Fashionable Girly

2010-07-04T10:03:00.001-07:00

http://milfordknitter.blogspot.com/

pretty puffs hat...

2008-02-12T16:16:00.002-08:00

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=195823.10

Adorable, quick little slouchey beret -like hat. I've made several now. Black, green, blue... The other hat is the stripped hat I made for my little boy and have gotten major requests from kids for....

crochet..

2008-01-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's just so much quicker than knitting, isn't it?

Current projects...

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=d382399d4b682be43799a039e96a7ddb&topic=184231.0

I'm also working on a new PosterBoy bag from Stitch and Bitch. I made a variation of one a few years ago. At the time, I thought it would be easier to knit it flat and then make a back piece..and then seaming the whole thing. It came out ok...It's a little floppy....probably lining it would be beneficial. Also, I never made straps so it's not the most useful thing. But I store my cd's in it and it was a good learning project.

I'm having a big problem with the graph, now. And I did the last time as well. I dont have access to photshop so I used the knitpro program which works good...but you get a variation of shades instead of the two colors. Hmpt. At any rate, I'm making the best out of it and makint it in black and cream.

So, I'm making the bag black with the rest of the bits whte. Oh..and that's Bob Dylan, in case you didn't recognize. After it's complete I plan to embrodier (probably in chain stitched cursivey lettering) something like...."how does it feel to be on your own, like a complete unknown, with no direction home... like a rolling stone".... in kind of discheveled lettering. I'm about 1/4 to a 1/3 done...will post a pic when it's complete!

amigurumi. robot.

2008-01-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

Latest project...Love the whole amigumuri style. I needed a cool robot and didn't like what I was finding out there. This was a for my brother in law who wanted one of Jesse Hutchinson's robots. I couldn't find the pattern and was in a knitting funk and I was just starting to get into amigumuri so I thought I'd try that. I used the popular amigumuri dude pattern and peeked at a robot that Beth D had done. He liked it...at least he said he did!

And onto the knits!

2007-11-27T05:46:00.001-08:00

wow. It's been like a whole year I haven't posted on this here thing. And the truth is, I've knit lots of stuff. OOoooh, where to begin?

Knitting (and crocheting) lately has come in spurts. I've started lots of projects and finished some. I should post pictures. And I even sold a hat on Etsy, believe it or not! It was something I had wanted to try and at the time, my camera was long lost thanks to my 15 year old. So, I've got some crappy pictures of some old hats I've made and don't remember if I posted.

This fall I made a cute green and white striped hat for my little boy. It was CUTE, uneven stripes with a pom-pom on top. Both of my sons are hugs skate-boarding enthusiasts and we've spent a great number of hours at the skate park. I refuse to let them go alone, even though my 13 year old begs me. I sit far enough back...

I finsed the green and white hat at the park and my little guy ran all around the park yelling 'my mom made this, my mom made this'. It got quite a good review and I've had more boys that I can knit for ask to make them a hat. Most of them want this stipey pattern with varying colors. Thus far I made an orange and white one....I think it came out wonderful. Made ear flaps and pom-poms. I also made a green and black version with the flaps and poms. The kid promply lost it and "it broke" he says the first night my son gave it to him. He'd still like another. Yeah, right. :/

Yesterday I made my daughter her long awaited teal wrist-warmers. Crocheted them up so it would be fast. She likes them. Haven't gotten a picture yet...Will post.

Oh....I made one of those punk inspired mohawk hats! It took two attempts at the hawk part....finally I ended up getting it right. Black hat with a red hawk. Nobody's wearing that one, despite it's true punk rawk look. I love it.

On the needles now...a Noro rainbow hued scarf for my daughter who is into all things rainbow these days. ANd I still have a ton of those stripy hats to do for the boys. Gotta finish the hat for the Etsy sale. And onto Christmas gifts.

1. Brother in Law- knit robot. He saw the one on the cover of (was it?) Craft magazine.
2. Mom- I want to do some kind of amigumuri *sp for her. Something different. I saw a cute little dolly dressed as a strawberry. Too sweet.
3. Aunt Mary- I'd LOVE to knit her a gnome. Or crochet. I loved the ones that were some that old issue of a magazine I cannot recall the name of.
4. nephews. You know, I had started them the Alien illusion scarf a few years ago. I think it's brilliant but way too time consuming. Maybe I can incorporate that into something else....I don't know.

This was quite the ramble, wasn't it!

Christmas knits...

2006-12-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

I managed to get two pairs of socks complete for gifts. One had been done for a while and I finished up the second sock to a pair I started just before Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, they are slightly different...the toe decreases start sooner on the second sock. From a distance you can't tell, though. I adore this knitpicks yarn and plan to get more. My mom raved about the softness. I also finished a basic black hat for the brother-in-law. He was pleased.

Just some rambling...

