This is my first attempt at a Totoro shawl pin. The acorn charm is silver clay, made by hint, on Etsy.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Saroyan, FO
Pattern: Saroyan by Liz Abinante It's available on Ravelry for free!
Yarn: Ultra Alpaca, Denim Mix
Needles: Size 9 straights
The pattern can be adjusted easily in length and width. I made 6 repeats on the increase decrease parts and 16 on the straight parts. The scarf measured while blocking was 82 inches long and 9.5 inches wide. Going down a needle size might have worked a little better. This scarf wraps around numerous times like a furry, warm pet and is cushy and soft. The pattern is well written and the lace easy to do.
On the life scene, I decided to go back into retirement and resigned from my job. It was nice while it lasted. I was working more then I ever planned to in retirement. When some scheduling changes came up, it seemed like the right time.
Now I have nothing on the needles again. Shall I join the Madelinetosh creature comforts cardi KAL with Opal? I'm not sure I want a whole cardigan in the Baltic Madelinetosh worsted which is what I have in stash. I'm on a yarn diet, yes I am. Shall I jump the gun and start Citron? Or maybe socks, Crosswalkers in STR.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Adventures with the Finnish Sock
In trying to rekindle my sock mojo I stalked Ravelry and looked through the my books and magazines. I really fell in love with Petäjä-sukat by Eeva Saviranta (Zeska on Ravelry). Alas, the Google translator does not speak Finnish knitspeak. I found two sites that had kniting terms, but it continued to stump me, especially the arch on the pattern chart. The other problem was that the stash is very low on solid colored sock yarn. The pattern is a six stitch pattern so I decided to use 6 stitch pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks, casting on 66 stitches.
The first try was a bust: Zitron Trekking Pro Natura. For the 2 stitch arch in the pattern arch, used knit second stitch on left needle without slipping off. Knit the first stitch and slip both off. On size one and two needles this was very fussy and the yarn was very splitty. I'm not sure what this yarn will be.
I changed the arch to K2 but do not slip off. Knit first stitch and slip both off. It was less fiddly and looked similar.
For the 3rd try I dug out some mystery yarn solid and went with the size 1 needles. Changing the arch again to knit second stitch through back loop, don't slip off the knit first stitch and slip both off. This did the trick and voila! A FO!
Zeska has since told me the translation for the arch in the pattern is “Slip 1, Knit 1, Yarn Over, pull the slipped stitch over both”. I suspect the original would be looser.
With my yarn being on the thickish side, it turned out just fine being tighter. My heel is short so next time I will do 16 gusset stitches instead off 17.
It was a beautful day for a walk with loaner dog Malu.
Blogless Jan shared a some fresh eggs laid by her Easter Egg chickens. The eggs are a lovely pale green. She also cut these awesome flowers out of her yard!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Stash the Bunny
Pattern: Sophie by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Smart and some other mystery yarn
Needles: size 3
Mods: I ran out of yarn two rows from finishing his arm, so finished with another stash mystery yarn. The ears are a different color. I ran out of that yarn so shortened the ears by 9 rows. I also picked up and knit the ears as a single layer in garter stitch. I think the whiter yarn is a thicker gauge. My decreases on the face side looked different then the pattern, and that side was flatter so I put his head on backward. I love that this pattern has no seams:) I made a pompom tail and I'm gradually cutting it down to the right size.
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Smart and some other mystery yarn
Needles: size 3
Mods: I ran out of yarn two rows from finishing his arm, so finished with another stash mystery yarn. The ears are a different color. I ran out of that yarn so shortened the ears by 9 rows. I also picked up and knit the ears as a single layer in garter stitch. I think the whiter yarn is a thicker gauge. My decreases on the face side looked different then the pattern, and that side was flatter so I put his head on backward. I love that this pattern has no seams:) I made a pompom tail and I'm gradually cutting it down to the right size.
Friday, March 12, 2010
March Ramblings
I read an article in the paper the other week about how blogging and MySpace are a thing of the past. The "young" have fled to Twitter,etc. As today I am just 1 year shy of turning the decade, I guess I no longer qualify as "young" so I'm exempt. I am exempt from being able to text while running in 4 inch heels as well, thank Bob.
I had a nice chat with the Verizonwireless dude. I felt like I was trying to buy a car even though I only went in there to buy a battery for the somewhat puffy battery living in the Landcaster's phone. I think my mistake was that I asked him to explain my 3G plan. I needed access when I travel only, for my netbook, so I got some pay as you go plan. He seemed shocked at how little the Landcaster and I use our phone or text. That didn't prevent him from launching into...phone upgrades, more minutes etc. In the end I think I wore him down, trying to divert his attention by bringing up the Big Red Fruit's attack on the HTCRoboPhone, etc. He agreed that there was no use in upgrading my archaic mere 500 minute plan to a 700 minute/3G plan. I was tempted by the myfi thingy with which I could cast my own wifi bubble around me and selected friends. So in the end he sold me a usb modem for my netbook, and which has a rebate, and a two year contract for an actually cheaper 3G plan, minus activation. When my beloved PalmTX dies, I will contemplate a Droid. By then perhaps the drama and bugs will be worked out.
