a tea cozy for my Brown Betty teapot. Not sure how I ended up with two..... I shopped the stash. I got a bag of this Noro on sale, a while back, and it was just there, to play with. Ya'!
Mistake Rib Noro Tea Cozy, knit in 24 hrs.
US 8 / 5.0 mm Noro Kureyon 1 skeins Colorway 165

Simple Noro Tea Cozy, knit in 24 hrs.
US 8 / 5.0 mm Noro Kureyon 1 skeins Colorway 165

Gentlemen's Fancy Leg Warmers

2010-01-16T18:24:00.003-05:00

It can now be revealed that the Noro magic has not only made me feel better, (you are welcome Jo....) but also created this fun pair of leg warmers. The stitch pattern is one of my favorites, (as can be seen here, here here,). It is Nancy Bush's Gentlemen's Fancy Socks, and combined with Noro Kureyon color magic, = instant gratification!
I knit this to fit my legs, as I went, so I am not sure if I can give general directions, but I can give a tip that if you make your increases and decreases on the second row of just knit around, it will be smoother. Also, I started with US7, later for the wider part I used the size US8 and at the top, US 6 to make it a tighter rib.

The Specs:
Noro Kureyon, 2 skeins of color 165, plus some bits of Kureyon from other projects for the last few rows. (Never get rid of your Noro odds and ends; for you never know when you will need them…..)
Addi circs US 6, 7 & 8, knit in the round, two at a time, to ensure identical shaping.
Nancy Bush's Gentlemen's Fancy.

If you are feeling blue-

2010-01-11T01:01:00.002-05:00

Take 2 Noros and call me in the morning!

The beginning of a new project... full of mystery...

Its been a dramatic ending to a rough year

2010-01-01T09:36:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year

Alpaca Tales

2009-12-16T23:18:00.008-05:00

Its cold, and the day light hours are shorter and shorter. What is one to do when one has an hour free unexpectedly? That's right, drift into a yarn store and fondle the alpaca. Spot a lovely cowl on one of the sales associates and run to the bank to get the $ just as they try to lock the doors for the night. (nice try, but can't keep me away from my alpacas!) Got the vague idea of how its done, remember Aryn said 96 stitches, but not much else... and lets cast on. I CO 96 st and joined to knit in the round. *5 rows stockinette and five rows of reverse stockinette* 5 times in color A, and 5 times in color B.
Change to color C and *5 rows stockinette and five rows of reverse stockinette* 4 times. now do one more repeat of just 5 rows stockinette.
BO with size US9 to prevent pulling.
Pull on and indulge in the cloud…..

This is a lovely mindless pattern, you could (just saying...) even knit this at a party and have a holiday drink with it, that's how easy it is!

Luxury Cowl / Hood- (kind off)

Needles Addi circs US 8 / 5.0 mm

Yarn Cascade Yarns Eco Duo,

(70% Undyed Baby Alpaca / 30% Undyed Merino Wool)

3 different colorways.

Red Scarf Project

2009-11-24T08:49:00.004-05:00

Its simple, they need more scarves!

The Red Scarf season is upon us. Your wonderful handmade creation will be sent in a Valentine’s Day Care Package to a foster youth student enrolled in college or trade school. The OFA will take scarves from September 1-December 15, 2009. Approximately 3,500 scarves are needed. They have only about half right now, so get your needles clicking!

Some free unisex patterns here.

The mailing address is:
Orphan Foundation of America
The Red Scarf Project
21351 Gentry Drive
Sterling, VA 20166

Don't forget to include a fun note.

Scarf Size: Approximately 60" long and 5" to 8" wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck, with tails long enough to be tied in the front.

Style: Think unisex collegiate. Ask yourself if your son, brother, and/or husband would enjoy receiving the scarf. Fringes are optional. Your scarf should drape and tie easily.

