Knit Knerds

Rawr!

2006-12-15T18:10:00.000-05:00

Naughty, naughty crafters need to be spanked. SFGate's Violet Blue writes about the adult knitting community here and here.

Eat your heart out, Magnum

2006-11-28T13:23:00.000-05:00

This comes from a Globe and Mail slideshow (no permalink available)...

"A knitted full-size replica of a Ferrari sports car is displayed in a gallery in London."

KD earmuffs!

2006-11-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

Wow... no new posts since August??? C'mon, we're gonna get unblogrolled at 802 Online!!!

Okay, here's a cool thing...

-Bill

Illusion Knitting!

2006-08-24T14:06:00.000-04:00

Here.

(from Bill via Making Light)

Knit Nerds Are The Best Kind

2006-08-08T09:47:00.000-04:00

This product could have real potential.

Some questions I would ask:

Does it work for both pickers and throwers?
Would it work if you fair isle with a color in each hand?
Would you need a different base for each size of needle or one base for all your needles?
Could it really work?

2006-07-21T07:26:00.000-04:00

Check it out, my first pair of top-down socks done with a heel flap instead of short rows. You can read more about it in this blog entry.

Pssst

2006-07-14T13:41:00.000-04:00

Guess what I finished? Go check it out.

Bitchin' Wheels

2006-07-10T20:42:00.000-04:00

Nice Thong

2006-07-03T11:28:00.000-04:00

Link

Knitted Nautiloids

2006-06-28T13:58:00.000-04:00

Bill here. Via Boing Boing is this link to a Knitty page with a how-to knit your own 500 million year-old sea creatures.

You can call me flower if you want to.

2006-06-21T22:24:00.000-04:00

Piqued? Learn more here.

Peter Effing Rabbit

2006-06-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

I so want to go here.

2-5-2-5 Laurentienne Boulevard

2006-05-26T13:48:00.000-04:00

We have a winner!

Ta Ta For Now

2006-05-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

I think I'm leaving Knit Knerds, but only a little bit. I find that keeping up with two separate blogs is too much and I don't really want to give up either of them. So, I'll still post here but more likely than not it will be a teaser post, with a link to Say What? for the extended post.
But, I leave you (not really) with this:
Are you effing serious?

Peba Rorter, Esq.

2006-05-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

In addition to her successful lawyerin' practice, Peba Rorter, Esq. is also an accomplished knitter. Below are some of her creations.

Pattern: Casey's Coat from SnB Nation
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted

Pattern: Panta from Crafster
Yarn: Some cashmere sent from mom in Alaska
Needles: US6 straights
Time to finish: 3 days

Pattern: Green Gable sweater from Zephyr Style
Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (a birthday present from moi); 4 skeins
Needles: US6 & US4 circulars
Time to finish: 1 week

Pattern: Clapotis from Knitty
Yarn: Mango Moon Recycled Sari Silk
Needles: US8 circulars
Time to finish: 2 months

Pattern: Kate from Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted
Needles: US8 DPN
Time to finish: 5 days

Pattern: Big Bad Baby Blanket from SnB
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Super Sock; 4 skeins, double stranded
Needles: US6 circulars
Time to finish: 3 weeks

And last, but never least, everyone's favorite paralegal.....

FRAN!

SEX

2006-05-19T14:29:00.000-04:00

Not that I need SEX (stash enhancement excursion) but I am cursing the fact that I pay my bills (and am therefore low on funds) because I want to drive to Mass this weekend. And as long as I'm wishing, I want to go next weekend too.

Let It Begin

2006-05-19T08:59:00.000-04:00

Look what I got yesterday:

Not excited by the envelope? Fine. Here.

I knew the pointy sticks and yarn would get you going! It's a card from my spoiler for Secret Pal 8! I'm so excited, observe:

Hello SP and thank you for the card. It's fun knowing that you're lurking around here.

To my SP from 7: I never got the reveal. I'd love to know who you are so I can check out your blog, stop in, say hi, etc. I hope you're doing well.

And lastly my knit nerdiness has reached new heights (or lows). I've been parking down at the park and ride and taking the bus to work while they work on our parking garage. I enjoy this because it means more knitting time. But, I realized I may have gone too far when today, since I was in the middle of a row, I continued to knit while I exited the bus and walked down the block to work. I got some very concerned looks and even a few of straight up horror. I'm ashamed to admit that I was a little embarrassed.

Kraftamari Damacy

2006-05-17T16:25:00.000-04:00

A hand-embroidered patch:

And a nice pillow:

Both via Boing Boing

-Bill

Kate?

2006-05-16T11:13:00.000-04:00

OK, OK, I've had the satisfaction of a couple of quick knits and I have to get back to the baby sweater now. By the way, the baby I'm knitting for is named Rowan - guess what kind of yarn I'm using?
This is Kate from Knitty but Elah has named her Cheyenne Vera Guadalupe.

Pattern: Kate by Jess Hutchison for Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted
Source: Stash
Needles: Clover Takumi, US8 DPN
Size: I didn't measure her
Time to finish: 2 days

My sewing skills aren't great but that's no big surprise. I placed the ears too far forward and the legs are slightly askew but Elah loves it and that's what counts.
I had fun making Kate and would like to do more of the core (peanut) shape to give as baby gifts and maybe at least one where I use the triangles (ears) as pieces of a beak.

