diy style

where am I?

2008-07-28T20:17:00.001-04:00

http://emilykausalik.com
update your links!

hey look I'm Queen Katamari!

2007-09-08T18:46:00.001-04:00

Alpacas are awesome

2007-09-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

I went over to Yarn Haven today and saw some alpacas from Circle E Ranch. OMG they were cute. And the brown one kept watching me as I walked around. Creepy, but in a cute way. He was way into posing for my pictures.

So naturally while I was there I bought yarn. What kind, you ask? Sock yarn. All sock yarn. Damn you, socks.

Wisdom Yarns 'Los Angeles' color 241, Wisdom Yarns 'Chicago' color 235, Wisdom Yarns 'Boston' color 213, Brown Sheep Company 'Wildfoote' in Gunsmoke. Mostly for Xmas knitting. I'm in the middle of figuring all of that out. It's never too early for that. That and a pair of socks for the Football-a-long. I think I'll use 'Chicago' to make something while I watch DA BEARS own all this season.

The Big Knit

2007-09-06T08:56:00.000-04:00

http://www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/thebigknit/

I really want to try the ladybird one. Ultra cute. I might even send it to the UK, just for kicks. I like the idea of knitting for charity.

RIP Jaywalkers

2007-09-04T21:30:00.000-04:00

I have ramen'd them. Yes, ramen like the noodles. I'm trying it out. They were messed up in too many places, and trying to remember to mess up #2 in the same ways so that they matched would have been impossible.

So.

I am making a modified pair of Priscilla's Dream Socks from the Interweave Favorite Socks book. All I've done is make them ankle socks. I really hate socks, especially the wearing them part. The only socks I'll wear are ones where you can barely tell you have them on your feet. So I figured to help motivate myself to finish a pair I'd make them in a way that I'd actually use them! They use shortrow heels and shortrow toes ... the heels went well, I'll let you know about the toes.

You'd be amazed how quickly socks knit up when you don't do all of that leg nonsense ...

The best sandwich you'll ever eat ...

2007-09-02T15:49:00.000-04:00

This was appropriately posted on VeganYumYum on my birthday. And it is the most delicious sandwich I have ever had in my entire life. I'm just straight re-pasting it here because I like pictures.

http://veganyumyum.com/2007/08/tomato-basil-sandwiches/

Tomato Basil Sandwiches
Makes 1 Sammich
2-3 Roma Tomatoes, sliced lengthwise 1/4″ thick
1 Generous Pinch Salt
1 Tbs Olive Oil
1-2 Pinches Dried Italian Herbs
1 Splash Balsamic Vinegar

2 Slices Sourdough
Tofutti Cream Cheese
4-5 Basil Leaves
Black Pepper
Heat a skillet over medium heat with oil and herbs. Once hot, add tomatoes in one layer. Give the pan a little shake and flip the tomatoes about. Add salt. Once they are beginning to soften, but not falling apart, add a splash of balsamic vinegar while shaking the pan. Turn off heat. This process should only take a few minutes.
Spread your bread with tofutti, add chopped basil and pepper. Place tomatoes on top of that. Grill sandwich with a weight on top. If you’re not grilling, simply toast the bread first, then add tofutti and tomatoes.

I think my favorite thing about VeganYumYum is how fantastic the pictures are of the food. I need to work on getting good lighting in my apartment so that I can take better shots of the stuff I make.

My only sandwich suggestion: if you don't have fresh basil, don't bother making it. The fresh basil makes this sandwich. As does fresh ground black pepper. Mmmm. I also only needed one tomato for a sandwich. It all depends on how big your sourdough is, and how big the roma tomatoes are I suppose.

Vegan Food Pr0n!

2007-08-29T21:25:00.001-04:00

Yay food!

Stricken in Salzburg

2007-08-26T23:55:00.001-04:00

Taken by my friend Jess. That was at the very beginning of my sock adventure ... the one that was destroyed at London Stansted when they took my needles! Those dumb jerks.

T-Shirt Quilt

2007-08-25T15:27:00.000-04:00

So I've been going through tons of my clothes and donating them to Goodwill ... something about being able to live out of a backpack for five weeks has made my every-day lifestyle seem a bit ... excessive. And then I remember this thing I saw on tv one day, where they took old t-shirts and made a big quilt out of them. What a perfect project for all of those band tees that I LOVE but no longer wear!

http://www.tquilts.com/

So I ordered my kit, which should get here in the next week or two. All I need to do now is round up 30 or so shirts to make my quilt. Oh, and find a sewing machine to use somewhere.

I joined the Football-A-Long!

2007-08-21T16:08:00.000-04:00

http://footballalong.blogspot.com/

And I'm stoked. It is tradition for me to knit or crochet while watching/listening to football. The Bears, naturally. Who are going to be FAMAZING this year. That's right. We're going all the way again, and this time we're taking home the gold.

I'll be finishing the Queen Katamari Earmuffs tonight, and I'm making slow-but-sure progress on the Prince set. I hope to have those finished in the next week or so. Knitting is so awesome.

FO: Luxe Neck Warmer

2007-08-18T00:12:00.000-04:00

I actually finished this back in June, but I was busy with the whole European backpacking thing to post about it. Feather-and-fan no longer intimidates me. I still need to figure out how to do a looser bind-off. Suggestions are welcome.

Tomorrow I return to the Katamari earmuffs for Lisa. They are almost finished! Then I can start on a matching pair of Prince Katamari earmuffs for her husband Joshua. After that I'll get back to sock knitting.