It's tax time. I really don't understand all the tax implications of my tiny business with the Etsy store. The tax lady asked if I take inventory...OMG! Maybe I should have paid the $150 or the audit insurance!!
Working 3 days a week and I hope the regular position is hired soon so I can go back to the "6 weeks/year" I signed up for. Working sucks the creative energy out of me. My cold lingered and then I got pink eye which in the end turned out to be Episcleritis="nonspecific, idiopathic". Leave it to me to get something I had never had a patient with. Guess it's an eye doctor kind of disease.
So that's my excuse for not making much besides stitch markers for the store. In fact I'm too lazy to photograph them so I just sell them to friends who ask. I still have energy to acquire "supplies".
Knitting Beaverslide and CPH Hoodie vest was a hard act to follow. I CO with Zitron bamboo/wool socks yarn for a Finnish sock pattern on size 1 needles. The splittiness and pattern/yarn mismatch is driving me crazy. I frogged the whole darn thing and started over on size 2 needles but I'm still not too happy. I still adore the pattern and will either finish this sock or find better yarn in my stash somewhere!
Work is my excuse also for being too darn lazy to get the ball winder and swift out and roll some yarn. The Knitted Brow has moved all the way East to Atlanta and is not here to wind it up for me! Come back, Kim!
So what does a girl do? Lust of after yarn...I had the Malabrigo and the Koigu in the shopping basket, until I remembered I'm on a yarn diet. Oh boo. So I broke out the Ultra Alpaca and started Saroyan. The yarn is so silky and sproingy and fun to be with. The pattern really caught my eye and the Ultra Alpaca examples on Ravelry sold me. So there is hope there.
I knit the dog I'm supposed to have in my corner. He is a bit corny and has found a friend to hang with. I named him Buttons after the only real dog I ever owned.
I would like to knit a bunny for Easter, but after all that seaming for Buttons, I am searching for a seamless bunny.
Other FOs:
Stash Busting Scarf
Pattern: The Purl Scarf by Joelle Hoverson, from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Yarns: the really old Crystal Palace Country silk and the fluffy Crystal Palace Kid merino gifted to me by Angela.
Paper and Shibori Projects with Melody
I had a nice chat with the Verizonwireless dude. I felt like I was trying to buy a car even though I only went in there to buy a battery for the somewhat puffy battery living in the Landcaster's phone. I think my mistake was that I asked him to explain my 3G plan. I needed access when I travel only, for my netbook, so I got some pay as you go plan. He seemed shocked at how little the Landcaster and I use our phone or text. That didn't prevent him from launching into...phone upgrades, more minutes etc. In the end I think I wore him down, trying to divert his attention by bringing up the Big Red Fruit's attack on the HTCRoboPhone, etc. He agreed that there was no use in upgrading my archaic mere 500 minute plan to a 700 minute/3G plan. I was tempted by the myfi thingy with which I could cast my own wifi bubble around me and selected friends. So in the end he sold me a usb modem for my netbook, and which has a rebate, and a two year contract for an actually cheaper 3G plan, minus activation. When my beloved PalmTX dies, I will contemplate a Droid. By then perhaps the drama and bugs will be worked out.
It's tax time. I really don't understand all the tax implications of my tiny business with the Etsy store. The tax lady asked if I take inventory...OMG! Maybe I should have paid the $150 or the audit insurance!!
Working 3 days a week and I hope the regular position is hired soon so I can go back to the "6 weeks/year" I signed up for. Working sucks the creative energy out of me. My cold lingered and then I got pink eye which in the end turned out to be Episcleritis="nonspecific, idiopathic". Leave it to me to get something I had never had a patient with. Guess it's an eye doctor kind of disease.
So that's my excuse for not making much besides stitch markers for the store. In fact I'm too lazy to photograph them so I just sell them to friends who ask. I still have energy to acquire "supplies".
Knitting Beaverslide and CPH Hoodie vest was a hard act to follow. I CO with Zitron bamboo/wool socks yarn for a Finnish sock pattern on size 1 needles. The splittiness and pattern/yarn mismatch is driving me crazy. I frogged the whole darn thing and started over on size 2 needles but I'm still not too happy. I still adore the pattern and will either finish this sock or find better yarn in my stash somewhere!
Work is my excuse also for being too darn lazy to get the ball winder and swift out and roll some yarn. The Knitted Brow has moved all the way East to Atlanta and is not here to wind it up for me! Come back, Kim!