2006-11-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

So I finished an actual pair of socks. I'll have to get a picture because what's a knitting blog without pictures I say. Magic Stripes, size 4 needles..a fairly quick knit. My son is wearing them and is quite pleased. I'm glad to have a pair complete.

I'd like to do some Christmas knitting, though I'm not sure what. I've knit my bro-in-law some socks. Sister-in-law is receptive to knit gifts too but I'm reluctant to knit her a pair of socks due to time constraints. it may eat up too much time. My sister's hubby has requested AGAIN a black knit hat. I never made him one because I just felt like he could buy a plain black hat anywhere, you know? Still, he's a really big guy so I could make it to fit and he said those hats you can buy at the store just aren't made by you guys (meaning myself or my sister). Let me add he said that with some sarcasm.

I really want to make a couple of scarves.

And the big news is that I am currently crocheting a hat for a very, very famous author. I wont divulge his name because he's a private person. Actually, I'm making him a hat and his wife as well. They had seen a hat I made for one of their relatives and they wanted to know how to get one of those hats :-) I'm quite excited. She has requested green....him, blue. I'm using Rowan's felted tweed for his and for hers a merino, silk, cashmere blend and it is DELICIOUSLY soft and cushy. These hat's are of a newsboy style and I'll post some pictures.

2006-11-03T19:30:00.000-08:00

Sock Pictures. Uhhhuh.

2006-10-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

I purchased a brand spanking new digital camera and I ADORE it. As is usually the case, now that I got this new one, hubby fixed the old one. But even fixed, this new one is so much better. Old cam didn't have a zoom for goodness sake. It was an inexpensive gift from my mother-in-law and I'm grateful but it's nice to step it up some.

First up is the Jawoll for the bro-in-law. I think these came out great and I've impressed myself by knitting the largest socks I've ever knit :) Actually, I've never knit my husband or dad a pair or socks (yet!) so there will be more big socks to come. These are baggy on me but seem to fit my husband fine. I used his size 13 shoe foot for them and he's got some big man sized calves :)

These are for me. I think. The first sock was quick and is just SO soft. I have cast on for the second sock but haven't This one is Gernanium by KnitPicks and I'll definitely be purchasing more of this yarn. Also, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these circs. As reported by lots of other bloggers, they are very smooth to knit with. It's been a while since I've knit with my addi's but I think these are smoother and I think maybe even slightly more pointy

Ok. These is the sock I wasn't thrilled with...the colorway I think. I haven't made the second one yet because I'm unmotivated by the color...I forget what yarn this was. It's soft though. And it looks better in the picture than in real life. :)

Last but not least..this was magic stripes by Lion Brand. Sock for my middle child, my son. He is anxious for them to be done. I'm almost done with the second sock but put it aside for the Geranium sock (how selfish am I?!?!) :) I don't like the toe at al land need to rip it out some. It's too pointy. And the picture is missing....I'll have to retake it!

The sock thing...

2006-10-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

I'm still knitting the socks. Cripes! WHat fun. I have sucessfully knit a pair out of Jawoll for the brother in law's Christmas gift. They are fabulous if I do say so myself. Just don't tell him I've worn them. Who could help it? :) It was only for a little while and I just sat knitting and watching tv. Even though they were about 8 sizes too large.

I finally got my order from Knitpicks and I do love their new circs. I'm knitting this next pair now with two of them but will probably switch to dpn's for the gusset. I LOOOOVE the new yarn I got...Memories in the Geranium color way. It's gorgeous and I'll definitely be getting more in the other colors.

I think I want to knit a pair of the infamous Jaywalkers but I'm concerned about sizing. I'd like to hopefully knit my mom and dad each a new pair for Christmas...and my sister-in-law, sister and mother-in-law. I' know thats ambitious so if anyone happens to stumble upon this here blog, I'd love a quick and easy pattern! I'm thinking a little bit about lace.

Now..I MUST get a new digital camera. This weekend I hope!

socks!

2006-10-02T04:43:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I'm knitting socks lately fast and furious. Have I completed a pair as of late? Well, no....but I will. ;) My past sock knitting consisted of first trying the two circ method. I was able to knit two socks that way with Cat's book. Next I tried two socks on the two circs. It worked out well and I completed a pair, though it seemed to take for. ever. I was using the Queen Kahuna's book and while I love it for the detailed descriptions and detailed step by step pictures, it's almost too much. It seems SO slow compared to doing these last three and a half socks on dpn's. Recently my mom was walking around in a pair of socks. I thought she cheated on me and quizzed her on where she got the handknit socks (obvious for the self stripe). SHe informed me that I knit them for her? I did....I guess so. :) So, she's gotten two pairs and the rest are singletons.

Unfortunately my camera is out of commission. It had to happen sometime. It was a Kodak one step and I've had problems with it since the beginning. The dial at the top seemed to get stuck at the most inopportune times. Anyway, so far I have completed one sock for my mom. I forget the name of the sock yarn, but I used size 3 dpn's and it went fairly fast. The sock is a little loose so if I use this pattern next time I'll go down a size or something.

