Another scarf, thanks Secret Pal 9 :)

So I started another scarf using some of the yarn I got from Amy of knit exploits during secret pal 9. This is the teal/blue mix Noro Silk Garden. It is a bit brighter than I would have picked out for myself, but I think I really like it. That is one of the things I like about the secret pal swap. You get things that you wouldn't pick out yourself necessarily but somehow people can pick something awesome.
There are a couple colors that I can see on the ball that have not yet shown up on the scarf so it will get more interesting I think as time goes on. I am using size 8 needles that I got at the Alameda Antique Fair, one from each of two sets because I lost one on the train.

Well, I got pretty far into the first ball, and it wasn't even a foot long so I ripped it out and restarted. I think I might still try and buy another ball.

Why do I like it?

It that time again. Time to examine why I like the super bulky hat that Abby designed so much. Is it because it is one skein? Is it because it only takes a couple hours if that? Is it because I really like super bulky yarn? Is it because I suffer from a lack of imagination and don't really want to try new things? Is it because I have a shit load of superbulky yarn? Perhaps it is a little of those things. Any way I started a new super bulky hat with the last skein of mango I had from the great ebay debacle.
I decided to try to knit this one in the round instead of flat and sewing it up. Since it is in the round it wouldn't really lay flat for a good picture. I also decided to alter the pattern a bit. I started on 15's and switch to 13's about halfway through since my head is fat. I kept the main cable as is but made the bits in between a section of 2 purls, 4 knits, 2 purls. in the middle of the four knits I cabled the two center stitches the opposite direction of the main cables. I am not sure you can tell, but I think it will keep it a little tighter. I think it looks alright so far. I might rip it out and start over.

Knitter's ADD continues...

Spring break blogging. time to post about all my new barely started projects that I won't finish any time soon.
Two new scarves and a new hat. Not to mention the ton of things I want to start with all my new malabrigo.
Here is one of the scarves. Karrie, Sarah and I went to this lovely knitting store when we were in Melbourne, Marta's Yarns. We met Marta and her husband, and they were lovely people. They hand dyed a bunch of lovely yarn as well, and if I had more room in my luggage, I totally would have bought a kilo to make a sweater.
I got some of this lovely two ply yarn, one ply variegated dark orange, one ply variegated silver purple. Not sure what fiber it is since it was listed just with a price and was in the bargain bin. Decided that I would try the Mom's lace pattern with it since I liked it some much for my mother's scarf. I did try to use larger needles to begin so the garter stitch bit was the same width as the lace bit but I am not sure I really succeeded. I started with 5mm needles and went down to 4.5 mm. Perhaps I can block it out. :)

I am not sure how I like how it is coming out. It might be prettier as a yarn than as a fabric. I was worried about that which is why I choose a lacey pattern. Might just be added to the pile of stuff I started but didn't like and was too lazy to unravel. *sigh*

Dollar Store Swap

This is the swap that was almost stolen! Or not. Accidently got delivered to my neighbor who shall remain nameless. She thought it was one of her swap bot packages and figured out that it was mine when she couldn't figure out what swap it was from. Then she read the packing slip.



I got some pretty cool stuff. Playdoh, tiny tuperware, magnets, shrinkydinks, transfers, paper goods... very nice.

