tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-190745562024-03-23T13:18:51.860-05:00Knitty Knitty Bang BangBear with me while I babble about my adventures in knitting.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-38430077211843942132012-01-11T15:16:00.001-06:002012-01-21T17:41:06.561-06:00WIPS to attack 2012This is one of my favorites posts to do every year. It makes me look at the things I have in progress and makes me think about why I haven't finished them. I find it interesting to see what made me stop knitting something and sometimes when I pick it up again and finish it in a day or two. My, what a fickle knitter you are, Tasha!<br />
<br />
A few stats about the <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2010/12/wip-update-early-2011.html">Wips that I had at the start of 2011</a>. Of the 18 that I specifically addressed, I finished 8 of those & frogged 2. Did you do that math? I should have 8 left! Well.....I created a few new projects that have become my "need to finished" projects. <br />
<br />
First let's talk about what's new because that is so much more interesting. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679834339/" title="Sam sweater #2 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Sam sweater #2" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6679834339_29e83a8e2c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Sam Sweater #2 </b>- I wanted to make a sweater for this cutest little baby that was born October 2011. I started it right about the time that he was born, but I got bored & well, I was making a one year size so I figured I had plenty of time. I pulled it out the half finished project & couldn't figure out where I had left off, what size needles I had used, etc etc. I am pretty religious about entering that kind of info into Ravelry the minute I start a project, but I started this sweater on the plane to Paris last year & I had thrown several different sizes of needles in the project bag. After I finished the back, I was totally lost & started freaking out. I checked with the mom to see what size he was in, and low & behold he is 14 months old & is in at least an 18 month. So I start over making this sweater, which is Sam sweater #2. It's SO CLOSE to being done, I just need to make the button band, sew on buttons, and weave in some more ends. Did you know that striped sweaters have so many freaking ends??? I already dealt with a bunch of them, but there are still quite a few. <br />
<br />
<b>Sam Sweater #1</b>, which is still in progress & still has the problems referenced above. <a href="http://www.laughinghens.com/knitting-pattern-page.asp?patternpageid=4865">Cabled Baby Sweater</a>. I couldn't put my hands on it to get a picture, but it's that cute one in the link but navy with gray in the sleeve / cuffs. Which has nothing to do with the Dallas Cowboys, I swear.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679851787/" title="Woodsmoke by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodsmoke" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6679851787_0e8094e44a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Woodsmoke Scarf</b> - When <a href="http://brooklyntweed.net/blog/?p=784">Loft</a> came out I had to have some & cast it on immediately. I'd been looking for a perfect yarn for this scarf, and this was it. Just have to finish the borders. It's so soft & pretty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6680637009/" title="Endpaper Mitts by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Endpaper Mitts" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6680637009_7aa58536c2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Endpaper Mitts </b>- I really love these. I'm going to get back to them, they are so bright & happy. I'm still intimidated by the colorwork, but I'm going to push through it on these mitts. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679847683/" title="Curlique by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Curlique" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6679847683_a339730270.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Curlique Shawl</b> - I've tried to start this shawl twice and I'm still not digging it. I think it is destined to be frogged again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679857277/" title="Camo Socks by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Camo Socks" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6679857277_0c06d8d5fd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Camo Socks</b> - I am making these for Patrick. I was trying to surprise him, but I got stuck right here & not knowing how long to make the foot. I finally fessed up to him about these, so I need him to try it on, finish the toe, and cast on for #2. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679841729/" title="Girlfriend Market Bag by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Girlfriend Market Bag" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6679841729_2ce3fb2f32.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Girlfriend Market Bag</b> - This was part of Cast on mania in August & I truly hate working these K2tog with the Sugar & Cream cotton. It's in the frog pile.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679845815/" title="Persephone by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Persephone" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6679845815_9c401c790d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b><a href="http://knittingfairy.com/blog/?page_id=600">Persephone</a></b> - I'm not sure why I stopped working on this. I love the idea of this sweater in this yarn (Brooks Farms Willow). The pictures really don't do it justice- it's going to be really pretty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679855457/" title="Slippers by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Slippers" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6679855457_d245838c90.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Slippers</b> - One finished with that terrible pink toe. I thought I was going to work some stripes in these, but I was working on them during an Ann Budd workshop, visiting with my fellow students, and got carried away. By the time I decided to add the pink the slipper was done. I'm tempted to pull it out & redo the toe, but really, they are slippers, I think I can live with it. Not to mention that they are knit flat & seamed, so I'd have to pull out the seam, frog the toe, reknit & reseam. That seems like a lotta work for a slipper. I cast on for #2, and I finished the first one in a half day class, so I really need to sit down, work on it, & finish it up. It wouldn't take long!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679861087/" title="Astrid by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Astrid" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6679861087_dfca1062de.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Astrid</b> - Did I even talk about <a href="http://www.berroco.com/ng1/ng1_astrid_pv.html">Astrid</a> last year? I know for sure I haven't taken an in progress picture since I've been this far along. I started this in July 2008 and I pick it up periodically. As you can see, I have a lot of circles done. I checked my notes & I have all small & medium circles done & I think I need to finish 11 more big circles to be finished. If that is true, wow, it's close. Other than all of that seaming, which I won't do until I can lay it out. I also included all 5 needles I found in that bag. Needle eater!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6680639059/" title="Clapotis by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Clapotis" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6680639059_308738a20a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<b>Girlie-flauge Clapotis </b>- destined to be frogged - I truly hate the stark whiteness of the white in it. This yarn would make great monsters, though!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679832629/" title="Chevron Love Mitts by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Chevron Love Mitts" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6679832629_ee6262d62b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<b>Chevron Love Mittens</b><br />
Oh how I love these mittens. I got completely stuck on the thumb & I won't begin to explain to you why, let's just say I was confused. Which I was. And kind of still am, but at least I think I have it figured out. This is a perfect example of getting off track on a project & then letting it sit forever even after you know what the problem is, but you really don't know why you can't just pick it back up again! Because if I haven't mentioned this, I love them.<br />
<br />
Now let's talk about the leftovers from the beginning of 2011 (including the few project that I had hibernating but there is no use ignore them because they exist).<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6679859301/" title="Vintage Velvet by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Velvet" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6679859301_620513a16e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Vintage Velvet - this one is on the cusp. I surely can't read my knitting on chenille yarn with reversible cables. I'm not sure what to do with it. Part of me thinks just finish it like it is, even if it's wrong, because really it's going to be felted & this gorgeous color no matter what. And I can't even imagine what frogging Touch Me would be like. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6192788153/" title="Unblocked Barn Raising Quilt by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Unblocked Barn Raising Quilt" height="399" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6164/6192788153_5a9acb4742.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Barn Raising Quilt. Sigh. You will recall that I post about being finished with this last year. It was finished but the icord around the edge was kind of tight & I couldn't block it out to the size that it really wanted to be. I pulled it out, need to block it, then come up with another way to do the edging. That is part of cleaning up my yarn room so I have room to block & use my new steamer. I did work on the cleaning mission today & I think maybe there is enough room for this, I might try it this weekend.<br />
<div><br />
</div><br />
I haven't worked on any of these to any great extent, so there really isn't much to say about them:<br />
One Row Buffalo Scarf<br />
<br />
Learn to Knit Afghan<br />
Notes of Lyra<br />
Misty Ike Socks<br />
Triple S Shawl<br />
Lace Sampler Scarf<br />
<br />
Trellis Shawl (needs to be frogged, including mohair)<br />
Noni Adventure Bag (needs to be felted. That's it. It's even sitting in a zipper bag on the dryer. Seriously)<br />
<br />
I also have these bags done & they just need to be lined:<br />
Noni Carpet Bag<br />
Carla Cabled Bag<br />
Sunburst Purse<br />
I figured I would put it out there, doesn't hurt to have a little peer pressure to get it done.<br />
<br />
And there you have it. We won't even talk about the fact that I have 3 brand new for 2012 projects on the needles. Ahem.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-61436797075396624732012-01-04T12:27:00.000-06:002012-01-04T12:27:31.764-06:00Goals, schmoals.I don't know why I feel the need to have a talk with myself every year about what kind of knitting goals I have for the following year and then never look at them again. I'm done. Not doing it. <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2010/12/wrapping-up-2010-looking-forward-to.html">Here</a> they are if you want to read about it & laugh. Or I'll give you the quick recap.<br />
<br />
<ul><li>I bought lots & lots of yarn even though I said I wasn't going to (that did last 3 whole months though).</li>
<li>I didn't make any gifts ahead. Not even one. I did give away a bunch of my past knitting, but it wasn't entirely planned out, so to say I did it on purpose is kind of cheating. I also finished up a baby sweater that the baby outgrew while I was making it & gave it to a different baby, but again, completely unplanned. It seems unfair to turn my timing failure into a "planned gift", but it did work out & I recommend it if you have nearly finished baby presents lying about. </li>
<li>Get rid of sock yarn? What was I, INSANE? Well, I did finish 6 pairs of socks, which is pretty good. And I made 11 other things out of fingering weight yarn, a few of which were originally in the "sock yarn" category. Most importantly I did knit up the Yarn Pirate Culture Club that I specifically targeted in that post. I am thinking perhaps that wasn't a coincidence. Let's call it a win if for nothing else my self esteem.</li>
<li>Wips - that will be addressed in a full post of it's very own. I don't think I can bear to do both in one day. </li>
<li>Limit spending to $50 per month for the first quarter. I can call that a victory, I really didn't buy much yarn until after DFW Fiber Fest, but wow, how the flood gates opened after that. My total for January to March was for sure under $150. </li>
<li>"Look at my existing yarn in a new way & stop trying to make it into the project I loved 4 years ago." I still love the sentiment of this goal. I did a little bit of this through using some of my sock yarn for hats & I also used some of a dye lot of a discontinued yarn to make a baby sweater. I usually save odd amounts like that thinking that I'll find the perfect thing, but it was the right color for the right baby & I went for it. Now I have enough of that yarn to make another baby sweater or something and make it all work out. The few things that could fall into this category really end up being using up odds & ends, which I put a pretty good dent in too, but not enough. </li>
<li>"Knit stuff that I love. Destash the rest." Yeah, I'm really not a good destasher - I like to have AllOfTheYarn. I did a lot of culling in January last year, but otherwise I keep my yarn. I can't help it & no I do not have a problem.</li>
