Warm Fuzzy Knits

Yarn & Math

2008-06-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

Math was never my favorite subject in school. In fact there was one math class in college I had to repeat because I failed it the first time. So maybe it's surprising how much I love knitting given the amount of math involved.

My husband emailed me this interesting article about knitting and math today. Enjoy!

~ Christina

Sweet & Easy Baby Quilt Class

2008-03-22T11:24:00.001-07:00

For my Birthday this year my sister Lissa gave me a "Sweet & Easy Baby Quilt Class" at Bobbin's Nest Studio (thanks Lis!).

The class was two sessions that were about 2 hours each. There are only two students so that we got lots of individual attention. Rita, the instructor was very patient and really knowledgeable. Plus I LOVE the sock monkey and polka dot fabric that I purchased at Bobbin's Nest Studio for the project.

To summarize: I had a blast, I learned a lot, and I have a cute new baby quilt that I made. So cool. I can't wait to make my next one!

~ Christina

Demand The Yarn Harlot Comes to the Bay Area

2008-03-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

I missed the last two times that the Yarn Harlot (aka Stephanie Pearl-McPhee) came to the area for a book tour. Now when I actually think I could make it to an event she isn't coming here...at least not yet. I found a post on Ravelry that links to a "Demand" sight where you can "demand" that Stephanie come to your town. So if you want to try and get her here, visit this site http://eventful.com/demand/D0-001-001443191-4 and click "Demand" on the top right of the screen.

~ Christina

The House That Yarn Built

2008-03-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Bogie posted about a great charity organization and I wanted to share the details with you as well (Thanks Bogie!).

Make It Right welcomes groups and organizations who are willing to work together in raising money to sponsor an entire home for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Christy is heading up a drive for The House that Yarn Built, a fund that the fiber faithful are contributing to build a NOLA house. If you contribute to The House that Yarn built, you can be eligible for:

- Fabulous fibery prizes that Christy will be giving away, generously donated for the cause. Once you've donated, send your name to Christy (christy@thehousethatyarnbuilt.com) to be entered in her drawing.

- A gift basket that Jenny and Nicole (Stash & Burn) put together when they shopped at the Stitches West Marketplace. Once you've donated, let Jenny and Nicole know in an email (stashandburn@gmail.com) with the subject heading: The House that Yarn Built and you'll be in their drawing. The deadline for the Stash & Burn drawing is March 18th.

Ready to donate? Go to Make It Right 9, click on "Click here to donate", then click the "Make Donation" button. Make sure you choose team "The House that Yarn Built" in the dropdown menu of the donation form.

~ Christina

Stitches West 2008

2008-02-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

I missed Stitches West 2007 because my son was only a couple of weeks old. So I was really looking forward to the event this year. My husband even agreed to watch our son the whole weekend as a Birthday present for me.

After picking-up my badge I made it to the Ravelry meet-up for about 45 minutes on Thursday night. It was so great to see so many knitting friends that I've missed this past year.

My plan was to then come back on Saturday to walk the market and then to work in the KnitWhits/Bobbin's Nest Studio booth at 1pm and then to head over to the shop for the Yarn Release Party that night.

On Friday night I came down with a really bad case of the flu. Chills, fever, achy body, pounding head, the works. I was so bummed. I stayed in bed all day on Saturday, coming out to eat, drink and blow my nose.

On Sunday I decided I just had to go to the Market for an hour. I really wanted some yarn from Brooks Farm and I couldn't wait another year. I barely remember stumbling around the show floor, but my purchases are evidence that I was indeed there.

Brooks Farm Duet in 23 & 25; Brooks Farm Primero in 160; Koigu KPM in 1113 & 4000; Koigu KPPPM in 325; buttons from "Buttons!"

Hopefully I'll get to go next year?

~ Christina

Amazing Crochet Art

2007-11-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

A friend sent me a link to these really great crochet pieces. I think the hamburger is my favorite, but the hot dog is a close second.

~ Christina

Riley's Elephant

2007-11-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of my nephew Riley's arrival I knit him a stuffed elephant.

My sister started having contractions and dilating at just 32 weeks so she's been in the hospital on strict bed rest for the last two weeks. This photos was taken on the hospital chair/bed my brother-in-law has been sleeping on (poor guy).

The pattern is from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson. I used two different colored strands (colors #s: 8400 & 4002) of Cascade 220 held together. I modified the pattern by making each section longer/taller as I wanted to felt it when I was done and I know felted knitting shrinks more heightwise. I also decided to knit a red scarf instead of a kerchief - also in Cascade 220 (color #: 9404). I used size 7 bamboo needles for all of the pieces. I'm not thrilled with how the arms look (you knit them seperately and then sew them on afterwards). I think if I were to knit this again I'd knit the arms directly onto the body. I'd also make the ears a lot smaller.

Hopefully Riley loves it!

~ Christina

Bobbin's Nest Studio

2007-11-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

A new sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery retail store offering classes, packages, parties, and studio time has opened in Santa Clara.

Bobbin's Nest Studio
1171 Homestead Road, Suite 130
Santa Clara, California 95050
408.246.1121
www.bobbinsnest.com
Hours: Open: Tuesday- Saturday 11-7pm, Closed: Sunday and Monday

I've been by several times already and I love the ambiance of the store and the friendliness of the staff. My sister was looking for some yarn for a baby blanket and they spent over 15 minutes helping her pick out the perfect yarn (which included going to the back for over 16 balls of yarn several times - it was hard to make a decision). On another trip I took a seamstress friend with me and she bought this hard-to-find fabric she's been looking for. And of course I've purchased some great yarn for a few new secret projects I'm working on.

This Saturday at 11am they're opening the "Sewing Salon/Knitting Lounge" where sewing machines will be set up and ready for use! For $20/ hour you will be able to rent a sewing machine, use the cutting table, have access to their space and tools. As part of the opening of the salon/lounge they'll have "how-to" demos, a knitting guru on hand for one-on-one help and Jordana of Jordana Paige knitting bags will be there signing her bags from 1-3pm.

They're also starting a new weekly event called "Saturday Craft Brunch" that will be held every Saturday from 11-1pm. They'll have quiche, mimosas, scones, coffee and tea. What a great idea! I'm going to go by this Saturday and check it out. Hopefully I'll see you there!

~ Christina

Knitting & Tatoos

2007-09-06T23:03:00.001-07:00

I just came across an interesting article on Newsweek about microtrends, knitting and tatoos. A quote:

The fastest growing group of knitters are teens and twentysomethings...The microsurge in knitting among teens? It represents a turning away from the prevalent online obsession of most young Americans. “People are looking for new outlets of self-expression,” says Penn. “There is a premium on individuality that is rapidly rising.”

To read the whole article visit: Tatoos & Knitting.

~ Christina

Kyle's First Handknit Sweater

2007-05-20T14:31:00.001-07:00

I've been meaning to post about this for weeks now, but I'm finding that getting things done with an infant in the house can be challenging.

Anyhow, while I was pregnant with Kyle I knit him a pullover sweater. The pattern is the Children's Placket-Neck Pullover from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I used Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport. It's a 100% Superwash Wool and I used the Georgetown (152) color. About half-way through the project I found out that there was a pattern correction on the designers website, so I fudged my way through the original and corrected version of the pattern. But it was still a really easy knit and other then the pooling on the sleeves (which was the same on each sleeve, just reversed) I'm really happy with it.

We Put Kyle in it on the ride home from the hospital as he was born in January and it was a little cold that day. The sweater was too big for him then and I didn't get any great photos because I was still trying to figure out how to hold him much less take an unblurry, detail shot of a sweater he was wearing! Skip ahead to mid-April when we had a couple of chilly days and I got my opportunity to try it on him again.

It barely fit him! I couldn't believe how much he had grown in such a short time. Not to mention how big his belly was. Maybe horizontal stripes aren't a good look for him. :)

~ Christina

My Soldier

2007-03-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

My sister turned me on to this great website "My Soldier" that hooks civilians up with soldiers as pen pals. I'm not in support of the war in Iraq, but I am in support of the soldiers. The website has a link to some neat care package themes as well as a "Starter Kit" that includes a list of items that you can and can't send. And since March is Women's History Month the organization is offering a special opportunity to participate in a program called "Her Story". This program, unlike the regular My Soldier pen pal program is "...tailored to those groups or individuals who want to send some support without making a continuing commitment."

My sister has adopted a soldier and I'm planning to adopt one as well. Maybe you should too? Hopefully the letters and packages we send will brighten someone's day. Because hey, the world needs a little brightening.

~ Christina

Feather & Fan Shawl

2007-03-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

Last March (wow, a whole year has gone by) I posted about some of my purchases at Stitches West. One of them being a hank of Primero from Brooks Farm, which is 500 yards of two ply, sport weight, 100% Kid Mohair. Shortly after that post I started a Feather & Fan shawl from Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle using the Primero. The plan was to knit it to wear for my sister's wedding in Baja in May (I thought the feather and fan pattern kinda looked like waves and of course the blue yarn would add to that effect).

I started by knitting a swatch (crazy I know!) to see if I liked the pattern with the yarn and needles I was using. I then wet it and pinned it down to block it. I liked the way it turned out, so I made a few calculation based on the gauge I was getting to determine how many stitches I would need, and I cast on.

It was hard to see the pattern while I was knitting it as the stitches were bunched up on the needles. Plus lace just looks like a garbled mess until you block it. In any case I was making progress and diligently knit on it in the evenings in front of the TV. As the wedding date approached I was getting a bit nervous about finishing on time. I decided that I would bring the project with me and try and finish it as we vacationed in baja the week before the wedding. Unfortunately there were a few things my sister needed help with that week so I never got to finish the shawl. Fortunately the weather was beautiful and I didn't need the shawl.

Once I got home the shawl sat on the needles for a few of months before I picked it back up again. By that time I was pregnant and I wasn't in the mood to knit the first trimester of my pregnancy. However I finally finished it just before going on maternity leave. Now all I have left to do is block it (given I can find the time to do that in between Kyle's naps). I can't wait to see how it turned out!

~ Christina

Kyle John Nyquist Has Arrived!

2007-02-04T16:54:00.001-08:00

Kyle was born on Saturday, January 27 at 11:05pm. He weighed 6lbs, 11oz and was 18.5".

We brought Kyle home on Monday and have spent the week getting to know him and learning how to be parents. Once things settle down a bit and we get into a groove (will that ever happen?) I hope to post some of the knitting I completed before Kyle arrived.

~ Christina

Baby Knits

2006-10-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

So I promise this blog won't become all about babies, but baby knits are what I have been working on lately...when I have the energy to knit.

