OK maybe she doesn't, least not that I've seen. I'm just terrible with titles.
But I do rule! *nods*
I finished my first knit item this morning, WOOT! I bound off Hash's scarf this morning on the bus and finished weaving in the ends about 30 minutes ago. AND I still have enough yarn left over to make him a matching hat! I know just the pattern I'm going to use too.
Next on the list: a skullcap that's about half done. I'm using LB Wool-Ease (which I love) in a nifty navy and cadet blue twist. So far I think it's kicks ass. And if Hash doesn't appreciate it (like several other hats I've made him...) I'm definately snagging this one for myself, bwahahaha.
I had the camera in my bag this morning and took it out because I didn't think I'd need/want it today. Now I'm kinda kicking myself. Oh well a pic will have to come later. I still need to block the scarf anyways. Since I used 4x4 ribbing it has cinched itself down to a 5" width when it's suppose to be 7".
It's an uber simple pattern but since it's my first knit item and design I'd like to share it. =) So expect a pattern soon. Actually I already have it typed up but I'll wait for a pic before I post it.
Yay me!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
What is up?
Works been slow this week and for once I haven't been going stir crazy. If there's no work my boss really doesn't care what you're doing at your desk as long as you're around in case something comes up and you're needed.
Lucky me, eh? Well I've been using my downtime for some very useful things finally (instead of just surfing the 'net and the like).
There's going to be another Lion's Club truck-o-goodies delievery in two weeks so more Katrina Relief washclothes have been whipped up. I hope some of the other gals in the work Stitch'N group donate a few more. The ones they've already donated were gorgeous and very appriciated!
We have our big Stitch'N get together this coming Tuesday. It'll be the first one I've attended so I'm all stoked.
So ummm here's a pic of me hard at work... just not on work-like stuff, hehe. This pic is a couple days old (I forgot to download then, heh) so I've got a lot more done on this scarf now. Hash and I have determined it's 2/5 complete. =D
Honest though. There's been nada for work. I work in the Annunities department of an insurance agenecy and if there's not a new product to file with each state... then there's not a whole lot to do around there. When there is work tho, I bust my ass. Cuz tho I might not love my job, it's not the worst I've had. And I dig the nice checks, heh.
Lucky me, eh? Well I've been using my downtime for some very useful things finally (instead of just surfing the 'net and the like).
There's going to be another Lion's Club truck-o-goodies delievery in two weeks so more Katrina Relief washclothes have been whipped up. I hope some of the other gals in the work Stitch'N group donate a few more. The ones they've already donated were gorgeous and very appriciated!
We have our big Stitch'N get together this coming Tuesday. It'll be the first one I've attended so I'm all stoked.
So ummm here's a pic of me hard at work... just not on work-like stuff, hehe. This pic is a couple days old (I forgot to download then, heh) so I've got a lot more done on this scarf now. Hash and I have determined it's 2/5 complete. =D
Honest though. There's been nada for work. I work in the Annunities department of an insurance agenecy and if there's not a new product to file with each state... then there's not a whole lot to do around there. When there is work tho, I bust my ass. Cuz tho I might not love my job, it's not the worst I've had. And I dig the nice checks, heh.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Can't we all just knit along?
It's funny-ironic, not funny-haha, how much tension I see in a group of people that came their craft is so relaxing (1).
Squabbles that have me about ready to scream:
(2) man-made fibers are evil, they're the ultimate downfall needle crafters, especially knitters
(3) socks on circular needles versus double-pointed needles
(4) hats on double-pointed needles versus straight needles
(5) knitter A's method and/or hand position is faster then knitter B's ever will be
(6) charity crafts are a waste of time as you will never know if the receiver will use or appreciate your time and money in the project
(7) adding crochet to a knit project will "dumb it down" or "make it tacky"
And so the rants begin:
(1) Why is it only knitting is denoted as being so damn relaxing? Crochet which is much more like knitting then many knitters seem to want to admit is just as relaxing. And to be honest with less tools, jargon, and hype, crochet is actually a LOT more relaxing for me, personally.
