Happy (Knitting) Holidays

I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for your humor, friendship and support this past year. This blog is such a blast and I hope that next year will be even better.

Whatever holidays you celebrate this season, please enjoy yourselves and make sure to at least do one thing that would make your mom blush. (You get extra points if you do something that would make your mom dis-own you for at least 24 hours.)

With the new year comes a list of new excuses to buy more yarn and knit more items. Have fun with the after-Christmas sales, but don't go too crazy on wools. Remember, summer is just around the corner, so make sure to stock up on some cotton too.

I'll be busy with my own family traditions this next couple of weeks. I also have the job of keeping my Boy Toy from going overboard with the Christmas cookies and spiced wine.

So, I am wishing all of you fun-filled holidays along with a new year full of yarn and enough time to knit everything  your heart desires. See you all in 2012!!!!

Winter Warm Spell

You know, I'm just going to let you com up with your own comments for this one. I'm way too busy just enjoying the view. See you all back here on Monday. Enjoy your weekend!

 

I Will Resist

Oh my. The stripping on this sweater is just hot. No, I'm not looking at the guy who is wearing it. You can't make me look into those deep hungry eyes. I won't be tempted by that wisp of hair that plays in front of his face. I will not be seduced by the arm muscles that the sweater just can't hide. No! I will resist. I will resist!

Okay, maybe just one little peek. . .

All In The Details

I love the detailing around the neck on this sweater. I also love his jaw line, his eyes, his. . . yes, um, the sweater. It's very nice. Did I mention I love the detailing around that kissable neck?

In Good Hands

Wanted to let you know that I am taking a week off to spend some quality time with my Boy Toy. But don't worry, I won't leave you alone. I wanted to make sure that you would be in good hands while I'm gone. So, I have scheduled a week of eye candy for your pleasure. Sexy guys wearing sexy knits- what could be better. If I have time I may just pop my head in to say hi.

So, enjoy your week and I'll see you again shortly.

Here's a preview of what to expect. Enjoy!

[caption id="attachment_1223" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Grey Temptation"][/caption]

Naughty Granny

I saw this photo and just started laughing. Found out the photo came from another blogger and after reading their entire blog entry I just had to share. Below is a excerpt from the blog regarding this photo. You can read the full blog entry at Brain Debris.

 

"While not provocative, this photo did bring up several questions. 1. WHAT is she willing to knit for sex? Is she giving away swatches or sweaters? Does it depend on the requested act? Do men who provide merino alpaca blend get “bonuses”?Maybe she’s knitting patterns from Naughty Needles or DomiKNITrix. 2. Why is the man behind her so enthusiastic? Is he her pimp or is he just finally glad he’s figured out how to get her to HAVE sex? Notice the lip prints on his shirt? HMMMMM. 3. Who is the slightly inebriated looking gentleman with his dirty hands on gramma? Maybe he’s the infomercial guy and the man in the back is the testimonial happy customer. Maybe he’s an alpaca farmer and is throwing her this party for increasing his profits through her innovative entrepreneurship. 4. How long does it take her to knit for sex? She better be using Addi-turbos if she’s got a high sex drive! 5. Why is she advertising on a paper cone hat? Couldn’t she knit one? 6. Does this mean that we know what all the little old men wearing scarves have been doing? Is the length of the scarf indicative of anything? 7. Is this why so many elderly ladies take up knitting? I thought it might be because they needed something to do while waiting for the Viagra to kick in. At the very least I thought the needles would be a great deterrent. Seems not so much!"

Hoopla for the Hobbit

Well, among the many other things that I use this blog for, I see it is a virtual refrigerator door. And what usually hangs on a fridge door? Well, any school age kid will tell you, it's the place to hang your best work. A showcase for bragging about your recent achievement. And with that in mind, I'd like to hang on this virtual fridge an achievement by one of my followers.

You may remember a while back I did an interview with sock designer Mary the Hobbit. Well, if you weren't already a fan of her work back then, you'll become one now. One of her latest designs,  the Uzu Sock, can be viewed in Knitty's Deep Fall 2011 issue!

So, head on over to Knitty, knit the pattern and then run over to Ravelry and show the pattern some love. I've already got the pattern in my query. It's on my 'to-do' list for 2012.

[caption id="attachment_1209" align="aligncenter" width="425" caption="Uzu Sock by Mary the Hobbit"][/caption]

It's My Party and I'll Knit If I Want To

[caption id="attachment_1216" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Tiny rainbow Cake Slice by Trish Young"][/caption]

Happy Birthday To Me!