If you can't tell, I need a haircut something fierce.

Schloss Schönbrunn

2007-08-10T13:09:00.000-04:00

Ew I'm such a fatty!
Anyway, that's it for the EuroKnit photos. The only places I didn't get ones of myself were London proper and Prague. There's always next time!

I can't wait to get back to the States so that I can start stash-busting!

Berlin

2007-08-07T03:02:00.000-04:00

London Stansted = X(

2007-08-06T13:11:00.000-04:00

They confiscated my knitting needles! So my beautiful socks from the German sock book are trashed. Oi.

But.
Today I went into a Euroshop (Dollar store) in Berlin and found replacement needles of the same size! For one Euro! So toll! So tonight after I shower and pack I'm going to start a pair of Jaywalker socks.

I have a picture of me knitting at the Holocaust-Mahnmal in Berlin ... I'll put it up eventually. Tomorrow is Prague!

Knitting in Bath, but not in _a_ bath

2007-08-03T18:45:00.001-04:00

Sock Knitting in Ireland

2007-07-31T04:58:00.001-04:00

The wind kept blowing my yarn around, which was really annoying. Today I'm off to London, meaning that in two days I'll be at a SNB with a bunch of Angloknitters. How cool is that?

Stricken in München

2007-07-27T09:21:00.000-04:00

This is in the gazebo at the Englisch Garten in Munich, Germany. One of my challenges is snapping a shot of myself knitting in each locale I visit, so here's one checked off the list! There are a few of me knitting in Salzburg floating around on friends' cameras. I'll stick one of those up here eventually.

Oh, and here is the progress of my first sock (from the sock book entirely auf Deutsch).

Sock knitting is so nice because it's small and easy to take around. My shrug is coming along nicely but it's getting too big to lug around with me while traveling in town. Oh well.

I'm heading to Dublin on Saturday! :]

Ich habe zwei Garngeschäften gegangen.

2007-07-18T13:48:00.000-04:00

"The Ingenious Sock Book." Yes, it's entirely auf Deutsch. That's just more motivation for me to keep studying! I can't wait until I can start making socks. The patterns are pretty nice, and it comes with a fab pattern/size converter.

I have been knitting while in Salzburg, but I don't have much to show. I'm making a shrug from a pattern on Caron Simply Soft Shadows (I'm on a green kick so I'm using Color 0006--Dark Moss). It's a very straightforward pattern and I'm about halfway finished. You basically knit cuff-to-cuff, show up the seams, then pick up stitches and make a ribbed edging.

In regards to the title, I have indeed been to two yarn shops in Salzburg. One is called "Die Wolle" (The Wool) and is in the Malle - Hemetsberger off of Universitätplatz. The owner speaks English and is incredibly nice. I may go back for some sock yarn and needles ... maybe. It's a bit expensive (as far as € to $, not overpriced). The second is one in the Europark ... you just take Bus 1 or Bus 20 all the way to the end and it's on the second floor. It's called Filati, and I think it only carries Filati/Lana Grossa yarn from Italy. Seeing as Italy is only five hours away it isn't as much of a stretch as you'd think. The yarn was beautiful, although a bit pricey. A nice silk/cotton blend would be sehr gut for a pair of socks ... O:)

I hope all is well in den USA. I can't say I miss it ... Europe ist fantastisch! Tschüss!

A Friendly FYI

2007-06-29T19:00:00.000-04:00

Knit 2 Together by Mel Clark and Tracy Ullman is only $5.50 at Amazon.com. It is definitely worth $5.50. Jump on that! I'm currently making the Luxe Neck Warmer, and it's fabulous!

Caution: some of the yarn they use in this book is hella expensive. So. Be a smart shopper!

Additionally, I went to Yarn Haven today and I love love love love love it! Definitely one of my top LYSs now. When a yarn is discontinued they mark it down by 20%. How hot is that? This review on Lime & Violet sums it up quite nicely. So if you're ever in the Greater Toledo Area you should stop in. I'll definitely be participating in the Thursday night SnB sessions this fall.

Postcards

2007-06-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

If you'd like a postcard from me while I'm in Europe, please email me your address!
byebyelove@gmail.com

And do it soon! I leave BG in four days, and after that there is no guarantee I'll get your info in time before my departure.

http://euroscene.wordpress.com

Birthday Meme

2007-06-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

Ah jeez.

The Rules:
Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (only the month and day). Find three events, two births, and one holiday that occured on your birthday. Then tag five friends. Sounds easy, no?

My birthday is August 3. (Gettup, leo!)

Events:

1. 8 - Roman Empire general Tiberius defeats Dalmatians on the river Bathinus.
2. 1492 - Christopher Columbus sets sail from Palos de la Frontera, Spain. (Awesome!)
3. 1914 - World War I: Germany declares war against France. (Damn.)

Births:

1. 1926 - Tony Bennett, American singer (Hell yes! That rules!)
2. 1941 - Martha Stewart, American media personality

Holidays:
1. Niger - Independence Day

TAGGED!

AuraLee ... and everyone else that would look at this has already been tagged. So, uh, four other people that happen to look at this blog. Post your name and I'll update the entry! :]

Katamari Queen Earmuffs

2007-06-24T23:13:00.000-04:00

I just finished the One Skein bathrug I was making for my grandma (no pics ... it's just like the one I made for myself many moons ago, but this one is in Peaches & Cream in Cream [har har] instead of the speckly stuff). So now I'm shifting focus to a set of Katamari Queen Earmuffs for my friend Lisa. I'll be making Katamari Prince Earmuffs for her husband.

