Happy Birthday, Dis!

Mom to Jennyben,
connoisseur of fine wines and
of barbecue ribs.

Please help us wish our very own Dis a very Happy Birthday!

Hope you have a wonderful day, Dis!
We love you!

Celtic Tote - My First FO of 2008

After some knitting, cabling, embroidery and a little felting later, here she is....

This really was a great project. It was just the right amount of cabling and the carts where so easy to read. The finishing was entertaining. And the felting simple. I chose to knit the body of the bag in about 2 1/2 skeins of Lamb's Pride Worsted in Oregano. I love this green. It is simultaneously dark and yet has a great way of brightening up in natural light (as you can tell from the above photo).

You can also see that in the end, I opted for a bright yellow as my accent color. When I decided to go lighter with the accent color, I still had a tone-on-tone thing going in my head (hence the initial kiwi green choice), so it took a while to really be comfortable with the yellow. Once I knew the green on green wasn't doing it for me, I gravitated towards a rusty orange that ended up just making the bag look dirty. The yellow brings a whole new feel to the bag and one I certainly never planned when I started this project. But, boy am I happy with it! So, B gets another tally point next to his name for coming up with such a great alternative.

When I started the embroidery process, the plain backstitch was fairly subtle. I knew when I decided to change up my color choice that I wanted the accent color to be very visible, so I did a modified backstitch where I overlapped the stitches a bit. It ended up making the embroidery look like a little rope outlining the cable. Because of this change, I probably used more of my accent color that what you would normally use, about 1/2 a skein of the Wild Mustard Lamb's Pride Worsted.

I also added a fabric lining so that I could use this as a regular purse. My lining came from some leftover Kaffe Fassett fabric in my stash that had exactly the same green as the yarn. I also made some pockets in the front and back of the lining so that things like my keys and phone would be easy to find in a hurry.

The only other thing I did differently was use a piece of flexible cutting board for the bottom instead of the plastic mesh. I have to give Cora the credit for this idea, which was perfect because I happened to have a seldom used flexible cutting board exactly the right length.

Given all the stash components of this bag (main yarn, fabric lining and base), the project ended up costing about $8.50 for the new hank of yellow Lamb's Pride and the button. Not a bad deal for a new bag!

Inspiration

I think we've all had the experience of our yarn talking to us...only sometimes we are a little too focused on a particular goal to hear what it's saying. The Weekend Getaway Satchel was one of my early 'big projects' I invested in once I starting knitting things besides scarves. I made great progress on the solid back, bottom and side gussets, but stalled out pretty early into the intarsia front.

The biggest hindrance to progress was the large number of 'bobbins' I had hanging off the back. This was further compounded by the fact that the yarn for this project was supposed to be doubled, which meant either twice as many bobbins...or making doubled stranded bobbins...or what I did, which was work with the whole ball from the inside and outside at the same time. This meant at points up to 16 balls of yarn hanging off the back. Needless to say it was a nightmare.

The thing is, I really liked this bag and I kept telling myself that I was going to pull it out one of these days to finish it. When I bought the yarn, I felt that it was terribly scratchy and suitable only for felting and thought with so many coordinating colors, there were lots of possibilities for small felted projects with all the leftovers, which I knew there would be plenty of. Well that's been a couple years now and I still hadn't bothered with it, but my brain kept telling me to finish it so that I could use all those leftovers for other projects.


Then a couple weeks ago, I was at Lori's shop in Alpine and caught sight of some great wool. I was looking for contrasting colors for my Celtic Tote and noticed some lovely wool that at first glance reminded me a bit of the Lamb's Pride I'd been using. I picked it up and was shocked to discover that it was Lopi! And it wasn't the scratchy brillo pad wool I remembered it being! It certainly wasn't next to skin soft, but it was good, solid, outerwear wool. I realized that I hadn't really developed an appreciation for wool when I had last worked with Lopi, so in my head it had stayed scratchy and rough, and certainly nothing I would have previously considered for garments.