Schrodinger's knitting needle

So Mary and I took the BART over to catch some music in the park and an indie, green craft show in the Mission. I decided it would be a great time to bring my knitting out for some fun in the sun. We found a couple of seats next to a guy and his luggage who was trying to take up four seats all by himself. I whipped out the knitting and began. Now these were my new susan bates size 8's that I picked up at the antique fair in Alameda last month and they were a little slicker and heavier than what I had been using so I dropped them a couple times. After I finished my second row of the train, my lovely new needle spilled from my hands... and was never seen again. I looked for it, Mary looked for it, the two little Spanish ladies looked for it, even luggage guy glanced up from his PS2 down at the ground like he might have been looking for it. It was no where. We tore out the seat cushions (they snap on and off you know. We checked between the bits that didn't come out. Mary crawled on the BART floor, I crawled on the BART floor. No needle. It shouldn't have bounced, it had a flat top so it shouldn't have rolled. It is 14 inches long, 5 mm wide and shiny. It should have been right there. But somehow it was completely utterly gone. Absolute sadness. Only one thing could have happened. Just like that damn cat, two places at once, passed through the floor of the BART onto the tracks. I like to think it is roaming free somewhere, perhaps shorting out a track or two. Probably not but where could it possibly have gone? It makes no sense. Should I call lost and found?

If anyone finds a lone, size 8, aluminum Susan Bates knitting needle in a light blue on the BART, please let me know. Utter sadness. Was going to make some real progress today. *sigh*

All the way to 24th street we looked but we finally had to get out and hit the craft show at the Foreign Cinema which turns out to be an upscale restaurant not a theatre. While I saw a couple cool things that were for sale for charity, nothing was quite right to take home. What with the champagne they were serving, and all the yuppies with their too cool glasses and shoes, it was just a little too over the top for me. Marked the cinema as a place to try for brunch some day and we head over (on Mary's excellent suggestion) to Tartine a lovely bakery on 18th. It was well worth the 25 minute wait but I must say they should train their staff a bit better. When someone asks for something that seems to be a main menu item, the wait person should really now what that item is. I did not want an open face sandwich, I wanted the croissant with ham and cheese. That is what I ordered as did Mary. That is not what you gave us. We correct your error and then you did the exact same thing to the people behind us. And then they corrected your error. Learn your menu, lady. Awesome pastry though. Very glad I got the last iced coffee, and we totally snagged a table.

The park was lovely although I question the wisdom of holding an acoustic show directly under the BART tracks. Made me laugh everytime the train went by (which was like every 10 minutes). Got some knitting done on my back up project and quite possibility a bit a sun burn. Nice afternoon.

Finished off the day with some tacos. All and all a good day despite the magically needle disappearance.

If only the homeless guy had decided NOT to move into my apartment building stairwell, it would have been a great day. yuck.

Fun with Shopping...last weekend

So this is a little late but I had a good shopping weekend last week.
I started off by hitting up the little thrift store where I got about 35 post cards for swapping. Go swap-bot.

Then Karrie asked if I wanted to go to Laci's and check it out and I said hell yeah.

I was totally stoked to find that they have just about the best deals on scissors around and books on just about everything crafty though it mainly pertains to lace making, knitting, and crochet. Saw some things there that I'd never seen before such as pillows for tatting lace, the set of Susan Bates needles with case, and some very funky old purse handles. In addition to new things they have quite a few vintage items for sale as well as an entire lace musuem. I picked up some inexpensive scissors for swapping and some point protectors.

I had been planning on going to Daiso to pick up a few items for my swap-bot dollar store swap (150 yen store is good enough for me), and Karrie was all in, although I think had we known the traffic situation when we started out she wouldn't have gone. So a little over 45 minutes later we got to the mall and after stocking up on some vital fluids, we hit the store. It was much nicer this time around because we kind of knew where things were, and it wasn't mobbed because it had just opened. I found plenty of items for my secret pal and a few for me, including a sweater shaver that doesn't seem to work. The most exciting find of the day had to be that they had added a craft aisle for knitting and crochet. Lots and lots of $1.50 knitting needles and crochet hooks. Doesn't Karrie look happy to have found this aisle. She was a good friend and picked up some bamboo needles for a friend that just started knitting. I was selfish and pick up some very fat needles for myself. After another traffic filled trip back to the east bay, I was totally beat and ready for a nap.

