A Well Deserved Sigh Of Relief

It's Autumn! And it's finally beginning to cool down in SoCal. We might even get some rain tomorrow! I'm too excited about that. Sweating in October is just not cool with me.

I bought these Peeps for my friend. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it's the same shape as the Easter Bunny Peeps...there are just colored orange with a Jack O' Lantern face on them. Funny.

Personally, I don't like Peeps. I respect them as food stuffs, but they just don't do it for me.


I'm happy to report that I made great progress on the Zoo Wraplan. I finished the elephant! I'm amazed and delighted at how cute it is. The green leaf he's holding doesn't pop as much as I would like, but that's okay. I'll live with it.

The stitches are a little wonky, but I'm confident they'll relax and act right with some blocking.

It's so cute, I can't stand it! I really want to make another, but maybe I'll chart a different animal. Maybe a tiger or a lion. Wouldn't that be so cute?

My only concern is the floats on the inside. If it were for me, I really wouldn't care, but since it's a gift, I want it to look nice [and as neat as I could get it this time around]. So, I was considering buying a little bit of felt and sewing it on the inside. What do you think? Does it really matter? Am I being too concerned about perfection and looks?

I appreciate your feedback.

Now just the bands and sleeves and it's done! I'm hoping to have it finished this weekend. Totally doable.

And for those of you in Orange County, I heard this morning that the art exhibit Slow Dancing is taking place right now at the Performing Arts Center. It's a free event and totally worth the price of admission. Check it out if you can.

Show Them Curves!

Something cool from the folks at Knitting Daily.

Oh...and I think the Bamboo prefers the Silk Cardigan.

Have a great weekend!

A Little Bit Of Everything

This inability to decide on a pattern for the Contrasto yarn is really beginning to bring me down. I keep going back an forth.

I do love the Rebecca cabled sweater. As I was looking through the magazine again yesterday, I was bothered by how bulky around the middle the model looks in this side shot. Could just be the way the sweater is being pushed up by her leg...but it raised a few flags.

Then there's this sweater from Rebecca #30 that I've been in love with for the longest. The drape of the Contrasto would be perfect and the gauge is spot on. Then there's the Slouchy Cardigan [Rav link] from Greetings from the Knit Cafe which would be the perfect comfy sweater. Ugh. I need to stop thinking about this. I'll just give myself an aneurysm or something. Then who will knit up my stash yarn?!?!

Let's talk about something else.

An unimpressive progress shot of the Jacket #41. The color is actually more green than it appears. The sweater is knit from cuff to mid back then grafted together. Different and unique construction techniques! Whoo hoo!

And lastly...yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one of our fellow bloggers who was visiting Los Angeles! I met up with Vy at the Knit Cafe and we did a little shopping and a lot of chatting...it was just too cool! She wore her Athos, which was just so lovely. Such a beautiful pattern. That Norah Gaughan...wow! Vy and I talked for a while with Sarah and Suzan [the owner of the Knit Cafe] who told us that the store is moving! SOB! I'm hoping that she'll find the perfect place [closer to me] and have lots of space for pretty yarns and stuff.

Speaking of pretty yarns and stuff...
My weakness for unique buttons continues. I saw these in a random jar at the Knit Cafe and had to have them. I think they may be the perfect buttons for the Textured Tunic with Side Buttons from Fitted Knits. I haven't put them next to the Rowan Summer Tweed, but I believe with all my heart they'll be perfect. Hmmm...maybe I'll forget the Contrasto fiasco for the moment and start this sweater instead...

I also bought a pretty glass shawl clip? Holder? Pin? Closure? Perfect for the Ram's Horn Jacket that I also plan on making. Hmm...maybe I'll start that instead. With all these options, why am I so stuck on finding a project for the Contrasto?

Close up detail of the aneurysm begging to form.

I Thought I Had Something To Share...Oh Well, Filler It Is

Happy Tuesday everyone. I got word last night that a long lost friend just birthed her second child. Although I haven't talked to her in many years, I miss her a lot and am so happy for her. Of course a new baby means I've got to finish up Flo and start on an ubercute baby sweater asap! I found a pattern I like and will make the adorable Saartje's Bootie to match.