I got excited about the yarn all over again, only this time I started dreaming about using the leftovers for the yoke of Aftur after seeing Lolly's lovely version. And maybe even a Leftovers vest with stripes made from the different colors. And then it hit me - the leftover projects had become more interesting to me that the main project! I also realized that the kit contained about 3500 yards of good wool, about 1/2 of which in a great charcoal gray. And since I hadn't felted anything for the bag yet, it was all reclaimable!

Rip, rip, rip I went. It took awhile to separate all of the double stranded yarn, but its done and I've been able to take stock of what is now available sweater wool. I realized that I had almost enough of the strap yarn in Crimson to make the body of the Aftur sweater. So with a couple of clicks, I ordered the Lopi 25 pattern book and a couple more balls of yarn. And now I'm ready to go!

And the best part? I placed my order at Ram Wools (unbeknown to me at the time) three days before their site-wide 30% off sale. Oh well, I thought. But guess what? When my order was delivered, I discovered that they had given me the discount anyway!! I'm thoroughly impressed, because they certainly didn't have to do that and I never would have even thought to ask for it!

And the grand total? Given what I paid for the kit through WEBS (it was enough to get the 20% discount) more than 2 years ago and including the Lopi pattern book and additional 3 balls of yarn, I will now be able to make at least 3 sweaters for approximately $30 each! A steal in and of themselves on any day, but given that this is stash wool, that makes them practically free! Right? ;-)

FO: Grayscale

Yay- my first FO of '08! And if the first is any indication, I think I'm in for a great knitting year! Enter, Grayscale:

The knitty gritty:
Pattern: Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang
Yarn: Louet Gems Fingering in 36 Linen Grey and 43 Pewter
Needles: US0 and US2 DPNs

I would definitely recommend this pattern. It's really well-written, planned out, and easy to follow. The colorwork pattern is simple, but visually appealing, and I love how you can create such different looks, depending on the colors you choose. I was all over the place, trying to decide on colors, but for some reason these grays called out to me, and I really like the monochromatic scheme I ended up with. Stranded colorwork on wee DPNs is a bit fiddly, but it was fun, you get to work on your manual dexterity, and the end result is well worth the fiddliness.

From beginning to end, this project was a joy. I was able to get completely lost in these little palm/wrist warmers over the winter holiday and my subsequent funk. I loved knitting them and I now love wearing them. They are small (= relatively fast to knit). They have visual interest (= mental stimulation). They are JUST the kind of project that is perfect for me!

What has she been up to anyway?

Right now I have 3 active knitting projects: Icarus, Celtic Tote, and the Two Tone Shrug. While Icarus is getting near to the end of the main body repeats, it still looks pretty much how it has since the last time I posted a photo...only worse because there is a whole lot more of it, so the lace blob stage has officially started.

As for the other two, it is time they showed their pretty little faces here. The Celtic Tote I started back in November using yarns I had in my stash. I fell in love with the pattern as soon as I saw it in the Interweave preview and knew it would be a great cable project to warm up my skills for a cable sweater project that I want to start this season, probably Rogue.

Over the last month and a half, I completed all the knitting on the bag. The cart is very clear and the knitting progresses very quickly...when you actually sit down and work on it. I think there was probably two different evenings when I knit most of the back and the front. The rest of the time, I would pick it up and work a row or two in between holiday projects. So, now I have the sides and bottom piece done as well as two pieces that look basically like this:

I instantly thought that the bag would look great in the Lamb's Pride Worsted Oregano that I had and when I noticed the Kiwi also in my stash, I thought that this would serve as a chance to work up the pattern in a little different color scheme...namely, with light cable accent embroidery, rather than dark. Now, I LOVE the original, I think it is a great use of color to bring out the feel of well aged leather and if I had bought the yarn for the project, I probably would have used exactly what the designer did. However, since I was inspired by my stash, I thought what the heck?

Now, I was full anticipating to use the Kiwi while I knit up the body pieces, however, when I actually started the embroidery, the vivid green of the Kiwi, actually got lost.

