Yep It's Monday

So how was your weekend? Mine was pretty uneventful which is not uncommon for me these days. Anyone out there work from home? It's actually a great gig, but you really have to make an extra effort to make friends that you wouldn't have to make working out in the world. I do miss the human interaction I had at my old job, but I surely do not miss the two hour (total) commute. I totally prefer the 30 second commute from my bedroom to my desk. Now ask me how cool it is to work in PJ's. Oh it is very cool.

I have to admit that I don't really make much of an effort to get out there and make friends like I should. This is probably because of the falling out I had with a friend I made in my neighborhood. I got blindsided by the whole situation, and I think a little shell shocked as well. But let's face it, I just need to get over it and move on. In my defense, I do make somewhat of an effort to dwell amongst the humans by teaching knitting classes. If that place would get their crap together and fire one awful woman, I am sure I would have more students. But I digress...I had a great student this past Friday. She was a very enthusiastic and fast learner, but the best thing about her was that she didn't want to jump 10,000 steps ahead in a 2 hour class. In my experience with teaching, you tend to have students that push and push to learn as much as they can in as little time as possible. These are the ones that end up coming back because they can't remember how to cast on. My best advice, hold your ground and stress the importance of crawling before you run a 5k.

Now I will abruptly change the subject as I am apt to do, by mentioning Interweave's book- hey look a squirrel!!! Ahem, by mentioning Interweave's new (at least to me) book, Lace Style. I have seen this book on several blogs, and will most likely add it to my library. Click here to check out the book on Knitpicks.com which gives you a look at the inside pages. I am loving the cardigan on the front cover already. I am such a fickle knitter, jumping from project to project like it ain't no thing.

YAY!! I'M A WINNER!!

Thank you soooooooooooooo much for my yarn winder, Elizabeth!! I have always wanted one of those!! For those of you that don't know Elizabeth, she is the wonderful creator of the Knitting Bloggers Cookbook.

You can click on the book to download your own copy. She put soooo much work into making that book, and didn't get a penny for it. How cool is she!! Thank you again for making my day, Elizabeth. Maybe my luck is changing!!

Knitting Bloggers Cookbook

Check out this cool Knitting Bloggers Cookbook. I am on page 63. You can download the PDF file and have your own book. Too fun!

Waiting For Butterfly

While I'm waiting for the yarn to arrive for Butterfly, I have been going through my book Knitting On The Edge looking for the perfect edge for ChicKami. When I asked my husband to look through it and tell me what he liked he proclaimed, "There is an entire book of nothing but edges?? Are you serious?" Well yeah! Duh! He just doesn't get it does he. If you haven't seen this book before, you should go and check it out. It is a wonderful resource for people who are learning the ins and outs of designing knitwear. Today we pick out an edge. Tomorrow we design the whole sweater. Yay!! I can't wait! My ultimate goal as a knitter is to design my own patterns. I think that would be so incredible! I have always admired people that could do that, and I want to be one of them! Take Bonne Marie of ChicKnits for example. She is an incredible designer! I don't think I have seen a design that I did not like yet. I wish I could hang out with her in hopes that some of that talent might rub off!

I have the coolest friend!

My friend Rhonda was surprised by her husband with a trip to the Sheep and Wool Festival. Before she left, she asked if anyone would like a signed copy of Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee AKA Yarn Harlot's book. I immediately began begging for a copy. I never thought I would have the opportunity for a signed one!

Well I'm over at the bead shop ( the one I teach knitting at sometimes) working on a bracelet, and my phone rings. Rhonda says, "Here I want you to talk to someone." Next thing I know I'm on the phone with Stephanie. I got so excited I started blathering like a total idiot! Let me just say that Stephanie is super nice, and if you don't have her book or if you haven't read her blog then stop right now and goooooooo. I also chatted with Cassie from Too Much Wool  and Mamacate who were both very nice as well. They probably all think I'm crazy now hahaha! I can't wait to get my book when Rhonda gets back. Now however will I be able to return this favor!?

Answering Questions

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Everybody!!! I figured for today's entry I would answer a couple of questions. A few of you wanted to know where I ordered the Jaeger Handknits JB35 book from and how much it costs. One place you can order it from is Patternworks, and it costs 16.50.

 When I went to order from them, I discovered they were out of the book until May 20th. (They are back in stock now) My friend Janette told me she was placing an order with Ram Wools, and she asked if I would like her to order my book when she did. Thank you Janette! Hopefully it will get  here soon because I am dying to knit with the Baby Silk! I told her to not be surprised if she gets a knock on her door right after she calls to say it is here. Yesterday I linked to the other site because it had better pictures of the patterns that were included in the book.