My next sock is...again, I don't remember the name of the yarn though I have the lables around here someplace. It's done in gorgeous fall shades and everyone who sees it loves it. It's for my brother-in-law who when I first decided to knit my first sock asked me the day old question 'why would you want to knit something that you can buy for 2 bucks at Walmart?'. This is the same brother-in-law who has in the past really appreciated all of the handmade 'stuff' I have done. I have no doubt he'll love them and hopefully I'll be done the second one by Christmas. These are done on size 1's....and taking a bit longer than the others.

Lastly, on Saturday night I started a pair of socks on that cheaper sock yarn found at the craft stores....you know, the self striping deal? It's black and grey with touches of red and they are flying off the needles. I'm doing these for my middle son who has nearly the same size foot as I do so if he doesn't wear them (which he says he will) I'll take them over. They're comfy. I've done one sock already and cast on the second last night. I'm half done it, on the foot, almost ready for the toe decreases. Quick. I think all socks should be knit on 4's :)

That's it for now. I hope to get that camera working again or buy a new one. Our family has decided to go to Disney World this winter and we'll need one then. That's actually a huge deal for us. We've never been on a big vacation like that but now that I'm working as a real live nurse the money issues seem to be slightly more under control.

Oh. And one last thing.....would you ever believe that I will be knitting (or most likely crocheting) a hat for a real live celebrity? It's true..more on that to come!!!!!!

Hats...

2006-08-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

I've put my second pair of knucks on hold and have been working on hats, hats, more hats! I'm going to a show in September and I'm planning on bringing a bunch of hats for my friends. Here are a few so far.

And the crocheted hats..... I've used a few different patterns, now. These first two hats are the same pattern and the last one is a different one. Also, the final hat's brim looks odd because it needs to be blocked. It was folded up in a bag because I finished it on vacation.

2006-08-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

Hello knitter chicks....

Just a brief update! I'm currently working on my next pair of knucks FOR ME of course :) And I haven't quite finished the first pair, OF COURSE! The first pair...I still have to finish up between the fingers on the first one and finish the cuff on the second (and between the fingers of that one too). Still, they are almost finished and I'll finish and wont leave it a UFO.

second pair...
I stopped into my lys which is actually not the closest to me but has the best selection of delicious yarns. It's also on Main Street and I can never find parking which is why I choose to rarely drive over. I wonder how much business they actually lose because of this, you know? I've gone over before, drove around and couldn't find parking so I'd leave. This time I had just been to the shoe store with my mom and kids in the same area so I had my mom drop me off and I thought I'd run in. I wanted to get some of the felted tweed that was used in the actual pattern and I wanted a green color. I ended up getting that as well as some 'cashcotton' and I'm currently using this. It's a yummy fiber. I got it in a beigy color and wish they had it in a tweedy black kinda color. Perhaps they do online...in the shop they only had pastels.

And I had also tried my hand at amigumuri (spelling waaaay off) for friends who were expecting. I had heard that the Dad to be loved teddy bears. I don't love this bear...it needs way more color. It's a fun little pattern though....Stitch and Bitch Crochet, Happy Hooker. I'm going to remake him but here he is. He matches a hat I made last year so I put it on him :)

One down...

2006-08-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finished one knuck already! Ok, that's a lie. I still have to finish between the fingers and sucessfully hid all the stray yarns for your viewing pleasure! :-) I couldn't get a decent picture wearing the thing because in truth, it's about the right size for the abominable snowman...or my husband. Either works ;)

knuck, knuck, knuck....

2006-08-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

i'm making these...Love the pattern!

http://www.knitty.com/issuesummer06/PATTknucks.html

First one is huge. I'm making the large for a man and have yet to have hubby try it on. Definitely not a difficult pattern at all. I'll post a pic when I'm done. Im planning several more of these. One for me, one for a rocker boy and I'm trying to think of a witty thing to put on the knuckles besides something dirty. Ahem. Actually...well, if anyone has any cool ideas, that'd be great.

All I'm coming up with is ROCK STAR

Hats, hats...

2006-07-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Some pictures of recent knitting projects!

Ok. This one was made for a music friend who requested a hat after seeing a different hat I had made at least TWO years ago! The original one can be found way back in my archives...probably one of my first posts. It was black and it had red skulls around the perimeter. Tommy requested just one skull. This was my second attempt at this one. I didn't like the first skull and thought it was too large. This one came out pretty much the same size. :sigh: I'm sending it anyway.

Next up is a hat knit for another friend who happens to be a fantastic musician. His website--> http://www.travishopper.com/ The poor guy has been waiting since last winter when I promised him a hat. Now that's it's probably 115 in Texas he's getting his hat. Better late than never I guess.