So what does a girl do? Lust of after yarn...I had the Malabrigo and the Koigu in the shopping basket, until I remembered I'm on a yarn diet. Oh boo. So I broke out the Ultra Alpaca and started Saroyan. The yarn is so silky and sproingy and fun to be with. The pattern really caught my eye and the Ultra Alpaca examples on Ravelry sold me. So there is hope there.
I knit the dog I'm supposed to have in my corner. He is a bit corny and has found a friend to hang with. I named him Buttons after the only real dog I ever owned.
I would like to knit a bunny for Easter, but after all that seaming for Buttons, I am searching for a seamless bunny.
Other FOs:
Stash Busting Scarf
Pattern: The Purl Scarf by Joelle Hoverson, from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.
Yarns: the really old Crystal Palace Country silk and the fluffy Crystal Palace Kid merino gifted to me by Angela.
Paper and Shibori Projects with Melody
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Charcoal Central Park Hoodie Vest, FO
This project has been in the queue for awhile. I decided a vest would be more useful here in Hawaii. As I have been a-wracked with a virus I was able to finished this undeclared Ravelympics project.
Pattern: Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky from Knitscene, Fall 2006
Yarn: Beaverslide, Charcoal gray
Needles: size 6 and 8
Mods: added pockets after the fronts were done. Elimated the sleeves and added 5 rows of ribbing and and i-cord bind-off. I did the wider band without the button holes and did an i-cord bind-off. The plan is to add a zipper. I also followed jamie12's instructions in the Ravelry CPH KAL group for the less pointy hood and continued the cable to the top.
It still needs blocking. The hood doesn't seem to hang right.
Randomness
1. Who would have thunk curling would be so exciting. If I only knew what the objectives were.
2. I am almost done with the second go around of Harry Potter, Prisoner of Azkaban.
3. I watched a 1935 movie, Ruggles of Red Gap staring Charles Laughton. He was so young and un-Captain Bligh or hunchback-like. It was a comedy and it even sucked in the Landcaster, who had never heard of Charles Laughton. Sigh.
Attention: whine ahead
4. Nothing like a war with a virus to cast negativity on my psyche. Yesterday I felt a brief moment of hope, but this am the ole noggin feels on the verge of exploding. I've broken down and contacted my doc even though I know there is not much to be done. I feel badly that I had to call in sick. Excuse me while I go put on my hair shirt and self-flagellate some more.
Pattern: Central Park Hoodie by Heather Lodinsky from Knitscene, Fall 2006
Yarn: Beaverslide, Charcoal gray
Needles: size 6 and 8
Mods: added pockets after the fronts were done. Elimated the sleeves and added 5 rows of ribbing and and i-cord bind-off. I did the wider band without the button holes and did an i-cord bind-off. The plan is to add a zipper. I also followed jamie12's instructions in the Ravelry CPH KAL group for the less pointy hood and continued the cable to the top.
It still needs blocking. The hood doesn't seem to hang right.
Randomness
1. Who would have thunk curling would be so exciting. If I only knew what the objectives were.
2. I am almost done with the second go around of Harry Potter, Prisoner of Azkaban.
3. I watched a 1935 movie, Ruggles of Red Gap staring Charles Laughton. He was so young and un-Captain Bligh or hunchback-like. It was a comedy and it even sucked in the Landcaster, who had never heard of Charles Laughton. Sigh.
Attention: whine ahead
4. Nothing like a war with a virus to cast negativity on my psyche. Yesterday I felt a brief moment of hope, but this am the ole noggin feels on the verge of exploding. I've broken down and contacted my doc even though I know there is not much to be done. I feel badly that I had to call in sick. Excuse me while I go put on my hair shirt and self-flagellate some more.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Poppy the Cat
Orange cat I'm calling Poppy. The Knitted Brow suggested a cat while waiting to cast on for Ravelympics, which is tomorrow already!
The lovely yellow orange yarn hand dyed by smallest friend, is lovely to work with and went well with the Beaverslide in white. I tried to make heart shaped eyes as Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
A Sock is Done
Creating the fabric postcards is the best part. Finishing them is a bit fiddly changing thread colors frequently and not as much fun. But it's well worth the fun and colorful results. Anyone that knows me that letter writing is not my forte and communication is sporadic. My goal was to mail at least two and I am half way there!
Pattern: Firestarter by Yarnissima (free Ravelry download)
Yarn: Socks that Rock lightweight, colorway Typhoon Tina
Needles: size 1 dpns
This sock is knit toe up and I used the Judy's magic cast-on method. The entertaining Cat Bordhi demos this method on youtube.