Now could I continue with the Kiwi? Yes. But it just wasn't popping like I wanted it to. So, I took my colorist, B, to a local LYS and we searched their wool options and came up with a couple alternatives (my pick and B's pick). I will tell you right now that what I've ended up with (B's pick) will probably shock you and represents an entirely different interpretation of the pattern. And as was my initial reaction (as well as everyone who has seen the color choices and the samples), you will probably not like it when you first see it. But as is usually the case, B knows what he's talking about when it comes to color. And sure enough, he was right and his choice has won over everyone who has seen the options. Given this, I've decided to wait and show the new color once the bag is done...so stayed tuned!

As for the Two Tone Shrug, I bought the yarn for this project over the summer and have pulled it out, swatched, petted it and put it back about 3 times since then. But, in my search for a good travel project (it has to be super easy DK/worsted stockinette for me or I get motion sick) for a road trip to Las Vegas after Christmas, I pulled it all back out again.

The body is Manos in "Moss" (112) and the accent is Coffee (or chocolate, as I call it). I worked almost all the body on the way to vegas (or at least until the sun went down) and did the sleeves and contrast sleeve trim on the way back. I then picked up the stitches and started the body ribbing prior to going back to work after New Years.

I haven't been able to work on it since then because of my hands...too much typing at the office and not enough knitting rest over the holiday break have left my hands in sorry shape. Unfortunately, I can't stop typing at the office, but I can stop knitting, so I've just been embroidering since the beginning of January. The good news is that my hands are doing better and with nightly icings and knitting rest, they are *almost* back to normal. It should only take a couple evenings more knitting to finish up this quick project and it should serve as a great accessory once it warms again.

Hi, I'm thirty-eight.

(I figure if I keep saying it, it will start to sink in.)

Thanks for the birthday wishes! You guys are so sweet, and I really appreciate it! I wish I could report that I had a great birthday, but I just didn't. It wasn't any one thing in particular, I've just somehow landed in a bit of a funk, and so the b-day was also kind of a bummer. That said, you know me- I don't like to dwell in muck for long, so I'll leave this topic by saying that I demand a birthday do-over once the funk subsides! I still have high hopes for this year!

I don't make resolutions anymore. I gave it a try, but found it just doesn't work for me. I realized this somewhere around the third year in a row that I had some version of "eat healthier" and "work out more" on my resolution list. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that if you find that you keep putting the same things on the list year after year, that signals a problem. So instead, I just put those kinds of things out there as back burner givens. I think general health and fitness will always be something I will need to constantly work at and commit and recommit to. I will just pledge to keep bettering myself, in all those ways we want to better ourselves, and leave it at that. I am a work in progress, after all.

This year, I'm looking forward to more knitting, of course, and more spinning! Ooh, I can't wait! And yes, I know what I'm getting myself into. I'm also looking forward to much more sewing and crafting in general. I realized that I truly am the happiest when I'm working away at something- be it knitting, spinning, sewing, stitching, baking, wrapping, and on and on. Over the past several months I've been more and more inspired by crafters, and I've come to really embrace that part of me. I admittedly went a bit nuts with the gift making and giving over the holidays, but you know what? I loved it! I want to do more. Because it makes me happy.

And undoubtedly the most anticipated of all: I plan to accomplish a monumental goal this year (whereupon completion, I may or may not treat myself to a few indulgent rewards)! What is this goal, so amazing that I'm already planning my reward? Well, if all goes according to plan, I will be out of debt within months! Let's just sit with that for a moment...*aah*...I'm ashamed to admit that I managed to amass a substantial amount of senseless debt after college that weighed me down- to the core. Anyone who has accumulated financial debt knows how debilitating this can feel. I felt like crap. Like the crap under the crap. I wondered if I would ever be able to dig myself out. But after several years of dedication, no frivolous spending, and adhering to a strict, self-imposed payment schedule, I will achieve this goal within months and I will be debt free! O!M!G! But, don't throw the party yet (that will come later)! I'm still months and months away, but the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is now in sight!

Meanwhile, in the much nearer future, I am looking forward to finishing and wearing these:

You will, no doubt, recognize these as Endpaper Mitts, named Grayscale. I started these mitts over the holidays and have been working away at them ever since. They have been my saving grace. I've lost myself in these (in a good way) and now they're almost done. Yay!

