I haven't updated in a little while so I figured I'd do it today even if I don't have much to report.
I still only have one WIP, oddly enough. But the good thing about that is that the project goes by faster (way to state the obvious!). The back of Kyoto is done and I've began working on the left front. The back was pretty boring, all stockinette for 12.5". But it's now DONE.
My sister loved my poncho and she would like to have one. I don't think I could make it in time for her birthday though (April 2nd). So I may end up buying one for her. I loved knitting it though so who knows?
I'm hesitating between many things for a new project. I want to make Clapotis but I have trouble choosing the yarn. I have no idea what I want. I'm poor so I can't buy expensive yarn. Cheap and nice. That's what I need. I'd also like to make Madli's Shawl from last summer's IK. I'd like to use my alpaca for it but I'd have to go and buy more. I know they sell it at my LYS but I'm scared of dyelots after the poncho incident. I also want to make poster boy from SNBN, but I'd need new yarn for it. I'd love to get the Lamb's pride but you can't find it here. I'd order it but I only need two skeins (1 of each colour) and it wouldn't be worth it to order that little yarn with shipping rates and all. Meh meh meh. Maybe socks then, I have the yarn for it. We'll see.
I've been depressed lately. I always am this time of the year. Thank God for knitting and its therapeutic effects.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Two firsts
I finally finished To Dye For, with a different colour for the sleeves and the collar since I couldn't find more of the blue yarn:
It is quite flawed and pretty unflattering but I still love it because, well, it's my first sweater! I may redo the crocheted collar because it looks weird.
And this is the lacey poncho, that I finished after putting it on hold for a few months (well almost finished, I still need to weave in the ends). You can see the dyelot problem. It's even more noticeable in person. It's too bad because I really like it. So should I try dyeing it? The yarn is something like 70% acrylic, 30% wool. So I don't think I can Kool-Aid dye it. But fabric dye maybe? Will it work or will it totally kill it?
(the pattern is from Chicknits by the way)
So now I only have ONE project on the needles: Kyoto. I'll probably cast on for one or two more things since I like to have three projects going at the same time. I'm leaning more and more towards Phoebe from the new IK. Maybe a pair of socks too. Oh and there's always that Chinese Charm bag that I've frogged twice now. See, for some reason, the yarn keeps on twisting. I've used circulars plenty of times before and I've NEVER had a problem with twisting yarn before. But with this particular yarn (and these particular cheap needles), it twists as soon as I put my guards down. Maybe it's just not meant to be.
It is quite flawed and pretty unflattering but I still love it because, well, it's my first sweater! I may redo the crocheted collar because it looks weird.
And this is the lacey poncho, that I finished after putting it on hold for a few months (well almost finished, I still need to weave in the ends). You can see the dyelot problem. It's even more noticeable in person. It's too bad because I really like it. So should I try dyeing it? The yarn is something like 70% acrylic, 30% wool. So I don't think I can Kool-Aid dye it. But fabric dye maybe? Will it work or will it totally kill it?
(the pattern is from Chicknits by the way)
So now I only have ONE project on the needles: Kyoto. I'll probably cast on for one or two more things since I like to have three projects going at the same time. I'm leaning more and more towards Phoebe from the new IK. Maybe a pair of socks too. Oh and there's always that Chinese Charm bag that I've frogged twice now. See, for some reason, the yarn keeps on twisting. I've used circulars plenty of times before and I've NEVER had a problem with twisting yarn before. But with this particular yarn (and these particular cheap needles), it twists as soon as I put my guards down. Maybe it's just not meant to be.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Pretty yarn, why do I love thee so?
Earlier this week, I received a package from my lovely Secret Pal and on top of three candy necklaces, a book that looks very interesting (Zen and the art of knitting), a hot stone massage kit (!!!!! how original, I can't wait to try it) and a cute postcard with French words on it (yay!), I had four skeins of the yarn pictured above. Actually, the colour is all wrong (despite attempts to make it more accurate with Photoshop) and it really looks more like this. The name is Alpaca Peru Luxury Collection and it's so soft and pretty! And of course it's alpaca so it looks very warm. Now I must decide what to do with it and that's where YOU come in, dear reader(s). I have 200g/400m/(I think that would be 440 yd). It says "22 STS/27 Rows to 4". Any idea? I'd love to make a shawl but I don't think I'd have enough, unless I make a capelet or something. Would it look good as a shawl? I went to the LYS earlier today (more on that later) and they carry the yarn so I could get more but then I may have a dyelot problem. Hmmmm.
Any ideas? I know I don't want to make a scarf. Or a hat. Or mittens. Hmmm.
***
Did I mention that Andrea sent me three very cute baby blanket patterns?
***
So as I said above, I went to a LYS earlier today. I love to go there but as you all probably know, it's quite an exercise in discipline. I managed to find some nice yarn for my Secret Pal. I won't say more about it in case she stumbles upon this blog. I just hope she'll like it. I was very careful to go with what she likes according to her website so I think it'll be ok.
For me, I got a skein of Phildar Laureate in baby pink. I wanted a dark blue (this is to finish the sleeves of the To Dye For sweater) but I didn't find one that I liked. So I went with pink. I think it'll look cute with the pale blue. I think. We'll see.
I also got some cotton for Kyoto. Now keep in mind that I'm still a pretty new knitter and I'm not always too good at substituting yarns. It's only when I got home that I realize that the yarn I chose was way too thin. But I had looked at plenty of cotton while in the store and it was the only one that I really liked (it's Katia Mississippi). So I doubled it and swatched and it should be fine. Except I now have to go and buy more and the sweater that I thought would cost me 36$ will end up being 72$. Oh well. Hobbies are expensive aren't they? I casted on and I was very surprised to see that I actually really like to work with cotton. Who would have thought?
I didn't buy it, but I think I found a yarn I'd like to use for Clapotis (I found MANY yarns I'd like to use, but this one I can actually afford). It's simply Patons Decor in... I can't remember the name of the colour but it has "Spring" in it. Or "Springtime". It's cute. I think (hope) it would look cute as Clapotis. But I don't want to buy it until To Dye for is finished. Which could happen very soon or in a long time, depending on how I feel.
***
I finished the lacey poncho! At least the knitted part. It's currently "blocking". I'm using quotes because since it's an acrylic/wool blend, I don't know how well it will block. But it's worth a try. This project taught me something: the importance of dye lots. The yarn I used is white. Sort of. I mean, some balls were white. Others were what I could describe as yellowy-white. Now I have absolutely no sense of observation. Therefore, I didn't notice the differences in colours until I was wayyyy into the pattern. Ok, I only noticed when I was halfway done with the second pannel. I then looked at the first pannel and noticed that it was two different colours and I hadn't even noticed. How stupid of me! I still kept on knitting because there was just no way I was ripping it all out. I'm thinking of dying it. Can I do that? I don't think kool-aid dying will work well since the wool content is minimal, but would fabric dye do? I'm ready to try anything. I'll keep you all updated.
***
Wow, this entry is LONG. Are you still reading? I got Interweave Knits earlier this week so I'm now doing what I hope will become a tradition:
Just keep in mind that I tend to change my mind a lot and what first catches my eyes isn't necessarilly something that I'll still like in a few months. And I may end up liking something that I dislike now. So this is today's opinions.