The sock has a very wide toe. I have short rounded toes so I stuck with the number recommended in the pattern. I eliminated two increase rows on the gusset as I got a little bored and rationalized that I have very short feet also, so 16 would be fine, and it was.
On size one the fabric was quite dense as this yarn is a fat fingering. Instead of downsizing needles for the leg as recommended in the pattern I continued twisting the rib to the end. This worked out fine and the socks fit me with minimal ease and no sag, so I think they will fit the intended well as she is a half size larger then I am.
I got this yarn at the Madrona Market and loved working with it. I definitely want to attend this Fiberfest again.
Big sister and I hit the swap meet at Aloha Stadium today. It was perfect weather as it was quite cool and dry. The pickings were slim so we saved money, haha. We hit Genki Sushi for lunch. They have the cutest fake sushi decorations.
The Rasta Rook scarf went over well with the nephew, so I'm trying to make a matching hat. I got it into my head that crochet does not stretch so I knit the band, doubled it, and now I'm crocheting the stripes. Crochet takes a lot more yarn so I've run out. Luckily Nanea at Aloha Yarns has more just waiting for me to pick it up.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Kabocha
The market had huge boxes full of these Kabocha's (green skinned pumpkins). I wish had watched grandma make this more because her's was soooo yummy!
Kabocha pumpkin with kombu.
Kabocha pumpkin with kombu.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Randomness
leap-frogging through life
touching down now and again.
Seemingly random.
Pattern: Baktus by Strikkelise. A lovely mindless knit with endless possibilities.
Yarn: I have no ball bands, but I know this was gifted to me by Chris and is Knit picks sock something.
Needles: size 5, straight needles, Knit Picks Harmony gifted from Kim. I really love the sharp points and ease at which the yarn slides along.
Mods: I started with the Lacy Baktus but switched to the plain Baktus as I kept messing up. I continued to mess up the count on the plain Baktus until I switched the increases to the beginning of the needle. Go figure.
I have to call this done as I have run out of yarn just shy a few feet and will have to hunt for something that matches.
This yarn marinated in the stash for quite some time as the colors did not speak to me. Baktus really allowed the colors to show up in an amazing way. I had been studying the color wheel trying to figure out what colors went with coral and the red-oranges I have added to stash for the red scarf project. (besides black or white). The pooling and striping really came out in an interesing pattern too.
I asked my son to put the tater tots in the oven and this is what I found when I took them out? Should I be worried?
The toilet in my craft room cracked after "only" 69 years. I had to say goodbye to the lovely brass handle. The new guy, basic Toto water saver moved in without a hitch. I had to organize and clean a bit so the plumber had room to work and these little guys and their acorn home were re-discovered!
Round 2 of Shibori with Darius Homay at Kuni's Island Fabric was a lot of fun. I went through all the basics from the first sessions. The best part is taking the clamping and sewing apart after the dyeing process and seeing what I got. The Mokume (wood grain pattern) is my favorite so far even though it's time consuming and uses up a lot of dental floss. Thank goodness I have a stash from way back when I always bought 5 on sale at Longs.
I finally destashed that sinful carton of whipping cream I felt compelled to buy over the holidays. I added a few chocolate chips to the Classic Cream Scones as if they weren't evil enough.
touching down now and again.
Seemingly random.
Pattern: Baktus by Strikkelise. A lovely mindless knit with endless possibilities.
Yarn: I have no ball bands, but I know this was gifted to me by Chris and is Knit picks sock something.
Needles: size 5, straight needles, Knit Picks Harmony gifted from Kim. I really love the sharp points and ease at which the yarn slides along.
Mods: I started with the Lacy Baktus but switched to the plain Baktus as I kept messing up. I continued to mess up the count on the plain Baktus until I switched the increases to the beginning of the needle. Go figure.
I have to call this done as I have run out of yarn just shy a few feet and will have to hunt for something that matches.
This yarn marinated in the stash for quite some time as the colors did not speak to me. Baktus really allowed the colors to show up in an amazing way. I had been studying the color wheel trying to figure out what colors went with coral and the red-oranges I have added to stash for the red scarf project. (besides black or white). The pooling and striping really came out in an interesing pattern too. 
I asked my son to put the tater tots in the oven and this is what I found when I took them out? Should I be worried?
The toilet in my craft room cracked after "only" 69 years. I had to say goodbye to the lovely brass handle. The new guy, basic Toto water saver moved in without a hitch. I had to organize and clean a bit so the plumber had room to work and these little guys and their acorn home were re-discovered!
Round 2 of Shibori with Darius Homay at Kuni's Island Fabric was a lot of fun. I went through all the basics from the first sessions. The best part is taking the clamping and sewing apart after the dyeing process and seeing what I got. The Mokume (wood grain pattern) is my favorite so far even though it's time consuming and uses up a lot of dental floss. Thank goodness I have a stash from way back when I always bought 5 on sale at Longs.