To give you an idea of how dorkily perfect this is for them, I'll tell you that the first dance at their wedding was the cover of 'Que Sara Sara' from Katamari Damacy.

Yeah.

In other news, The Body Shop is the best store ever. Well, maybe besides H&M. Top two for sure. The Body Shop is entirely vegan (hot!) and H&M is the IKEA of clothing stores. Oh, so I guess IKEA would be number one, and The Body Shop and H&M right below it. I'm going there tomorrow! IKEA is awesome.

Okay ... less random, more knitting!

Grr ... FO!

2007-06-22T19:24:00.000-04:00

This summer has been so awesome. I'm actually finishing knit and crochet projects!

Additionally, I am very bad at embroidering.

London SNB!

2007-06-20T16:14:00.000-04:00

I am SO going to a London SNB Meeting!

A few days ago I sent an email to Stitch and Bitch London and they replied to let me know about a get-together on August 2nd at 6pm at Waterstones Book Store in Piccadilly Circus. So cool!

One of my self-made challenges for my European excursion is to knit in public in every city I go to. This will definitely help!

Here is my challenge list thusfar:
- one punk show a week
- drive a right-hand drive car
- knit in public in all locations I visit (Salzburg, Dublin, London, Stonehenge, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Venice)
- participate in a London stitch-n-bitch
- visit at least one tea shop in each place
- see at least one live concert (non-punk related)
- take a picture of every Mini I see (more for Steph & Q than for me)

Subsequently, if you'd like a postcard leave me a note and email me your address!
byebyelove@gmail.com

The cupcake madness continues ...

2007-06-19T00:59:00.000-04:00

I finished my second cupcake hat/GPS holder.

I love that picture because it combines three things I love: cupcakes, knitted items, and music theory.

I've also begun a lace-like scarf. This is my first endeavor into the world of lace knitting ...

Although the colors are terrible, you can see the stitching pretty well. And it's coming along suprisingly quickly. I've decided that this scarf is going to be my plane/train/bus project while in Europe.

Up next: Grr!

Grr!

2007-06-18T16:36:00.000-04:00

I love everything that Alice Bell creates ... but I am especially obsessed with her pattern in the latest Knitty!

Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever seen? As soon as I saw the pattern I instantly added it to my "top priority" project list. I want to use one as my washcloth when I go backpacking!

I love computer art

2007-06-12T10:20:00.001-04:00

Yeah. I drew that on my friend Keith's Facebook wall using the Graffiti app.
So fun.

Vegan Passport Holder

2007-06-08T22:19:00.000-04:00

For a vegan, I do a really sh**ty job of knitting vegan. Most non-animal product yarn is so unreliable and stiff and gross, though. So when I buy wool I make sure I know where it's coming from.

Well, from now on I'm trying out a 100% vegan yarn diet. And it's starting with Korella, a yarn made by Coats GmbH out of Germany (Coats & Clark in the US). It is 53% Flax/57% Acrylic and is an absolute dream to knit with. Brilliant, brilliant yarn.

And here is my first creation:

A nifty little passport holder. I stuck my ISID in there for good measure, and to keep the old passport company.

I love making stuff. It's like some weird manifestation and conglomeration of my materialistic nature and obsession with diy ethics.

Knit Night Cupcakes

2007-06-06T19:35:00.001-04:00

You have to see this! Vegan cupcakes with marzipan-concocted knit items as decoration. Bloody brilliant. I have to try this.

http://veganyumyum.com/2007/06/knit-night-cupcakes/

Yarn Shop Map

2007-06-06T13:06:00.000-04:00

I decided to catalogue all of the LYSs that I've been to ... everywhere.

Check it out.

Yellow pins are stores I have stepped foot in and (most likely) made a purchase in. The purple pins are stores I've been past or have heard of and am making a point to visit eventually.

In keeping with recent entries ...

2007-06-05T17:55:00.000-04:00

Here is another one about cupcakes.

Well, a cupcake.

... a knitted cupcake.

... a cupcake that's supposed to be a baby hat, but is a GPS holder instead.
Neato!

Who doesn't like cupcakes?

2007-06-04T22:19:00.000-04:00

This time around I made the "Simple Vanilla and Agave Nectar Cupcakes," but I substituted part of the flour with cocoa powder.

Look at that rise! It brings a tear to my eye. Almost too much for a cupcake, but it's just so ... beautiful. :]

A heart-shaped strawberry! It was definitely sacrificed to make my cupcakes.

Awww .... they're so pretty! The glaze I used was the "Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping." I let it get nice and cool in the fridge for extra thickness. I love the shine.

They look so happy!

Cupcake Parade!

2007-06-02T23:15:00.001-04:00

Be prepared! oooOO!

Aw, they looked so sad without being baked.
And now they are real cupcakes!

And then I decided to put walnuts on top.

Woooo! Vegan cupcakes! They taste pretty okay too. The frosting isn't really the best, though I think I need to get new vegetable shortening. Also, I (think I) left them in the oven too long (due to my music being so loud that it drowned out the timer, oops). But I'm not sure. Either way they will get eaten. By me. Because no one else is around. Darn! ;]

Now that I've baked some cupcakes I feel inspired to knit a few! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

And now, just for cuteness:

Now that I'm back from NYC

2007-05-23T23:44:00.000-04:00

... I can get back to business. Like that scary list of UFOs I need to work on. Here are some developments:

An incredibly gay-looking beanie for my friend Rob. That's pretty much just the crown, and considering I started this about two hours ago I think I'm making good time.