<li>"Enjoy what I have and admire what others have without necessarily coveting some of my own". I love that as well, I would say my success rate on that is pretty good. Most of the stuff I stashed this year was pretty specific, most for baby things. I see stuff & I want it too though, I am only human. </li>
</ul><div>What would I like to see for my 2012 knitting life? I refuse to make too many goals. Since I am kind of at a clean slate, I can tell you where my head is.</div><div><ul><li>I would like to concentrate on sweaters & sock since I tend to use those finished objects the most. </li>
<li>I am not putting too much pressure on myself - not so much "joining" & going along with a crowd, more just doing what I want when I want. That's the only way the multiple sweater / sock thing will ever work out.</li>
<li>I am attempting to not buy yarn until DFW Fiber Fest, and then only a set amount. No random buying just for fun. I put some personal parameters from a financial standpoint & while I'd like to say NO YARN, I do know that isn't practical. Let me get through the next few months and then we'll talk.</li>
<li>I feeling like historically I have put a lot of pressure on myself to "get organized" & then I go follow a group around, and that just doesn't really work for me. I've never been a person that likes to be held to rules & restrictions, it makes me wonder why I've ever sought that out! </li>
<li>Get my yarn room organized once and for all! It seems like I'm constantly throwing a bag in there. Or throwing books on the floor instead of putting them on the shelf just to get them out of the living room. Or put stuff in there that I don't know what else to do with. It's a mess & that is stopping me from another goal I have - BLOCKING. I have loads of stuff that needs to be blocked, but the yarn room is really the only spot where I have room to do it that is safe from the curious paws of my cats. I find myself putting off the blocking part for most stuff because of this, so if I could just get it straight maybe I'll be more motivated to block the stuff that needs it. Besides, I got a commercial grade steamer that should make this process so much easier - I hate my current steamer for so many reasons. (drippy, not hot enough, takes forever, etc, etc). I found a commercial grade stand up steamer for $45 on woot.com & ordered it immediately. I can't wait to try it out! </li>
</ul><div>The only structured thing that I have going on - and I'm doing it because in our case the word structure is truly laughable - is that my friend Lyn & I have planned to start knitting through the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Socks-Ultimate-Creating/dp/0307586804">Knitter's Book of Socks</a>. I cast on for the first pair, <a href="http://knittersreview.com/stepping_stones.pdf">Stepping Stones</a>, on Jan 1 & am flying through them. That is probably because they are knit out of <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_4_65">heavyweight Socks That Rock</a> (in color <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_20_587">LL Cool Socks</a> in case you care) & I'm just so happy to be knitting something for ME that I can't stand it. <br />
<br />
So that's it - very loose & not very specific "goals" which pretty much amount to no goals. I like it. Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div></div>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-22266390282058484582012-01-01T00:36:00.000-06:002012-01-01T00:36:59.435-06:002011 - The RetrospectiveI feel so completely disconnected from my knitting right this second. I spent several days in Louisiana with my family to celebrate Christmas, came home & immediately left for Costa Rica with my inlaws for a week. That setting really wasn't conducive to wool. Let me assure you, sunscreen + sunburn + heat + more moths than I've ever seen really does not equal knitting mojo. (yes, I did freeze every bit of yarn that I brought with me just in case, why do you ask?) <br />
<br />
Here are just a few of the hundreds & hundreds of pictures I took while I was there:<br />
Me at <a href="http://www.manuelantoniopark.com/mapk/default.asp">Manuel Antonio Park</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6610784179/" title="Me at Manuel Antonio Park - Costa Rica by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Me at Manuel Antonio Park - Costa Rica" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6610784179_0a83e8e3ae.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
One of the many sloths we saw at Manuel Antonio Park (through the lens our guide had)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6610785191/" title="Sloth at Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Sloth at Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica " height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6610785191_734f425de7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
It was hard to take a bad picture of this beach at Manuel Antonio Park, but this is one of my favorites:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6610786657/" title="the beach at Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="the beach at Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica " height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6610786657_7620d5a392.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I swear we went more places than that park, but I have so many great pictures it was a good place to start. Well, one more. Here is the view from the house where we stayed. I took a picture of Patrick in the pool daily because he spent an awful lot of time in there (both with & without beer, scotch, rum, etc) We actually spent a lot of time at the house because really, why wouldn't we? <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6610868409/" title="Patrick hanging in our pool in Costa Rica by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Patrick hanging in our pool in Costa Rica" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6610868409_8a5a2e94ba.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I might post more about the trip later, but I figured I would throw those pictures up now because my track record of trip reports really really sucks.<br />
<br />
Are you ready to get back to the knitting? Honestly, I'm not either because I can't stop obsessing about the pictures of Costa Rica, but I'll do my best. I managed to get my numbers together for 2011- it's such a boring thing for everyone else, so let me take a moment to wish you a very Happy New Year & if you want to skip the rest of this I won't blame you one little bit. As usual I like to have a LIST of everything I made in the year, because goodness knows having it all on Ravelry & tagged by year just isn't enough for my OCD brain. <br />
<br />
Totals: 51 items (10 less than last year. I blame all of the wash clothes I made last year)<br />
Breakdown as follows:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Scarves - 10</div><div class="MsoNormal">Socks - 6 PAIR</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hats - 7</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wash clothes / towels - 2</div><div class="MsoNormal">Toys - 3 (all mini)</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shawls - 10</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cardigans - 2 adult, 4 baby</div><div class="MsoNormal">Other baby items - 2</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fingerless / regular mitts - 3</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sweater Sampler, which doesn't fit anywhere - 1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">January – 1 baby, 1 shawl, 2 pairs socks, 1 hat, 1 scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Happy Baby Blanket</div><div class="MsoNormal">Simple Yet Effective #2</div><div class="MsoNormal">Flamingo Stripe Monkey Socks</div><div class="MsoNormal">Groovy Thorpe</div><div class="MsoNormal">Knit Clinic Preppie Socks</div><div class="MsoNormal">Savvy Scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">February – 2 scarves, 1 shawl, 1 hat, 1 misc</div><div class="MsoNormal">Melody</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s Good to Be Girl Shawl</div><div class="MsoNormal">Nouveau Bohemia</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sweater Workshop Sampler</div><div class="MsoNormal">La Novia</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">March – 1 hat, 1 scarf, 1 adult sweater</div><div class="MsoNormal">Quest</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lettuce Slide Scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Peasy Sweater</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">April – 1 scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Noro Melody</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">May – 1 scarf, 1 shawl, 1 pr socks</div><div class="MsoNormal">WM Poison No 5 Clapotis</div><div class="MsoNormal">LSU Socks</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mara in MT Fathom</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">June – 1 shawl, 1 scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Striped Study Shawl</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chroma Striped Scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">July – 1 scarf, 1 pr socks, 1 pr mittens, 1 mini toy, 1 washcloth, 2 shawls</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shelburne Scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Pinata Socks</div><div class="MsoNormal">Eugenia’s Mitts</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tiny Zombie</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cotlin Washcloth</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ellie Shawl</div><div class="MsoNormal">Guernsey Wrap</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">August – 1 towel, 1 hat, 1 pr socks</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gridded Hand Towel</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bob Sockhead Hat</div><div class="MsoNormal">Loopy Striped Jaywalkers</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">September – 1 blanket, 1 baby dress, 1 shawl, 1 hat</div><div class="MsoNormal">Barn Raising Quilt</div><div class="MsoNormal">Clara Dress</div><div class="MsoNormal">Aspen Wrap</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sockhead hat Jitterbug</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">October – 3 baby cardigans, 1 pr socks, 1 shawl</div><div class="MsoNormal">Lace Edge Cardigan</div><div class="MsoNormal">No Purl Monkeys</div><div class="MsoNormal">Easy Baby Cardigan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Citron</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bitty Cabled Cardigan</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">November – 1 baby cardigan, 2 scarves, 2 shawls, 2 hats </div><div class="MsoNormal">Garter Yoke Baby Sweater</div><div class="MsoNormal">Easter Egg Honeycomb Scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shoulder Bling</div><div class="MsoNormal">Traveling Woman</div><div class="MsoNormal">Saroyan</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jayne Hat</div><div class="MsoNormal">Turn a Square Saints Hat</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">December – 1 scarf, 2 mitts, 2 toys, 1 adult sweater</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cranberry Garter Stitch scarf </div><div class="MsoNormal">Sweet Fern Mitts</div><div class="MsoNormal">LSU Mitts</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Tiny Santa</div><div class="MsoNormal">Curtis elf scarf</div><div class="MsoNormal">Featherweight Cardigan WM lace </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Next time I'm going to address all of the WIPs I have. Remember when I made my <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2010/12/wip-update-early-2011.html">true confession</a> last year? Well it's time to revisit that & my "resolutions" for 2011 to see how I did. I hope 2011 was good to you & 2012 brings you nothing but joy & happiness. I'm truly blessed and can't really complain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-63407465408055807102011-11-02T11:15:00.000-05:002011-11-02T11:15:04.372-05:00Dear Knitwear Designers,<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6305912749/" title="P1030645 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="P1030645" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6305912749_6414df4565.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Please stop coming out with terrific books with patterns that I-must-knit-right-this-minute. The cooler weather has given me a severe case of sweater knitting-itis and I've been buying your publications like a crazy person. There seems to be no end to great looking patterns & I am stuck knitting random hats & baby items because I can't make a decision. Can you hold off until next year so I can get a few of these done just in time for Spring 2012 as is my tradition of sweater knitting? Thank you.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Tasha<br />
<br />
PS - I threw in The Knitters Book of Socks because I just got it last night and I love it too.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-46882129466936580692011-09-28T16:34:00.006-05:002011-09-28T16:42:03.301-05:00Barn Raising QuiltI seriously can't believe what I'm about to tell you. It is totally shocking to me because I have never even once visualized this as a finished project. EVER. Are you ready?<br />
<br />
I FINISHED MY BARN RAISING QUILT!!!!!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6192785479/" title="Unblocked Barn Raising Quilt by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Unblocked Barn Raising Quilt" height="366" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6192785479_3a51fe9035.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I started this project in April of 2008. The general concept was to use sock yarn scraps to make a 7 inch square until I had 42 squares - that is what the pattern calls for (I ended up with 56 because apparently that's exactly how crazy I am). I had so many sock yarn scraps back in April 2008 that I really thought I need to do something with them. Reality is that I had exactly 8 scraps, I went back and checked. I made a few squares & came to the realization that it would take me 14 bajillion years to knit up 42 pairs of socks & have enough scraps to finish up this blanket. I came up with a brilliant idea to get new scraps for my blanket - I would ask all the knitters I knew for one of their yarn scraps. <br />