FOs and WIPs

2006-05-14T12:37:00.000-04:00

Pasha from Knitty, made for my sister, Sunshine. Her birthday's coming up, she loves penguins and I needed a quick knit project to distract me from everything on the needles.

Pattern: Pasha by Alexandra Virgiel for Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted
Source: Stash
Needles: Clover Takumi, US6
Size: Pasha stands at 8"
Time to finish: 3 days

And finally here are some pics of the finished Pinwheel baby blanket. I didn't actually finish it in time for the shower - I ended up presenting it as a gift unblocked and without having sewn in the ends. I took it home after the shower and finished it up.

Pattern:Pinwheel Baby Blanket
Yarn: Valley Yarns Longmeadow in Melon, approx. 500 yards.
Source: WEBS
Needles: Denise, US6 circular with as many extra lengths as I could add.
Size: Finished diameter is 38"
Time to finish: 7 days

I'm still also working on Clapotis and my second Baby's First Tattoo sweater (I should have a pic of the first sweater soon).

Covet

2006-05-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

You know how I have those three sweaters in progress and not a one complete sweater to my name yet? I don't care I must have this pattern. Maybe it could be a reward for finishing my spring classes? OK, OK, I'll wait a little while but mark my words, it will be mine.

The Ugly One!

2006-05-07T23:39:00.000-04:00

For those of you already familiar with Teen Girl Squad, I present these amazing mittens:

For those of you who haven't seen the cartoon, I present this
link

Who Am I?

2006-05-02T10:56:00.000-04:00

Time for Secret Pal 8!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Cashmere! Ha ha, I never buy cashmere and don’t expect my SP to lavish it upon me. I prefer natural fibers but never say no to anything. Content is important but so is feel. I’m over eyelash.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle case and the top drawer of a yarn trunk and a vase.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I’ve been knitting about two years; I’d rate myself as intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, it’s here.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I’m not s huge Yanke Candle fan but I do love the sage and citrus scent. I also like nag champa, white musk from the Body Shop, I like lavender, I like Skin Trip coconut lotion because it reminds me of my mom when I was a kid.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, I like milk chocolate, almost anything with nuts, good coffee (straight joe, not flavored).

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Well, after work, parenting, and homework the only DIY thing I can manage is dragging my ass to bed. I don’t spin and I am a beginning crochetier.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like everything, well everything that doesn't suck. But seriously Fear Factor to Common, Amiel to Emmy Lou Harris, Nikka Costa to Super Cat, Miles Davis to Stereolab, Chromeo to Coal Chamber - I like it all. Yes my computer can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Orange is my favorite color but I don't think my own coloring lends to my being able to really wear it. What's the new black this season? Maybe that will be my new favorite! *snark* There aren't really colors I don't like except maybe dusty rose and anything da-glo.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm single with a daughter who is five and a 19-year old cousin who also lives with us. We have 2 cats only one of which goes outside. I have a lot of family and good friends in the area.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I actually wear all of them, the ponchos I wear (I only have 2) are more like plain wraps sewn up on one side.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I don’t really have anything that I love above all else or anything that I abhor.

13. What are you knitting right now?
I have 2 sweaters for myself being neglected on the needles, a sweater with Bruce Lee for my friend’s son, my second Baby’s First Tattoo sweater and a summer weight Clapotis on the needles.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
That’s a little personal don’t you think? I mean we just met.
It really depends on the project, they all have their pros and cons.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yay! I do now.

17. How did you learn to knit?
My gramdmother’s friend taught me when I was a kid and I promptly put down my needles to go play in the dirt, I picked it up again when I was pregnant and knit 1 and 1/2 squares of a 9 square blanket and abandon it again. About a year and a half ago I picked up a book and got together with some knitters and have been obsessive ever since.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
About a year old.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Winter Solstice because we all get together to hang out, open gifts, and eat my mom's yummy grits for breakfast.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
I try not to do a ton of collecting because I have enough stuff but anything that catches my eye has the potential, I like dark woods, boxes, random trinkets from India, and I could go on and on, it's more about the item than the completion of or addition to a collection. The closest I come are items related to goddesses and female saints.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I’ve rated my books by preference on my Amazon wish list. I have no magazine subscriptions.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not that I can think of.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I wear a woman’s size US 9.5 shoe.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
11/30

Yarn Harlot

2006-04-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

As promised here are some pics from the trip Reba and I took to go see Stephanie Pearl-McPhee at Webs in Northampton, Mass.
Stephanie was great, witty, funny, self-deprecating - all the things I love about her. She seemed surprised by the number of knitters (and a couple of muggles I suspect) that came to see her but I wasn't.

Later we went to Webs and get this - I didn't buy ANY yarn! Can you believe it? I think I was on sensory overload. Reba and I were there for a total of 3 hours and there was just so much yarn, too much yarn for my tiny knitterly mind to comprehend. I'm ashamed to admit that I just couldn't handle it. I did, however, get Knitting Rules! signed.

Afterward Reba and I went to A to Z Science and Learning Store,

where Reba bought this sweet kite.

Finally we went to Osaka for some sushi before we hit the road. The trek up the mountain of stairs was worth it; not only was it some of the best sushi either of us ever had but our total bill was $35 - unheard of in the realm of Japanese cuisine.

Unfortunately it was raining and dark on the way home so it took us more like 4 hours than 3 to get home but it was fun. I haven't made a last minute road trip with a girlfriend since before E was born and I had a great time.

Make: Craft

2006-04-26T17:07:00.000-04:00

Make, the coolest DIY magazine ever, is releasing a new craft magazine this fall called, appropriately enough, Craft. Pretty cool.

