The Purl Fisher

I forgot I have a knitting blog

2011-06-29T03:34:00.000-07:00

Can't believe I haven't blog in over a year! But I assure you I have been knitting. I suppose it's good that I am knitting more than blogging, although I would still like to do more knitting than reading about knitting...

Did a lot of Christmas and gift knitting but did not take picture of them....

However, I do have picture of Petra that I made. Had Krista from meetup model for the picture:

From 2010 Knitting

Don't think I like bulky yarn that much...

Made Orion a rocket from petitepurls:

From 2010 Knitting

My friend Dayle sent me these yarn and I wanted to make something out of it for her daughter. Neighborly seemed like a good idea for the variegated yarn:

From 2010 Knitting

This is a photo from her. I don't know how often her daughter actually wear it but Dayle's family would always get more knits from me because she takes a picture of her kids using it!

I'll be better at taking photos of knitting and blogging it. Thanks for the three people that seem to be still following this blog. :-)

I haven't been knitting...

2010-05-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't been knitting, because I've been baking. It started with needing to practice baking a cake for my uncle. Then it continued with cookies. I found these savory cookies they were so good I just couldn't get them out of my head.

I couldn't wait to made David Lebovitz's seaweed cookies. He called for this seaweed salt ingredient (fleur de sel aux algues) that's from his local salt person, so it's not something I could easily get. He did give direction on how to make it.

I went to several stores to get the ingredients I need. For some reason I couldn't get "dried dulse" in japanese supermarket but had to get it from wholefoods. Makes me wonder if it's product invented for the westerners. I did not combine the dried seaweed mixture with the salt as suggested because I feel I can control the salt usage and sometimes only add the dried seaweed to cooking too?

So the recipe says to use 2 teaspoon of fleur de sel aux algues mix. I figure using one teaspoon each of the flakey salt and dried seaweed would be enough. Unfortunately it was not salty enough for my taste. I _had_ to make another batch to make it right. The second batched with two teaspoon of the dried seaweed and one teaspoon of the flakey salt plus one teaspoon of the "seaweed salt" i got from japanese store. The taste came out perfect. I just want to write it down somewhere so I can do it again.

I haven't found a baking equivalent of ravelry so I am doing it here. Thanks for putting up with me. I recommend you try this if you like savory cookies. And Ina's parmesan thyme cookies too. Those were great too.

Double Knitting is...

2010-03-27T17:06:00.001-07:00

Double knitting is for people who like to do ribbing, with color, A LOT.

Wonderful Amy from the guild taught us double knitting at the last month meeting. We did this cute light bulb motif on big needles to make a potholder. I think I was experimenting with the yarn dominance so you can see the bottom of my potholder doesn't look very good. In fact, you can see some of the background color in the second photo:

My friend Pam later tells me it's a feature of Armenian knitting to have a bit of the color in the back to show through. What created a bit of the color showing through was me using the background on the right side as the dominating yarn so both yarn keeps on crossing each other every other stitch.

I casted on for another one and this was an exciting project because it's the first time my husband wanted me to make something for him. His work uses the light bulb as an indicator on how things are going so I made one with red and green. This time the background area worked out better and the fabric actually separates.

The elf shoes are done

2010-03-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to felt the elf shoes. You ready?

Hehe. Aren't they cute? Remember what they look like before felting?

Wow, right?

So gonna make more.

The owlets got eyes!

2010-03-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

Presenting O's new "Fire Owlet" sweater:

This was finished last week but didn't have eyes yet:

And since I had 18 owlets, that meant I would need to sew 36 buttons on for the eyes; I was not looking forward to it. Arlene from the meetup suggest that I used a thick yarn to make french knots for it. I gave it a try and it worked out!

How did I end up with 18 owlets? I did not swatch to check the gauge and just blindly followed the biggest baby size (that went to up 36 month) hoping it would be 22 inches wide. After finishing the body, it looked a little small to me but the silly me hoped* it would all work out and continue on. Right after bind/off, I knew it was too small. I let the kid try it to confirm (was only 20.5 inches across chest), measure my gauge and ripped it out. Recalculated how many stitches I would need and cast it on again (did not want to change needle plus I had a lot of yarn left so I could make it bigger).

What did we learn from this?! Hoping is not a good strategy in knitting.

One more note about the french knots: The knot span across two rows so and I wrapped the yarn around the needle eight times before finishing the knot. It seem to work out okay.

Stitches West 2010 report

2010-03-03T15:19:00.001-08:00

First, let's get the "cute babies and knits" out of the way.

Isn't this the cutest little hat on the cutest baby?!

And Cheryle made matching cardigan for her little cutie pie!

I had a great time catching up with people and helping out at the Lacy Knitter's Guild booth. I took a class because my friend was not able to take it last minute. It's the Fancy Felted Bag taught by Sharon Castello. Here's a picture of the wool being lay down before wetting it:

Doesn't it look like some furry animal? :-)

Here's everybody working hard, rolling and massaging their bags in bubble wraps and towels:

It's the most aerobic I ever got involving fiber. These are the end results:

The design on the top of this black bag used silk tops and such to decorate:

Here's a picture of the teacher posing with my bag:

I did come home with a few things:

Okay, I know it looks like a lot of yarn, but the upper left hand corner is super chunky's so it doesn't really count because it will get knitted up in no time. The two big balls of tweedy silk-wool (with little red specs) on the lower left hand corner are Pam's fault. I would not have seen it if she did not show me. (Does my guilt show from all these justifications I am coming up with?) I did go into stitches wanting to score some Madelinetosh yarn because it's all the rage in the knitting world and it's hard to get. I was able to score hard-to-get "tart" color way (right hand side of the loot) thought might not be the ideal weight I want (got it in "vintage"). And for some reason (maybe it's freshly coming off chinese new year celebration) I really want some more red yarn, so grabbed a few sock weight yarn which I can make socks or shawlets.