1. Phoebe (this is the pattern for the Yarn Spotlight on p. 7): I think it's very cute and guess what? I just realized that it would be a nice project for my new Alpaca Peru yarn! Hehe.
2. Wear-everywhere Pullover: I love this. But I'd rather not do it in hemp and I'm not sure how it would look in wool. What do you think? Cotton maybe?
3. Fitted Dolman: It's absolutely not my style. Or maybe it's the green, since I don't wear green? No, it's really just not my style.
4. Galway Guy: I have no boyfriend/husband/dad/brother so men patterns don't interest me at all. The shirt is nice though.
5. A Good Bias: Very cute. I think I'd like something like that for summer, since the weather can go up and down sometimes.
6. Flowered Waistcoat: I don't like it.
7. Vintage Pink Cardigan: Très cute, very girly. I'm a sucker for pink girly stuff.
8. Bear Claw Blanket: Véronik Avery is probably my favourite designer and I think the blanket is pretty. But 19 skeins of Koigu Premium Merino? I wish I could, but I can't.
9. Ballet Wrap: I love this (pink again!). But I'd like to see more pictures of it (made by other people). I think I don't like the dress she has on underneath and I want to see it worn with something else.
10. Border on the Extravagant: Woo more pink! I like it but I'd do it without the upper pockets.
11. Skye Tweed Vest: See #4 (the model made me smile though)
12. Parfait Play: I like baby stuff because many of my friends are having them, but I'm not into kids stuff right now. Maybe when my friends' kids will be older...
13. Grand Plan Capelets: Of the three, my favourite would be the burgundy one but I don't care for them much.
14. Cable-Eight Top: I don't like it much.
15. Bi-Color Brioche: Probably my favourite thing in the magazine. It's SO pretty! It looks complicated though.
16. Wave Skirt: Very pretty but I think if I were to make a knitted skirt, I'd do the eyelet skirt from Knitty.
17. Cable Rib Socks: Oooooh pretty. I <3 socks. I just love the pic of the model knitting in her pajamas. Something I do often.
18. Paisley Lace Shawl: I like it, but there are so many shawl patterns that I like more that I'll most likely pass on this one.
19. Heads-up Hats: I think they have a weird shape.
20. Amish Oval Rug: It's nice but I don't think I'd want to knit a rug right now.
That's it for the spring issue. I love IK and I already can't wait for the Summer issue! :p
Monday, February 14, 2005
I sock
So my first pair of socks is done!
They're not perfect. They're too big (my fault for not swatching). But I still <3 them and I want to make more. And everyone is SO getting socks for Christmas next year (well this year... it just seems like next year).
***
In other news, my job is interfering in my knitting. :p Lately I've been working odd hours (not to mention long hours) and my schedule just doesn't agree with my LYS' schedule. And I need to buy yarn! Yarn to finish my sweater, yarn to begin Kyoto and yarn for my Secret Pal (though I don't know what to get her at all). Oh well. The good thing is that I'll be spending next weekend in Montreal (the first one since my mom got sick at the beginning of January. She's much better now so I feel ok spending a weekend here) so I should be able to buy then.
Oh and since I mentionned Secret Pals... it looks like I'll be getting something in my mailbox soon. Yay, I'm so excited! Thank you Secret Pal!
They're not perfect. They're too big (my fault for not swatching). But I still <3 them and I want to make more. And everyone is SO getting socks for Christmas next year (well this year... it just seems like next year).
***
In other news, my job is interfering in my knitting. :p Lately I've been working odd hours (not to mention long hours) and my schedule just doesn't agree with my LYS' schedule. And I need to buy yarn! Yarn to finish my sweater, yarn to begin Kyoto and yarn for my Secret Pal (though I don't know what to get her at all). Oh well. The good thing is that I'll be spending next weekend in Montreal (the first one since my mom got sick at the beginning of January. She's much better now so I feel ok spending a weekend here) so I should be able to buy then.
Oh and since I mentionned Secret Pals... it looks like I'll be getting something in my mailbox soon. Yay, I'm so excited! Thank you Secret Pal!
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Days like this
I've had a bad bad bad day. So I decided to shop at KnitPicks to make me feel better. I added a lovely handpainted yarn called "Happy Dance" for Clapotis to my Shopping cart. Then I decided to get some Wool of the Andes in coal and in mulled wine. It came up to a little over 17$ (I had 2 skeins of each colour). Fantastic! Even with the exchange rate it's a pretty good price.
Then they added almost 10$ for shipping. POO! And Canadians are not elligible for the free shipping for orders over 30$ thing or I would have happily ordered more.
So I did the only thing that was left to do. I deleted everything from the shopping cart and did some virtual shopping instead. My wish list now goes up to 232.53 (I didn't even try to convert to Canadian dollars). Oh to be rich :p Of course, since it was only virtual shopping, I added a pair of Addi turbos in every size available :p
Then they added almost 10$ for shipping. POO! And Canadians are not elligible for the free shipping for orders over 30$ thing or I would have happily ordered more.
So I did the only thing that was left to do. I deleted everything from the shopping cart and did some virtual shopping instead. My wish list now goes up to 232.53 (I didn't even try to convert to Canadian dollars). Oh to be rich :p Of course, since it was only virtual shopping, I added a pair of Addi turbos in every size available :p
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Knitting Envy
I am at a point in my knitting life where I want to start so many new projects, I'm going nuts. I have many almost-finished objects, which is very exciting because it means I'll be able to start new ones soon! :p
I'm almost done with sock #2 of my first pair. I *may* finish it this week. Or I may keep it for next weekend when I'm coming back here (I'm at my mom's right now).
The lacey poncho is also going well. I think I have 8 pattern repeats and then I'm done. Leave it to me to finish my first poncho just as no one is wearing them anymore. Haha.
To dye for: I've been meaning to go to a LYS to get more yarn to finish it for a few weeks now but I can never find the time. Since I can't find the exact same colour I've used, I think the sleeves are going to be a darker blue, and the crocheted collar too. I'm not sure how it will look, but it's worth a try. I can always frog it all if I don't like it.
Oh and remember the blue yarn from La Bobineuse that was turned into a shawl which I decided to frog a week or so ago? I'm using it to practice crochet and I'm making a scarf. Very simple but it's soft and warm. It's not exactly the look I was hoping for though so I may start it over. We'll see. It's cute the way it is too.
As for the wish list, here are a few things I want to make next:
-Clapotis. Yes, the clapper. Everyone keeps talking about it, about how much fun it is and posting pictures and well, I want to be a part of the fun too. I just need to find the perfect yarn for it.
-Kyoto. It's on Knitty and in Knit Wit. It's very cute. I want it black and pink. And I want it now.
-Arm warmers. I don't know why, I suddenly decided I needed a pair. And when I say need, I mean need. I love the ones in Stitch N' Bitch nation so I may make them. I rhink I'd want to use the purple yarn I got at La Bobineuse but I'll have to swatch to make sure I can get gauge first.
-Socks. Because I bought cute sock yarn that I want to use. But I think I'll do arm warmers before I make more socks. But I need to make lots of socks because I've already decided that it's going to be everyone's gifts next Christmas.
-A shawl. I really need one for the office, even though it's getting warmer out. The office is often colder during the summer anyways. I love Madli's Shawl from issue #something of Interweave Knits. But I'd love to use the yarn I got in the last Secret Pal thing and I don't have enough of one colour (I have 4 balls of red and 4 of green but I don't want to mix the colours) and I don't know where to buy more. So I'd need a smaller shawl pattern if I wanted to use the yarn. The Flower Basket shawl maybe. Or the capelet from Stitch N' Bitch Nation.