Alrighty. Lately I've been reading about a fun craft swap on Craftster. The girls are taking altiod tins and revamping them into a little trinket box. I signed up and got a partner who chose the theme of "swing dancing". Definitely challenging. But after I redid it 14 times (and I'll post the pictures after she receives it in the mail) I decided to make one for my friend Alexa to send her Cherry Pie necklace in. So, here it is. Alexa has a love of those little "hot dogs". She also digs the rock and roll and is ME except for she's younger and single. I don't think I've ever met anyone who was as similar as me. And here is her tin. It was fun.
outside:

inside:

Hookin'

2006-07-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesday on a whim I bought two new crochet books. I haven't crocheted since......ooooh, 1992 and at that time it was only a brief stab at making an afghan for my unborn daughter. It went unfinished but I'm now back in full swing due to one little pattern in the book.

Recently crochet has had a revival. I've seen funky new hats, granny squares in all sorts of purses, hats, sweaters. Crocheted flowers....BIG. The Stich And Bitch lady put out a new book

My sister is the crocheter in the family these days. My mom used to crochet and when she took it up again several years ago to occupy her time and take her mind off her chemo I encouraged her to knit. It was so much cooler. Hipper. Not so dorky. But, I didn't always feel that way.

In truth, I learned to crochet when I was about three years old. That's roughly 34 years ago if you're doing the math. My father's mother, my Memere took care of me some days while my mom was at work. She did elaborate crocheting....bedspreads, tablecloths, doilies. I'd love to see that stuff today but I've become estranged from my father and Memere has long since passed. My Aunt and Uncle must have pieces.

My grandmother hated my mother and would tell me so in ways she probably shouldn't have told a 3 year old. I can remember her telling me that she'd NEVER hurt me and that my mother is afraid of that. I was her favorite, My cousin Tricia was adopted and she didn't like her. Looking back now and hearing stories from my Aunt and Mom, my grandmother definitely had psyche issues but she was creative and taught me to crochet. Today they tell me she was crazy and can laugh at her antics.

I don't have all that many early childhood memories. I'm sure I blocked out a ton, living with an alcoholic (her son) who verbally abused my mother. I'm sure it was stressful and I remember the fighting. But i have bunches of memories of my Memere and me crocheting in her apartment which was downstairs from my parents. Of her chair that had flat wooden arms with scratched out grooves she had made with her nails. I remember the crinkling of her colostomy bag. I remember she'd give me gingerale but warming the glass first under warm water so I wouldn't get a stomach ache so she told me. She'd give me these maple cookies that were shaped like a maple leaf and she made me my all time favorite sandwich which was an open faced grilled cheese. Take a slice of bread, butter it and top it with small squares of cheddar cheese. Broil until bubbly. MMMMHMMMM good.

So, today I crocheted a hat (pictures to come tomorrow hopefully, along with two knit hats I made) and I felt connected to my dysfunctional grandmother who loved me very much despite her kooky craziness. I cherish those happy days I had with her and the craftiness she bestowed in me at such a young age.

Goddamn. I'm crying.

Pictures to come of the knitted cowboy hat which is too large (currently trying to shrink it in the dryer), the black hat with the white skull make of lambs pride and the stripped London beanie.

Pictures...

2006-07-02T20:27:00.000-07:00

I saw a cherry necklace online and immediately thought of my pal, Alexa. She digs that song by Warrant...Cherry Pie. The beading is harder than it looks....making the loops and such. Anyway, I don't think my cherries are that bad but not as gorgeous as the original.

Mary Ella from knitty...

And the record album cover bags I've been making. I did this one a bit differently. And they're kinda a lot of work. But still fun.

I'm alive...

2006-07-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hola. I feel so lame haven't posted a thing in eons. I had a few minutes so I thought I'd quickly update ya'll so you know I'm alive and kicking.

What I've been doing besides trying to get used to being a real live nurse *ahem* and adjust to a third shift schedule has been not much else. Kids are home from school and that's always a bit of an adjustment. But you didn't come here to read that. You're looking for "the knit". And I aint got much. :)

I've knitted a couple of beaded wrist band things which are sorta more like Bracelets.

I also knit a strap for my Reggae purse. It's made with a Jimmy Cliff record cover. I was getting ready to put on the strap and had only red when I mentioned to my husband how it would be cool if they made the strapping material in Jamaican colors...green, yellow and black. And then it dawned on me that I could knit or crochet one which would be even cooler. It's pretty rocking if I do say so myself.

I haven't been inspired to knit much else. I've started a few things and then stopped. What to knit is the issue. It's so hot out thus the hat knitting seems silly.

I have been attempting some jewelry lately. I had seen these amazing necklaces online and figured I could create something like them. HA. Uh...yeah. It's not as easy as it looks. But, I've got a few made and, as mentioned, pictures coming forth shortly.

So, to summarize...you have these pictures to look forward to, hopefully this evening:

1. beaded wristband. Black and pearl.
2. Reggae bag.
3. A couple of lame necklaces...One entitled Cherry Pie, ala Warrent.

