Post It Notes don't wash well

There be hats but none that actually fit a human I know. M modelled them all at once ala
Bartholomew Cubbins
Ribby Cardi is blocking. The Knitpicks Andean Treasure in black bled a lot so I'm glad I decided to wet block it.
After fondling Chris's Ella I started Knitty's Ella in Woolarina wool, yummy and soft to work with. I'm hoping it will encourage me to beat my nemesis and finish a worthy lace project. M is also making one in a rayon blend.





On the homemaking front, I am making a concerted effort to check my pants pockets before putting them in the wash. I will have to extend this to include jacket pockets as well. For the record, post it notes do not wash and dry well. They are now hard to write on and don't stick. At least it wasn't a pen, I say.


Today was a beautiful day, just clouding up a little at dusk making for a wonderful sky.

I finally did it. I officially put in to reduce my working hours to half time starting April 1. It's a bit scary after 26 years, but I think I'm ready to take time to smell the roses. I won't need all those post it notes after all!

Day in Waikiki

Day in Waikiki
Originally uploaded by acornbud.

Ribby cardi is still in progress, stil black and still boring to photograph.
I had a meeting in Waikiki so went early to walk around and visit the acquarium. The jelly fish and coral exhibits were very colorful, but difficult to photograph. The Nautilus are sure weird looking critters. The giant clam in the picture is supposedly the oldest one living in an aquarium. It weighs over 160 lbs.
According to Fodor's: This 1927 World War I monument, dedicated to the 102 Hawaiian servicemen who lost their lives in battle, stands proudly -- its 20-foot archway, which was completely restored in 2002, is floodlighted at night. The 100-meter saltwater swimming pool, the training spot for Olympians Johnny Weissmuller and Buster Crabbe and the U.S. Army during World War II, is closed as the facility has fallen into disrepair while a debate rages within city government about whether to refurbish the pool or leave only the archway monument.
I would vote for dismanteling the pool but saving the archway. I can't understand having a pool in the ocean.

Recycled Silk Bag

Yarn: Mango Moon Recycled silk
Pattern: Adapted from Carawata Bag, Andean Folk Knits, by Marcia Lewandowski. I basically used the shape and made it a little bigger.
The yarn is very soft and funky to look at and work with. It tends to shred if any frogging needs to be done and I wonder how the drawstring strap will hold up. I thought the draw string closure was clever. I used a a chain, then came back with a single crochet. I am thinking of some beads, but don't know if I'll ever get to that.
It was difficult to photograph. This was one of those yarns I knew I just had to try once and I like the results. Time will tell if I will use this. Maybe it would be a nice one to take to the movies.

The Ohana Fair, Something Sparkly, Something Sad

I made the blue version of the crystal rope. That is an aquamarine clasp, one of my birthstones.

The Ohana Fair was really packed with people this year. I had to park at the UH and take a shuttle, but it turned out to be quite convenient. I enjoyed the bonsai exhibit, but my pictures did not turn out that well. I am still trying to find out if I can make adjustments to take pictures in darker areas. I loved these sushi pillows, especially the spam musubi.

On the knitting scene, I am working two fronts at once on Ribby Cardi, making the all rib version in Knitpicks Andean silk in black making for very boring wip shots.

The holiday visitors are still straggling in. Sister number 4 and son will be leaving tonight.


I got sad news from a penpal (we've been writing since I was in 5th grade). His wife died at age 49 and he pondered why so young. I often wonder why, too.




White iris blooming
Pretty, quick sunset
Savor precious moments now

Hawaii Sky, Hawaiian Snow

I took a day trip to the Big Island and what a glorious flight over it was. The plane flew over Molokai and Lanai, and then over Molokini, a partially submerged volcano that has become a diving destination. In fact there were two ships parked there and another two enroute. Coming over the Big Island, the Observatory was nestled in snow! After entering the cloud cover, the lush Windward coast and Akaka Falls were something to behold. As the plane descended to land I noticed a brief rainbow blazing over Mauna Kea.