Inez asked for information on knitting machines. Unfortunately, I don't really know too much about them. I can tell you one thing though, around Christmas time I start wishing I owned one or a machine that slows down time. Since I don't know enough to really answer any questions, I did a google search to see what I could come up with. Hopefully these links will be helpful.

About.com Machine Knitting Patterns & Information
Bond Knitting Machine Patterns
Knit Addicted's Machine Knitting Links
KnittingAnyway.com
Machine-Knit.com

I hope you all have a great Saint Patty's Day. Make sure you wear green so you don't get pinched!

Updates

I have been adding and adding to the Free Bag Links list. There are now 134 links, and I still have a bunch more to add. It's amazing isn't it! The amount of free patterns on the internet simply blows me away. Even though I make these free pattern lists, I still urge you to support the wonderful designers out there and buy patterns as well. I know I'm developing quite a library. For great bag patterns I highly recommend Folk Bags. I would love to knit each and every bag in that book! So far I have only made one. Remember the Origami Bag?

I bet you are wondering how Shedir is doing. Well I was knitting along when I thought to myself, "Hey this thing is going to be way too long! Argh!" So I bit the bullet and started tinking (I love this term. Whoever thought of it is so clever!) back until I was down to five inches. I think that if I start the decreases now it will be fine. If not, I'll just rip the darn thing down and try again. Everyone that knows me well, is usually amazed at the patience I have when it comes to knitting. Let me just say that patience is not my strong point in life ;)

Once I finish Shedir (I hope it will be soon Vicki. Man I wish days were 48 hours instead of 24!) I am going to start on a ribbed tank. I got ten skeins of Berroco's Cotton Twist for my birthday, and I am anxious to start it. The pattern I am using is from 1000 Sweaters. If you haven't see this book, you are missing out. I think that it is incredible. You pick the body of the sweater and then you can pick from various options of necklines, sleeves, and pockets. Every pattern in the book calls for a DK weight yarn which is about all I have in my stash. Maybe if I get started on this tank soon, I'll get it finished before spring 2008!

Books!

All these great books came in the mail for me today right before I had to leave for work. They are Christmas presents bought by my family from my wish list. I was jumping up and down in my living room when my husband walked in with them. Just in case you can't read the titles I will list them for you starting clockwise from the top left book.

The Sweater Workshop
by Jaqueline Fee

For the Love Of Knitting
A Celebration of the Knitter's Art
Contributors include Melanie Falick, Elizabeth Zimmerman,
Meg Swansen, and Susan Gordon

Knit and Crochet with Beads
by Lily M. Chin

Southern Fried Divorce
by Judy Conner

Stitch 'n Bitch Nation
by Debbie Stoller

Knitting on the Edge
by Nicky Epstein

I haven't had the chance to look at any of these yet, and I can't wait until I can!! Unfortunately, I don't get a day off until Tuesday. Wasn't my last day off last Tuesday? Does it make me a whimp to say that it is really hard working six straight days with no day off? I'm tired! I get to work the over night shift from 8pm to 5am Monday night which means I'll probably sleep through my whole darn day off.

That's ok though, I get three days off in a row for my birthday! Woohooo!! Can it get any better than that? Oh yes it can! My mom, my sister Misti, and her kids are coming to spend the weekend with me! I haven't seen them in about a year, and I cried so hard when they got snowed in and couldn't come for Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed that nothing comes between us this time! Well it's late and I have to get up early. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you on Monday with the second Show N Tell.

Eeyore

Jenn wrote:

OMG! I LOVE Eeyore! Where did you find that book? I have been looking for some patterns of like eeyore afghans or something. If you could let me know where I could find the book, if possible, that would be so totally great and I'd love you forever. LoL, yes I'm a freak over eeyore! Haha, but I cant wait to see how it looks, I know it'll look great! As soon as I saw the picture of the ear, I was like eeyore's ear! haha anyways, I'll stop being stupid now and go :) see ya



Jenn,

Above is a picture of the cover of the pattern book that I am using. If you click on the picture it will take you to Herrschners.com where you can buy it for 11.95. (no affiliation just the first link I saw when I googled) I got my book about two years ago from Michaels, and I'm pretty sure that they still carry it. You can also click here to go the the Leisure Arts web site where I found a list of the different books they carry with Winnie the Pooh characters. There are books for knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, and more. Have fun!