I decided to start with a manageable project: baby socks and a hat. I did some searching online and found a baby sock pattern I liked. It's the North Country Cotton Baby Socks pattern. I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn in color 608 that I bought from Three Dog Knit in Tahoe City. For the hat I just used an infant hat I had as a base for size and made up the pattern as I went along.

Baby Cashmerino Purple Sock and Hat Set

They look a bit big to me, so maybe they'll fit him when he's 6 months? Then again I won't how how big he is until after he's born!

I really like working with this yarn, so I went back and bought some more in color 204 to make another set. I'll post photos of it once I'm done.

~ Christina

Baby Boy

2006-09-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, sorry I haven't posted in forever. But I have a good excuse...I'm pregnant! (At least that sounded like a good excuse when I first typed it.) I'm due at the end of January so I'm just past the half-way mark.

Anyhow, getting ready for baby boy has kept me busy. I have found a little time to knit lately. Once I can get my act together and take some photos I'll post about it.

Thanks for your patience. :)

~ Christina

Stitches West 2006 Recap

2006-03-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Better late than never, right? So I know I'm almost a month late with my Stitches West 2006 recap, but here it goes anyways.

The Thursday night of Stitches they hold a Market Preview for those who are attending Stitches classes. I was supposed to meet a few knitting friends for dinner before heading over to the Market Preview but a business meeting in SF ran long so I missed dinner (so sad). I got to the Santa Clara Convention Center where Stitches was being held about 20 minutes before the Market opened so I went and picked-up my vendor badge (from Stitch Diva Studios) and headed in to see if Jen needed any last minute help setting up.

I ran into Larissa from Offhand Designs in the SDS booth and since Jen didn't need any help Larissa and I decided to walk the floor and check out the vendors before the mad rush started. We ran into several people we usually see at the TNNA shows along with many local shop owners and knitters/bloggers. It was so much fun catching up with everyone as well as meeting new people (Larissa seems to know everyone!). I didn't buy anything just yet, I wanted to see what would still be on my mind when I came back on Saturday.

I didn't go to Stitches on Friday because I had to work (yuck!).

Saturday morning from 8:30am to 11:30am I had a Crochet for Knitters class with Edie Eckman. Our homework prior to arriving to class was to knit at least 4" x 4" square in stockinette stitch in a smooth worsted weight yarn and block it. I used some bright teal Cascade 220 I had laying around.

Crochet for Knitters Class Swatch

Edie then taught us how to single crochet onto the edge of the swatch, how to turn a corner in crochet and how to double crochet. Lastly she taught us how to start a crochet piece. Her handout was very detailed and pretty good. I'm glad I took the class.

After class I went to the Market and ended up buying this really cool sock dying kit I had seen Thursday night. Basically the vendor, Machine Knitting to Dye For, uses a knitting machine to knit stockinette stitch, then you can dye a pattern onto the "swatch", and rip it out and reknit with it.

Sock Yarn Dye Kit

She includes a pattern for socks and instructions on how to place the dye so the socks will be self striping. I'm excited to try it.

I also purchased two hanks from Brooks Farm. One of Primero, which is 500 yards of two ply, sport weight, 100% Kid Mohair. The sheen on this yarn is just amazing. I'm going to try and knit a shawl with it to wear over my bridesmaids dress for my sister's wedding reception.

Brooks Farm Primero & Duet Yarn

The second is a hank of Duet, which is 500 yards of two ply, DK weight 55% kid mohair and 45% fine wool. I just fell in love with the color. I'm not sure what it will be. Maybe a shawl as well.

On Sunday I invited my Mom to join me at the Stitches Market before I headed to my afternoon class. She had so much fun looking at all of the yarn, especially the hand painted ribbon. The only purchase I made that day was the Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls book by Martha Waterman.

Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman

Just before I headed off to my 1:30pm class we stopped by the main stage for the big prize drawing. (Plus I still needed to finish my homework for class!) Janis over at knitflix was the big winner and if anyone deserved to win she did. She's an amazing knitter.

My Sunday afternoon class was Not Over 'Til It's Finished again with Edie Eckman. The homework for this class was to knit two - I'll call them "sweater fronts" for lack of a better term - following a specific pattern Edie dictated. Again I used cascade 200, this time in a bright orange color. Then during the class Edie told us how to block them, pick-up stitches, weave in ends and she showed us a near invisible seam technique.

Finishing Class Swatch - Front & Back

The main focus on the class was planning ahead. How finishing starts way before you pick-up your knitting needles. I'm glad I took the class, and I learned a lot, but I wish we had been shown more. Many times Edie just said "do x" without showing us how.

After class I met up with Tina Whitmore of KnitWhits and we grabbed a bite to eat and gabbed about knitting. It was a great weekend and I'm already looking forward to Stitches West 2007!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 26 Stitches West Classes

Fun Socks Completed!

2006-03-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

I finally finished the Meilenweit Fun Socks for my sister a few weeks ago. We celebrated her Birthday on Friday night, so I gave them to her then along with her Birthday presents. It felt great to finally have them done and they are officially the first FO for 2006.

Meilenweit Fun Socks, FO 2006-01

On Wednesday I finished another long overdue WIP. I'll post about it with photos sometime this week!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
June 21 Bad Travel Karma & TNNA Review
July 14 Fun Socks Update
July 26 Fun Sock 01 Finished
December 16 So Close

I Caught the Clapotis Bug

2006-03-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

I really like the pattern (it's free from Knitty) and the yarn I'm using has been really great to knit with...but the name...Clapotis...it sounds like a very unpleasant disease.

I started my Clapotis while on vacation in Hawaii. I had already wound a couple of hanks of the Artyarns Supermerino yarn and had it, the pattern, and the right size needles, just sitting in a bag. So when it was time to run out the door to the airport it was an easy project to grab and go.

It's worked from corner to corner, with kfb increases (knit in the front and then into the back of the same stitch) on the end of each row. I'm almost at the point where I'll drop the stitches at each marker, which is where it will start to look more like the photo on Knitty).

Clapotis in Artyarns Supermerino - almost at the end of Section 2 of the pattern.

I'm a bit bummed about the pooling of the yarn in places, but not enough to do anything about it (like working from two hanks of yarn at the same time). I just have to think of it as an organic piece that will tell me what it's going to look like.

I think I can do that. Maybe.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
May 30 CommuKNITy Yarn Purchase

Winter TNNA 2006

2006-02-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm finally getting around to posting about my trip to TNNA in San Diego this January. I went to help my friend the very talented Tina Whitmore of KnitWhits. Her booth was on the corner this year so that allowed her to display her kits and designs on the isle as well as in the booth.

Tina Whitmore in the KnitWhits Booth at TNNA in San Diego, January 2006

The big sellers were two of Tina's new purse designs: Marit & Elyse. The shops really liked the fact that the Marit purse handles were included in the kit.

Marit, Elyse Seafoam & Elyse Salsa from KnitWhits

My favorite part of the trip, other then spending several days surrounded by yarn and knitting, was spending time with other vendor friends. Jennifer Hansen from Stitch Diva Studios, and her trusty sidekick Stephanie Ryan were there with funky and fun new patterns. Seeing her great crochet patterns made me want to learn to crochet. Larisa Flint Snydal from Offhand Designs was there with some cool new bag designs. I really liked the shape of her new "Eve" bag. And Nadine Curtis from Be Sweet was showing off her luscious yarn. She had a throw she called "Heaven & Hell" that was beautiful. It's made from Baby Mohair and one side is brushed so it's really soft, while the other is left along and is curly and a bit scratchy.

Tina, Jen, Me & Steph at TNNA in San Diego, January 2006

Friday was set-up day and coincidentally there was an Action Sports event happening on the other side of the convention center that day. That sparked my memory that my Brother-in-Law Ryan said he was heading to San Diego in January...maybe it was the same time I was there? It was and so he came by Thursday and he and I and his girlfriend and Tina walked to the nearby Gaslamp Quarter for lunch. Then it was back to booth set-up. At the end of the day we got a visit from a goofy Jen.

Jennifer Hansen goofing off with Tina Whitmore's Flore Hat

Saturday was the first day the show floor was open and we were busy taking orders and talking with store owners. That night Tina and I went to dinner at a so-so Thai restaurant with Larissa.

Sunday was another busy day in the booth and that night we went to a super yummy dinner at Island Prime. I had one of the best filet mignon steaks I've ever had and I ordered Risotto as a side dish. You order your meat, and then you pick a sauce, a rub, a compound butter or a mustard. Then you can also choose a side dish that the table can share. It was right on the harbor so there is an amazing view of downtown. I guess the owner is some celebrity chef - Deborah Scott. I'm definitely going back to that restaurant the next time I'm in San Diego.

Monday was the last day for the show, and after working the booth for the day we tore everything down and packed up. I flew home that night (I learned that day that my Mom was in the hospital).

When I got home Tina sent me a box of yarn as a Thank You. Lucky me! Included were ten balls each of Cascade 220 Superwash in colors 831, 847, 824, Cascade Pastaza in color 27 and Di've in color 32011. I think I'll use the Superwash for some baby projects I have on my to-do list. The Pastaza and Di've will probably become sweaters for me.

Cascade Superwash, Pastaza & Di've

All-in-all it was a great trip. I'm looking forward to the East Coast show in June!

~ Christina

Did You Miss Me?

2006-02-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

(Even if you didn't, just say you did, OK?)

Sorry I've been absent for so long. My Mom was in the hospital and I've been dealing with that. Everything is going to be OK, so now I can focus on blogging again. I have lots to say and show. :) But first I'll start with this Meme that Mel tagged me with:

Four jobs in your life:
1. Sales Associate at President Tuxedo
2. Speaker Coordinator at Mactivity
3. Event Coordinator at SEMI
4. Co-Owner and Client Liaison at Nyquist Design

Four movies you could watch over and over:
1. Happy Gilmore
2. American Pie
3. Clueless
4. Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Amazing Race
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. Desperate Housewives
4. West Wing

Four places you have lived:
1. San Jose, CA
2. San Luis Obispo, CA
3. San Francisco, CA
4. Los Gatos, CA

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Turkey
2. Australia
3. Czech Republic
4. Costa Rica

Four websites you visit daily:
1. Bloglines
2. Google
3. LinkedIn
4. Nyquist Design

Four of your favorite foods:
1. Ice Cream
2. Yellow Curry Chicken
3. Chicken Tikka Masala
4. Guacamole & Chips

Four places you'd rather be right now:
1. In Baja under the palapa
2. Getting a body treatment at a spa
3. Sitting in a café knitting w/friends
4. Snuggled up on the couch watching TV with Ian

Four favorite types of yarn:
1. Manos del Uraguay
2. ArtYarns Supermerino
3. Karabella Aurora 8
4. Cascade 220

Four bloggers I'm tagging:
1. Nancy
2. Julia
3. Nathania
4. SequinK

~ Christina

Back from Hawaii...Off to TNNA

2006-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

We just got back from an amazing trip to Hawaii (see my family blog for photos and details) and now I'm of to TNNA in San Diego to help my friend Tina in the KnitWhits booth. I hope to have knitting to report and photos to show when I get back.