-Bill

WIPs and Belated Thanks

2006-04-23T15:12:00.000-04:00

First I need to thank my Secret Pal for her latest package. Included was a multidirectional scarf

and these beautiful stitch markers that she made herself (there are actually 4 of the yellow ones).

I can't believe she took the time to make both items in my package and I really appreciate it. Thank you!

WIPs
I am in the process of sewing this together:

Making another one in these colors:

and hopefully finishing the pinwheel blanket (and writing a paper) by the 29th for a baby shower.

Coming up: Pictures from the trip Reba and I took to go see the Yarn Harlot.

Knit tagging

2006-04-22T17:47:00.000-04:00

Knitta: the art of knitting cozies for random placement out in the world. It's graffitti with yarn.

-Bill

I'm Not Alone

2006-04-06T09:04:00.000-04:00

It's nice to know I'm not the only one...

8-sided cleaning cloth????

2006-04-05T12:39:00.000-04:00

Bill here. Make the drudgery of housework fun... with science! It's not knitting, but it is crafty. This YouYube video shows how to turn a simple cloth into an 8 (or even 16)-sided super cleaning cloth! It's in Japanese, but the genius of this design is universal.

Thanks to Eve for pointing this out.

Invader Zim!!!

2006-03-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

Bill again...

Knit Gir.

via Fluid Motion.

Knitted bendy seamonster

2006-03-30T19:27:00.000-05:00

Bill here.

Aaaarrrgh!

Guess What I Got Today

2006-03-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

Observe:

Yarn Harlot

Knitting Rules!

Color Harmony Workbook

Jealous? You should be.

It Was This Big, I Swear

2006-03-20T11:09:00.000-05:00

Adrian over at Hello Yarn has posted a tutorial to make your own yardage counter. It's pretty cool and were I more inclined to build junk I might do it. An alternative for those as lazy as me? A two by four with two nails three feet apart, evey loop around your homemade counter is two yards. Enjoy!

Lace

2006-03-12T16:27:00.000-05:00

Eunny has started a series called "Majoring in Lace" on her blog. It's like a FAQ of lace knitting, the everything you always wanted to know but didn't know who to ask. Even if you're not terribly interested in lace knitting, I encourage you to go see what she's saying, it very interesting and there are deffinately tips and ideas you can apply to you worsted or bulky knitting.

Squid vs. GI

2006-03-09T17:49:00.000-05:00

Who will win?

Me-ow

2006-03-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

EST, I say you try this on Phineaus...

(not really, I know what would happen and this time it would be your fault.)

Whatcha Been Up To?

2006-02-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Should I have said "To what have you been up?" I don't know but I'm sure G knows someone I could ask!

I'm in the process of knitting some long fingerless gloves. I think they'll be great at work; I love having a great big window but it is chilly with a capital C in the winter. Observe:

Knit with Noro Silk Garden on US 8.

Also I finally took a pic of my panta:

Knit with Noro Lily on US 5.

Thank You!

2006-02-16T21:18:00.000-05:00

Thank you Secret Pal who is from Georgia and is not enjoying the 50º on Wednesday to 19º on Thursday temperature change we've been cursing up here. I have to admit I've been remiss in properly thanking my SP, but my back is better, I'm caught up on most of my work and most importantly, I have batteries for my camera (expect more pics soon).

My lovely and talented (I know I've never seen him/her but what do you care? Stop being so nit-picky.) SP sent me 2 skeins of Sockotta, cotton/wool blend sock yarn) and some Gevalia hazelnut coffee. I'm usually a straight joe drinker, no flavors, but this coffee is damn good.

Thank you, thank you, thank you SP, for the great gifts and for being so patient while I recovered.

Skepchicks and a F.S.M. hat

2006-01-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

Bill here. The tremendously cool Skepchicks have instructions for creating your own Flying Spaghetti Monster hat:

Have you been touched by His noodly appendage?

KD

2006-01-30T17:58:00.000-05:00

Naa na na na na na na na Katamari Damacy.

NonKnitting Post

2006-01-30T17:54:00.000-05:00

This post is special for Reba and EST; I know it's not knitting but you might have to make it anyway.
Link

Panta

2006-01-30T17:48:00.000-05:00

I knit a panta this past weekend. I love it but I made a couple of changes to the pattern so I would love the next one better except that the next one is being knit for my secret pal. No pics as of yet, I keep forgetting my camera at work. In the mean time, here's my pattern.

The biggest changes are the provisional CO, the three needles BO and the change in the length of the sections (they're not equal).

Panta
Knit using US size 5 needles and Noro Lily

CO 19 (I used a provisional cast on then picked up the stitches when I was done to do a 3 needle bind off so I didn’t have to seam it.)

Section 1
Row 1 K1 *P2, K1 Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P1 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 1 & 2 10 more times

Section 2
Row 1 K1 *P2, K1, M1 Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P2 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K2 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P2 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 14 more times

Section 3
Row 1 K1 *P2, K2, M1 Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P3 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K3 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P3 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 14 more times

Section 4
Row 1 K1 *P2, K3, M1 Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P4 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K4 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P4 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 12 more times

Section 5
Row 1 K1 *P2, K4, M1 Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P5 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K5 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P5 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 12 more times

Section 6
Row 1 K1 *P2, K3, K2tog Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P4 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K4 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P4 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 12 more times

Section 7
Row 1 K1 *P2, K2, K2tog Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P3 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K3 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P3 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 14 more times

Section 8
Row 1 K1 *P2, K1, K2tog Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P2 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K2 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P2 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 14 more times

Section 9
Row 1 K1 *P2, K2tog Repeat from *
Row 2 P1 *K2, P1 Repeat from *
Row 3 K1 *P2, K1 Repeat from *
Row 4 P1 *K2, P1 Repeat from *
Repeat rows 3 & 4 8 more times

Bind off and weave in ends.