*sigh*
Oh and I'm not even going to mention the Poster boy bag and the yoga mat bag from Stitch N' Bitch Nation, a cute summer top from last summer's IK and the eyelet skirt from Knitty. Not to mention that my mom said she'd love to have a scarf to match the Chinese Charm bag I made her for her birthday. That made me very happy because it means that she loves the bag :) That also mean that I should buy some more Silk Garden in #84 (and make sure I have enough to make another hat like the one I lost at the hospital. I loved it so much!)
See my dilemma? What to make, what to make... I wish I could become a multi-milionnaire and quit my job and knit all day. With luscious super expensive yarn. Yum.
***
Knit.1 or Caroline is getting old
The second issue of Knit.1 just came out. Now I remember when I saw the first issue. I picked it up at Indigo and sat in a chair there to browse through it. I ended up not buying it. I didn't like the layout of the mag at all. And I didn't like the patterns. Too much froufrou (and I love froufrou) and fun furs and funky stuff. And I usually love funky. Damn it, what's wrong with me?
And then I went online and saw the teenagers and the women in their early 20s raving about it. They loved the patterns. And I hated them.
So when I saw issue #2, I did like with the first one. I sat and looked at it. I must admit that I liked a few patterns. But I disliked most of them. And this is when it hit me:
"Caroline, this is targeted to young people. You hate it. Therefore, you're really getting old".
Oh well.
I'm almost done with sock #2 of my first pair. I *may* finish it this week. Or I may keep it for next weekend when I'm coming back here (I'm at my mom's right now).
The lacey poncho is also going well. I think I have 8 pattern repeats and then I'm done. Leave it to me to finish my first poncho just as no one is wearing them anymore. Haha.
To dye for: I've been meaning to go to a LYS to get more yarn to finish it for a few weeks now but I can never find the time. Since I can't find the exact same colour I've used, I think the sleeves are going to be a darker blue, and the crocheted collar too. I'm not sure how it will look, but it's worth a try. I can always frog it all if I don't like it.
Oh and remember the blue yarn from La Bobineuse that was turned into a shawl which I decided to frog a week or so ago? I'm using it to practice crochet and I'm making a scarf. Very simple but it's soft and warm. It's not exactly the look I was hoping for though so I may start it over. We'll see. It's cute the way it is too.
As for the wish list, here are a few things I want to make next:
-Clapotis. Yes, the clapper. Everyone keeps talking about it, about how much fun it is and posting pictures and well, I want to be a part of the fun too. I just need to find the perfect yarn for it.
-Kyoto. It's on Knitty and in Knit Wit. It's very cute. I want it black and pink. And I want it now.
-Arm warmers. I don't know why, I suddenly decided I needed a pair. And when I say need, I mean need. I love the ones in Stitch N' Bitch nation so I may make them. I rhink I'd want to use the purple yarn I got at La Bobineuse but I'll have to swatch to make sure I can get gauge first.
-Socks. Because I bought cute sock yarn that I want to use. But I think I'll do arm warmers before I make more socks. But I need to make lots of socks because I've already decided that it's going to be everyone's gifts next Christmas.
-A shawl. I really need one for the office, even though it's getting warmer out. The office is often colder during the summer anyways. I love Madli's Shawl from issue #something of Interweave Knits. But I'd love to use the yarn I got in the last Secret Pal thing and I don't have enough of one colour (I have 4 balls of red and 4 of green but I don't want to mix the colours) and I don't know where to buy more. So I'd need a smaller shawl pattern if I wanted to use the yarn. The Flower Basket shawl maybe. Or the capelet from Stitch N' Bitch Nation.
*sigh*
Oh and I'm not even going to mention the Poster boy bag and the yoga mat bag from Stitch N' Bitch Nation, a cute summer top from last summer's IK and the eyelet skirt from Knitty. Not to mention that my mom said she'd love to have a scarf to match the Chinese Charm bag I made her for her birthday. That made me very happy because it means that she loves the bag :) That also mean that I should buy some more Silk Garden in #84 (and make sure I have enough to make another hat like the one I lost at the hospital. I loved it so much!)
See my dilemma? What to make, what to make... I wish I could become a multi-milionnaire and quit my job and knit all day. With luscious super expensive yarn. Yum.
***
Knit.1 or Caroline is getting old
The second issue of Knit.1 just came out. Now I remember when I saw the first issue. I picked it up at Indigo and sat in a chair there to browse through it. I ended up not buying it. I didn't like the layout of the mag at all. And I didn't like the patterns. Too much froufrou (and I love froufrou) and fun furs and funky stuff. And I usually love funky. Damn it, what's wrong with me?
And then I went online and saw the teenagers and the women in their early 20s raving about it. They loved the patterns. And I hated them.
So when I saw issue #2, I did like with the first one. I sat and looked at it. I must admit that I liked a few patterns. But I disliked most of them. And this is when it hit me:
"Caroline, this is targeted to young people. You hate it. Therefore, you're really getting old".
Oh well.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Secret Pal!
Woohoo, I got my Secret Pal name! Yay. Now I just need to investigate to figure out what to give her. Hehe. :p
And if the person who has my name is reading this, here's the little survey we had to fill out:
1. Are you a yarn snob? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
While I do prefer natural fibers, I am NOT a yarn snob. I knit with everything, as long as I like the colour and texture of the yarn. Red Heart is not my favourite brand but I don't avoid it. And we don't really have Lion Brand here, except for fun fur (which I'm not a fan of).
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don't spin (maybe someday!). I'm trying to learn to Crochet. I've made a pair of slippers so far (which you can see in a previous post).
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I'm allergic to pets (*cries*), cigarette smoke, the ocean (weird I know) and band-aids.
4. How long have you been knitting?
For about a year, but the obsession began last summer.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No! Maybe I should get one!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Hmm. Cucumber melon. Pumpink and spice. Fruity stuff.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yeah but I'm always on a diet.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Well like I said, I'm trying to learn how to crochet. I'm also trying to finish my travel scrapbook. I love photography. And I want to learn how to sew someday.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love Tori Amos, Björk, Howie Day, Placebo, The Dresden Dolls, Beck, Rasputina, Franz Ferdinand, FrouFrou and a bunch of others. Lots of French-Canadian artists too (Yann Perreau, Stefie Shock, Daniel Bélanger, Jorane, Dumas and many more). And yes, I have mp3 players.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
This is difficult to answer because I love colours and my favourite ones vary constantly. I love reds, pink, purple, blues. I love green but it doesn't look good on me so I never wear it.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live by myself. I visit my mom and younger sister every weekend these days because my mom was sick recently and I want to take care of her. As I mentionned, I'm allergic to pets so I don't have any.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Happiness? Maybe to be able to get close to people.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love Noro yarns. But I need to try more nice yarns before I can decide on this one.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Scratchy yarns. No fibers in particular.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Bags. Scarves and hats. And I'm obsessed with just about a million projects.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Bags
17. What are you knitting right now?
I'm finishing a lacey poncho, a pair of socks (my first socks!), the To Dye for sweater (I just need to buy more yarn)
18. What do you think about ponchos?
I'm probably one of the few knitters who actually think they're cute.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Both
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I dislike plastic (except for my Denise). I like metal. I want to try bamboo.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
I'm on my first pair but I love it. It never gets boring!