The first half of a Yorick scarf for my friend Keith. He wants to pick up hot Goth chicks in Japan. This might just help him achieve that goal.

Some non-craft related news:
- They filled up the pool at my apartment complex. As a result, I'll be in it pretty much all day tomorrow.
- I have watched so much Top Gear that my inner monologue is starting to sound quite British.
- In addition to the above, I called gas 'petrol' today while chatting with a friend. That's just wrong.
- I leave for Europe in 47 days OMG.

Ah crap

2007-05-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

I was tagged, so I guess I'm doing a meme.

1. List 7 random facts about yourself on your blog.
2. Tag 7 more blogs, making sure to let them know.

1. I obsessively shower. Usually two times a day, if not three.

2. In the words of Ghandi: Be the change you wish to see in the world. And that's why I'm vegan, straightedge, and politically aware.

3. Alkaline Trio has been my favorite band for eight years now.

4. Besides being a singer, I can play guitar, bass/bass guitar, and euphonium. Helpful instruments like the piano, though? Nope.

5. I've discovered a new way to annoy my cat: laser pointers.

6. I'm more-or-less Buddhist, although I have yet to go to a Buddhist temple for worship or meditation. I think I'm still too "white" to do that. This is also interesting due to my employment by random Christian churches. $$$

7. From time to time I'll joke about things to get a laugh out of Keith, but for the most part I am ridiculously PC. Which is part of the reason why my family drives me insane.

Hmm, who should do this ... AuraLee, and six other random people that stumble across this blog. hah.

Top Gear is pretty much the best show ever right now

2007-05-12T02:12:00.001-04:00

I just had to share this ...

2007-04-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

I was looking for pictures of "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" for a presentation I'm giving today, and I found this picture. It's a Ronnie/Victor doppelgänger that has an implied bad streak. Much like my cat. This one actually looks identical to Ronnie in just about every way possible, moreso than Victor. I think there is a conspiracy out there to make all grey cats beautiful but deadly.

OhioLink is "da bomb"

2007-04-19T15:59:00.000-04:00

I just got this through OhioLink. I can't wait to check out the fun patterns inside! Also, I love the fact that through OhioLink I can get all sorts of fun knitting books and check them out without paying a pretty penny.

In other news, I am making Skullholders for Lisa as a wedding gift. Well, just one, due to it taking me a long time. This is my first pattern with colorwork other than stripes, so it's a slow-doing process. But man .... it looks sweet!

I love Natalie Dee

2007-04-15T00:29:00.000-04:00

I will be wearing these t-shirts gleefully in the not-too-distant future.

Pele Update

2007-04-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

Right hand glove: complete! Now I just have to make the left hand, although the warmer weather might not help my motivation ... we'll see. Also, I followed the pattern exactly and the cap turned out HUGE. Oh well.

I made a hat!

2007-04-12T23:37:00.000-04:00

From: http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21665

I used two skeins of KnitPicks Swish Superwash in Bordeaux. Yumm.

Nothing like knitting instead of doing homework!

2007-04-08T12:18:00.000-04:00

Pele, from Berroco. I'll be putting a fun message on the knuckles, inspired by Knucks. I'm not sure what I'll put yet, but it will probably be funny ... at least to me.

As if I don't have enough UFO's

2007-04-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

I really want to make this:
http://www.berroco.com/255.262/261/261_mabel_lg_pv.html

And this:
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/pele/pele.html

And this:
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/ponte_vecchio/ponte_vecchio.html

And this:
http://ax174.blogspot.com/2006/02/my-own-pattern-iv-cupcake.html

And one of those brimmed beanies, like this:
http://community.livejournal.com/20sknitters/1170152.html?thread=9051880#t9051880
...although I can't find a good pattern anywhere. Maybe I'll try to modify the Newsboy Hat from SNB: Nation.

Like I have the time for this ...... who am I kidding?

Dish Cloth #1

2007-04-03T00:07:00.000-04:00

I decided to make my mom a few crocheted dishclothes for Mother's Day. Here is #1 in Peaches & Cream:

I essentially just made a giant granny square using worsted weight cotton yarn and a size H hook. The edging is a single row of sc. I'm going to make at least two more for her. They are huge (11") but are cool looking an can serve as a potholder too. Sometimes being broke has good results ... sort of.

One Skein Bathrug

2007-04-01T23:20:00.000-04:00

Viola!

I promise that I am alive and well.

2007-04-01T14:45:00.000-04:00

I haven't really been knitting or crocheting lately, so it's been hard to find a reason to update this guy. However, I finished my new bathrug last night and it rules! Pics will be up this evening.

I currently owe people the following:
- Yorick scarf for Keith
- Watch cap for Rob
- Watch cap for Todd
- Multidirectional scarf for Kassie

But I have to make Mom something for Mother's Day. Hm. We'll see how that goes.

Snow Day!

2007-02-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

The view out of my bedroom window. This is a bit deceiving, seeing as I am in a garden apartment (half-way underground). But it's still fun anyway.

And naturally, Buddha is very happy.

Minor Threat, Philly 1983

2007-02-07T13:57:00.000-05:00

This is from over a year before I was born. *sigh* I wish shows were still like, and with bands as sing-along-able as Minor Threat.

Watch Cap 2

2007-02-05T00:46:00.000-05:00

The hat is actually gray. I promise.

Pictures, finally!