Free To Stitch 'n Bitch

2006-01-24T14:26:00.000-05:00

Update

2006-01-24T12:33:00.000-05:00

I got my yarn from Elann and am such an impulse shopper that I forgot I also bought 5 balls of a merino, baby alpaca, cashmere yarn. The sweater will go quickly, I knit on 15s to get my gauge; it'll be a nice change after all those gloves.

Speaking of gloves...I tinked (unknit) each of the fingers on Elah's gloves and added 5 rows; they fit much better now.

Also I've scrapped the fuzzy pillow since I don;t have quite enough yarn and decided to make a scarf for my sister, Sunshine.

New Site

2006-01-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

This site shows some promise. I have to make Snowball's Chance in Hell.

(I couldn't decide on which button to use)

I Love This Place

2006-01-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

So you remember how I was trying to bust my stash and not buy any more yarn? Yeah right. Last night I was poking around the internets and found this free pattern on Elann. Normally I don't like their patterns but this one intrigued me and I decided that I must make it. The pattern calls for 2 different colors of a discontinued yarn so I bought one color I liked at Elann and then did a Google search for some more in colors others than those on Elann.

Enter Knot Another Hat. Not only did Knot Another Hat have the yarn I wanted but they had it at a very competitive price and only 7 skeins left! The pattern only called for 6 of each color but I like to get an extra just in case. Unfortunately, 9 minutes after I placed my order I got an email from Sarah, the owner, reporting that some skeins were missing from the back and she only had 4 available. Some further searching turned up one more but it still wasn't enough for my pattern. Not only did she do some more searching when she got to work this morning (I said I could probably squeak by if she found 1 more), but she emailed me all throughout the process to keep me updated.

She never did find the missing skeins and refunded my money immediately. I will definitely be returning to the online store. I only wish the women at our local stores were this friendly and helpful.

huh huh...

2006-01-19T18:28:00.000-05:00

(definitely) Bill here (not Emily),

Shocker mittens!!! (via Fluid Motion)

Pictures!

2006-01-16T21:16:00.000-05:00

My mom's hat:

Knit using 9s for ribbing and 10 1/2s for stockinette with 2 strands of Plymouth Encore worsted. The pattern is the basic hat pattern found in Yarn Girl's Guide to Simple Knits.

My mom's bike helmet ear warmers:

What a dork, I kinda look like I have a uterus on my ear (very mom appropriate).
Knit using Lamb's Pride worsted on 8s. Pattern found here.

2006-01-16T10:51:00.000-05:00

I finished Elah's gloves.

The thumbs are a couple of rows too short so I'll have to frog them a bit and reknit but first I have to get her to take them off! I also frogged my mom's hat last night and added 4 rows, a pic of that will come soon. Right now I'm working on some ear flaps for my mom's bike helmet. I found the pattern in issue #1 of the Men Knit zine. It's nice to knit something small on 8s after all that work on 2s and 3s; it's also a great stash buster as I have all these random skeins of Lamb's Pride hanging around.

I Love eBay

2006-01-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

Last night I bought two each - 24" US0, US3, US4 and one 24" US5 Addi Turbo circular needles. In my LYS that's about $90 and I got them for less than $50 including shipping. Yay eBay!

a gallery of knitted robots

2006-01-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

I should really make myself my own KK account. -Bill

Who Needs Gloves?

2006-01-12T00:49:00.000-05:00

Apparently I am glove crazy - I made the first pair for my mom less than a month ago and have since made a fingerless pair for L and I started a pair for E lah today. It seem like a perfect time to work on that unfinished sweater, it knits quick and would save my eyesight.

Progress: This is the first glove and I LOVE knitting on the 2 circulars.

Regia Crazy Color 5402
US #2

Socks Soar

2006-01-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

I recently bought Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles by Cat Bordhi. I tried the technique out tonight and it was super easy to get the hang of (of which to get the hang?). I like that my knitting rests on circulars while not in use, I'm not so freaked out about it falling off the needles. So, now I just need to go buy 24" US 0s, 1s, 3s, 4s, 5s and 6s - I already have the 2s. I bought metal needles made by Prym because they were 1/2 the price of the Addi Turbos and I like them...Elah only needs one kidney, right?

Observe:

Who Am I Again?