Hmm...I think the funk is beginning to subside... :)

* Note: I do not yet own a house and I will need a new car at some point, so this debt-free status will be temporary, but nonetheless- no student loans, no credit card debt - pretty sweet!

Craft Wrap-Up

So I promised a post of the holiday crafting that I did and here it is! First up, this year 'the kids' gave my mom a trial subscription to one of the local CSAs here in San Diego. To go along with it, we picked up some reusable grocery bags. In order to spice them up a bit, I drew some common grocery items on the large grocery bags and various fruits and veggies on the produce bags.

The canvas weave actually made it really easy to free hand relatively straight lines. I used a pencil to draw out my picture and then I went over and colored in each bag with permanent fabric markers. I'm happy with how they came out except for the broccoli bag...I meant to make the stalks lighter and the tops darker (you know, like real broccoli), but I had already colored in the stalks when I realized I messed up. Oh well! :-P

As for other gifts, I also made a few modified versions of the Relaxing Eye Pillow from Denise Schmidt Quilts. I didn't both with all the patchwork pieces because honestly, it seemed like a lot of precise work for something that was supposed to look like it was patched together haphazardly. I ended up making three pillows like the one laying flat in the photo with a pieced top and a solid back. I also made another 4 pillows with solid tops and bottoms.

All the pillows were made out of scraps I had on hand so the only expense was the flax seed and buckwheat for the filling. All in all, these probably cost me about $1 each to make. It also took every ounce of restraint I had not to mention that to all the recipients...especially since several of them went to the partners at my firm! But I did good and when they thanked me and told me how much they liked them, I managed to avoid telling them they were made from scraps and cost me practically nothing :-P

Happy Birthday Nonnahs!

Never have you met a kinder, more thoughtful person. She is giving of her time and self and makes some of the meanest butter cream frosted cupcakes you'll ever taste. Nothing makes this girl happier than when she is creating, however that may take form. We are honored to know her and call her our friend.

Please help us in wishing Nonnahs a very Happy Birthday!

2007: A Retrospective

I don't usually do a big year-end recap, but I've enjoyed reading other people's, which makes me want to do one this year...of last year...so I'm gonna!

How can I put this delicately? Parts of 2007 really sucked. But, let's keep the Summer of Hell out of this,* and concentrate on happy, knitty memories instead, because on the knitting front 2007 was a great year! Among the highlights: I knit my first colorwork project; I finished my first lace shawl (about time, right Mim?) which really gave me a love and appreciation for lace work; I finished those knee highs (again, finally); I knit my favorite sweater to date; and perhaps my proudest achievement of the year- I designed my first garment(s)!

Wintersong, Plum, Josephine, Peanut Dresses,
Sarabeth, Carmelita, Cosette, Stripey Tweedy Knee Highs,
LMJ Mitts, Slingbag, Winter Bangles, El Beanie

Overall, I look back on '07 with much gratitude.

I am grateful for Marnie and Julia for many reasons, among them being the creation of the Create Along, which gave me the extra nudge I needed to test the designing waters. It was quite a learning experience, but I love the dresses I created, and I look forward to designing more Nonnahs originals in the future.

I am grateful for Ravelry. I mean, seriously- how did we survive without it? Ravelry has opened the doors to a whole new world of project ideas, inspiration, and people. It was through Ravelry that I made a wonderful new friend. I'm certain we were destined to cross paths eventually, but I'm glad it happened sooner rather than later. Thanks for finding me, SFAM!

And as always, I am grateful for the friendships knitting has brought me. Some of you I just met this year, while others I've known for a while but have gotten to know better. Thank you for stopping by and for encouraging me, supporting me, and inspiring me. I'm sure I sound like a corn dog, but I really mean it. The knitblog community continues to inspire me in ways I would never have discovered otherwise. I owe my knitting achievements, in part, to your knitting achievements. Over the past year, some bloggy friends became *real life* friends, as I had the privilege to hang out with Dis and her SD knit group on occasion; and some established friendships deepened through knit & spin ins (not to mention numerous run-ins at LYSs and various fiber fests. ;)) I am very lucky to have found a niche amongst a group of such fantastically lovely women (both near and now, sadly, much too far away). I appreciate your warmth, your humor, and your talent. You inspire (and yes, enable) me, and I look forward to many good times in the upcoming year! And of course, where would I be without my Dis and Nasus? I can't even fathom. You know me like no others and are unwaveringly supportive and the truest friends a girl could ask for.