2007-01-24T23:06:00.000-05:00

Woooooooooooooooooooooo.

Fetching:

(Check out that macro. Awesome detail!)

Yorick:

I just could not get a good picture of this for the life of me. But. Note the kitty in the lower righthand corner. I laugh out loud every time I see it. hahaha.

Watch Cap 1:

Yes, that is me when I was five.

That piece of dog hair is so attractive.

So there you have it. Proof that I've been knitting. I'm hoping this weekend I can catch up with some knitting. The outlook is not very good, but I'm going to try my best.

Ciao.

Fetching #3

2007-01-21T01:54:00.000-05:00

I made another pair of Knitty's Fetching, thanks to my cat losing one of my muvs/glittens (whatever you like to call them) out of Paton's SWS. It shreds and splits which is pretty annoying sometimes, but my god is the yarn soft and shiny. When my fancy new digital camera comes in I will share some pictures. I think I might try a pair of Knitty's Cigar next, but I'll modify them so that all of the fingers are "fingerless" instead of just the three. If I can master that I will try a pair of socks (one of my resolutions for the year).

Also, if you missed the last episode of Scrubs you really need to watch it. The Guy Love song is pretty much the best song ever created.

http://tv.peekvid.com/s1882/e57155/

I am a ball winding fiend.

2007-01-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

My swift and ball-winder came in two days. Clearly, I need to order supplies from folk in Michigan. They seem to have the fast-shipping thing down. So now I am fiendishly going through my stash and winding it into beautiful center-pull balls.

I also remember why I haven't posted pictures. My digital camera broke. I think I dropped it or got it wet or something, and now the lens doesn't pick up anything. It's all black with periodic blue streaks running through it. So. I ordered a new one from Frys that should arrive tomorrow. I love new toys!

FINALLY

2007-01-16T23:23:00.000-05:00

This is just a quick note to document the fact that I just ordered a ball winder and swift! Yessssssssssssssss.

I do what I want

2007-01-05T20:21:00.000-05:00

I've been on vacation for the past two weeks, and haven't really done a lot of knitting. Well, that's a lie. I haven't taken pictures of my knitting. There. I made some fuzzy di for a friend, and I'm almost done with a watch cap for a different friend.

The reason for this post, however, is that I bought two skeins of Paton's SWS yarn. Seriously. The softest stuff ever. I want to make another calorimetry, but I think there are some issues with the pattern. Everyone that has made one has complained about it turning out way too big, so I think/hope an errata will be posted soon.

I have about a bazillion other things in the making, but I'm too hooked on Hot Shots Golf for PSP. Oh well.

Flora for Mommy

2006-12-17T20:44:00.000-05:00

Her neck is bigger than mine, so this looks kind of baggy on me. But I'm pretty sure it'll be perfect for her. I also realize now that I really need a haircut.

Punk's Not Dead

2006-12-16T21:38:00.000-05:00

Some day I am going to figure out how to make one of these.

Amigurumi Warriors!

2006-12-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

Look what I just got!

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5062003

I can't wait to make these! I have tons of Caron Simply soft that would be perfect. I just need some felt fabric stuff. Haha, my vocabulary is just fantastic.

Random Update

2006-12-12T11:53:00.000-05:00

I gave my accompanist his scarf, and he really liked it! Yay.

Also, I made a Calorimetry over the weekend, though on bigger needs for a bigger result. I'm going to wash/pseudo-felt it so it won't be so stretchy and such. I'll post pictures eventually. I think I might make another one with the skein of Blue Sky Organic Cotton that I have.

Back to paper writing. Woot? I can't wait for the semester to be over so that I can catch up with my Xmas knitting.

Picture Parade!

2006-12-07T18:13:00.000-05:00

My mini-Xmas tree is enjoying the first snow-fall of the season!

So is Buddha.

The single-cable scarf from One Skein, made for my accompanist.

The beginnings of a baby blanket.

A close up of the stitching of the baby blanket.

Yarn Pr0n, Courtesy of Knitche

2006-11-26T01:40:00.000-05:00

Check out those sexy skeins.

This orange is going to be a single cable scarf for me.

This light-blue will be a single cable scarf for my accompanist, Dean.

And this red will be a womb.

Hooray!

Thanksgiving Deliciousness

2006-11-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

I love being vegan.

Tomorrow!

2006-11-21T23:29:00.000-05:00

I am going to Knitche.

Hooray!

The plan is to pick up a skein of Cascade 128 Chunky and a skein of Blue Sky Organic Cotton. The former will become a womb, the latter a single cable scarf.

Because, you know, I don't have any other projects going right now ...

Baby Beanie

2006-11-19T02:16:00.000-05:00

I've been dying for an excuse to make baby stuff, and *poof* I find out my cousin and his wife are expecting! Hooray! So my first baby item is this Baby Beanie.

I felt it was appropriate to model the beanie on the first stuffed animal I ever had.

This will be my gift for Erin's baby shower in December (that I can't be at due to school, lame).

Also, what is the deal with cats and boxes (particularly ones they can't fit into)?

Teensey Capelet

2006-11-15T22:31:00.000-05:00

As previously eluded to, here is the Teensey Capelet.

It only took one evening to make, but I haven't gotten around to taking a shot of it until now. The fall colors are fantastic. I used Berroco Foliage in Joshua Tree.

I really like crocheting. I just have too many knitting projects to go through right now ... heh.

