September 2004 Archives

I can't wait! I'm going to my first fiber related event!! Yipppeeeee.....Thursday I'm taking off early from work and heading down to southern Virginia to visit some friends. On my way back home, I'll be stopping by at the Virginia Fall Fiber Festival. I'll be there on Sunday around 1pm or so. Is anyone else going? If so, leave me a comment and maybe we can meet up.

If you're not going and would like some goodies from there do let me know. I'd be happy to be your personal shopper.

Klaralund

Oooohhhh- I'm almost done. No pic just yet until I'm completely done. One thing though I don't have proper blocking tools. I think I may have to purchase or make some.

Holiday Gifts

I'm starting my list of things to make. I've got yarn but I need to make sure I have enough for the patterns I pick. Right now I'm on a hunt for more Debbie Bliss Merino Aran. I need to pick up 4 more balls of this stuff. I'm making two manly scarfs with this. I see that Herrschner's is having a fall sale with this yarn as an option. One thing though this place charges an obscene amount of $ for shipping. Why would it cost $7 to ship four 50 gram balls? Good lord!

Mittens

It seems the fever is spreading across all of blogland - Yarn Harlot has started a Thrum Along, BlogDogBlog came down with it, Norma, and more fellow knitters. This is definitely on my list but maybe later on in the winter I'll get the fever.

Last week I picked up the latest Rowan Vintage Style book. Flipping through the gorgeous patterns I've decided to make this:

Agnes

Isn't it beautiful? I think it will look smashing!

At the store, I also picked up the yarn for this lovely scarf:

Monette

Others on the list:

Salina

Chantel

Rivia

Want to see all the Rowan Vintage Style patterns? Go: view all patterns

Bias Scarf Patterns

I'm also in search of interesting patterns for a silk/wool blend yarn. I want to make a scarf. Here's what I'm thinking:

From Straw

Tangleweave

Anyone have other ideas or resources?

If so, I think I need to join one. Now don't hate me for my addiction, please help me find a "My Name Is Carolina, and I'm a Yarn Addict" group.

So, what has caused this revelation? I don't have pics but here's semi-proof. The yarn binge began a week ago with my trip to Folk Art Studio. I had never been to this shop before and what a great place! They had wonderful art hanging, lots of seating space, cafe, and yes, YARN. I picked up two skeins of K1C2 Bon Bon in a very pretty pink colorway. Prices aren't bad either.

Then the gluttony continued at Aylin's Woolgatherer. Now I didn't say much about this place before but now I will. Where shall I begin? Yes, the place has yarns and lots of them but that's the problem. I can't stand messy stores especially when they are overpriced. Sure the staff is nice but PLEASE organize your inventory. Don't let yarns just live on the floor.

Is it over yet? Nooooo...our trip to the Eastern shore had to include a quick trip to Yarns & Co in Easton, MD. This is a much better organized shop then the one mentioned above. The prices are decent and the selection has enough variety. I picked up some DPNs and 2 different skeins in the Artful Yarns line.

Moving on to this week. By this point, I began to feel guilty for the obscene splurge on yarns. Did that deter me? No, of course not. My visit to Knit Happens was very productive both for my Klaralund knitting and stash enhancement. I picked up the latest Rowan Vintage Style and gorgeous skeins of the Rowan Kid Silk Haze to make one of the scarfs in the book.

And last but not least, I love visiting Springwater Fiber Workshop. They not only have a great selection of yarns but also sell their own line. I picked up a skein of K1C2 Richesse et Soie in plum. This stuff is gorgeous and super soft----Silk and Cashmere. Yummy. This lovely item was 40% off. Perfect! Then I saw that they had some awesome handdyed 50/50 wool and silk yarn. I picked up a skein and one skein of their handdyed Lamb's Pride.

Pheewww. I feel so much better after that confession.

Basketweave Pullover

I'm finally done with my first swatch. The hubby is starting to feel left out so I had to get it done. The problem is I didn't get gauge. Nope. Not even close. I'll have to redo again.

Klaralund

Progress is coming along mighty fine. I'm about 15" into both sleeves. I hope to have all of this done within 2 weeks.

Kitty Beds

I've joined the Wendy bandwagon and have promised to finish a kitty bed by Nov. 6th. I'm thinking of using some Ironstone 100% wool and Lamb's pride with a touch of eyelash.

Book Envy

Yes, I have that too. Now whenever I get into a hobby, aka addiction, I go haywire and read up everything on it. Most of the time this includes purchasing books for said addiction. I have many garden books, but can you believe it nothing on making jewelry? For knitting, I have three books. My first book was Vogue Knitting: Quick Reference, then I picked up Stich & Bitch, followed by 1030 Stitches and Patterns ; Mon Tricot Knitting Dictionary.

I'm currently envious of Julia's latest purchase. She got four volumes of Barbara Walker's treasures. As much as I would love to own one of these I think my skills are too new to appreciate them. I think they would be a great gift when my knitting skills turn five years old. In the meantime, I'm coveting the Knitting On the Road by Nash Bush. This is an awesome book, which reminds me I've got to return my copy to the library.