<br />
Here is what I found out. When you tell people that you are looking for sock scraps for your blanket, they will offer you every single sock yarn scrap they have in their possession. I know why, honestly, because now I have scraps that I would love to (and do) put into the hands of people who would love them. What I quickly figured out is that if I took every scrap from one knitter I knew, the blanket wouldn't become about all of the knitters I knew. My friends laugh that I was pretty strict about it, like "I have already given Tasha a scrap so she sure won't take another one." For the most part that is true. I didn't want to have a blanket full of someone else's scraps - I wanted this blanket that would take me most of my natural life (or 3 1/2 years) to finish to mean something to me. My "rules" really made people think about which scrap meant something to them so they could give it to me. <br />
<br />
For example:<br />
Manda gave me this Zen String Blueberry Pie scrap because I drew her name in a swap & I gave her this yarn since purple is her favorite color. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6193307396/" title="Manda Blueberry pie by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Manda Blueberry pie" height="435" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6193307396_3868df67be.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Becky gave me this scrap which we affectionately called the Groovy Greg Brady sock yarn. I was with her for the many weeks that she worked on these socks. There were many stories told over coffee at our local coffee shop, much gossip shared. Groovy Greg Brady is a part of those memories for me.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6192791435/" title="Groovy Greg Brady by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Groovy Greg Brady" height="428" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6192791435_1338db16ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Liz has several scraps in my blanket. This is her favorite yarn because it's <a href="http://www.tamu.edu/">Aggie</a> yarn. Not only that, but I bought this yarn for her. We were on our first ever trip to <a href="http://www.kidnewe.com/">Kid N Ewe</a> & she really wanted this yarn but passed on it because it was literally one of the first booths we visited that year & she wasn't ready to buy it. When she wasn't looking I went to the vendor and bought the yarn for her. She was SOOOOOO disappointed that she wouldn't stop talking about it forever. I was going to give it to her for Christmas but I broke down & gave it to her that weekend, that is how sad she was that she didn't buy it when it was available.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6193309590/" title="Liz Aggie Square by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Liz Aggie Square" height="387" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6193309590_70e7f88c35.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is the yarn that I used for my mother-in-law's birthday present from 2009. I chose the yarn and pattern specifically for her, and that shawl was one of the prettiest things I've ever made. The best part? Based on the prodding of my friends, I entered that shawl into the Texas state fair and won a 3rd place ribbon in 2010. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6192793349/" title="Happy Forrest by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Forrest" height="439" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6192793349_b857a66c7b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Amy gave me this Madeline Tosh scrap & if you knew Amy you'd say, yep, that looks just like Amy.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6193312344/" title="Amy square by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Amy square" height="429" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6193312344_31baa6059e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I really could tell you about every single of the 56 squares in my blanket but I'm sure that would bore you to tears.<br />
<br />
So while you were looking at those pictures I know exactly what you were thinking. "Tasha, block that blanket, please, those squares look like they have nipples." No? Go look at those pictures then tell me that's not true! Here's where the story turns a little sad. After I finished the border I immediately wanted to block it out. I tried to steam it but the border is just too tight. Having said that, I really LOVE the way the border looks. I love the icord, I love the pink, I think it adds exactly what I wanted for the finishing. I refuse to change this project status to "not finished" right behind it being finished. I am going to rip out the border, block this thing, then make a decision on what to do about the border. Seriously, it only took me about 3 nights to do the icord, so I'm tossing around the idea of doubling the border yarn, using larger needles, maybe a crochet borders? I don't know and to be perfectly honest I can't even think about it right now. I'm currently in the EEEEEP-I-have-to-pull-out-my-border mentality. I might even bring it to knitting tonight & let someone else do it because you know those friends that so freely gave scraps for my blanket? Those bitches are also quick to rip out a project if you just can't bear to do it. That is a true friend.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-31536199396153340472011-09-07T12:59:00.000-05:002011-09-07T12:59:23.084-05:00What I Learned from Cast On ManiaWell, August is over & with it goes Cast On Mania. I must admit that I'm a little sad because I was having fun casting on whatever I wanted. Obviously I didn't start something new every single day but here is what I ended up with:<br />
<br />
Number of newly cast on projects: 11<br />
Number of finished projects from those: 2<br />
Number of frogged projects from those: 3<br />
Number still on the list in danger of frogging: 1<br />
Number making it through to the regular WIP pile: 5<br />
<br />
This exercise was so much fun. Some things that I learned about myself & my process:<br />
<br />
* I don't need to buy new needles for a long time. Holy crap, despite having 30ish things on the needles, I still have a collection to chose from if I wanted to cast on for something else. I have a few <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Interchangeable_Circular_Knitting_Needle_Tips_Cables__L300312.html">Knit Picks Option</a> sets, which I truly love. I have also been adding Addis to my stash for as long as I've been knitting. No more needles. Wow.<br />
<br />
* I really love the process of picking out a pattern and yarn pairing. I could (and do) spend hours searching for the perfect pattern for a specific yarn I have. Or the other way around - I find a pattern that I love and spend time picking out a yarn that will work best with that pattern. Seeing what they become together is a really satisfying part of the process. I have had my fair share of failures in this area, but I will admit I've gotten much better at it. Sometimes the pairings still don't work, but I think the longer I knit the more wiling I am to pull the project out. <br />
<br />
* I LOVE TO CAST ON! <br />
<br />
I decided that in September I was going to work on projects already on the needles because obviously I have a few things I could work on. It seems like there is temptation everywhere! I found out that a friend is adopting a baby and she will be here in a few weeks, so I had to cast on for a new baby thing. It's the<a href="http://soakwash.ipower.com/images/SoakAdKnitting2008.pdf"> Clara Dress </a> that was featured in a Soak ad several years back. I've been wanting to make it forever so I finally broke down and bought the kit in a dusty plum color. <br />
<br />
The other temptation is from <a href="http://www.stashandburn.com/2011/08/episode-109-sss-2011.html">Single Skein September</a> with the Stash and Burn podcast group. I participated last year and I pushed through a lot of projects that I had been wanting to make. This year I'm trying to resist so I can work on the bigger projects that I already have started. Today is the 7th and I've only cast on one new thing (the Clara dress), so maybe I can make it without casting on more. I just stashed my needles away and am hoping to stay far far away from them....but we'll see.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-72516634381851612272011-08-17T11:19:00.000-05:002011-08-17T11:19:23.291-05:00Riding the Crazy TrainMy cast on crazy train took a little detour because I went to Louisiana over the weekend. I brought a few of my projects with me but ran into a few problems - mostly needle problems! I got to the decreases on my Sockhead Hat & had to put it away. I must admit that when I started this madness it never occurred to me that I might actually FINISH something this month. There I was though, on decreases with no shorter needles or DPNs. I almost broke down and went to the new yarn shop in <a href="http://www.tealouandjosephine.com/">Hammond, LA</a> (which looks adorable & I can't wait to visit) or to Hobby Lobby or something, but I could hear Patrick cackling in the back of my head telling me that he KNEW I'd have to buy needles. I fought off the urge knowing that I had the dang needles at home and it was only a few more days, seriously! I worked on some of the other projects I brought and I am trying to accept that the most adorable Fiesta Frock baby sweater is just not going to work out. It is entirely too wide and despite adding a little bit of length, the proportions are definitely off. If I frog something & cast it back on using smaller needles, does that count as a new cast on for the day? I have to think so. Here are the other things I started before I left Thursday and since I got back.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/2008/10/heelhead-scarf.html">Heel Head Scarf </a> using this Adrienne Vittadini Trina that has been in my stash for what seems like a million years.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/491623910/" title="Adrienne Vittadini by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Adrienne Vittadini" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/491623910_e211547224.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I bought it 50% off at the <a href="http://woolieewe.com/awoolietale/">Woolie Ewe</a> way back when I realized that there was a clearance section. I have a weird amount of it - which is exactly why it was in the sale bin. I had a project picked out for it all this time but when I grabbed all of my stuff together to cast on for it, I realized I didn't have enough yardage. Go figure! This scarf with a hood has been in my queue forever, so I paired them up & cast on - isn't that the point of this exercise??<br />
<br />
When I got back I immediately finished the Sockhead Hat (with needles that I already own, thankyouverymuch). My nieces saw the nearly finished hat & both of them threw a fit & wanted it. Right after I finished the first one I cast on for another in this Colinette Jitterbug Fruit that again, I've had forever! Great old stash busting that I've got going on over here.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/2334676523/" title="Jitterbug Fruit by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Jitterbug Fruit" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2334676523_db7e190846.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/sheri/2011/08/namaste-lornas-and-project-three">Camp Loopy Project #3</a> started on Monday so I cast on for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62697898/aspen-wrap-knitting-pattern">The Aspen Wrap</a> in <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/yarn/amy-butler-belle-organic/dk/">Amy Butler Belle DK</a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6012742061/" title="amybutler belle organic dk by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="amybutler belle organic dk" height="394" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/6012742061_a1bbaa5875.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
This was my Monday AND Tuesday cast on project since I started on size 9 needles & I didn't like the way it looked. I have to finish before September 15th to finish up the 3 months of camp challenges and that WILL happen. It's been fun.<br />
<br />
Since I'm trying to finish up the Camp Loopy Aspen Wrap in a month, I'm debating casting on more projects in August. There are so many things I want to cast on though, and it seems to be working....stay tuned. I'll let you know what happens!<br />
<br />
<br />
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-29101220117656354872011-08-09T19:26:00.002-05:002011-08-09T19:28:37.031-05:00Still Casting onYes, I'm still casting on. Since I last checked in I have cast on 3 new project.<br />
<br />
The 19th Century Honeycomb Stitch Scarf in this Three Irish Girls Bryn<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5684878802/" title="3IG Fingering Cashmere Bryn by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="3IG Fingering Cashmere Bryn" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5684878802_262f640fe5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lbyarnco.com/2009/07/girlfriend-market-bag/">A Girlfriend Market Bag</a> in this very old stashed Sugar n Cream<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6027033707/" title="Grrlfriend Market Bag by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Grrlfriend Market Bag " height="347" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/6027033707_950b1fbda4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
And tonight I'm casting on the <a href="http://3sleeves.blogspot.com/2008/09/knit-gridded-towel-pattern.html">Knit Gridded Towel</a> in this yarn (also vintage stash!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/6027585812/" title="Gridded Towel by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Gridded Towel" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6027585812_889cb13ab3.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<br />