The next day was the first Sunday of the month and that means Alameda Antique Fair. It was lovely weather and I was such a skilled fair goer that I was totally able to skip the line of traffic going into the parking lot. Once again it was totally different from all the other times I went. I picked up the usually vintage knitting needles (and FYI the woman said she is bringing her "whole set up" in April, whatever that means) and then hit my favorite book seller to pick up some 1940's cook books. After that I set about looking for stuff that reminded me of my grandmother's house. I really wanted a Fiestaware pitcher with a swirl on the side of it in aqua blue just like the one my grandmother used to make lemonade in on hot haying days. Looked every where for it. Went from stall to stall and while I found ones that were close, same shape wrong color, right color wrong shape, it was not to be found in the morning. I did however find some lovely things.









I found a great new apron. I found a couple cute pyrex dishes with lids for $2 each. I found 4 juice glasses like the ones my grandmother had when I was growing up. I also found a dish to match the ones I inherited from her as well as a present for my mother's b-day.

After lunch, I did finally find the pitcher I had been looking for all morning. It was $95. Looks like I will be going without for quite some time.

No, I do not need a ball winder...

Went to Articlepract to check out the new Addi Turbo lace needles yesterday on my way back from the bank. I must say I wasn't really impressed with the new needles. They looked pretty, seemed light, but so not worth the extra dosh (the 6's were like $14). Rather stick with my old Boye's.

I did however make the mistake of looking at the Malabrigo yarns. I finally found the lastest reincarnation of the handpaintedyarn.com super bulky, the gruesa. They had one of my favorite colors damask rose so I got one of those. I also picked out a dark blue color, which I thought would coordinate well to make a stripe in the hat, that turn to be Paris night which I also loved. This was much darker than the color I used on my sister's scarf though. I also saw the dreaded butter color which I have so much of. Seriously, if anyone wants a skein of butter color gruesa, you can have it.

I then went over to the worsted weight malabrigo and got this lovely color, calypso which I thought was black until I put it into the light. I really want to make handwarmers out of it. Apparently I need to get alterknits which has a manos pattern for handwarmers.

As I was ringing up, the woman at the counter said we have a ball winder right over there. I said no, I don't need your ball winder I have my own.

And then I went home and went winding crazy. In addition to the three skeins I got from Article Pract I attacked not only my latest purchases but some yarn from my stash.

I wound the malabrigo I bought at stitches last year which I also think I am going to make into hand warmers. The malabrigo I got from my secret pal in the secret pal 9 swap I also wound which is going into top secret must never speak of project. I wound some of the dreaded butter. It is quite pretty, but seriously I can't wear yellow, and no one else I know does either. Must think about dyeing it. And finally I wound the last ball of the mango superbulky. I am going to make yet another hat. Not sure if I will change the pattern of Abby's or not yet for any of these hats, but I might. You may ask does any one person need 3 new super bulky hats. Probably not but I am going to make them anyway.

Secret Pal 10 questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I much prefer natural fibers like merino and alpaca. I have had a problem with some wool being too itchy, and my hands freaking out a little bit when I knit, but it was rare. I am big fan a hand dyed yarn though too many colors tend to make me a little ill.
I like bulky yarns. Especially malabrigo super bulky.
Really anything soft I tend to want to buy. That got me into such trouble at Stitches West yet again.
I am currently trying to spin some tencel/merino blend and that seems to go rather well. Also bought some silk.
I most frequently buy from Brooks Farms, Blue Moon Fiber Arts, handpaintedyarn.com, West Valley alpaca, and knitpicks.
I do not find fun fur fun. Mostly I think it is just too big a hassle to knit with. Plus they tend to come in colors that I don't like. I also am not that big a fan of acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Well my Boye's came in their own carrying case and I am still still-waiting for Karrie to make that straight needle case so as of now they are all stored in the tuperware box or tucked into one of the many nooks in my studio. Recently just had the year anniversary of the day Karrie and I went to pick out the fabric, and she said she get started on it "soon".