Headline News and Pink Panta...

2006-02-23T20:52:00.000-08:00

Headline news...Finally got around to making this one. Love it...love the brim.

This pattern is ADORABLE! My daughter has decided she wants it. I think I'll make a few more. It was pretty quick and definitely easy!

Bucket O'Chic

2006-02-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

This pattern is so quick. I used cotton sugar and cream yarn in a variegated blue color. I added the additional strand of yarn as directed in the pattern (which was white) It's super cute.

2006-02-07T21:37:00.000-08:00

A nursing school friend asked me to make him a rasta inspired hat. Can't wait to bring it into him tomorrow! Its cute! I used Red Heart in various shades. It was terrible working with acrylic and my fingers are sore.

Hat 2...

2006-02-03T19:15:00.000-08:00

Another hat for another friend. Same pattern but I used a few shades of Lambs Pride working the stripes at an uneven number. It was fun. I'm getting quick at this hat!

Hat DONE!

2006-02-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

And pictures to prove it. I LOVE this pattern. What a difference using the Lamb's pride over that other flimsy wool....

Newsboy COMPLETE!

2006-01-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

YES! I have finally completed my newsboy hat in Lambs Pride black worsted! I've been making this for a rocker friend and anxious to get it finished. After searching for the right pattern ( eschewing the Stitch and Bitch newsboy and the other bulky newboy pattern I've made and posted before). Here is the pattern I used. I was able to master the magic loop method, too!

http://www.geocities.com/martian_mischief/AllPat.htm

I first made the first in black, Plymouth something. My 11 year old fell in love with it and wanted it so there went the friends hat. I wasn't completely happy with it either. Instead of continuing the increases, I stopped too early thus making more of a fitted hat with a brim...aka baseball hat sorta kinda style. I also wasn't happy with the brim, though the pattern's author told me it looked fabulous and wanted to use my picture of her website . I declined...it was a TERRIBLE picture of me :-) I also noted that the yarn was I used was really soft....I think it was Renyolds, maybe? 100% wool. In the middle of knitting the gift hat with the same yarn, I had washed my sons adopted hat. It ended up so limp, I stopped the second hat.

On to the Lamb's Pride which I should have used to begin with but my local shop was out of black and has been for months! I trudged downtown to the bigger, better shop and picked some up. I am VERY pleased with the results. I'm not 100% loving the brim but I think its just going to have to be ok. The Stitch diva brim was so better...but it was felted. I'm contemplating felting one and trying that.

My digital camera batteries are dead and there isn't another battery in this house! A picture is to come, though. I'm going to knit up a quick pair of wrist warmers to include in the package, too :)

Cambridge MA/Stone Pony...Asbury Park NJ

2006-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

Night two....

IMG_1044
Originally uploaded by cotang.

Testing, testing..

see this band if they play near you. You will thank me ;)

Also, if you recall, I had knitted some wrist band things a while back. It had completely slipped my mind (code for too much tequila) but at the beginning of December when we went to see Marah in NYC and Philly, I had passed on one of these to Kirk to give to Dave (my devious crush).

Cut to the Cambridge MA show a couple of weeks ago. I had noticed something on Dave's wrist, noticed his ratty hand warmers (thinking maybe I should make him a new pair)....I couldn't read the green writing. I came home that morning and downloaded my pictures. At first I thought my eyes must be fuzzy and thought I couldn't possibly be reading MARAH. Then when I figured out it was, I was shocked!! Who got the bright fucking idea to copy MY idea! How dare they?! A couple of emails and a phone call later, my sweet doppelganger, Alexa remembered that we passed it to Kirk to give to Dave.

The Asbury Park show was the next day. I caught up with Dave in the hotel room *cough* and he told me how much he loves his wrist warmer and how he wears it all the time. :-) I showed him my "DAVE HOT" version and he tried to get me to trade for it ;) I'm thinking about making some wrist warmers that have MARAH on the cuff.....so he doesn't have to wear both the wrist band I made and those ratty hand warmers he is sporting lately. addendum....we were, unfortunately not alone in that hotel room for what its worth. ;)

Night one...Cambridge.

Dave in above mentioned wrist band...

Men's newsboy...

2005-12-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who wants a newsboy cap like the one I originally made. And I thought it looked too girly...but he assures me if wont if i use more subdued, manly colors. He mentioned brown. And I like brown...but what else can i do. He said to make it funky......*shrugs shoulders* My original newsboy is back in my blog, though I'm not sure how far back.

I'm trying two shades of brown and a handpainted thin yarn I have which is brown and blues. Anyone have any suggestions?

An update?

2005-12-25T23:10:00.000-08:00

My goodness. I haven't updated this thing in eons. I will try to do better....

Some recent knitting.......I made my sister and dad quick hats. I took my hand-spun and added it with some lambs pride gold and fushia. I think it came out really pretty cool. The dad version was much less exciting. I used a Rowan biggee yarn (a blue/black/grey mixture) for some of it but I didn't have enough and alternated between some slate blue lambs pride chunky.

