Animals of the Forest

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”~~Martin Buber

The forests and jungles of Planet Earth support some of the most complex communities of animal life.  To satisfying my longing to be in the forest with some amazing creatures that inhabit forests, what do you think of bringing this wool rug into my everyday surroundings?  Cute?

I love it, but, can’t see how I may justify a spending of $500.   Instead, I am up for some re-engineering…into a hat and a skirt.  Care to join me?  Knit chart in PDF format here.  :D

Fall is my favorite season.

Haven’t you noticed?  My favorite thing about it is the colorful leaves.

I live on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range along along the Deschutes River and fall is a feast for the eyes.

I enjoy collecting beautiful leaves, hiking in the colors, and photographing on the river with the colors reflected on the water.  i am child-like enough to believe that God paints the world just for me and my family.   Awestruck wonder.  Autumn days are clear, calm and quiet at the meadow above Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River.   ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ

Another favorite thing about fall…is the homecooked, wholesome, comfort food.

What’s your favorite of the season?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Parabola’s Sample

When Kristin Ford asked me to test knit a sample for a design wrote by Lidia Tsymbal (aka MadamButterfly) for Shibui Geometry, I was thrilled.  Seriously, I mean really.  How could I say anything but yes?   MadamButterfly+Silk Cloud+Staccato=Knitting nirvana.

The color Jumpsuit is so Tangerine Tango like, the official pantone color of 2012.  Just mouth-watering delicious.  Nearly four months, I had to keep this eye-catching Parabola under wrap…until now.  The wait was painful.

Shibui Geometry–a modern collection of uniquely constructed fun knits–hit the stores last week.  Here I am, excited about showing off  Parabola–such a sexy, fitted design.

I love this little tank top and highly recommend it.  I’ll probably knit myself a keeper before the summer is over, but, in two separate pieces (for the price of 3–two tanks and a cowl.).

The trickiest part for me was blocking the two tops in front where it’s noticeable.   At the time of testing, there was no blocking diagram for the jointed upper bodies.

 My teen model wears normally between adult extra-small to small.  The sample was a medium.  I did the best to block the sample appropriately, with the thought that  it would smooth out on the right model (and it did.)

Parabola is miles and miles of stocking stitches, but, oh so worth it.  It’s a super-wearable, everyday piece.  And Silk Cloud and Staccato–in Jumpsuit–are  exquisite, gorgeous stuff to work with!  Silky yum.

I am glad the design team took my playful idea of wearing the sheer top layer alternately as a cowl.  Here is one of a few Shibui’s gorgeous modeled shots.

You should knit one!  Really.

The sample tank took 1.25 hanks of Silk Cloud and 3 in Staccato (with 14 grams left of the 3rd hank.)  Both the booklet and yarn are available at Knit-Purl.

This 5-day project was a great cure for the summertime blues.  So would my fashionable shoe-sense.  I got out the car in a hurry, meeting up with my friend Barbara and her family for dinner last week in Eugene…and this is what I brought to liven up the evening.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Indulge the Creative side

with a short burst of jazz-knitting (short-row, or swing knitting alike.)

 I will admit I have burned midnight oil many times while knitting.

Not this one.

The whole idea about jazzknitting really is for it to be spontaneous

and not planned.

It’s all about having fun

I was drawn immediately to Ilisha’s creativity, amazing color sense at Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival in 2010 when I stumbled onto her work and was totally charmed.

Jazz Knitting is great, compelling, and textural fun.  Plus, it kept me in total balance last week with eleven 1st-grader in Tumalo State Park.

 My head is full of leaves and feathers all day. The hook is in for the next one

What’s your latest adventure?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Gentle Lace

We kept flirting with cooler weather here for awhile, but the plants don’t lie. It’s no doubt spring time.

This project should not have taken me as long as it did.  House-cleaning has definitely taken over my craft time, but, I have indeed been knitting a few minutes here and there.  Cool weather and crazy rains last week made it perfect crafting week.   I couldn’t think of a better time to pick up and finish the cardigan.  The piece is hard to put down once I am deep into it.  Sleeves (two-at-a-time) were done in a day (last Monday.)