2006-01-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

Secret Pal 7

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
Sigh, the word snob is so... But yes, I do prefer natural fibers or blends.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No but I am trying to learn to crochet, my last SP sent me a hook and a book.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle case and the top drawer of a yarn and a vase.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I’ve been knitting about a year and a half; I’d rate myself as intermediate.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, it’s here.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I’m not s huge Yanke Candle fan but I do love the sage and citrus scent. I also like nag champa, white musk from the Body Shop, I like lavender, I like Skin Trip coconut lotion because it reminds me of my mom when I was a kid.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, I like milk chocolate, almost anything with nuts, good coffee.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Well, after work, parenting, and homework the only DIY thing I can manage is dragging my ass to bed.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like everything, well everything that doesn't suck. But seriously Fear Factor to Common, Amiel to Emmy Lou Harris, Nikka Costa to Super Cat, Miles Davis to Stereolab - I like it all. Yes my computer can play MP3s. My new favorite is Matisyahu, I just bought Live at Stubbs.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Orange is my favorite color but I don't think my own coloring lends to my being able to really wear it. What's the new black this season? Maybe that will be my new favorite! *snark* There aren't really colors I don't like except maybe dusty rose.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm single with a daughter who turned five in September. We have 2 cats only one of which goes outside. I have a lot of family and good friends in the area.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I actually wear all of them, the ponchos I wear (I only have 2) are more like plain wraps stitched on one side.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don't know that I have a favorite; Lamb's Pride is probably what I use most often. They have some yarn I keep saying I’m going to try made out of bamboo at my LYS that seems soft.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Eyelash was fun for a minute but I'm pretty much over that one. I'm not a fan of a lot of acrylic but I have come across yarn that was secretly* acrylic that I liked.

*I would have sworn that the yarn was a natural fiber but it was just undercover.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I’ve been doing a lot of work on small needles, gloves and mittens mostly. I’ll soon attack socks again as well. My latest obsession is busting my stash.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I don’t know.

17. What are you knitting right now?
Mittens, fingerless gloves and fingered gloves (and as always my Marilyn Sweater).

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I usually use straight but I just purchased “Socks Soar on 2 Circular Needles” so that preference may change.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I mostly own bamboo, I like the feel of wood and the fact that my yarn was less apt to slip off but lately I’ve been using aluminum when I can – I don’t like the feel as much but I like the speed. Really I’m good with anything as long as I’m knitting.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No but I’d love to.

22. How did you learn to knit?
My gramdmother’s friend taught me when I was a kid and I promptly put down my needles to go play in the dirt, I picked it up again when I wa pregnant and knit 1 and 1/2 squares of a 9 square blanket and abandon it again. About a year and a half ago I picked up a book and got together with some knitters and have been obsessive ever since.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
That damn Marilyn Sweater! I’ve actually knit it twice and just have to seam it, I’ve been working on it for about 6 months.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Hello Kitty is my favorite animated character. My favorite animals are frogs and octopuses (but realistic ones, not cartoony).

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Winter Solstice because we all get together to hang out, open gifts, and eat my mom's yummy grits for breakfast.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
I try not to do a ton of collecting because I have enough stuff but anything that catches my eye has the potential, I like dark woods, boxes, random trinkets from India, and I could go on and on, it's more about the item than the completion of or addition to a collection. The closest I come is items related to goddesses and female saints.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I’ve rated my books by preference on my Amazon wish list.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not that I can think of.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I wear a woman’s size 9.5 shoe.

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
11/30

It should also be noted that there are 2 Emilys that post to this blog. I'm E to the M and the other is simply Emily.

Update

2006-01-09T10:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came to the SnB at my house yesterday, I had a blast and managed to be productive as well. I finished the baby hat from the Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook - instead of using the called for cashmere I used one of the skeins of KnitPicks yarn my last secret pal sent.

I also finished my first fingerless glove using Noro Lily. I think I'll end up giving these to my friend L.

Here are some pics for you.

The Christmas Mouse

2006-01-06T12:32:00.000-05:00

Phinneas's new catnip filled cotton mouse! (What a handsome boy, if I do say so myself...)

Today's Knitting

2006-01-03T22:02:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to bust my stash. I found two yarns that Elah picked out that the Kaleidoscope tent sale so I decided to make her a hat. I started last night and almost finished at work today when I discovered it was way too big. So I ripped it out and re-knit it. I finished it after work and almost made it too small but Elah loves it and that's all that matters. Up next, fuzzy pillow.

2006-01-02T21:26:00.000-05:00

As promised here are the patterns.

Awesome Possum

2006-01-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

Anyone here ever hear of Perino? Me either. But a woman in my office recently went to New Zealand for a month so I gave her $50 and asked her to pick out some yarn for me. I got some merino, some basic wool, some yarn that's Oscar the Grouch green and a big honkin' hank of Perino (about 550 yards).

Perino, put simply is possum yarn. The Australian bush tailed possum was originally brought to NZ to establish the fur trade now they are a big problem, eating native trees that subsequently die and consuming the food of native bird species. Oh, and did I mention that there are more than 70 million of these cuties? Possum link 1, link 2. Anyway people seem to be singing the praises of possum yarn (link 1, link 2) and I am very excited to try it out. Any pattern ideas?

Space Invaders tote bag

2006-01-02T16:11:00.000-05:00

(Bill here)

At Craftster via Boing Boing

Passion for Knitting

2005-12-29T00:33:00.000-05:00

Tonight on VPR I caught the tail end of the rebroadcast of the Passion for Knitting episode of Open Source. What I heard was great and as soon as I got home I downloaded the podcast. Highlights include interviews with Debbie Stoller and Joe Wilcox. One of the best things I heard - there's a website full of patterns with a creative commons license (link).

Update: While I haven't actually listened to the podcast yet this knitter wasn't to impressed with the show. And as far as I can tell Stitching for Sanity is actually just someone's blog, not a pattern compendium.

Secret Pal 7

2005-12-22T19:39:00.000-05:00

I'm about to do it again! Secret Pal 7 is coming up! I had so much fun last time, I can't wait to do it again.