I finally destashed that sinful carton of whipping cream I felt compelled to buy over the holidays. I added a few chocolate chips to the Classic Cream Scones as if they weren't evil enough.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pattern: Sunny, Sunny, Sunny by Carol Sulcosky
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic, navy blue.
Needles: size 3,4
On the plus side, I really like the yarn and the cute hearts and idea of knitting a yoke and adding fabric. On the minus side portions of the instructions were not clear to me and in the end there were many ends to weave in in additions to some knots in the yarn. If I make another I think I'll forgo the shoulder shaping and do a 3 needle bind-off for the shoulders. Now to find some cute fabric for the skirt.
Brownie got a little gray friend.
I grew up calling this area Kawainui Swamp. The actual name is Kawai Nui Marsh. It is one of those places I've driven by for years and today I actually took the little 1.5 mile trail along the levee. It is a very easy walk and it was a beautiful day. My blogless baby sister flew in yesterday and joined us for the walk. We met "Al" a regular walker, who shared stories about the cultural significance and also related stories about the mushroom farm in the bomb shelter. Addenda, 1/29/10: from dictionary.com (to answer my own question)
swamp: a tract of wet, spongy land, often having a growth of certain types of trees and other vegetation, but unfit for cultivation.
marsh: a tract of low wet land, often treeless and periodically inundated, generally characterized by a growth of grasses, sedges, cattails, and rushes.
bog: wet, spongy ground with soil composed mainly of decayed vegetable matter.
Addenda: 2/7/2010, one more word mentioned by blogless Kathy O.
billabong: An Australian English word meaning a small lake, specifically an oxbow lake, a section of still water adjacent to a river, cut off by a change in the watercourse, cf. an oxbow lake.
After the walk, blogless Melody, multitasking extraordinaire, came to the house and we put together some fabric postcards. We planned to sew the cards, too, but she forgot her power cord, and my aging 1530 Bernina decided to just sew backwards. The time was well spent designing and we came up with 11 cards. For lunch we had Eggplant Casserole and tossed greens.
On the knitting scene, Baktus is plugging along in some strange and unusual colors. I have two balls and the first is almost done. Baktus has 2794 projects and is in 2370 queues on Ravelry. Strikkelise is so kind to share this pretty mindless pattern. It is a great project to watch movies with.
For my next project, I'm perusing sock patterns and will probably go with Firestarter by Yarnissima in either STR lightweight Typhoon Tina, or Trekking Pro Natura by Zitron in gold/olive. The pattern is free on Ravelry. Yup the sock mojo is giving me a nudge.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Ramblings on Martin Luther King Day
1. What a cute boy!
2. What a great scarf! I wonder if it’s crocheted?
3. What a splendid hat! It would be fun to knit, but who for?
4. The sweater ain’t bad, too.
It dawned on me yesterday as I watched this lovely but sad movie (Mrs.Palfrey at the Claremont) that up to about my mid 40s this would be the order of my reactions to this photo. Now it’s more like 2,3,4,1. heh. Perhaps it was when I realized that Rupert Friend is younger then my son!...and of course, it is a great scarf when you see it up close.
While watching Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince for the umpteenth time, I was discussing Harry Potter knits with Chris. I have been sorted into Ravenclaw and I struggle with the colors...different for the book and movie. And what can I knit? In the last book Harry is no longer in school. And what would suit my tropical location? And do we really have to wait for December to see it?
24 started up again. The last season for Jack. In a wonder of ultra modern medicine, he and his daughter have survived and recovered from some stem cell something and are now good as new. The new head of CTU, Hastings, is clueless and a bit of a corner cutter. If he doesn't start listening to Chloe, he won't survive much of the season. I hope the 9pm time slot here is where 24 stays as I have yoga until 8pm Mondays. Choices, choices. I'm resisting a dvr as it would mean upgrading to digital cable.
Blogless Doris made this pretty piece over-dying pink cotton with indigo dye in Shibori Class.
It's been about small projects knit from stash while gearing up for Ravelympics. TheBeaverslide in catbird heather for CPH Hoodie is wound into balls. I hope I can approximate gauge. I've been mildly obsessed on making a yoke for a child's dress. I cast on for Sunny, Sunny, Sunny by Carol J. Sulcoski. It is going quickly. I wish I had hunted for the ball band before knitting up one ball. The Tahki Classic Cotton is really wonderful to knit with but it is worsted and not DK.
Whirliberri is finished.
Pattern: Whirligig Shrug by Stefanie Japel published in Interweave Knits, Weekend 2009
Yarn: Katia, Austral. DK weight 50% wool/acrylic. This yarn is wonderful to knit with and comes in really vivid colors.
Needles: size 6.