22. How did you learn to knit?
I learned the basics with a "I taught myself how to knit" kit that I got at Wal-Mart. I learned the rest with Stitch N' Bitch and online.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I started it at the end of June 2004 and I'm not sure I'll ever finish it. It's an illusion scarf.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Animated: I like Emily the Strange, Daria and Betty Boop. And the Simpsons. My favourite animals are cats. I love them. But they make my throat close.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Postcards
***
I decided to FROG the blue shawl. I just don't really like it. I think I want a fancier shawl. Something like Madli's shawl from IK. I just need to get the yarn.
Right now there are so many things that I want to make that I end up not starting anything. It's probably a good thing since I already have a lot on the needles.
I finish my friend's scarf, which is "Mom's Sophisticated Scarf" from Stitch N' Bitch Nation. I adapted it for bulky yarn, so it's not exactly the same. I really like the way it came out and it's very soft. Unfortunately, you can't see the details well on the picture.
I'll be sending it to her this week. She doesn't know she's getting it. She's always been there for me and she's so nice to everyone, I think she deserves a little unexpected gift :)
I also took the lacey poncho out of the bag it's been sleeping in since November I think. I think I have nine pattern repeats left to do on it. I can do it.
And I began sock #2.
That's all for today Caroline's wonderful world of knitting.
And if the person who has my name is reading this, here's the little survey we had to fill out:
1. Are you a yarn snob? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
While I do prefer natural fibers, I am NOT a yarn snob. I knit with everything, as long as I like the colour and texture of the yarn. Red Heart is not my favourite brand but I don't avoid it. And we don't really have Lion Brand here, except for fun fur (which I'm not a fan of).
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I don't spin (maybe someday!). I'm trying to learn to Crochet. I've made a pair of slippers so far (which you can see in a previous post).
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I'm allergic to pets (*cries*), cigarette smoke, the ocean (weird I know) and band-aids.
4. How long have you been knitting?
For about a year, but the obsession began last summer.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
No! Maybe I should get one!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Hmm. Cucumber melon. Pumpink and spice. Fruity stuff.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yeah but I'm always on a diet.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Well like I said, I'm trying to learn how to crochet. I'm also trying to finish my travel scrapbook. I love photography. And I want to learn how to sew someday.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love Tori Amos, Björk, Howie Day, Placebo, The Dresden Dolls, Beck, Rasputina, Franz Ferdinand, FrouFrou and a bunch of others. Lots of French-Canadian artists too (Yann Perreau, Stefie Shock, Daniel Bélanger, Jorane, Dumas and many more). And yes, I have mp3 players.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
This is difficult to answer because I love colours and my favourite ones vary constantly. I love reds, pink, purple, blues. I love green but it doesn't look good on me so I never wear it.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live by myself. I visit my mom and younger sister every weekend these days because my mom was sick recently and I want to take care of her. As I mentionned, I'm allergic to pets so I don't have any.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Happiness? Maybe to be able to get close to people.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love Noro yarns. But I need to try more nice yarns before I can decide on this one.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Scratchy yarns. No fibers in particular.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Bags. Scarves and hats. And I'm obsessed with just about a million projects.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Bags
17. What are you knitting right now?
I'm finishing a lacey poncho, a pair of socks (my first socks!), the To Dye for sweater (I just need to buy more yarn)
18. What do you think about ponchos?
I'm probably one of the few knitters who actually think they're cute.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Both
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I dislike plastic (except for my Denise). I like metal. I want to try bamboo.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
I'm on my first pair but I love it. It never gets boring!
22. How did you learn to knit?
I learned the basics with a "I taught myself how to knit" kit that I got at Wal-Mart. I learned the rest with Stitch N' Bitch and online.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
I started it at the end of June 2004 and I'm not sure I'll ever finish it. It's an illusion scarf.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Animated: I like Emily the Strange, Daria and Betty Boop. And the Simpsons. My favourite animals are cats. I love them. But they make my throat close.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Postcards
***
I decided to FROG the blue shawl. I just don't really like it. I think I want a fancier shawl. Something like Madli's shawl from IK. I just need to get the yarn.
Right now there are so many things that I want to make that I end up not starting anything. It's probably a good thing since I already have a lot on the needles.
I finish my friend's scarf, which is "Mom's Sophisticated Scarf" from Stitch N' Bitch Nation. I adapted it for bulky yarn, so it's not exactly the same. I really like the way it came out and it's very soft. Unfortunately, you can't see the details well on the picture.
I'll be sending it to her this week. She doesn't know she's getting it. She's always been there for me and she's so nice to everyone, I think she deserves a little unexpected gift :)
I also took the lacey poncho out of the bag it's been sleeping in since November I think. I think I have nine pattern repeats left to do on it. I can do it.
And I began sock #2.
That's all for today Caroline's wonderful world of knitting.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
I'm a hooker!
Remember yesterday's post where I wrote that I didn't get crochet, despite many attempts?
Well I sat with instructions, yarn and a hook yesterday and for some reason, it just clicked! I therefore present you with CARO'S CROCHETED SLIPPERS!
Aren't they cute?
Thanks to everyone who's given me baby blanket ideas. Keep them coming! Andrea I'll get in touch with you.
Well I sat with instructions, yarn and a hook yesterday and for some reason, it just clicked! I therefore present you with CARO'S CROCHETED SLIPPERS!
Aren't they cute?
Thanks to everyone who's given me baby blanket ideas. Keep them coming! Andrea I'll get in touch with you.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Pregnant!
No, not me, I'm very far from being pregnant actually. But my friend is! Yay! I'm not suuuuuuuuuuuper close to her, we mostly keep in touch by email. But still, of course I want to knit her something.
I found some cute yarn in a perfect baby-whose-gender-is-not-yet-determined colour. And now I want to make a baby blanket. I think. The question is: what pattern should I use?
There was a cute (free) pattern close to the yarn in the store (Wal-Mart) so I took it. But unfortunately, it was crochet. Damn! I don't get crochet, unfortunately. I've tried, and I will try again. But I'm not sure I'll be able to crochet an intermediate crochet pattern before her due date.
So anyways, that's where you all come into play. If you have a favourite baby blanket pattern, let me know what it is! I don't mind paying for a pattern, but I'd rather not have to buy a whole book. I'm still not sure how many people are actually reading this blog, but hopefully I'll get a few suggestions. Oh and even if you don't have a suggestion, please post a comment just so I know you're reading :)
***
The Orphan Sock or Caroline will never learn
Months ago, I spontaneously bought this skein of Bernat Sox in purple-blue-green-pink. There was a sock pattern on the label and it said that one skein was enough for a pair. Being a beginner (still am really), I thought it was cool and bought the yarn.
Of course, I then realized that the pattern on the label was for kids sock. I don't have a kid and I'm selfish so I wanted the socks for myself. But it was clear that I'd need more than a skein for a pair of adult socks.
"No problem, I'll buy another skein sometime later", I thought and went on my merry way, knitting other stuff (mostly fuzzy feet for loved ones). Then a few weeks ago, I decided to knit socks and I picked up the Bernat.