Today I was planning on doing some swatching for the Beachcomber Tunic, but wound up bringing the wrong magazine to work, so there went that idea. I also discovered that along with not having that pattern, I don't have the correct crochet hook size.

sigh.

So that meant a lunchtime trip to Michaels. The aisle was unnecessarily crowded. Hello, one in the afternoon on a Tuesday, don't you people work? Needless to say, I quickly found the correct needle size in my preferred brand [the Clover once with the cooshy grip], but lingered a little bit in the yarn aisle looking...but not buying...yarn at least.

What I did buy was a knitting bag.

I usually carry my knitting around in a plastic bag or in a purse that has been repurposed as a knitting bag, but they were never roomy enough or didn't have enough pockets or weren't deep enough or any number of non-knitting-tote-knitting-tote issues. And since I'm too cheap to spend $60-90 bucks on one of the "better" kinds of knitting bags, this cheap-o Michael's number will do me just fine.

HEY! There's a dolphin in that bag! I've already filled it, as you can see. I don't like to waste time.

Hmmm...looking at Flo, I'm almost considering putting her aside for a moment in order to make up the baby sweater and booties and send it to my friend asap. I'm kinda close to being done though. Decision, decisions...

Knitter's Existentialism

I've been seeing a lot of talk around the blog circles about folks questioning process or product knitting. For me, personally, it depends on the project. If it's something complicated like cables or lace, then it really is about the process. With a plain stockinette sweater, it's all about the finished product.

Thinking about this, I've also realized I'm also not much of a pattern modifier. I pretty much just knit the pattern straightforward as written...and I haven't run into too many problems, so if it ain't broke...you know the rest. I'm also not a designer. I can't make stuff up on the fly nor do I have the desire to create new patterns.

That may change just a little.

I was browsing through some pictures on the computer and I came across some pictures I saved a few months ago. Somehow, somewhere, I was alerted to the designs of Lily McNeal and became quite enamored with a few of the creations. Now as much as I would like to purchase one of these lovelies, $200+ is just out of my price range. Here are four of my favorites.

I decided that I had to knock one of these off.

All four designs have a common thread of the wide turtleneck/collar and a double-breasted front. The sleeve and closure varies a little, but it's pretty much the same sweater. So I searched around for some more detailed pictures. Up close, I was a little less inspired. The pictures on the Lily McNeal website were supercute, but on other website's models, they were a bit less. With the exception of the one I added on as an afterthought [but kept around because it was a variation on the theme].

I'm in love! In the detailed shots I found, I could see that it was a raglan sleeve, reverse stockinette stitch, a three button closure and had just a slight overlap in the front. Oh my gosh, knocking this off is totally doable! Of course, I would love to start this now [I think I even have stash yarn that will work], but I have to stick to my plan. I have to focus. And besides, I need to do a little more research on it before I just cast on willy-nilly. Oh I can't wait!!!

Oh, and did I forget to mention that I finished Patti's second sleeve last night? Yep. Oh the light in the end of the tunnel is closer than ever!

Start Of Something

Lately, I've been feeling that I have been knitting in slow motion, but since I've started on the front section of Patti, things have returned to normal speed. Thank god, because as much as I love this jacket, it was seriously about to get thrown in the 'to finish one of these days' piles. I'm feeling pretty motivated now.

Well...as motivated as I can be, considering.

My recent closet cleaning and stuff purging has started to make me feel like I'm at the start of a life transition. I feel I'm beginning to attempt to define myself...to find a sense of personal style, a sense of purpose, a sense of self.

For instance, Gf and I went out last night and I put together an outfit, did my hair and make-up and the resulting look was a little different for me. Not crazy-out there, but just a little more pulled together than my usual going out attire. Have you ever had a moment when you looked in the mirror and it was almost as if you were looking at someone else? It's still you, but there's something different and pretty in an unexpected or new way? Not just clothes and hair, but in your entire presentation. Being happy and confident in your own skin and not wishing you could change anything. It's a strange and wonderful feeling. A feeling that one's potential is being realized. There's no reason we all shouldn't feel that way everyday, even when we're just going to the grocery to pick up a quart of milk. I guess I'm trying to find that potential inside of myself and personify it and wear it everyday...like my favorite go-to dress or my favorite shoes.

But anyway...

It's Friday. I'm looking forward to the start of the weekend. Nothing exciting planned...just more organizing and rearranging of the living space. And maybe Gf, Poppy and I will take a spin around town.

