FishKnits

Contemplating Cables

2012-01-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

I am fascinated by cables.

These are from the Walker Treasury Project. Please visit the site and check out the beautiful samples made from Barbara Walker’s books. I have so many design ideas swimming in my head, but it’s important to find just the right cable for each. This is the year I will challenge myself and actually put out some of my own designs. I’ll probably start out with something simple like gloves or a cowl, but I hope to master the math and move on to garments.
Wish me luck!

Some little things

2012-01-16T21:01:00.001-08:00

Pavo Slipper Socks for my niece.

A Mug Hugger for my coffee.

Craft Room or Crap Room

2012-01-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Right now mine's a Crap Room (I won't shock, scare you with photos for now). I saw a piece on the Early Show where they renovated a Crap Room into a beautiful Mom Cave. Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? After all, men go to work all day and then need a cave to escape to and relax. Hmmm.... what's wrong with this picture? Moms get up early and get the kids off to school, work either in or outside the home, pick up the kids, volunteer at school, fix dinner, do laundry, clean, etc. Why should they need an escape. Now before you all get your panties or tighty whities in a wad, I realize that some men help out at home too, but I hear more from the moms who do everything. Besides, everyone knows that women are better multitasking managers. Who do you think tells the men what needs to be done around the house? Yeah, I know they mow the lawns and fix stuff, but again, who reminds them? This may sound sexist, but I don't think gender roles really haven't changed that much since I was a kid. But I digress...

The Mom Cave designer was awesome. Her philosophy, "Better to redecorate than medicate." Check out her videos.

So, I'm not a traditional mom. To borrow from one of the 4 Bitchin' Babes, "I don't have any of my own kids, I'm a teacher, so I get them in bulk." Ok, so I'm not a traditional classroom teacher either, but I am an academic advisor, and advising is teaching. Oh, and I have a fur child, named Jack.

And a frog family that lives under my back porch.

Because I have nothing else...

2012-01-12T09:04:00.000-08:00

http://handmaderyangosling.tumblr.com/post/15723132197/submitted-by-sohoskirt

Hey girl.

2012-01-01T19:26:00.001-08:00

I have a new obsession. It’s something I stumbled upon via Twitter and I simply can’t get enough. It all started with this:

and then this:

Naturally, I had to Google Ryan Gosling memes and now I look for my daily fix. Most of it coming from here.

Here’s RG talking about the memes on MTV.

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Now, you can’t ignore RG’s hotness, but to be perfectly honest, I had only seen him in The Notebook, so guess I’ll have to check out a few more of his films. Did you know he was also a Mouseketeer with Justin Timberlake and Brittney Spears? Yes people, there are videos on YouTube.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I’m a huge fan, but those memes and freakin’ hilarious! I think my friends have enjoyed my perfectly timed Facebook postings too.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

2011-12-31T22:17:00.001-08:00

It’s been a good year for knitting. I’ve learned a lot of new knitting techniques making samples. I’ve taught my mom to knit and she’s halfway through her first project, a lace scarf.

Here’s a little round up of some of my projects. Not everything got photographed, but I’m going to try to do better with that next year.

Wishing you all a joyful New Year!

Christmas 2011: There was knitting.

2011-12-31T21:35:00.001-08:00

You win some, you lose some. First, the loser…

The color work looks pretty good, so you might think this one was a winner.

Until, you see it blocked.

Oh, yeah…no way I could shrink this one. Funny thing is, my gauge was right on. I should have known from the comments people made that this one was doomed. This is the child size. Here it is on the child, who, by the way, has a lot of curly hair.

So we tried it on the grandpa…

Maybe if we fold up the earflaps?

Finally we found a big head, my older nephew, but I didn’t get a picture, because it really didn’t fit him either, he just wears baggy stuff, so it looked kinda normal.

This one fit another kid, but he was more interested in his Transformers, so didn’t get a photo. Same designer as the one above, different pattern.

This one was a crochet project which went pretty fast, but I hate counting while working, so crochet is not my favorite, but I think it turned out cute. You may have seen this lovely model before.

And what photo shoot would be complete without some goofy shots?

The last project was both a winner and a loser. The had fit my new grand-nephew perfectly, but the booties are huge. I told my niece to just stuff the toes with tissue and no one will notice.

Mom, grandpa and the new kid.

You can find all the specs on my Ravelry page.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

2011-12-21T12:13:00.001-08:00

Three years ago, I discovered an awesome blog, Apartment Therapy. They have amazing ideas for décor and DIY. Each year they have a Holiday Giveaway. I’ve entered every single giveaway for these three years and finally, I won something!

These beautiful Danny Seo towels will be arriving in the mail in a few weeks.

Aren’t they pretty? Now my “spa” bath will be complete. Thank you Apartment Therapy!

The Further Adventures of Jack “Frost”…

2011-12-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Some people write about their cats…a lot. I don’t. There are a couple of reasons, mine adopted me and I felt sorry for him, I’m really more of a dog person, and I have a fear of becoming known as a crazy cat lady. Occasionally, though, my cat does something so darned hilarious, that I just have to share.

A little background on me and cats…when I was younger, my grandparents had a cat, Nicodemus, Nick was a beautiful black and white cat, who wasn’t very friendly toward anyone. At a very young age, I nearly sent my father to an early grave by shouting, “Damned cat!” an expression my grandmother frequently used even though my father asked her not to use it in front of a toddler. In his later years, when I was in college, Nick became quite mellow and I was finally able to pet him and scratch his fluffy white tummy. I guess you could say that we grew up together. I think he was 22 when he finally laid down and went to cat heaven.

I am on my second cat in adulthood. The first was a black and white long hair that looked like an old man and was named Calvin Klein. Calvin acted like a dog because I treated him like a dog. Sadly, he was a prowler and got hit by a car.

About 6 years ago, Jack and I adopted each other. He’s very cuddly and loveable, but we have a love-hate relationship because he wakes me up at 4:30 every morning.

One day last week, I returned from the store and like normal, Jack was waiting in my parking spot to greet me. As I juggled with the groceries, I sort of forgot about him until I reached the front door. Somehow I thought he was right behind me but he wasn’t, so I called out to him and when he didn’t come, I wasn’t too concerned, because he’s an outdoorsy cat. So I go about my business and a couple of hours later he still hadn’t come to the door and I peeked my head out to call him. I called him several times that night before I finally went to bed around midnight. It was a very cold night and even though he has his winter coat, I don’t like to leave him out. By cold, I mean low 30’s F.

My sleep was restless that night, because I was so worried. By around noon the next day, he still hadn’t returned and I was starting to panic. You see, Jack’s a prowler, he always comes home to eat. There have been some raccoons in the neighborhood and we live near a creek, so wild animals came to mind and also cars. I decided it was time to walk the neighborhood, so headed out through the parking lot. One thing I forgot to mention, my little fur child, likes to ride in the car. He will sit up on the center console so he can see out. You see where this is going? Yep, there he was, locked in the car and sitting on the console meowing like crazy! I’m telling you, I laughed so hard. His little furry face was absolutely panicked and mad at the same time. In fact, every time I called hem from the back porch, he probably heard me, but I couldn’t hear him. I opened up the car door and he just circled me and told me off like nobody’s business. Then he seemed to be grateful to have been rescued and wouldn’t leave my side.

It was frosty that night for sure, but he corked the old bladder for about 17 hours and all I had to do was vacuum the cat hair. He’s a pretty awesome little kitty.

“Whew, I need a rest!”