It looks tiny. I wish I had a real live 2 year old to try it on. It is very cute and was a fun, fast knit.
25% off at Ben Franklin today. Dare I attempt to run in and run out? I only need the ModPodge and some paint for the Totoro Clock. It's a trap, no doubt...but with the Club Card it will actually be 35% off, and maybe I could pick up a heart die or two for my Sizzix.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Manly gloves, FO
Pattern: Men's Fingerless Gloves by J. Campbell
Yarn: Frog Tree Alpaca, Sportweight. I won this in a blog contest from the weebug. The yarn is strong, fuzzy, soft and very warn. Thanks again weebug!
Needles: My favorite rosewood DPNS, size 3
Comments: I did not read the pattern correctly and did a "M1" instead of a "increase in to" on the thumb gusset. This made for two extra stitches on the hand section of the glove. I found this out when I was working on the baby finger so just bound off two stitches and all was good. The pattern does not specify the number of rows for the stockinette portion of the fingers but they are easy to shorten. The pattern was easy to follow. I will not see the real recipient for quite some time, nor will he need them, but I suspect the Landcaster has similar sized hands. Maybe I'll give them a soak.
This is a nicely manly pattern and a quick easy knit.
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Vest for Marg, FO and Ode to Ohagi
Pattern: Petrol, a free Knitty pattern by Carol Sulcoski.
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, color Denim Mix
Needles: size 6 and 8
Mods: 3 needle bind-off for shoulder seams.
This is a fast knit if one does not have distractions. I like that it is knit in the round. I hope it fits the recipient. I'm still debating on whether I should block it. The bottom edge curls and is part of the design. Many on Ravelry seem to have added ribbing which does make it look more finished. I rather like the curling edge, especially in the alpaca which is very silky and soft and has the halo. It makes seem a bit more feminine and hopefully will be more forgiving around a tummy.
Haiku for Ohagi
Ono ohagi
at Shinagawa Station
Yummy, yummy, yum!
This first attempt at recreating a wonderful memory...
Recipes for making the tsubushi-an varied widely. For 12 ounces of azuki beans the amount of sugar ranged from .75-2.5 cups! I went with the .75 cup and it was plenty sweet. The beans were nice and soft, but since I was worried about burning them, I probably did not cook them long enough to evaporate the excess water. Thus I have to eat by ohagi in a bowl with chopsticks. I wish I had learned to make this from my grandma. My dad always refers to these sweetened azuki beans as "Japanese chocolate". My uncle refers to ohagi as inside out mochi, as the rice is on the inside. I learned that it is not filled with mochi, but a the beans enclose mochi riceball inside.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Entropy or Keeping one's head above the Stash
First off, I want to thank everyone who commented on Brownie that cat. Blogger does not show me the email addresses for most of the posts or I would thank each of you individually. I appreciate the encouragement and feedback and also the errata sent to my by Prensy on Ravelry.
Every once and a while, I get stricken with an overpowering desire to downsize, destash, and organize and there is nothing the like the New Year to feed that insanity. I remember once upon a time I thought I would like to be able to live life out of a backpack and be free from stuff. But my true nature, like my family before me, is that of a pack rat. There are skeletons in the closet that bordered on hoarding. Is it congenital or am hiding behind clutter? The New Year's resolution, proposed by the blogless Landcaster, is that I need to take something out if I want to bring something in.
On one of my other mad organizing quests a couple years ago, I obsessed on a wonderful wardrobe made of maple at the very overpriced furniture store. It never went on sale so I figured it was not my karma to have it and I let it go. I settled on a cute finish it yourself cabinet which I put together and never painted. Then a windfall from work...an abandoned bookcase with glass doors! It's now mine. So of course that means I have to reorganize everything.
And that's how I rediscover those bits of yarn in stash--some gifted to me, some purchased, that have slipped into oblivion. And that ginormous fabric stash that the Etsy shop was supposed to be outlet for.
Believe, me this is just the tip of the iceberg.
So what's going out? So far, books-craft books, novels, cook books, medical books. I can actually see a little space on the "library closet" shelves. I am not ready to part with the Pyrex pie plate and custard cups(I'm embarrassed to say how many I have) but I'm culling the plastic container/glass jar collection throwing out lids with no body and jars with no lids and have weeded out the expired cans and mystery items from the freezer and pantry.
I'm trying to use some of that stash.
Noro Ganpi Abaka Teipu is a very interesting yarn I won. I tried my hand at crocheting a yoke for a toddler dress, but it was not too successful.
On the other hand, the Plymouth Encore Rasta Rook Scarf was fun to make and the colors rather infectious even if it never finds a neck to adorn. The pattern, Rook Scarf is a free download from Sophia Kessinger's Ravelry Store, Yarn Over Manhattan. Crocheting the stripes the long way beats casting on 3 or 400 stitches, imo. It was easy peasy even for this survival crocheter.