I knit some wrist bands....in tribute to my favorite band ever. Marah. The other says "Dave HOT"....private sorta joke :) I shoulda done Dave's hot. And I lost it anyway. :/ I made a few and gave them away. I'll be making more.

Quick baby knits..

2005-09-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

Here I sit while my pizza dough is rising scrambling to find a pattern suitable for me to knit for my little friend at school. I'm attempting to find something I can knit with this Bernat Softee Chunky yarn I have a pile of. I need quick. I need cool. I was thinking a sweater. Anyone have any ideas? The gauge is 15S/20 R. I've been all over the message boards trying to find something cute. Maybe I should just do the hat and booties deal. But I'd rather a sweater for this chicky.

Any and all suggestions welcome!

Is this a knitting blog? Well, well....

2005-09-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

I've not been knitting anything...but I'm going to tonight after I finish reading my psyche chapters. God I hate that class....

So....Maybe I'll make my daughter those wrist warmers that I promised her. "you never make me anything, mommmmm". I have heard that recently :) Jaaaaaysus. I made her the little froggy cell phone case. Then I made her friend one (we scrapped the Green Day logo idea but we did initials on it and it came out cute enough) What does she want? Who does she think I am? Super knitter? :-) I am not.

I also have two preggo friends at school....Well, one is a friend and the other is a fellow student. I've gotta make them a little something so perhaps more of those sweet little booties I made last month.

That brings me to this......
Target has yarn? Get the F out. In the dollar bins. I'm not thrilled with it. I cast on last night trying to make a pair of those booties in the furry kinda fun fur yarn. I figured it would mimic the angora that the pattern calls for and appeared to be about the same gauge. I don't think it will be fun to knit with...its super slick, hard to pick up. Maybe its just me. They had some super cute colors like lavender and orange. Maybe it would be better with aluminum needles? I'll give it another go.

Three More Days...

2005-09-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

NYC here I come :)

On Friday, after my second day of clinical at the hospital I will be traveling with a Bruce friend to NYC! My favorite band in the whole world is having a CD Listening Party/show for their fans. I lucked out and got a ticket and I am very excited about it! I'll be staying over. My fellow online girlfriends have offered me a place to rest my weary head after the madness and I'll catch a few hours sleep before traveling home to my normal, boring, mother/wife/nursing student running off to catch my son's first baseball game of the fall season life.

In the meantime, I *should* be studying because I have an exam tomorrow. School is back in full swing. They certainly don't let you ease back into things! I told myself I'd do more studying this year. And not let anything go to the last minute. Heh. :::whistles:: I am the worlds biggest procrastinator. Knitting is the perfect escape....and so is the damn computer.

Best Friend Dolls

2005-09-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

I have been in love with these dolls since I saw the first one on Kirsten's blog (http://crazydaisy.us). I checked three local knitting shops and couldn't find Interweave Knits, Summer 2002. And then I saw some more adorable dolls on another blog. I had to order the pattern. The issue is sold out but they are still selling the pattern and it FINALLY came!! I'm going to make a bunch of these. I've always loved dolls. I gave this one to my mom who named hers Annie. I've started on my second one but can't decide on the clothes.

Vaca pics..

2005-08-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

My baby. Fishing.

My athlete.

Daddy's girl...just before leaving.

And so it begins...

2005-08-30T03:44:00.000-07:00

::::sigh::::

School started for me yesterday. I'm glad to be back. It was a particularly eventful day, though. Nothing seemed to work out right. I hope today is better.

On the good sides...I got a pedicure and manicure. Not the greatest job, mind you. I am *very* picky when it comes to pedicures since I did those in my last life. Anyway, as I'm sitting having my pedicure I get a call from my husband who was home with the kids. They start school later than I do so hubby was home with them. He decided to make a home depot run and forgot to child proof/latch the refrigerator. In case you aren't familiar...my amazing, adorable and downright brilliant dogs get into the 'fridge. And when they do, they eat the whole thing. Yeah, even whole sticks of butter. So, someone ("Daddy made sandwiches before we went to the store, Mom...) didn't latch the thing and my amazing, adorable and brilliant dogs got in there and ate a whole chicken, some cheesecake, some sausage links and snatched three sticks of butter (later found whole with Bently the beagle whom I inherited from my sister guarding/laying on them). My husband was more mad than you can imagine. He tolerates the dogs because I love them but he is really not a dog person. I was just worried that Copper would be sick from eating an entire chicken. Not worried about the bones because at one time I was feeding him the BARF diet (bones and raw food...which is a superb diet....and a much more natural way for a dog to eat). They bones are soft when they aren't cooked. I was worried because a few years ago Copper got into some tater-tots and developed pancreatitis. I didn't realize how serious this condition really is until nursing school...and I definitely don't want a repeat of that again :( He was very, very ill.