It is a fun exercise & I highly recommend it. I've gotten a surprising amount of knitting done on these projects. Casting on with wild abandon is really a lot of fun & very freeing. I have had to stop myself from casting on more than one project each day - how is that possible? <br />
<br />
I have also have some comments about needles. Sigh. I do have a lot of needles. So far I have had the sizes of all the needles I have needed, but I'm waiting for the day that I don't have what I need & have to pull from another project or (gasp!) buy more. That was Patrick's very first comment when I mentioned the challenge, so I'm trying to keep my word that I'll have what I need to move forward on a daily basis. I really don't see a need to buy more needles, but we'll just have to see. <br />
<br />
Join the fun or plan your own month of casting on craziness!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-50685915895862948252011-08-06T10:30:00.001-05:002011-08-06T10:31:07.793-05:00Cast On Mania August 2011I have some craziness going on right now. I heard about a challenge where you are supposed to cast on a new project every day of the month for a whole month. My immediate reaction was "That is the most insane thing I have ever heard in my life". After contemplating the idea of about 24 hours, I had a plan of action. The more I thought about it the more it actually makes sense to me. Half the time the problem with me putting off a project I really want to knit is simply gathering the needles, finding & winding the yarn, finding & printing the pattern and getting it all together in one place. After it is cast on I can just grab something and work on it - no real thought required. I made a list of about 45 things that have been in queue for years - these projects range from baby items to socks to hat to sweaters - all levels of time involved.<br />
<br />
There is no universe that I believe I will actually finish any of these projects in one day (or maybe even in the month!), but at the end of the month I can reassess the new projects on the needles and frog the ones that I don't want to continue with. I don't know that I will cast on something new every single day, but for the past 2 days I have & it's fun to think about what to do tomorrow. <br />
<br />
Here's what I've done so far:<br />
<a href="http://oneskeinwonderwoman.com/2011/03/13/and-were-off-project-one-fiesta-frock/">Fiesta Frock</a> - CO 8/6<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP-H67NkreNXsCNyH9TDg4NNNuYcro5HyO6ygMnw5z0cnARiOvbcQuHjZjlOXxvrJOxLsEUkngrsNCtc4kl1gSbmCDCzEdwCQr_V1sb9D4ETPMLC_9rZpECKFa_4sX7Vz1Q1FWg/s1600/P1030507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTP-H67NkreNXsCNyH9TDg4NNNuYcro5HyO6ygMnw5z0cnARiOvbcQuHjZjlOXxvrJOxLsEUkngrsNCtc4kl1gSbmCDCzEdwCQr_V1sb9D4ETPMLC_9rZpECKFa_4sX7Vz1Q1FWg/s320/P1030507.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://bohoknits.blogspot.com/2009/05/sockhead-hat.html">Sockhead Hat</a> - CO 8/5 - This is perfect movie / brainless knitting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xf40eY7rzSlvPa8o859Brc7YHUoZ9YJAGeTXi4Kx1yaKSb1PKlwkxLgs2XPD2R0-tFUheFJAB7-N-dJ1pPJyNPPDEE6BHA4VcZaWD-mXWzj8DI9r2ckTT0JSiqirjYI8XAekcg/s1600/P1030503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xf40eY7rzSlvPa8o859Brc7YHUoZ9YJAGeTXi4Kx1yaKSb1PKlwkxLgs2XPD2R0-tFUheFJAB7-N-dJ1pPJyNPPDEE6BHA4VcZaWD-mXWzj8DI9r2ckTT0JSiqirjYI8XAekcg/s320/P1030503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
What about you? Do you think this is a genius idea or it is just crazypants?Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-85021517118897225222011-03-26T20:11:00.004-05:002011-03-26T20:13:23.699-05:00DFW Fiber Fest - April 8-10, 2011(disclaimer - this is "knitter Tasha" talking, not "board member Tasha" - as if I'm ever anything other than "knitter Tasha")<br />
<br />
So, I'm pretty sure I haven't talked about this on my blog, but this year I am on the board of <a href="http://dfwfiberfest.org/">DFW Fiber Fest</a>. This knitting event has a place near & dear to my heart. We are in our 6th year, so this was the very first fiber event that I ever attended. For Valentine's Day 2006 Patrick got me a full weekend of classes. I was such a new knitter - I had only been knitting for about 8 months. I took 6 classes in 3 days. Do I need to explain to you how big of a deal that was for a brand new knitter? <br />
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I felt a little nostalgic as I read my posts from that time period. <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2006/04/dfw-fiber-fest.html">Before</a> I went. Immediately <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2006/05/my-head-hurts.html">after I returned</a>. (I'm happy to say that <a href="http://knittingfairy.com/">Alissa Barton</a> is still putting up with my stupid questions & mistakes, as well as my not so stupid questions & mistakes). <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2006/05/i-love-dyeing.html">A post</a> about my dyeing class. ANYWAY, I've been every single year since they have started & I have been there for the whole thing other than the 2 years I was a Disney with my nieces (their Easter break) and last year I even left Disney half a day early & came straight from the airport at noon to go to my 2PM class. I met some of my best knitting friends there that first year. The event continues to grow & while some people think because we "aren't as big as Stitches" or that our classes don't sell out in 15 minutes that it can't be all that. I assure you, it's so much fun. I've been to some big events & this still remains on the top of my list as a favorite. <br />
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The benefits of it being a smaller venue are apparent. You get more face time with teachers, shopping is fairly easy - it's rare to feel claustrophobic & crowded even at really popular booths. All of the people - friends or not - are so friendly and open, it's hard to find anyone that isn't just happy to be there. I guess you can say that about most knitting events, but I truly mean it. It's in my back yard & rather I was involved or not, I could never imagine not supporting a local event that brings National & local teachers together for a weekend of learning & yarn buying! If you have never been, you should come, no matter where you live. Every year it keeps growing & growing & growing - it is our goal to never get it so big that it loses what makes it so special. <br />
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What sold me being on the board was that I got to work with the <a href="http://dfwfiberfest.org/vendors.html">Vendors</a>. We have a lot of repeat vendors coming but the new larger venue has allowed us to expand the vendor hall to some new to us vendors. We took a lot of time balancing the needs, wants, and feedback of past students to create a good mix of vendors. I have to say, it's a lot of work. It's been a lot of fun. I truly hope it all turns out as I have envisioned it. <br />
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If you are in the Dallas area, please come see us. If you aren't & you would need to travel, consider coming next year. It just keeps getting better!Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-59395886782343925862011-02-14T07:00:00.003-06:002011-02-14T07:00:26.608-06:00Nothing Says Love Like Zombie BBQThis is what my sweet husband got me for Valentines Day. So much better than flowers. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5442300178/" title="Lornas Zombie BBQ by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5442300178_5556bcb9d8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lornas Zombie BBQ" /></a><br />
<br />
While this breaks my "no yarn" rules for the first quarter of 2011, I am pretty happy about it (like jumping up & down happy). The dyeing geniuses at Lorna's Laces created this colorway for the Sock Summit in 2009 & I fell in love with it immediately. It is even prettier in person that I could have imagined. Now....what to do with it.....<br />
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I love that man!Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-82764839020754415802011-02-13T11:56:00.001-06:002011-02-13T11:57:57.715-06:00New Fun StuffI've been a little absent from blogging because stop the presses, I've actually been knitting a lot! <br />
<br />
My friend Lina has a brand new pattern out, <a href="http://photoknitdog.com/2011/02/10/nouveau-bohemia/">Nouveau Bohemia</a>. I pulled some DIC Classy in the Petal Shower colorway out of my stash & knit up the beret version. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5442302798/" title="Nouveau Bohemia by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/5442302798_faaf7a4e7c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Nouveau Bohemia" /></a><br />
The pattern was very well written, easy to follow, and her photos are so great. She is a professional photographer living in NYC - I love to read her blog & see her great pictures. She is also having a contest to celebrate her blog's new home, you can enter it <a href="http://photoknitdog.com/2011/02/11/new-blog-home-giveaway/">here</a>. The contest ends tomorrow, so hurry! <br />
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The other thing that I finished very recently was <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/la-novia-p-130.html">La Novia</a> designed by Anne Hanson. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5441693223/" title="La Novia by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/5441693223_570bfa5c55.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="La Novia" /></a><br />
It needs a good blocking, but it turned out really pretty in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pigeonroofstudios">Pigeonroof Studios</a> Superwash Sport yarn. The color is really gorgeous. <br />
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The other fun thing that came in the mail this week was my order from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dance2yarn">Three Bags Full</a>. One of these was supposed to be a gift, but now I'm thinking not so much. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5442297850/" title="Three Bags Full by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5442297850_30475ac337.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Three Bags Full" /></a><br />
I was unsure about the size of these (they are the minis), but I really wanted the owls. As it turns out, they are a great size - my wound skein of Classy & my hat project fit in there just fine with a few notions with plenty of room to spare. I would love to have the bigger one as well so I'll be stalking for a fabric that I love. You know, because I need another bag....Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-33990920779476088972011-02-01T08:00:00.002-06:002011-02-01T10:43:37.158-06:00What Do These Things Have In Common?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5407191922/" title="P1020620 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5407191922_836437d222.jpg" width="500" height="402" alt="P1020620" /></a><br />
<br />
My couch ate them all. I was on a mission to find one thing - the remote, but you knew that didn't you? I moved my couch cushion - uh, jackpot! Some of this was found between the sections of my sectional, like the cordless phone (set of 4 which is why I didn't tear the couch apart to find it when it went missing weeks ago) & the Addi turbo size 11, 32 inch still in the package. <br />
<br />
Items found under cushion:<br />
2 pens, 1 pencil, 2 pair of scissors, a ponytail holder, a container of chibis, 1 size 4 Knitpicks Options tip, a small crochet hook, 6 stitch markers, countless beads (seriously, I stopped picking these up), and a nickel. I often hear people talk about paying for a meal with the change you find in your couch cushions & well, my nickel wouldn't buy much. But I don't know one knitter that wouldn't be happy about finding this loot which is obviously much more valuable than a few bucks in change. <br />
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Just for the record, I also looked under Patrick's cushion & he didn't have anything fun under there. Not even one fun thing! Go figure. Go look under yours & tell me what you find - please! You never know what might be under there. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was hoping the cushion would cough up my Knitpicks Option set complete with binder that has been missing forever. No such luck.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-68542127842289682822011-01-02T13:00:00.000-06:002011-01-02T13:57:50.414-06:00Yarn That is Just Too Pretty To UseI have been reading a discussion about using up yarn that you have that is your holy grail. Every knitter has some of this yarn. It's sitting there waiting for the "perfect" project. I am determined to knit some of my precious yarn. You want to see it? Because, honestly, it's so pretty & I couldn't limit it to a couple because I have a bunch of it. <br />
<a href="http://shop.blackbunnyfibers.com/"><br />
Black Bunny Fibers</a> Alpaca Silk <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4294185213/" title="Black Bunny Fibers lace by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2723/4294185213_9e33fae418.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Black Bunny Fibers lace " /></a><br />
My friend Betty gave this yarn to me & it is positively stunning. I LOVE silk because of the sheen it adds to the yarn & the alpaca blend makes it perfect perfect yarn. And that color - oh my. <br />
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Bijou Spun Bamboo / Yak from <a href="http://www.bijoubasinranch.com/BBR_YPfiber.htm">Bijou Basin Ranch </a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4054047758/" title="Bijou Basin Yak/Bamboo by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4054047758_b401e077d2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bijou Basin Yak/Bamboo" /></a><br />