KnitCast

2005-12-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

How did I not know about this? I feel like I should hand in my nerd card for only having just discovered a knitting podcast.

Gloves!

2005-12-17T14:23:00.000-05:00

I was hoping that I could knit 2 gloves and do my final paper in 5 days but alas it wasn't meant to be. I did finish one glove which I'll wrap for my mom and I'll bring the other to Solstice to work on. On the plus side I did finish my paper.

Secret Pal 6

2005-12-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

Secret Pal 6 has drawn to a close and not only did I get to find out who my secret pal was but I got one final package as well! My pal is Lynette and can be found here and here. My last package included a crocheted washcloth and small bag, homemade soap, bath salts and a bath fizzy and some yarn in my favorite color, orange.

This was my first SP and I had a blast! I will definitely do it again! I had so much fun spoiling my pal and being spoiled. Thank you, Lynette!

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2005-12-10T14:01:00.000-05:00

I've been enjoying the 16 degree weather, except the exact opposite of that. On the plus side I've been getting a lot of knitting done. I knit my first pair of mittens and for Elah ad then knit another pair in LSU purple for my cousin, Grayson, which I felted. The mittens are great except that the thumb is too small to fit anyone I know. See the progress below.

I'm also working on my first pair of gloves with some hand dyed yarn I got at the craft fair at the Waldorf school in Shelburne. The only thing I would change about the pattern is doing the ribbing in a smaller needle and decreasing 4 stitches or so on the first round of stockinette. Aside from those 2 minor details I love the pattern, thanks for letting me hoard you book, Reba! I'm very excited and my mom already hinted very heavily that she could use a pair; she even went as far as to show me her everyday winter hat so I could see which shade of grey would best match. Very subtle.

What Not to Crochet

2005-12-09T19:52:00.000-05:00

This is Bill. In the spirit of You Knit What? comes this snark fest about the craft of crochet. Here.

About Effing Time

2005-11-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

Look, look, pictures - the pictures I said I would post weeks ago. Mmmmm yarn & chocolate.

I finally took some pictures of the things I got from my Super Secret Pal. First, a picture of the yarn and needle that were in the first package.

Next the most recent package I got from Secret Pal; 2 skeins of Knit Picks Sock Landscape (that I may use for gloves) and a bar of yummy chocolate infused with Early Grey tea (it almost killed me to wait until I took a picture of it so I could finally break into it).

Secret Pal 6 is now over and I had a great time. It was so fun to try and chose items for my pal that I though she would like and it was so exciting to get unexpected packages in the mail.

Guess what this is.

2005-11-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

Bill here. Take a look at this picture:

Stumped? It's a crocheted Flying Spaghetti Monster marital aid cozy of course!

via Boing Boing

Knitting update from Jess

2005-11-20T14:27:00.000-05:00

Due to an overload of school work, my knitting time has been limited. I have completed a few projects: a pair of socks (I am sock obsessed) and a dark purple scarf made from chinchilla. A brand of yarn, not the animal. Now that it has gotten colder and my major school projects are behind me I need to finish a pair of gloves I have been working on for six months and start on other warm articles of clothing, including a hat, other scarfs, and a sweater. By the way the gloves are electric blue, and should look pretty sweet when finished.I have the yarn for all of these projects, I just have not had the time to start them. I will try to gain access to a digital camera some time soon so I can actually post pictures of what I have been creating lately!

"I do (knit)."

2005-11-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

(it's Bill) From Make Blog via Boing Boing comes this link to an all-knitted wedding.

A little late for Halloween

2005-11-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

Knitted Dawn of the Dead

Worst Pal Ever

2005-11-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

So my Secret Pal sent me my first package a couple of weeks ago and I have yet to properly thank her. When I first opened the package the first thing I saw was a picture of a terribly ugly crocheted vest. My first reaction was "I'm doomed!" Then I realized that my fabulous secret pal read my questionnaire and knew I'd like to learn some basic crochet. The vest was a pattern in the back of a publication called "Learn to Crochet in One Day." *relief* She also sent me a beautiful crochet hook and 2 balls of Debbie Bliss cotton angora and a lovely shade of light purple.

My computer is all fixed and at home and my camera is back from being lent out so I swear I'll post a pic soon...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Secret Pal!

In other news the seaming class I took at Northeast Fiber Arts was great! I learned so much new stuff about finishing (even things that take place in the beginning like casting on), that I am in the process of frogging my entire Marilyn Sweater so I can re-knit it. So far I've re-knit one sleeve and am almost done with the back (I didn't put the cable on the back, I thought it was weird).

I also borrowed a book from Reba and knit my first pair of gloves for Elah and I've knit one oversized glove of a pair for my cousin Grayson (in LSU purple of course) that I plan to felt.

I feel like there's more but it escapes me at the moment.

I'm not trying to avoid doing math homework...

2005-10-31T15:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am avoiding math homework. Here are two scarves I've made. The purple one is from last winter, while the stripey one is still on the needles. That one has taken forever! I keep ignoring it while I work on other things and then when those things get boring, I return to it. Someday I'll actually finish everything that I start. Ha.

Knerd gloves redux

2005-10-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

So here are a couple of detail shots of the knerd gloves. Notice the easy access thumb!

The knerdiest knerd to ever knerd this side of knerdville

2005-10-30T16:42:00.000-05:00

So these are my very own video game playing gloves. Specially made so that the thumb is not constrained, yet can be covered up if it gets cold. There is also a nifty optional finger cover that can be buttoned onto the back of the glove. I realized that these were a necessity about a week ago when, after many hours playing the best game ever, I looked down at my cold, stiff fingers and saw that my nails had gone a lovely shade of blue.