Okay, back to knitting.

A new sweater for O

2010-01-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

I've been working hard to finish the sweater for him because he will out grow this size (and the yardage I have for this size) very soon.

Here's the bookworm sweater from Louisa Harding's Miss Bea's Rainy Day (which is so fitting for the weather we've been having lately):

I still haven't felt the elf slippers yet. Can't wait to see when it's felted and all cute.

Last post of 2009

2010-01-12T22:20:00.001-08:00

I did not make the dealine to post last things made in 2009 but here it is. I made some felted soap with the Guild taught by Amy. It was a fun workshop!

I also made the Neighborly vest for Orion. Although I used the nice dark navy for the body, I think the variegated yarn might still be too colorful and more suited for a girl? What do you think?

I actually ripped it back and made it a bit longer so it's not as short as it seems in the picture.

Oh, and I finished the Clapotis that took me forever before the year ended. Still need to take a picture.

I am kicking off 2010 with some some elf slippers. I love them! Here's the picture before felting. Hope it'll felt okay.

There's my shoe for comparison. I really wanted to have two pairs so I can have a before and after side by side picture, but I don't think I can wait until i make a second pair before felting it. Besides I wanted to see if me switching needle to a bigger size then called for (11 instead of 10 1/2) would effect it too much before making more.

Knitting with wire and February Baby Sweaters

2009-11-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

I finished a couple of baby sweater for friends. I've always wanted to try the February Baby Sweater and these are girl babies so perfect timing.

Finished this pretty quick. Used a US 7 needle so it was very fast.

Next one I decided to try it with these two balls of (about 300 yards) cotton yarn. I haven't not knitted with cotton yet so it was quite exciting:

The second pink one was using US 5 but since I had more yarn I was able to make the sleeves longer. You can compare them side by side:

I was able to try something new at the guild meeting and knitted with wires! Mary was so nice to get the supplies for us and this is what I did:

Isn't it pretty?

Latvian Mitten advanture

2009-11-05T15:44:00.001-08:00

My friend Lori and I took a Latvian Mitten class with Beth Brown-Reinsel this week and it was so much fun!

Here's Lori with the beautiful view we had.

Now I expected the class to be good because I've taken class with this teacher. But last time it was in some conference room and this time it was at this nice cute little yacht club with the view of the Tamales bay in the Marin county. That was a nice treat.

Here's Lori knitting with three color for the first time!

We had some cake and cookie for dessert. Look a the cute sheep cookie classmate Lorin made:

This is what our table did at the end of the day with the sample mitten from Beth:

Beth took a picture with Lori and me:

classmate Jessica who took the picture uttered "say Latvian mitten" to elicit those big smiles.

I did a little stranded work project as practice to prepare for the class:

Here's a view from the top:

I saw this commercial toddler dress with such nice color combination and asked if I could take a picture for inspiration:

Lately been working on gift knitting...

Finished Anemoi

2009-10-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Finished the Anemoi mitts. love it!

Can't wait to get my hands on this cover pattern and make it!

obsessed with stranded knitting

2009-10-17T00:07:00.000-07:00

I should be knitting babies sweaters because there are so many babies due but I am totally obsessed with stranded knitting right now:

Finished just in time!

2009-08-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

Finished the shawl in time for this weekend. Even a little earlier so I can bring it to show at the knitting meetup tonight. Really pushed hard to get the edging done. Gosh, the edging just went on and on. I knew it was gonna be long. I prepared myself for it. But it was still long. Imagine if I didn't prepare myself for it!

Ta-dah:

Here's my attempt at an artsy shot. Don't think it's that good.

Here's a closeup:

Here's probably how I'll be wearing it:

Probably work on an UFO before starting something new?

I've been obsessed

2009-07-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessed with the color knitting. Partly because I am afraid I might forget the skills I learned in the beth brown Reinsel class and partly because I just love the way they look. So with a small fair isle project as a dangling carrot, I finished the main part of shawl before casting on.

Originally I used two koigu yarn; yellow and a slightly variegated purple. But the variegation on the purple was too much that the pattern was not showing up well. It had a slight yellow the variegated purple too so that make it worse.

Then I went over to an yarn store that opens really late, I mean a friend (that was kind enough to let me come over late)'s house to see if she has another purple yarn that I can use late monday night. The yarn weight was slightly different and was not showing up well as the constrast color. So sticking to the same pattern I switched the CC as the dominant color and thought it worked out better. When I turned it around, you can totally see where the dominance changed. I thought that was interesting:

I am thinking of switching the Purple to MC and Yellow to CC for the second mitt to make them complimentary. What do you think?

Now I need to go back to pick up and knit the border for the shawl.

Finally got motivated to knit

2009-07-21T15:44:00.001-07:00

The hot weather has not help with knitting but having deadlines seems to helped a bit.

My brother's baby is due in 10 days so technically baby can come anytime. Here's a little sweater I made for him. Still need to find buttons. Please let me know if you know where I can score some cute pineapple buttons. My SIL likes pineapples.

You can look at the back too:

Thanks to many people's opinion help I cast on for the shawl I like to use for my brother-in-law's wedding next month. Here you see it against the dress after a bit's been knitted up.

Do you still think they go well together?

Which one matches better?

2009-07-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am wearing a brown dress to a function and want to make a shawl to go with it. Which one do you think it's better?

Option 1:

This is a silk lace yarn that I will most likely make Eunny Jang's Print O Wave shawl. For those that don't have Ravelry, this is what the wave shawl looks like.

Option 2:

This is the JaggerSpun Silk-Merino lace that will be made into the Orenburg Triangle Shawl. You can take a look at the shawl here too.