So much math and a bittersweet good-bye

2011-10-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

A dear friend and mentor is retiring next week and leaving us. She hired me 8 years ago at the university and literally welcomed me with open arms and a hug on my first day. At the time, I was recovering from four years of being a “starving student” and trying to figure out how to buy gifts for my 11 nieces and nephews for Christmas. Martha Stewart published a cute hat and scarf pattern in her magazine and I thought, why not give knitting a try? I’ve been a fiber artist most of my life, but had never tried knitting. So I made gifts for the kids and they were a hit. One day at work, I mentioned what I had done and had just bought the book, Stitch’n Bitch so was looking for a knitting group. It turned out I worked with lots of knitters and some who wanted to learn. Dr. MAO said, “If you plan it, we will come.” That started our group, Knit Theory.

The first gathering was small with some dessert, relaxing music and good company. Later we added more people and made some sampler blankies for charity. We also made a few afghans for friends who retired, got married, etc. I haven’t worked in that department for about 6 years and over the last two, we have not really done much as a group, but now it was time.

You see, Dr. MAO means a lot to all of us and we had to do something special for her. She’s a mathematician, so the theme would be something mathematical (Fibonacci spirals within a Golden Rectangle) and with our school color, cardinal red. Dr. H. came up with the design and did some of the hard math and I wrote the pattern. Our LYS, Heartstrings, and Jimmy Bean’s Wool sold us the yarn. We divied up the assignments and 12 of us got to work. This was the fastest project we ever turned out and if you squint, it looks great. Yes, there were a few challenges along the way, but compared to the love in that blanket for Dr. MAO, the challenges are small.

Here’s the result:

I’m thinking of putting the pattern up on Ravelry. What do you think? If I were to make it again, I’d join as I go to reduce bulk and headaches, but when you’re making a group project, all of the pieces must be separate unless you have lots of time to complete it.

Thanks, everyone for your hard work. We’ll miss you Margaret!

Is it fall already?

2011-10-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

Summer’s come and gone…I missed it. Everyone thinks that if you’re an educator, you get summers off. Not true for me. In fact, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. While there’s not much foot traffic in our advising office, Summer Orientation sessions are happening a couple of days a week and we are trying to catch up on everything that got pushed aside during spring semester.

While I wasn’t able to take vacation time, I was selected to attend a very special Diversity Academy. It challenged me academically, forced me to examine my own beliefs and behaviors, and taught me about areas of diversity other than culture and ethnicity. While I don’t examine things around me microscopically, I am much more aware and that is a good thing.

There was also some knitting. One is still a secret project that hasn’t been published so I can’t show it, right now, but there are others.

These projects were samples for Faina Goberstein, inasilver on Ravelry.

The first were these gloves for Claudia Handpainted Yarns, Crossroads, by Faina.

photo courtesy: Faina Goberstein

photo courtesy:Claudia Hand Painted Yarns

Their companions are, Roundabout Fingerless Gloves:

photo courtesy: Faina Goberstein

photo courtesy: Claudia Hand Painted Yarns

The cool thing is CHPY is offering the patterns two for the price of one on Patternfish.

I also made the sample of this beautiful design, Vienna, by Faina for Manos del Uruguay (Fairmont Fibers).

Click on photos below to go straight to Fairmont Fibers’ page.

Look, here it is at TNNA!

Spring is springing...birds are singing

2011-04-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

The university campus where I work is beautiful year 'round, but it's especially beautiful in spring. I love watching it evolve from winter to spring to summer. Most of the trees now have leaves or at least buds and in about another week, the azaleas will be in full bloom. I took a little walk about near the creek last week on my lunch break.

Secret Birthday Knitting

2011-04-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday and my dad and I took her to dinner at a wonderful little downtown place called Spice Creek Cafe. You never know what will be on the menu, but it's always a treat. The decor mixes both modern and old global flavors, just like the food.

When I went to Stitches West in February, one of the items on my list was yarn for a special shawl for my mom's birthday. Finally, toward the end of the second day, I found exactly what I was searching for around Sunshine Yarns owner, Dani's neck. It was a beautiful light pewter colored Swallowtail Shawl in Sunsilk. She told me the shawl was about 5 years old, so they didn't have that colorway any longer, but pointed me to something even lovelier, Rustic Summer Silk.

I decided to make Summer Flies by Donna Griffin. It was super easy, but with beautiful detail. I probably could have done one more repeat of one of the patterns, but decided in the end that since it was to be more of a shawlette, I'd knit it as is and I'm happy with how it turned out. See for yourself...

(Note to self - Pay attention to signs which jump into your photos)

Thanks to my friend, Lynn, for modeling it before I wrapped it up for my mom.

My mom loved it and said she's wearing it to church today. These photos don't show the lovely tonal coloration in the yarn, but trust me, Sunshine yarns are A-mazing. I love how light this yarn is, it's perfect for year-round accessorizing and silk can be worn by everyone.

I've done lots of other secret knitting, but since they're all sample knits, I'm not sure when I'll be able to reveal photos and links.

We have a loose Corgie!

2011-04-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Knit Your Own Royal Wedding

Reminiscing

2011-03-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

It all started in 2003. I had just completed my degree and a gotten my first job at the university. Since I was just transitioning from starving student back to working woman, there wasn't a lot of moolah in the old bank account, so I decided to make stuff for Christmas. Now, I've actually made gifts for years, but these were desperate times and it was a matter of necessity, but I didn't yet have any ideas. So, I'm reading Martha Stewart Living and there it was, a cute little knitted beanie and scarf. I figured, how hard can knitting be? After all, I've been sewing since age 9, have a degree in Fashion Design, and have done endless types of stitchery and crafts, so I went to Micheal's and bought thick yarn and big needles.

This wasn't my first foray into knitting. When I was 6 I had my tonsils out and received all kinds of crafty kits as get-well presents. One was a knitting kit. It was awesome, with big lime green painted wooden needles and super bulky hot pink yarn, the kind I used to tie around my pony tails. I remember trying to teach myself to knit. I figured out the cast on and knit stitch, but managed to create at least one increase each row and finally got frustrated and gave up. The yarn became hair ties and it took nearly 40 yrs before I would return. Oh, there was the crochet period, when my gram taught me how to make the cutest bobble hat, but then I made a mistake, she ripped the whole hat out and I returned to my trusty friend the sewing machine.

FFW to 2003 where I get the bug to try knitting again. Yes, there was a lot of frogging, but this time I figured out what I was doing wrong (you have to let the yarn jump off the left needle, oh my). I made hats and scarves for my nieces and striped beanies for the boys. Tonight I came across these photos so you can see my first three FOs. I've definitely come a long way and so happy that I gave it another try. As the title of my first blog post states, Knitting is My Savior.

More FOs

2011-03-14T19:42:00.000-07:00

Due to technical difficulties, I wasn't able to upload everything yesterday. Here's what I did over winter break.

Evangeline for our receptionist, Nikki. She was totally jazzed.

198 Yards of Heaven for moi.

Ishbel for my boss...she loved it.

I love knitting for people who really appreciate it. For me it's like giving them a hug each time they put it on. I don't give hugs to just any old joe. If you are the recipient of one of my hand knits, know that I really care about you.

FOs Finally Blogged

2011-03-13T00:31:00.001-08:00

Urchin by Ysolda modified to a smaller size for my niece, Emily. That's her cousin Cole getting in on the fun.

An entralac baby blanket for the baby of one of my students.

Zen Knitting

2011-03-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Like many, I knit to relax. I find that it's very meditative and the more stressed I am, the more productive I am with knitting. There's something about the gentle clicking of the needles, cradling the yarn in my hands and a soft kitty cat in my lap that is so relaxing.