Anything and everything is possible, right?

Born to Blossom, Bloom to Perish

Here is my 'Lady of the Night' as my mom calls it around 7pm last night. I talked to her earlier in the day...I was trying to brag about how my flower was going to bloom. She said that if the little tendrils around the bud started to pull back that it would most likely bloom that night or the following. She also said to watch it until about 9pm...if it didn't bloom by then, it would be the next night.

Well, around 9, there was no flower action. Gf had called and said she wanted to take me to an art exhibition at the Music Center. "At 9pm, in downtown LA? Don't you mean at MOCA?"
Well, she wasn't mistaken. It was at the Music Center as a part of 07/08 Dance at the Music Center season. In this work, called Slow Dancing, dancer's movements were filmed with a special HD camera. That film was then slowed down to 1,000 frames per second and shown on 4 different 16 foot screens. The result was absolutely astonishing. Here are a few pictures that I took.

This dancer's body was to amazingly perfect. In the beginning, she was simply lifting her leg in front of her, but you could see every single muscle working. She really showed how beautiful the human body truly is.

This dancer's movements were incredible. She didn't have the "classic" dancer's body, but she was gorgeous. Here, she looks as if she were underwater or flying. I'd really love to see her dance in real time.

The always fabulous Judith Jamison.

This exhibition was at Lincoln Center in NYC this past July and unfortunately, it closed in LA last night. If you have a chance to catch it elsewhere, please do. It really made me want to get my ass back into a ballet class.

Just to whet your appetite, here is a video clip of one of the dancers. Imagine that butt on a 16 foot screen. Nuff said.

Once we got home, guess what was there to greet us! The Lady has made her debut! Gf couldn't smell it, but I could. Oh, isn't she glorious! What a great way to cap off a great night.

Unfortunately, she was gone by this morning.

I Got Nothing...

I'm feeling pretty uneventful.

The sock is in limbo, Notorious is still waiting to be blocked, Patti is about 3" longer and I'm uninspired by the new knitty. The Cabled Coat is on hold too. I ordered some of the Knitpicks Options needles and am waiting for them to arrive before I start.

Well there is that.

I was excited by the new Harmony needles, but was struggling with buying a whole set of nickel or a whole set of wood. My needle preference is generally a pointy metal with a shorter flexible cord [usually 24"]...but I like the option of bamboo/wood. My faves would have to be my Inox needles or my Addi Lace. Well, I didn't want to duplicate too many sizes in the Options because I enjoy the needles I have and would hate for them to go unused...but fortunately, I do have a few sizes that I'm missing or could use an extra pair. So, I did a little inventory on Ravelry and decided to order the Options as singles. For $45 I got needle sizes 4-10 [size 5 and 6 are the Harmony wood ], 24 and 32" cords, and the ID tags. The storage case would be nice, but I have a sewing machine, thread and fabric...so I saved myself $20 and I can make more than one roll to accommodate all of my needles.

Or at least that's the plan.

Well, it's quitting time, so I'm going to escape from the Tragic Kingdom. Have a good weekend, everyone!

An Effort To Be Interesting

Business

Although the temperatures will be in the 100's this week in LA, the calendar indicated that Fall is coming. And I've read on more than one blog the certain need to get rid of all this cotton we've been working with and get back to some serious wool work. Well, just in time for cooler weather, Jennifer and I will be co-hosting our third Fall Cable KAL. If you're interested in joining us this year, e-mail your information to: fallcable at gmail dot com. You know you can't resist all those cables in the new issue of Interweave. And for those of you on Ravelry, once we get up and going, we'll add on a group there too.

Notorious

Still trucking along...I'm thinking of knitting the sleeves in a plain stockinette rather than the ribbing. My reasoning is that it might drape nicer without the ribbing. Or does the ribbing lend itself to the overall look of the garment. Talk amongst yourself and get back to me.

Nonsense

Remember last week when posted a 1/2 frogged Notorious and said that I would have to tell you why my green strawberry necklace reminds me of my best friend?

Well, here's the reason, one of my favorite little things in the whole world:

I can't remember when she gave this to me. Must have been in high school or something. Y'know learning stuff gets boring and we tend to be easily distracted.

Nice shading work, huh?