This company had a booth at Stitches East when I went to last year. They were on my list of booths to see because I have a cat named Bijoux & I thought it was fate. I was so overwhelmed that I completely forgot about it until the last day. This was my last purchase - a splurge on 2 skeins of bamboo / yak yarn. But I know why I haven't used this. Their most recent product is a <a href="http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/Lhasa+Wilderness%2C+75/25+Yak+/+Bamboo+Blend/part_number=2004/1211.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.0?">dyed, color version</a> of this yarn. I saw them in person a few months ago & OMG they are STUNNING. Now I am dreaming of buying some colored yarn & doing stripey scarves in alternating colors. It is a bit of an investment, these gorgeous, expensive scarves, so that's going to have to wait a bit. <br />
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<a href="http://handmaiden.ca/yarn_seasilk.html">Handmaiden Sea Silk</a> in Stardust<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4013640830/" title="HM Sea Silk - Stardust by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/4013640830_a98bd05ac3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="HM Sea Silk - Stardust" /></a><br />
Sigh. This is maybe my favorite yarn ever. I love it in the skein, I love it knitted up, I love working with it, I love the final product that it makes. Did I mention I love silk? I won a Survivor pool (yes, I bet yarn on reality shows & no, I don't have a problem - that's not why I stopped at all) and I got a lot of gift certificates to <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe </a> so I bought this yarn with those certificates. It's such a great color & looks truly silver on this base, which is really hard to find. It is destined to become the <a href="http://natalieservant.ca/2010/06/july-contest-preview/">Eiffel Tower Shawl</a>. I planned to make this to wear in Paris, but that never happened. I'm more determined than ever that this is what it is going to be though. I'm a little worried that I will run out of yarn, so I was waiting for enough people to finish it that I can get a better idea of if I have enough yarn to make the larger size, which is what I would prefer. Need to get on that research because it will be a divine project & I have already bought the pattern. Natalie has a ton of great <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/natalie-servant-designs">patterns</a> - check her out. <br />
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<a href="http://www.jadesapphire.com/">Jade Sapphire</a> Silk Cashmere <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4242755886/" title="Jade Sapphire Silk Cashmere by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4242755886_fb9b3a04da.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Jade Sapphire Silk Cashmere " /></a><br />
This is maybe the softest yarn that I own. I bought it on vacation in Destin last Christmas & immediately decided that it needs to be a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tibetan-clouds-beaded-stole">Tibetan Clouds Beaded Shawl</a> from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Wool-Ultimate-Understanding/dp/030735217X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1293813259&sr=8-1">The Knitter's Book of Wool</a>. I even bought the beads for it, but now I'm not sure. Since I've been wearing some of my shawls, I find the rectangular ones harder to work into my everyday wardrobe. Thus the stalling on this yarn. <br />
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<a href="http://shelridge.com/">Shelridge Farm</a> Soft Touch DK<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4054046264/" title="Shelridge Farms Soft Touch DK Storm by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4054046264_936459d030.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Shelridge Farms Soft Touch DK Storm " /></a><br />
I heard great things about this yarn & when I saw it in person at Stitches East, I had to have it. This color was an "accident" - she mixed her blue with forest green & this is what came out. It is completely gorgeous & is on the forefront to become a sweater for next fall. Right now I'm thinking <a href="http://ysolda.com/2007/08/21/coraline/">Coraline</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thefibreco.com/roadtochinalight.html"><br />
The Fibre Company Road to China Light</a> in Dark Amethyst<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4393616986/" title="Road to China Light by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4393616986_6fc336c962.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Road to China Light" /></a><br />
This yarn is positively dreamy & I have no idea why I bought it or what I'm going to do with it. Alpaca, Silk, Camel, & Cashmere. Seriouly. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rohrspatzundwollmeise.de/httpdocs/flash_content/rohrspatzundwollmeise.html">Wollmeise</a> Blaue Tinte<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/3939323726/" title="WM by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3939323726_e71c44e0c5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="WM" /></a><br />
I think all of the Wollmeise that I own is gorgeous, so I don't really know why this yarn in particular is just too precious for me to use. It is SOOO hard to capture the true color of this yarn - the color literally glows. It's one of those yarns that I can't seem to decide on a worthy pattern for. Right now <a href="http://www.knitspot.com/knitting_pattern/trevi-p-146.html">Trevi </a>from Anne Hanson is winning, but you notice I haven't cast on for it yet. <br />
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So what is your precious, too pretty to knit yarn? I'd love to see it. And I'd love to see you knit with some of it in the new year. Happy 2011!Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-53811362473851809622010-12-29T10:00:00.001-06:002010-12-31T09:35:31.035-06:00WIP Update Early 2011So.....last year I did a WIP reveal & had a few "finish or frog" conversations with myself. According to my calculations, at that time I had 16 WIP (not including my Barn Raising Quilt, which doesn't really count because it's a long term stash buster). I finished 6 of those, frogged 5, and there are still FIVE previous projects that are still not finished. And now I have 18. I guess I need another talking to. <br />
<br />
Here we go again, but I'm starting with the most recent.<br />
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<a href="http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=BFY-01">Ellie Shawl</a><br />
I love this yarn & pattern combo. I bought this yarn at the Brooks Farms booth the first year they came to DFW Fiber Fest - I do believe it was in 2007 though I can't be absolutely sure. I just love the color & while I was knitting on it over the Christmas holidays my Mom insisted that I need to buy more if I see it. It's just that pretty & the pictures don't do it justice (as usual).<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5293524037/" title="Ellie by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5168/5293524037_02fc65b5d7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ellie " /></a><br />
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Happy Baby Blanket<br />
This is for a friend that is having a baby in mid-January. I'm 1/4 of the way through & it went really really fast (like 3 or 4 days of light knitting maybe). I need to get on it because she'll be here anytime. They think she is going to be early - yeah, right!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5294113420/" title="Happy Blanket by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5294113420_bdc0df994b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Happy Blanket" /></a><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/10/12/one_row_handspun_scarf.html">One Row Buffalo Scarf</a><br />
Clicking along on this. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/3748440624/" title="Buffaboo by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3748440624_2bc1caa0aa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Buffaboo" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/17964729/rainbow-moebius-pattern"><br />
Old Rose Moebius </a><br />
It needs to go to the frog pond - I'm going to run out of yarn before it's as big as I want it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4013639340/" title="100_0654 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4013639340_1fbbef11ec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_0654" /></a><br />
<br />
Give me some sock mojo socks<br />
I stopped knitting on this because I can't find my working copy & I'm too lazy to pull out my book so that I have the heel directions. Seriously, that is the laziest thing I think I've ever said.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4901721947/" title="Knit clinic socks by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4901721947_6d906d5b0f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Knit clinic socks" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.timethrums.com/blog/2010/09/o-my-love-my-darling-i-hunger-for-the-fall/peasy-on3/">Peasy</a><br />
I do like this sweater, I think it's destined to be finished, not frogged.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4868245218/" title="rowan felted tweed clover by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4868245218_73bf9c1b6d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="rowan felted tweed clover" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://knittingfairy.com/ItemDesc.asp?item=BFY-14">Shoulder Bling</a><br />
This is some of the easiest knitting that I have on the needles. I just need to wind more of my yarn. My cat got into it & it's....a little loved on. She really loves yarn & she doesn't actually hurt it, but she doesn't like it to be in a neat skein or ball. I really hate to straighten it out either way.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4851215749/" title="Shoulder Bling Kraemer Sterling Silk & Silver by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4851215749_53f0eda28a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Shoulder Bling Kraemer Sterling Silk & Silver" /></a><br />
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Lace Edge Cardigan<br />
I need to sew on the edging or this baby is going to outgrow it! I knit a 6-9 month & she was born in July. Like I need to get sewing pronto. Damn you, Debbie Bliss.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4715830458/" title="DB Baby Cashmerino by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4715830458_9dfe22ffca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DB Baby Cashmerino " /></a><br />
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<a href="http://featherandfan.wordpress.com/2007/11/11/vintage-velvet/">Vintage Velvet</a><br />
I lost my place on this & I am horrible at counting rows on cables. Chenille yarn surely doesn't help.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/3702289076/" title="Touch me by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2544/3702289076_064dd77690.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Touch me " /></a><br />
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Hellfire Crosswalkers<br />
I think this is too many stitches. The pattern swears it's not & it will work out, but I'm not buying it. It needs a frog pond visit.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4555803517/" title="Vesper Hellfire by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/4555803517_434cdabc72.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Vesper Hellfire" /></a><br />
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I Love Being a Girl<br />
Another project that stalled because I need to wind another skein of yarn. I think I see a pattern developing, but it honestly makes no sense because I have to wind new yarn to start a new project. Geeze<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4598981841/" title="SG Love Bug by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1079/4598981841_fce12bfba2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="SG Love Bug " /></a><br />
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Garter Rib Yarntini<br />
I ran out of yarn. In April. The yarn dyer was nice enough to send me some of the base to finish the socks. And I still haven't wound it. OMG - what is wrong with me????? (UPDATE: Wound the yarn & finished these 12/29/10. They are a little wonky because the toes are different & I didn't continue the patter for the same amount of repeats. And I don't care - they are house socks and DONE!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4598980603/" title="100_1598 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4598980603_8f6d742cab.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="100_1598" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Knit-Afghan-Book-Barbara-Walker/dp/0942018133"><br />
Learn to Knit Afghan</a><br />
Long term knit. I have done 22 of 63 squares. A lot of the ones I have left are slipped stitch / mosaic knitting & I must admit, I kind of hate those squares! Maybe I should figure out the color pattern on the afghan if I knit the other squares 3 times or something. We'll see. I tend to pick this up when I'm at a total loss. I really do like the <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Swish_Worsted_Yarn__D5420153.html">Knitpicks Swish Worsted</a> & I'm enjoying knitting with it. I would be happy to use this for baby things & washables in the future. (These colors + Pink)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4393617950/" title="Swish for my barbara walker afghan by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4393617950_2586f4644b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Swish for my barbara walker afghan" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/naturalstateknit/14281326/sdc_003_medium.jpg">Notes of Lyra</a><br />