Sweater post # 1

2005-10-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Man, how I wish I had saved the first couple of sweaters I made. They were...well...um...interesting. The very first one was made following a pattern (now vanished) from the Berroco website. I didn't know any better. It called for their "Furz" yarn. I'm so ashamed. Anyway, that went off to the salvation army, and I moved on to bigger and better (or at least less furry) things. The grey one is a mind-bendingly warm sweater from the first stitch'n'bitch book. I love it, but it's a little bulky. I feel the same way about the Simply Marylin (pink one) that I recently made. It's lovely except for its bulk and that stupid collar. E to the M has altered it and I'll probably frog mine and steal whatever good idea she came up with.

knit a digestive track!

2005-10-28T20:07:00.000-04:00

From craftster.org:

Knit yourself a double helix

2005-10-27T15:45:00.000-04:00

Bill here...

Go here for instructions (scroll down the page a bit).

via Boing Boing

Two from Boing Boing

2005-10-22T16:24:00.000-04:00

Bill here. I spotted two cool craft-related items on BB (both from craftster.org) today and thought I'd share...

1. crocheted infant Yoda ears!

2. Lego robot that winds yarn!

Updates

2005-10-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

I've finished the Simply Marilyn Sweater! OK, that's a lie - I still have to seam it and knit the collar but then I'll be done. There's a seaming class at Kaleidoscope in mid November and if I can avoid the finishing that long I might sign up for it.

I finished the My So Called Scarf and I've made my first cedar sachet.

No pics as of yet since my computer is going to Small Dog today to ask the wizard for a brain but they'll come soon.

On another note, Kaleidoscope Yarns started a blog of their own.

What'd You Call Me?

2005-10-03T10:19:00.000-04:00

Yet another quiz. Want to know a secret? The first time I took the test I was acrylic! We can't have that so I went through and re-answered the questions that I was on the fence about - now I'm merino...much better.

You are Merino Wool.
You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to
keep you close because you are so soft-hearted.
You love to be comfortable and warm from your
head to your toes.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

It's Like Crack!

2005-10-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

I shouldn't be allowed to go to a tent sale with my checkbook. Behold the damage.

Cedar chips for holiday gifts, tons of Lang baby cotton for hats 'n stuff, a finished hat for Elah, Lang rainbow colored yard (50% wool, 50% acrylic) for an Elah sweater, a moebius wrap thing I bought,Lang Furore in grey and green for a pillow, Berroco Denim Silk to make shopping bags, Berroco Duo (purple and rainbow) for whatever and pink Pronto because Elah loves pink.

I think I may have a problem. I did manage not to buy any yarn and the sheep and wool show but I did get some goat's milk soap and a fingerless mitt pattern. I need a nap.

All the cool kids will be there...

2005-09-30T19:09:00.000-04:00

So Reba, E to the M and I are going to spend our Saturday by doing what is becoming an end-of-summer tradition for many Vermont knitters--the tent sale at Kaleidoscope and then the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival--Hooray!
Be there or be square.

Felting with a sander

2005-09-29T18:08:00.000-04:00

Bill here. Got this link from Making Light.

I want her to be our friend.

2005-09-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

This knitting blog titled, "Pesky'apostrophe: always better than an unexpected period" is kinda hip, kinda snarky and I am now this woman's friend (even if she doesn't know it yet). I mean, not only is she a knitter, she knows about national talk like a pirate day and she's a pastafarian! Cool.

WTF?

2005-09-28T15:45:00.000-04:00

Why you gotta be like that?

2005-09-28T15:40:00.000-04:00

This guy has issues.

A Girl's Best Friend

2005-09-25T21:39:00.000-04:00

I finally started working on the Marilyn sweater this Saturday. I know what the girls over at You Knit What said but I already bought the expensive yarn and have to do it. I may enlist the help of Jess B or the other Emily S to help me rework the collar - I'm thinking a cowl may be more flattering for those of us that can't see their toes.

Progress as of Sunday night? Two sleeves and a cable swatch as I've never knit any cables before.

Mmmm Nerdy

2005-09-17T14:18:00.000-04:00

This pattern post is special for Ami the Red, my mostest favorite science nerd.

DNA Scarf

Stupefied

2005-09-16T22:28:00.000-04:00

I know that the whole point over at You Knit What is to point out the horrendous, the ugly, the shameful in fiber but this leaves me absolutely speechless.

Who Am I?

2005-09-15T22:34:00.000-04:00

I completely forgot to post my Secret Pal questionnaire to give my pal an idea of who I am and what I like. As a bonus it'll probably get rid of that creepy pic from Germany. If you already know me or just don't care, skip this post.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I don't really care what brand it is as long as it doesn't feel like sandpaper against my skin. That being said I do tend to gravitate toward more natural fibers.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Not yet but I'd love to learn to crochet.