I used my miles and and went over to have lunch with a friend and of course visit Big Island Bernina yarn store. I met a goat named Nani and the cutest new tiny black puppy named King, revisited Chevy, the most mello Australian cattle dog and got the tour of the back yard which is gradually becoming a ATV track with it's wild orchids, ohia trees, and mini lava tube.



I got quite a bit of the back of the Ribby Cardi done. A nice mindless knit for the short plane trip from Honolulu.

Stashbusting

The oldest "yarn" in my stash is Nomotta, pure silk organdy riboon, "exquisite fashion ingredient for crocheting, for knitting and for hand-weaving." It is black, 1/4 in. wide/100yds/spool and I have a ton of it. How old is it? I got it at a garage sale about 15 years ago. The address for the company has no zip code. I knit it together with a cotton yarn that has a gold thread running through, ball band long lost. The ribbon is quite stiff and I had visions of making the Knit Lit's Fakeagamo. But I ended up with this little clutch. I lined it with black brush denim from that other stash of mine and sewed the seams and zipper in on the machine. It came out kind of cute.

The 3 mountains in the back are some hats, two from Lamb's Pride Bulky, a little over one ball each and left over Beaverslide from my Gansey. For the charcoal one I used E. Zimmerman's pattern from Knitting without Tears. She says to cast on 36 stitches for the Brioche stitch in any bulk yarn and it will stretch to fit any size head. Well, I must not have had bulky enough yarn and maybe could have used a size 11 instead of a 10.5 needle, but the hat will fit a large menehune, but not my head. The Beaverslide one is about the same size. The sable on was my one pattern. I actually swatched a bit and ended up with a giant hat that doesn't even fit my son. But it is very warm and will work well for someone big hair! To much for the hat tales. I never thought making them fit would be such a challenge. But my stash is smaller:)

The little bear was a cute Christmas gift. It is mostly handsewn, and has buttons attachments that allow his arms and legs to move. He is just darling and I love him.

What next? Ribby cardi? While I ponder what next, I am knitting up my Mango Moon recycled silk into a little bag. Pretty mindless.

Lust, Thy Name is Malabrigo

I readily admit I lusted for Malabrigo. I read about it's legendary softness, I fondled the many skeins at The Knitting Tree in Madison, and I bought some for myself for Christmas in pink chunky and chocolate brown worsted. Now I want to keep it whole. I agonize over knitting something unworthy and I'm too selfish to give any FO away. For my sins, I failed at producing an acceptable first color knit project. Even the wonderfully soft Baby Cashmerino and the awesome pattern from the very generous Hello Yarn couldn't save me.

Inspired though by myra's chibi dangos I knit a little Totoro. He doesn't quite fit in the thimble. He still admires the acorns on the mitten efforts. I'm showing you the good side of the mitten. There are lots of puckers, the black shows throught when the mitten is on, and the thumb is mess. Hope this isn't the beginning of a single mitten syndrome!


I thank blogless Michelle for The GREAT Acorn Cookie Jar!

Oh my I almost forgot to blog about the concert. I haven't been to a concert for a long time. Bonnie Raitt played at the Waikiki Shell. It was a bit drizzly when Hapa opened, but dried up by the time she come on. Wow she can make that slide guitar wail! The place was full of baby boomers. It was such a great, peaceful night.

Happy 2007!

Pattern: Sharp Fingerless Gloves
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran, less then one ball, (Cascade Pastazza work well, too)
Needles: size 7, set of for DP or two circulars if you prefer
Size: small women (wrist about 6 inches)

Stitches:
twisted rib: K into back of second stitch on left needle and leave on needle. K into front of skipped stitch on left needle and slip both stitches off
M1F: From the front, lift loop between stitches with left needle, knit into front of loop.
M1B: From the back, lift loop between stitches with left needle, knit into front of loop
PM: place marker

CO 30 stitches, divide on 3 needles and join, without twisting.
Row 1 and 2: *P1,K1,P1,K2* repeat around
Row 3: *P1,K1,P1, twisted rib* repeat around

Repeat these 3 rows until there are 3 twists.