Yes, Saturday, December 3rd, marks my 34th year of life on this earth. And I must say that after 34 years, I still haven't grown up. (However, my nieces and nephews repeatedly tell me that I am old because I remember when computers use to only have black screens with green letters.)

34 is such an odd year. Its like when you turned 12. You weren't a kid anymore, but you weren't a teenager yet either. Turning 34 feels that way. I'm no longer a 'young adult', but I haven't hit that mid-life point either. (Some say mid-life starts at 35.)

So, what are my plans for the big 3-4? Well, in a perfect world I'd be spending the day in Las Vegas watching the Tournament of Kings show at Excalibur, winning big at the slot machines, having one of those drinks that come in a fish bowl and ending the evening seeing Garth Brooks live in concert.

But reality will find me knitting, getting a free meal at a local restaurant and listening to some unenthusiastic waiters sing me 'happy birthday'.

Boy Toy is unfortunately out of town, so I won't get to spend it with him.

I do plan on spoiling myself by buying some yummy yarn and getting my two free pieces of chocolate from Godiva. (Sign up for the Godiva club and you get one free piece of chocolate every month and one extra on your birthday. Score!)

Yes, there will be alcohol involved at some point over the weekend. My mom has been threatening to buy me my own bottle of Tequila Rose. (Tequila Rose to me is like kryptonite to Superman.)

I mainly plan on spending the day being open for whatever may come my way. Usually my birthdays are more well planned out, but this year I just feel like winging it.

As usual, I'm curious to know, how did you spend/or how will you spend your 34th birthday?

Beading It Up This Winter

I'm still getting my feet wet with more advanced knitting techniques. The other day I actually did a cable stitch for the first time. It was scary and I messed up, (a lot), but it was nice to finally face doing something that I have been putting off learning for years. (And, in case you were wondering, no, I will not show you my work. I frogged it with a passion after I finally got a few cables done right. )

I recently picked up the Winter 2011 issue of Interweave Knits and there is a hat in there that has me really thinking of trying another knitting technique. On page 71 is the Holiday Lights Tam designed by Catherine Shield. It is, 'a simple slipped-stitch pattern with a twist (that) drapes glass seed beads across like strings of twinkling lights.'

[caption id="attachment_1203" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Holiday Lights Tam by Catherine Shields"][/caption]

So, this tam would require me learning to knit with beads, which, while a beautiful and rewarding technique, it has been something I have purposely avoided. Don't get me wrong, I like beading. I use to design jewelry before I ever knitted my first stitch. But the thought of having to string all those beads falls under the same category as organizing paper clips by size and color.  I can do it, but there better be alcohol involved.

[caption id="attachment_1204" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Close up of Holiday Lights Tam"][/caption]

Yet, this tam is really calling my name. Of course the lazy knitter in me would just as well knit this puppy without the beads, but honestly, it just wouldn't be the same. I may just have to suck it up and learn how to knit with beads.

 

[caption id="attachment_1205" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Holiday Lights Tam"][/caption]

 

Anyone else out there knitted with beads before? How was your experience? Is it really worth it? Would you ever do it again?

Stuffed

So, are you still rolling yourself out of bed after all that Thanksgiving food? Or are you still just recovering from your Turkey-induced coma?

Are you just now picking up your knitting project only to find it stained with cranberry sauce? Or your crochet hook still smells like pumpkin pie?

I hope that you all stuffed yourselves with enough good food to make your scale run and hide.

I stuffed myself to the point that I will just assume that elves came into my closet and shrunk my clothes while I was cooking the turkey. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it!)

As my Boy Toy and I still argue over wheather or not pumpkin pie is considered one serving of vegetables, I'll leave you with a couple of turkeys that managed to survive the cutting block:

[caption id="attachment_1197" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Turkey Coasters by Joanne Loh"][/caption]

 

 

[caption id="attachment_1198" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Otto the Turkey by Ruth Homrighaus"][/caption]

Provisional Cast-On

Here is a question regarding doing a provisional cast on. :

The pattern states: With crochet hook and scrap yarn, chain 26. With 1 dpn, pick up and k 24 through the sts of the back of the chain. Do not join. Knit one row. Next row Purl. Carefully remove scrap yarn, placing open sts on 2nd dpn. Rnd 1 With free dpn, pm for beg of rd, and k 12 of the new sts; cont around, distributing sts evenly on 4 dpn-48 sts.