~ Christina

Aloha

2005-12-31T19:33:00.000-08:00

And Happy New Year! I hope your 2006 is filled with excitement, growth and happiness. We're off to Hawaii.

We're going to try and post about our Hawaiian adventures on our family blog - http://nyquist.blogspot.com. Check it out if you're so inclined. Ta ta for now!

~ Christina

Happy Holidays!

2005-12-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

To those of you who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas! I hope your day was filled with love and happiness.

~ Christina

So Close...

2005-12-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get these Meilenweit Fun Socks done by Christmas, but the progress has been so slow. I keep getting distracted by other projects.

Meilenweit Fun Socks in Progress. Towards the bottom of the photo you can see a cool stitch marker Zoot gave me. I'm using it to mark the beginning of the round.

I'm past the gusset shaping and just have to knit about 2.5" more and then I can start decreasing for the toe. Nine more days until Christmas. I just might make it.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
June 21 Bad Travel Karma & TNNA Review
July 14 Fun Socks Update
July 26 Fun Sock 01 Finished

In Other News...

2005-12-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

To see what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks, click here...

~ Christina

Little Christmas Things

2005-12-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before I've been caught up knitting lots of quick-knit projects. With the holidays on their way I've turned my attention to little Christmas things. I've had some fun and now I have some ornaments & stocking stuffers to give my family.

I knit these Christmas Trees by first knitting a big square out of Cascade 220 and then felting it (and I mean I really felted it, like 4-5 times through the washer).

Christmas Trees

I then had material I could cut shapes out of. I had my husband make a tree template for me (he asked why I didn't just go buy felt). Then I glued on the stars and gems. I'm not sure what I'm going to put on the big tree yet. The two smaller trees have pin backs on them so I might wear one on Christmas.

I made snowman ornaments last year. This year I made one but changed up the eyes and nose. The basic pattern is from the "Knit Christmas Stockings!" Book by Gwen Steege.

Snowman

This Santa Hat is made out of leftover red Karabella Aurora 8 yarn from the snowman and some sparkly white yarn I had lying around. I added a loop at the top so I could hang it as an ornament.

Santa Hat

Lastly I made this heart ornament out of Cascade 220 Quattro. I knit two hearts by starting from the bottom, increasing on each side as I went along. Then I bound off half the stitches and worked on one side of the top, decreasing on one side as I worked my way up. Then I picked up the bound off stitches on the other side to finish the other side top.

Heart

I mattress stitched them together, leaving the top open and then I felted the heart pouch to make it sturdier. The last touch was stringing some beads on some thread and attaching the it to the inside of the heart. Some lucky someone might get a gift on the tree via this heart.

~ Christina

Can't Keep Up

2005-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

I've been a knitting machine these last few weeks but I haven't had time to blog about everything, so I'm a bit behind. I'm going to try to post more this week in the hopes I can capture most everything I've started and completed in the last few weeks. So here it goes...

This is the "Haze" baby hat I knit for this Holiday Boutique some friends and I did a couple of weekends ago.

Haze Baby Hat

I bought a cheap hat from Target, sized 0-6 months to use as a sizing guide. I don't know what the yarn is as it was just a spare ball I had lying around. I used size 7 circular and then double point needles. And I knit the entire thing in stockinette stitch. I wanted something I could easily knit while watching TV.

And this scarf is similar to the "Flame" scarf I knit, but with green "Peacock" like yarn.

Peacock Scarf

I thought I had already posted about this scarf, since I knit it before the "Flame' scarf, but I can't find the post. Anyhow, I sold it at the same Holiday Boutique as the "haze" hat above and a friends Mom would like me to knit her one so "Peacock 2" will be on the needles soon.

~ Christina

Flame Scarf

2005-11-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yes this is a new project rather then one of the many WIPs lingering on my list. I'm easily distracted. Try not to rub it in OK? :)

Flame Scarf (Pre-Blocking)

I only used one ball of yarn, but I lost the label so I can't even tell you what yarn it was. Anyhow, its knit on size 13 needles using my standard knit three rows then do a row of knits with yarnovers then on the fifth row drop the yarnover so that the stitch is extra long. Pretty basic. And since I made it a bit wider it's a bit short (8" wide by 36" long). But I thought it was a pretty holiday color and it came out OK. Now I just need to block it. Any suggestions on how I would block this type of novelty yarn with out the "hairy" part getting yucky?

~ Christina

Dying Wool

2005-11-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

This weekend I convinced my DH Ian that it would be fun to try our hand at dying some wool. I saw an episode on Knitty Gritty about it and it inspired me. I went to The Knitting Room and got some natural yarn to dye (Cascade 220, Cascade Pastaza & Manos Del Uraguay). Then I went to the Rug & Yarn Hut to buy some books and dye. Karen at the Rug & Yarn Hut was really helpful in explaining the process.

So we started with natural, undyed wool, which I tied with scrap cotton yarn to prevent more tangling then necessary.

Top Row: Cascade 220 in Color 8010, Cascade 220 in Color 8021
Bottom Row: Cascade Pastaza in Color 001 & Manos Del Uruguay

We decided to only dye a few skeins, so that we could take our time and play a bit with different techniques. So Ian chose to work with a half-skein of Cascade 220 in color 8010 (white) and I worked with a half-skein of Cascade 220 in color 8021 (tan) and a skein of Cascade Pastaza in color 001 (white).

I'm planning to knit Ian a Christmas stocking (definitely not in time for this Christmas) and so he wanted me to make it out of yarn we dyed. So Ian used a tied-dyed technique of wrapping plastic bag strips at random all over the yarn and then dropping the yarn into a pot with different amounts of red dye. He would then remove the yarn at intervals and add more bag strips.

Red & Green Cascade 220

I used a similar technique, but with green dye, the Cascade 220 in a tan color and using a glass dish (w/lid) in the microwave. I also did a few more dips then Ian did, and added AND removed strips between each stint in the Microwave. We'll need to do several more skeins to have enough for a stocking, but at least we have the process down.

For the Cascade Pastaza I wanted to create a yarn with my favorite colors - Orange, Red & Yellow. It is fall after all!

Autumn Colored Cascade Pastaza

I started by wrapping strips around the yarn strands (rather then around all of the yarn mushed together in a ball) in an orderly fashion. That is right next to each other. I dunked my yarn in a pot on the stove with yellow dye in it first. Then I took the yarn out of the dye and removed some of the bag strips, exposing some undyed yarn, and added some bag strips over the yellow-dyed yarn. I added some red dye to the yellow dye, making a light orange color, and dunked my yarn in again. I repeated this process, each time adding more red dye and removing and adding bag strips. It was a really fun, but time consuming process.

I was worried the wool might felt in the dying process (especially with all of the lifting in and out of boiling water) but it wasn't a problem. I tried to keep that temperature even and set the yarn in hot water for 30 minutes before placing it in the dye pot, so I think that helped.

After the yarn dried I would it into balls. I can't wait to knit with it!

Green Cascade 220 Wound

Red Cascade 220 Wound

Autumn Pastaza Wound

~ Christina

Flower Power

2005-11-04T13:53:00.000-08:00

I've been on a bit of flower kick lately. Since I don't have much time to knit (or blog for that matter...sorry!) I've been keen on quick, easy projects that give me some completion satisfaction.

The first flower is a variation of the felted flower pattern by KnitWhits.

KnitWhits Flower

Her kits come with lovely Alpaca yarn, but since I'm allergic to Alpaca I used Cascade 220. I think I may have goofed and attached the leaves backwards. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to felt this some more as it's too large for what I want to use it for. But the pattern was really great and easy to follow. I plan on making several more in different colors.

This rose is a variation of a pattern Nicky Epstein wrote for Vogue Knitting.

Rose by Nicky Epstein

I think somehow the pattern was edited to leave out some important details, because it was pretty vague and I didn't get it. So I kinda made it up as I went along. I think it worked out ok though. The leaves are from Nicky Epstein's Knitting Over the Edge book. The first photo is the flower before felting and with only one leaf. I can't decide if I like it better felted. What do you think?

The Dahlia is from a pattern called "Little Gem" in Classic Woman by Rowan.

Dahlia from Classic Woman by Rowan

I really like it, but not everyone gets that it's a flower. The pattern shows some beads in the center, so I may add some to make it more unique.

This funky flower looks like poop to me.

Crimson Flower (AKA Poop)

It's a combination of the rose (see center) with some petals added on. I don't think it was a success. I'm going to try and improve on it by adding some beads...but it may end up in the trash.

There are other flower variations in Nicky Epstein's Knitting Over the Edge book that I might try to modify and make more flowers with. I'm having fun with this for now...

~ Christina

Mini Stocking

2005-10-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

One of the items I was working on while in Mendocino with my Mom was this Mini Stocking. I've felted it a bit, but I think it needs to go back in for one more cycle, as you can still see more of the stitch definition then I want.

Mini Felted Stocking

The pattern, with a few minor modifications, is from the "Knit Christmas Stockings!" Book by Gwen Steege. I was going to make Christmas Stockings for some of my family members this Christmas, but with only 60 days until Christmas I doubt they will all get done in time. Anyhow, this Mini Stocking has the same basic pattern as the larger stocking from the book that I was going to make. But after doing the AfterThought Heel, I don't like the way it looks, so I think I'm going to do a Short Row Heel instead.

I think I'm going to turn this into an ornament. I'll just add an icord (made into a loop) at the top on the back of the opening. I'm also going to add beads to the holly and on the green field in the middle of the sock, before the toe. It just needs something extra.

~ Christina

Stitches West Classes

2005-10-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Class Registration is open for Stitches West! I'm considering signing up for these two classes, but was wondering if anyone has taken a class from Edie and would recommed her as an instructor? I'd love to know what you think, thanks!

Crochet for Knitters
Edie Eckman
Saturday from 8:30-11:30am

Not Over 'Til It's Finished
Edie Eckman
Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm

~ Christina

Weekend in Mendocino

2005-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago I took my Mom up to Mendocino for her birthday. On the way up North, as we were going over the Golden Gate Bridge, my Mom mentioned that she knew of a yarn store in San Rafael and asked if I wanted to stop (does a bear sh@# in the woods?). She had been there before when she purchased the ball winder and swift she had given me for my birthday (aren't I lucky to have such a great Mom?). After a bit of driving around we found Dharma Trading Co. What a store! They are a bit more expensive then my LYS, but they have so much yarn. I must admit I splurged a little, but these are all for quick-to-knit Holiday gifts and selling at the Holiday Boutique.