I've also CO some Ultra Alpaca for Petrol in Denim Heather, Baktus by ©Strikkelise in a Knitpicks sock yarn gifted to me awhile back, and Manly fingerless mitts in the soft and fuzzy Frog Tree Alpaca, I won in a blog contest.
Time will tell how many of these make it to the end. I have high hopes for the fingerless mitts as it is a very fast and easy pattern.
On the work scene, the person who was credentialing for the position I have been filling in for, took another job. On one hand that means I can continue my two day work week. On the other hand, it's work. So far the people and work suit me fine and as a bonus I get to drive over the Pali and on to the Kaneohe Marine Base twice a week and enjoy the beauty of Lanikai and Kaneohe bay. It's something that I never get tired of because no two days are every the same:)
Every once and a while, I get stricken with an overpowering desire to downsize, destash, and organize and there is nothing the like the New Year to feed that insanity. I remember once upon a time I thought I would like to be able to live life out of a backpack and be free from stuff. But my true nature, like my family before me, is that of a pack rat. There are skeletons in the closet that bordered on hoarding. Is it congenital or am hiding behind clutter? The New Year's resolution, proposed by the blogless Landcaster, is that I need to take something out if I want to bring something in.
On one of my other mad organizing quests a couple years ago, I obsessed on a wonderful wardrobe made of maple at the very overpriced furniture store. It never went on sale so I figured it was not my karma to have it and I let it go. I settled on a cute finish it yourself cabinet which I put together and never painted. Then a windfall from work...an abandoned bookcase with glass doors! It's now mine. So of course that means I have to reorganize everything.
And that's how I rediscover those bits of yarn in stash--some gifted to me, some purchased, that have slipped into oblivion. And that ginormous fabric stash that the Etsy shop was supposed to be outlet for.
Believe, me this is just the tip of the iceberg. So what's going out? So far, books-craft books, novels, cook books, medical books. I can actually see a little space on the "library closet" shelves. I am not ready to part with the Pyrex pie plate and custard cups(I'm embarrassed to say how many I have) but I'm culling the plastic container/glass jar collection throwing out lids with no body and jars with no lids and have weeded out the expired cans and mystery items from the freezer and pantry.
I'm trying to use some of that stash.
Noro Ganpi Abaka Teipu is a very interesting yarn I won. I tried my hand at crocheting a yoke for a toddler dress, but it was not too successful. 
On the other hand, the Plymouth Encore Rasta Rook Scarf was fun to make and the colors rather infectious even if it never finds a neck to adorn. The pattern, Rook Scarf is a free download from Sophia Kessinger's Ravelry Store, Yarn Over Manhattan. Crocheting the stripes the long way beats casting on 3 or 400 stitches, imo. It was easy peasy even for this survival crocheter.
I've also CO some Ultra Alpaca for Petrol in Denim Heather, Baktus by ©Strikkelise in a Knitpicks sock yarn gifted to me awhile back, and Manly fingerless mitts in the soft and fuzzy Frog Tree Alpaca, I won in a blog contest.
Time will tell how many of these make it to the end. I have high hopes for the fingerless mitts as it is a very fast and easy pattern.
On the work scene, the person who was credentialing for the position I have been filling in for, took another job. On one hand that means I can continue my two day work week. On the other hand, it's work. So far the people and work suit me fine and as a bonus I get to drive over the Pali and on to the Kaneohe Marine Base twice a week and enjoy the beauty of Lanikai and Kaneohe bay. It's something that I never get tired of because no two days are every the same:)
Monday, January 04, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Yarn Pron for 2010
The New Year here is still 7 hours away. The sky is rather like a black and white movie. There were a few good days for the visiting Obamas. They had the lovely Hanauma Bay to themselves. So far I have not been stuck in any traffic due to security.
The nice wet weather has made my patio sprout. I have mixed feelings about power washing, fungicides and weed killers, and I rather love the green so there it is. It's part of the ebb and flow of the seasons in my little world.
The mailman's last delivery of the year brought me my Webs order. What a lovely man!
Included in the mosaic: 1. Ultra Alpaca, Redwood Mix 2. Noro Silk Garden lite 3. Plymouth Baby Alpaca, two different shades of red for next year's Red Scarf Project. 4. Madeleinetosh Worsted, Baltic 5. Red Mystery Yarn, destashed by durabledora 6. Beloved Beaverslide, Catbird heather, Christmas gift from my boys.
Catbird heather is earmarked for Central Park Hoodie. Hopefully Chris will be able to find time in her busy life as mom to join Kim and me for a KAL. I really should swatch, sigh. I think I'll do the viking back variation and go for a zipper closure. Anyway that's what the plan is so far. I really love the pocket on Rogue so I'm thinking about a pocket, too.