Knitting is also a creative process for me. Many years ago, I studied fashion design. I have been sewing since I was 9 years old, and fashion school taught me many sewing and finishing techniques used in couture, drafting and construction, color theory and fashion illustration. There was a time when I made all of my clothes and people at the department store where I worked were always asking where I got my clothes. I was easy to fit back then, but time and life have added a few pounds and it's not as enjoyable to sew for myself anymore, so I don't, but I will make things for others and for my home. Knitting has added another layer to my creativity because now I am making the fabric as well as the garment. It's taken a few years for me to experiment enough to figure out how various yarns behave and to learn more advanced techniques. I'm sample knitting for a designer friend now and that process is teaching me so much because she is so very talented.

Where will this take me? I've begun to sketch a few designs again, which I plan to knit up. I must also do a better job with my photography, because I don't feel that my photographs do my knitting justice. Recent projects are much better than they appear in photos. If everything aligns and I can actually produce some of my designs, maybe knitters will like them and they will be published. That is my goal which I hope will carry me through retirement one day.

Longest Hiatus Ever!

2011-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Not sure if anyone reads my blog, but if you do, apologies for the year-long hiatus. 2010 was full of changes, stress, craziness and lots of knitting. I moved, university employees were furloughed, acquired some additional job responsibilities and knitted like a crazy woman to help relieve stress. Thank goodness for knitting! It saved me. Since I am so grateful to have survived the mess that was 2010, I will try to focus on the positive.

In February, I went to Stitches West with some friends. I was not expecting to feel so overwhelmed when confronted by MILLIONS of skeins of yarn! My heart began to race and I wanted to run around like a mad woman touching everything. I imagine it to be like going to the grocery store after having not eaten for a week. Crazy! I decided to just walk around and make a list of all the booths I wanted to visit the next day. That night, I made a list of the projects that needed yarn and reminded myself of my budget. I didn't really buy that much compared to a lot of people, but now I know what to expect next year.

There was one item that I knew I was going to purchase right away...a Jordana Paige bag. Here's my pride and joy, the L.J. Kaelms in Deep Taupe Vegan Snakeskin. I love it and nobody realizes it's also my knitting bag.

Our hotel was next to Martin Yan's restaurant, Yan Can Cook. Oh my, this was the absolute BEST Chinese food ever. The place was packed and Martin Yan himself, cleared the table where he was signing books and set it up for us to sit at the "Chef's Table."

We ordered the 7 course special for Chinese New Year. Here's a taste.

On Sunday of Stitches, I made some purchases:
>

I took a spinning lesson from Rachel. She was so sweet and her roving is beautiful. Went to a small Q & A by Lily Chin, who says she greases her needles to knit faster. Specifically, she said that about once a month she rubs lotion on her needles, regardless of what they are made from, and then tissues it off. She looked lovely, dressed in electric blue. I also met Claudia of Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. I've made some sample knits out of her yarn for my friend, so it was nice to be able to tell her in person how much I love her yarns. There were also lots of "celebrity" sightings, which only knitters would be in awe of and I was! Knitters are such wonderful and kind people. All of the vendors and visitors that I met were amazing.

I'll save my FOs for the next post.

Blowing Smoke

2009-09-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

A medium sized crisis hit the old homestead on Saturday. There was a kitchen fire a week before moving day. I wasn't home, but Jack, my cat was. There are some really stupid people in the world and I no longer live downstairs from them. Yeah, evidently the smoke alarm was going for at least half an hour and they didn't bother to call 911. They thought I was cooking...sheesh. The old stove has push button controls on the front and I guess I leaned on one before leaving to clean at the new place. Something must have fallen onto the burner and whoosh. Other neighbors saw smoke, 911 was called, firemen bashed down the front door, the cat ran out and after making their way through some serious down to the ground smoke, but thankfully, the fire had put itself out and was contained to the stove top and a couple of items nearby.

The big mess, however, is the smoke damage. What a mess! Hopefully, the claims adjuster and the restoration company can get things done in a day or two since I have to move on Saturday.

The second worst part (and it's a close second) is all of the washing of yarn and WIPs to be done. So far the clothes are coming out smelling fine, but I dread washing all of the yarn. So, no pictures to show, it's too depressing.

On a good note, the painting of Hazel's pantry went well and I can't wait to get it organized and show it off.

Cocina de Hazel

2009-08-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

A few inspirations for La cocina de Hazel.

New digs

2009-08-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

This post is not about knitting, although there is knitting in progress. It's about my new digs. The current neighborhood has totally gone down the toilet and my life has been stuck in a rut. With the help of my sis, et al, I've found a new old place and will be moving soon. The new place is sunnier, but is old and has some serious design flaws, so I'll give a tiny preview and invite suggestions for decorating on a serious budget. In preparation, I've been reading a couple of design and DIY blogs and can't wait to get started creating. I think it'll be fun to show the UGLY before shots and(hopefully)fun and creative after shots. Here goes with some of the uglies.

It's a 2 bedroom townhouse and sits right next to Little Chico Creek (I know, the name sounds redundant, but we also have a Big Chico Creek in town). I love that there are gardenias by the front door and that there is a security screen door so that I can let in air and the scent of gardenias.

The smallest kitchen in the world with the largest appliances. Hmmm...hopefully, the floors will be replaced soon.

Dining - There's somthing I like about the funky, waffly room divider...will figure out a way to make it interesting.

Livingroom - am looking for a new sofa and have plans to recover an antique chair, paint some old furniture and make some cool pillows. Not sure about the window coverings yet, for now will keep the mini blinds.

Bedroom #2 with super duper craft closet/room on the landing. I am most excited about the hall closet. It's really deep, so have plans to insert a sewing table, donated by a friend and put up shelves to house my sewing, knitting and crafting supplies.

Bathroom - boring, but I think I'll go with a light (not mint)green shades. I want this to be a soothing room and will probably make my own shower curtain from a cute printed sheet. I'm envisioning plants and I also have a little antique plant stand that I will paint to match.

Bedroom #1 - this will be my room. I have some huge mahogany furniture and it will not fit in this little room, but the closet is twice the size I'm used to and very deep, so will pobably put the vanity in the closet since it's low and and maybe put my small TV on it. In the room will be the four poster and a highboy. I need some color inspiration, but have been thinking of white linens with splashes of aqua, green and something else...not sure. Ideas anyone?

Bedroom #2 again - thinking about a large world map from National Geographic and going with a travel theme. Inspriration for color will probably come from the earth tone map and some of my treasures from Latin America. I have a twin bed set, but will probably try to make the bed look more like a daybed and shove it against the wall so that I can put my desk in the room and use it as a home office.

Super ugly back patio/soon to be Garden Oasis - Want to get a chaise lounge and another chair with a small table. Thinking of putting up a trellis with something that climbs for added greenery and most plants will be in pots so that I can take them with me next time I move. Also thinking about stringing up some white lights. It's a really small space, but I want it to be a nice place to relax and pretty for when I entertain so that guests can spill out onto the patio garden. I may go with an old world look with patina'd accessories and pretty colors.

Pretty long post, I know, but looking for ideas and plan to show before and after photos as soon as I get started. There's a lot of cleaning to do, but I will have at least a week before moving. Oh, and if anyone out there sends ideas, keep in mind this is a rental. I hope to stay for awhile, but can't really alter anything too much.

Inspiration for the day...

2009-08-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is a wonderful and inspiring story about a couple of amazing young men (and not at all knitting related).

Long time, no post

2009-08-07T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Blog,
I must apologize for neglecting you all these months. It's been a very unsettling year, but I assure you, knitting has been happening. Lots of knitting. You see, the more stressed I am, the more I knit and the less I blog. Ravelry has also been a factor in my neglect of you, but I haven't really posted anything there either. After a week of rest and time to clear out some of the cobwebs in my head, though, I feel inspired to catch up with you and I'm going to try to post once a week. I know, I know, some bloggers post daily, but that's unrealistic for me, so my goal is once a week.