Yarn: Preferably DK, double fingering-weight, worsted weight, or light bully yarns. No laceweight, super-chunky, or mohair yarns as there are many people who find mohair too itchy. The yarn should be soft.

Color: Red! However, this could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, or multicolor hues including red. Other unisex colors, including black, navy, teal, olive or gold are also welcome.

Finished and tagged: Yarn ends should be securely sewn in. For a personal touch, attach a tag saying "Handmade for You" with your first name, city, and group affiliation, if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, gift cards, burger bucks, books of stamps, etc.

Child rainbow scarf
Noro Silk Garden Sock
Addi US 4

Soon

2009-09-21T00:47:00.004-04:00

Autumn winds
always drift me into yarn shops!

Frogged

2009-08-01T09:21:00.002-04:00

Gothic Leaf stole by Sivia Harding. Sorry Sivia, my heart was just not in it. This is part of my effort of cleaning knitting house and getting back to my projects. This one had to go.

Signature - Superwash Sock Yarn by Brooklyn Handspun will be put to some other use soon.

Desperatly seeking mojo

2009-07-25T16:03:00.002-04:00

Can a bunch of Rowan magz and some alpaca save this knitter's mojo? This knitter here, sure hopes so. please share- how do you find your mojo back?

Eye Candy Friday

2009-06-19T10:17:00.002-04:00

Its been a very very very rainy spring/summer. Will I ever get to wear those sun dresses I got at the street fair? But until than, lets have fun in the rain!

Committed to commuting by bike!

Does not need yarn, buys it anyway...

2009-06-15T08:53:00.002-04:00

How can I resist? Got to stop clicking on the forum thread "new yarns" in the Knitty City group on Ravelry.............................

Colinette Jitterbug from knitty city
colorway- mint chocolate,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

colorway- banwy

Manhattanhenge

2009-05-31T06:07:00.004-04:00

Manhattanhenge
On Saturday, May 30th this year, one of only two occasions when the Sun sets in exact alignment with the Manhattan grid, fully illuminating every single cross-street for the last fifteen minutes of daylight. The other day is Sunday, July 12th. These two days give you a photogenic view with half the Sun above and half the Sun below the horizon—on the grid. The day after May 30th (Sunday, May 31), and the day before July 12 (Saturday, July 11) will also give you Manhattanhenge moments, but instead you will see the entire ball of the Sun on the horizon—on the grid. Here, looking East. The San Remo on the West Side, and the Carlyle on the East Side, with Central Park in the middle. Manhattan is grand!

I have been knitting, honest......

2009-05-23T08:48:00.004-04:00

....... but not as obsessively as in the Fall. I have been reading and enjoying photography as well, and guess what, there is no way for me to do it all. (although, some of my cyber friends seem to do it).
This is going to be, when it grows up, a log cabin blanket, with the square color sequences originally determined by a random sequence generator. Its fun. I picked 7 sequences, for my 7 colors of this alpaca. 9 down, another 40 or so to go?

Needle US 3 / 3.25 mm

Yarn Sajama Alpaca, 7 colors, un-dyed.

Eye Candy Friday

2009-04-11T00:02:00.002-04:00

On my way to work, and on my way home.
Riding a bike to work through Central Park- Priceless!

Some FO!

2009-03-24T19:39:00.002-04:00

Gentleman's Fancy Knee-High Socks
Addi US 1½ / 2.5 mm
Trekking (XXL) 110
The toe:
Had to finish the knee highs with some yarn from the basket. I should have thought ahead, and done the heel with the dark color, it would have been a classic, but hey... Nickerjac Sock Yarn left over from the Sidewinders sock. I made only one cause the pattern was not great, but I love the yarn!