The sock is BEAUTIFUL! I love it. Even though it's acrylic, it's very warm. I can't wait to make myself a pair in wool, it will be sooooooo warm. Anyways. But while the sock is nice, I soon realized that two would be better. So I went to Zellers, where I had bought that first skein. Bernat Sox yarn extravaganza! They had every possible colour... except the purple-blue-green-pink. Of course. Today I went to Wal-Mart. Lots of Bernat chunky, Bernat cotton, Bernat satin. No Bernat sox. Poo.
Now I may be able to find the yarn in another Zellers or in a Wal-Mart in Montreal, who knows? But if I don't, the sock will remain an orphan, which would suck (pun totally intended).
***
Mommy wants to learn how to knit
My mom got out of the hospital last Tuesday, but she won't be going back to work until the end of February, at the earliest. She sleeps a lot, but she also has lots of free time (especially since we're all spoiling her to death and doing all the chores... of course she totally deserves it). So last night she asked me if I could show her how to knit! Yay! She bought some chunky yarn and size 10½ needles today and I tried to teach her. Things I realized:
1. I'm a lousy teacher
2. Just because knitting was easy to learn for me doesn't mean it's easy for everyone (though that may be due to #1)
3. Having taught myself how to knit with English books and websites, I don't know the French terminology at all.
That being said, she managed to do a few rows of her scarf, but she won't hold her needles like I do even if I keep on showing it to her again and again. Oh well. Whatever makes you comfortable I guess.
She ended up telling me that she was much better at crochet. I asked her to show me and guess what? She's as bad a teacher as I am! :p Or maybe we're both very poor students ;)
***
I want to change the name of this blog. Caroline's Knitting Adventures is just this silly name I thought of when I registered. I want something shorter so I could make buttons. I like things like Jo Knits but I'm not a copycat so I won't use Caro Knits ;) If anyone has an idea, let me know.
I found some cute yarn in a perfect baby-whose-gender-is-not-yet-determined colour. And now I want to make a baby blanket. I think. The question is: what pattern should I use?
There was a cute (free) pattern close to the yarn in the store (Wal-Mart) so I took it. But unfortunately, it was crochet. Damn! I don't get crochet, unfortunately. I've tried, and I will try again. But I'm not sure I'll be able to crochet an intermediate crochet pattern before her due date.
So anyways, that's where you all come into play. If you have a favourite baby blanket pattern, let me know what it is! I don't mind paying for a pattern, but I'd rather not have to buy a whole book. I'm still not sure how many people are actually reading this blog, but hopefully I'll get a few suggestions. Oh and even if you don't have a suggestion, please post a comment just so I know you're reading :)
***
The Orphan Sock or Caroline will never learn
Months ago, I spontaneously bought this skein of Bernat Sox in purple-blue-green-pink. There was a sock pattern on the label and it said that one skein was enough for a pair. Being a beginner (still am really), I thought it was cool and bought the yarn.
Of course, I then realized that the pattern on the label was for kids sock. I don't have a kid and I'm selfish so I wanted the socks for myself. But it was clear that I'd need more than a skein for a pair of adult socks.
"No problem, I'll buy another skein sometime later", I thought and went on my merry way, knitting other stuff (mostly fuzzy feet for loved ones). Then a few weeks ago, I decided to knit socks and I picked up the Bernat.
The sock is BEAUTIFUL! I love it. Even though it's acrylic, it's very warm. I can't wait to make myself a pair in wool, it will be sooooooo warm. Anyways. But while the sock is nice, I soon realized that two would be better. So I went to Zellers, where I had bought that first skein. Bernat Sox yarn extravaganza! They had every possible colour... except the purple-blue-green-pink. Of course. Today I went to Wal-Mart. Lots of Bernat chunky, Bernat cotton, Bernat satin. No Bernat sox. Poo.
Now I may be able to find the yarn in another Zellers or in a Wal-Mart in Montreal, who knows? But if I don't, the sock will remain an orphan, which would suck (pun totally intended).
***
Mommy wants to learn how to knit
My mom got out of the hospital last Tuesday, but she won't be going back to work until the end of February, at the earliest. She sleeps a lot, but she also has lots of free time (especially since we're all spoiling her to death and doing all the chores... of course she totally deserves it). So last night she asked me if I could show her how to knit! Yay! She bought some chunky yarn and size 10½ needles today and I tried to teach her. Things I realized:
1. I'm a lousy teacher
2. Just because knitting was easy to learn for me doesn't mean it's easy for everyone (though that may be due to #1)
3. Having taught myself how to knit with English books and websites, I don't know the French terminology at all.
That being said, she managed to do a few rows of her scarf, but she won't hold her needles like I do even if I keep on showing it to her again and again. Oh well. Whatever makes you comfortable I guess.
She ended up telling me that she was much better at crochet. I asked her to show me and guess what? She's as bad a teacher as I am! :p Or maybe we're both very poor students ;)
***
I want to change the name of this blog. Caroline's Knitting Adventures is just this silly name I thought of when I registered. I want something shorter so I could make buttons. I like things like Jo Knits but I'm not a copycat so I won't use Caro Knits ;) If anyone has an idea, let me know.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
The post with lots of pictures
The Tsunami Relief Challenge is over! Thanks to everyone who participated. The final total is 507$ + one undisclosed amount. YAY! You all rock. :)
Of course, I'm sure you all want to know who's winning the Noro, right? Ok, ready?
Congratulations to Andrea! (I'll get in touch with you sometime tomorrow as it's getting very late and I need to go to bed soon).
***
Here's a pic that shows some recent purchases:
As you can see, I finally got my set of Denise, after months of wanting them! Yay :) I adore them. You can also see the yarn I've been lusting over for some time now, Phildar coquine. It's so cute. I'm going to make a scarf out of it. And last, my new little stuffed friend. I just couldn't resist when I saw it in the store. It was only 10$CDN, and half of it went to the Red-Cross. A good deal, I tell you.
You can see it wearing my Gryffindor beanie here (I look like hell right now so there's no way I'm modelling it myself):
And you can see here that I've already put my Denise to use:
A shawl I'm working on with yarn from La Bobineuse.
***
I went to Mouliné today, hoping to find some Noro Silk Garden. See, I lost my Silk Garden beanie at the hospital. *cries* I loved that hat so much. Unfortunately, they don't carry it. I still have half a skein left and I need only one skein for the hat. So if anyone has a half-skein of colour 34 lying around and you want to get rid of it, let me know :) (Only if you have leftovers though, if you have a whole skein, make the Hat for yourself, it's lovely.)
So yeah, I went to Mouliné and even though they didn't have what I was looking for, I didn't come out empty ended, oh no. It's a good thing that the store isn't close to where I live, or I'd go broke. It has sooooo many luscious yarns, I wanted to buy everything. I didn't though. But I got some Irish wool as well as lovely sock yarn, which I shouldn't have bought.
Why not?
Because I'm almost done with my first sock:
Made with cheap Bernat Sox. It's cute. But how on earth will I be able to make the second sock with the Bernat when I have the other cute new (75% wool) yarn? Self-control, Caroline, self-control.
***
PSA
The girl in charge of Secret Pals 4 is looking for French speaking participants. There are some people from France who are participating and their blog is all in French.