Here are a couple of my FOs.

From Katia Ninos No. 41, modelo 21. Made for my niece, Rilee who is starting 6th grade next week.

This one was for me, but there are problems. Not with the pattern, but with the yarn. Word of warning: Berroco Touche stretches! I'm going to try to shrink it in the dryer. Fingers crossed. I loved the pattern, though. It's the Favorite Sweater from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard.

I love these buttons found at Hearstrings.

That's all for today.

Freeway Knitting Funny

2009-02-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

In lieu of knitting pictures, today I'm posting a joke my mom sent. It was a blonde joke, but I substituted 'woman' for 'blonde' in order to be PC.

A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing in the car, he was astounded to see that the woman behind the wheel was knitting!

Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, "PULL OVER!"

"NO!" the woman yelled back, "IT'S A SCARF!"

This just cracked me up, "Thanks Mom."

Knitting is happening, but I have to take some pictures. The skies will be sunny this weekend, so will be sure to post some.

Volver

2009-01-19T18:11:00.001-08:00

It's been quite a year and I've neglected my blog for a very long time. I've never really been able to keep up a journal for very long. I write lots of entries in my head, but then never seem to get it in print whether it's on paper or here on the blog. I'm really going to try to do better this year, but it's not a promise.

We've had a couple of weeks of very nice weather and it's about to come to an end. This is bittersweet because, while I love warm weather, Northern California is in a drought and wee need the rain. I've been walking a lot more lately for health and happiness. We have many beautiful places to walk in Chico and my favorite is Bidwell Park. Even though the trees are leafless at the moment, the sycamores are striking with their white trunks.

This is where Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn was filmed.

Can you picture Robin Hood and his Merry Men riding their horses through Sherwood forest? Of course, the footpath wasn't paved back then, so picture dirt.

The other day, I visited a local thrift store and purchased three wool sweaters, which I plan to unravel and recycle. I'm trying to be thriftier this year and what better way to be green, thrifty and creative in one fell swoop? So last night, I began deconstructing the first sweater. It's going to take forever, because the yarn is fingering weight.

I had a little help from my fur child.

I think this is what they call cat napping.

Casual Elegant Knits Blog Tour!

2008-09-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

It's here...the Blog Tour of the Year! My dear friend Faina Goberstein and her co-designer, Dawn Leeseman are touring the blog world with their new and beautiful book, Casual Elegant Knits. I am honored to have been selected as a test knitter of the Vintage Hat pictured below.

The Vintage Hat was a very easy knit with an interesting decorative cast on that created the lovely scalloped edge. I'd never seen this cast on method before and the instructions in the book were quite easy to follow. The sash can be worn several different ways.

Here's turban style.

Here's the lovely vintage rose.

And since I was a flapper in my past life. Here's how I probably looked in the 20's.

Be sure to visit Faina's blog to take the tour. I know you're going to love this book.

My next project from the book will be the Funnel Neck Sleeveless Top. It's a classic with beautiful details.

Good Intentions

2008-09-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

I promise, I meant to blog regularly, but something is always distracting me. I was never very good at keeping a journal either. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up during the fall semester...sigh.

I've been knitting a lacy jumper for one of my nieces and hope to finish it tomorrow so that I can deliver it along with something else special in a couple of weeks. I did not finish my lace and rib tank, but it's next after the jumper. I know that the holiday knitting must start soon, so must finish other projects quickly!

Last minute bicycle (pattern) change

2008-07-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Bonjour mes amis!

I was planning to knit Leigh Radford's laptop case as my TDF KAL project, but alas, it's too damned hot to knit with wool. I'll save the laptop case for fall and instead knit up a design much more in keeping with the French theme.

I've begun the "French" Lace and Ribs Tank from Interweave Knits spring 2007.

Lace seems so much more French than felt, don't you think? I am a member of Team AG2R-Mondiale in the running for l'maillot vert. If you don't know much about the TDF, the green jersey is awarded to the best sprinter. This means that I am in a race with the clock to complete my project by July 27th. I think I'm a definite contender for this prize. First, I am part French, but before you fellow Americans call me snobby, you should know that my French ancestors came here to help in the American Revolution. Second, I know a little bit about cycling, having cycled in several bike marathons and my bicycle of choice, is Trek. And of course, what could be more French than someone who's studied fashion design? Maybe that last one is a stretch, but I also love French fries dipped in mayo (I hear that's very French).

I don't really know any of the riders on my official team, but I hear Desser is a possibility for the green. If I had to pick one for the yellow jersey, I'd have to choose Valverde. This could be his year.

Time for the Tour

2008-06-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

I've signed up for the Tour de France KAL again this year. Last year I made Fifi as a polka dot jersey because I was learning something new. This year I'm going for the green. My project will be the laptop case from Leigh Radford's Alterknits. The green jersey is the sprinter category so I'll try to finish it during the allotted time frame and I think it's a rather chic bag (is that a stretch on the French theme?) Either way, I think I'm covered since I'm part French so really, anything I make is part French as well.

In other news, I'm taking tennis lessons and have started running. This is added to my Jenny Craig program to lose some weight before my November adventure trip to Costa Rica. The tennis is so much more fun than the boring old gym. I've really become a couch potato since learning to knit, always looking for ways to spend more time at it. I have had to take the approach of exercising before knitting. I don't want to be limited by weight, so I decided that now is the time to take charge of my life (and body). Fortunately, I'm very healthy, so now I actually feel so much better by adding the exercise and by making healthy food choices. I highly recommend Jenny to anyone who's having trouble getting started. It's made me accountable to my counselor who is so very supportive. And the food's great. I chose Jenny because I don't have to cook for anyone else, and it works well with my busy lifestyle. On top of that, I'm learning what a single serving looks like, so when I eat out I'm able to order the right foods and eat the right amount. The best part...I can have chocolate cheesecake every day if I want to, and it's delish.

I hope to have some FO pics in the next couple of days.

Hugging Alpacas

2008-05-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, almost...

Unfortunately, they were too shy.

Saturday my Weds. night knitting group visited Friendly Farm Alpacas.

It was great fun and my second visit this year.

Baby Gift

2008-05-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

I know I've been away for awhile, but between the flu earlier this semester and just plain craziness, I haven't been able to post. The semester is winding down now and I'm back at it. Of course, as you can see, I have been knitting, but haven't finished much. This is my most recent FO for a coworker who's expecting a girl in July. It's the Seamless Kimono Sweater with a couple of mods. Since this is a summer baby, I made cap sleeves and I think the ribbon makes it less homemade looking. The mom loved it and I met a new knitting friend at the shower.

Resolution wreckage

2008-01-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

So one of my big resolutions was to post at least once a week, but my computer has other ideas. I'll be spending hours, I'm sure, on the phone with Dell figuring out why it won't boot up. Naturally, it's not easy posting from work, so with fingers and toes crossed I'll be up and running again in the next couple of days.

Made in Chico

2007-12-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

...or the general vicinity.

I have found the loveliest handmade soaps ever. They're made in the nearby town of Willows by Karita. I've never met Karita, but I'm sending her a note to tell her how much I adore her soaps.

This is my favorite scent, Karita's Aroma.

Here's how I plan to share it...

The sack is a drop stitch pattern and I'm sorry to say the I can't locate the designer's website right now to give her credit. I'll post it later if I find it. The washcloth is my own design. I call it Drop & Roll. That's because I alternated the drop stitch pattern with K2tog, YO lace (that's the roll part).

I've made another soap sack with a leafy vine pattern (again, can't seem to find the designer right now).

I used organic cotton to make them, but I'm going to try Cotton Ease next. I've also found some lovely Martha Stewart ribbons at Michael's to tie them up with.