I really love this shawl. I'm test knitting it for the designer & it's a great knit. I finished the chart one full repeat & it's so pretty. I just have to be in a special mood to work on lace with beads. I would love to finish this & I can see it going in my gift pile because honestly? The yarn color is just not working for me. That might be part of why I keep stalling on it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4317005036/" title="Madeline Tosh silk lace by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4317005036_cb0b1d114e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Madeline Tosh silk lace" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweater-Workshop-Creative-Seam-Free-Sweaters/dp/0892725338/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1">Sweater Sampler</a><br />
This has been on my goal list for the past 2 years. I was rocking through the sampler all the way until I got to the button part. This is one of those projects that you need to read & not being doing something else. It's very rare that I am in that situation - I usually knit while I'm watching TV & Patrick already fusses that I make his rewind the show we are watching quite often. Another thing is that because it's pretty involved I didn't make myself a working copy so I have to work out of my book. That gets really cumbersome & stops me from picking it up as an "easy project". Easy must be my new safe word.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4834054563/" title="Sweater sampler by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4834054563_6412e37c14.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sweater sampler" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/FEATsum09SIT.php">Lace Sampler a la Franklin</a><br />
This was on my list last year, but as a long term project as well. I am wanting to pursue my stitch dictionaries for patterns for it, but that is also not very portable. That really stops me from working on this because honestly? This is the softest yarn I've ever worked with. It's absolutely dreamy & you'd think I would be doing whatever is necessary to work with it! But....I'm all about easy, remember?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/3667307918/" title="Lace sampler by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3667307918_5983172ea7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lace sampler" /></a><br />
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Misty Ike Socks.<br />
Ok, I will admit it. I don't think this sock fits all that great. I cast on for the number that should have worked but then it was too big in the heel / gusset. Then I decreased to make the heel / gusset work. I have no idea what I really did & how to make #2 work with it. So my real problem now is...do I frog it? Try to match it? Make a sock like I want for #2 & live with the fact that they are different? I'm currently leaning toward #3 but honestly the decision paralyzes me. I haven't ever been able to knit socks successfully with Socks That Rock. Ever. That makes me sad, but it's true & I can't seem to fix it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/2858298734/" title="Retreat sock by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3078/2858298734_83032f6b77.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Retreat sock" /></a><br />
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Barn Raising Quilt<br />
I have 39 of 42 squares knit. I have so many scraps that I want to include that I keep increasing my plan for a bigger blanket. But I won't pick the last 3 just in case I don't make more & then I'm stuck with what I knit. I want it all to be "perfect" - I'm once again paralyzed by a decision that really won't matter, but it seems like a really big decision.<br />
<br />
That is 18. I'd like to say that is all of the WIPs I have going on, but honestly there are a few more in my "hibernating" section of Ravelry. But I don't want to talk about them. Or they need their own post...<br />
* Triple S Shawl (I love it dearly, but it needs it's own post)<br />
* Astrid - about 45000 circles to make then seam (not really, but it's a lot)<br />
* Dallas Guild shawl - which is more of a plan than WIP. <br />
* Trellis still needs to be frogged. But who wants to frog Kid Silk Haze? Not me. <br />
* Noni Adventure Bag is sitting in a zipped pillow case on my dryer waiting for a felting. Where it's been for about 6 months. I hate confessing that to anyone. I'm scared to death to felt it!Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-30557863436883330922010-12-28T23:48:00.002-06:002010-12-31T09:33:41.920-06:002010 FOsMy most boring post all year, but I do enjoy going back & revisiting these later. All of my FOs for 2010.<br />
<br />
January - 1 cardigan, 2 scarves, 2 shawls, 1 hat, 2 baby (considering chicken a baby), 1 pr socks<br />
Lucy in the Sky - brown<br />
Geaux Saints Scarf<br />
Colonnade Shawl<br />
My So Called Hat<br />
Annabelle's Shrug<br />
Fit & Float Scarf<br />
Happy Harlot Socks<br />
Clapotis - ms nancy<br />
Chicken Blanket<br />
<br />
February - 1 cardigan, 1 fingerless mitts, 1 scarf, 1 pair socks<br />
Ophelia<br />
Cheery Hand warmers<br />
Big Cheery Scarf<br />
Ribbed BFF Socks<br />
<br />
March - 1 sweater <br />
Vesper (kinda, I still need to weave ends)<br />
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April - 1 hat<br />
Purple toddler hat <br />
<br />
May - 4 hats, 1 shawl, 1 scarf, 1 baby<br />
Roll brimmed hat x4<br />
WM Traveling Woman<br />
Noro Wisp<br />
Baby Bib (orange)<br />
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June - 8 washcloths, 1 hat<br />
8 washcloths<br />
Odessa for Mom<br />
<br />
July - 2 washcloths, 1 baby sweater, 1 scarf, 1 toy<br />
2 washcloths<br />
Louise Baby Cardigan<br />
Lengthwise Garter Stitch Scarf<br />
Little Lamb<br />
<br />
August - NOTHING<br />
<br />
September - 1 washcloth, 4 hats, 7 scarves, 2 toys<br />
1 washcloth<br />
Scathach hat<br />
Shawl Collared Cowl<br />
Wine hat & scarf (categorizing as a toy, I mean, what else is it??)<br />
Rapunzel x 2<br />
Muppet Scarf<br />
A Very Warm Hat<br />
Purple Alpaca Scarf<br />
Star Crossed Slouchy Beret<br />
One Row Malabrigo Scarf<br />
Mustard Scarf<br />
Center Square Hat<br />
<br />
October - NOTHING<br />
<br />
November - 2 shawls, 1 scarf, 1 hat<br />
Sangre de Cristo<br />
Basket weave alpaca scarf<br />
Unoriginal Rowan Hat<br />
Mara Shawl<br />
<br />
December - 2 toys, 3 scarf, 1 mitts, 1 pr socks <br />
Wine scarf & hat x 2<br />
Casbah Sugarplum Batkus<br />
Squooshy Mitts<br />
Eternity Scarf<br />
Jordyn's Pink Scarf<br />
Yarntini Good to Be Girl Socks<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
******<br />
<br />
Scarves - 16<br />
Socks - 3<br />
Hats - 12<br />
Washcloths - 11<br />
Toys - 5<br />
Shawls - 5<br />
Cardigans - 3 adult, 1 baby<br />
Baby - 3<br />
Fingerless Mitts - 2 <br />
61 totalTashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-86698129976076750632010-12-14T10:34:00.002-06:002010-12-14T10:43:26.214-06:00Wrapping up 2010, Looking Forward to 20112011....it will be here before you know it. As this year closes & I'm suddenly doing last minute Christmas knitting AGAIN (don't I say every single year that I'm not going to do this????) Actually, I'm more looking at the yarn to knit those presents & not doing it. I can't help but look forward to my goals for next year. Lately I have been doing a bit of "have to" knitting - baby gifts, Christmas presents, fast last minute stuff. Two nights ago I decided that I needed an easy project out of nice yarn for ME & I went in my yarn room and wound some Buffalo Gold Buffboo (discontinued, sorry).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/3748440624/" title="Buffaboo by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Buffaboo" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3748440624_2bc1caa0aa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I hear a lot of talk about the <a href="http://www.buffalogold.net/store/">Buffalo Gold</a> & to me it always seems like yarn that you stash & don't use because it's so nice. Which is totally ridiculous, I know. It's also pretty pricey stuff. It suddenly occurred to me that I have two skeins of buffalo yarn and, well, I didn't buy either one of them. I traded a friend for one & then last year I won a skein at the <a href="http://dfwfiberfest.org/">DFW Fiber Fest</a>. How cool is that? In keeping with last year's goal of not saving the nice yarn for the Pope, I cast on a <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/10/12/one_row_handspun_scarf.html">One Row Scarf</a>. It's so soft & nice that I swear, I don't know what to do with myself. It's little yarn on little-ish needles, so it's going to take a while. But what the heck, I knit every day & I only have a pile of projects on the needles so what's one more????<br />
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Wow - that was quite a tangent. Here's what I'm thinking for 2011. I figured out how much yarn I bought this year. Don't do that unless you want a huge shock. HUGE.SHOCK. I'm not revealing any true confessions here, but it was more than I thought. So I'm saying it. 2011 is going to be a stashdown year. It has to be. I can sell or knit, but Stashdown here we come. I've heard some talk that it's "trendy" to stashdown....I'm not sure if I believe that. I think every year there is a movement for people to consume less, declutter, lose weight, stop spending, save money, etc, etc. I usually don't follow that bandwagon because for the most part I think you are just setting yourself up for failure. I remember hearing a speaker once say to pick ONE thing to change. If you say you are going to change everything about your life, you are just fooling yourself. It is possible, but it takes more self restraint than most people can take all at once. I know I can't do it & I'm not even going to try. I've lost about 30 pounds this year & I can tell you, it has mostly come from very small changes, not huge behavioral differences. I believe this in most areas of my life & that's where I am. But honestly, the stash is out of control. I have a huge yarn cabinet & it's busting at the seams. I can't get more yarn in it which is causing some overflow. That is RIDICULOUS. And frankly, if I knit up every bit of this yarn, what in the heck am I going to do with all of those knitted goods???? Well, here is my plan:<br />
<br />
* Gift knit ahead. This year I've had several last minutes wishes for knitted gifts. I figure if over the year I knit some scarves, shawls, baby things, hat/scarf sets, etc. that I don't claim mental ownership of, I can gift randomly. I have a few people that I wish I could just give them a scarf when they admire mine (if not the one off my neck!) and there is no reason that I can't do that. I really do love scarf knitting & I love appreciative recipients. Knitted gift giving does take a little forethought though, and by the time I think of someone to give something to, it's usually too late. In the past I have thought that I need to knit for that person specifically, and in some cases I still believe that. For the most part, though, I think a random nice person that I want to give a scarf or something to won't care if I carefully picked out that yarn & pattern for them or not. And really, how many brown & pink scarves can I wear??? (my yarn color of choice for years!)<br />
<br />
* Get rid of some of this sock yarn! I blame 2007. And 2008. I got in the horrible habit of snatching up the new latest-and-greatest-hard-to-get-OMG-pretty-and-it-is-only-$20 sock yarn craze. That gets out of hand very very very quickly. And I did it for a couple of years. To be honest, the yarn is still pretty but no one cares about it anymore. For example: I fought tooth & nail catching Yarn Pirate updates until I finally scored some Culture Club.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/558441176/" title="Yarn Pirate Culture Club by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Yarn Pirate Culture Club" height="375" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1348/558441176_6a3ff34165.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
I still love it dearly, but seriously, try swapping it for the new "latest & greatest" & see what happens. No one cares anymore! I try to tell myself these days when the popular yarn posts & I get caught up in the craze. I'm pretty good about it too though I still find it hard to resist <a href="http://www.rohrspatzundwollmeise.de/httpdocs/flash_content/rohrspatzundwollmeise.html">Wollmeise</a> (I did last week though, YAY me!). So I'm going to knit some up and/or sell some. Incidentally, if you'd like your own skein of fabulous Yarn Pirate Culture Club it's very easily available on Ravelry destash for...you guessed it, about $20. You can't have mine because I still hoard it like it is the rarest yarn on the planet. Will I knit it up this year? <br />
<br />
* WIP (Works in Progress). Well, I did this in 2010, <a href="http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/2010/01/finish-it-already.html">remember</a>? I'm happy to report that I started with 16 projects, finished 6, frogged 5, and that leaves FIVE previous projects that are still floating around out there. Only 5 WIPs, Tasha? Bwhahahahaha. Make that 18. That's what I did this year, start a bunch of crap that I didn't finish! It looks like a new WIP post is in order. Really, though, this will eliminate a lot of my stash yardage quickly. Well, more quickly than starting stuff from scratch, anyway. In all fairness, 2 of those are long term blankets & one was on the needles when I did that last post but I didn't count it....(I'm going to stop justifying now). I do need a frog or finish intervention, though. <br />
<br />
* $50 per month limit on knitting stuff for 1st quarter 2011. I can't do a no-buy. I just can't do it. I like my yarn, I like my knitting stuff. Sometimes I need yarn to finish something or to add to something I have or just because it's pretty. Or I want to buy a pattern. Or needles. And April brings DFW Fiber Fest & that means I can buy direct from a variety of oh so great vendors. I can limit it in for a few months, though, and then reassess the situation.<br />
<br />