***
Montrealers:
The Indigo bookstore on Sainte-Catherine street has their Suss Kit at 75% off. They usually go for 30$CDN. Now I'm not a fan of the patterns, but they all come with yarn and a pair of Size 9 bamboo needles. The purse one also has handles and there are some kits that have ribbons I believe. I don't think I'll buy any, but I figured some of you could be interested.
Ok I think that's all for tonight!
Of course, I'm sure you all want to know who's winning the Noro, right? Ok, ready?
Congratulations to Andrea! (I'll get in touch with you sometime tomorrow as it's getting very late and I need to go to bed soon).
***
Here's a pic that shows some recent purchases:
As you can see, I finally got my set of Denise, after months of wanting them! Yay :) I adore them. You can also see the yarn I've been lusting over for some time now, Phildar coquine. It's so cute. I'm going to make a scarf out of it. And last, my new little stuffed friend. I just couldn't resist when I saw it in the store. It was only 10$CDN, and half of it went to the Red-Cross. A good deal, I tell you.
You can see it wearing my Gryffindor beanie here (I look like hell right now so there's no way I'm modelling it myself):
And you can see here that I've already put my Denise to use:
A shawl I'm working on with yarn from La Bobineuse.
***
I went to Mouliné today, hoping to find some Noro Silk Garden. See, I lost my Silk Garden beanie at the hospital. *cries* I loved that hat so much. Unfortunately, they don't carry it. I still have half a skein left and I need only one skein for the hat. So if anyone has a half-skein of colour 34 lying around and you want to get rid of it, let me know :) (Only if you have leftovers though, if you have a whole skein, make the Hat for yourself, it's lovely.)
So yeah, I went to Mouliné and even though they didn't have what I was looking for, I didn't come out empty ended, oh no. It's a good thing that the store isn't close to where I live, or I'd go broke. It has sooooo many luscious yarns, I wanted to buy everything. I didn't though. But I got some Irish wool as well as lovely sock yarn, which I shouldn't have bought.
Why not?
Because I'm almost done with my first sock:
Made with cheap Bernat Sox. It's cute. But how on earth will I be able to make the second sock with the Bernat when I have the other cute new (75% wool) yarn? Self-control, Caroline, self-control.
***
PSA
The girl in charge of Secret Pals 4 is looking for French speaking participants. There are some people from France who are participating and their blog is all in French.
***
Montrealers:
The Indigo bookstore on Sainte-Catherine street has their Suss Kit at 75% off. They usually go for 30$CDN. Now I'm not a fan of the patterns, but they all come with yarn and a pair of Size 9 bamboo needles. The purse one also has handles and there are some kits that have ribbons I believe. I don't think I'll buy any, but I figured some of you could be interested.
Ok I think that's all for tonight!
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Quick update before work
I want to thank you all for your good thoughts and encouragements concerning my mother. The doctors think that she has basilar migraines, a rare form of migraine that usually affects teenage girls (I kept telling my mom that she looks so young she gets teenage disorders).
BASILAR MIGRAINE - A form of complicated migraine headache that is characterized by the addition of bilateral visual symptoms, paresthesias, confusion, stupor, rarely coma, aggressive outbursts, slurred speech, double, vision, and vertigo. Alternating hemiplegias (one-sided weakness) have also been attributed to basilar migraine. May also exist with only some of the aforementioned symptoms as a "partial basilar syndrome."
She is doing better now but she still has lots of trouble sleeping and she barely eats. She got out of the hospital yesterday. I'm still worried, but I'm also relieved that she doesn't have a tumor or something like that.
I spent last Thursday through Sunday with her in the hospital. I almost finished my first sock while she was sleeping and got to talk to a knitter who was visiting her husband.
Concerning the TSUNAMI RELIEF CHALLENGE, you have until tonight, midnight (Montreal time) to send me an email with the amount of your donation. I will most likely draw the name of the winner tomorrow as I had planned (maybe even at midnight tonight if I'm still up). Good luck!
There will probably be a new post with pictures sometimes soon.
BASILAR MIGRAINE - A form of complicated migraine headache that is characterized by the addition of bilateral visual symptoms, paresthesias, confusion, stupor, rarely coma, aggressive outbursts, slurred speech, double, vision, and vertigo. Alternating hemiplegias (one-sided weakness) have also been attributed to basilar migraine. May also exist with only some of the aforementioned symptoms as a "partial basilar syndrome."
She is doing better now but she still has lots of trouble sleeping and she barely eats. She got out of the hospital yesterday. I'm still worried, but I'm also relieved that she doesn't have a tumor or something like that.
I spent last Thursday through Sunday with her in the hospital. I almost finished my first sock while she was sleeping and got to talk to a knitter who was visiting her husband.
Concerning the TSUNAMI RELIEF CHALLENGE, you have until tonight, midnight (Montreal time) to send me an email with the amount of your donation. I will most likely draw the name of the winner tomorrow as I had planned (maybe even at midnight tonight if I'm still up). Good luck!
There will probably be a new post with pictures sometimes soon.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Update
Hey.
I haven't been updating much lately because I'm going through a difficult time. My mom was admitted to the hospital last weekend. They don't know what she has and everything is just very scary.
I will be back to blog world sometime in the future I'm sure.
As for the tsunami relief challenge, don't worry about it. I will definitely give away the Noro to one of you wonderful donators. It may be a little later than I expected though (then again, maybe not, we'll see how things go). Sorry for not sending everyone an individual thank you note, but I'm sure you understand.
Just send good thoughts to my mom if you can ok?
I haven't been updating much lately because I'm going through a difficult time. My mom was admitted to the hospital last weekend. They don't know what she has and everything is just very scary.
I will be back to blog world sometime in the future I'm sure.
As for the tsunami relief challenge, don't worry about it. I will definitely give away the Noro to one of you wonderful donators. It may be a little later than I expected though (then again, maybe not, we'll see how things go). Sorry for not sending everyone an individual thank you note, but I'm sure you understand.
Just send good thoughts to my mom if you can ok?
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Socks!
After spontaneously casting on for a blue shawl that I had to put on hold for a lack of long needles, I spontaneously cast on a sock. My first sock! Unless you count the Fuzzy Feet as socks, but I don't :p I'm using a basic pattern on the Lion Brand website (I'm too lazy to link it right now) and I'm using some cheap yarn. Bernat Sox in a cute purple/pink/green/blue colourway. I've heard bad things about this yarn, but I've had it in my stash almost since I've learned how to knit so I figured I might as well use it for Le premier bas. The colour is very cute though.
***
----> Take a look at my menu: the total for the Tsunami Challenge has doubled! Yay! :) You still have 10 days to participate (Deadline is midnight on January 20th). Click the link on the menu to see the details.
***
----> Take a look at my menu: the total for the Tsunami Challenge has doubled! Yay! :) You still have 10 days to participate (Deadline is midnight on January 20th). Click the link on the menu to see the details.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
In a dream
Last night I dreamed that I had finished my sweater and it was beautiful. I was so excited that I wore it right away and went to work. When I got there, I realized that I had forgotten to weave the ends in. Ooops. :p "Ehh... it's part of the design!"
***
I always have a list of "Things to knit next" in my head. Right now, among the things I want to knit soon, are a modified Chinese Charm Bag, the Klaralund sweater, a scarf made of gorgeous yarn that I will buy sometime soon and a yoga mat bag.
But often, instead of starting one of these million of projects that have been in my head for quite sometime, I impulsively cast on for something else. I did that last night. I used this gorgous blue yarn that I got at La Bobineuse:
And I started a shawl using the KnittingGeek Shawl Workshop.