Striped Scarf. Bamboo and bits of alpaca scarf kit from la droguerie Paris. Finally! I received from my brother who lives in Paris, the second skein of bamboo I ran out of! I LOVE the colors and it feels like a dream, but I wish I made it wider.
US 2

The Tale of the Mittens

2009-03-05T20:39:00.008-05:00

Once upon a time a knitter wanted some mittens. She excited her knitting friends to have a mitten exchange, but she almost backed out... Lucky for us she did not, and thus Annie of sit n knit NYC organized the Secret Quickie Mitten Exchange, and more than 30 of us participated. The person I knit for, now can be revealed, is Ann Marie. I had a list of her likes and dislikes. The Herringbone pattern was one of her choices. Of course none of the yarn I have at home was "just right" so I HAD to by the Heather sisters by Cascade 220. The pattern was fun to knit and easy to follow. Knit one at a time on two Addi circs, US 6.

The Mittens Exchange party was great fun, and tremendous success!!! I found out that while I was busy knitting away, Amy, was- OMG even busier and knit these!!!! For me! I LOVE my mittens. They are so warm and soft, like a secret hideaway.
I think everybody was happy. There were lots of gorgeous mittens. I was delighted to see when I walked in, that Ann Marie's scarf, which she wove herself from yarn she basically remade, matched in color!

The following excellent photos are courtesy Tatyana.

A Beanie with a message

2009-02-28T11:00:00.004-05:00

May The Force Be With You. Another hat with a message for my son. He'll wear it if its malabrigo inside next to his ears and the forehead. I find hats without a second layer around the ears to be too drafty in the NYC winter. I think I got the chart for the letters from Hello Yarn. The hat pattern is generic. To get the inner part, you do a provisional CO and join when the outside matches the inside in length. The only problem now, I need another mindless project for 24 and Lost.....
Malabrigo, Kureyon, Addi circ US7. Knitting from stash=Priceless!

The Mittens are ready.........

2009-02-27T16:53:00.002-05:00

But you can't see them yet...........

Wrapped in a Wrapsack. Its a line of reusable gift bags, that makes the case for Earth-friendly wrapping alternatives. Each sack comes with its own tracking number. Register your sack online and instruct the recipient to regift it. Then see where it travels.

Quickie Mitten Swap

2009-02-15T09:06:00.003-05:00

SnK NYC organized a Quickie Mitten Swap ( thanks Anne-Marie!!) and I started my mittens, but, I can't show them to you. hahaha! The Quickie Mitten Swap Party is Saturday February 28, and until that time- my lips are sealed, I mean, my needles are crossed, I mean, I don't knit and tell.....

What I can show you is the yarn- lovely colors that make this project fun to knit. Introducing the Heathers. The Cascade 220 sisters.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T00:24:00.003-05:00

And guess what! MaryMary nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger! Wow, thanks. She also listed 2 very Kreative knitters I visit often (hilde and garngamen nominated) So I am nominating the following creative knitters and fiber artists:
cosymakes
Hello Yarn
tiennie knits
sock prØn
Riihivilla, Dyeing with natural dyes.
KRAWUGGL
ZebraKnits

And here is the award: Copy and paste to your blogs knitters!

Knee Highs for my boots

2009-02-08T08:11:00.004-05:00

I needed a pair of knee highs for my wellies. I wanted a color and "feel" that would match, and I found Opal's Harry Potter in Hedwig, but one skein was not enough so I shopped my scarps and got some creative solutions. Knit two at once on 2 Addi US1 circ, this process took a while. The yarn is fun to watch transition, so it was not a hardship..... for the foot I used a bit of Austerman Step left over from socks I knit for a friend in 06. I think it works! Now the only question remains whether to wear it up or folded down?