Detail of her crayon work.



I think this one rivals Les Demoiselles d'Avignon in its artistic importance.

This cracks me up. I especially love the ant on the tree.

I Got Nothing.

I have no knitting content. What I do have is a weekend recap. A very short weekend recap. And a journey of self discovery. Do I have your attention yet?

Ok.

Saturday, gf and I hung out and ran errands. All day. Some fun, some mundane. Saturday night we were invited to a friend's birthday at a trendy hotel bar. Since we had bought some shoes earlier in the day, we decided our new kicks needed an outing and we would go until our feet hurt.

I asked my shoes to talk to me. What to wear? Many choices, but the shoes weren't feeling them. We settled on one outfit together then I came across a little top that I don't ever remember being bold enough to wear [although gf said I had worn it once before].

This is that top. Yes, it's gold. Yes, it's chain-mailey. Yes, it's totally backless. Yes, I've got about 15 pounds that I could stand to lose.

But hell, I'm old enough that I can put something on, feel good about myself and anyone who has a problem with it can go to...well, you know. So I paired this metal handkerchief with some jean capris, my shoes and some gold accessories. I took along another top in case I didn't want to expose myself like that, but I finally got over myself and fell in love with my body [in that moment] and let go any common sense that would have said 'grab a long jacket'. I felt cute, dammit! I checked with gf to make sure I didn't look too trashy and she said I looked great. So away we went. And you know what, despite a bit of chub hanging out, I embraced my body and didn't make any [or at least very few] apologies. The drinks helped. :) And you know what, we had a great time.
Wow, I'm becoming a real woman, huh?

I blame this new boldness on the shoes. Aren't the DIVINE? I think this Hale Bob dude is becoming my new favorite shoe designer [Of course I have to wait until they are on sale. Then with 40% off. Only then might they be in my price range]. Not only are they pretty, but they're so comfortable. I had these babies on from 10pm when we left the apartment until 4am when we finally got home. Oh, love!

This is the detail that pushed me over the edge.
BEJEWELED CROWNS! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Did someone hear my secret shoe prayer? You don't understand! I was a little brown Cinderella when I slipped these on! At the bar, I caught myself basking in their beauty more than once. Ah...enough of my beautiful shoes. This isn't The Manolo's blog after all. Don't be surprised if they dictate some knitting project.

Speaking of beauty, I have been inspired by the pictures my friend Moni has been taking over the past few weeks. So I'm totally copying.

This is what I was greeted with when we got home from Virginia. Don't you love bulbs? They're like little garden surprises!

This was me trying to be Robert Mapplethorpe.

A few days later, the lily closed up a bit and started to turn purple! So beautiful!

See you later, and maybe I'll have some knitting content then!

Your Good Deed For The Day

I caught JenLa's post yesterday and wanted to post a link for those who may have missed it.

Knit designer and inpiration to many, Annie Modesitt's husband Gerry is battling Mulitiple Myeloma, a terminal cancer that strikes plasma cells. Treatment is expensive, and to offset the cost, Main Street Yarns and Fibers has set up 6 Weeks of Socks. Go check out the 7 drawings they have listed. The grand prize is Annie's book [Romantic Hand Knits], needles and yarn! Regardless, if you donate, we all win.

Also, you can check out the We Love Annie blog.

Do You Ravelry?

Liz K. gave me a wonderful compliment a few posts back. She said that 'one of my favorite things about your blog is that you make projects that I have not seen all over blogland'. How sweet is that? Like you, once one project is completed, I'm scouring my books and mags trying to find something new to inspire me. And once I've found it, I spend days and days google-ing pattern names [just try to find a completed Walking After Midnight skirt...I dare you!] and designers [and combinations therein] trying to find someone, anyone who has run the gauntlet and had a successful [or unsuccessful] finished project [or just to see that certain sweater on a real person who wears undergarments].

Wouldn't it be great if there were a one stop site that knitters and crocheters, the blog-full and the blog-less could come together and showcase their finished projects and original designs?

Well that place is Ravelry! Freckle-girl Jessica and her husband have started a new crafty website that is just what we've all been looking for! Not only can you do all the stuff above, you can make new friends, queue projects you want to make and keep track of your yarn and needle stashes. You can link your blog if you have one and if you don't you can join the on-line community without the hassle of keeping up a journal [that's for all my favorite blog people who have abandoned their blogs...].