So Making This

2006-11-11T19:43:00.000-05:00

I found a sweet blog today:
http://www.vickiehowell.com

I don't have the DIY channel, so I don't get to watch awesome knitting shows. :( But. I am definitely making this capelet. I have perfect yarn for it. I may just take a break from Yorick to make it tonight. Crocheting is nice because it goes by so quickly.

Seed Stitch Scarf - Completed!

2006-11-10T21:50:00.000-05:00

Hooray! After all of this time I finally finished the seed stitch scarf for my Auntie Connie.

This is the closest I could get to the actual color. It is Caron Simply Soft in Violet.

Detail of the seed stitch. I honestly feel that this is one of the most beautiful stitches out there.

Because it is wide and the seed stitch produces a looser fabric, it lays beautifully against a woman's chest.

I hope she likes it.

An Oldie but a Goodie

2006-11-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

Tam posted a picture of one of her kitties that looks like Ronnie's long-lost twin, so I thought it would be appropriate to post a picture of Ronnie as reference.

He makes a great model, doesn't he?

While I'm here, I thought I would mention that I am jumping on the Norovember bandwagon. My contribution? A Here Comes the Sun purse. When I finish my aunt's scarf, Scott's watch cap, and my mom's Flora I'll start it. Oh man. So my projects. So little time.

Fetching, Take Two

2006-10-28T23:22:00.001-04:00

I used recycled yarn for these. While they look really nice, cotton is not that great for small accessories like fingerless gloves. Wool is nice because it keeps you warm even when it is wet. Cotton? Absorbs moisture and doesn't keep you very warm at all. So I may use them, but they'll probably just end up in my FO bag that my cat likes to chew on.

My next goal is to finish my aunt's seed stitch scarf, then put together my mom's Flora scarf. Hopefully I can finish at least one watch cap and Yorick scarf before Thanksgiving. We'll see ... Tis the season for lots of projects to make for many people.

Chicago Flag ... Knit-style

2006-10-26T22:43:00.000-04:00

This was partially inspired by the CanKnit website. Check it out!

Finally, a way to express my love of Chicago and knitting. :)

Knots X(

2006-10-20T02:04:00.000-04:00

I just spent the better part of eight hours (not even joking) undoing a ridiculous knot in a skein of recycled cotton while winding it into a ball. It was awful. Awful. At least I can start working with it now.

I really hope my mom gets me a ball-winder for the holidays.

Future FO

2006-10-17T12:20:00.000-04:00

I have decided to replace my dilapidated pair of convertible mittens/gloves with a pair of hand-made ones. What I think I'll do is make Fetching and then add a mitten cap like the one from Broad Street. I don't know if I want to tackle individual fingers just yet, and I like not having stuff in between my fingers. It should prove interesting. I'd like to use Cascade 220 in a nice canary yellow. I might end up using the Sunshine Swish Superwash that I bought from KnitPicks. I also have some nice recycled cotton from Knit One, Crochet Too. Hrm. Decisions, decisions.

Fetching: Completed!

2006-10-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

I hope she uses them often!

Fetching - Left Hand

2006-10-03T02:28:00.000-04:00

I am in the process of making Knitty's Fetching for a friend of mine, and last night I finished the left hand. Check it out!

It's a little small on me, which means it will be perfect for her. Yay. I should have the other one finished tonight.

Bath Rug!

2006-09-30T02:02:00.000-04:00

Wow, another FO! Fabulous. I think I'm going to do a single crochet edging at some point. We'll see.

Heavens

2006-09-25T22:12:00.000-04:00

This is rather (read: completely) off-topic for this blog, but I just love this song so yeah. Check it.

Flash Art!

2006-09-15T10:57:00.000-04:00

I am taking a Flash class at BGSU (thanks to me being an "employee" I get to take these neato seminars for free), and I made my first piece of art!

The grey is supposed to be transparent, but whatever. This program is going to be fun to play around with.

Yarn Pr0n

2006-09-07T22:59:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's right. I am exploiting my yarn.

The entire package. 9 skeins of KnitPicks Essential Superwash in Grass, 3 skeins of KnitPicks Swish Superwash in Bordeaux, and 1 skein of KnitPicks Swish Superwash in Sunshine. Yummy.

A close-up of the Swish Superwash. These two colors will make a pair of Rollergirl Legwarmers from SNB Nation. The Bordeaux color will be the MC, and Sunshine will be the CC. My leftover Sunshine will be used to make a flower for a Here Comes the Sun bag.

This Grass colored Essential Superwash will be for Lucky, the lace cardigan/wrap from SNB Nation.

I am so so so excited to get working on these projects. But it's not like I don't have a bunch of other UFO's floating around. haha.

Kitty Mousie Toy!

2006-09-06T23:23:00.000-04:00

I whipped this up tonight in about half an hour (while watching Futurama DVD's).

You'll need:
- some worsted weight yarn
- sz. 8 knitting needles
- sz. F crochet hook
- 100% polyester filling

Body:
Using knitting needles, CO 20 sts. Work in garter stitch (knit each row) until you have a square (about 20 rows). Bind off all stitches. Leave a tail of about 4 inches (kitties love yarn!).

Ears (make 2):
Using crochet hook, ch 2.
6 sc into second ch from hook.
2 sc into each sc (12 stitches).
Do not join. This leaves a 'flat' area that works well for attaching to body.

Fold body of mouse diagonally, and sew together two edges. Make sure you do this so that the tail is hanging at the open end of the cone shape. Sew on crocheted ears, then stuff with polyester filling. Fold down the top and sew shut.

And there you have it. A cute little mousie for a happy little kitty!