But soft!

2007-12-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief that thou her maid art far more fair than she.
~William Shakespeare (from Romeo and Juliet)

Rise Juliet, rise!

Juliet was such a fun knit. It only took a couple of evenings to finish, but weeks to find the perfect glass button.

I hope the recipient loves her too.

I also hope she fits. I wrangled a random student at my university who appeared to be the right size and a sense of style, and asked her to try it on. It fit her perfectly and she loved it.
We decided I should make it cropped and with only one button. The yarn was the new Cotton Ease in Lake. I doubled it since the pattern calls for chunky yarn. I hope to show a photo of her on my niece later this week.

Hmmm....Wherefore art thou Romeo?

Pretty in Pink

2007-12-28T22:25:00.001-08:00

Still around...totally missed my own blog-iversary in October.

I lost my knitting mojo for awhile, but it's back now full force. Yet there's so much to finish up now. I have kept Ravelry up-to-date, so if you've an account, you'll find me under FishKnits.

In the meantime, here's something sweet I've been meaning to post.

And here it is on the cutie it was made for.

I think she and her mommy like it.

Pattern: Debbie Bliss Classic Baby Cardigan
Yarn: Cascade Sierra in pink and brown
Mods: adjusted needle size for heavier yarn.

On the road again....

2007-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Last week I got to go on a fun little road trip with one of my colleagues. One of the best parts of my job is the fall College Info Fair circuit. I only get to visit a handful of schools, but it's nice to get out of the office for a few days and meet prospective students. Last week was the best trip yet.

On Monday, we left around noon to head off for South Lake Tahoe. Snow was in the forecast, so we had to stop for chains. To those of you who live in cold country, California is weird that way. You have to carry chains and I suspect it's because people don't buy all weather radials and they don't know how to drive in the snow. I happen to have lived in Colorado and so it all seems a bit strange here, but then again, I have never had to drive in snow here. The drive was gorgeous with beautiful fall colors in the mountains and mostly sunny skies. I did all the driving, so I have no pictures of my own from the drive, but here's what Tahoe looked like when we arrived.

The first night, we went to dinner at Cabo Wabo and stayed after in the bar to watch Monday Night Football...oh yeah, I won the office pool, 25 big ones! I was feeling so lucky that I dropped ten bucks on the Bucks Ahoy quarter slots and cleaned up with another $23. (Hey, big spender.) Didn't want to push my luck, so walked away, since I hardly ever win anything.

The next day of course was a work day at So. Lake Tahoe Comm. College. The people were great and it's a nice little college. The next day we were off to Quincy, CA for the Feather River College fair.

Ok, nothing, well hardly anything was open at four in the afternoon for coffee. We did find a cool place called Pangea Cafe & Pub Organic food, next to Organic beer, next to an espresso bar. Since we were on our way to a work thingy, of course coffee was on our menu. After the work thingy, we went to dinner at a great Italian place called Moon's. Mushrooms St. Thomas....mmm good!

After a late night drive, we settled in at our motel in Susanville at the Super 8, the highlight of our trip. We were a little nervous about this since Susanville is a prison town, but it was fine. It must have been a busy week for prison visitors, because it was the only place we could find a room and we booked in advance. The college put on a very nice fair and brought in lots of high school students. Back on the road for home that afternoon. Oh, the colors in the canyon were just beautiful!

Now you're probably wondering when I'm going to show the knitting that was happening, right? I can assure you it did happen, but I can't prove it. It's that time of year when the secret knitting begins, but you can see it on Ravelry if you're a member. I even converted my colleague. She's a lefty so it was easy to turn her into a continental knitter and she's making herself a headband, which may have to be felted in the end, but she's doing a great job. I'll try to get a picture soon.

They call it mellow yellow.....

2007-10-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know, it's been almost a month, but knitting has been happening and here's proof:

I wanted to make the Hemlock Ring Blanket and had this in my stash. It was planned for a baby blanket for a kid that's now 3. This pattern is so much fun and I'm halfway finished in just a couple of days.

I won the NFL football pool last week so purchased yarn for my next HRB. It'll be a gift too. Probably for Christmas.

I can't wait to get started on this one. The Cascade Eco Wool is so nice. I've been wanting to do a lace project for some time now but didn't think I had the patience. This pattern is a breeze, especially with aran weight and size 10 needles.

So, I've been working on my Ravelry page when I have time, but work has been so crazy that I just couldn't sit down and actually write. I have a bit of a reprieve this week, but then it's on the road again for 4 days. I haven't even been to my knitting circle in weeks.

I made Calorimetry in the new Plymouth Boku, but it was so huge that I frogged the whole thing. I've gone down one needle size and am casting on fewer stitches, so hopefully, I'll have some more show and tell in the next couple of days.

I'm hearing a lot of people say they've temporarily lost their knitting mojo and I guess I did too for awhile. It was a big disappointment when I realized that I had to frog about 20 rows of Fifi. The dropped stitch was just too glaring. I haven't gone back to it yet, but plan to as soon as Mellow Yellow is finished. I'm calling it that because it's just so soft and cuddly. I feel really mellow when I'm working on it.

Kind of like when I'm sitting here:

Rah, Rah, Ravelry!

2007-08-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

I'm finally in and have spent waaayyy too much time setting up my page. My invitation was a terrific welcome back from vacation and made the end of summer a little sweeter. I can be found under FishKnits.

Fifi is making progress, finally. I only frogged her 3 times and then had to tink about 5 rows, but I just tried her on and it's time to separate the sleeves.

And look...I got the center cable right!

The pattern has lots of problems, so if you're going to try it, visit the Sexy Knitter's Club blog for advice. I suggest reading it all before you begin. I printed out all of the errata and all of Kristeen Griffin-Grimes' comments. It's been a huge help. Kristeen suggests that unless you have wide shoulders, cast on for the smaller size even if you've got a larger bust. She gives instructions for increasing when you get to the separation and even short row instructions if you're a C cup or larger.

Thanks everyone who's pinned my map. It's fun to see where my humble group of readers is from.

Back to knitting....

Say hey and tell me where you're at

2007-08-04T09:02:00.001-07:00

Fifi is born and reborn

2007-07-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

This is Fifi's second life. Her cables got messed up and she had to be frogged. I'm actually further than this now and just about ready to divide for the sleeves. I'll have someone take a picture at knit night as Jack (the cat) hasn't mastered photography yet.

I'm using Berrocco's Touche and it's a dream. Stretch is important in this top because it has about 2" of negative ease and Touche has wonderful stretch, but I don't think too much. It's a nice alternative for Rowan's Calmer and about half the cost. In fact, I was surprised at how affordable Touche is.

I'm also working on a secret project for a friend who has a book coming out soon. I've been honored with knitting a test sample. Let me tell you, this one is gorgeous and I can't wait for the book to come out so I can talk about this beautiful collection.

In the meantime, I've found a fellow knitter in my family (finally!). Here she is getting ready to leave for Weds. knitting circle.

Le Tour de Stash

2007-07-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the start of one of my favorite sporting events, Le Tour de France and I've joined the peloton.

Thank goodness for Erin's blog or I might not have found out about all the fun. It's so much more fun to know that I'm knitting with other Tour fans so I've joined the Tour de France KAL.

Meg and Debby, I told you that I was knitting a bag, but I was under pressure to decide, since I found out about the KAL an hour before the deadline. Well, knitters, I've changed my mind and have decided on the French Girl's, Fifi.

I haven't chosen the yarn yet...must do research. Kristeen knit it in Rowan's Calmer, but I'm looking for a more affordable yet just as chic substitution. OK, so not really a tour of my stash, since I don't have anything suitable for this sweater, but oh well, it sounded good. The pattern will be a challenge, since it's my first sweater in the round and it'll be challenging to keep track of the pattern. That's why I chose the polka dot jersey, I need to work on my mountain climbing skills.