Here are they with darker lighting:

Please let me know which one you think it's better. Thanks!

Too hot to knit

2009-07-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Haven't been motivated to knit due to the weather but here are some finish objects.

The broken needle project had a happy ending. Here's the proof:

I also finished the first self stripping sock:

And here's him goofing around with my cherry blossom shawl:

Sigh

2009-06-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

I knew something bad happened when I saw the knitting was too close to the door as I close it.....Only 10 rows away from bind off....now I have to go find the backup needles....

Still not a lot of knitting, but some fun stuff to report

2009-04-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Don't know what happened to my knitting mojo but just haven't been knitting that much. I am still knitting, just not at the crazy pace I used to do it. Maybe it's because there are too much stuff to do lately?

I did go to Lacy Knitter's Guild meeting and here's a cute little thing our friend Wes shared:

It's a pattern with those cherubs like in ancient art works except if you look closely, they are listening to a radio :-)

Here's the pattern and maybe a better look:

I did manage to get the second of the cashmere lace mitts done and here's official model modeling it:

That's all for now. I need to get cranking on some stuff that has deadlines...

Not much knitting, many things to report

2009-04-05T23:29:00.001-07:00

There hasn't been much knitting because of the move and all other stuff, but here's a recap of things in past couple month.

First there was Stitches West 2009 conference. Here are a few wonderful things we saw.

A wonderful Bohus sweater:

She had a beautiful silk blouse underneath too:

Lily Chin is always a great entertainer. Here she is as "Cruella De Lil":

I took a Norwegian Purl class with the wonderful Beth Brown-Reinsel and here's a little sample from the class:

I took a picture and ripped it out so I can make a mitten:

The only modification I made from the original pattern was making the corrugated ribbing at the cuff so I can practice that some more from the class.

One "out there" thing at Stitches was my ticket winning a alpaca hat at the student banquet. Here's me wearing the hat:

Most peoples' reaction is: "You look like an Eskimo!"

What's happening?!

2009-01-23T09:41:00.000-08:00

What's happening? I am blogging more then once a month?! :-)

Pam and I attended the Tea with Louisa Harding at the Green Planet Yarn and had a wonderful time.

Here's me and Pam with Ms Harding

I am so excited and happy about the new mitts, had to share them. They are made with the most wonderful cashmere, ever!

Here's me wearing it

I can't believe I am blogging when I should be packing.

Found a cute button

2009-01-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

I found a cute flower button to complete the Clara dress:

Here's the TeddyBorg modeling the dress:

I need a less threatening looking doll to do my modeling :-)

Some knittings happening

2009-01-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Are you tired of those koolhaas hats yet? I finished the last two and put it on Ravelry. You can also see it here.

Haven't gotten much knitting done because I've been organizing some physical photos choas that I've avoided for the past too many years. But I did manage to knit Clara.

It was a strange feeling to go from big yarn, big needle (US 8) to lace -ish yarn and small needle. Got so used to things going really quick. But Clara was a good practice for me to get back in to lace. Here you can see it start:

Here's the finished picture:

On a unrelated note; I splurged in November and my Sundara yarn came. I order these "blue lagoon". I rarely go for blue and when I do, they are really nice. These came and they were even more gorgeous real life than on the web! Wish I could afford more.

I saved the best for last of course. We made t-shirts at the Knitspiration Guild meeting on Monday night and here's my hard work :-)

What do you think? Mary's got cuter colorful ones!

It's all facebook's fault

2009-01-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I am blaming facebook for part of the not blogging enough; my cousin got me to join and now I am part of the FAA (Facebook Addict Anonymous) on facebook. J/K. But there is such a thing as FAA.

So what have I don't since? Lots of Koolhaas:

The Cascade 220 superwash in "grey" is done:

The malabrigo worsted in "American Beauty" is done:

The Classic Elite Portland Tweed was half way through before Christmas:

Good thing this one didn't need to be finished before Christmas because the recipient is away until after the new years.

Here are the hats together:

One more koolhaas to go and it's going at the pace of snail because I am just so sick of it already. After this one is finished, no koolhaas for a while until I recover...

These are the first baby socks I made for Orion and I think I will make more.

It's just not right that I have so much sock yarn and I still go out and buy him socks.

But more baby socks will have wait until after another gift knitting is done for my good friend's new baby girl!

Many knittings but no blogging

2008-11-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy little bee but haven't been able to blog because I got a new computer and everything is different so I am still trying to figure things out. But here it goes for now.

Peony Shetland Triangle shawl

Here's a close up of the shawl

The whole shawl. You can see where the skein changed because the color is slightly different.

This is my baby making a funny face posing for me :-)

Firebird Clapotis

This is at the end of increase, before the "even" row.

I am about half way through now, but putting it aside for christmas knitting

Sunrise Circle Jacket

This was done before the Thanksgiving trip and not a christmas present. In fact, nobody will really ever get an adult sweater that's not related to me or share my last name. Sleeves are a bit longer but I can live with that

My second Pomatomus sock out of MamaBlue seasilk yarn.

love it, love it! I have to confess: it was gonna be a present but I like the finished object too much and couldn't let it go.

My favorite model showing the Yarn Harlot's Unoriginal Hat:

I love the smirk on his face. This is going to charity.

Series of Koolhaas hats. First up is The Fiber Company's Road to China:

Side view:

Top view as the model tries to run away (tired of modeling)

Immediately caste on for the second one right after. Using Sundara's worsted weight yarn (color mossy)

(my model is napping so didn't get a picture of him wearing it)

Working on the third one out of cascade 220 worsted in silvery color:

Okay, I am gonna breath now and go learn how to back up the computer.

The new Twisted Collective is up

2008-11-13T20:55:00.000-08:00

This one just screams my name. The subtle front, the dramatic back and the color.

Love small cookie cutters!