Magic Ball leg warmers

2009-01-18T14:10:00.002-05:00

When my friend Elena was visiting over the holidays, I gave her my striped leg warmers to keep. (She was cold.) That meant I needed to knit another pair. (Ya'!) In came lots of scraps I had all over the knitting baskets area, which I have been saving for the past lots of years. You got some Noro, some Malabrigo, some of my own hand-spun, some unknown variegated from long ago, and some Cascade 220 leftovers. Generally, worsted weight. I made the 2 magic balls by diving each scraps into 2, by using my scale. It was a good way to do this, with the exception of my hand-spun, when some of the same weight proved to be very different yardage. Oh well, its just magic ball. CO 54 stitches per leg warmer, on 2 Addi US 6 circs, (on 6 cause I wanted it more dense) K1P1 rib, and went for it. Fun and warm. Used it today during the brief snow we had. it will be great to block the up-your-leg draft when I ride my bike.

A cowl a day keeps the wind away.....

2009-01-03T15:36:00.004-05:00

Well, maybe not one a day, but started the year right with Thermis (Ravelry link). Wonderful, easy pattern. The yarn, Tosh Worsted, is lovely to work with, but it is really a DK, so it is a bit more slouchy, but hey, its a cowl! Knit with Addi, US 6. Used only 72gr. This pattern lends itself for a hat, which seems to be wanting to pop on the needles with some malabrigo, from stash!

And speaking of Malabrigo, Knitty City had a 3 year anniversary today, and here is the cake! Many more to come we hope!

Hope

2008-12-31T19:57:00.003-05:00

The last project of 2008, is one more hat! Improvised this one. My son wanted a "cool" hat like skate boarder's hats. Wanted to give him hope for a bright new year. Its going to be on the forefront of his head all winter. He better not lose this one!

Malabrigo worsted merino, less than one skein of the blue and some scraps.
Addi circ US 6 and 7
A note to remember: when doing stranded knitting, its bound to pull the knitting in, and be a lot less stretchy.

Wishing us all a Happy New Year and Beyond!!

The Hats of 08

2008-12-25T09:16:00.006-05:00

2008 was the year of the hats. it was all I could do later in the year, when the global crisis was taking shape. Some hats I loved so much, I repeated more than once... I gave most of them to "needy" heads. Lots of knitting from my stash. Alpaca stash, Noro stash. Lots of soft Malabrigo, and behold, my own handspun!

There are still a few days left, will I knit any more hats this year??????

2007 was the year of the socks.
I wonder what 2009 shall inspire?
Maybe Cowls?

French emergency situation

2008-12-09T15:41:00.004-05:00

Back in May 08, I visited my brother in Paris to deliver Babbette to his baby, and of course I visited La Droguerie and purchased a scarf kit. Its a wonderful kit with delightful yarn but oh NO! I ran out of the bamboo. How can this happen???????? La Droguerie's web site does not sell yarn, so I called my brother and emailed him all the appropriate photos. Lets see how long it takes him to get it.... (the wife is not a helpful option.) I did stress to him that it is AN EMERGENCY!!

ETA: As of Christmas day 2008, the yarn has NOT been secured. I am officially launching an international complaint.... If only my SIL was not so "busy." But I said nothing.
Thanks for the offers to help!!!! I will mention it to my brother and SIL. Perhaps that will "shame' her to action? Keep ya' all posted, and Merry Christmas to all!

Gentleman's Fancy Hat

2008-12-08T09:40:00.004-05:00

Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted. less than one skein purple and a third for the green.
Addi circs 16" us 6 and us 8
DPN us 8 for top
I used the Gentleman's Fancy socks pattern by Nancy Bush.
2 days hat! Easy!!! You can see detail of the construction here (Ravelry link).
Its warm and soft. Surprise! The inside looks great as well!
In this version, I wanted to finish it so fast, I did not think enough about the decreases, so I am not crazy about the way it looks. (I just did the 5 section thing).
I will knit another version, to test it, since I have been asked to write it as a pattern.
This year seems to be the year of the hats. I have learned a few things about how I like my hats- I like them deep, covering the ears, and I need a double layer over the ears as well! This hat is perfect...

Just in time for today's "in the teens" temperatures!