So what are you waiting for? Go check it out! Join! And don't forget to add me as a friend!

*They are slowly but surely adding people so be patient! Also, you will need to sign up for a Flickr account to link your photos, but it's free, so who cares? And lastly, once you have an account, if you have an idea, shoot Jess an e-mail. They want to make this as user-friendly as possible and welcome feedback!

Just What Are They Trying To Say?

So, being on mass transit here in LA, I usually have the chance to look out the window and see a lot of things. One thing that recently caught my interest is the above movie poster. I have a few problems with it. See if you can see where I'm going with this.

First off, I want to point out that this is a movie poster and most people will pass by it while driving [duh!] and will probably only have a moment or two to scan it before the light turns green or the Knucklehead in the car ahead of them makes that right hand turn. That in mind, the first thing I noticed was this movie is starring Bernie Mac and Terrence Howard. Hmmm...both of them look shirtless...that's interesting. The next thing I noticed was the five of nekkid-looking young men below the pictures of the stars. The last thing I noticed was the title of the film, Pride.

Now, how am I supposed to, at 40 mph no less, interpret a poster for a movie called PRIDE that seems to feature nekkid men? Hmmm. I had the chance to take 5 minutes [while standing still] and really look at it. Yeah, the movie is still called Pride. That can't be helped. I noticed that Bernie Mac isn't shirtless after all. He's actually wearing a shirt in the picture, but since it's the exact the same color as his skin, he looks shirtless. As for the bevvy of nekkid young men, one of them is actually a girl but since she's buried so far in the back and has a cap on, she looks like a fifth young man.

I only finally figured out this movie was about a swim team when I took a moment to find more information on the internet. A SWIM TEAM? Oh, you mean those black lines behind the faces of the stars are meant to be swim lanes? Those swirly blue lines are supposed to indicate water and not just to denote that the movie is set in the 70's? I see now [since I zoomed in 50 times with the aid of the computer] that the center man is holding a clipboard and a stopwatch and that kid under Bernie Mac's shoulder is holding swim goggles.

I am not a designer by any means, but this poster is horrible. I'm astonished that someone approved this stuff. It must have been a mistake. For a week or so there, I was wondering if Bernie and Terrence was starring in a gay movie or something.

Potpourri - Just Stuff...no pictures...

Well, here's some random thoughts for a Thursday. I'm just biding my time before Grey's Anatomy comes on. Only hours...and hours to go!

• Maya Angelou ~ I didn't give y'all a recap of Maya Angelou last week. Let me just say....AMAZING! Not only was she smart and talented and everything you'd think she was, she was absolutely hilarious! The talk was really inspiring and touching...about her life and the people who have been 'the rainbows in her clouds'. If you ever have the chance to hear her speak, I highly recommend taking advantage.
• The LA Marathon ~ The marathon has been rerouted this year and will be coming right by my apartment. Very convenient! Maybe I'll get up early and watch the leaders pass by. Then take a nap and come out a few hours later to look for some friends who are running too.
• Commercials ~ No, I haven't booked a commercial yet. My cousin did though...it was a promo for the NBA All Star Game that took place a few weeks back. He's the guy waxing poetic in the desert...it's not the first spot, but the one immediately after...that starts with the sun rising. I have, however, seen the commercial for Swiffer that I auditioned for [in it, there's a young African American female dusting, and after she hangs the Swiffer in the closet, she says 'same time next week?']. Hmmm...maybe my line reading wasn't convincing enough for them. She was okay, but I mean, really...
• Knitting Content ~ I've been lazy with the picture taking. I want to wash the Cable Wrap before I take its first offical picture...it just needs a good wash then it will be perfect. Unfortunately, it's been damn cold here in LA [yes, all of 46 degrees at night...yes, my blood is thin...like water, people!] and I don't want it take take 4 days to dry. It should be warmer this weekend, so maybe it will only take 2 days. Since I've gotten two of my projects done, I've been knitting away at Lady E. I'm 1/2 way through the 4th ball, so I may be seeing another cast off in the very near future. Maybe I'll take it with me out the watch the marathon and wave it around as the TV cameras pass by.

All right, enough fooling around at work. No time for chekcing my spelling...it's to go home!