Soon it was late and they wanted to go outside. I should have known by the way they ran outside that something was up. They got skunked BIGTIME. Copper, right in the face. :shudder: I scrounged what I could find because I wasn't going to the store at 11:30 last night. I diluted a big can of tomato sauce, a big can of tomato soup and some clamato juice and doused them on the deck. Then they got a shower in the tub.

Lovely husbster, trying to set the alarm for my early call for school, changed the time to 1 hour ahead (along with the early wake up call). He does that ALL the time because he sets it in the dark. So yesssssss! I am up nice and early! So nice of him, don't you think!?

I hope today is better.
8 more days til Marah in NYC. I live for my music. :)

Here's the skunked punk..

2005-08-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Fashionable Girly

2005-08-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Finished two sets of booties for coworkers who are having babies...one is having a girl(the pink set) and the other a boy(green set). I had gotten two balls of oh-so-soft angora and promptly lost the green one! I think I may have thrown away the little ball...not sure. Anyway, I decided on the angora booties in the Last Minute Knitted Gifts book. Cute pattern. Really cool how its done in the double knit way on two needles at first. Once the toe and foot is done, you use 3 double pointed needles for the heel and cuff. I'll post pictures ASAP. Busy weekend working..and school starts on Monday. The summer went by waaaaay too quck!

I'm spinnnnnnning! Yesssssssss!

2005-08-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

I pulled out my spindle and started spinning the gorgeous yellow, orange and pink roving! I was sure I was definitely over-twisting. Hmmm....so, Annie emails me with some step by steps, even though I have watched the tutorial/videos on line. Guess what? Who knew I was doing it wrong all along? Sheeeesh! Completely incorrect! I must have been doing it wrong when I began last year too. I was dangling the spindle and spinning the yarn onto it as it twisted. Now, apparently you stop the spin and move your hands....and whaaaaaa lah! Indeed. Much easier to control. Way, way less twist! That's what I get for thinking I'm an intuitive girl. I'm thinking about selling my second smocking pleater on ebay to raise funds for some kind of spinning wheel!! Too bad I couldn't find anyone to trade. Its a super amanda 32 row I believe...

Will post pictures later. I need new digital camera batteries.
The yarn is a pretty sunset. Daughter wants a scarf or hat or something with it and she isn't a pink girl at all :) I think it would make a darling baby hat and booties for a coworker who is pregnant with a girl. She's quite funky and I think she'd like it...but I am unsure if she would appreciate as much as my own daughter (who will probably thow it under her bed or leave it hanging on the canopy post and never wear it :)

I'm stopping at my LYS on my way home from an errand today. And we are going camping on Saturday so I'd love to have several projects lined up to go. I am not sure if they will have some fiber available to spin but I hope so. I think I'll pick up some Noro and something else.

Are you a Spinner? Help a girl, will ya?

2005-08-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I am vowing to pick up my roving and my spindle and spin some damn yarn. I bought some gorgeous roving on ebay last year and I was practicing. I got discouraged when I began reading about plying the yarn. I can barely spin the yarn in a one ply strand. So..what's a girl to do? Where to begin? My gorgeous roving is a dyed in yellows, pinks and reds...(I think!) I have a bad habit of throwing things away so hopefully I still have that big bag full. Drives my husband crazy when i do that :) After reading some blogs, I'm anxious to spin *and to dye...

I haven't really knit much this week/last weekend because I worked Saturday and Sunday. I am working on the Fairly Easy Faire Isle Cardigan (Stitch and Bitch) for my awesome mom :) It will be my first adult sweater! I'm using Lamb's Pride Bulky in a steel blue color which I forget the name of.

We are going camping this weekend for a week and I plan to bring a bunch of projects to work on. I should be able to work on things and get some stuff accomplished. Becasue. I start school the next week! Yikes. I can't believe its here so quick! I thought I'd miss it...but I haven't been gone long enough :)

I'm going to bed.
zzzzzzzzzzzz

2005-08-12T22:11:00.000-07:00

My daughter asked me to make her a froggy cell phone cozy. Actually..that's not accurate. She began making it but she is also knitting a scarf. I thought I could speed the process along. She is quite pleased with it. He looks like he's giving me the finger....but he's really not :)

2005-08-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Bernat Softee Chunky
size 8 circular
This pattern -> http://www.mlminspirations.com/patterns/NearlyGloves/Gloves.html

Easy, quick knit. I thought that the yarn might be too bulky but its fine and quite comfortable. I'm wearing it as I type..like a big geeky 1 gloved Michael Jackson. I didn't do the picots on the edge after trying over and over again and finally 'getting' it. They weren't laying really flat so I frogged them. They must be cool because my daughter say's they are...and she wants a pair too! On a funnier note, my son picked up the glove and declared there was a problem. "mom..you have all of these dropped stitches'. Ha! How does a 7 year old little boy know about dropped stitches??? :) I told him it was of course, a design and I did that on purpose.