Fabulous Vegan Banana-Blueberry Muffins

2006-09-03T23:19:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1/2 cup of vegan margarine
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 "eggs" using an Ener-G egg replacer
- 1/2 tsp. of baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1-2 ripe mashed bananas
- handful of fresh blueberries
- vegetable shorting (for greasing pans if you do not use non-stick)

Steps:
- Cream brown sugar and margarine.
- Add egg replacer and mix well.
- Combine flour, baking soda and baking powder.
- Sift in dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with soy milk.
- Add mashed bananas and blueberries.

For muffins:
- Place in greased muffin tin; makes six large or twelve medium sized muffins.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 22-25 minutes.

For bread:
- Place in greased bread loaf pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Enjoi!

Events on the Horizon

2006-09-02T23:00:00.000-04:00

By luck I discovered some fantastic fabric!

It's called "Calaveras" (Skulls), and apparently you can get it at some Joann Fabrics stores. I'll be heading to the one here in BG tomorrow to try and find it. I really want to make my own seat cushion for my wooden rocking chair in my living room, and this fabric would be amazing for it. Either that or I'll use some to make a hand-bag. I'm hoping to get a sewing machine for Xmas.

As far as knitting goes, I am in the process of making Flora for my mom. Shhhh, it's a secret! I'm making it out of super soft Caron Simply Soft in Raspberry. After screwing around to get the gauge right, I found that I had to go up to US10's and hold two strands together. I want to make sure this is absolutely perfect. If I can manage to get my homework done tomorrow then I'll be able to get this done on Monday, which just so happens to be Labor Day. It will be a labor of love. Corney, yeah. Whatever. Flora is a quick knit, so I should have some pictures up by the end of the week.

Ciao.

Cleaves

2006-08-29T01:46:00.000-04:00

Well, I finished Cleaves.

And it looks dumb! Well, I mean, it's not that bad. The problem is that my boobs are just too big to be accurately covered by the cowl part of the garment. That and my bind-off is way too tight. Also, I have very broad shoulders; I tried to compensate by knitting the sleeves sz. M and the cowl sz. L but I guess I should have done sz. XL. *sigh* I'm going to block it tomorrow and see what happens.

In more exciting news, I ordered a bunch of yarn from KnitPicks yesterday! I'll be making Lucky and Roller Girl Legwarmers, both from Stitch n Bitch Nation. Lucky will be made with Essential in Grass, and the Legwarmers will be in Swish Superwash Bordeaux (purpley) and Sunshine (yellow). I'll use the leftover yellow to make the flower for Here Comes the Sun knitted purse, which I will be making with my two skeins of Noro Kujaku.

More later! I have a few scarves that are almost finished. yay

Emily's Basic Mitered Square

2006-08-25T19:26:00.000-04:00

Well, this isn't exactly an original pattern, but I did make up this variation on my own (as far as I know). So if you want to give it a whirl go for it and let me know how it turns out for you!

Mitered Square:
- Worsted weight yarn (really any kind will work)
- sz. 9 needles (you can go up or down to change your gauge)

CO 40 sts.
Row 1 (WS): k across
Row 2 (RS): k 18, k2tog, k2tog, k18 (36 sts remain)
Row 3 (WS): k across
Row 4 (RS): k 17, k2tog, k2tog, k17 (32 sts remain)
Row 5: k across
Row 6: k 16, k2tog, k2tog, k16
Continue in established pattern until only 4 sts remain.
Row 38 (RS): k2tog, k2tog (2 sts remain)
Row 39 (WS): k across
Row 40: k2tog (1 st remains)
Row 41: k 1, pull yarn through and cut.

Here is the result (at least for me!):

I made these with the same yarn - Sugars 'n Cream - with two strands held together. The smaller is on the sz. 9 (as called for by the pattern above), the second is on sz. 13. Using two strands makes the squares nice and thick; I use the first one as a potholder and hotpad in the kitchen. I am going to make a few more of the second bigger square, seam them all together, and use them as a bathrug.

So there you have it!

Travel Knits

2006-08-01T19:23:00.000-04:00

A photo-journal of the progression of a scarf.

It's amazing what flying/vacationing can do for a person's project completion time.

Also, check out AuraLee's first granny square! I taught her how to crochet last night and now she's a hooker just like me. Heh.

The Short 'n Sweet Bolero from Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker is almost finished! I'll have pictures up in the next few days. Hooray!

Double-Cable Scarf

2006-07-23T14:53:00.000-04:00

As promised, a few shots of a FO. This is the Double-Cable Scarf from One Skein. It was made on size 9 needles with Cascade 220 Tweed #619. I made it for Dr. Stan Kleppinger, a former professor and mentor of mine.

There are a few other projects that I am almost finished with, and I'll make sure to put up some shots of those soon.

Converted?

2006-05-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

I can now crochet.

Be afraid.

Be very afraid.

I have a few FO's, but I just moved and all of my fun digital stuff is packed away somewhere. So stay tuned! This summer is bound to be full of many updates to this wonderful blog.

A scarf ... in the summer?

2006-04-21T00:25:00.000-04:00

My friend Erin is going to Boston University next year, so I decided to make her a scarf to use. (Winters there are much cooler than here in good old Indianapolis.) I gave it to her before I took pictures because I'm a genius like that, but anyway ... I used the "Grass" green Thick-n-Quick, casted on 12 stitches, and garter stitched for about five-and-a-half feet or so. At the end I made up a pattern that was an 'e' for her first initial; it's there but kind of hard to see because it was the first time I had attempted anything of the sort. I discovered that putting a pattern into a garter stitch doesn't really work. Next time I'll make a stockinette stitch scarf and try an initial again. Or something. we'll see.