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for just over a year. I am not sure what the distinction is between beginner and intermediate, but I can increase, decrease, cable, knit in the round, purl, knit, cast on and cast off. I have not yet tackled two color knitting, and my finishing skills perhaps aren't that great.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I do. I am a little embarrassed by what is on it right now though. :)

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
um not sure. I can't stand anything that has a very heavy scent. Makes me cough. I like lavender, tea tree oil, mango mandarin, sometimes vanilla, raspberry.
I hate patcholi and anything that makes me think of patcholi. I tend to not use scented lotions or bath products other than hand soap and I have a ton of that right now.
I like candles though. Something about fire.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I do. I really like high cacao chocolates like Scharffenberger. White chocolate is NOT real chocolate. However, I think I should stay away from the sweets. It is cadbury egg time of year and that always gets me in trouble.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am not sure how crafty I am. I really like cooking and baking. I really liked the spinning class I took recently and I just bought a brand new spinning wheel. Made some yarn but not sure if it is any good. Does going to thrift stores and antique fairs count as a craft because to me it is an art . I love finding 1900-1950's cook books, vintage Pyrex, old cute aprons.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I haven't really been listening to music lately. Spending too much money on other things. The most frequent live show I take in is a blue grass band.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I like greens and blue the best as well as brown. Black, grey red, are all okay. I am not a fan of orange or yellow or anything neon. Purple isn't big on my list of colors either. Again, natural colors are great (but not tropical natural).

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Family situation? Not really sure what that means. I live in a studio apartment by myself.
I currently have el gato muy loco, Pablo. My cat sitting of 3 weeks has turned into 9 months so I guess he is here to stay. I do have pet allergies, but for some reason he tends to not to affect them as much as most other cats I meet.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Scarves, hats and mittens yes. It is of my opinion that no one should ever wear a poncho unless you are following a llama through the Andes.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like scarves and hats so far. Not a big fan of gauge. I have about 4 skeins of sock yearn not yet started. I am looking for a sweater pattern that will be easy for me to complete in the round.

13. What are you knitting right now?
um 5 or six scarves, a couple hats, a really bad beer cozy and a sweater. My knitter's ADD just gets worse. I want to start another sweater, a vest and some hand warmers. Oh and 4 pairs of socks. :)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes but I am not going to send anything handmade (except for maybe cookies). My motto is simple is best. Buying stuff is simple. :)

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I am using primarily bamboo and aluminum. Seriously though I am probably all set for needles right now. Those sets from China on eBay rock BTW. If anyone knows how to get more cords though for the Boye interchangeable needle set, I'd be interested in that.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have both. Thanks to Sarah for the gift and the store for the sale. I have all the notions I need too as far as I know.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My second or third project I started back last March still isn't done. No one explained to me that the smaller the yarn the longer it takes to make something out of it. Plus I got sick of pink yarn. (I dislike pink pink, and the pattern was boring).

18. What is your favorite holiday?
Not sure. I like Thanksgiving because there is a turkey. Not sure what the question is referring to but if it is supposed to be about decorations I can do without those. I like making Christmas cookies. Really any holiday centered about food I am all about. Unless it is holiday themed food I can do without it.

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Books I guess. I seem to have way too many books so that could be called a collection. Really like fantasy novels, old cook books, and seem to be collecting a lot of knitting books as well. Also seem to be amassing things that remind me of my grandmother's house. Old Pyrex, juice glasses and the like. I really don't have room for much of anything anymore.


20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I can't think of anything at the moment. I do have some on my Amazon wishlist. Are we supposed to post those if we have them? I don't have any mag subscriptions, but I am not sure that I want any. I think I might want Weekend Knits, but I haven't decided yet. Just me being wishy washy.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Can't think of any at the moment. More would just like to find patterns for things. Hand warmers with bulky yarn. Socks with bulky yarn.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I am not yet. I wear size 9 shoes and have slightly wide feet I think.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
July 31st. (this should be way over by then though:)