2008-10-06T16:02:00.000-07:00

Baking has slow down but not before I made these adorable animal cookies. Don't you just love my adorable ladybug timer? :-)

It's been too long

2008-10-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since a knitting picture has appeared on this site. We are catching up today. Here's picture of us down at Santa Cruz to check out some yarn shop and have yummy lunch at Gayle's Bakery. Their lavender cookies are so good! Mary wearing her *just* finished sweater vest. Evil Chelsea introduced us to Gayle's :-) She was so nice to be the chauffeur for the day.

I got some buttons for the BSJ at the Yarn Place in Santa Cruz. I did not bring the sweater but knew I needed some turquoise and was very surprise they are such a good match.

Here's Orion modeling the BSJ. It's clearly too small but I thought it was very funny he looks like a tiny gay man purposely wearing shirts too tight.

Here's a picture of the End Paper mitten before it's ripped out. I needed the white yarn for a project plus this was too tight so I did not want to make it and not fit me. Will try again with bigger needle. (used 3.0mm this time)

Here's the twisted stitch practice from Cookie's Cable class (arranged by the Guild here). This was challenging because I had to cable on the wrong side too (if I had done it in the round, I would not have to cable on the wrong side) This is the class that sent me home searching for the Twisted Flower pattern that I couldn't find for the longest time.

Finally finished the second Daisy Stitch mitt. I made a big mistake, can you see (I'll give you a hint, it's the left one)? Kinda bugs me A LOT but I only noticed it after everything was finished. What to do? Make another one and chuck the defective one out?

Alright, this jacket took forever. I think it's the stitch; it's a slip ribbing pattern. You can't really see it, but it's really doing the whole sweater in ribbing. The button bands are puckering up. Gonna do some blocking to see if it will help. Still have to add buttons.

I immediately cast on for the Sunrise Circle Jacket. I've had the yarn and pattern for a while. What prompt me to do it now is: I am making myself do a Kate Gilbert pattern before I can buy another Kate Gilbert pattern (and more importantly the yarn for it). I've been dying to do Wisteria and this is bit of delay of instant gratification. Back to Sunrise Circle Jacket: I love the yarn. It's brown Plymouth Tweed but it's the little orange and green bits in it that I love.

Gotta find a way to upload pictures more often....

Obsessed

2008-09-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just have to get this out of my head. Even that might not do any good.

I've been obsessed about the Wisteria sweater from Twist Collective. This is the first none cardigan sweater that's makes me want to make it and make it NOW. Maybe it's because the design is so simple and elegant. Maybe it's the none reverse st stitches around the cables. Or maybe it's just great photo. I don't know. All I can do is delay myself by making me work on the current sweater (and hopefully finish) so I can cast on a Kate Gilbert sweater that I already have the pattern (Sunrise Jacket) and yarn before I go head and buy the pattern and yarns for Wisteria.

Lots of photo to show. Will post soon.

I am not crazy!

2008-09-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

I found them!!! They fell off the bookshelf on the back and it was on the back of the bookshelf. It feels good knowing I am not crazy; that I did not just think I have them, I actually have them. Thanks for your sympathy. It made me know that I am not alone :-)

Now I just have to find the diamond shape in the baby's puzzle and the the newly acquired toy train engine (he's only planed it for less than one day!)

Just need to vent

2008-09-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

I can't find two sock patterns I got from one of the Stitches West. One is BMFA's Ceder Creek and the other is Twisted Flower. I know I bought those patterns because I really like them and wanted them for a while. It's just upsetting because I try to keep a neat house so I know where my things are. So not being able to find them is driving me crazy because that objective of knowing where my things are is not achieved! Very very frustrated (more frustrated because we just took a class with Cookie and I wanted to make that Twisted Flower sock)!!

This is why I haven't been knitting

2008-09-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Pam, gave me a baking book and I've been baking cookies none stop. So it's all her fault that I haven't been knitting. ;-P

It's too hot to knit sweaters

2008-06-20T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's been too hot to knit sweater so I've been knitting socks like mad. I forgot how quick they are. Here's the finished Merlot Monkey Sock. It's BMFA's STR lightweight's rare gems color way I picked up from Stitches West. I thought Monkey might be a good idea for it. What do you think?

And what's so neat is the color matches Jasmin's hair color! That's her posing with the sock on the WWKIP day.

The Baudelaire was finished before the Merlot Monkey got started. Here's a finished photo.

I actually started another sock (pomatomus) before the monkey was finished. The color is so just so intense I needed to take a break from it. I think the pattern and the yarn color is good together, no?

On a non knitting related note: We went to the DeYoung Museum up in SF for father's day. It was free and the new Chihuly exhibit was opening that weekend too. Thanks to our friend Renee and Stephen's family we were able to go to the cool things that happen around the bay area. Baby seems to like it too!

What I did in May

2008-06-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's been too long. I will blog more often I promise. It's just I don't upload photo often because I don't trust my old computer so each time I upload, I need to back it up to an external hard drive. Now the same old computer doesn't have enough memory thus making the whole back up thing kinda manual and hard. I don't want to talk more about this, I am just hoping to get a new computer soon.

Now, some knitting content. I've been working on the Trapeze Jacket from Stitch Diva Studio using the Newton's yarn I got from Stitches West. I am holding two strains together to get the right weight. It's 60% cashmere and 40%wool. So soft. I admit the color seem like a good idea in the beginning but after knitting up some I am feeling that the color is really loud. I just need to wear something back with it or something. [Ravelry Link]

Now the jacket is taking a lot longer to knit (then the last one) because it's slipped stitch and the fabric construction is just dense. The weather getting warmer didn't help either. I did not want to touch it for a while. I did manage to pick some socks up and finish them.