Every week there seems to be a new book on how good knitting is for our imperiled souls... It'll fix all your ills; bratty kids, failing marriage, shitty boss? End it all now with knitting! I mean really, are women now ditching their therapists and Zoloft for 2-5 sticks and some string like it's a miracle cure?
Any day now I'm waiting for the news report or book review that states "Knitting will help you achieve orgasms that'll have you screaming like Mariah Carey sings!"
(2) Just because its acrylic doesn't mean its Red Heart... and just because it's Red Heart doesn't mean it doesn't have its uses.
A selfish want of all things natural is what has lead to extinct creatures, plants, and resources all over the world. If we have the technology to recreate a lot of these fibers and not hurt the environment and save money, why not recreate them?
I spent 3 hours at my LYS (The Yarn Shop) this past weekend and to be honest I wasn't impressed with much there. From a distance everything looked like something I could get at Joann's and when touched it a lot of it felt down right creepy.
Alpaca was tacky/sticky, wool is wool is wool which is all good, rayon was too slick almost slimy, cashmere smelled funny (like a very musty slightly wet dog) and mohair felt the same fake or otherwise.
*shrug* But then that's just one Anti-Snobs' opinion. I don't care what you use as long as you don't give me shit about what I choose to use.
(3) & (4) Who the fuck cares as long as the finished project looks the way YOU want?! 'Nuff said.
(5) You know what I hate about competition? It always comes down to two things: Someone rules and someone sucks. I hate that. I'd go so far as to say I abhor it.
And making a competition out of a "relaxing" craft just defeats the point of it being relaxing. So just fucking stop it already.
(6) You're sick and selfish and I hope wolves eat your children.
(7) Snobbery at it's finest, eh? I happen to think some of the most beautiful designs I've ever seen have been a mix of two marvelous crafts.
Maybe if Julia Roberts added a crocheted lace trim to something you'd think it was less "tacky". Until then STFU.
/end Rant
Squabbles that have me about ready to scream:
(2) man-made fibers are evil, they're the ultimate downfall needle crafters, especially knitters
(3) socks on circular needles versus double-pointed needles
(4) hats on double-pointed needles versus straight needles
(5) knitter A's method and/or hand position is faster then knitter B's ever will be
(6) charity crafts are a waste of time as you will never know if the receiver will use or appreciate your time and money in the project
(7) adding crochet to a knit project will "dumb it down" or "make it tacky"
And so the rants begin:
(1) Why is it only knitting is denoted as being so damn relaxing? Crochet which is much more like knitting then many knitters seem to want to admit is just as relaxing. And to be honest with less tools, jargon, and hype, crochet is actually a LOT more relaxing for me, personally.
Every week there seems to be a new book on how good knitting is for our imperiled souls... It'll fix all your ills; bratty kids, failing marriage, shitty boss? End it all now with knitting! I mean really, are women now ditching their therapists and Zoloft for 2-5 sticks and some string like it's a miracle cure?
Any day now I'm waiting for the news report or book review that states "Knitting will help you achieve orgasms that'll have you screaming like Mariah Carey sings!"
(2) Just because its acrylic doesn't mean its Red Heart... and just because it's Red Heart doesn't mean it doesn't have its uses.
A selfish want of all things natural is what has lead to extinct creatures, plants, and resources all over the world. If we have the technology to recreate a lot of these fibers and not hurt the environment and save money, why not recreate them?
I spent 3 hours at my LYS (The Yarn Shop) this past weekend and to be honest I wasn't impressed with much there. From a distance everything looked like something I could get at Joann's and when touched it a lot of it felt down right creepy.
Alpaca was tacky/sticky, wool is wool is wool which is all good, rayon was too slick almost slimy, cashmere smelled funny (like a very musty slightly wet dog) and mohair felt the same fake or otherwise.
*shrug* But then that's just one Anti-Snobs' opinion. I don't care what you use as long as you don't give me shit about what I choose to use.
(3) & (4) Who the fuck cares as long as the finished project looks the way YOU want?! 'Nuff said.
(5) You know what I hate about competition? It always comes down to two things: Someone rules and someone sucks. I hate that. I'd go so far as to say I abhor it.