First Row, Starting at Left: Linie 73 Spot in color 16 & 18, Muench Yarns Lucky in color 5002 sitting on top of Peter Pan Double Knit by Wendy in color 334, Classic Elite Yarns Tinsel in color 7489, Muench Yarns Lucky in color 5004 sitting on top of Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby 4 Ply in color 102, Linie 43 Punta in color 15.
Second Row, Starting at Left: Gedifra Distrato in color 3504, Anny Blatt Fils in color 641, Linie 43 Punta in color 35.
Third Row, Starting from Left: Muench Yarns Lucky in color 5008, Anny Blatt Fils in color 383.

After leaving Dharma Trading Co. we continued the drive, taking scenic Hwy 1 most of the way until we arrived at the Hill House Inn. The T.V. Show Murder, She Wrote was filmed there. It was a quaint Inn with beautiful views of the coastline and a light house my Mom was fascinated with. We got to Mendocino late and all of the downtown stores were closed, so we just ate dinner at the restaurant in the Inn and then headed up to our room.

My Mom thinks knitting is too difficult for her, so she wanted to learn how to crochet. I bought and brought a small pamphlet on how to crochet and we sat down and took a stab at it. It was pretty pitiful. I still don't know if I was doing it right and I know I was doing it way too tightly as my "crocheted fabric" curled up as if in pain. We've decided to find a class and take it together. Any recommendations?

After trying to crochet we headed out again in search of dessert. We found a hotel downtown that was still serving food in their bar area and I had a delicious Sundae while my Mom had a yummy cobbler. On the walk back to our car a crazy man started following us until we turned around a started him down. Scary!

On Sunday we headed up to Fort Bragg and took the Skunk Train through the Redwoods. It was a nice ride and I got a bit of knitting done (photos and details to come tomorrow). Then it was back in the car for the long drive home. All-in-all it was a great trip!

~ Christina

Pink Cable Scarf

2005-10-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I celebrated my three-year wedding anniversary. My DH took me to the Big Sur River Inn for the weekend. The inn is pretty rustic (kinda reminded me of the cabin we lived in last year), but it was really clean and the restaurant was pretty yummy. But the best part about the inn is the river that runs through the property. They place these large wooden chairs in the middle of it and you can sit and relax, with the water gurgling all around you. So nice!

Big Sur River Inn

So of course I had to sit and knit in the chair! I wanted to make a scarf for my freind Jen and she requested something warm in a light pink. Well cables are perfect for Jen so I decided it was time for me to tackle them. I made a swatch while enjoying my spot in the river, and used the river water to "block" my swatch.

Pink Cable Scarf Swatch

I'm using Cascade 220 yarn on size 7 needles. The swatch has three cables, the first and third are 2 stitches x 2 stitches and the third is 3 stitches by 3 stitches. I think I'm going to make them all 3 x 3 and do one less purl stitch between them. I'm also going to add another purl stitch on either end so there's more room before the one-stitch rib on the edges. This has been fun. I think I'm going to be on a cable kick for a while!

~ Christina

1 Year Old

2005-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today is the Warm Fuzzy Knits Blog 1 year blogversary. I created the blog one year ago today. Kinda gets me motivated to knit and post more. :)

Anywho...I found this fun quiz on KnitChick's blog and apparently...

I Belong in New York City

You're an energetic, ambitious woman.
And only NYC is fast enough for you.
Maybe you'll set yourself up with a killer career
Or simply take in all the city has to offer

What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz!

~ Christina

Holiday Knitting Support

2005-09-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Yarn Harlot is freaking hilarious...and a genius. If any of you need any Holiday Knitting Support, you should call her support line...it's a riot!

Call 1-877-SOS-KNIT (1-877-767-5648)
(toll free in Canada and the US)

~ Christina

Art Fiber Mohair Scarf

2005-09-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

One project I was able to finish while I was on a partial yarn hiatus was the Art Fiber Mohair Scarf.

Art Fibers Mohair Scarf

I don't think I've shown it anywhere on the blog before, except in the "Current Projects" on the right sidebar. It's made with yarn from Art Fibers in San Francisco. Such a yummy store!

Some friends, my sister and I are all having a Holiday Sale/Party in November and I think this scarf will go to that. My sis and I will sell handknits, my friend Maile will sell these great bags she makes and my friend Brandi will sell these amazing cards and printed material she creates. I'll provide more details as the event gets closer for any of you who'd like to come. It should be a fun party even if you don't have any shopping to do.

~ Christina

Giant Pink Bunny

2005-09-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this article on a giant pink bunny that was eretcted on a mountainside in Italy.

Giant Pink Bunny on Mountainside in Italy

My personal favorite line in the article is where it says,

Viennese art group Gelatin designed the giant soft toy and say it was "knitted by dozens of grannies out of pink wool".

And you wonder why people think knitting is a hobby for old ladies! But hey, at least it's pink, which I hear is the new black.

~ Christina

Pitiful Pity Party

2005-09-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

That word just about describes my "knitting" life right now.

Pitiful that it's been over a month since I've blogged.
Pitiful that I've only been able to knit about three times during this time.
Pitiful that I still haven't completed M & K's Blanket.

Ok, enough of the Pity Party. I have made a bit of progress on the blanket.

M & K's Blanket in Progress

I have to get it completed before the end of October so that they can enjoy it during the end of Fall and in Winter when they might actually get to use it. Yesterday was my three-year wedding anniversary so my DH and I are going away for an extended weekend. Hopefully I'll get some knitting time then.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 13 Stop the Madness!
January 2 Mandi & Khurshed's Blanket
March 15 Progress on M&K Blanket

Where Does the Time Go?

2005-08-12T17:20:00.000-07:00

It's been almost two weeks since I've posted. I'm buried under a massive pile of work and personal obligations. Once I dig myself out I'll post again. I'm hoping that will be sometime next week. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

In the meantime, here is some info on two yarn sales going on this weekend. Enjoy!

Yarn Dogs Storewide Summer Clearance Sale
(I received an email about this sale from Yarn Dogs, so here it is...)

This Saturday and Sunday -- August 13-14 –- Yarndogs is offering a chance for you to stock up on great summer yarns at some incredible prices! Every yarn in the store will be at least 10% off, and we’ll have a huge assortment of yarns at 20 to 40% off from Berroco, Skacel, Lana Grossa, Crystal Palace, Trendsetter and others.

And it’s not just yarns –- we have tool tote bags from BagSmith, silk and cotton project bags, Lantern Moon vases for your needles, pattern books and much more! Help us make room for the fabulous fall/winter yarns that are beginning to arrive in our shop.

Our store hours are:
Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: noon-5 p.m.

See you this weekend!

Yarndogs
326 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 399-1909 (voice)
www.yarndogs.com

Private Sale
(I learned about this sale via a post that Rebecca put on the Meetup Message Board. This is an excerpt of the post, for the entire thing, click on the "post" link above.)

Hello knitters! If you are interested in bargain-priced yarn and knitting supplies, we are having a giant yarn yard sale this Saturday, August 13.

When my boyfriend’s mother passed away recently, he inherited her worldly possessions, which mostly consisted of lots and lots and lots of yarn. She was an avid knitter and avid shopper, and managed to amass about 50 huge boxes of yarn and knitting supplies, enough to fill a storage unit.

Some of the yarn appears to be high-end—I found several receipts for $200 and up for just a few skeins. Lots of the yarn is in groups of enough skeins of the same type/color to knit yourself a sweater, or matching sweaters for your whole family. In addition to the yarn, there are knitting needles galore (several big sets of different types plus lots of individual pairs), an entire library of knitting books, and an electronic knitting machine with tons and tons and tons of attachments and documentation and parts.

Date: Saturday, August 13
Time: 9:30am – 2pm
Location: 5556 Claremont Ave. in the Rockridge district of Oakland.

~ Christina

Stria Washcloths

2005-08-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm using the Manos Cotton Stria I bought at Commuknity to knit some washcloths as a house warming gift for a friend who just moved back to CA. I plan to knit two, maybe three different versions. I'm currently working on one in seed stitch.

Manos Cotton Stria Washcloth in Seed Stitch

The yarn label recommends needle sizes 4-6 (US). I started with size 6 needles but the fabric was too flopping and I wanted something firmer so I ripped out and went down to a size 5 needle. It's still more loosely knit then I'd like. Since the yarn is a bit wavy I'm having a hard time pulling it tight while knitting. It's a bit frustrating. I think knitting on my Denise Needles is part of the problem as well. I think I should be using metal needles so the yarn will slide a bit better. It's been really slow going.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
June 29 More Yarn & Notions

Fun Sock 01 Finished!

2005-07-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

One down, one to go. I've finished the first Meilenweit Fun Sock and cast on for the second.

Meilenweit Fun Sock 01

I haven't blocked it yet, but you can get an idea of what it looks like. I'm not super excited about the striping that happened near the toe, but I can live with it. I also noticed little holes where I picked up the stiches along the heel after turning it and I couldn't figure out why that was happening. Thanks to Spinnity's help, I learned that even though the pattern says "pick up x stitches along the heel..." that I should have picked up and knit the stitches.

I didn't have my tape measure when I was doing the foot of the sock, so I made it a little too long. Luckily my sister has slightly larger feet then I, so she'll get the socks!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
June 21 Bad Travel Karma & TNNA Review
July 14 Fun Socks Update

Much Ado About Nothing

2005-07-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

A group of us from the Santa Clara County Knitting Meetup are going to go watch Free Shakespear in the Park's Much Ado About Nothing tomorrow. My knitting buddy Rebecca is the Artistic Associate for SF Shakes and said she would set out a tarp and a couple of chairs for us. We're going to bring snacks and picnic as well.

If you're in the area and want to join us here are the details:

Date: Sunday, July 17, 2005
Time: The show starts at 7:30pm, we'll be there as early as 6:30pm
Location: Memorial Park Amphitheater, Cupertino
Other info: Bringing picnic food, a blanket and knitting
Event URL: http://www.sfshakes.org/park/

I hope to see you there!

~ Christina

Fun Socks Update

2005-07-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

I've made some progress on the Meilenweit Fun Socks.

Fun Socks in Progress

I took this photo about a week ago so I've gotten a bit more done since then. I'm almost at the toe decrease. Then I'll just have the other sock to do!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
June 21 Bad Travel Karma & TNNA Review

Where's My Spindle?

2005-07-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

This article from Knitter's Review makes me want to pick-up my spindle and try spinning again. I just need to find it. I haven't seen it since the move, but I know it's in one of the boxes in my "yarn/knitting/sewing" room. I guess I'm just going to have to finish unpacking and setting that room up so I can find it.