Here's the Earth Day Sock 2008. I am calling it Earth Day Sock because I started the first Earth Day Sock last year with a color way call Earth Day. And I thought this color way is a bit earth like, so why not keep the tradition of casting on another Earth Day Sock on Earth Day (April 22). These are just plain top down sock but it's knitting with one of the most luxurious yarn: Handmaiden's Casbah (I think color way Nova Scotia). Another knitter joked that she doesn't want to go back to her other sock yarn after working with this.

There other second sock I finished was the Gentleman's Fancy Sock from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks. Here it is being worn by the baby as a thigh high stocking :-)

After finishing some second socks, I immediate casted on a new sock. This is Cookie's Baudelaire on Knitty using Mama Blue's Sea Merino in "Penny" color way and using my favorite sock needle: Susanne's ebony 2.5mm.

i am craving for some pink color though...might start something else soon.

My first adult size sweater!

2008-04-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

I really like the sweater. I love the color, I like the pattern and everything. It would have fit better if I do the next size up. But I was afraid of running out of yarn since the size I did called for 1430 yards and I only had 1400 yards. It turns out I could have done the next size up because I had one whole skein untouched! [ravelry link]

Earth Day Sock
I finished the Earth Day socks! I casted it on Earth Day last year and after finishing the first one, I didn't touch it for almost a year. I think it's having to tackle the Japanese short row that was making me procrastinate. In the end that was a good reason because I did a bad job with the Japanese short row on the second sock. They turn out a little longer for me so I might make them a gift. [ravlery link]

Gentleman's Fancy Sock
First of the Gentleman's Fancy Sock from Knitting Vintage Sock with Schaefer Anne yarn is done. I hope the color is not too complicated for the pattern. [ravelry link]

Retro-Style Shrug
Retro Shrug from Lace Style with Malabrigo in Stonechat color way. Two skeins of Malabrigo worsted was just enough (cutting pretty close) for the medium. I think large would fit me better though. That means we'll need more then two skeins for sure (with lots of left over). [ravelry link]

Small FO's, updates and Stitches West

2008-03-01T09:27:00.000-08:00

Citron Jaywalker
Finished the first pair of jaywalker for me. After finishing a pair for the sock pal last year and the failed pink one (just too big and did not decide to rib until about 70% done with the second sock!), finishing one was all I could manage before putting it away for a long time. By the time I picked it up again this year, the month had chew two holes in the heel. You can see the darning on the left one with a different color (red, blue I believe). I probably wouldn't darn socks except I haven't even wore these yet. I know, the striping of the two is very different. Ravelry project info.

Pattern: Jaywalker (the larger size)
Yarn: Sundara socks in "Citron"
Fit: 8 1/2 inch
Needle: US 2 (2.75mm) Circular (when th wooden ones broke) and Susan Bates Silvalumes (realized like the wooden ones better)

Jailhouse Rock Monkey

Pattern: Cookie's Monkey from Knitty (love this pattern! So easy to memorize, it's like doing stockinette like January One said)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock that Rock light weight in Jailhouse Rock color way.
Needle: Blue Skye Alpaca US 2 (good needles, but too expensive and I think I like the longer dpns so I only need to use four instead of all five)
Ravelry info for this monkey

Pumpkin Hat

Used left over Deam in Color Classy for the top. It's cute interesting effect. Didn’t do such a good job hiding the stitches on top but made the green part look more 3D.
pumkin hat info.

FFL update
Finished second repeat of chart 2 and gazillion more stitches to go. Sorry to sound a bit discouraged, it's just according to the percentage chart, this is only 22% done. But the beauty of the pattern and yarn will keep me going.

Ravelry info for FFL

Stitches West Finds
There were so many treats at Stitches West and one of the most impressive items I saw was this vest knitted by a lace knitter and designer Joyce Williams.

This was knitted on a 000 size needle and took longer then most of the intricate shawls she makes. Here's a close up:

And this is the awesome Ravelry wall image that everybody loved:

Daisy, Dragon and the Red Socks

2008-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent projects. Been working on the Daisy Stitch Hand Warmer from the PurlBee. It's super cute and when I saw it in the store, just couldn't resist. Making a pair for Joanne and one for me. Ravelry info here.

Replacing the "Coral Reef" with "Jungle" here. Will make another pair that has Coral Reef.

It's an arm warmer for the baby!

This is the Dragon Scaled Mitts from the purlbee too. Yes, I browsed through their projects and started doing all the ones that I like. I used a 3.00mm instead of US3 (3.25) and I think it's a bit too tight for my comfort even though everybody says the mitts should be nice and snug. I might do the second one in 3.25 just to see if I like it better. On, the yarn is Blue Sky Alpacas Melange. I just loved the color. It has a bit of red peeking out once in a while too. Ravelry Info.

This is the second of the big red socks (first one given to the recipient already) I made for my cousin who's a big red socks fan. Making big men socks are not the most exciting thing. It just goes on and on...Sent it to Maine yesterday.

It's Been Too Long

2007-12-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since I last posted, but rest assure there has been much knitting.

The baby blanket from dream in color. Gosh, Ravelry makes it so easy to update the project info now it makes me lazy to have to look up and link up info here.
Dream In Color Classy Happy Forest (Just more then 3 skeins!)

This Surprise Baby Jacket was made for a friend's new child and Orion's modeling it down there. My friend is a big google fan so google colors were used in this sweater.

Modified "Fetching" out of Manos de Uraguay Silk Blend. I think I will make one for myself out of the green one on top. Oh, the one on the left is a 3x2 rib out of the the multi color, woodland.