Hood finished next day (and was blocked separately, twice.)

The mesh pattern is fun to knit.  The sweater progressed quickly–except for the border picked up and worked last–which seemed to take forever! The garter-edging kicked my hiney.   It took over two days to wrap up just ‘cuz my poor fingers needed a break from major cramping.   I strongly recommend using a 60” or two 40” circular needles for the task.  Plus you may try the whole thing on to make sure the border isn’t out of proportion after knitting one round…something that looked wavy (at least during first phase of blocking.)

After second blocking and fabric manipulation, I love the result.  PHEW!  Between you and I, it did give me a good scare…I hate the thought of ripping out the border and knit it over again.  For blocking tips, read my previous post here.

Let me tell you, my friend.  I followed the directions on the  cardigan to the T with the few exception noted above.   I ignored that niggling voice in the back of my head that said ‘the border is gonna be too much and floppy.’   I ignored it so hard that I didn’t question.   I trusted it completely as there was no errata published on the designer’s or Ravelry site.  When I followed the pick-up directions, I got 491 border-stitches.  Personally, picking up 3 stitches off 4 rows for garter-border would be much better…instead of 2 stitches off 3 rows as pattern instructed.

If you didn’t catch from teaser pictures in my last few posts, it’s Laika from Little Red in the City (Page 122) by Ysolda Teague.  An easy but lovely simple lace pattern with inclusive button band.  The perfect fit, seamless Laika will add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe and wrap you in CHIC in no time at all.  Wear it open for a little warmth in the evening or buttoned over a skirt or jeans, Laika will create a distinctive versatile outfit.  It is quicker going than I’d expected it to be because of the lace.  Sewing up 20 gorgeous shell-buttons is another story…well worth it, I promise.

This medium-size cardigan is worked from the neck down with  added waist definition and shape.  You may try it on as you make it and, if needed, adjust the garment to your own proportions.   Since mine is a shop sample, I had to follow the instruction as written with the exception of 1) slipping first stitch of every row, 2) closing up gap before a buttonhole by knitting the stitch before the gap and a stitch below next stitch together, and 3) Correction–2nd pattern row for body–work established pattern to 1 st before marker, k1, slm, k2, work established pattern to 2 sts before marker, k2, slm, k1, work in pattern to end.

Like music, knitting truly is a universal language.   Knitting lace is like hearing music.  As I knit, my little world becomes quiet.  It may seam tedious, the constant counting–yo, s1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3 etc.–not only rhythmic, it kept things interesting and made  a soothing mobile project to work on.  All in all, Laika is a wonderful,  easy-to-memorize pattern.  The laced cardigan is perfect for a light layer to chase the chill away in summer–if the day is not hot or it becomes cool in the evening or early morning

Laika will sure grace your favorite cami or get glamorous over a dress and lets you enjoy your glorious sleeveless wardrobe in style.  This jumper offers real laced comfort on a brisk high-desert day.

When the body was done, the sweater looked small.  Have faith.  Once the border was added and after blocking, it easily came out to the correct sizing. Yeah, the magic of blocking.  This sample will be at the store tomorrow or latest Thursday.   Be sure to stop by and test-drive it for size if you are in the Portland area.  Both the book and MadelineTosh Merino Light yarn in variety of colors are available for purchase.  Mine weighs 393 grams (or 1651 yards) before buttons.  You will need four hanks for a 34-36″ bust-size sweater.  Alternatively, you may make do with three hanks of MadelineTosh Merino Light if you were to knit the garter-border with a DK yarn.  I can’t wait to knit mine up to wear.  It’s going to be my next summer sweater!

Love the pattern–surprisingly easy and fun to create and great to wear! Love the yarn in Logwood colorway–super soft and luscious!  This has been one of my favorite knits, this year. ♥

Here is a great tip I came across today:  Buying all the needles, stitch holders and stitch markers at one time can be costly. A great way is to simply just buy what your pattern calls for.  Make sure you are getting the best you can afford.  Eventually, just like me, you’ll have a collection of everything you need and some pretty nifty scarves, hats, gloves, sweaters and socks!  Knitting lace can be a fun, relaxing hobby as you do it.  Many knitters are intimidated by lace, but–with a little guidance and practice–anyone may create beautiful pieces, like this cardigan.