Row10 and 11: K2,P1,K2,P1,K6,P1,K2,P1,K6,P1,K2,P1,K4
Row 12: K2,P1,twisted rib,K6,P1,twisted rib,P1,K6,P1,twisted rib,P1,K4

Repeat these 3 rows until there are 3 twists
Row 18:

Thumb gusset
K9 **
PM,incease into next stitch by knitting in front and back then slip off,PM (two stitches between marker)
Knit next round and every other row in pattern.
Increase until you have 10 stitches between the markers by. M1F after first marker and M1B before the next marker, Place the gusset stitches on a holder.

**For the alternate glove, instructions are the same, except start K8

Join and knit around continuing pattern for two more twists.
K1P1 rib, decreasing one stitch at top of thumb on the first row. Continue rib for 5 rows then cast off in rib.

Thumb
put 10 stitches back on 2 needles. pick up 3 more stitches with the 3rd need at the top of the thumb opening and knit in stockinette stitch for 3 rows.
K1P1 rib, decreasing one stitched at top of thumb for two rows, bind out in rib.

Weave in ends.

Totoros think they make fine tree stumps.

PS: Everyone is tagged to do the New Years meme

Rogue Alive!

Pattern:
Rogue from The Girl From Auntie
Yarn: Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran Tweed in color Tartan (more like the top picture), Wool/silk/Cashmere
Needles: size 6 and 7
Hems: Tried the diagonal on the bottom and 1x1 rib on the sleeves
Size: smallest

I loved this knit. I thought I had gauge but did not have perfect row gauge. If I had my druthers it would be a little longer. I added several rows to make the sleeves long enough. It is modeled unblocked and looks amazing on both my my sister and her mom. Blocking may have added the length I needed. The pattern is very clever and well written. I also loved working with this yarn. It was extremely cuddly, soft and warm. The few little pokey twigs came out easily. My sister who it is for, and her daughter who is the model, and I all loved the color and the yarn. It might be a good idea to block the hood as I read about how to eliminate the small "ears" after I have seamed the hood.

I feel so lucky to have very slim women who live in cold places to knit for as I can use less yarn, heh. They are carrying away some of my other knits, Coronet Hat in Lamb's Pride Bulky Fuschia and Cascade Pastaza Braid Cable Wristlets with matching hat(not shown), STR neck sock and Noro Diagonal scarf.

Mele Kalikimaka 2006

santos posted about this gingerbread and I ran out and got the cookbook, The Breakfast Book, by Marion Cunningham. The gingerbread (more of a cake) was delicious! I tried the Gingersnap cookies which impressed even my visiting sister, the one who's culinary expertise is legendary.

May all your knittin' be merry, and bright.
May all your stitchin' be tiny and tight.
And may all your cookin' be tasty and great.

Bathroom Sushi and a bit of Wierdness

I was tagged by Rachel with a meme.

6 weird things about me

“THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.’ People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”

Well I will tag Puanani and Kim with this meme. Okay, I know that's only two.

Weird thing #1. I live in the same house I grew up in.

Weird thing #2. I can only read novels when I'm on vacation. When I'm not on vacation, I can only seem to read craft magazines and books, especially knitting books, and work-related journals.

Wierd thing #3. I have never been outside of America.

Weird thing #4. I was taught Mandarin Chinese from 4th to 12th grade by the same teacher, but alas, I remember little having not used it.

Weird thing #5. I am a terrible letter writer, but I love email!

Weird thing #6. I'm mostly Asian, with a bit of Spanish, but I like my sashimi cooked!. (Which is to say I don't like sashimi) I do, however love natto.

Which reminds me that my niece always gets mad when people get sashimi and sushi mixed up. She also gets mad when people say shushi instead of sushi. And that brings me to...