Ciao!

Crazy Aunt Pam's knitting class

2007-07-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, there's a heatwave goin' on in Cali. Oh yeah, last night at midnight it was still 96 degrees! Not exactly conducive to knitting (or sleeping, but who needs sleep anyway). So today I took the tween nieces swimming in the park. We have the coolest public pool here. They've dammed up a section of the creek, so those who dare, can swim with the fishes and those who don't can lounge in the shade of the giant sycamores. Naturally, I brought along some sticks and string and the chickies brought theirs too.

These are the chickies...

That's Sarah on the left and Rilee on the right.

Last Saturday we spent a few hours searching for just the right yarns for their mystery projects. Let me tell you, these chickies are VERY ambitious...handwarmers, hats, and felted bags are on their wish lists already. But being the crazy aunt that I am, I suggested learning the basic stitches and a little swatching first. I know, I know, I'm such a spoil sport. I must say, though, I admire their confidence.

So after a day of yarn shopping and swimming, we finally got down to the knitting. My big dilemma...Continental or English? One is right handed and the other is a lefty, even more challenging. Now, I'm a Continental convert and wish that the stupid book I first bought had taught me that in the first place. I decided that considering one's a lefty and Continental is so much more efficient, I'd go there first. Unfortunately, little fingers had some problems with it, so we had to switch to English.

English worked (I'll convert them later) and soon we saw some swatches begin to grow.

Oh yeah, we had some fun!

They're going to the LYS knitting circle with me on Weds. I'm hoping to be able to post pics of their wrist bands and head bands by then. Are you reading this girls? Keep on knitting!

Units of measure

2007-06-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

My life is measured in semesters.

The last few weeks have been spent trying to catch up on things I've neglected over the spring semester. Even though the semester was crazier than usual, lots of knitting was happening behind the scenes. I'll show you some of it today.

Jack the Cat helped me make another birthday crown in May. This one was in shades of purple and lavender.

Commencement

Friends retiring

Knit Theory made a beautiful friendship afghan for our dear friend Sue. She just retired and I'll miss our Friday iced coffees, but she's now coming to Weds night knitting at Heartstrings. 13 people helped put this beauty together out of Plymouth Galway chunky. It took 35 rectangles , was begun in January 2007 and finished May 2007. Three stitch patterns were used for the blocks: seed, basket weave, and a simple lace.

Hmmm...who will get the next one????

Smelly flowers that bloom once every 10 yrs or so...

This is the Corpse Flower. It stands about 5 feet tall and smells like dead, rotting bodies. The smell attracts flies (oh yes, they were swarming) and when they land, it swallows them up. This is the second bloom in about 3 years and it's very unusual for it to have bloomed again so soon. The bloom lasted about a week or so.

There's a new baby on the way, so I made the Baby Bolero from One Skein for my coworker's new baby boy, Justus.

I used Mission Falls 1824 (100% cotton) in a soft sage green. The pattern calls for Blue Sky Organic Cotton, but I can't get it in my town and there was no time to order it online. I must say, though, that I'm so pleased with the way it turned out. This is going to be my new signature baby gift. The yarn was a dream and the pattern, super easy. I made it in just a few days. I'll definitely go back to this yarn.

That's enough for today. I've got more, but I'll save it for tomorrow.

Still alive....barely

2007-05-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

silently knitting

small sample of the anchor blankie for friend, neil

9 hours to commencement

12 hrs to grad party for my students

congratulations, class of 2007!

back to blogging next week

literary list

2007-04-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

I used to read tons before knitting took over my life. Each summer I had a different theme or author that I read. Here's a list of 100 books that I've seen on a few other blogs so I thought I'd add my two cents. (Bold = books i've read; italics = books i'd like to read; + = books on my shelf; * = never heard of it)

1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) (saw the movie if that counts)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)+
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon) +
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)*
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger) +
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott) +
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck) +
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom) +
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) +
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. Bible +
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
+
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck) +
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)+
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)+
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)+
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)+
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)+
67. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Ann Brashares)+
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)+
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)+
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)+
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. Not Wanted On the Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)+
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)+
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)+
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton)+
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

I can see now that I need to get back to my reading. There are lots of books that I consider classic that aren't even on this list that I've read, but sometimes I forget what's on my must still read list.

for Maddy

2007-04-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day. I jammed out of work at precisely 5pm and made it to m LYS by 5:13, just in time to pick up this luscious yarn for Maddy's sweater. Maddy is due to enter the world in about 6wks. The pattern is from the spring Vogue Knitting by Debbie Bliss. The yarn is Cascade Sierra cotton and wool. I love the peachy pink with chocolate brown trim. It's very hip, just like Maddy's mom.

I've been working on my CPH and have both fronts pretty much finished. Just started the back, which I should have done first. I plan to do short rows and the three needle bind off at the shoulders, so the fronts are on stitch holders for now. The goal is to get the back finished this week so I can start the hood next week. I'll try to post some photos in the next few days.

Knit Theory

2007-03-19T21:32:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting for about 3 and a half years now. I started shortly after finishing up my degree and still wasn't out of starving student mode. My sisters have blessed me with 8 nieces and nephews and since I was short on cash, taught myself to knit and made scarves and hats for the bunch. They were a hit and by then I'd whet my appetite for the craft.

One day I mentioned my new hobby to my office mates and it turned out they were knitters too. The only knitting book I'd read at the time was Stitch n' Bitch and I wondered out loud if there was a local group we could join. After much conversation, I suggested that we start our own little group and they said, "If you plan it, we will come." So I did. We started a little group of people associated with the math department at our university and began knitting afghans for Project Linus. Our group is named Knit Theory after the mathematical,"knot theory." About 2/3 of the knitters are mathematics professors and the rest of us just love math people. We've grown from our first meeting of 6 to 22 now. There's a regular group of about a dozen that work on projects together.

I spent a lot of time teaching what I had taught myself, learning from the more experienced knitters and not really branching out. Oh, I made myself a sweater that is quite lovely, but so heavy that there are only about 3 days out of an entire year that I can wear it. I'll have to photograph it for posterity one day.

the Great Pumpkin lives

2007-03-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin is finally in the tied knots category, well almost. He's blocking right now and I found the perfect buttons yesterday. Hopefully Pumpkin will be dry by tomorrow so I can put him in the mail, otherwise I won't be able to mail him until next week.

Chica, if you read this, I made a size 2 so it'll last awhile, eeks, I hope. If not, you'll have a nice heirloom, but never fear, your little fish is the only baby boy I have to knit for, all the others are girls, so I may just come up with something else later on.

And now for your viewing pleasure...

Meet my new Clover pendant, Cloe. I'm heading to San Diego for a few days and Cloe will accompany me on the plane. I hear that Cloe's sisters have made it successfully through airport security and I'm hoping that she doesn't get sent off to a foster home. I'll be heading out armed with my CPH and supplies in a ziploc.

The purpose of my trip is a conference for academic advisors and I'm counting on being able to knit in the back of the room for 2 days straight. The goal for the week is to make serious headway on my CPH, while thinking of all those knitters in New York this week to meet Stephanie Pearl-McPhee and go on the yarn crawl.

Do you know that I googled yarn stores in San Diego and only got three??? I couldn't quite believe it (even though the google people are practically gods), so I searched the yellow pages....same result.

This is really quite unbelievable considering SD is the 2nd largest city in California. Anyway, none of them are near my hotel or near downtown, so I guess I won't be contributing to my stash this trip. If anyone reading this knows of a fantastic store in San Diego that's near down town or Mission Valley, let me know.