I am totally confused with this. I consider myself an intermediate knitter, but I have never come across this before. I don't understand how they are ending up with 48 stitches. I think I am going off track when they are picking up stitches on the back of the chain.

Here is my answer:
Make sure that the scrap yarn you are using is a completely different color then the yarn you will be knitting with. So if you are knitting with black yarn, I suggest you use white yarn as your scrap yarn. Having a sharp color contrast between the two makes it easier to see what you are doing.

The scrap yarn acts as a holder for your 'live' stitches', that you will create. After you've picked up and knit 24 stitches on the crochet chain, knit one row and then purl the next row. Leave those stitches on your double-pointed needle. 

Now, with another double-pointed needle,  you will then remove this scrap yarn, making sure to pick up each little 'hump' created by your knitting yarn. You are basically taking each stitch off the scrap yarn and placing them on your knitting needle. You picked up 24 stitches to start with, so with the other needle you will have the same 24 stitches taken from the opposite end, thus equaling 48 stitches.

Now take these 48 stitches and divide them equally among all four double-pointed needles. (12 stitches on each needle.)
Here is a video that shows exactly how to do this:

A Knitter Is Thankful

I am thankful for:

The many balls of yarn that own me.

The store containers that Costco sales for me to hide my stash.

Bamboo knitting needles

Shiny crochet hooks

Patterns that actually knit up into a garment that looks like the picture.

A husband who loves me enough to still wear the ugly sweater I knitted for him while we were dating.

Mink and cashmere blend yarn

Sheep

Sock knitters

Every person picking up a pair of needles or crochet hook for the first time

My blog

Red Heart

Stitch markers

Yarn sales

Sanguine Gryphon for giving me my big break.

Ravelry.com

Men and women who knitted because they had to, so that now I can knit because I want to.

My wonderously creative hands

2x2 rib stitch

Babies that need knitted stuff

Family and friends that I deeply love and who are not ashamed to  loves this crazy knitter.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

How To Do a C8F Cable

So, you've decided to be adventurous and knit that cool cable scarf you've been eyeing all summer. The pattern says you need to C8F. Your response is WTF is C8F? Well, have no fear, I'm here to help.

In order to do a cable pattern you needle to make sure you have a cable needle or something to hold your stitches that are not in use.

C8F means cable 8 front.

To get started, knit all the way to the point where the pattern asks you to start the cable.

Take the next four stitches and place them on a cable needle. Make sure that cable needle hangs to the front of your work,(in front of your needles).

Knit the next four stitches on your main needles.

Now, take the stitches that were on the cable needle and knit them. (The first stitch that you placed on the cable needle will be the first stitch that you knit off the cable needle).

As you may notice, this last action will cause the four stitches on the cable needle to 'cross over' the last four stitches you just knitted, creating the cable pattern.

Need a visual? Here is a nice video showing how to do a  basic cable:

No News Is Good News

No news is good news, right?

I still haven't heard back from Knitty.com regarding a sock design I submitted for their upcoming issue. Soooo, I am cross my fingers, knocking on wood and being hopeful that the next time I hear from them will be when they let me know my pattern has gone live on their site.

I currently have three more projects in the works, but like always, I need to keep them under wrap until it gets closer to the release date. I can give you some good hints, though. Two of the items you wear on your feet and the other item you wear around your neck. Are those good enough clues for you?

What's On Your Needles Right Now?

Okay, without looking and without trying to cast off quickly thinking I won't notice, answer this question. What is on your needle(s) / hook(s) right now?

Lacing It Together

On Saturday, I got to spend eight hours of my life surrounded by lace. Lace presentations, lace demos, lace supplies, lace making and lace conversations filled my day. The 20th Annual Lace Day was a blast and lucky for you I remembered to take some pictures.

[caption id="attachment_1174" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Setting Up for Lace Day"][/caption]

I arrived around 8 am, well before the event started, in order to help with set up. I came armed with my lace pillow along with everything lace related that I own. I also brought a pound cake, whipped cream and sliced strawberries. If I couldn't win anyone over with my lace making, I could always bribe them with food.

[caption id="attachment_1175" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lace Makers Setting Up Their Sations"][/caption]

The Lacey Ladies of Arizona had no problem putting me right to work. I helped unload cars for vendors and put signs out telling people where to turn to get to the event. Throughout the morning, I started sounding like a broken record as I answered the same questions from the various members- 'What's your name?' and ' How long have you been making lace?'