Bathroom Sushi
Pattern by Kai
A variation found at diy Network

I learned how to do a yf increase. Where has that one been all my life? Mine came out a bit snug. I am a tight knitter. While knitting with Opal at Mocha Java the other night, a guy came up and told me he grew up in house where every bathroom had a toilet paper cozy, but the rule was the toilet paper was not to be used! Surely that can't be the rule. I thought this was the emergency spare:)

Something Sparkly

I took the Rainbow Crystal bracelet class and finished this bracelet for my sister's birthday/Christmas gift. She likes very sparkly things and can get away with wearing big, honking clasps like the periodot flower. It is so tuff to get good photos of crystals.

The sky at dusk was full of incredible clouds.

It made up for the damage the wind did to my fence.

Knit a Totoro (The primitives)

Added 1/19/2011: I often get asked if this is the Totoro pattern I use now. The answer is no. I usually do not use a pattern, and no two are alike. Some time after knitting these early ones, I discovered needle felting and not use that for the facial features.


A couple party Totoro's showed up yesterday. The green Koigu hat is actually one of Saartje's flowers turned upside down. I was too lazy to knit holes for the ears, but maybe next time.

I finally got around to checking and rewriting the pattern as the old version was messed up.

Needles: set of 4 DP
Size 1-2 for sock yarn, 7-8 for bulky/worsted

Inc=knit in front and back, slip stitch off the needle

Back and head:
CO 9 sts. Join, place marker
1-and all odd rows except row 5, knit
2-k1, Inc in the next 8 stitches. (17 stitches)
4-k2, inc in next stitch, then * K1, inc in next stitch*, repeat between * all around. (25 st.)
5-Purl
6-K9, inc 1, k6, inc 1, k8 (27 st)
8-K1, Inc 1, k7, inc 1 in next 2 st, k6, inc 1 in next 2 st, k7, inc 1 in last st (33 st)
10-K1, Inc 1, k9, inc 1 in next 2 st, k8, inc 1 in next 2 st, k9, inc 1 in last st (39 st)
11-13-Knit
14-K1, K2tog, knit until two stitches remain, then ssk.
15-Knit
Repeat rows 14 and 15 until 19 stitches remain

Next row-K1, * K2tog, K5, K2tog *, Repeat between * around (15 st)
Next row-K2tog, Knit around (14 st)
Next row- * K2tog, K3, K2tog *, Repeat between * around (10 stitches

Knit last row Cut yarn. Thread tail through stitches, stuff and draw up tight.

Use starting tail to close up hole on base.

Arms: Cast on 8 st. Join. Work in in stock st, work 7 rows. Divide stitches on two needles. Double bind off. This end is sewed to body. Use black yarn to embroider claws if desired.

Ears: Cast on 3 st. Work as I-cord for 2 rows. Continue as I-cord, but inc in middle stitch.. Work as I-cord for 1 rows. Then K1, ssk, K1. Last row, K1, ssk, then cut yarn and thread through st.
Draw up the thread to bottom so it is opposite the starting thread. Use tails to sew down the ears. The size of the ears will have to be adjust depending on how big the Totoro is.

Tail: CO 15 st. Join. Stock st for 4 rows. K2tog both ends. Stock st 4 rows. K2tog both ends. P next row. K2tog both ends. P next row. K2 tog, both end and in the middle. Gather up remaining st., stuff then sew to body.
Alternately pick up the stitches directly on the body and knit in the round.
Eyeball the placement, and pick up 13-15 stitches. When the tail seems long enough, k2 tog, k1 one row, then k2 together all around until about 8 stitches are left, and thread through the tail stuff before pull up and bury tails.

Optional bib:
CO 6 (or pick up 6 on of the front garter stitches, center over the front)
Work back and fourth stock st for 3 rows.
K1, M1, K4, M1, K1
Purl one row
K1, M1, K6, M1, K1
Work stock stitch for 7 rows.
K1, ssk, k4,K2tog, K1
Purl one row
Bind off. Sew done to front, stuff lightly if you want.