And making a competition out of a "relaxing" craft just defeats the point of it being relaxing. So just fucking stop it already.
(6) You're sick and selfish and I hope wolves eat your children.
(7) Snobbery at it's finest, eh? I happen to think some of the most beautiful designs I've ever seen have been a mix of two marvelous crafts.
Maybe if Julia Roberts added a crocheted lace trim to something you'd think it was less "tacky". Until then STFU.
/end Rant
Monday, September 19, 2005
Pics Galore
I shoulda used a flash. Damn LCD screen made these look brighter.
I'd show more of my crochet projects but I wouldn't want to give myself away to my Secret Pal, heh.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Stitch 'N, Katrina, & Books
Good morning and all that rot!
So we had the Stitch'N Club planning committee meeting on Thursday and I think it went very well. We talked over ways our lil' group could help the Hurricane Katrina survivors. After one member sent out a list of needed items organized by a local Lion's Club, we decided on crocheted/knitted washcloths. It might not seem like much but when there's thousands of people housed in a stadium with limited facilities things like a hot shower have got to seem like a luxury. The semi carrying all these goodies outta Ohio will leave on Monday, Sept. 19th. So I sent out a letter to the group asking them to put together as many washcloths as possible before Friday, Sept. 16. Even the busy people! I told them even one donation will help.
We'd already spent our budget this week paying for the reconnect fee on our electricity. So this weekend I sold a few books at Half Priced Books and took a couple items I had just bought (but not used) to Meijer's and then picked up a nice big cone of cotton yarn to get started on the washcloths. I'm crocheting them since I'm much quicker and familiar with it then knitting, heh.
If you work in the Downtown Columbus area and would like to contribute to our donation please get a hold of me at knittyknotty-@-gmail-.-com and we can arrange some sort of plan for collecting them!
Today I have Hash researching other ways of getting donated goods to the folks down south. I know Red Cross will take moola but I'm not sure if they're accepting actual goods. I'm sure there's got to be another group that we can continue to donate items too.
Another idea we had was making hats, gloves, and scarves for the southern refugees that have been given temporary housing here in Ohio. When winter comes it's going to be pretty harsh considering what they're used to. We figured these items would really come in handy and we still have a good deal of time to get things done.
On the knitting front… I've ran out of the beautiful aqua yarn my SP gave me so my sweater is on a short hold until I can pick some more up.
I went to the library this weekend and picked up 4 books on knitting… all of which were pretty disappointing for various reasons. =(
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Teen Knits – Err guess I should have looked thru this was closer in the library. All patterns are sized for kids/teens. Blah! Especially considering they had several really cute patterns.
Vogue Knitting: Very Easy Knits: The Best of Very Easy Very Vogue – Easy = bland according to this book I guess, heh. Or at the very least mid-80's styles. There's a whopping 2 patterns in the entire book that didn't make me cringe. Only one of which I might make and wear.
Stitch 'N' Bitch Nation – All in all this was the best out of the bunch. I've only flipped thru the first book and wasn't terribly impressed but now that I actually know how to knit I'll need to give it another look thru. This book has some cute patterns, some useful patterns, and some typically cliché patterns (how many cell phone cozies and leg/wrist warmers does a person need?!). I really like all the tips and tricks that are mixed amongst all the pages. They're actually the best part of the entire book. The second part being the photos and blurbs about Stitch 'N Bitch groups all over the world (though one lady said knitters are brilliant mathematicians and crocheters are lazy, WTF?! Cuz we don't have to count our stitches/rows/incs/decs/etc. or anything… it does it on it's own I guess.)
Hollywood Knits Style – Gag. More then half the patterns in this entire books were SO mind-numbingly simple I could have made them up on the fly… even as a newb knitter. God only knows how someone can tell me to knit 30 sts until it's 30 in' long and then say "Ta-da, I'm a pro-designer!" No. I'm sorry. You're not. I've seen dozens and dozens of better designs AND instructions free all over the net. In my opinion… this author just gets off on the fact that she knows famous people. Not to mention her skewed sizes. She's been CA too long as she seems to think 33" around the hips is LARGE. 'Nuff said as they say, heh.