So I've got my knitting set for the New Year!
As for the store, I may shut down for a while. I learned the hard way one must get the money up front for the special requests, sigh, and I'd rather be knitting:)
Here's to a great 2010!
The nice wet weather has made my patio sprout. I have mixed feelings about power washing, fungicides and weed killers, and I rather love the green so there it is. It's part of the ebb and flow of the seasons in my little world. The mailman's last delivery of the year brought me my Webs order. What a lovely man!
Included in the mosaic: 1. Ultra Alpaca, Redwood Mix 2. Noro Silk Garden lite 3. Plymouth Baby Alpaca, two different shades of red for next year's Red Scarf Project. 4. Madeleinetosh Worsted, Baltic 5. Red Mystery Yarn, destashed by durabledora 6. Beloved Beaverslide, Catbird heather, Christmas gift from my boys.
Catbird heather is earmarked for Central Park Hoodie. Hopefully Chris will be able to find time in her busy life as mom to join Kim and me for a KAL. I really should swatch, sigh. I think I'll do the viking back variation and go for a zipper closure. Anyway that's what the plan is so far. I really love the pocket on Rogue so I'm thinking about a pocket, too.
So I've got my knitting set for the New Year!
As for the store, I may shut down for a while. I learned the hard way one must get the money up front for the special requests, sigh, and I'd rather be knitting:)
Here's to a great 2010!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2009, Coming to the End
I started thinking about this post with a list of rants and whines, things that I want to let go with the end of this year. Either my memory is going or the list was quite short. So...I think I'll ruminate on the list of good things and keep it to myself.
I stopped by the folks es house this am to try and catch their psycho cat Kiko in action with her plastic bag. So far all the toys I've brought for her have been a bust, so I thought she would like a nice Foodland bag. But...she only seems to like this bag from Ruth Chris. She's either very snobby or it's that steak smell, or some other cat reason that I can't fathom.
Kiko and her plastic bag
Originally uploaded by acornbud
I took a plunge and decided to decorate my cell phone. Never mind that it's due for an upgrade and I still don't understand how to turn of the speakerphone. I searched high and low for Totoro decal to no avail, so Hello Kitty won by default.
Perhaps for the New Year I can read the manual and figure out the speakerphone thing instead of accosting total strangers and asking them to turn it off. When my techie devices (ASUS Netbook, Palm TX and Razr) die or if they hold out until I turn the six-0(mg)I will get a droid.
In the FO department there is Raccoon the Afghan. I went crazy after falling in love with Sirdar Foxy for the gnome beards and knit this afghan for my 2 year old niece. It was a very mindless knit, starting with 3 stitches, knitting in garter stitch and increase one at the beginning of every row until I was on the 6th skein, then knitting two rows, and the decreasing one at the beginning of every row until 3 stitches left. I follow directions from blogless deborahduck on Ravelry. She used some 30 skeins and made more then one! I'm so not worthy!
Size 11 needles, BTW.
I stopped by the folks es house this am to try and catch their psycho cat Kiko in action with her plastic bag. So far all the toys I've brought for her have been a bust, so I thought she would like a nice Foodland bag. But...she only seems to like this bag from Ruth Chris. She's either very snobby or it's that steak smell, or some other cat reason that I can't fathom.
Kiko and her plastic bag
Originally uploaded by acornbud
I took a plunge and decided to decorate my cell phone. Never mind that it's due for an upgrade and I still don't understand how to turn of the speakerphone. I searched high and low for Totoro decal to no avail, so Hello Kitty won by default.
Perhaps for the New Year I can read the manual and figure out the speakerphone thing instead of accosting total strangers and asking them to turn it off. When my techie devices (ASUS Netbook, Palm TX and Razr) die or if they hold out until I turn the six-0(mg)I will get a droid.In the FO department there is Raccoon the Afghan. I went crazy after falling in love with Sirdar Foxy for the gnome beards and knit this afghan for my 2 year old niece. It was a very mindless knit, starting with 3 stitches, knitting in garter stitch and increase one at the beginning of every row until I was on the 6th skein, then knitting two rows, and the decreasing one at the beginning of every row until 3 stitches left. I follow directions from blogless deborahduck on Ravelry. She used some 30 skeins and made more then one! I'm so not worthy!
Size 11 needles, BTW.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
The gang got together with the Gnomes and me to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Butternut Squash Totoro is filling in for one Chibi who is off in search of a White Christmas.
For you see, it's just the usual green Christmas here in Hawaii.
Unless you count these caterpillars in black and gold munching on the crown flower plant.
I thank all of you blog friends who have enriched my life experience and inspired me with your creativity and generosity. Life long and prosper!
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