5 Apply eyes of your choice
*Another way to do the arms, tail and ears is to use DP needles and pick up st. directly on the body and knit in the round. Stuff the tail before drawing it shut. The stitches are easier to place if you stuff the body before picking up the stitches. You may need fewer stitches. Anything to reduce the dread seamingJ

Little Pleasures

Pattern: Coronet Hat from Knitty
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky in Fuschia
I hope my niece will like the color as it is a far departure from my usual palette. Rachel made a couple of these already. I followed the pattern and picked up stitches on the wrong side. It leaves a little ridge at the top which worked okay, but probably would look okay the picking up stitches on the right side. It's still drying. It will be very cozy and I think my niece can make of use of it in Chicago, Brrrr! It was a fun knit, and I love the yarn!

This Cascade Pastaza started out as OSW and while knitting it I couldn't help but go "ick". I think it will be perfect as a Shaker Rib Hat and I think I have enough. The cable in the Warm Braid Cable Wristwarmers did not show up too well. I think if I had photographed it a smaller resolution, I would not have so much resizing artifact. /The hairy mohair didn't help, either. My son was gracious enough to model them.

Growing up in Hawaii, one of my favorite treats after a long day at the beach was Shave Ice. For years we went to Uptown Sundries on School street between Liliha and Nuuanu. Later, it changed to B & S and moved down the street, and now it has a brand new name. I haven't been there yet. This is a picture of the Shave Ice from Gyotaku. The ice is not fine like I would like but the the azuki bean cap (Japanese Chocolate, my dad always said) was tasty and so was the strawberry syrup. Now I have to get my little pleasure at Waiola. Maybe when my sister is in town, we will try the new place.

Crafty Weekend

I went over to my friends house and we had regular Christmas earring factory going on. She had acquired some very fine beads for trees and Christmas ornaments and she assembled and I wrapped. It was great fun. These are just some that I brought home.

I took a class at The Bead Gallery called Eternity Expressions. It starts with 10 gauge fine silver wire which is formed into giant jump rings then fused with a creme brulee torch. After that I get to pound it flat, marked then buffed. The final ring can be worn on a chain or ribbon. I might make a key ring out of one too.

Last but not least, I finished these
Lace Wings Fixation Anklets for my apple green loving sister. I loved this fast, simple pattern.

Norovember, 25 days Until Christmas!

The latest Totoro is posing with my son's flowers. He ruptured his appendix on Saturday and just came home yesterday. People from work sent him this lovely candy bouquet. I being the mom worried and lost sleep and I'm so grateful he is smiling and joking around again. Totoro is smiling, too...I think he ate all the candy, yummy dark, Nestle's chocolate.



Needless to say, the knitting and blogging took a back seat to the real life drama. I found knitting with Noro in this repeat Diagonal Scarf from Acorn Street pattern, made me happy as the different colors bloomed. These two balls were nothing like each other, and the end result was quite different then the first Diagonal Scarf I made.





I managed a cozy for my humongous mp3 player out of the handspun-hand-dyed mohair from Kai. I started the bottom like a toe up sock and made an attached icord at the top. I tried making a Kumihimo cord but the mohair would not hold up the bobbins and kept breaking, so now I have to decide on a cord. I like the way the oranges turned out.

And here it is, on the verge of December. 25 Days:) Thanks everyone for your well-wishes.

I See Cork People

While traversing the acorn forest with his Chinese cousin, Corky came to realize that only he saw cork people!

Pattern from Manne, translated by SaartjeKnits. Yarn from Kai, obtained during the great Aloha Knitter giveaway, 100% handspund/dyed mohair. I was surprised to find that some "corks" are synthetic now. I erased the markings with sandpaper. And no, I did not drink 5 bottles of wine, knitters honor!

Thank you for all your well wishes. I am now at the stage of this cold where I think I may live and don't feel the need to whine constantly.

Knitting Iris had the most fun post about acorns. I am now obsessing on the Wee Folk.