The yarn is bulky so it's not a fancy shawl but it's incredibly soft and will hopefully be warm. I plan on using it at work where I am *always* cold, even in the summer. I'm using Size 15 needles. I was able to get quite a bit of it done last night (it knits up very quickly as you can imagine), but I'll have to wait until I get my Denise to continue, as I don't have long enough needles to go on. I should get my set sometime next week I think.
***
Gryffindor beanie is currently blocking. That yarn (100% merino, unknown brand) soften up quite a bit when it's washed.
***
Now I need to stop blogging and tidy up the appartment. I've made room to store my mini-stash in the living room (it's all over the place in bags right now). I'll eventually need to buy some baskets or boxes or something. I love yarn. Yes, I do.
***
I always have a list of "Things to knit next" in my head. Right now, among the things I want to knit soon, are a modified Chinese Charm Bag, the Klaralund sweater, a scarf made of gorgeous yarn that I will buy sometime soon and a yoga mat bag.
But often, instead of starting one of these million of projects that have been in my head for quite sometime, I impulsively cast on for something else. I did that last night. I used this gorgous blue yarn that I got at La Bobineuse:
And I started a shawl using the KnittingGeek Shawl Workshop.
The yarn is bulky so it's not a fancy shawl but it's incredibly soft and will hopefully be warm. I plan on using it at work where I am *always* cold, even in the summer. I'm using Size 15 needles. I was able to get quite a bit of it done last night (it knits up very quickly as you can imagine), but I'll have to wait until I get my Denise to continue, as I don't have long enough needles to go on. I should get my set sometime next week I think.
***
Gryffindor beanie is currently blocking. That yarn (100% merino, unknown brand) soften up quite a bit when it's washed.
***
Now I need to stop blogging and tidy up the appartment. I've made room to store my mini-stash in the living room (it's all over the place in bags right now). I'll eventually need to buy some baskets or boxes or something. I love yarn. Yes, I do.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Knitting journal
This is something I've been meaning to post since it was first posted on the Knitlist.
Cool webpage with downloadable knitting tools (Knitting journal, Stash Organizer, Needle Organizer). It's really neat, check it out!
***
Tsunami Relief Challenge Update (for more info, see my January 3rd post)
The total so far is 217$ (+ one undisclosed amount). Thanks to those of you who have donated, you're all wonderful. You have no idea how happy I am everytime I see "Tsunami Relief Challenge" as the subject of an email in my Inbox.
The challenge is still up until January 20 so I encourage you all to donate and maybe win some Noro at the same time (it's beautiful I tell you!) :)
***
I have finished my Gryffindor beanie. I can't post pictures right because I've ran out of batteries (it still needs to be blocked anyways). I don't like it as much as the Silk Garden beanie, but it's still cute and at least it fits with my warmer scarf.
I am still undecided as to what I'll do with the sweater. I think I'll probably bind off the sleeves and try to stretch them a little when blocking. We'll see how it turns out. I just don't want to spend that much energy trying to locate more of the yarn, especially since it doesn't even have a colour name on the label. I don't know.
***
I have been reading more and more blogs and adding them to my favourites lately. I really need to make a favourite blogs post and to link it in my menu...
Cool webpage with downloadable knitting tools (Knitting journal, Stash Organizer, Needle Organizer). It's really neat, check it out!
***
Tsunami Relief Challenge Update (for more info, see my January 3rd post)
The total so far is 217$ (+ one undisclosed amount). Thanks to those of you who have donated, you're all wonderful. You have no idea how happy I am everytime I see "Tsunami Relief Challenge" as the subject of an email in my Inbox.
The challenge is still up until January 20 so I encourage you all to donate and maybe win some Noro at the same time (it's beautiful I tell you!) :)
***
I have finished my Gryffindor beanie. I can't post pictures right because I've ran out of batteries (it still needs to be blocked anyways). I don't like it as much as the Silk Garden beanie, but it's still cute and at least it fits with my warmer scarf.
I am still undecided as to what I'll do with the sweater. I think I'll probably bind off the sleeves and try to stretch them a little when blocking. We'll see how it turns out. I just don't want to spend that much energy trying to locate more of the yarn, especially since it doesn't even have a colour name on the label. I don't know.
***
I have been reading more and more blogs and adding them to my favourites lately. I really need to make a favourite blogs post and to link it in my menu...
Karma or something
I think the universe wants to punish me for even thinking about buying yarn while I am supposed to not buy anything that isn't necessary.
I was very nervous about the yarn I need to finish my first sweater. I'd need only one little ball. So I went to my LYS. No more. And I can't find it online either. I don't really know what to do.
It is Phildar Laureate 200 in a very pale blue. There is no colour name but there is a number: 72H113. I know not many people read this blog and this is very far-fetched, but if *anyone* has an extra ball of this, let me know.
I really don't know what to do. I guess I could rip it out and make a shawl or something. :( I also thought about buying a ball of a darker blue and just finish the sleeves with a different colour. I think I wouldn't have minded doing that If I could have added some of the darker colour to the body somehow. I'd probably do the single crochet around the collar with the darker yarn too. I don't know. Another possibility would be to bind off the sleeves as they are now and try to stretch them when I block. I don't mind 3/4 sleeves, but I don't think it would look good on this sweater since they're bell sleeves.
*sigh*
I was very nervous about the yarn I need to finish my first sweater. I'd need only one little ball. So I went to my LYS. No more. And I can't find it online either. I don't really know what to do.
It is Phildar Laureate 200 in a very pale blue. There is no colour name but there is a number: 72H113. I know not many people read this blog and this is very far-fetched, but if *anyone* has an extra ball of this, let me know.
I really don't know what to do. I guess I could rip it out and make a shawl or something. :( I also thought about buying a ball of a darker blue and just finish the sleeves with a different colour. I think I wouldn't have minded doing that If I could have added some of the darker colour to the body somehow. I'd probably do the single crochet around the collar with the darker yarn too. I don't know. Another possibility would be to bind off the sleeves as they are now and try to stretch them when I block. I don't mind 3/4 sleeves, but I don't think it would look good on this sweater since they're bell sleeves.
*sigh*
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
More about the challenge
(For more details, check out my previous post)
In order to get more participants, I also posted about the challenge in my Livejournal. I have also offered to make a scarf or a booga bag out of the yarn if a non-knitter/crocheter happens to win the yarn. This offer also stands for any non-knitter who may happen to stumble upon this blog :)
Thanks to those of you who have already emailed me. You rock.
In order to get more participants, I also posted about the challenge in my Livejournal. I have also offered to make a scarf or a booga bag out of the yarn if a non-knitter/crocheter happens to win the yarn. This offer also stands for any non-knitter who may happen to stumble upon this blog :)
Thanks to those of you who have already emailed me. You rock.
Monday, January 03, 2005
My little part...
Ok I am completely stealing this idea from the wonderful Stephanie. I encourage you to check out her January 3rd post and to participate. Her mittens are fabulous. :)
Stephanie if you read this, I hope you don't mind that I'm stealing your words.