What is your relaxing hobby?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Test for Patience

I love the look–the beauty–of stitches, the way yarn marries the knitted fabric.

 However, it is advisable to block the pieces.  The extra effort of blocking a jumper does pay off.  My time and work is worth it.   The finished garment will morph from handmade into holy cow, you made this?!

By blocking a knitwear, the stitches are allowed to bloom and become uniform.  Furthermore, I get to control the outcome by manipulating the fabric into the shape I choose (or in this case per pattern diagram specification,) guaranteeing a beautiful end result.   What once was lumpy and decidedly looked homemade will now be a beautifully even-stitched sweater that makes me proud to have produced my own hand knit.

So don’t knock it ‘til you block it!  In lace garment, it often takes more than one blocking.  This lacy body and hood are blocked separately, each twice, to arrive to my expectation.  It’s a shop sample and demands professional, high standard.  (As shown below, I tucked the garter-borders inside the hood for a smooth finish.)

I have heard knitters complained about their finished sweaters were too big.  Care for my advice?   Good.  Here they are:  1) When soaking is complete, remove the garment with care–do not let any part dangle–and gently squeeze water out.  Squeeze only, no wring.  2)  Lay the garment flat on two thick towels, then roll the towel in a tight roll.  Step on the towel to squeeze out and absorb as much water as possible.  3) Carefully shape, manipulate the stretchy wool, smooth and smoosh until you have the length/width you desire, and pin the sweater to pattern diagram and measurement.  4) In crunch time, safely speed up the drying by using an hairdryer.

Given good yarn, good workmanship, and good care, a knitted jumper will outlive its knitter, providing warmth and pleasure to several generations of family and friends. What is your favorite family treasure?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Not Long to Go

The wait is nearly over.

Trust me–It’s worth the wait!

My friend Rin and her lovely family came for a short visit earlier in the week.

We had a blast at 10 Barrel last night… ♥

 fun times, beer party, dining out…awesome company!

What is your favorite place for dinner, drinks and fun…with friends, family or special someone?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Expect the Unexpected

Knitting is a journey. While it’s ultimately about a lace shawl, a sweater, a pair of socks or mittens…and tens of thousands of stitches I will look to knit, purl, yarn-over, increase, and decrease, in reality, it’s much more than that.

It simply starts with the decision to knit.

Then there is the selecting pattern and yarn process, which to me is really about making a commitment…a commitment to knit and get to cast-on.

Then there is gauge tension, textural, and drape preference. For many, this is where the true challenge of knitting a fitting and appealing garment lies as it requires commitment that extends far beyond a single day.

Finally there is the finishing day; the point where I ideally realize the fruits of my labors and go for it all.

For some, the goal is a world record. For others, it’s about simply finishing and proving to ourselves and others that We did It.  Or in my case, often it’s a vehicle to de-stress.  No matter what the personal goal may be, we all have one common objective associated with our respective knitting journeys and that is to cross the finish line–casting off, seaming where applicable, and blocking.

In order to make it across the finish line, I spend countless hours knitting and preparing–both mentally and physically–for the challenge of cast-on day. I know what to expect from myself in order to successfully complete the journey–from start to finish and how long it would take.

However, as much as I like to think that I know what will await me on the final day, in reality, it is in many ways a great unknown. While I have prepared for many varying scenarios I may encounter–tension, fit, misinterpreting instruction, dropping stitches, distraction…the truth of the matter is that when it comes to the finishing day, I must also be ready to expect the unexpected.

There is a lot that can happen between casting on and binding off. Some factors I may control, others I may not…but, it’s how I react and respond to these unforeseen circumstances that may significantly impact the finishing-day experience and associated results.