Holiday lights

2008-12-07T12:25:00.002-05:00

Despite the bad global economy, the "holidays" seem to proceed as "usual". I hope you are getting in the festive mood, and enjoy health, family, friends and lovely stash......

From spin to hat

2008-11-26T22:21:00.002-05:00

Slim Striped Scarf

2008-11-22T11:53:00.002-05:00

Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Yarn: Bamboo Alpaca kit(Scarf kit from La Droguerie Paris.)

Colorway: Rainbow
Reason to knit: Desperately seeking tranquility.

The hat just flew off the needles!

2008-11-15T18:25:00.001-05:00

3 Color Seed Stitch Coronet (from knitty.com)
Decadence (alpaca,) knit picks.
Addi US9

Mindless Scarf

2008-11-08T21:11:00.003-05:00

Another mindless project. That's all I could wrap my fingers over the past 2 months. Its been emotional. You may have heard.........
So here is the mind-less scarf:
3 color seed stitch
Knit Picks Decadence (now sadly, discontinued)- alpaca- from stash.
Add circs US9
Button from stash!
It is shorter, because Neck-Warmers (cowls) are the new it thing! its soft and toasty.

Fibonacci alpaca scarf for Jon Stewart

2008-11-04T08:14:00.002-05:00

Sajama Alpaca
All 7 colors- undyed.
Addi circ US 5
Finished (after blocking) @ 64" x 8"
Stripes based on the Fibonacci numbers sequence. (0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13, etc)

Spooky Halloween.............

2008-11-01T00:39:00.000-04:00

I LOVE this season!

2008-10-25T19:44:00.002-04:00

Autumn winds always drift me into yarn shops...............

Alas, not much shopping has been done at the stores this Fall season. The global financial crisis is starting to take its toll on NYC. The bright side? I got HOPE and stash!!!

Rhinebeck 2008

2008-10-22T18:21:00.004-04:00

It was a glorious day!! I came with my 6 years old son, so it was not exactly the fiber filled ecstasy I was dreaming of (...) but it was great! I did not get a chance to smooze much, but I did meet in person the Master! Adrian of Hello Yarn! I bought only one little skein of alpaca, but that's ok.
:-)
Thanks A.M of sit n knit NYC for organizing the bus, (even if we only saw you shooting (pix) after the bus as we were leaving.......) and for Tina and Christina for making sure it was all smooth sailing. I just hope I did not snore too loud on the way back......... I was exhausted.

And this is a great time of year to wear hand knits! The world is in turmoil. We don't know how world economies will work out, but one has to be able to stop and count one's blessings. I for one, am going to count (inventory) my stash..... And go "shopping" in my stash.

Update from NYC

2008-10-03T13:43:00.003-04:00

I have been caught up in the global unrest. I have taken it very hard, and life seems to be a little suspended at this time. I take care of the basics, although don't get enough sleep. Too much information to absorb. And worse- not much knitting. Darn, I miss my knitting........

I have knits 3 red squares for a communal flag afghan. A group of The Colbert Report fans is knitting for Stephen.

A neck warmer for sit n knit cowl exchange. The Good Luck Cowl, in Lorna Lace sock yarn. This yarn is really nice to work with. I have some left over, I might have to use some for myself.........

And made some progress on my 007, in Rowan Feted Tweed. I was hoping for a Rhinebeck debut, and I hope to get to the sleeves tonight. There is not much time.

So I'll be in Rhinebeck on Sat 10/18. Hope to see some of you there!

Going Green

2008-08-13T01:19:00.003-04:00

Again. It was too hot to work with Felted Tweed, so I stash busted my Louet Euroflax Originals (linen) to create another Green Market Bag. The first one, taught me how much this yarn can stretch. While Stretchability is desirable in a market bag, too much is not... So this time around, I gave it a solid bottom and a smaller needle for the lace part. Its just the right size. it feels great, strong, and very organic.