Finding Goodies

While surfing I discovered a link to this interesting search engine - Vivisimo. Your search results get clustered within categories and you can search many different sources: eBAY, FirstGov, NIH, other search engines, and online news resources. Awesome!

I love it when I find like minded individuals. People who aren't scared to share their views but best of all who have a great sense of humor. I couldn't have said it better, so here's Norma.

On other topics, thanks to everyone who has dropped by and given me a pick up. Thanks so much, it means soooo much to know I'm not alone and others may not know the pain but can certainly sympathize. Thanks again.

Klaralund

I'm knitting as fast as I can...I have about 10" of the sleeves done. I'm knitting both at the same time and they're turning out great! Hopefully I can finish by early next week. Tonight will also be spent exclusively on this project as I visit Knit Happens for knitting session.

It's been three months since my emergency C-section, and almost two months since Julien passed away. Since his death, I decided the least I could do was get healthy and lose weight. So far I've lost 7 lbs and joined Weight Watchers. Today I joined a gym! I can't believe I actually worked out today and it wasn't soooo bad. It's weird because four years ago I was working out hard core almost every day but that's just the problem. I've got to do things in moderation otherwise I get burned out and loose interest in it.

I'm thinking that my schedule will be work out Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On Thursday's I have yoga, plus it's on the way to my LYS. Oh and Wednesdays will be Knit night at Knit Happens. So, there you have it. I've allowed myself to do fun things while still focusing on my ultimate goal of losing weight. I've got to do this.

And now from my awesome secret pal, I present you my first package:

I got a great handmade card, awesome DPNs (check out the gorgeous sock point protectors), and last but not least two skeins of DGB Confetti yarn. Thank you secret pal in Canada!

My weekend began on Friday with a trip to the Eastern shore of Maryland. The DH and I went to Easton and St. Michaels for a day of touring. Best of all I got a great weaved bag, and of course yarn! Then the real work had to begin Saturday...we began our project of nailing down hardwood floors. Great! I'll have to post pics when we're done but for now I've got make dinner. See ya!

RIP: Johnny Ramone!

Back to the regular scheduled program...knitting? Why, yes. I'm done with the front and back of Klaralund, and have started the sleeves. I've decided to knit both of them at the same time, that way I can (hopefully) have identical sleeves. I've even selected the skeins so each sleeve begins at the same point in the stripes.

Beading Again

I've started to bead again after a very long hiatus. My recent project was a birthday gift to my Mother. When I was done with that project I just simply put away my stash but now after doing my Secret Pal gift I've gotten pulled back in. First I signed up for the BeadStyle magazine, then I went and visited the great Beads LTD shop in Alexandria and bought some great beads! This shop is small but has a HUGE selection of glass and African beads. They also specialize in vintage Czech, German and Italian beads. Awesome store. When I'm done with my next project I'll post pics.

First up, I'm done with my Klaralund back and about 95% done with the front. Here's a pic:

click me

And next, well I couldn't control myself and went searching for Aylin's Wool Gatherer store. I had heard they had a great sale room and boy did they! Plus they had a sale on all yarns except for new shipment. I picked up some Manos, Colinette, and novelty stuff. Check it out!

The Manos and Patons will be used for the French Market Bag that I've been waiting so patiently to do. The others I think will be gifts.

Now, what's next? Well, I've yet to redo my swatch for the Basketweave Pullover. Once I'm done with Klaralund I'll be doing that. Then I think I'll do the FMB. Ahhh soooo little time.

I'm getting the festival itch!

Fall Fiber Festival in VA
Oct. 2-3, Montpelier estate in Orange County, VA

Stitches East
October 7 - 10, 2004, Sheraton, Atlantic City, NJ
--coupon here--

Bead Bazaar
November 13-14, Exhibition Center at the Ramada Inn in New Carrolton, MD

On the knitting front, I'm done with the first Klaralund piece. The back was super easy and next will be the front followed by the long sleeves. I've also started the Basketweave swatch but had to redo it. More later on this.

So, is anyone going to any of these events?

The fun scarf is done! This one goes to my cousin.

Lobo, of course, had to check it out. She has a smelling issue. Everything has to be smelled for looooonnnng periods of time. Oi vey!

I just love how this scarf turned out w/ the novelty yarns. Don't ask me what I used b/c I don't remember but I do know one is a Trendsetter yarn. That's all.

Oooooohhh...the new knitty is out. Awesome! Check it out...

The hubby is starting to wonder when I'll be starting his sweater. Yikes! So, here's the plan and I hope to stick with it. I'll swatch this weekend and start next week. That will be two sweaters and one tricky lace scarf that I'll be working on. Oooooh boy! Now I have to find my fellow Basketweave Pullover knitter. I found her!

Ok, now I feel better. Next up! Find patterns from Knitty. Oh and shop at Purl! They have a great selection of sale yarns.

Some of you are wondering what I'll be doing with my recent stash enhancement. What I didn't mention in my previous post is that only about 4-5 items will be for me. The rest will be knitted as gifts for the holiday season.