~ Christina

Kittens Like Yarn

2005-07-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

So I know writing about kittens isn't exactly knitting content. But they like yarn so it's sorta relevant, right?

We got 2 adorable kittens at the Humane Society last night. Visit my family blog - Nyquist - for photos and more details. Plus, we need help with names!

~ Christina

More Yarn & Notions

2005-06-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I went to CommuKnity for the Sunday Knitting group. I met Bob who was working on a really cure felted hat, Cindy who was working on what was decided should be an evening bag, and Julie (who I had met before) who was working on a poncho. Erin was working and she sat and knit with us (she's making washcloths for her boyfriend's aunt) for a few short minutes as well.

Of course I couldn't leave the shop without buying something (did I mention I was addicted to yarn?). I purchased two balls of this gorgeous Crystal Palace Kid Merino yarn in color 9798 and two hanks of Manos Cotton Stria in color Mint 213.

Crystal Palace Kid Merino & Manos Cotton Stria

I'm not sure what the Kid Merino will be (possible a scarf or small shawl). The Cotton Stria will be a wash cloth and hand towel set for a special someone (thanks for the idea Erin!).

After knitting with the group at CommuKnity I headed over to the Stitch'n Bitch at Orchard Valley Coffee in Campbell. Many of the usual gang were there and it was fun to see the progress everyone was making on their projects.

Then yesterday I went into Yarn Dogs in Los Gatos to look over their patterns & books (they've got a great selection) and buy some notions. Sadly I misplaced my bag of notions in Ohio at TNNA. Here's what I got to start with so that I'd have some basics:

Notions from Yarn Dogs

- Brittany Set of 3 Cable Needles
- Susan Bates Yarn Gauge/Ruler
- Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needles
- Clover Small & Large Point Protectors
- Clover Darning Needle Set

I also learned that Yarn Dogs is having a sale this weekend. Yippee, discounted yarn!

~ Christina

Mohair Poncho Finished!

2005-06-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

I've finished the Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho.

Finished Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho

The only thing I may still do is rip out the bottom few inches where the decreases are misaligned and reknit them using increases. But for now, if I want to, it's wearable.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
June 7 Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho

Knitterella Gift Tags

2005-06-27T17:41:00.000-07:00

I saw these tags on the Stitch Diva site. Aren't they cute?

Knitterella Gift Tags

Now I just need to get some projects finished so I actually have something to tag and give away!

~ Christina

Stash Swap!

2005-06-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

At last Wednesday's Meetup we had a stash swap. I brought a basket full of yarn and intended to leave with nothing (yeah, right!). Instead I got:

LEFT: Samoa, Deco-Ribbon & Divine, RIGHT: More Divine

GGH Samoa, color 80
50% cotton, 50% Acrylic
4 balls (50g each)

Crystal Palace Deco-Ribbon, color 9234
70% Acrylic, 30% Nylon
1 ball (80 yards)

Patons Divine, color 06605 Orangina
79.5% Acrylic, 18% Mohair, 2.5% Polyester
1 skein (142 yards)

Patons Divine, color 06430 Richest Rose
79.5% Acrylic, 18% Mohair, 2.5% Polyester
1 skein (142 yards)

Patons Divine, color 06740 Floral Fantasy
79.5% Acrylic, 18% Mohair, 2.5% Polyester
1 skein (142 yards)

I'm thinking the orange yarn could be used together for a lap blanket. I don't know what I'm going to do with the two pink Paton skeins. Any suggestions?

~ Christina

Bad Travel Kharma & TNNA Review

2005-06-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

I must have angered the travel Gods because my flights to and from Columbus, Ohio for TNNA were a mess. On my way there I had a connecting flight through Charlotte, NC (Yes, I traveled past Columbus to get there). My flight to Charlotte landed late, 5 minutes after my departing flight to be exact. They held the plane for me, but my luggage didn't make it. Unfortunately I was carrying some items for the KnitWhits booth, fortunately the luggage arrived the next afternoon during booth set-up. My flight back to SFO also was supposed to go through Charlotte, but after sitting on the plan for almost two hours they told us the cargo door wouldn't seal properly and so the flight was cancelled. There weren't any other flights out the night that could get me to SFO, so I was booked on a flight the following day with a connection in Pittsburg, PA. Then a storm hits Pittsburg and we wait on that plane for over an hour before it's safe to take off. As we're landing at SFO the Tsunami warning hits. All in all it was pretty crappy. (Thanks for letting me rant)

But TNNA itself was fun! KnitWhits did well and the booth looked great. Tina introduced several new products. Most notable in my opinion are the super cute Crochet Scarves and the Tigger Toys.

Ella, Ruby, Carmella Spring & Carmella Spice from KnitWhits

Belle, Ernest, Punk & Choco from KnitWhits

I must learn how to crochet so I can make Ella! And maybe I can convince my DH to let me get a cat so I have a reason to make the Tigger Toys.

I was lucky enough to meet Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (The Yarn Harlot) and have her sign my bookbookbook.

At Knits End Signed by the Yarn Harlot

She was coming out of the restroom and I pounced on greeted her and she asked me if I knew where the Unicorn Publishing booth was. She was there for a book signing. She was as funny and delightful as she is on her blog. We walked around the hall for a while and she stopped by the KnitWhits booth and admired the patterns/kits. So cool to meet someone in person who you feel you know from reading their blog every week.

The fashion show was interesting, with many pieces knit from shoulder to shoulder and lots of western designs with leather fringe everywhere. My favorite piece was a floor-length black cape made of mohair from Louet with a large oval medallion on the back that looked like stained glass.

As usual, the Great Wall of Yarn was amazing. This is a really long wall where all of the yarn vendors hang long strands of their latest yarns for you to cut and take home in a book.

I also met Justin & Nadine from Be Sweet Yarn (I can't find a website for them). They have their yarn produced in South Africa and it's beautiful. They also happen to be a husband and wife team who own a graphic design studio in Sausalito, so we have a lot in common.

I had a great time in the evenings. Tina, Mia (Tina's assistant) and I had dinner every night with Jennifer and Stephanie from Stitch Diva Studios, Larissa from Offhand Designs and her husband John. It was fun to compare stories from the day and catch-up on how everyone was doing.

Lastly, I did manage to get a very little bit of knitting done on the trip. I brought a small sock project I could do on the plane (you'd think with all of the waiting around I did I would have gotten more done).

Lana Grossa Fun Sock

The Yarn is Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun (80% wool, 20% polaymid) in color 99. One ball (100g) is enough for two socks and I'm using size 2 double points. The pattern is the basic Knitting Pure & Simple Beginner's Lightweight Socks. I modified the pattern to have the 1x1 ribbing go down to the heel. It took a while for me to get used to the size 2 needles after working on the Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho on size 13 needles. And now I have yet another project to add to my WIP list. I better get some of them done before I start anything else...

~ Christina

Off to TNNA in Ohio

2005-06-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

I leave tomorrow for The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) Trade Show in Ohio. I'm going to work in Tina's booth and help her sell her awesome KnitWhits kits & patterns. I'll try to take some pictures and blog about any cool new yarns I see.

~ Christina

Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho

2005-06-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've "introduced" this project to the blog yet. It's the Art Nouveau Poncho from Stitch Diva Studios knit with Plymouth Outback Mohair Yarn in color 806.

Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho

I've been knitting it in front of the T.V. and at knitting groups because it's (I thought) a no-brainer project. That is until I noticed that I must have moved one of the markers back near the beginning because the decreases shifted over (look closely at the "line" of stitches going up the middle of the poncho in the photo, you can see it). I'm not really sure how I'm going to handle this. Do I ladder down the poncho to the bottom and fix it? Can I do that if it's on decreases? Do I just leave it and hope no one notices it (non-knitters only, because a knitter would surly notice)? I'm so bummed!

~ Christina

Get Organized

2005-06-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

I needed to take a moment and get organized. As usual I have several projects in progress and an ever growing list of future projects. I have also come across several patterns lately that I want to knit and I'm afraid if I don't list them somewhere I'll forget what they were. So here it goes...

Current/Near Future Projects
Mandi & Khurshed's Blanket
Felted Bag (Knitty Gritty)
Cascade 220 Felted Bag
Mohair Art Nouveau Poncho
Art Fiber Mohair Scarf
Aurora Melange Socks
Lissa's Socks
Geoff & Amanda's Blanket
Clapotis (Knitty)
Fiber Trends Felt Clogs
Christmas Stockings
Gauntlets

Possible Future Projects
Casual Clamour Capelet (Stitch Diva Studios)
Sarah Cardigan (White Lies Designs)
Angelina Vintage Jacket (White Lies Designs)
Milinda Pullover (White Lies Designs)
Lexi (Knitwhits)
Te' Rosada Sweater (Interweave Knits Winter 2004)
Cowl Pullover (Interweave Knits Winter 2004)
Chevron Pullover (Interweave Knits Winter 2004)
Felted Daypack (Interweave Knits Winter 2004)
Loll Sweater (Rowan Calmer Collection)
Stripes are Stars Sweater (The Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits)
Not your Standard Issue Sweatshirt (The Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits)
Bare That Belly Sweater (The Yarn Girls Guide to Simple Knits)
Janda Hoodie (Knit Wit - 30 Easy & Hip Projects)
Perfect Pie Shawl (Weekend Knitting)
Fluffy Lace Camisole & Pull-off Cowl (Weekend Knitting)

If you've knit any of these I'd love to hear about it. Please drop me a message in the comments. Thanks!

~ Christina

Sunday Knitting

2005-06-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

I stopped by Commuknity this afternoon and had a nice time knitting and chatting with Nancy, Erin, Julia & Julie (who I met today). I also purchased another skein of the Cascade 220 in color 7822 for the Fiber Trends Felt Clogs and another skein of the Artyarns Supermerino in color 105 for the Clapotis. After re-reading the patterns it looked like I might need a bit more yarn and I didn't want to run out.

I also picked-up the Rowan Calmer Collection book for the Loll pattern.

Rowan Calmer Collection Book

I have some Cascade Pima Melange that might work for that pattern. I have to do a gauge swatch to make sure. Fun, fun.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
May 30 CommuKNITy Yarn Purchase

Blaze

2005-06-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

I just came across this super cute sweater pattern on Knitty called Blaze (by Jenna Adorno). Now the only problem is that the pattern uses Indulgence yarn (7.5 stitches per 1 inch), which I have, but it's 70% alpaca and I'm allergic to Alpaca. I need to find a yarn substitute that will still look as good and work with the pattern. Any suggestions?

~ Christina

If I could be...

2005-06-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting around to the meme that lidabit tagged me with in the comments of a previous post.

Choose five things from the list below and complete the sentence. Then tag other people and they answer in their blogs.