First sleeve for the Twist Cardigan by Bonne Marie Burns using Sundara's Worsted yarn. No, it's not what you think. I am starting on the sleeves first.
Crossed Over Jacket in Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss.
I must complain about this sweater. If you noticed the model in the book is lying down. Well, the whole back of the shirt is in 2x2 rib and that includes the neck. There are no special instructions on finishing of the back neck so when I first put the jacket on, the neck area was stretching so much that it would not stay on him! I had to improvise to stop the rib from stretching. It's like this book "When bad things happen to good knitters" says: when the picture doesn't clearly show the finished product, they are hiding the flaws in the design. Now I know that's why the baby was lying down!!

Cabled Hat from Classic Elite's Uptown Knitting. As I use the baby to model the hat, my husband says to me "and you wonder why people think your son is a girl?"
Side view to see the braided icords.
And we saved the best for last: Knitted Thanksgiving meal saw at a LYS in Noe Valley, SF

Frosted Flower and Leave WIP

2007-10-06T17:02:00.000-07:00

This was going well but it's been put on hold for the holiday knitting and knitting cloths that's needed for Orion because the weather is getting colder. How I wish I had been able to finish so I can wear it to my brother's wedding next week. Oh well.

The dream in color blanket that's been done for a while. More details another time.

My model learned a new skill!

2007-09-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

Very excited about finishing Icarus. Maybe I can wear it to my brother's wedding if I don't (and most likely won't) finish the shawl I want to make for the occasion.

And my model learned a new skill - Sitting up all by himself! How long would he continue to let mommy drape these lacy stuff over him without complaining? We'll see.

Here's a shot of the Swallawtail shawl and the Icarus. They look pretty together. Now if I can only figure a way to rotate this picture....

Finally finished the Pomatomus. I know I like like a few years late on this because everybody's on to Monkey now. I really like the twisted stitches that makes this pattern really show. Thanks Cookie.

Tired of the color

2007-08-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am amazed that I actually got tired of a color I like. I've been knitting the Icarus shawl in Malabrigo lace color Damask Rose with some serious project monogamy. I don't know why. I guess finishing the Swallowtail shawl felt really good so I just wanted to finish another shawl.

Now I love the color and everyone that's seen it complemented on the color too, but I am just getting tired of it. I find myself craving orange last night as I was knitting the last chart. This orange to be specific. I must have seen it a while back and it's been lurking in my subconscious for a while.

Hopefully I can finish this soon and cast on for another with the color i've been craving. I'll post picture of it soon...

Tetris Baby Blanket!

2007-08-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

I am so tempted to do this blanket. It's my favorite game in school and one of Noel's favorite games too. His favorite game is Mrs. Pacman but I think it'll be hard to knit that...

Knitting and Watching Comedy

2007-08-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Knitting and watching comedy don't work well together! We watched Fun with Dick and Jane the other night. I didn't think the movie was going to be that funny because the trailer seem a bit lame. The ending was pretty okay but most of the movie was really funny. Funny to the point that I couldn't keep a steady hand knitting! At some points I even put my knitting down and so I can hold my stomach and laugh.

Anyway, I have half of a FO. First sock of the Orchid Sock done. I cast this on when we were visiting my brother at Budapest (I remember knitting at the airport) and when we came back, I just stopped. I didn't knit much toward later part of the pregnancy. Lately I am just so sick of having so many WIP so I decided to work on it.

Yes, it's a Koigu again. But it's the first Koigu I ever got! I'll probably work on the second sock much much later. I want to finish some other WIP first. Well, mostly not have so many things on the needles.

This sock also uses the Japanese Short Row! Mel first show us the Japanese Short Row at one of the meetups. I really like the way it looks and try to learn it myself. I don't remember how I closed the short row for this sock but I got stuck when I had to do it again for another sock. Mel was nice enough to help me get unstuck.

Plus there's my brother's wedding coming up. I wish I had more time to make the Frost Flower Shawl from A Gathering of Lace for the big occasion. I got this nice silk yarn from Sundara waiting for it. I don't think I can finish before his wedding though.. Not with having to take care of baby O.

Maybe Icurus shawl would be nice enough. I am on the last repeat of the first chart. Can't wait to get on the next chart.

My socks are here!

2007-08-09T01:10:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. My socks are here. Thanks to Malle. I love the color and I love the pattern and I love the elephant measuring tape! The candy was so yummy too! I wish I can understand her blog or that google translate has Danish to English already. I was so worry that I wasn't gonna get anything because I wasn't contacted at all so I was super happy when I got my socks.

Now I just have to hope that my pal like the socks I sent.

Swatched

2007-07-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Some updates first. Here's the photo of the Swallowtail show after blocking:

Here is it model by one of my favorite subject (while he was napping):

Got a bit tired of the sock pal sock so did a quick project: Made cuffed booties from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby. I think it might show off the stitches better with a simpler color.

Sockpal sock: Almost there. At the gusset.

Okay, I actually swatch for once! And not just with one size needle but with two of them! This has never happen before... Plus I didn't just measure it and tear it out and use that yarn in the actually project (like I do with the socks), I actually blocked it!

But I think I blocked it too aggressively. Some people might think there's no such thing as blocking too aggressive when it comes to lace. What do you think?

The one on the left is using size 2 (3.0m m) and the one on the right is size 1 (2.5mm). Which one do you think I should use for the MS3? I still have to get beads...

Now I need to resist starting MS3 before finishing the sockpal sock or else it'll never finish on time...

Love this shawl

2007-07-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

Not the best photo. I'll try to get a prettier one

Pattern: Swallowtail Shawl from IK Fall 2006
Yarn: Habu Textiles A-98 Geelong Lamb wool color 111, double strands (Used about 324 yards)
Needle: Addi US4 24" and Addi Lace US4 36"
Start: 6/11/07
Finish: 6/25/07 (Blocked on 6/30/07)

Notes: Reduced the bobble from 5 sts to 3 sts suggested by another blog because wasn't sure if I had enough yarn.