And with that ladies and gentlemen I will quit bitching. Cuz I'm sure that's what it sounds like, heh. And on some levels it is, especially about the short/simple patterns. There's nothing more irritating then paying for a book of patterns that could have been written on a napkin. OK I understand this for things like beginner patterns, where the person is still learning. So in the case of a newb knitters book its fine to everything all nice and simple. But if a "pro" designer has nothing but simple patterns in a book not labeled for newbs than I feel severely cheated. And more than likely my fellow stitchers have shared a similar pattern for free on their blog, or prefered stitch community message board. So why should I pay someone for something I can get for free??
So we had the Stitch'N Club planning committee meeting on Thursday and I think it went very well. We talked over ways our lil' group could help the Hurricane Katrina survivors. After one member sent out a list of needed items organized by a local Lion's Club, we decided on crocheted/knitted washcloths. It might not seem like much but when there's thousands of people housed in a stadium with limited facilities things like a hot shower have got to seem like a luxury. The semi carrying all these goodies outta Ohio will leave on Monday, Sept. 19th. So I sent out a letter to the group asking them to put together as many washcloths as possible before Friday, Sept. 16. Even the busy people! I told them even one donation will help.
We'd already spent our budget this week paying for the reconnect fee on our electricity. So this weekend I sold a few books at Half Priced Books and took a couple items I had just bought (but not used) to Meijer's and then picked up a nice big cone of cotton yarn to get started on the washcloths. I'm crocheting them since I'm much quicker and familiar with it then knitting, heh.
If you work in the Downtown Columbus area and would like to contribute to our donation please get a hold of me at knittyknotty-@-gmail-.-com and we can arrange some sort of plan for collecting them!
Today I have Hash researching other ways of getting donated goods to the folks down south. I know Red Cross will take moola but I'm not sure if they're accepting actual goods. I'm sure there's got to be another group that we can continue to donate items too.
Another idea we had was making hats, gloves, and scarves for the southern refugees that have been given temporary housing here in Ohio. When winter comes it's going to be pretty harsh considering what they're used to. We figured these items would really come in handy and we still have a good deal of time to get things done.
On the knitting front… I've ran out of the beautiful aqua yarn my SP gave me so my sweater is on a short hold until I can pick some more up.
I went to the library this weekend and picked up 4 books on knitting… all of which were pretty disappointing for various reasons. =(
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Teen Knits – Err guess I should have looked thru this was closer in the library. All patterns are sized for kids/teens. Blah! Especially considering they had several really cute patterns.
Vogue Knitting: Very Easy Knits: The Best of Very Easy Very Vogue – Easy = bland according to this book I guess, heh. Or at the very least mid-80's styles. There's a whopping 2 patterns in the entire book that didn't make me cringe. Only one of which I might make and wear.
Stitch 'N' Bitch Nation – All in all this was the best out of the bunch. I've only flipped thru the first book and wasn't terribly impressed but now that I actually know how to knit I'll need to give it another look thru. This book has some cute patterns, some useful patterns, and some typically cliché patterns (how many cell phone cozies and leg/wrist warmers does a person need?!). I really like all the tips and tricks that are mixed amongst all the pages. They're actually the best part of the entire book. The second part being the photos and blurbs about Stitch 'N Bitch groups all over the world (though one lady said knitters are brilliant mathematicians and crocheters are lazy, WTF?! Cuz we don't have to count our stitches/rows/incs/decs/etc. or anything… it does it on it's own I guess.)
Hollywood Knits Style – Gag. More then half the patterns in this entire books were SO mind-numbingly simple I could have made them up on the fly… even as a newb knitter. God only knows how someone can tell me to knit 30 sts until it's 30 in' long and then say "Ta-da, I'm a pro-designer!" No. I'm sorry. You're not. I've seen dozens and dozens of better designs AND instructions free all over the net. In my opinion… this author just gets off on the fact that she knows famous people. Not to mention her skewed sizes. She's been CA too long as she seems to think 33" around the hips is LARGE. 'Nuff said as they say, heh.