From Wildfiber 50% room:

• Debbie Bliss Merino Aran - Men's scarfs, 255 yds each
• Katia Damasco 904 - Woman's scarf, 129 yds
• GGH Lara Black - 62 yds, for Katia scarf
• Gedifra Cicco pink/gray color- forgot name 2 balls, 110m each
• GGH Joy #13 - Scarf, 252 yds
• GGH Gala #24- for scarf, 85m
• GGH Tiffany Color 104- multicolored tape yarn, scarf
• GGH Venezia #5 - 93 yds, not sure where to use yet

For me:

• Colinett Wigwam Venezia- 1 skein
• Jo Sharp Rare Comfort Kid Mohair Infusion col 613 Camomile - I think that's the color
• K1C2 Douceur et Soie in Seafoam - 225 yds

From Three Dog Knits:

• Zen & Suede - Poncho, for me
  I got a free poncho pattern when I purchased these at Three Dog Knits in Tahoe City.
• Lana Grossa Telaio Print 407, for other projects
• Kardiff #174 - For DH's hat

From Yarns Unlimited:

• Baruffa Kid Fur #11 & #12 - for scarfs, presents
• GGH Marathon - for socks

From Ball & Skein, & More:

• Filatura di Crosa College #18 - 330yds, not sure yet where to use
• SRK Molash #1007 - 142 yds, shawl

If you have any suggestions, drop me a note.

It's the:

2004 Knit-Out & Crochet
For Knitters, Crocheters, the Interested, the Curious
On The National Mall in front of the Museum of Natural History, Mall Entrance
Washington, DC

Sunday, September 19, 2004 • Noon to 5:00 p.m. • Rain or Shine • Free Admission. Visit their Web site.

Sounds like fun! I'll have to check it out.

On other fronts, I have started my Klaralund. Yesterday, was the big kickoff at Knit Happens. It was loads of fun, great people, laughs and best of all chocolate! Sorry no pics yet. Oh and yes, I picked up things for my SP3.

More resources for you handpainted yarn addicts (like me):

Hello Yarn

Spirit Trail

Plucky Fluff

Aaahhh...gotta love the kindness from others. While I was away I received several e-cards and a gift certificate from other RAOK members. I love it! Today I've been sending out e-cards and coming up with a list of RAOK recipients. Fun, fun, fun.

I also received my eBay auction win of 1030 Stitches and Patterns ; Mon Tricot Knitting Dictionary. An awesome vintage looking book w/ tons of stitches and patterns. I love the Internet! I found out about this book from a Knitter's Review forum thread, a great resource for opinions and book lists.

Another resource I've come across is the Bloglines free service. This cool Web site allows you to keep track of your blogs, you can visit one site and get the latest from your favorite blogs. You can also publish your blogroll unto your Web site. And last but not least, Craftster.org has a new blog. Check it out.

From the great yarn shopping spree:

Wildfiber spree

Yarns Unlimited

Three Dog Knit

Ball, Skein and More

And for a poncho update

The DH and I have returned safe and sound from our trip to California. There was lots of driving, visiting, and shopping. Did you say shopping? Why yes! Photos will be next but for now here's a short low down on the shops:

Three Dog Knit - Tahoe City
Small but nice selection of yarn. The staff was very nice and helpful. Price, well, it's a resort town so prices are high IMO.

Ball & Skein, and more - Cambria
Very sweet and helpful staff! A great selection of yarn, small but easy to find. Again prices were not the best. I did see Rachel's beautiful creations! In fact, I picked up some of the molash b/c of one of your gorgeous shawls.

Wildfiber - Santa Monica
http://www.wildfiber.com/
By far, the best yarn store I visited. Awesome selection of great yarns!! Prices were ok, but best of all is there sale room. Everything in this back room was 50% off. They had Rowan All Seasons Cotton, Colinette, Debbie Bliss and others at great prices in the back room. Again the staff was very nice. I just loved this place. Great vibe.

Yarns Unlimited - Santa Monica
Cheaper prices for a very diverse inventory. They had all the cheapo brands as well as some more expensive items. The place is cramped and feels very messy. I would go back for bargain hunting.

Travel Knitting

My travel knitting was quite ambitious but that's ok. I took w/ me the poncho, Klaralund swatch and socks. The poncho was the only thing I knitted. I tried the socks but being a first timer I just couldn't get the circular needle thing. I think I'll buy the Magic Loop book and go from there. The good thing is that I got a lot done on the poncho. Up next: photos.

Answers to the SP3 questionnaire...note I'm still on vacation:

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)?

yes, although I do enjoy novelty yarns for fun scarfs

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No

4. How long have you been knitting?
less than a year

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
yes

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
sandalwood

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Unfortunately, any chocolate

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I make beaded jewelry

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if you want to make her a CD)
Alternative, indie music such as Modest Mouse, Sonic Youth, Sebadoh, The Shins, Blonde Redhead

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I love Fall and Winter colors. I love the color black and silver.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married w/ two cats

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Koigu, Mountain Colors, Noro, Colinette, Rowan, etc.

14. What fibers do you absolutely not like? None

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Scarfs

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Hard to say

17. What are you knitting right now? Poncho, socks, scarfs, sweater

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
circular

20. How did you learn to knit?
book

21. How old is your oldest UFO?
3 months