This is one of the favorite Everlyn Clark shawl. I love the two different patterns in the shawl. I am still looking forward to doing other Evelyn Clark Shawls.

More knitting lately

2007-06-22T08:59:00.001-07:00

Have you read The Panopticon's pride post yet? Only a yarn lover would laugh out loud at the joke "Your mother sleeps with Lion Brands". I so want to share that with the husband but I don't think he would appreciate it as much as I did.

On a surprising note, I've been doing more knitting then thinking or reading about knitting lately. On to the second lily of the valley edge of the Swallowtail shawl. I am loving the Habu's Geelong wool. It promises to feel as soft as cashmere after wash. We'll see. If it really does, I'll order more of other color for other lace projects. As much as I love Sundara's silk lace, they are just too expensive.

Instant gratification project

2007-05-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

I thought socks were instant gratification projects, plus they are small and portable. I just found a more instant gratifying knit: baby socks! I am knitting socks for my cousin's boy who turned one not long ago. I got this beautiful variegated baby blue Koigu yarn. It's knitting up so nicely that I am tempted to keep it for my own until he can fit it. I'll most likely end up going back to Purl and get another skein of yarn to make a pair for Orion too. People at Purl must think I am crazy. I've been picking up Koigu like they are free. They do have the most Koigu I've seen at any yarn store. Or maybe it's the way they organize the yarn, the colors just really shine.

I will be making more baby socks in the future. But in the mean time, I still need to work on the Jaywalker in Sundara yarn as well as the sock for the Sockapalooza 4. Of course there are two more sock work in progress too...

Cherry Blossom Shawl

2006-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Blocking is magic!

Yay, it's done. I have to admit it's the first time I am blocking. I never made anything that couldn't get away without blocking. After this, I am sold! I mean, yes, blocking is necessary to bring out the beauty of mohair, but I am sure it'll just give everything else a better finish.

The edging process: Since all 300+ stitches can fit in the 24in circular needle so I was too cheap to spend money on a longer one. Therefore the shawl looked like a huge fuzzy flower budd the time. When the edging started, it looked like a flower in bloom.

Below you can see the difference between knited edge and unfinished edge. The top is the unfinished side and the bottom is the finished edging. Isn't the difference like day and night?

4/15/06 Update

Okay, edging is harder then I thought. Maybe because it's the first time for me to be doing edging. Maybe it's also because I got so good (and fast) at doing the Chart C repeats (had to do 12 time!) so switching to edging is a big pace change. I just need to tell myself to be patient and stick with it. I only have to go around the shawl once, not 12x6=72 rounds like Chart C.

Hopefully I can block it soon and finish it in time for the oakland conference...

I am in my own heaven right now. Knitting while listening to Met Opera's live broadcast. One of my favorite tenor, Juan Diego Florez, is performing. During intermission they are talking about wonderful historic recordings, live and studio, and comparing them. The only thing that can make this more perfect is if it's all taking place in my own condo in the village (there's only one village for me, the one in NY) while dog-sitting Lily and Petunia.

03/06/2006 Update

The Cheery Blossom Shawl from the Interweave Knits Spring 2002. The center start is just not very good. I try the crochet start in Kinzel book, but the needles just got a bit twisted. This was also before Lew showed us how to do a good start at Stitches West. I wanted to be working on this shawl at Stitches since we'll be helping at Lacy Knitter's Guild. Good thing it's mohair so the center will be fuzzy.

Start Date: Two weeks before Stitches West
Yarn and needle: patterned called for.

Just moved it from dpn to circular. I didn't have the 16" and was too edger to move to circular so for a while I was knittin on the 24" and one dpn.

Finished the chart B repeats.

Now it's time to do chart C 12 tmes! I think we are half way done now. 6 more repeats to go.

Close up of the pattern. Looks okay. Blocking should make it prettier too.

Now I am taking a break. Learning and knitting socks! I know I need to get back to this...but...just let me get a pair of socks done....

Cascading Leave Socks

2006-04-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

One sock done. I didn't start the second one until after the Cherry Blossom Shawl was finished. It only took about three days to do this first sock because it's the thicker medium weight.

4/12/2006 Update

I couldn't wait to start another sock. I've been eyeing this color way before the first one was done. I winded it up in a ball and was all ready. It's a Sock that Rock yarn and let me tell you I did not know why people were crazy about this sock yarn until I started knitting it myself.

It's the medium weight Sock that Rock from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. They did not have many light weight sock yarn at Stitches West (problem with shipment, dye, etc). I really liked the color and went for it in the medium weight. The color on the lable is actually "Fred Flinston" but I did not like the image that name conjours up. So I've decided to rename it to "New England Autumn." My husband agrees it reminded him of autumn when I showed it to him and force him to tell me what he thinks of it.*

Which let me to think perhaps I'll use this yarn for the Cascading Leaves from the Jeanie Townsend. That way I will have the leaves in autumn! :-)

It's working out really well. I took Streets and YOs' advice and shifted the pattern so it matches up with the ribbing on top. It was her sock that inspired me to do this one.

I made another modification: I extended the pattern to the instep of the foot. I want more of the pattern. Not sure how comfortable it will feel but I am willing to sacrifice comfort for look. Now I just need to cross my finger hoping I have enough yarn...

* Poor husband is constantly bothered by me seeking opinion on knitting which he understands as "it's like zero's and one's." That's how I explained it in the computer terms so he can understand better.

My first sock!

2006-04-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

Finished! I think they are the first Finished Object that's for me! I've been knitting for five years and I haven't knitted for myself yet. Well, I did try to make the leg warmers for me but they are too itchy for my skin, so that doesn't count.

They keep my feet nice and warm...