And with that ladies and gentlemen I will quit bitching. Cuz I'm sure that's what it sounds like, heh. And on some levels it is, especially about the short/simple patterns. There's nothing more irritating then paying for a book of patterns that could have been written on a napkin. OK I understand this for things like beginner patterns, where the person is still learning. So in the case of a newb knitters book its fine to everything all nice and simple. But if a "pro" designer has nothing but simple patterns in a book not labeled for newbs than I feel severely cheated. And more than likely my fellow stitchers have shared a similar pattern for free on their blog, or prefered stitch community message board. So why should I pay someone for something I can get for free??
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
WIP Wednesday #3
Crochet
Blue Squares Too - 6x6" Squares (Ummm 5 of 35 complete, thankfully I have until Hallowmas to get all these done, heh)
Secret Pal Goodies (and no I'm not telling what they are)
Elle's Baby Blanket (I started the center ripples of a Star Ripple blankie last night)
Knit
Small Purse with Crochet Edging
Simple Sleeveless Sweater (the more I think about this the more I'm thinking to add sleeves, something stripey, woooo)
I'm making the sweater out of the beautiful aqua yarn sent to me by my Secret Pal! The body is going to be solid aqua, possibly a black stripe across the chest, ohhh or a skullie maybe?! And as I mentioned above I'm thinking to add sleeves now. Something like, hmmm... Alternating aqua and black every 4-5 rows all the way down. I'm definately adding a skullie if I do the long stripey sleeves. It's almost manditory. *nods*
This pattern is going to be uber simple. Honestly. And if it doesn't look like poo, I'll share it with you all. =D Wheee!
And lookit! A picture of my sexay knitting... look at all those neat and even stitches... hubba hubba!
My Planning Committee meeting was moved to tomorrow, which works out perfectly. I would have only been able to make it to half the meeting due to a work meeting my manager kindly scheduled right over my lunch period. Go Boss! =P
Blue Squares Too - 6x6" Squares (Ummm 5 of 35 complete, thankfully I have until Hallowmas to get all these done, heh)
Secret Pal Goodies (and no I'm not telling what they are)
Elle's Baby Blanket (I started the center ripples of a Star Ripple blankie last night)
Knit
Small Purse with Crochet Edging
Simple Sleeveless Sweater (the more I think about this the more I'm thinking to add sleeves, something stripey, woooo)
I'm making the sweater out of the beautiful aqua yarn sent to me by my Secret Pal! The body is going to be solid aqua, possibly a black stripe across the chest, ohhh or a skullie maybe?! And as I mentioned above I'm thinking to add sleeves now. Something like, hmmm... Alternating aqua and black every 4-5 rows all the way down. I'm definately adding a skullie if I do the long stripey sleeves. It's almost manditory. *nods*
This pattern is going to be uber simple. Honestly. And if it doesn't look like poo, I'll share it with you all. =D Wheee!
And lookit! A picture of my sexay knitting... look at all those neat and even stitches... hubba hubba!
My Planning Committee meeting was moved to tomorrow, which works out perfectly. I would have only been able to make it to half the meeting due to a work meeting my manager kindly scheduled right over my lunch period. Go Boss! =P
I asked my MIL to take some pictures of the new crochet earrings I'm making. And instead she sends me an old digital camera she doesn't use. I don't get it... but I'm not going to complain, LOL. Now I can take pics of... well everything and anything, heh.
Sooooo while I'm showing off pictures of sexay things (LOL) here's one of me and Hash... We are at the stop light so no fears that we're cheesin' it up at 55 mphs, hehe.
*Click to see larger versions of the pictures.*
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
I DID IT!
I've learned to knit!!! Not only have I learned to knit but I've already started designing my own sweater! Nothing complicated but I'm definitely a production oriented person so to practice I want to DO something not just swatch and swatch and swatch like I've been doing for the past couple of weeks.
I want to start up a 'Newb Knitting Tips from a Newb Knitter' list to help other new knitters figure out some of the things that first tripped me up on my path to knitting bliss. There were just some things, questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on when reading books and tutorials. I've started a small list so far, but I'll keep updating it as I learn new things. I've also finding out there are more things in common with crochet and knitting than I first thought. Certain steps and stitches are very similar.