Okay, it's sounding like I'm accepting an Academy Award or something, which obviously I am not, so I'll shut up now. As I look forward to what this year has to offer, (aside from a birthday literally right around the corner that I haven't quite wrapped my brain around yet) I think this year is going to be a good one. I have high hopes. But I will leave that for another post. :)

* It goes without saying that I'm glad that work is back to being normal-crazy and that I'm beyond on-my-knees thankful for B's health. Summer of Hell, you are but a distant, grotesque memory.

FOs: El Beanie and Slingbag

Hi and Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Before I allow myself to present a 2007 recap/2008 commencement post, please humor me as I tie up some loose ends and blog a couple of gift knits. I can't leave these out!

First up: El Beanie. Made for B. (Substitute model below.) Believe it or not, this is the first thing I've ever knit for B. A fantastic choice of a first knitted gift though, if I do say so myself.

The knitty gritty:
Pattern: El Hatto Negro by Julia Trice
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8 in 1148 black, 2 balls
Needles: US4 and US6

So you may be wondering why haven't I knit anything for B in all this time, and am I really that bad of a girlfriend? I'm sure I would have knit something for him sooner, if his wardrobe welcomed such a thing, but alas, he is not a big knitwear-wearer. *gasp* I know. Best I can come to justifying this is to say he's a SoCal boy. He doesn't wear sweaters (much to my chagrin, but I spin this as a blessing in disguise). He's not much of an accessory guy, knitted or otherwise. He does wear hats, although 99% of the time it's a baseball cap, except while he's snowboarding. I wanted to knit him something, so I decided to gamble and knit a beanie. I've had my eye on this very one for this very person for a while; this hat seemed just right. Simple and classic, yet stylish. There's definitely more than meets the eye with this pattern. The resulting hat is really cushy, soft, and warm. Perfecto! I wasn't sure if he would just hold onto it until the next snowboarding trip, or if he would actually wear it now. Well, I'm absolutely thrilled to report that he has been wearing it almost daily since Christmas morning!! Yay! Should I knit something else now, or will that be pushing it? ;)

Next up: Slingbag. Gifted to B's mom. I was her 'Secret Santa' :)


The knitty gritty:
Pattern: Felted Shoulder Bag by Klynch Designs for Mountain Colors
Yarn: Lion Wool in Midnight Blue Solid and Ocean Blues Print, 3 skeins of each
needles: US9

Oh, this bag. It was a labor of love. A giant bag to knit and felt, first of all- not my idea of the best time. However, I had a feeling B's mom would like this one, so it would be worth it. That's what I kept telling myself anyway. It took quite a bit of searching (as Dis can attest to), but I finally stumbled upon this pattern, which is exactly what I was looking for. Her everyday bag is very similar to this. I wasn't quite sure if I would actually finish this bag in time or like the way it looked when it was done, so I went in with a "well, I'll give it a shot, but I'll have a back up plan in place, just in case" attitude. I was happily surprised that the knitting went fairly quickly, and the variegated yarn kept me fairly entertained. Felting was interesting, but it turned out well, so the only thing left was sewing in the zipper. I don't want to complain too much, because I did get it done, and it looks halfway decent, but good lord. There's nothing fun about sewing in a 20 inch zipper into really thick felted fabric. I think that part may have taken the longest, actually. Won't be doing that again for a while. Okay, I'm done.

The wonderful news is that B's mom absolutely loves the bag. She called the other day to tell me that she took it out and got all sorts of compliments on it. Yay! I'm so thrilled, I can't even tell you.

Two knitted gifts for first time recipients, two success stories! Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it?