I am current working on Cleaves, a cabled hat from Stitch-n-Bitch Nation, a pair of Pedicure socks, and Clapotis. Once I graduate and move home I will be able to finish everything (I hope). This whole last-semester-of-senior-year thing really has put a damper in my knitting output. Such a shame.

Bye.

A few FO's

2006-04-01T01:18:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been a while. So here are some FO's.

These are baby booties I made for my newest cousin. One picture has a pose with my hand to show how tiny they are. So cute!

I got a new cellphone over Spring Break, so naturally I made a new cellphone holder to keep it in. The yarn magically matches my new Lomography bag that I got over Break as well. Hooray to that.

For good measure, here is a new pin I got while in Bowling Green this week. It is Pac-Man eating veggies, and it says "Veggies Rule!" I enjoy.

Bye for now!

Arm-Warmers, Skinny Scarf

2006-03-09T01:01:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of more projects I have started up in the last few days:

This is the beginning of some cute arm-warmers. They'll go knuckles to elbow, and will be nice to have for windy spring days. Hopefully I'll have them finished by the time I hangout downtown next week. :)

This is going to be an ultra-cute skinny scarf for my friend Kassie. The second picture shows the "wrong side" of the scarf, which is a 1x2 rib pattern. The third picture is the "right side" which is a mock-cable pattern. The ends will have long fringe, and the scarf is going to be super long so she can wrap it around a few times and be all movie-star like.

After I get some more of these UFO's finished I'm going to make my best friend Matt some socks. Those would be the only things I could make that he would actually use I think. hehe. Bye.

Easy spring wrist-warmers, Basic cable hat

2006-03-03T17:51:00.000-05:00

Here are the cute little wrist-warmers I am making. They are pure white, and knit with size 5 needles. Tiny stitches! The process went by pretty quickly, however, due to hours of sitting at Mozart rehearsals without much else to do. They are most likely going to a friend as part of a birthday gift.

And that is the hat I am making my brother. The orange is really fun. At the moment I am stuck, because I don't have size 8 double-pointed needles, but a friend of mine from school has some that she said I could borrow to finish this project. I should probably invest in some of my own.

The kittyville hat is completed, but I'm not going to put up any pictures until Steph gets them. ha!

Project Update

2006-02-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

Ear 1 is now completed; all I need to do now is make ear 2 and make some pom-poms. Exciting!

During Mozart rehearsals I've been making small spring-time fingerless gloves out of a pretty white sport-weight acryllic yarn. Hand 1 is finished, and hand 2 is about half-way finished.

I received my interchangeable needle kit yesterday, so I will be starting a few hat projects very soon. I am making my brother a hat out of Red Heart Hokey Pokey in Tangerine (which is unfortunately discontinued), and probably the cabled Newsboy hat from Stitch-n-Bitch Nation.

When I'm at home and not procrastinating the accomplishment of my homework I will take some progress pictures. Bye.

Keyhole Scarf, Model Change

2006-02-15T23:41:00.000-05:00

Well, since I am not very photogenic, I figured I would use a model. If you can't tell, that model is the one and only Ronnie Gardocki, male of the 645 household. He looks pretty suave in that second shot if I don't say so myself. :)

The Kittyville Hat is almost complete; I'm scared of finishing the ears because I feel like I'm not doing them correctly. But I know Steph will like it anyway, so we'll see. Hopefully that will be finished within the next week.

I've also started Cleaves using some super nice Classic Yarns Soft Tweed yarn. The whole double-pointed needle thing isn't going very well. I might have to cheat a bit on this project, we'll see.

Today I also started an afghan for Warm the World. The yarn I have to work with is really just a bunch of scraps and incomplete skeins, so I'm making some panels/squares and then I'll crochet them together. Should be cute.

More pictures will be up in the next few days of my WIPs and FOs. Bye.

Yorick Scarf and Project Updates

2006-01-29T23:55:00.000-05:00

Hooray! Pictures of my Yorick scarf! I ended up using a 100% acryllic instead of wool (the vegan in me is happy about that), so I didn't felt it like the pattern wanted. But oh man, it is so soft and fun to wear. It's also pretty damn punk rock if I might say so. My housemate Lisa said I was the ultimate Alkaline Trio fan due to making this scarf. Naturally I was honored to have such a grand title bestowed upon myself.

Up next: Windy City Keyhole Scarf, and the Official Kittyville Hat! More pics will come when those are finished. Here are some pictures of what I have done so far:

Windy City Keyhole Scarf:

Official Kittyville Hat:

Later!

Irish Cable Arm Warmers

2006-01-13T22:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally finished these bad boys. I found the pattern at this blog, and used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Worsted Weight in Rose Heather. They are nice and warm and wonderful. I made the thumb-holes a bit bigger than the pattern stated, partially because I like more room to move my thumbs around and partially because I have manly-like hands.

Tube Scarf!

2006-01-11T23:05:00.001-05:00

There it is. My first FO from a pattern. I used this pattern, and Lionbrand Landscape's Rose Garden yarn. Please excuse the gross and rather blurry "action shot." Heh. I'm not a very good model.

An Introduction.

2006-01-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

Hi. This is going to be my knitting blog, so hopefully it will be updated regularly. Pictures of some FO's are to come in the near future.