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

4. How long have you been knitting?
I learned when I was a kid and picked it p for a minute when I was pregnant but didn't become obsessive or really even very interested until about a year ago.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes but I don't think there's anything knitting related on there.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like lavender, I like Skin Trip coconut lotion because it reminds me of my mom when I was a kid. I tend to like darker scents, sagey, musky (not too musky!), sandalwoody, Nag Champa kind of smells.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, I like milk chocolate, almost anything with nuts, good coffee.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Well, after work, parenting, and homework the only DIY thing I can manage is dragging my ass to bed.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like everything, well everything that doesn't suck. But seriously Fear Factor to Common, Amiel to Emmy Lou Harris, Nikka Costa to Super Cat, Miles Davis to Stereolab - I like it all. Yes my computer can play MP3s.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Orange is my favorite color but I don't think my own coloring lends to my being able to really wear it. What's the new black this season? Maybe that will be my new favorite! *snark* There aren't really colors I don't like except maybe dusty rose.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm single with a daughter who turns five on 18/9. We have 2 cats only one of which goes outside.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To be able to take naps, to not get so wrapped up in what I think I'm supposed to be doing that I miss out on my daughter's life, to be a super math nerd.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I don't know that I have a favorite; Lamb's Pride is probably what I use most often. They have some yard made out of bamboo at my LYS that seems soft I may try soon.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Eyelash was fun for a minute but I'm pretty much over that one. I'm not a fan of a lot of acrylic but I have come across yarn that was secretly* acrylic that I liked.

*I would have sworn that the yarn was a natural fiber but it was just undercover.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I've done two first socks and that's going well, winter is creeping up so hats will come back into the mix, I'd like to make a pair of gloves (for the first time) this winter and finally do a whole sweater. I always love to felt.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I don't know

17. What are you knitting right now?
2 scarves, some socks and a hat.

18. What do you think about ponchos?
I prefer wraps but some ponchos are nice.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
It depends on the job.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I use bamboo mostly but I do own both plastic and aluminum.

21. Are you a sock knitter?
Yes

22. How did you learn to knit?
Most recently I bought some books, ask my friend Jessica (who's been knitting since she was 5), and got together for a SnB at my house.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I have a scarf I work on when I have no other projects, that one is probably 4 or 5 months old.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Hello Kitty is my favorite animated character. My favorite animals are frogs and octopuses (but realistic ones, not cartoony).

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Winter Solstice because we all get together to hang out, open gifts, and eat my mom's yummy grits for breakfast.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
I try not to do a ton of collecting because I have enough stuff but anything that catches my eye has the potential, I like dark woods, boxes, random trinkets from India, and I could go on and on, it's more about the item than the completion of or addition to a collection.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
My friend just got That Darn Yarn from her Secret Pal and it looks great. Last Minute Knitted Gifts looks interesting as does Weekend Knitting. Nicky Epstein seems to have some good books out. I also like the Yarn Girls and while I could go on forever, there's not anything I've been dying to get my hands on.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
Not right now, the internet and one click shopping mean that my impulsiveness take care of that most times.

Crazy Aunt Purl

2005-09-14T17:50:00.000-04:00

Okay Em, I'll help push the offending post off the front page too...

Amy at Fluid Motion recommends this knitting site.

"The true-life diary of a thirty-something, soon to be divorced, obsessive-compulsive knitter who has four cats. (Because nothing is sexier than a divorced woman with four cats.)"

Gluttony For Knitters & Yarn Hoes

2005-09-12T14:05:00.000-04:00

October 1st is a day to indulge!
First the Kaleidoscope Tent Sale from 9-2 Link
Next the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival from 10-5 (10-4 on the 2nd) Link
And to finish off the day, a knitting and pasta potluck at Margot's house!

Thank to Margot for her knitting mania email.

My New Goal

2005-09-12T13:55:00.000-04:00

So even though I haven't been doing a lot of knitting I do have a new Knit Knerds oriented goal. I am going to scour the web for knitting stories and link and anything else I can find so enough posts get on the blog to knock Bill's AAARRGH! post off the front page. No offense Bill, it was a great post but I just can't take it any more...

Bizarre knit sculptures

2005-09-08T19:54:00.000-04:00

Billnotem here. Check these out.

About Time

2005-08-28T15:26:00.000-04:00

As promised here are the pictures of my latest knitting foray.

My 1st sock! Knit with Cherry Mountain on 3s.

One of the socks I'm making for Elah; she wanted it to be a short sock and since she's been gone I'm not sure if it actually fits... Knit with Koigu on 2.5s.

The wavy scarf from knitty, I'm about half way done. Knit with Lamb's Pride worsted on 7s.

Many thanks to Ami the Red for refinishing the beautiful wooden platter I used for the backdrop.

I'm a Big Fat Liar

2005-08-25T17:45:00.000-04:00

I swear those pics are coming soon.

In the mean time I am finishing my semester's coursework and starting my new semester on 6 September. No rest for the weary I guess.

I'm most of the way through a sock for Elah and think I'll have enough yarn for a second pair - maybe enough for me! I'm so afraid of forgetting short rows again that I've been randomly knitting a couple of inches in the round and then throwing on a heel, knitting a couple more inches and throwing on another heel and so on. The finished creation is kinda gross, like some infected, pocketed esophagus or something. No pics of that, I already frogged it.

Secret Pal 6

2005-08-17T17:35:00.000-04:00

I signed up for Secret Pal 6! Remember when Margot did Secret Pal 3? I am a tingle with anticipation...

Update

2005-08-17T14:42:00.000-04:00

I've finished my Zeeby's Bag. I'm not too keen on it, it's beautiful but I need a bag with more structure. I think I'll give it to my little sister for Solstice this winter.

I'm about half way through the wavy scarf.

And I just have the toe to finish on my first sock, Jess is going to give me the short row refresher on Saturday at our SnB.

I'll try and get some pics up tonight.