If I could be a scientist
If I could be a farmer
If I could be a psychologist...I'd spend all of my time treating my crazy family.
If I could be a librarian...I'd spend most of my time in the "Mystery" and "Knitting" sections.
If I could be an inn-keeper...I'd get to meet and talk with new and interesting people all of the time.
If I could be a professor...I'd have achieved a life goal.
If I could be a writer
If I could be a llama-rider...I'd shear my llama when not riding and spin it into beautiful yarn.
If I could be a bonnie pirate
If I could be an astronaut
If I could be a world famous blogger
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world
If I could be married to any current famous political figure

~ Christina

CommuKNITy Yarn Purchase

2005-05-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

I dragged my DH to CommuKNITy earlier in the week for some yarn shopping. I really like this new LYS. And the best part...two really great knitters that I know were working that day; Nancy and Erin were really helpful with my yarn selection/purchase. Thanks kids, it was great to see you two!

Here's what I got:

Cascade 220 & Artyarns Supermerino

The brown yarn is Cascade 220 in color 7822. My DH picked it out for the Fiber Trends Felt Clogs (by Bev Galeskas) I'm going to knit for him. The pattern calls for a double strand of heavy worsted wool, but we've been looking for months and he (meaning me) hasn't found any heavy worsted yarn in a color he really likes.

Fiber Trends Clogs (by Bev Galeskas)

The multi-color pink/green yarn is Artyarns Supermerino in color 105 for a Clapotis pattern (by Kate Gilbert) found on Knitty I'm going to knit for myself. (Yes I'm jumping on the Clapotis bandwagon). It's so soft and the colors make me happy.

Knitty Clapotis (by Kate Gilbert)

I love yarn. :)

~ Christina

Meetup Blogs & Your Birth Date

2005-05-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Spinnity posted members blogs to the SCC Knitting Meetup Message Board so I've been doing a bit of blog reading. On Amy's blog I came across a BlogThing about What Does Your Birth Date Mean? Here is what it said about me:

Your Birthdate: February 8

Born on the 8th day of the month, you have a special gift for business, as you can conceive and plan on a grand scale.

You have good executive skills and you're a good judge of values.

You should try to own your own business, because you have such a strong desire to be in control.

You are generally reliable when it comes to handling money; you can be trusted in this regard.

Idealistic by nature, you are never too busy to spend some time on worthwhile causes, especially if managerial support are needed.

There is much potential for material success associated with this number.

Not bad! You can't put much stock in these things, but they are fun (especially when they say nice things). And hey, I do own my own business...so it's partly true...right? ;)

~ Christina

Cascade 220 Felted Bag...Felted

2005-05-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hooray it's finally been felted! Now that we're in our new place and have a new washer and dryer I was able to felt this project.

Cascade 220 Felted Bag - Post Felting

I'm now working on a cute flower pin (pattern courtesy of KnitWhits) to dress up the bag a bit. The flower kit comes with this great Alpaca yarn, but I found out I'm allergic to Alpaca (boo hoo) so I'm using Cascade 220.

I think I'm going to line the bag, and then it will officially be finished. Maybe I can make it to a fabric store this weekend. Anyhow, it's so great to be knitting again!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 13 Stop the Madness
October 22 Half Way There
November 22 I'm in Knitting Heaven
January 6 Lucky Find
February 6 A Felting We Will Go

Iron Power

2005-05-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

I finally got off my bum and went out and bought a new iron. Based on recommendations in the comments from this previous post I went with a Rowenta.

Behold the Rowenta DE 480 Cord Reel Iron:

Rowenta DE480 Cord Reel Iron

We (my husband and I) chose this iron from the Rowenta options at Target because of the removable water tank and the push button cord reel. So cool!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
May 2 Iron Knowledge

Ouch!

2005-05-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

So now I have a new reason I haven't been knitting or blogging. I'm a klutz. I tripped over a chair last Saturday and hit my head on the edge of a metal desk. I had to go to the ER and get 7 stitches. Not pretty. So I've been recuperating from that. Mostly massaging my broken, embarrassed ego. I got the stitches out on Thursday so now it's catch-up time on work and life. I swear I'm going to get back on track soon..really!

~ Christina

Iron Knowledge?

2005-05-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

I need a new iron. Especially if I'm going to ever get back to knitting and then blocking my finished objects. So here is where you come in...any suggestions on irons expecially good for knit items? I would imagine steam performance would be important.

I checked Consumer Reports and these are two irons they are recommending:

Black & Decker Digital Advantage
With top scores for ironing and steaming, the Blacker & Decker (1) is the only tested model judged excellent overall and a fine choice for heavily wrinkled items. But note that its stainless-steel soleplate was judged only good for glide on dry fabrics. Still, if you dampen items or use steam or spray, you'll get smooth sailing. It has a digital control for setting the temperature.

Black & Decker Digital Advantage Iron

Hamilton Beach Steam Excel
The Hamilton Beach was very good overall and very good for ironing. It has a stainless-steel soleplate, which scored excellent for glide.

Hamilton Beach Steam Excel Iron

Please leave your opinions, experiences with irons, etc. in the comments. Thanks!

~ Christina

Two New LYS

2005-04-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

While I haven't had time to knit myself, or blog for that matter, I have had time to read other knitter's blogs and the emails I get from various knitting groups. Through these resources I learned about two new Local Yarn Shops (LYS) opening in my area:

CommuKNITy
1345 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 293-9333
Owner's Blog
www.commuknity.com

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday

Yarndogs
326 Village Lane
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 399-1909
www.yarndogs.com

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday - Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday

CommuKNITy opened today and Yarndogs opens tomorrow. Happy knitting and yarn shopping!

~ Christina

At Knits End

2005-04-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

Still no time to knit, but I did have time to order "At Knit's End - Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much" by Stephanie Pearl McPhee, A.K.A The Yarn Harlot from Barnes & Noble. (Can one really knit too much?)

At Knit's End by Stephanie Pearl McPhee

She's going on a book signing tour and will actually be at Stash in Berkley on August 2. Now if only I could finish painting and unpacking so I could get back to knitting!

~ Christina

Moving H#$%

2005-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been MIA. I'm in th emiddl eof a move. I promise to post again once I'm all settled in. Hopefully sometime next week.

~ Christina

Knitting Paradise

2005-03-21T22:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time to knit lately. Too busy getting ready for the move (only two more weeks). The good news...the thought that keeps me going...I will have a knitting room soon! Yes, there is a room in our new house that is all mine and that I will turn into a knitting haven. The room once had a closet, but the doors have been removed. I'd say the room is about 12 feet by 12 feet...maybe (I'm not so good at estimating space).

Here is where you come in. I'm trying to decide how to organize said knitting paradise. Should I put my yarn in plastic bins? Should I install cubbies to store my stash? I have a LOT of yarn (but really, not too much, as one can never have too much). What else should I have in my room? A couch? A table? A wall covered with cork board to pin up ideas/patterns? What do you think? Post your suggestions in the comments. Thanks!

~ Christina

Progress on M&K Blanket

2005-03-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

I've been knitting along here and there on Mandi & Khurshed's blanket. It is really soft, so that's good.

M&K Blanket in Progress

Since I'm knitting it lengthwise (I think) and there are 150 stitches it takes quite a while to knit one row. I'm only about 1/4 of the way finished. I'm also trying to weave in the ends as I go. Since I'm changing yarn every couple of rows this can take a lot of time as well. I may pick up stitches and add a border when I'm done to help with the unevenness of the edges (I'm going to pretend it's because of the variety of yarn I'm using). We'll see how it looks when I'm done.

Hopefully I have it completed before June so I won't have to knit a warm blanket during the summer!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 13 Stop the Madness!
January 2 Mandi & Khurshed's Blanket

Chica the Model

2005-03-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

My Dad is back in Baja and he and my step-mom sent me a photo of Chica in her new sweater.

Chica modeling her new sweater

Doesn't she look so cute modeling it for us? The weather is warming up there though, so she'll probably have to wait until next winter to really get any use out of it. I'm just happy it fits. Whew!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 4 Chica's Sweater
October 6 Chica's Sweater Swatch
November 16 Chica's Sweater Started
December 14 Chica's Sweater Arm Holes
December 30 Chica's Sweater Update
March 4 Chica's Sweater is Finished

Put yourself on the map!

2005-03-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

I was reading Lori's super cool blog and she posted about this guestmap she had. I thought it was pretty cool so I got one myself. Here's the deal, I set-up a map and all y'all can put yourself on it. This way I can see where you're reading from. Just click on the link towards the bottom of my sidebar. So go ahead, put yourself on the map!

~ Christina

How cool is that?

2005-03-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

I've been selected as a Tendot Bleek Site of the Moment. How cool is that? Here's what they had to say:

A knitting blog. This is just cool. I mean, there's millions of blogs in the blogosphere, and this one stand out just for the knitting portion. The content is usually knitting-related, but there's other things in there as well. I see they recently bought their house! Good luck, ya'll. Check it if j00r into knitting. Hell, even if you're not!

Thanks Beej and JaQ! w00t!

~ Christina

We Found a House!

2005-03-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

We put an offer on a house and it was accepted! We're now in escrow and hope to close in the next couple of weeks. I have photos and more info on my other blog: http://nyquist.blogspot.com.

I'm so excited! (Hence all of the "!!!")

~ Christina

Chica's Sweater is Finished!

2005-03-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

That took long enough. I actually finished it a few days ago, but I've just been too darn busy to take photos and write about it. I haven't had time to block it yet, but you get the general idea.

Chica's Sweater - Top & Side View

My Dad is visiting from Baja so I'll give it to him to take back to Chica. Hopefully it fits! I'm going to ask him to send me a photo with her in it. If he does I'll post it.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 4 Chica's Sweater
October 6 Chica's Sweater Swatch
November 16 Chica's Sweater Started
December 14 Chica's Sweater Arm Holes
December 30 Chica's Sweater Update

I won! I won!

2005-03-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

Hooray I won! At Stitches West in February I bought a ticket for the Crystal Palace Raffle at the Afghans for Afghans booth...and I won!

Afghans for Afghans Package

There are way too many goodies to name them all, but I can say keep your eyes peeled for scarves, hats and trim created with this yarn in the coming months.

~ Christina

Stitches Stash

2005-02-23T19:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know I suck for being away for so long, but I've been busy trying to buy a house. It's not that simple of a process in the Bay Area as every stinking piece of property usually has at least 5 offers on it. Anyhow...

I wanted to share photos of the yummy stash I purchased at Stitches West. Please note that this does not include the gifts I bought for my sister (who is also a knitter). Here it goes:

The first item is this beautiful Peruvian Tweed Alpaca yarn I purchased from The Village Spinning & Weaving Shop.