* Look at my existing yarn in a new way & stop trying to make it into the project I loved 4 years ago. <br />
<br />
* Knit stuff that I love. Destash the rest. <br />
<br />
* Stealing this from Susan-from-Athens on Ravelry: "enjoy what I have and admire what others have without necessarily coveting some of my own." That woman is smart. <br />
<br />
What are your goals for 2011? Do you have any? Will you be buying up a ton of yarn? Can I watch?<br />
<br />
<br />
PS - I will talk about my trip to Paris at some point. I'm still processing it in a lot of ways. Here is one shot for you:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5261216950/" title="P1010744 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="P1010744" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5248/5261216950_3651dc30c3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Yes, I found an alpaca. In Paris. Go figure. And since that wasn't very Paris-y:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5261220910/" title="Eiffel Tower by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5261226692/" title="Eiffel Tower by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Eiffel Tower" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5244/5261226692_7aefd542c9.jpg" width="375" /></a>Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-45895797304693069902010-11-12T21:22:00.001-06:002010-11-12T21:24:27.666-06:00Taos Wool Festival October 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have been trying to put together a blog post about my experience at the Taos Wool Festival for weeks. This is why I end up not writing about my trips - I want to write about every moment & it's such an overwhelming task that I can't get past the first day. So how about today I'll tell you about Taos in pictures?<br />
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Cool lodge where we stayed <a href="http://www.taosmountainlodge.net/">Taos Mountain Lodge </a><br />
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Food that we ate (I'm telling you - they put green chiles in everything! I loved them but seriously - I don't need every damn thing I eat to have chiles in it, and that includes you, Mr. Beer)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYanoEo_FbNUEoC7b9kg6miUAmTdZAuSgWw4Oy0NtEhXC4Kb2IAJ4kvLhFWd8Fu1ZvoZ82FFh8XYXZD6zOVsYknxW9kRHs2PRVQkcvkp06BQ66GoiIt-80t1iBolz4XthhLzqeQ/s1600/P1000717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYanoEo_FbNUEoC7b9kg6miUAmTdZAuSgWw4Oy0NtEhXC4Kb2IAJ4kvLhFWd8Fu1ZvoZ82FFh8XYXZD6zOVsYknxW9kRHs2PRVQkcvkp06BQ66GoiIt-80t1iBolz4XthhLzqeQ/s320/P1000717.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Welcome to the Taos Wool Festival 2010<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe02BbwY0avc7ZyRlc4uBKiEmgzZuZ400uK3cm-PreAPZMu2TO-PrR9Sa3xDE_PXgcL04JQQi8lqffQMT10kysCQNFOKxYsNCG9C0mKqIYMH6XayDfUPw63KneOwQSQyqlIlbSg/s1600/P1000755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe02BbwY0avc7ZyRlc4uBKiEmgzZuZ400uK3cm-PreAPZMu2TO-PrR9Sa3xDE_PXgcL04JQQi8lqffQMT10kysCQNFOKxYsNCG9C0mKqIYMH6XayDfUPw63KneOwQSQyqlIlbSg/s320/P1000755.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuJ9HXPZFxot8EQ6vUqESBLv2m3jUNcssWDrr46BSpfyasohG03ENrkiGMdOWAZFY6AUJThlA5AsdlSthobSjHbdtHv3Qle-WOShrYaCi1jlJGEOyur-GFJILOK-sEFLmJoNDcA/s1600/P1000785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuJ9HXPZFxot8EQ6vUqESBLv2m3jUNcssWDrr46BSpfyasohG03ENrkiGMdOWAZFY6AUJThlA5AsdlSthobSjHbdtHv3Qle-WOShrYaCi1jlJGEOyur-GFJILOK-sEFLmJoNDcA/s320/P1000785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>When we got to the festival the very first thing we saw were critters! This was a huge surprise to me - I wasn't expecting critters & I was very happy to see them there.<br />
ALPACA!<br />
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SHEEP!<br />
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LLAMAS!<br />
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YAK & BABY YAK!<br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_o5KTHtSF2FIbgX3ZwO1CVSl7OYMGUkQnqJCfiEXosphUKzDzEdqI0Df1BVlW9z8GQmHcNrXfs1WNLguQMDY8lqPO7pFR7WepIIFdUAeMlXj-W_WIeGDkSilPxgpkEwwKe7X-g/s1600/P1000770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_o5KTHtSF2FIbgX3ZwO1CVSl7OYMGUkQnqJCfiEXosphUKzDzEdqI0Df1BVlW9z8GQmHcNrXfs1WNLguQMDY8lqPO7pFR7WepIIFdUAeMlXj-W_WIeGDkSilPxgpkEwwKe7X-g/s320/P1000770.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Scary llama video. Keep watching & turn up the volume - you can hear him growling at me. <br />
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I had never been to New Mexico. It is so gorgeous & I fell absolutely in love with it. I'll go back tomorrow. (apparently if you want to split gas & have a free place to stay, I'm your girl).<br />
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I was lucky enough to be traveling with Betty. Betty is a firm believer in visiting local bars to get a feel for the place.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, you are reading that right. Abe's GROCERIES, Bar & Grill. How could we not go check it out? <br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XNtZfrg4qmpJFnGREm_5IWkC9Q4EI9vxKr8VKozifdlYNAyAZzw3ygNQElIF757gUN7hE2weGhz8GvWThLp8qvZuy28rtqcZalkPTz7bpw9AToY7PgeKkkYeao3kuQR3Dugi4g/s1600/P1000739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XNtZfrg4qmpJFnGREm_5IWkC9Q4EI9vxKr8VKozifdlYNAyAZzw3ygNQElIF757gUN7hE2weGhz8GvWThLp8qvZuy28rtqcZalkPTz7bpw9AToY7PgeKkkYeao3kuQR3Dugi4g/s320/P1000739.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Stray Dog Cantina (don't just call them Stray Dog - they don't like that much)- the only real bar open on the top of the mountain (in Ski Valley) out of season. <br />
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The Adobe Bar inside the historic Taos Inn <br />
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</div>My personal favorite - there was a bar inside of the radio station. Yep - complete with a big dance hall, a swing band & lots of happy dancing people. It was a most unique experience. <br />
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Eske's Pub - this is where we drank the Green Chile beer - only because there weren't many options. There were many BEER options since they brew their own, but if you don't like beer, don't go here. Having said that, I don't like beer but I did enjoy my beer. How could I not taste it? <br />
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</div>After we ate, and festivaled, and did sight seeing, and took in all of the local flavor, we decided to....hit yarn shops. What else, right? Because surely we didn't buy enough dang yarn from all of the vendors at Taos. Geeze.<br />
First we went to <a href="http://www.weavingsouthwest.com/">Weaving Southwest</a>. I've never seen anything like it & I've been to some pretty impressive yarn shops!<br />
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Red Willow Art and Fibers<br />
This was a great shop that recently opened to showcase local artists. It is a great concept, Julie was positively charming, and the shop is so unique - you must go. (no web presence that I could find - but they are listed on <a href="http://www.nmfiberartisans.org/membership-galleries/">this website</a>)<br />
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This might be my favorite picture of the trip. We went to a shop that had a weaving demonstration. They let us sample Mexican hot chocolate & roam around. This was one of the many many many gorgeous rugs / wall hangings that were there. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhXgzWHAJIXDEPfwRqVqVd8B8PMEUKzfTcaVHfL13yLg0tBSrDZER_oWpQz1irzbSOXFjjGcYVDUtO_tAwK7QGgt4-A7BwquipvHUBS_70kFcQXyYZCvI1aoolZJgWiN07fy2zg/s1600/P1000843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhXgzWHAJIXDEPfwRqVqVd8B8PMEUKzfTcaVHfL13yLg0tBSrDZER_oWpQz1irzbSOXFjjGcYVDUtO_tAwK7QGgt4-A7BwquipvHUBS_70kFcQXyYZCvI1aoolZJgWiN07fy2zg/s320/P1000843.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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And my very very favorite thing about the whole weekend? The vibe in this tent:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP5a4L89RF5_VgGp5h_lN7Vdl-_wx7Jz3jZuZMni5pJBimdEfh-LZUamW4YmltrmbaFY034x7tXdnhM7nHXHFcQRZYY8GufQDHheeMyY5UCbnUMsSuQigGdmSOa25M05rZHcO-w/s1600/P1000775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEP5a4L89RF5_VgGp5h_lN7Vdl-_wx7Jz3jZuZMni5pJBimdEfh-LZUamW4YmltrmbaFY034x7tXdnhM7nHXHFcQRZYY8GufQDHheeMyY5UCbnUMsSuQigGdmSOa25M05rZHcO-w/s320/P1000775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A Ravelry tent was set up & you could bring your chairs & hang out. It was such a fun & relaxing place to be that I swear, we spent nearly our whole time here. We would go look at some booths & pet yarn, come back to the Rav tent, hang out, knit, eat snacks, chat with new friends...it was just really cool. It was a place that you could leave your bag - a few times I even walked off without my wallet & never even worried about it for a minute. We met so many cool people & had great conversation, saw great knitted items, watched many talented knitters & spinner...we saw much show & tell, heard stories about what people bought & why, heard excitement from other people like ourselves that had never been & bought loads of stuff. It was just really neat. As a board member I'm helping to organize the <a href="http://dfwfiberfest.org/">DFW Fiber Fest</a> & I wish I had a bottle of that atmosphere so that I could open it up at our event. Come join us in April 2011 & help us make that happen. (ok, shameless commercial, but if you are still reading you deserved a poke!)<br />
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What did I buy? I'll tell you as I knit it up because it's really embarrassing how much new stuff I got when I didn't even need one thing! <br />
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Peace.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-70615282868063447962010-10-24T11:42:00.002-05:002010-10-24T11:45:04.454-05:00Because I couldn't make this up if I tried....I have loads to say because I've been a traveling fool & I want to share my adventures with you, but I had to show you this. I couldn't make this up if I tried. And don't I wish I had because people would be handing my money faster than I could count it. There is a new Wii game called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kirbys-Epic-Yarn-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B003ZCH7DI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1287938617&sr=8-1">Kirby's Epic Yarn</a>. You heard me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5110537251/" title="Kirby by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Kirby" height="300" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/5110537251_5f5a874333.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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I resisted for several days even. Yesterday afternoon I couldn't stand it anymore. I had done responsible house work & grocery shopping & not fun stuff most of the day & I caved. I started playing & I took some screen shot pictures because again, I couldn't make this up.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5110562599/" title="Kirbys epic yarn by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Kirbys epic yarn" height="375" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1263/5110562599_45da742698.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
There is MAGIC YARN. We already knew that, but for it to go public is pretty big news as far as I'm concerned.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5111163332/" title="Kirby's epic yarn by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Kirby's epic yarn" height="375" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1225/5111163332_9913ae6ea4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
And yes, they are in Quilty Square. Bwhahahahahaha.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5111165988/" title="Kirby's epic yarn by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Kirby's epic yarn" height="375" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/5111165988_7541635abd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
See, yarn does fix everything.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5110560151/" title="Kirby's epic yarn by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Kirby's epic yarn" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5110560151_de58c17186.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
And there is a fabric store! Run by a guy named Loomis Woole.<br />
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There are buttons & zippers & felted fabric & you unravel the enemies & collect beads - it's such a knitters dream that I don't even know what to do with myself. OH OH - and the bad guy has evil knitting needles, but I didn't have my camera out when they showed them. On top of that, it's getting great reviews from the gaming community as a whole, so it's not just us. <br />
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If you have a Wii, go get it right this second!!!!!<br />
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Commercial over.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-9201467061476176842010-10-07T22:49:00.002-05:002010-10-07T22:50:58.786-05:00LOOK! I DID WIN SOMETHING!How excited was I when I went to the Texas State Fair yesterday & saw this:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5061667634/" title="TX State Fair picture by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="TX State Fair picture" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5061667634_fa59b423e4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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As it turns out, I DO rock, it wasn't just in my head! Although 3rd....hmmppphhhhh. I won't even go there because it will just make me sound bitter.<br />
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YAY ME! As my hubby told me tonight, I am clever, but I'm not modest. (Did I mention that I love that man?)<br />
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Next time I'm going to tell you all about my last minute surprise trip to the Taos Wool Festival. It was fabulous!<br />