Green Market Bag. [take 2] (my own improvised pattern)
Louet Euroflax Originals
size 2 circs inox needles

Eye Candy Friday

2008-08-01T09:31:00.001-04:00

Its been a while. Central Park. 6:30 am. Have a nice day ya' all!

Comfort Knits

2008-07-30T12:21:00.004-04:00

Based on the Child's Rainbow Scarf. Its a really easy pattern.
Noro, silk garden sock S84, 2 skeins.
Addi circ lace us4

The yarn feels lush and the fabric drapes beautifully. Softer on the neck than Kureyon.

Modification:
I CO75
I slipped the first stitch of every row, to give a nicer edge.
I used 2 skeins of the same colorway, in stripes.
This is a fun pattern and the surprise of the yarn keeps you going! Its what I call "comfort knits." Knitting projects with yarn and pattern familiar and easy. You slip into it with very little thought, and it is immediately satisfying.

WIP into the night

2008-07-27T12:22:00.002-04:00

Working on my WIP and trying to start some new projects I found myself staying up way too late the past few days. It all looked like a big blur. Today I feel very disoriented. Lucky its Sunday.

Silk Garden Sock Yarn.

2008-07-19T12:58:00.003-04:00

Very highly anticipated, and finally here! Silk Garden Sock Yarn. But I was not going to knit socks with it, its too interesting to just be in the shoes. So what to make? A scarf is really like a giant swatch. I have wanted to make a zig-zag scarf, but when I started it, it did not "talk" to me. While I was frogging it, I knew what I will knit! The Child's Rainbow Scarf! I made 2 last year for my cousin's daughters, with Kureyon, but it turned out they are alergic to wool! (who knew?) They gave the scarves to friends, who I think liked them. But I remember how enjoyable knitting it was. And now with the new SGS, in the lovely colrway S84- it will be great. To get the striping I am using two skeins of the same color. I am running back to knit it, to see the surprises the yarn will reveal. Notice how different the yarn photographs in day light and indoor light. Its the same yarn. I love Noro with all the quirky stuff that comes with it. The knots, the straw, the white fluff from the silk. You name it. But the magic of Noro, the colors with the textures- is unique and addictive.

Who am I?

2008-06-28T10:49:00.006-04:00

or

or

And who are you? Get you own here.

Who loves tweed???

2008-06-21T17:22:00.002-04:00

I do I do I do!!! Rowan Felted tweed. It is a lovely yarn to work with, and an easy pattern. I am experimenting a bit with shaping adding additional mini cables in the next few rows. I also added a ribbing. I want it to be a bit longer.

Felted Tweed gets some quality time

2008-06-18T21:37:00.002-04:00

"007" from an old Rowan book. (number 12). Its a Louisa Harding design. Doing it in the round. will it work? All modified for yarn.
Rowan Felted Tweed in "ginger" which is kind of rust.
Right now its on a size us4 circular addi.

Noro Sock Yarn goes a long way!!!

2008-06-16T19:00:00.003-04:00

All three hats from the same skein.

doll size
baby size
adult size

Noro!!

WWKIP Day June 14 2008

2008-06-15T08:06:00.002-04:00

Sit n Knit NYC, (we rock!) Kipped in Central Park! It was a nice day, if a bit humid, but it did not stop 60 of us from spreading out our projects. We were such a curiosity, that some tourists took pictures and videos of us. My T-shirt that said "I love to knit" was not the kind that would get you a date, but got lots of chuckles... In true NYC spirit we had an after party in a bar. Minty, (who was the official event photographer, links to more photos soon) did warn me that alcohol consumed in a cool bar turns you a notch happier when you are back in the scorching sun, but just one frozen margarita???

I finished the baby Noro Hat for a friend's baby.
I did not make changes to the pattern, just knit in a thinner yarn with smaller needles.
0.25 of a skein of Noro Sock yarn
Noro Hat
Size US3 addi cir.
It took two days.

Where have you Kipped on June 14 08?