Peruvian Tweed Alpaca Yarn

I want to knit myself a sweater and immediately fell in love with the color and softness of this yarn. I bought 1lb (approximately 1,200 yards) which came in two hanks. Unfortunately when I got it home and started knitting a swatch I discovered that I'm allergic to alpaca! The horror! I'm so bummed. However one of my contractors knits and she might be interested in purchasing the yarn from me.

I also bought these two hanks of hand-painted yarn from Royal Hare.

Handpainted Yarn from Royal Hare

One is 100% Merino and the other is Mohair. I have 140 yards of the Merino. I seem to have lost the label for the Mohair so that's a mystery. I'm planning to make either a scarf or small bag with this yarn.

I saw these three balls of yarn at WEBS.

Wildwood by Valley Yarns

They're made up of Viscose, Mohair, Metallic & Polyester. They're so bright and sparkely! Each ball has 98 yards, so I'll probably make a long, skiny scarf out of each one.

As for patterns, I bought three great sweaters from White Lies Designs. Sarah's Cardigan, the Angelina Vintage Jacket, and the Milinda Pullover. My sister wants me to knit her the Milinda Pullover. We'll see.

Sarah, Angelina & Milinda Sweater Patterns from White Lies Designs

I also purchased the Casual Glamour Capelet pattern from Stitch Diva Studios, along with these super cute notecards.

Stitch Diva Studios Capelet

Notecards & Yarn Yardage Table

The Yarn Yardage Table also pictured was purchased when I bought the Alpaca from The Village Spinning & Weaving Shop.

All in all I had a great time at Stitches and I'm already looking forward to next year!

~ Christina

Warm Fuzzy Knits @ Feria Urbana

2005-02-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be selling handknits at Feria Urbana again this Thursday. Come by and say "Hi"!

Here are the details:

http://www.feriaurbanasf.com/

~ Christina

A Felting We Will Go

2005-02-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

The Cascade 220 Bag is ready for felting!

Cascade 220 Bag Ready for Felting

I'm almost done with it and then I can start another project on my knitting to-do list. Hooray!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 13 Stop the Madness
October 22 Half Way There
November 22 I'm in Knitting Heaven
January 6 Lucky Find

TNNA Review - Knitwhits

2005-02-04T19:17:00.000-08:00

So the reason I was at the TNNA Trade Show in Long Beach was KnitWhits. My friend Tina, the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer at KnitWhits asked me to help out selling her patterns & kits in her booth. As a result I got a sneak preview of all of her great new designs.

Lilley is Tina's experiment with crochet and I think it's so cute. I can totally see this on a hip urbanite (who incidentally would also be wearing cargo pants and ugs).

KnitWhits Lilley Crochet Hat

Lanakai is a new bikini that Tina will be teaching on Knitty Gritty next week. What I love about knitted bikinis is that you can make them a custom fit. I have a very different "top" size and "bottom" size so this customizing is key for me.

KnitWhits Lanakai Bikini

My hands-down favorite though is the Lexi Purse. I love houndstooth! And I think the pink and black is so modern yet somehow classic as well.

KnitWhits Lexi Purse

Tina doesn't have these designs on her site yet but they're coming soon. And all of the stores that bought from her at the TNNA Trade Show in Long Beach should have them soon as well!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 20 TNNA in Long Beach
January 25 TNNA Review - Overview
January 26 TNNA Review - Elongated Beaded Bag Class
January 27 TNNA Review - Weaving Techniques As Applied To Knits Class
January 31 TNNA Review - Offhand Designs
February 2 TNNA Review - Stitch Diva Studios

TNNA Review - Stitch Diva Studios

2005-02-02T17:36:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, before I had this blog, I came across Stitch Diva Studios online while searching for a poncho pattern. I liked the fact that I could purchase the pattern and download it immediately. I also liked how modern and her designs were. I bought the Art Nouveau Poncho pattern and used some yarn Tina had given me for helping her at the TNNA Trade Show in Ohio. The pattern was really easy to follow (it was my first venture past scarf/hat/purse land) and I loved my FO. Then I started to see Stitch Diva Studio designs in my LYS Knitting Arts and found out that Jennifer Hansen, the owner/designer of Stitch Diva Studios taught classes at Knitting Arts.

This year at TNNA in Long Beach I got to hang out with Jennifer and see some of her amazing new designs. She has these great new Crochet Flower patterns that make me want to learn to crochet even more.

Stitch Diva Studios Crochet Flowers

Her and Tina of KnitWhits also got together and Tina designed these super cute hats for Stitch Diva Studios. My favorite is the Page Boy hat (middle row).

Stitch Diva Studios Hats by KnitWhits

But I think my favorite pattern is the Casual Glamour Capelet. It's definitely going on my "must knit" list.

Stitch Diva Studios Capelet

I believe Stitch Diva Studios will be at Stitches West so check out her stuff for yourself!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 20 TNNA in Long Beach
January 25 TNNA Review - Overview
January 26 TNNA Review - Elongated Beaded Bag Class
January 27 TNNA Review - Weaving Techniques As Applied To Knits Class
January 31 TNNA Review - Offhand Designs

TNNA Review - Offhand Designs

2005-01-31T20:50:00.000-08:00

I met Larisa, owner and "Idea Hamster" of Offhand Designs at TNNA in Ohio. She was at TNNA in Long Beach and this time I got to spend more time with her and see some of her new creations. Larissa herself is incredibly nice. She is also quirky and fun...and so are her great handbags. She creates her bags out of vintage brocades & velvets, preferring to use those materials as a high-quality alternative to leather.

Offhand Designs has some great knitting bags and needle clutches.

Offhand Designs Knitting Bags & Needle Clutches

But I must admit what I'm really in love with are the Satellites, especially Tia in Goldenrod Stripe & Nina in Rose. She also has a great Sophia handbag that would be perfect for a bride. I only wish I had seen it before I got married!

Tia in Wheat, Mango & Goldenrod Stripe

Nina in Rose and Dots

Sophia Bag

Larissa, as Off Hand Designs, is going to be at Stitches West next week. If you're going you should check out her booth.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 20 TNNA in Long Beach
January 25 TNNA Review - Overview
January 26 TNNA Review - Elongated Beaded Bag Class
January 27 TNNA Review - Weaving Techniques As Applied To Knits Class

TNNA Review - Weaving Techniques As Applied To Knits Class

2005-01-27T18:15:00.000-08:00

Taught by Lily Chin

In high school and college I wasn't very good at doing my homework. I usually got A's and B's on my tests, but just couldn't ever seem to get around to the homework. It was the same with my homework for this class. I started the homework, and made 3 of the 5 swatches before the class, but didn't quite get around to making the other two. Luckily they were only 1 inch swatches and I was able to do them during the demonstration parts of the class.

Basically Lily had us make 5 swatches in various stitches (seed, stockinette and reverse stockinette) and then she showed us her "up/down" and "in/out" method to weave a separate yarn into the swatches. She also showed us how to us a slip stitch method and create a "weft" thread that we could weave into.

For me the coolest thing about this class was how you can make designs that look like intarsia knitting without...well...intarsia knitting. You can also get some really cool textures in your knitting. Plus, Lily Chin is pretty entertaining. She has a quirky sense of style and humor that keeps you amused. I would definitely recommend this class!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 20 TNNA in Long Beach
January 25 TNNA Review - Overview
January 26 TNNA Review - Elongated Beaded Bag Class

TNNA Review - Elongated Beaded Bag Class

2005-01-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

Taught by Judy Pascale
http://www.judypascale.com/beaded.htm

I had seen this technique on knitty gritty (using a crochet hook to add the beads to knitting rather then stringing them on the yarn ahead of time) and was intrigued. There was a time I used to spend any spare moment making bead jewelry. Anyhow, this was such a great class and Judy was a funny presenter who gave clear instructions and provided excellent handouts.

Judy Pascale's Beaded Bags

I didn't have any homework, but apparently there was a supply list. Tina signed me up for the class (thanks Tina, so cool!) so I didn't get the list. Ms. Pascale was so very nice enough to lend me some spare yarn, knitting needles and a larger crochet hook for the cast on. Then included in the class material fee were beads and a small crochet hook (size US9).

Since this class was taught at TNNA it was targeted towards needle art shop owners. The emphasis was on learning the techniques so that a class could be taught on it at each person's shop. Here is what I learned:

A crochet over a knitting needle cast on

A specific beaded slip stitch pattern Judy designed for this bag

A couple of bag finishing techniques(Garter Stitch & Reverse Stockinette Stitch

A couple strap options (garter strat & mock rib strap)

A couple of bag closure options(button flap & zipper)

An easier way to do a three needle bind-off
How to add a base that allows the bag to sit upright

Judy had several samples of beaded bags using these techniques available for us to look at. All-in-all it was a great class and I can't wait to incorporate beading into my knitting!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 20 TNNA in Long Beach
January 25 TNNA Review - Overview

TNNA Review - Overview

2005-01-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

Boy am I tired...but I had an amazing experience at the TNNA Trade Show in Long Beach. I thought it would be fun for me to provide a "report" on my experience over several days this week. This first one will be a general overview and then I'll go into detail on my classes, people I met, cool things I saw, etc.

First and foremost I have to thank Tina for inviting me on this adventure! For one of my reports I'll talk about some of her new products that are going on my future WIP list.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I arrived late Thursday night and got home late Monday night. On Friday morning I had my first class, "Elongated Beaded Bag" taught by Judy Pascale. The rest of the day was spent helping Tina set-up the KnitWhits booth. Dinner Friday night was at Islands (not the best service, but the food was ok).

On Saturday the marketplace opened and I was busy selling, selling, selling in the KnitWhits booth. That night a group of us went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse and celebrated with a few drinks. Our waiter had a lot of flare (if you've seen Office Space you know what I mean). Fun!

Sunday morning I had my second class "Weaving Techniques As Applied To Knits" taught by Lily Chin. Then even more selling in the KnitWhits booth. Sunday night we had a more refined dinner at Utopia Restaurant near our hotel (the service, food and company was great!).

Monday was the last day of the marketplace. I got a little time away from the booth with Tina when she went to place her yarn order at Cascade Yarns. It was neat to be a part of the yarn buying process...and the best part...Tina bought me LOTS of yarn as a thank you!

Stay tuned for more on this trip...

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 20 TNNA in Long Beach

TNNA in Long Beach

2005-01-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well I'm off again...this time to the TNNA Trade Show in Long Beach. My friend Tina (of Knitwhits) has a booth and I'm going to help her sell her wonderful kits. I also get to take two classes (courtesy of Tina). One is called "Weaving Techniques As Applied To Knits" and is taught by Lily Chin. The other is "Elongated Beaded Bag" taught by Judy Pascale. They should be fun! I have homework for the class with Ms. Chin, but it's not until Sunday AM so I'm hoping I can get it done in the evenings.