Now if I can just find a community like Crochetville for knitting I'll be set! =D
We didn't get our electricity turned on until Thursday (the check didn't get to AEP until Tuesday!)... Just in time for the nice weather to get here. Figures. I kept telling myself it was like camping... but it didn't help, LOL. Either way I'm just happy as hell to say it's paid off and juice is now making all our computers and such hum with joy.
Friday night was spent out by the pond behind our apartment knitting until the sun went down. Wow was the weather gorgeous! Saturday morning was spent on the deck... knitting. With a couple movies and a trip to the store thrown in. Sunday and Monday more time was spent indoors since it got warmer again. But I still didn't do much of anything but knit and crochet and chatting with Hash. Oh and play World of Warcraft for a couple hours. And to top things off my UTI seems to be gone, thank heavens, I was about to go insane! Honest.
All in all it was a very relaxing weekend, one that beat the hell outta the past couple of weeks I've had, heh.
Thanks so much for all the kind (and funny!) comments left during my really shitty finances time. You guys are too sweet!
I finally got to attend one of the Stitch'N Club meetings at work! The first one was a bust because I had to do some silly online tutorial for a program I already know how to use, heh. I got to go to the informal "Open Stitch" meeting which is held in the cafeteria. It was just 6-7 of us just working on our own projects and chatting. It was really nice. There was even a knitter there and I got to ask her a few questions. One lady was kind enough to stick around and catch me up on what the entire group has done so far (they were just established in June of this year).
After I got back from the meeting I sent an excited letter to the president of the group and let her know I had a blast and that I had some ideas I'd like to contribute especially about the charity project they want to start next month. I also offered to help with the website they are planning. To my surprise (and excitement!) they offered me a position on their Planning Committee!! Woot! So my bossiness is finally paying off in a way I like, LOL.
I want to start up a 'Newb Knitting Tips from a Newb Knitter' list to help other new knitters figure out some of the things that first tripped me up on my path to knitting bliss. There were just some things, questions that I couldn't seem to find answers on when reading books and tutorials. I've started a small list so far, but I'll keep updating it as I learn new things. I've also finding out there are more things in common with crochet and knitting than I first thought. Certain steps and stitches are very similar.
Now if I can just find a community like Crochetville for knitting I'll be set! =D
We didn't get our electricity turned on until Thursday (the check didn't get to AEP until Tuesday!)... Just in time for the nice weather to get here. Figures. I kept telling myself it was like camping... but it didn't help, LOL. Either way I'm just happy as hell to say it's paid off and juice is now making all our computers and such hum with joy.
Friday night was spent out by the pond behind our apartment knitting until the sun went down. Wow was the weather gorgeous! Saturday morning was spent on the deck... knitting. With a couple movies and a trip to the store thrown in. Sunday and Monday more time was spent indoors since it got warmer again. But I still didn't do much of anything but knit and crochet and chatting with Hash. Oh and play World of Warcraft for a couple hours. And to top things off my UTI seems to be gone, thank heavens, I was about to go insane! Honest.
All in all it was a very relaxing weekend, one that beat the hell outta the past couple of weeks I've had, heh.
Thanks so much for all the kind (and funny!) comments left during my really shitty finances time. You guys are too sweet!
I finally got to attend one of the Stitch'N Club meetings at work! The first one was a bust because I had to do some silly online tutorial for a program I already know how to use, heh. I got to go to the informal "Open Stitch" meeting which is held in the cafeteria. It was just 6-7 of us just working on our own projects and chatting. It was really nice. There was even a knitter there and I got to ask her a few questions. One lady was kind enough to stick around and catch me up on what the entire group has done so far (they were just established in June of this year).
After I got back from the meeting I sent an excited letter to the president of the group and let her know I had a blast and that I had some ideas I'd like to contribute especially about the charity project they want to start next month. I also offered to help with the website they are planning. To my surprise (and excitement!) they offered me a position on their Planning Committee!! Woot! So my bossiness is finally paying off in a way I like, LOL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