Stacie :)

Adrienne Vittadini 2004 Spring Patterns

Click On Image To Enlarge

This is what I am currently drooling over. Aren't they gorgeous! I especially love the black and white tank top. It is too sexy! There is no way in Haites that I could ever afford the yarn the patterns call for, but I bet I can find a substitute!

New Book

I bought The Urban Knitter online the other day, and it came in the mail yesterday. The main reason that I wanted the book was for the cute shoes! The shoes you see on the cover aren't the ones that I want to knit. I want to knit the Ballet Slippers/Mary Janes. I'll post a picture of them later. She also has two patterns for knitted bras. I wonder how supportive a knitted bra would be? I tell you what, I intend to find out. Haha! I just have to make at least one of them for the heck of it. There are a couple of other patterns that I like in there as well. For one, there is a pattern for a chenille pillow. I have some chenille in my stash that I was planning on using for an afghan and pillows to go in my living room. I know that I could just make up my own pattern, but I really like the ones in the book. There is also a really cute halter top pattern that looks super easy, a pretty beaded purse, and a Lattice Pullover. I must say I'm happy with my new library addition.

Temporary Stash Enhancement

Yesterday I made a temporary stash enhancement. I went to the library and checked out some knitting books. One of the books I checked out was The Urban Knitter. I love the little Mary Jane shoes in there, and I am definately going to make a pair! I'm sure I'll squeeze them in somewhere! Who knows when I'll ever finish them though. My work in progress list grows and grows and grows as my time shrinks and shrinks and shrinks. Anyways, I'm sure I will be adding this book to my library. I love watching that grow!

I started a new knitting needle case. The person I am making it for sent the material in the mail. It is quite lovely. I decided to use "invisible thread" on it so that nothing will clash with the colors. I think it was a great choice. The only problem with that is figuring out the tension on my machine. It is an old Kenmore and I don't have a manual for it. It's all trial and error, but mostly error. I finally got it right and I am probably a quarter of the way through it. I'll post pictures of it when I am done.

Good Book!

I love the library! My library has the best books! I just checked out Stitch and Bitch, and I think it is really freakin' cool! I couldn't believe I was reading about the knitting message board that I am on, the websites that I always visit, or the blog rings which I am a part of. I felt like the generation gap was officially closed. Without a doubt, this is not your grandma's knitting book. The patterns are modern, and fun, and the overall tone is very fresh. It is definately a book the younger generation of knitters like myself can enjoy and relate to. Not that older knitters wouldn't enjoy it too....oh you know what I mean. I am definately adding it to my library.

Gotta Love The Library

My husband and I went to the library today. I checked out some pretty great books. I have Vogue Dictionary of Stitches, Knitting On The Road Sock Patterns For The Traveling Knitter, and Knitter's Stash. These are wonderful books. I don't know about you, but I loooooooooooove looking at patterns. I think I could look at the same pattern book hundreds of times and not get bored. I love checking out books at the library, because then I can decide whether I want to spend the money on buying the book or not. For example, I was thinking of buying Stitch and Bitch, so I have it on hold at the library when it gets turned in Feb. 3. I get to try before I buy it. How cool is that. Heehee! I didn't get any actual knitting done today. I also didn't put my camara software back on the computer yet so no project pictures right now. I'm not lazy I swear! Haha! I just have 27 million things going on right now. I'm going to at least try to post every day until the move. Then you will have to forgive my absence for a couple of days. Well, I'm off to flip through my books! Have a great night all.

I'm baaaaaaaaack

It's amazing how much happens in one week. I don't know where to start. Sandy, my mother-in-law, and I went to a local yarn shop, and she bought me some knitting needles and a pattern book. The book is Folk Bags 30 Patterns & Tales From Around The World. This book is awesome! I want to make every single bag in it. Right now I am making both the large and small Oragami bag. The pattern calls for you to knit in the back of each stitch in the row for every other row. I am having a really hard time with this because the stitches are so tight. I do my best to knit as loose as possible, but I am still struggling. Am I doing something wrong?? I wonder if anyone else has this problem.

After we left the yarn shop I couldn't stop thinking about the Brittany Birch needles that they had. I decided to buy an entire set. Unfortunately the store didn't have all the sizes in stock. So far I have sizes 4, 5, 6, 10 3/4, 10 7/8, 11, and 17 in 14" single point. I hope they get more in before I move. I am debating buying the rest online because I am so impatient. Sandy is going to help me make a case for them out of some pretty paisley material that I have. I can't wait until I have the whole set!