Here's another cute little ditty that came home with me today.

It's a contact lens case with a mirror inside. So now the optometrist stocks impulse items. It's so adorable,how could I resist?

Off to finish laundry and hide my yarn from Jack. I don't want to come home to yarn strung all over the house.

Pumpkin in the road

2007-03-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

Just an update...

Pumpkin, the project for Chica's baby is giving me problems. It's from the book, Pipsqueaks by Rowan and it's been really easy so far, but now I'm stuck. Have to wait until Weds night knitting circle to get expert help from Ina. She always solves my knitting problems immediately. It's kind of like me and sewing patterns, but I'm not there yet with knitting. Anyway, I love how Pumpkin is turning out and I was hoping to sew up the seams on Sunday 'til I ran into a roadblock. Naturally it happened on Sunday when my LYS was closed.

Of course this gave me time to get back on track with CPH. I'm working on the fronts and knitting them simultaneously as several in the KAL recommended. I want to make sure that it turns out even the first time. Today I was enjoying the sunshine at lunchtime and working on it. It was 80 degrees, can you believe it??? A student sharing my bench was quite interested and asked me what kind of yarn I was using. So here I am in March (almost spring), 80 deg. and I'm knitting a wool sweater. She asked if I was getting a jump on next winter. :( I'm going to have to get this seasonal thing on track, I guess. The fact is, I probably won't get to wear it until next year, because at the rate I'm going, it'll be 100 by the time I finish up. I'm tempted to put it aside and get going on my Nantucket Jacket, because that I can wear soon.

Ah well, back to the CPH.

Roll up a sleeve

2007-03-04T22:57:00.000-08:00

A milestone...the first sleeve of my CPH is complete, not blocked, but finished.
I'm going to start on the fronts now and will knit them at the same time, because I want to make sure that they match each other.

One of the reasons my CPH is going so slow is because of the other projects I have on the needles right now. Here's a picture of my first little mitten for the littlest munchkin in the family. If I have enough yarn, I'll make her a hat too. It's just a washable mohair look acrylic. I'm going to put a safety cord on them so they don't get lost if they fall off.

I'm also on the last leg of the project for Chica's baby boy and hope to show a picture soon. I'm making it large so he can wear it longer. I have to get moving, since there's a baby girl I have to knit for that's due in late May.

I'm so anxious to finish my CPH, I can't stand it and Nantucket here I come. I checked on my subscription at Interweave and by my calculations, the spring edition should be here tomorrow!!!

Back to the last pink mitten....

Happy Birthday Baby!

2007-02-17T05:36:00.000-08:00

So, it was time to do something just for fun and outside of the regular knitting box. What better occasion than my student assistant's birthday. If you don't like to be the center of attention, our office is not the place to be working on your birthday.

This is Amanda. She graciously consented to let me plaster her face on my blog. Thanks ABC!!!

Amanda's modeling the Crepe Paper Crown from AlterKnits. Ok, so who'd have thought that Michael's doesn't carry crepe paper??? Oh, well, the sales associate has been itching to make the crown too and she had some fun ideas. I ended up walking out of the store with 2" craft ribbon and a bunch of other ribbons for trim.

After struggling with the craft ribbon for a couple of hours (too stiff), I hoofed it over to the dollar store and bought some crepe paper. Much better. Crepe paper is surprisingly easy to work with. It's flexible and pretty darned strong. Go slowly, but you'll love it. The patterned called for 3 rolls, but I only used one and about 3 yards of the second. I did work in one row of 3/4" organza ribbon.

The finishing trim was applied with a crochet hook using a slip stitch. Amanda said it wasn't scratchy feeling even with my straggly ends. I think next time I'll use a little glue, since it was hard to weave in the ends and make them stay.

I think she liked the crown and it'll probably become a tradition in our office. I'm also thinking that I might try to make it a family tradition too.

Plans for the next crown are already in the works
and it's about time to make a trip to the party store. They will probably have a better selection of colors.

So it's been pretty busy at work lately and I haven't been able to do my lunchtime knitting. On top of that, our knitting circle didn't meet on Wed, because it was V-Day. What's up with that? I was planning on actually having something to do that night.

The goal this weekend is to try to finish up the project for Chica.

In my dreams

2007-02-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

dreaming of another project...the Nantucket Jacket (Interweave Knits, W2006).

I love this sweater and think I'll start looking for yarn.

Nantucket Jacket
design by Norah Gaughan
Yarn: Berroco Pure Merino (100% merino; 92 yd [84 m]/50 g): #8532 cinnamon stick, 12 (12, 14, 16, 18) balls.

i'm thinking of a nice plummy shade, perhaps a cotton/wool or silk blend...any suggestions?

Playing tag

2007-02-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Rachel, who by the way, is the only blogger I actually know.

Here are the rules: write 5 things you've never talked about on your blog and tag 5 people you'd like to know more about.

1. I studied fashion merchandising at Arapahoe College in Colorado and fashion design at Brooks College in Long Beach, CA. I worked in the fashion industry for about 20 yrs, got fed up, and am now an educator. I'm an excellent seamstress, but I lost my passion for it and haven't had my machines out in a couple of years. 3 yrs ago I bought some yarn and knitting needles and my new passion was born. I still need a pattern, but I'm beginning to design garments in my head. I think that means that I'm ready to start designing again. I'm going to buy a notebook today so that I can start putting some of my ideas on paper.

2. When I was in college a woman came to my textiles class and brought her spindles and spinning wheels. Once I tried out her wheel, I had to have one. My parents ordered me an Ashford Traveler. I spent months in my dad's workshop finishing it and putting it together. It looks fabulous...I've never used it. Recently I bought some top, oiled and tightened the parts and gave it a spin. I need lessons. That's my goal for spring, to learn to spin yarn for knitting.

3. For my 40th birthday, I gave myself a trip to Merida, Mexico. Actually, it was an immersion program for my Latin American Studies minor. It had it's challenges, but was an unforgettable experience. I lived with a wonderful family, taught 3rd grade and visited some of the most amazing places on earth. The picture is one I took of some Mayan children playing marbles.

4 and 5 will be forthcoming along with the taggees.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

The Aventures of Jack the Cat - Part I

2007-01-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time there was a cute and cuddly kitty named Jack. Although he had owners he was really the neighborhood kitty. Hmmm...does anyone ever really own a cat? But I digress. Everyday Jack could be found frolicking in the grass chasing butterflies and playing with the neighbor children. He loved to run and play, roll in the grass and let the children carry him around.

One day, Jack's family moved away and left him and he came to live with FishKnits. It took awhile for Jack to learn where his new home was and he almost ran away after FishKnits took him to the vet to be snipped (ouch), but in the end he knew he had found a human who would care for him. It was summer and hot in northern California, so Jack spent his days sleeping in the cool bathroom sink and his nights chasing bugs in the moonlight.

Jack was always very interested in whatever FishKnits had on her needles. He would snuggle in her lap and place his furry paw in the ball of yarn so it wouldn't roll away. He was so helpful. One Sunday afternoon, FishKnits fell asleep and left her knitting on the coffee table. It was so wonderful to be able to take a nap and feel comfort in the knowledge that Jack wouldn't let her ball of yarn roll away.

On this day, however, curiosity got the better of Jack. He very quietly rolled the ball off of the table onto the floor but it just kept rolling. He tried to pick it up with his little cat paws and it bounced and rolled around the table leg. He tried again and it bounced and rolled further. Hard as he tried it just kept rolling around; up and over the table cross, around and around the chair legs. It wouldn't stop. All the while FishKnits was sweetly dreaming of her next project. After a time, Jack discovered that rolling a ball of yarn around and catching and throwing it was more fun than chasing bugs in the grass. Before long, he had unravelled the entire ball of yarn.