[caption id="attachment_1169" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Recent ribbons won by some of the members"][/caption]

The event officially started at 10 am and there was no shortage of people coming in to ask questions, get advice and watch lace makers at work.

One of the members gave an awesome presentation about the history of pillows used for lace making. Basically, every country that makes lace has their own style of pillow that sets them apart.

[caption id="attachment_1168" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Chart showing where different laces originated"][/caption]

Lace makers are a very talkative group and were happy to dish out their advice to me. I got three book suggestions and a really good tip on preserving my prickings- cover your pricking with contact paper and you can use them again and again.

[caption id="attachment_1170" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Display of various lace making pillows"][/caption]

The book recommendations were, " Bobbin Lace Without A Teacher", by Betty Alderson. It is sold through the company Snowgoose, which happened to be one of the vendors there. The other books are, "The Bobbin Lace Manual" and "The Practical Guide to Bobbin Lace". Both books can be found on Amazon or Ebay.

[caption id="attachment_1171" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Close up of one of the display pillows"][/caption]

Being a short black girl with dreadlocs really made me stand out in the crowd of sliver-haired grandmothers that made up a good percentage of the people there. My oddity always turns out to be my asset as a number of people came and asked how someone like me got into making bobbin lace.

[caption id="attachment_1172" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My own lace pillow"][/caption]

Oh, here's something you may not have known. When you get a chance, look up the name Simon Toustou. Who is he, you ask? He is the maker of what is considered the BMW's of lace making pillows. His pillows are to die for. Or at least to save few hundred bucks for. (Santa, if you're listening, I want one!)

I did some shopping and got four new bobbins, some neat thread and a few thimbles that were begging to come home with me.

[caption id="attachment_1173" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Close up of my lace work"][/caption]

Overall, I had a wonderful time and can't wait for next year's event. I already plan on volunteering for any upcoming public demos. Don't worry. My bobbin lace won't interfere with my sock knitting. There are places where my pillow can't go, but my needles are always welcomed.

Lace Day, Here We Come!

Tomorrow, the lovely Lacey Ladies of Arizona will host their 20th Annual Lace Day event.

If you happen to be in Arizona, I am personally inviting you to attend.

Here is the 411:

20th Annual Lace Day presented by the Lacey Ladies of Arizoan

November 12, 2011

10:00 am to 4:00 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

There will be lace making demonstrations, vendors, exhibits, door prizes and more! You may also purchase a commemorative bobbin at the event.

Location: Community of Christ- Phoenix Central Congregation

4224 North 44th Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85018

Classes start at 11:00 am

The price of each class includes kit usage and lesson. The following classes are:

Bobbin Lace: $20

Needle Lace: $15

Netted Lace: $15

Tatting: $15

If you bring your own kit the class only costs: $5

I leave you now with some more bobbin lace goodness.

Lace Makers Do It On a Pillow

. . . and they like to do it in groups! We shall refrain from calling it a bobbin lace orgy. Instead, we'll use the more politically correct title of Lace Making Festival. Enjoy!

Bobbin Lace Fast Fingers

Since this weekend marks the 20th Annual Lace Day hosted by the Lacey Ladies of Arizona, I figured I'd celebrate with blog postings this week that pay respect to the beautiful art of Bobbin lace making.

Behold, I give you a YouTube video of a very talented quick-fingered lace maker. You may need to play this video twice, because if you blink you might miss a whole section of lace.

Holiday Knitting Help At Your Service

[caption id="attachment_1154" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I'm Your Knitting Concierge"][/caption]

So I'm offering myself up, (like the whore I am), to help knitters this season as they work on their holiday knitting list.

As many of you know, I whore myself out already volunteering as a knitting expert on All Experts.com. Well, here on my blog I will be doing the same.

All you knitters out there, come, flood my comment section with your questions and I will promise to answer every single one.

Need a quick knit gift for someone, but don't have time to search online for the right pattern? Let me be your knitting concierge, providing you with a list of patterns that are sure to please, (and are always free!)

Take advantage of my generous service as my season of giving ends on December 24th. (If you ask me for any last-minute patterns to knit on December 24th, please be aware that the only patterns I will offer at that time are crochet dishcloths along with a good dose of motherly guilt for being such a lazy bum).

Spread the word, tell your friends and start those questions rolling in. I'm waiting. . .