I’ve always found it the key to realize that finishing day is by no means an isolated experience. In reality, it is the final phase of the journey I embarked on when I first committed to knit this sweater. So while knitting this hoodie is sure to be exhilarating (trust me, it is,) it’s also bound to bring along some unforeseen challenges.

The key here is not to be surprised; know that my body and mind will test me in ways I did not expect. However, it’s also the ability to overcome these challenges and persevere through them that also makes the journey of knitting a sweater and finally crossing the finish line so extremely rewarding.♥

What is your self-rewarding challenge?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Enjoy the Scenery

…while on a detour today.

What a caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly.

Sometimes things just don’t go as I might have planned.  I may be taken down a different road than intended. This is part of my journey.  It’s a lot more fun when I think of it as an adventure rather than complaining ‘cuz things aren’t going my way or so busy being upset about it that I totally miss the beauty in it.

These are things that I might not have learnt or seen, had I not taken the detour.  Who knows…maybe I’ll even find something better than I could have ever imagined, along the way! (Shown in the picture below is my first sweater, knit and design on the fly…winding the clock back to summer, 2004 or 2005?)

People were created to be loved.  Things were created to be used.  The reason why my world is in chaos is ‘cuz things are being love and people are being used.  The importance of attitude and developing my living a simple life skills.  Today, I choose to be a truly happy person and let no one come to me without leaving better and happier.

Will this be my next project, created by British designer Melanie Porter?? Or yours? I’m afraid–after a while of being the coziest chair in the house–it will look like my most comfy sweater, all stretched out and lumpy!!!  But it looks magnificient, doesn’t it?  Oooooh, cables and bobbles…how I ♥ thee!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Calm the Spinning Thoughts

Isn’t it exciting to have a passion that drives us to dive in and hopscotch from one aspect of a craft to another? For me, knitting to spinning.

And spinning to knitting.   Not only does it anchor my awareness in the present, it helps me notice my anxiety feelings, acknowledge them, give me a break…provides the framework for a good start in decreasing thought spinning (pun intended.)  Today, I chose to be compassionate and empathetic with myself.

I love my drop spindles. This one has been primarily a decorative. A 28-gram spindle–with Bolinga Finale, Mesquite Whorl, Maple Shaft, and Mosaic Shell Inlay–handmade by Ken Ledbetter of KCL Woods. I have always thought it better suited for spinning thicker thread. Boy, did I stand corrected today?!

Spun singles then Andean plied during yesterday knitting social, a fine sample of 20-yard-buttery, luscious, soft Alpaca lace was born at end of the gathering.  It equated to approximately 600 2-ply yards per 50 grams.  That’s mighty fine.  So fine…I didn’t notice it falling out my bag.

Good thing I have a whole fleece full of this Prize-winning fluff to spin up more in the evening…another 70-yard 2-ply lace

The urge of spinning another from sheep to shawl lace project suddenly popped up while remembering my friend Mel’s beautiful, fluttering Celes designed by Jared Flood last week.♥

I’ve decided to make my own design and may even spruce it up with some glitters towards the end.

I will spread it out and hang in the porch when not worn…a pleasant sight with dancing sparkles in the wind and me declaring every now and then Wheee..now it’s blowing from north to south…and now from east to wessstttt… I can’t seem to stop spinning.  Are you as easily distracted as I am?  How do you re-focus?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

The Young or the Old

It’s not always what I am willing to learn that allows me to move forward with different result

but what I’m letting to let go of so that I am able to embrace new beliefs and convictions without resistance. ♥

Once I relinquish the need to control everything, I start noticing change is an inevitability.

Once I let go to a higher intelligence, only ego is resistant–otherwise, it just happens.

I grow old. I die. However much I don’t like it, I cannot stop it.

I have reached a place in my evolution where time is becoming a precious and valued commodity. My soul is craving a simplicity with the underlying want of feeling less pressure and less stress in my life.

My family and lifestyle becomes the priority as opposed to being focused on earning more, buying more, and looking after more stuff.

I think about what’s important to me and not what others or the media say is important to me. I strive to create a thoughtful and meaningful lifestyle that offers satisfaction to the core of my being. I value the gift of time. What demands your attention today?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)