This is the "Tsunami relief challenge". For one week do this:
1. Each and every time you think about buying something...ask yourself if it is a need (food, water, shelter, medicine or safety) or a want. Be honest. Yarn is not (sob) necessary. Latte's are not necessary. A seventh pair of shoes? Fabulous pair of new jeans? Eating out? Could you skip a haircut? Search yourself and ask, do I need this, or would the money be better spent on someone whose home, or village...or children, were just completely swept away.
2. At the end of the week (or sooner...if you don't need that much time to think about it) Donate the amount of money that you didn't need to an organization that helps the people affected by the tsunami. There should be no reason why every single person who reads this blog can't find at least a dollar.
MSF Canada (Doctors without borders)
MSF USA
MSF International
Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross
International Red Cross
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam America
Oxfam International
3. After you donate, email me the amount of your donation (amarillys@hotmail.com), your name and email. PLEASE WRITE "Tsunami Relief Challenge" AS THE SUBJECT LINE TO MAKE SURE I DON'T ACCIDENTALLY DELETE YOUR EMAIL. I don't care how much your donation is and I don't need any proof that you made the donation. (I believe that that planet would smite you for lying about this sort of thing) I'd like to know the amount that you gave only so I can keep a running tally in the sidebar. I'll know that whatever you give is your best effort, given your unique circumstances.
4. On January 20 (Canadians, please remember that the Canadian government will match donations until January 11), I will take the names of everyone who has given something, I'll randomly draw a name and I'll mail the winner a prize. Unfortunately, I don't have the skills to make wonderful mittens like Stephanie, but I will give you materials so that you can make yourself a little something:
Yes, I am giving away my beloved Noro Kureyon. *breathes* I adore that yarn and I hope one of you wonderful people who will donate will adore it too. It is colour 148. And three skeins are enough for a booga bag. Booga bags are cool. So donate and tell me about it! :)
Stephanie if you read this, I hope you don't mind that I'm stealing your words.
This is the "Tsunami relief challenge". For one week do this:
1. Each and every time you think about buying something...ask yourself if it is a need (food, water, shelter, medicine or safety) or a want. Be honest. Yarn is not (sob) necessary. Latte's are not necessary. A seventh pair of shoes? Fabulous pair of new jeans? Eating out? Could you skip a haircut? Search yourself and ask, do I need this, or would the money be better spent on someone whose home, or village...or children, were just completely swept away.
2. At the end of the week (or sooner...if you don't need that much time to think about it) Donate the amount of money that you didn't need to an organization that helps the people affected by the tsunami. There should be no reason why every single person who reads this blog can't find at least a dollar.
MSF Canada (Doctors without borders)
MSF USA
MSF International
Canadian Red Cross
American Red Cross
International Red Cross
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam America
Oxfam International
3. After you donate, email me the amount of your donation (amarillys@hotmail.com), your name and email. PLEASE WRITE "Tsunami Relief Challenge" AS THE SUBJECT LINE TO MAKE SURE I DON'T ACCIDENTALLY DELETE YOUR EMAIL. I don't care how much your donation is and I don't need any proof that you made the donation. (I believe that that planet would smite you for lying about this sort of thing) I'd like to know the amount that you gave only so I can keep a running tally in the sidebar. I'll know that whatever you give is your best effort, given your unique circumstances.
4. On January 20 (Canadians, please remember that the Canadian government will match donations until January 11), I will take the names of everyone who has given something, I'll randomly draw a name and I'll mail the winner a prize. Unfortunately, I don't have the skills to make wonderful mittens like Stephanie, but I will give you materials so that you can make yourself a little something:
Yes, I am giving away my beloved Noro Kureyon. *breathes* I adore that yarn and I hope one of you wonderful people who will donate will adore it too. It is colour 148. And three skeins are enough for a booga bag. Booga bags are cool. So donate and tell me about it! :)
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Denise!
I spontaneously ordered a set of Denise needles last Friday, after seeing a post on Knitter's review that said that prices will go up after January first. I figured a 5US$ increase would mean something like 8$ more for me with the exchange rate. So I got a set for 39.99 + shipping. Not too bad right? I've been wanting a set forever but can't find them anywhere here so I had to go online.
***
Even though I'm not even done with my first sweater yet (will be by next weekend if I can find the yarn to finish it, I promise!), I've already decided that Klaralund will be my second one. Problem is, Noro Silk Garden is expensive. I will buy it from Mouliné Yarn (a LYS in Montreal) but I need 400g of it (8 skeins, I believe). I can't remember how much a skein goes for at that store. I am thinking of two options right now. Either I go buy three skeins this week (I get paid on Thursday), three more skeins in two weeks and the two last two weeks after that. OR, I put money in my piggy bank this week, more money in two weeks and more money two weeks after that and I buy the yarn when I have enough for everything. The first options allows me to start right after I finish To Dye For. The second options means I'll be sure to have the same dyelot. But I think it wouldn't matter that much with Silk Garden since the colours change anyways? What do you all think? I'd prefer to start as soon as possible because I'd like to be able to wear it before winter ends ;)
***
I will end with a picture of the silk garden beanie I made:
I usually don't even wear green, but I really like this hat. I'm currently making a second one with the leftover yarn from my Harry Potter scarf.
***
Even though I'm not even done with my first sweater yet (will be by next weekend if I can find the yarn to finish it, I promise!), I've already decided that Klaralund will be my second one. Problem is, Noro Silk Garden is expensive. I will buy it from Mouliné Yarn (a LYS in Montreal) but I need 400g of it (8 skeins, I believe). I can't remember how much a skein goes for at that store. I am thinking of two options right now. Either I go buy three skeins this week (I get paid on Thursday), three more skeins in two weeks and the two last two weeks after that. OR, I put money in my piggy bank this week, more money in two weeks and more money two weeks after that and I buy the yarn when I have enough for everything. The first options allows me to start right after I finish To Dye For. The second options means I'll be sure to have the same dyelot. But I think it wouldn't matter that much with Silk Garden since the colours change anyways? What do you all think? I'd prefer to start as soon as possible because I'd like to be able to wear it before winter ends ;)
***
I will end with a picture of the silk garden beanie I made:
I usually don't even wear green, but I really like this hat. I'm currently making a second one with the leftover yarn from my Harry Potter scarf.
Friday, December 31, 2004
See you in 2005, sweater!
Today is a very sad day. The day I must put the sweater aside, despite the fact that it's almost done. Yes, I could have finished it today but I ran out of yarn. *cries*
I only have a few rows left on the sleeves (I'm doing both at the same time) + the seaming and the crochet edge at the collar. But nooooooo, I can't finish because I am short on yarn. Stupid stupid stupid. I will go to the LYS and hope/pray that they have a ball left of the same colour. I remember that there wasn't much of it left (and it was on sale, which means that they may not order any more). I can't remember if I took all that was left or not. Poo.
*sigh*
To finish the year on a good note, I will say that I'm in love with many patterns from this site: White Lies Design. I mean, isn't Heather just exquisite?
I only have a few rows left on the sleeves (I'm doing both at the same time) + the seaming and the crochet edge at the collar. But nooooooo, I can't finish because I am short on yarn. Stupid stupid stupid. I will go to the LYS and hope/pray that they have a ball left of the same colour. I remember that there wasn't much of it left (and it was on sale, which means that they may not order any more). I can't remember if I took all that was left or not. Poo.
*sigh*
To finish the year on a good note, I will say that I'm in love with many patterns from this site: White Lies Design. I mean, isn't Heather just exquisite?
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