Pattern: Simple "Garter Rib" from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Lornas Lace Shepherd Sock custom color for Purl
Needle: 2.5mm Susanne's ebony dpn

Notes: The Susanne's ebony needle is so beautiful, however it has more friction then the Lantern Moon ones. It was a bit hard to get the stitches to slide. Plus I am a tight knitter so that doesn't help either.

Finally mastered Kitchener stiches, thanks to Pam's help! She patiently guided me through the first half of first sock. I was able to do the second sock myself but it took about three starts to get it right.

3/8/06 Update

Oh what a joyous moment? I finally started my sock knitting journey. The yarn is Lorna's Lace from Purl's Custom Color an I am just doing a simple stitch so it doesn't compete with the yarn color.

Of course this means I am not touching the other projects at ALL ....

Best center start yet

2006-03-14T18:10:00.000-08:00

This is by far the best center start i've ever done. This, of course is after Lew's tutor at Stitches West.

However nice, I did not kept this because there's a mistake. Plus I will be using another yarn for the frosted flower pattern but I might consider using this next time (it's the shetland lace weight). I just want to have a record of me being able to produce a good center start in case I am not able to do it again.

Tyrolean Cardigan

2006-03-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

3/14/06 Update

Second sleeve is done. Now on to the body. Probably do the back first since it'll be a fast. Now if only I can get myself stop from the sock knitting long enough to cast on for the back...

3/6/06 Update

Okay, the first sleeve is done. I am following the instruction exactly so I won't need to worry about remember modification and fitting. I know I run the risk of not fitting but I just want to produce a nice cardigan in it's entirety for now. I think starting with the sleeve was definitely not a bad idea. It's much faster (so more encouraging). If I make a mistake, it's not that bad to take it apart and redo it.

On the second sleeve now. It's nearing the cap shaping.

Sock class!

2006-03-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

I finished the "sock class" from one of my sock book. It was so awesome!! I've been wanting to do this for so long. I've been buying sock yarns before I can knit socks. This sample help demystify the sock mystery. I learned to pick up stitches, which will be helpful when I try to do the Orenberg shawl.

This was a top down but there are other methods I want to learn. Definitely want to try the toe up method. The Vintage Knitted Socks also explains so many different toes and heel methods. So many things to learn, so little time!

You can see that I am just not good at Kitchener stitch. The toe area is too bunched up. I want to do a better job...I really do. Just someone show me how!!!

One thing to note about knitting socks...I've been so obsessed with it. It's causing me to do very little of everything else (including eating)

Last note: The toe is red because I ran out of the other yarn....It wasn't intentional.

Fan and Feather Shawl

2006-03-06T16:33:00.000-08:00

I got some lace (almost cobweb size) Suri alpaca yarn at Stitches West. They are in three graduating shades of purple. Gene agrees the color scheme will look nice on the Fan and Feather shawl. So I started doing some practice on the bigger yarn. The pattern is so pretty.

However, when I stated on the real thing...It doesn't look quite the same. Granted I dropped a stitch (upper right hand corner), but is the needle too big for the yarn? From the sample above we know how the pattern will look with a too small of a needle but how would the pattern turn out if the needle is not small enough. Would it look nice and airy like the Cherry Blossom Shawl? Any help is welcome!

I did take it apart because some center stitches are too lose and they look like yarn overs. I'll start it again once I re-decide what needle to use...

Baby sweater for Alexander

2006-02-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

Made this sweater for JoMay and Bill's baby Alexander. The under arm kitchener stitches are not good. I just can't get it right for some reason!! (I need to master that for socks) So the sweater looks like it has a seam under arm. I hope the baby won't be too picky.

Contrasting Leg Warmer

2006-02-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Leg warmers are done. I spend some time practice knitting continental style. I am not sure if I like the 12 inch circular needle. One of the joint started to deteriorate. If I do it again, might just stick to double pointed needles.

Finished January 2006
Pattern in Last Minute Knitted Gift
Yarn: Worsted weight yarn from NYC farmer's market (off white and dark rose). Habu Textile's mohair (off white) and Karabella's mohair (cranberry).

Failed first adult sweater

2005-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

This was an attempt at a sweater from Sarah Dallas' Vintage Knits (Short-sleeved diamond stitched sweater). I misread the instruction and it was increased incorrectly. Give me a break, it was my first attempt at an adult sweater. Couldn't find a graceful way to fix it so I tore the whole thing apart after taking this picture. I might try the sweater again because it's so delicate and elegant but no time soon. I can still feel the scar...

Scarf presents

2005-06-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

This was Christmas present for Mark. I knew he likes white and he's probably the only person I know that can keep it clean. He seems to really like it. Wore it on his birthday with his dinem jacket, very cute. I still have the same yarn so I will probably make a hat.

Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted (50% alpaca, 50% merino), Ecru. Two hanks used.
Finished May 2006

This is the scarf made for Lena. The yarn was sooooo amazing at Purl. I couldn't resist it. It's by far the most expensive yarn I bought. Two skeins cost $70 + tax.

Yarn: Alchemy's Furry Kindness. 70% French Angora, 30% wool. 86yd / 25g. Two skeins used.
Finished June 2006 (temperature was getting a bit warm in NY to be knitting mohair...)

Sweater made by my aunt

2005-05-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

This sweater was made by my da-gugu (oldest aunt on my father side). It's a cute vest with trinity clusters in the body.

I remember she used to knit for me when I was young. I didn't appreciate it then but now it brings back good, warm memories.

This proves we have the "knitting gene" in the family :-) She was glad to find that I knit now because she was the only one that knitted in the family. She says Small gugu wants to learn how to knit too.

Simple Mohair Lace Scarf

2005-03-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

This was my first lace scarf (also first time working with mohair). It went to Makiyo. She's always so great to me. I know she would not take anything I buy but if it's somehting I made, she cannot say no. She wore this when we went to the City Opera at Lincoln Center. It matched her camel color jacket.