Stitcher Markers

While stewing in viremia yesterday I watched Battlestar Galactica while working on Rogue sleeves. I had decided nothing fancy, knit 2 at once on straight needles, use the k1p1 rib facing instead of the bias hem, don't knit it up and all would well. Well I did the turning row on the wrong side. I finished the graph and am trying to convince myself that the hem will turn okay. Well I keep thinking of Elizabeth Zimmerman and her saying that if something can be knit in the round it should be. It must be karma, that I messed up the turning row. I am meant to knit the sleeves in the round. But, frogging is so hard to psych up for sometimes, especially since JoSharp Silk Aran Road may shred while frogging.

Just like it is karma I'm sick. I whined so much about work lately I no doubt brought it on myself. I took my flu shot and all, so I don't know what happened.
Must be the negative energy I generated.

I got out the old pliers and made some stitch markers. A girl can't have too many of those, you know, and it they sparkle, all the better! I will channel that positive energy in and hope to be well in time for Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for:)

Trying to Buy Inspiration

My new yarn purchases are all in. Lamb's pride for a hat, probably Knitty's Coronet Hat like Rachel is knitting. The Jo Sharp in black is for Cherry
a project instigated by one of my fellow Aloha Knitters. I plan to make it for my hair stylist who is a very tiny woman. Yay! The Rowanspun wool in DK and 4 ply are just some impulse buys that are destined for some unknown Aran sweater. Hope I bought enough. I scored the handspun mohair in the great color from Kai. I don't know what it's going to be. The Mission Falls wool was from Shteeni's Destash. I suspect it will be fingerless mittens or perhaps a Clapotini. I hope some of my jewelry sold at the craft fair my friend took it to. That will help balance all this mad spending!

I have knit very little since casting on Rogue's two sleeves. Work has been no fun at all, I'm coming down with a cold and I'm still trying to put back all the stuff I got out of the craft room for the bathroom fix. At least I got all the Lego's washed. My sister is going back home tonight. Last night we all had great Pho at the Green Papaya at King and Dillingham in Kalihi. Today she made her famous cheeseball and also raspberry margarita's in the Magic Bullet. We also did some shop therapy at the Aloha Stadium Swap meet. I picked up some Hello Kitty cel phone charms I never seem to have enough of, and a couple of crosses to make rosaries with. It was a beautiful day.






There was some action around the yard. Bird of Paradise was blooming. It has stuggled in this location but blooms anyway. I don't know if it's the runoff from above, too wet or the shade. The seed pods fascinated me as a child. They are such an outrageous shape and color...round black seed with bright orange tuft.



Starfruit, or carambola, is such a beautiful fruit. It's just hard to give away. There are a few people who really like it, but mostly I just like the shape when it is cut up. My neighbors tree is loaded right now.



It's time for the purple orchid to go crazy blooming. The longan tree is fruitless again but has become home to lots of moss and staghorn ferns.


And there it goes, another day closer to Thanksgiving!

Ramblings of Analysis Paralysis

There has been a dearth of knitting and crafting of any sort at my place. Blue Skye bear has been frogged, Noro wristlets have been frogged, and Rogue lays neglected and and sleeveless in his little basket.

My sister flew in today and as my folks are remodeling, she asked to stay with me. Yikes! Cleaning frenzy! I let go of the Nintendo Power magazines, cleaned out the remnants of son number 1 and put on the topper for the hard as a rock bed. I am washing the Legos which have collected dust. I must have a billion or two. I have a whole drawer full to go. Luckily they have a new home.

I'm beginning to eye my bag ladies and wondering if it's time for them to retire from the bag business.



I discovered today that I have been forgetting to pluck my eyebrows. Yish, whoever invented that bit of torture!

I was trying to dazzle blogdom with a sunset in paradise, but by the time I found the camera, the sun was down.



What does it all mean? I can ponder and introspect, or I can just go to bed.

At least I knocked a few thing off the to do list. I filled out the insurance form, bought stamps, called the plumber, and "organized".


And my sister came in and brought be a Bullet ! Can whipped cream, salsa and margaritas be far behind?