I'll be back late Monday night so have a great weekend!

~ Christina

Progress on Aurora Melange Socks

2005-01-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

I got a lot of knitting done on my Aurora Melange Socks while in Tahoe last weekend.

Aurora Melange Sock in Progress

I decided to make the leg of the socks really long so they could be a cross between leg warmers & socks. I have a few more inches to go and then I'll be at the toe!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
January 12 Aurora Melange Socks

Weekend in Tahoe

2005-01-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been silent the last few days. I took a half-day Friday and all day on Monday off to have an extended weekend and go with friends to The Ridge Tahoe Resort in South Lake Tahoe. It was beautiful!

View of Snow Covered Valley from Tahoe Ridge Resort

I don't ski or snowboard (they call me snowplow) but I did enjoy the snow and the knitting time. We watched Napoleon Dynamite twice (my third & fourth time!) & Garden State. Went out to dinner and played ping pong. I even convinced my DH to drive all the way up to Truckee so I could check-out Jimmy Beans Wool.

Jimmy Beans Wool in Truckee

While there I bought some yarn to work on a warm & soft scarf for myself.

Rowan Big Wool Scarf in Progress

The yarn is Rowan Big Wool in color 34 and I'm using my size 17 double points. It's basic stockinette stitch, 15 stitches across.

~ Christina

Aurora Melange Socks

2005-01-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

I have plenty of Karabella Aurora Melange yarn left to knit me some socks! Well they'll be more like slipper-socks I can wear around my freezing house then socks I'll actually wear outside and in shoes; they'll be too thick for that.

I've cast on and knit just past the ribbing for the first sock.

Beginning of Karabella Aurora Melange Sock

The pattern I'm using is Knitting Pure & Simple Beginner Socks #9728. I used it when I knit my first pair of socks (which I gave to my DH). These are a great "travel" project once I get used to knitting a small object with double pointed needles again.

~ Christina

Aurora Melange Hat

2005-01-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

Here are photos of the hat I made with the yarn my sister gave me for Christmas.

Aurora Melange Hat

A few weeks back Spinnity was wearing a similar style hat at the Knitting Meetup and I liked how the ribbed brim was folded over. So I copied her (thanks Spinnity!).

The yarn is Karabella Aurora Melange yarn, color 0011. I cast on 80 stitches and used a two by two rib stitch for the entire hat. When the hat was about 10" long I began the k2tog decreases, starting with a k2tog every 8 stitches. I then knit a row without decreases, and then knit a row decreasing every 7 stitches, knit a row without decreases, and then knit a row decreasing every 6 stitches, etc.

The only thing I wish I had done differently was to start the decreases a little sooner. I feel like the hat is just a little bit too long (like by two rows).

~ Christina

Related Posts:
December 28 Lucky Me!

Lucky Find!

2005-01-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! I went to Knitting Arts with a woman from work and they just got some more Cascade 220 in...and they had the dark grey 4002 color I need to finish the Cascade 220 Felted Bag...and it was on sale for 20% off. How great is that!?!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 13 Stop the Madness
October 22 Half Way There
November 22 I'm in Knitting Heaven

Green Manos Ribbed Scarf Finished!

2005-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

That took long enough. For some reason I kept putting this project down and starting others. Then returning to it every few weeks to knit a few rows.

Green Manos del Uraguay Ribbed Scarf

Today I mailed it off to my BIL Shea's girlfriend as a belated Christmas present (no it didn't end up going to my MIL. It's too warm for her). Shea and his girlfriend live in North Carolina so I hope the scarf will get some use in the colder weather.

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 11 Green Manos Ribbed Scarf

Needs vs. Wants

2005-01-03T22:48:00.000-08:00

I was going to write tonight about finishing the green manos ribbed scarf...and then I read Yarn Harlots blogand decided I had something more important to post about.

Stephanie (AKA Yarn Harlot) started by talking about her BIL, who works for MSF (Medecines Sans Frontieres AKA Doctors Without Borders). She then posted a challenge on her blog and I think it's a very worthwhile message. She challenged her readers to think about our purchases throughout the week and decide if they were a "need" (food, water, shelter, medicine or safety) or a "want". She then urged us to donate the amount we would have spent on our "wants" to MSF.

I'm now urging you to do the same. If you decide to donate, here are the links:

MSF United States
MSF International

I feel so lucky to have a roof over my head (albeit a sketchy one), clothes on my back, food in my stomach and money for my "wants".

~ Christina

Mandi & Khurshed's Blanket

2005-01-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Knitting Arts is having a sale, with everything in the store 20% off and select items 30% & 40% off. So I figured it was a good time to buy the yarn for Mandi & Khurshed's blanket. Plus I had the gift certificate my BIL gave me!

Yarn for Mandi & Khurshed's Blanket

The bulk of the blanket will be in the Karabella Yarns Camissimo. It's 50% extrafine Merino, 32% Baby Camel, and 18% Polyamid. Each ball is 98 yards and I bought six of the Camissimo. I also bought two balls of Crystal Palace Yarns Whisper. It's 100% microfiber nylon and so soft! I'm either going to use it for the edge or I'll knit it in every few rows. I haven't decided yet. I don't think 600 yards is enough for a blanket (anyone out there ever knit one and can give me some advise?). I might find another yarn in tan or cream that compliments the Camissimo and alternate between the two. For now I'm just going to knit some of it up and see how it feels. One of the requirements for this blanket is that it must be soft.

Ok, well I'm off to the Sunday Stitch 'N Bitch!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 13 Stop the Madness!

Happy New Year!

2005-01-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a wonderful 2005. Happy Knitting!

~ Christina

Chica's Sweater Update

2004-12-30T21:45:00.000-08:00

I've made a bit more progress on Chica's Sweater.

Chica's Sweater in Progress

I'm a few inches past the leg holes and I have about 7 more inches to go. Once I'm done with that I'll just have the seam and the ribbing on the edges. Chica might actually get her sweater before Spring!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 4 Chica's Sweater
October 6 Chica's Sweater Swatch
November 16 Chica's Sweater Started
December 14 Chica's Sweater Arm Holes

Lucky Me!

2004-12-28T18:56:00.000-08:00

I hope those of you who celebrate Christmas had a very Merry Christmas! I had a great time with my family on Christmas Eve and my Husband's family on Christmas day. I thought it would be fun to share the knitting related gifts I received (I feel so lucky!).

My sister, who is also a knitter, gave me 5 balls of soft and fun to knit with Karabella Aurora Melange yarn, color 0011.

Karabella Aurora Melange Yarn in Color 0011

It's 100% Extrafine Merino. The gauge is 18sts/26r=4in on size 7-8 needles. I've already started a hat with it (I'll post photos on that later this week).

My sister's boyfriend gave me a Denise Interchangeable Needle Kit.

Denise Interchangeable Knitting Kit

I've never knit with resin needles before (Most of my needles are bamboo) and I really like it. It's not as slippery as metal or as sticky as wood/bamboo. I have a feeling these needles will get a lot of use over the next few years!

My mom gave me tons of buttons and some purse handles. I'll show you these as I use them...there are just too many to try and photograph.

My husband got me a subscription to Vogue Knitting.

Vogue Knitting Magazine

This is the first knitting magazine subscription for me. I can't wait to get my first issue! He also got me a supercute knitting bag from Mackerilla.

Mackervilla Knitting Bag

We saw her stuff at a Feria Urbana and I hinted that I would love one of her bags for a knitting bag. It's the perfect size for a project or two.

My brother-in-law gave me a $50 gift certificate for Knitting Arts in Saratoga.

Knitting Arts Gift Certificate

It was pretty funny to hear him talk about his first visit to a knitting shop. He said he didn't know what to do with himself and was immediately identified by one of the clerks as a "gift certificate" buyer. I can't wait to go shopping for yarn!

~ Christina

Vintage Vogue

2004-12-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was reading posts on the Stitch 'N Bitch SJSU Yahoo! Group and Tracey posted this link to Vogue Knitting From the 60's. There are tons of great photos of patterns from that era. Enjoy!

~ Christina

Less Than 5 Days!

2004-12-20T23:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that there are less than 5 days until Christmas. I have so much knitting to finish before then and no time to knit. Unfortunately that leaves me with little time to post here either, so the posts will be short (and I hope sweet)...sorry! If I don't have a chance to say so later...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~ Christina

Feria Urbana Dec. 19

2004-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

I'm gearing up for another Feria Urbana in San Francisco.

Here are the details:

http://www.feriaurbanasf.com/

If you're going to be in the area please stop by and say "Hi"!

~ Christina

Chica's Sweater Arm Holes

2004-12-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hooray, I'm making progress on Chica's sweater...finally!

Chica's Dog Sweater up to the Arm Holes

I've knit up to the armholes and I'm now at the point where I'm supposed to close the arm holes and join them with the rest of the body. But I don't get the instructions. Aaaahhh!

Here is the part in the pattern where I made the arm holes:

And here is the next step that I'm having trouble with:

Pat across 7 sts. Turn and cast on 6 sts. Turn and pat across 56 sts. Turn and cast on 6 sts. Turn and pat to end of row. (82 sts)
So what I can't figure out is the cast on. What type of cast on should I use? Do I use the first 7 sts when casting on the 6 sts? If I do that then after I've cast on the 6 stitches, when I turn and pat across the 56 sts I'm not at the next arm hole yet. I feel like I'm missing something here. Please help!

~ Christina

Related Posts:
October 4 Chica's Sweater
October 6 Chica's Sweater Swatch
November 16 Chica's Sweater Started

Warm Fuzzy Knits

Yarn & Math

Sweet & Easy Baby Quilt Class

Demand The Yarn Harlot Comes to the Bay Area

The House That Yarn Built

Stitches West 2008

Amazing Crochet Art

Tag Cloud

Riley's Elephant

Bobbin's Nest Studio

Knitting & Tatoos

Kyle's First Handknit Sweater

My Soldier

Feather & Fan Shawl

Kyle John Nyquist Has Arrived!

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Baby Boy

Stitches West 2006 Recap

Fun Socks Completed!

I Caught the Clapotis Bug

Winter TNNA 2006

Did You Miss Me?

Back from Hawaii...Off to TNNA

Aloha

Happy Holidays!

So Close...

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Little Christmas Things

Can't Keep Up

Flame Scarf

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Stitches West Classes

Weekend in Mendocino

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Holiday Knitting Support

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Fun Socks Update

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If I could be...

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Meetup Blogs & Your Birth Date

Cascade 220 Felted Bag...Felted

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Ouch!

Iron Knowledge?

Two New LYS

At Knits End

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How cool is that?

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I won! I won!

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TNNA Review - Knitwhits