I also bought a Bagsmith Project Bag. This thing rocks! I totally love it. It is made with unbleached muslin, and it has a bazillion pockets for all your needles and notions. I couldn't wait to get my stuff in it. I tore it out of the plastic as soon as my mom and I got in the car. I have some of my knitting projects in it right now. I am thinking about buying another one for my crocheting projects.

I have a ton of projects going on. Yay! I made my mom a black eyelash scarf, and I am currently working on the matching hat. As you know Zoe loves eyelash yarn so I decided to make her a small eyelash blanket for her very own. She is going to love it! As you already now I am also working on the Orgami bags, Sunflower Afghan, Striped Scarf (on the waaaaaaaay back burner), and the Warm Up America Squares. I bought the yarn for a beautiful Cabled Sweater that I have a free pattern for, and I also bought some yummy Lana Grossi Tweed Sock yarn. I am going to learn how to knit two socks on two ciculars with this yarn. I am going to post some pictures of this stuff, but for now I have to get back to packing. Happy crafting!!!

Blog Rings

Now that I have everything all seperated, I'm adding myself to some Knitting Blog Rings. I didn't really get any knitting done today. I spent most of the day on the phone and online getting utilities set up at the new place. Plus, Zoe decided to take a nap on my scarf, and I didn't have the heart to move her. Man do cats take long naps! My mom called and told me that my book,"Crazy Toes & Heels", is in. I'm so excited. I can't wait to learn this new method. I think I will buy my self some bamboo circular needles for my birthday. New book, new needles, and hey maybe some new sock yarn. That sounds awesome! I spent last year's birthday money in a LYS so why not make it a tradition. This weekend can't come soon enough! I'm going to start posting some pictures of some of my finished projects. Until then here is a picture of Zoe AKA The Yarn Monster when she was a baby. Isn't she just adorable.

Blah Blah Blah

Rob and I went to see his younger sister tonight. She gave me a really neat book. It is called Normal Is Just A Setting On The Dryer And Other Lessons From The Real/Real World by Adair Lara. This book is a compilation of things different people she knew wish they had know before they went out into the real world. It's a really cute book, and I think it gives some pretty good advice such as, "Never leave a place where you're having a good time to go somewhere else where you only think you'll have a good time." I really like this one..."Blame your parents and get on with your life." Like I said it is a pretty cute book. Today at work I decorated tote bags. That was a lot of fun. I still can't believe I get paid to play! I just wish that I got more hours. I have a knitting class coming up soon. Hopefully some students will sign up. I love teaching people to knit. I can't imagine not knowing how. I am going to go to one of the local yarn shops this weekend and exchange the needles I got for Christmas if it is open. I got some awesome Clover bamboo needles and two sets of Brittany DPN's. My mother-in-law got them for me. She rocks!! She didn't know what sizes I had and accidentally got me duplicates. That's ok though. I probably won't have any trouble exchanging them. I want to get a set of size 1 and size 0 DPN's. I don't know what size I will trade the bamboo needles for. I have to prepare myself for the trip to the shop! I have to be strong! NO NEW YARN! I have to save my money for the move! Hahaha! Think I can do it? I don't know...

Cleanin up

Nothing too exciting happened today. I just spent the day cleaning up the massive mess in my living room. It looked like a yarn shop had thrown up everywhere. I still have little peices of yarn everywhere. I had to stop cleaning cause my head felt like it was going to explode. It felt really strange not having to make anything. I am still thinking about what I would like to make for myself. I think that I will finish this really cool striped scarf that I started on a while ago. I found this really interesting verigated yarn at a thrift store a while back. I think it will make a really neat scarf.

If you look close you can see the blue stripe. I wanted it to be very subtle. I think it will turn out pretty good. This yarn has a really neat texture to it. Unfortunately I dont know what it is. I am pretty sure it is a cotton yarn. I almost positive that it isn't acrylic. And by the way here is a picture of the dress I made for my neice. Now keep in mind it is the very first thing I have ever sewn.

I don't think it is too bad for a beginner. We chose a very simple pattern for a starter project. I can't wait to make something else! I think I will make myself a sundress. Rob LOVES sundresses. For now I'm gonna focus on getting my house clean and organize my stash. It is a mess! Plus I really think I need to get off of my butt!!!!