Babette complete, and delivered!

2008-05-27T16:11:00.004-04:00

Babette complete, and delivered in Paris to The Baby! It was great to crochet, but those endless ends, and endless seams- less so..... I love the color mix. The Baby seems to like it. My sister-in-law says she likes it. You are all so kind to give such great feedback and I am humbled by the comparisons to Klimt. I have a way to go here... I would never have gotten into it without the help of Barbara, and the famous knit-play-date in May 07... And now, I can relax and go back to my knitting...

Babettes Blanket from Interweave Crochet, Spring 2006

Hook- 3.0 mm

Yarn- mostly Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (KPPPM)
Started May 07, Finished May 08.

Some suggestions:

Don’t “cut corners!" make sure your squares are square!
Leave long tails when you finish a square for joining. that way you can weave in ends and join.
Don’t join when sleepy….
When joining a large section, start at the center, and work in 2 directions. its more even.
Use a blocking board! I could never have done it without one.
At Martha's suggesion, I pinned the sections to an old sheet and thus was able to take it off the floor, “for the duration……” Genius!!
Colors are fun!

Not tonight Babette!

2008-05-22T00:00:00.002-04:00

10 sections are done, but the border will have to wait till tomorrow. Its real close.... But one of the things I have learned, is not to craft when sleepy. Thanks for your cheers. The quilt of many colors. Liz says Kaffe Fasset/Brandon Mably have a theory that if you aren't sure if your colors work, add 10 more. I sure did.....

and now- there are 9!

2008-05-19T15:14:00.001-04:00

I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!

2008-05-14T09:37:00.004-04:00

I am obsessed with putting the Babette puzzle together. No sleep, no food, no laundry, just the "Puzzle." There is A LOT of sewing here. That is the nature of the project, and now that it is almost done, and I have to finish it by May 22 to take it to my brother's baby for Memorial Day weekend, I am obsessed with finishing it. I think I can do it. I am also thinking about a thin soft cotton lining. If I find the right fabric.
Here is some of the process. Layout of the almost 150 pieces. At Martha's (blogless) suggestion, I pinned the sections to an old sheet and thus was able to take it off the floor, "for the duration......" Genius!! I also have to block severely, since I am not a very neat crocheter. As I get to next section (#7 coming up) I make sure it will match. I block the sections before joining. it is fun when it works perfectly, for all other situations- there's improvising.....
There are many many colors here. I just hope my sister in law will like it.....

Feeling just dandy!

2008-05-07T17:00:00.005-04:00

Gentleman's Fancy Sock by Nancy Bush
Needles: Addi US 1 / 2.5 mm
Yarn: Zitron Trekking (XXL)
Colorway: 146
Almost all of 1 skeins = my skein was only 94g out of the promised 100g, not sure why.
I knit them longer (love) and no pattern at the foot.
I don't like how it bulks up the sock in the shoe.
Bottom line: Happy Feet!!!

Spring has sprung

2008-04-12T18:10:00.001-04:00

Done!

2008-04-10T13:10:00.002-04:00

Done! I can wear them tonight for the Bobmas night...........
I really enjoyed working with this yarn! I can't wait to CO for something else soon. (suggestions?)

The pattern is fun too! Burning Rings of Fire by Kirsten Kapur. I did not continue the rib on the foot part for two reasons. I wanted to see how the yarn knits in stockinette (love it) and I usually prefer a plain sock in my shoe.

Needles: US 1 / 2.25 mm
Yarn: Crown Mountain Farms Sock Hop
Colorway: love me tender
2 skeins , but there is some left over.
(They are on the blockers, but not blocked yet.)

Burning Rings of Fire

2008-04-05T18:13:00.003-04:00

To celebrate the purchase of more Crown Mountain Farms Sock Hop yarn-
I have been knitting these.
Burning Rings of Fire, by by Kirsten Kapur.
2 on 2 circs- Addi US1
Crown Mountain Farms Sock Hop, 2 skeins of - Love me tender.