About an hour later, FishKnits awoke from her dreamy sleep. The sun had gone down and in the semi darkness she got up and went to the kitchen to make dinner and feed her fur child, Jack. On the way, she tripped on something and turned on the light. Her eyes flew open wide with shock. An entire ball of yarn was looped and twisted up and around every single piece of furniture in two rooms! In the middle of it all sat Jack, purring like he'd never purred before and oh, so thankful that FishKnits had left him the best toy ever. It was like Christmas in July! He rubbed her leg and purred and was happier than he'd ever been, having discovered this delightful new form of entertainment. Although it took her nearly an hour to untangle the mess of yarn with Jack contentedly curled up in her lap, she could not be angry. She did, however, resolve to keep her yarn out of reach of little kitty paws in the future.

I'm working on a project for my dear friend Chica's baby, Pezito, but I can't show it now. Suffice to say that I've been waiting for the yarn to arrive in the mail for 3 wks and it arrived on Friday, so I set aside the CPH and got started. I'm about 30% finished. I'm hoping this will be a weeklong project, so that I can mail it soon.

New projects for the new year....

2007-01-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

I had some problems posting last week and lost a good one, so this is really my first post of the new year. I don't normally make resolutions, but I have a couple of knitting resolutions:

Figure out what to do with the pink cotton I've had for ages and actually get it done in time for the warm weather.
Learn to spin.
Rather than mad knitting in Nov and Dec for all the nieces and nephews, take the time to knit something bigger and better for their birthdays, thereby, spreading the cheer throughout the year. (most challenging resolution!)
Knit something nice for myself periodically. (already started on this one)

I think that's enough for now....baby steps.

So I started on a really cool sweater from Chic Knits called Ariann. Bought the yarn, knitted several inches, frogged, knitted, frogged, knitted and got help, frogged. And that was the final frogging for me. I switched patterns. When I was originally looking for a pattern, it was between Ariann and the Central Park Hoodie. So now I've gone back to the CPH. Here's what I did during my lunch hour yesterday.

Thursday they had this staff development day that was all about learning how to manage stress and take time for yourself. Overall it was very enjoyable, but during the presentation, I kept thinking about my latest knitting project (in my tote bag) and would it be rude to knit during the presentation and what would my coworkers think? Did I have the nerve to pull it out. In the end, I left it in the bag, but resolved to work on knitting in public. My fear is that others will think I'm not paying attention or interested in what's going on, but that's not the case. I really can knit and listen, watch a movie, or talk.

I'm going to try to be more bold about my knitting in the future. At the end of our staff day we went to a place where you paint pottery. Now, I like to paint, but I'm not good at it, so the pressure of having to paint with others when it's not what I do best was getting to me, so I just did this plain candy dish with polka dots and left as quickly as I could so I could go home and knit (i.e. relax for real). If I'm brave enough, I'll show the bowl on here in a couple of weeks when it's ready.

The Red Poncho Rides

2007-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

Emily's poncho was finished last weekend, but I was having problems loading the picture. It's off in the mail and I'm hoping my sister will send a picture of it on the baby soon.

I started a vest for myself from a Vogue pattern, but ran out of yarn, so I've decided to frog it and make some design changes so that I can still use the yarn. As soon as I figure it out it'll be posted. For now, I'm too disappointed to look at it. The yarn worked up so beautifully and I'm amazed at how fast my fingers flew. Oh well.....

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over, but the Christmas knitting is not, boo hoo. The only thing I haven't finished yet is Emily's poncho. I decided that the front seam didn't look right, so I frogged the whole darned thing and started over. The good news is that I'm working on the hood and should be able to finish up by tomorrow so I can get it in Saturday's mail.

Here's a photo of Kaytie modeling her Fetching fingerless gloves and a cool cabled beanie. I kept the beanie, because she'd rather have a hat that covers her ears. Not sure how I'm going to fix that, but I think my genius friend at the LYS can help out. I think they turned out cool and look great on her. I used my new favorite yarn, Cascade 220.

This is a photo of Derek modeling that cool chullo hat. It was a hit and put it right on. Of course, my dad had to give him a USC Trojan hat, so he had to alternate between the two, but by the second day, the chullo hat seemed to be winning. Just as long as he wears the SC hat on New Year's Day, it's ok by me.

Hope to have a cute little red poncho to show tomorrow.

Counting down to Christmas

2006-12-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of Emily's poncho IP.
The goal is to finish it today...can't disappoint a 2 yr old. She's getting a cool book too that's written by one of our local news personalities, Debbie Cobb. This cute poncho has a hood and the yarn is oh so soft.

Another Chullo hat finished, probably for my nephew, Justin (no picture yet).

Knitting like a mad woman

2006-12-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

I have several Christmas presents on the needles. The most popular seem to be the knitty.com Fetching fingerless gloves. I've made black, camouflage, pink and am working on two pair of purple. I took the black pair to work and my coworker fell in love with them and ordered the camo and pink for gifts. The others are for my nieces and I'm going to surprise my friend with a set for herself. Pictures coming tomorrow after blocking.

Ta Da!

2006-11-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! It was a quiet day with a small gathering of 4, but very enjoyable. Good to see my parents, it's been too long. One of my knitting friends joined us and proceeded to knit up about a foot of a new scarf while the turkey was roasting. My mom has a fancy shmancy new washer, so I gave it a test drive and felted up Ashten's tote (my first felting project). Of course I showed everyone the before, which they oo'd and ah'd over (which was funny, because pre-felted items always look weird and out of shape). But wow, when it came out of the wash....amazing! I only had to give it two washings and I put it in a mesh bag so that the handles wouldn't get stretched out of shape. Here's how it looked and I have to admit, I'm pretty impressed with myself right now and ready to keep on felting.

Off to a slow start...

2006-11-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Writing's not one of my favorite things. It keeps me from my knitting. I've actually finished another project since my first post, well almost. During the summer I went to Big Sur and found a fabulous ball of recycled sari silk in a luscious colorway. I knitted up a little mystery bag (mystery, because a friend at my LYS gave me the pattern without a picture and suggested I see how it turned out). The knitting is complete, except that I think I'll shorten the strap a little. I still need a nice piece of fabric to line it and an interesting button closure. I'm thinking of giving it away as a Christmas gift...not sure I want to part with it yet.

I'm not sure what color I'll use to line it yet, depends on what strikes me at the fabric store.

Here's the picture of Derek's chullo hat that I promised.

I'm pretty proud of the fair isle design, since it was my first attempt. It was pretty easy and I'm already dreaming about the fair isle cardigan I plan to knit up for myself after all of the holiday knitting is completed.

Here's one of my current WIP. It's a felted tote bag for my niece, Ashten. I'm going to felt it at my mom's on Thanksgiving so I can amaze and impress my family, since Ashten won't be there. I'm just using your basic black worsted but, the stripes are a rich Noro in Kureyon. I love the thick and thin texture.

This was a long post, but hey, I had some catching up to do. There's more, but I'll save it for another day.

Knitting is my saviour

2006-10-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

This is the first post in my very first blog. Knitting relaxes me and helps me maintain my sanity. Like many knitters, I suffer from "start-itis." I'm hoping that this blog will motivate me to finish some of my projects so maybe I'll only have two or three things going instead of the 7 or 8 that I have going right now. I'll try to post regular pictures of my progress.

I did well last week and both started and finished a chullo hat for my nephew, Derek. It was my first attempt at fair isle knitting. The hat was knitted flat and there were some errors in the pattern, but I improvised and I think it turned out well. I received lots of compliments at my knitting circle tonight. I'll post a photo tomorrow.