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Oh, and PS - get that damn stupid can off my shawl please!!!!!! Thank you. (no offense to Robert whatever your name is because I'm sure you are a lovely person).Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-82466399846972063552010-09-19T10:41:00.001-05:002010-09-19T10:42:56.364-05:00Wine Scarf & HatWhy oh why would a wine bottle need a scarf & hat? Because it's freaking adorable! Look.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4991856499/" title="Wine hat & scarf by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine hat & scarf " height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4991856499_2fda67f084.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/5002748803/" title="Wine scarf & hat by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Wine scarf & hat " height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5002748803_5d4bab234b.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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My sister called me a few weeks ago & told me that she saw the cutest thing in a catalog - a scarf & hat set for a wine bottle. And she wanted one but it was $17!!! Did I think I could make that? Now, I don't know about you, but I have stopped making random stuff for the people in my life because well, they don't like it as much as I think they should. Or I guess I should say that I have stopped making unsolicited items of my choosing for people because if I'm going to make them something I want them to ZOMG-love-it. So when my sister calls me up & asks me if I can make something....well, ding ding ding....I'm in! (I think she's figured this out, btw, and next my post will prove it). So my husband told me to tell her that yes I can & I'd only charge her $10 (joke, of course). I was going to wing it but a quick search for "wine hat" on Ravelry resulted in several patterns & I'm not one to reinvent the wheel. I pulled out some scraps & whipped this up literally in a few hours. It really is cute. You can find the patterns <a href="http://knitsburgh.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/chilled-wine/">here</a>.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-37082754989599269852010-09-17T16:34:00.001-05:002010-09-17T16:34:58.595-05:00This is why I love hanging out with other knitters...So I'm at knit night & had this conversation.<br />
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Candice (also a knitter): So, what are you making?<br />
Me: A scarf for a wine bottle.<br />
Candice: Oh, CUTE!<br />
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Not at all what I expected. I can think of 17 appropriate ways to respond to that answer but only another knitter would respond with "oh, CUTE!" without even questioning why a wine bottle would need a scarf.<br />
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Full details to follow soon.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-87803386284701260742010-09-12T17:10:00.000-05:002010-09-12T17:10:07.912-05:00This is the kind of mail every knitter loves to get<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4984472964/" title="Dizzy sheep box by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Dizzy sheep box" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4984472964_9787521e23.jpg" width="375" /></a> <br />
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Isn't that hilarious? This box came from <a href="http://dizzysheep.com/">The Dizzy Sheep</a> - it was full of my discount yarn that I bought over the Labor Day holiday. It really made my day - it makes me want to be friends with whoever would write that on my yarn box. I'm also pretty glad my mailman isn't as yarn crazy as me or it might have never made it to my house!Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-6174078963350619822010-09-06T14:30:00.000-05:002010-09-06T14:30:59.258-05:00Casting on Like a Crazy WomanI swear, I think Single Skein September 2010 (SSS10) has unleashed a beast. We are only 6 days in & I have already cast on for 5 new projects. As I talked about in my last post, I made this Mustard Scarf out of some yummy Lisa Souza cashmere<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4960628862/" title="Mustard Scarf by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Mustard Scarf" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4960628862_215a4d3869.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I still haven't picked a button - that is a whole different can of worms. I did weave the ends in & it's wearable, so I consider it DONE.<br />
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I also made this hat that I've been wanting to make forever<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4960627668/" title="Center Square by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Center Square " height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4960627668_f1c5bee887.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The pattern is <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcentersquare.html">Center Square</a> & I mistakenly knit it out of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/knitting.cfm">Knitpicks </a>Mainline, which is a 75% cotton / 25% wool yarn (also discontinued). Not a good combo for stranded work. It has no elasticity & frankly, it will fit a conehead. This is only my second stranded project and I tend to pull too tight - this really isn't good for stranded work & I'm really going to have to work on it. Either way, the yarn is used up & I got some practice holding one color in each hand. It is SOOOO awkward, but I find it really interesting knitting. <br />
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Other things I've cast on for:<br />
The <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2006/10/12/one_row_handspun_scarf.html">One Row Scarf</a> in this awesome <a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/sub_yarn.php?id_sub_yarn=22">Malabrigo Seleccion Privada</a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/2618161731/" title="Malabrigo tri color by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Malabrigo tri color" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2618161731_f74775f4bf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I found it at a yarn shop in Houston & I fell madly in love with it. They only had one skein & I had no idea what I could make with one, but I couldn't leave it there. Perfect candidate for SSS10. This pattern is pretty brilliant - it makes great texture but is dead simple & goes really fast. It's going to be adorable, if I may say so my self! <br />
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Another pattern I have been dying to make is this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/17964729/rainbow-moebius-pattern">Rainbow Moebius</a>. Mine won't be so "rainbow" since I'm not using a yarn with long color repeats like that. I'm using <a href="http://www.cherryyarn.com/dk.html">Cherry Tree Hill Supersock DK </a>. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4013639340/" title="100_0654 by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="100_0654" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4013639340_1fbbef11ec.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I got this yarn in my <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/loopygroupies/">Loopy Groupie</a> package. It's like they looked at all of my orders & sent me something they knew that I would love, because I do love this yarn! It does give my moebius a different look from the original, but I think it will be really pretty. <br />
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#5 thing that I cast on for is the <a href="http://tangledfleece.wordpress.com/2008/11/30/eden-scarf/">Eden Scarf</a>. I've been told that it isn't very practical, which is so very true! But I think it's adorable & I want to knit it, so there you have it. I bought this Mini Mochi specifically for this pattern after seeing some knit in this yarn on Ravelry. I think it will be cute & impractical - my favorite kind of accessory! <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/3637811818/" title="Mini Mochi by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img alt="Mini Mochi" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3637811818_994391e248.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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So that's what I've been doing since last Wednesday. You know what else? I think the fact that we have officially been under 100 degrees here in Dallas for the last week has really helped. It even got down to 66 the other night! Suddenly it seems possible that one day it will be cool enough to actually need a knitted item. Hooray for fall (ish) weather!<br />
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What are you working on? Any ideas for single skein projects? I have a lot of month left. Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19074556.post-47200491924793920702010-09-01T11:43:00.001-05:002010-09-01T11:44:45.394-05:00Every Yarn Tells A StoryDoesn't it? For me, it does. Today I'm going to tell you the story of this gorgeous skein of <a href="http://www.lisaknit.com/">Lisa Souza</a> handspun Cashmere Merino in Jungle. Sigh.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4054046870/" title="Lisa Souza Cashmere handspun by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/4054046870_d331f39ab5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lisa Souza Cashmere handspun " /></a><br />
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mmmm....cashmere. You don't really care about the story anymore do you? Last October when I went to Stitches East, I made a vow to myself that the yarn I would buy at the market would be different, original, nothing that I could buy at my LYS or readily get my hands on. It was a good plan, it really was. The night of the market preview I was totally overwhelmed. I was walking around in a bit of a daze surrounded by gorgeous stuff when the pen of yarn appeared. Yes, PEN of yarn. One of the vendors puts up some fencing & it is chock full of bags of yarn at discounted prices - it's INSANE. I got a little caught up in it & found 2 colors of <a href="http://www.carodanfarm.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product512.html">Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool</a> that I really love & was hoarding them. Sweater quantities of a yarn I've been wanting at discounted prices. Heaven, right? It's exactly what I wasn't supposed to be doing but I couldn't help it, I was caught up in the frenzy. As I was trying to decide which color to get (or just get both), I turned around & hanging in <a href="http://www.lisaknit.com/">Lisa Souza</a>'s booth was this single skein of yarn. A perfect combination of greens, handspun, plied like I like it, and a 50/50 cashmere wool blend. It was soft & squishy & beautiful & exactly what I envisioned buying at my first Stitches experience. I threw the bags of yarn back in the pen & immediately bought this skein of yarn. My first Stitches purchase which set the tone for my additional purchases & my whole trip. It's what I think about every time I see it in my yarn cabinet. This morning.....I wound it into this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55234236@N00/4948217797/" title="Lisa Souza handspun by bijouxmaster, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4948217797_8e7c2c786a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lisa Souza handspun" /></a><br />
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Today begins Single Skein September, which is a month long Knit-A-Long hosted through the <a href="http://www.stashandburn.com/">Stash and Burn podcast</a> group on Ravelry. The intention of the KAL is to burn through the oddballs of yarn that you have stashed - you know all of those hats & scarves & small stuff that you buy yarn for but never get to? For me, I like to buy a ball or two of something to "try out" or sometimes (as is the case with this skein), the yarn is fairly high priced & one ball is all I can justify. What in the world do you do with all of those single skeins? That is the question I've been answering for the past few days, planning what yarn to use for this challenge. My first thoughts fell to various hats & the odd skeins of different Knitpicks yarn that I often throw into an order to get to free shipping. Or the yarns that are on the clearance rack at my LYS because there is only one or two of a color left & I buy them because "they will be perfect for chemo caps". Or the countless one skeins that I've bought to swatch to see if I like it enough to make a sweater (PS...I NEVER follow through with this!) Then my thoughts went to this yarn. This lovely squishy, gorgeous yarn that I've been sitting on waiting for the "perfect" project & the "perfect" time to knit it up. I'm here to tell you, today is that day. No time like the present! I'm going to make a <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.50576408.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.etsy.com/listing/19028827/pattern-mustard-scarf&usg=__Mo3gxPo2hzgnG0Fc7QQZu4F6BjE=&h=1500&w=1125&sz=390&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=gE5de2X4eo_DQM:&tbnh=140&tbnw=105&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmustard%2Bscarf%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1191%26bih%3D545%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=377&vpy=195&dur=1375&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=120&ty=231&ei=VHV-TMvQGMP58AathsHcAw&oei=VHV-TMvQGMP58AathsHcAw&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:0">Mustard Scarf</a>. I love the look of it, I have a soft spot for scarves, and it is knit on size 15 needles so it should go fairly quick. <br />
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Stay tuned for more updates on fast one skein projects during September - I plan to burn some single skeins! We'll see how that goes.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14889278935272657954noreply@blogger.com3