Nice knit, for the mindless TV hours. The colors keep you mesmerized, and its a lovely hand spun yarn, but I am noticing that one skein is spun thinner. The skeins were different. I got 2 skeins, one was 60g and one was 78g. I have no way to measure yardage, which might be the same. So far they are both keeping up beautifully. Can't wait to finish them and wear them. This is very special yarn. I hope they'll be ready for next week's Bobmas Eve party (April 10th). There will be celebratory gatherings in many cities. The New York City Ravelry Meetup will be at The Seamen’s Church Instiute,

Harlot in the House!

2008-04-02T22:51:00.002-04:00

She was hilarious! There weren't enough chairs.

It was good to be amongst my people.

Spring

2008-03-29T14:06:00.002-04:00

Spring is in the (chilly) air. I had a spring awakening; I am no spring chicken! With it come spring cleaning (and much needed reorganizing and regrouping) and a spring break from stuff. I'll be back soon. Happy crafting. What's your spring story?

Its crochet time

2008-03-17T12:10:00.002-04:00

I'm a knitter who crochets. But this week I have gone all out crochet. Between the coral reef project and my Babette Blanket. My brother and his wife had a baby girl last week, and the Babette Blanket I have been working on is for this little baby. So I have to get going..... Last night I did a count down and found I am at the stage I have to make the little squares. 20 of the 2 rounds and 26 of the 4 rounds. Those are the more fiddly ones. I have all the 12,10,8, and 6 rounds. And once I have all of them, I need to join. I also will block them before I join, learning from Soo, (Things Soo Likes) who washed hers after joining. It was a tough experience. She made a larger size blanket, but still... Ok, if you'll excuse me, I got to get those squares going!

Under the weather, but fighting it.....

2008-03-08T15:21:00.005-05:00

Still under the weather, and its a very damp and rainy day in NYC. Actually, it was rather pleasant to sit for an hour and just knit a few rows on my Trekking socks. But not much more happened here knit wise. I did finish my malabrigo gloves. So now I have a set. Hat, neck warmer and gloves. All very soft and warm! Lovely yarn malabrigo.

Today I went to my LYS, Knitty City, to participate in the Coral Reef Project. a crochet event no less, but hey, ok. Anything to lift the dampened spirits. Each one of us made a coral piece. Some are very cool. I made the little green one, (I only had one hour) but I learned how to make the big one, and I just might embark on this. It is an almost mindless project that is well suited for TV watching. Fun and creative. The exhibit, which will appear in the NYU university’s Broadway Windows at East 10th Street and at the World Financial Center will be in NYC from April 5 through May 18.

Thanks!

2008-03-02T19:14:00.005-05:00

I have been honored with the "You Make MY Day Award" by several wonderful cyber friends. The truth is, there is no way I can pick just a few bloggers/knitters who make my day.

The whole knitting blogs community gets this:

In other news, there have been some wonderful knitting things going on. Read about them here. But more recently, I have been under the weather a bit. Its been busy and chaotic at work, with several other life stresses. No need to elaborate, but lets just say all I can master at this point is some mindless knitting with a trusted yarn and pattern.

Winter gray go away

2008-02-15T14:39:00.004-05:00

How to battle the winter grays?

Don't get me wrong, I love some gray, but after a while, it sure gets to you. Here is the perfect antidote: Reversible hat knit with Noro Sock yarn.

Less than half a skein of Noro sock yarn. color S149
1.5 skeins of Elann's Peruvian Baby Silk 80% Baby Alpaca/ 20% Silk
US 1 for the Noro
US3 for the Baby Silk
Knit with a crochet provisional CO.

Thanks!

2008-02-14T14:25:00.002-05:00

Thanks everybody for your wonderful warm words!!!
It makes me feel as warm and cosy as the quilt!
I love blogland for "seaming" us all together!