I started making this lacy version for a friend of mine.....wasn't sure what I thought and they were just a little big. I'd love comments.

Official MARAHstafarian HAT.....

2005-08-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Stitch Diva studio, Girly Couture:Trendy Knit Hats Collection.

Me and my boys...

2005-08-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Little one is such a ham if you can't tell. Actor, politician, rock and roller. Big brother....serious artist, athlete and comedian. I love them both so much. Its truly amazing how each child is completely different. I might even like just one more :)..but you know what they say.....be careful what you wish for ;)

Some Rock and Roll content....Yesssssss.

2005-08-05T19:18:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a young girl in Jr High School. She was watching the fairly new tv station called MTV when she spied a very handsome man dancing all goofy to some song called "Dancing in the Dark." That was the beginning of the end. :) Since then I have had a love affair with Bruce Springsteen. Its been 20 years now. His music comforts me, soothes me, makes me happy. I've seen him a measly 17 or 18 times live which is peanuts compared to others. The shows are amazing. Three times at the stage and able to reach out and slap Bruce's hand (or ass if I wanted to get myself in trouble! :) I even met him last summer. But, since that time, there hasn't been anyone, solo or group that has been able to take me there like Bruce. That is, until three years ago when I stumbled into the legendary Stone Pony after my first NJ Bruce concert. The band...Marah.

I love the music of this band. Its something that I was instantly drawn to the first time I saw them play live. Ok, that is a lie. I first looked at the lead singer and thought "whoooa. How cool is that guy!!!!" We were drinking tequila and having a great time. The music was loud and good but there was this energy about the band and I have said this before...I couldn't believe they weren't already on the cover of Rolling Stone. I've occasionally seen a band that I have never heard before that time and it usually bores me. These guys left me wanting more. I goggled them and after finding their website, I posted a brief positive review. I was very surprised to find in my email box later a sincere thank you note from one of the guys in the band.

I'm really terrible about describing music. I like most music...but, I can't get enough of *this* music. It is awesome, inspiring, stimulating, rocking, brilliant goddamn music. I've burned CD's for friends and brought them to shows because I truly believe in this rock and roll band and want to spread the love.

I've been chastised on a little message board for lusting just a little too much over these guys. Yes, they are hot. But the passion for the band goes beyond the cute guitar players. Yeah, they have some sex appeal. Just a little bit ;) But its the music, lyrics...Dave's voice, Serge's stories, its the loud guitars, its Boat and Soul and Formula, Cola, Dollar Draft. Its Marah, loud and wondrous.

I think I'm going to knit this....

One down...

2005-07-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Well, that was quick! I started it last night and finished this morning. Cooper is very happy with it and is anxious for the second one, even though he isn't going to wear the things til the fall. Now I'm on the search for some different, funky versions!

Knitting funk...

2005-07-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm in a knitting funk, I think. Sorta kinda. I think I want to make a bag of some sort, a big felted kind of bag. Maybe a backpack. Dunno what kind or what colors. I'm still working on the never ending chevron scarf. Uuuugh. Its taking soooo long. The pattern calls for 4 skens of Koigu but I only had gotten 2. I think it will be plenty long enough.

I just casted on for some wrist warmers. Army green, wool, for my son Cooper by request! Its pretty cool when they kids request something. Daughter asked for a pair, too, so apparently these are a hit. I had made some for my brother in law last Christmas and they were a big hit with his sons (my nephews, of course). I'm planning on making both boys a pair this winter. I had used the men's pattern in the Last Minute Knitted Gifts and I may use the same unless I find a different pattern.

I'd like to make a pair for myself but I'd require something a bit more funky so I'm on a hunt for a cool pattern :)

A Green Gnome...

2005-07-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

I was blog surfing tonight and found this cute pattern. http://www.seasonsoriginals.biz/knit-baby-gnome.html I felt like taking a break from the never ending koigu scarf and whipped it up. Mine isn't as cute as the original! I will probably make another. Its fast!

2005-07-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Fashionable Girly
Got a digital camera today....Here is my beautiful daughter
K N I T T I N G :) Trying to be as cool as her mother? She only wishes ;) I love her sarcastic smirk.

Autumn colors....

2005-07-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Working on this scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Its super simple but taking a while. I don't really make scarves because I'm a knitting snob, perhaps. I had scored this Koigu handpainted yarn up at Patternworks for 5.00 a skein. At that price I shoulda scoffed up the whole load of them but picked up 2 thinking I'd make a pair of socks for my son. Heh. Yeah. Well, I got outside and saw that indeed this yarn has some coral, pink and other fun girly colors. Since I'm a redhead, I figured it would be a good color for me!

Poster Boy...

2005-07-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

This was more difficult than I thought it would be. It's going to be a bag when I'm finished. This is the front.

Presenting...Dave Bielanko of Marah.

Skully hat..

2005-07-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

A hat...