the knitting buzz

where'd you go?

Where'd you go?

This has been a common thread of messages I have heard/received over the past few weeks.  First of all, thanks for missing me....it is truly great to be missed.

This year has been ripe full of emotion.  Both good and bad, happy and sad. Great news like the announcement of upcoming weddings & my favorite kindergartner reading...... to news about some serious health concerns of both a dear friend and family member, that has kept me in doctors offices and hospitals, more than I care to mention. 

Unfortunately, it took a little more out of me than I was willing to admit.... admit mainly to myself, that is.  In hind sight, I learned a great deal about myself. In someways, I was much stronger than I thought I could be and in other ways, more fragile than I might allow.

Yet through it all, I got to escape from time to time in books and knitting.  I actually read a lot, at least by my standard.....14 books......I do love my Kindle Paperwhite.  Even though I didn't knit as much as I would have liked, it still served as solace when needed.

Since my last post, I have published three patterns ..... a winter-y scarf, a lace wrap (which has turned into one of my favorites) and a reversible baby blanket.  Prior to these, I have also did a Chevron Study in  5 Knitted Decorative Pillows.  Of course, these are all available on Ravelry, in Knitting Buzz Designs. And getting ready to publish another lace wrap, hopefully in the next few days.

Over the next few posts..... I will try to briefly catch up on some past projects and yarns and then will promptly rush into what new on the needles.  I also have some lovely yarns that I am looking forward to knitting in some previous designs.

Thanks again for all of your love and support.

And as always.....HAPPY KNITTING!

 

 

 

a study in color

Obsidian Chevron Scarf is finished and published and oh so cozy.  I can't lie, I have a thing for chevrons, both in random configurations of width and color or regimental designs. I like the knit or crocheted, I like them lace-y or as fabric, I like them solid or striped, I like them here or there, I like them anywhere....sorry, got carried away.  Chevrons are always striking and always in fashion.  The Obsidian pattern is available on Ravelry.com.

Obsidian is knit with three colors of The Fibre Company, Road to China Light yarn. Road to China Light is a luxurious blend of Baby Alpaca, Cashmere, Camel and Silk.  You must touch it!

This project became a study of color and it could have gone in so many directions.  The colors I chose consisted of one accent color (smokey quartz/brown) and two harmonious colors (sapphire & apatitie/ blue & teal).

Harmonious colors schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually match well and create a serene and comforting feeling.

 

Choosing complimentary colors with an accent color would look fantastic as well. Complimentary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel (like blue & orange, purple & yellow, pink & green).

........OR .......

Just two colors (a main color and an accent color) is perfect for a very sophisticated look or can even be tonal color choice (like two shades of grey, etc). Definitely a handsome choice.

However, for those of you who like living on the edge, each accent row or color row could be a different color.  A great option for using up odds and ends, using yarns with long stripes like Noro Yarn or stash busting,   

The possiblities are endless..... Don't be afraid of choosing a color......Have fun..... its going to look fantastic whatever you choose.

Just a quick side note, the pattern gives tips on how to change colors and knit in the ends as you go....eliminating weaving in a gajillion end.

 

Happy Knitting!

some updates

Book Club

The first Book Club Meeting proved to be quite interesting.  (The book we read was "The Painted Girls" by Cathy Marie Buchanan.)  Its a neighborhood group that has been meeting for over 10 years.  One might think, "tough crowd".  But overall, everyone was lovely.  

The hostess, provided a light and delicious spread with theme inspired french stew. Delicious!

I enjoyed the fact that most of the discussions involved the book, (wasn't sure what to expect).  Some loved the book, some enjoyed it, some couldn't finish it due to lack of interest or time. Conversation was fairly easy, however like in any group, there is always one that is overly opinionated.

I got a tweet from the author about my last  post, which I was totally stoked. Cathy, you made my day.

Looking forward to Septembers Book choice, "The Tortilla Curtain" by TC Boyle.

Latest Knit Lace Design

I have decided to call my latest wrap, Wicker Park.  Its a lovely periwinkle color that will look splendid with crystal earrings.  Its a trellis-ish/lattice pattern that has some raised dimensional patterning. The photo above is my cheaters block while still on the needles in the beginning phase of the project.....(just had to make sure everything was lining up).

A cable needle at the cross point of the pattern, I have found that my favorite cable needle is one by Brittany (it comes in a 3 size pack).  They are birch wood and look like tiny dpn's, except the center of the needle is slightly narrower than the rest of the needle, keeping those lace stitches at bay.

Since I had two hanks of yarn, I am making mine both wide and long.  However, I have worked up narrower versions, including a scarf.  I really can't wait to sport it around town.

I am pretty close to finishing this piece, hopefully within the week. Looking forward to completeing the final editing, getting it photographed and lastly published.  As for all my patterns, they will be available on Ravelry.

 

Happy Knitting!  and Reading!

 

book clubs

For years I have always thought being in a Book Club would be something I would enjoy. However, I always convinced myself that my irregular and frequent work/travel schedule would never permit me to participate.

Earlier this month I was invited to a Book Club in my neighborhood.  I am thrilled.   I had already found myself reading a lot more this year, thanks to my Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Paperwhite. So the idea of the  Book Club seemed perfect.

The book we read for August is "The Painted Girls: A Novel" by Cathy Marie Buchanan.  Its a novel reflecting life in Paris during the 1870's, inspired by the real life model for Edgar Degas' Little Dancer.  

We meet tonight to discuss the book. I have no idea how the conversation will go......if its a group that seriously discusses each book or a group that uses the book as a reason to gather as an excuse for some wine. Either way, I am game.

"The Painted Girls" was a good book and looking forward to meeting new people in the neighborhood. Definitely a win - win.

Aside from reading a book, that I may or may not have picked up......I have also been acquainted with Goodreads, its kind of like Ravelry for knitting, but books. It also has an app, so its easy to add or look things up from your ipad or android device. If nothing else, its good place to keep track of the books I have read. 

If you use Goodreads, friend me. You can find me as Krista or knittingbuzz.

 

I leave you with a random photo as a tribute to knitting anytime and anywhere.

Happy Knitting.

lemons

Recently, I had the opportunity to read "The Lemon Book" by Mrs. Alexandra Vegant, available at Amazon. I had no idea of the extraordinary benefits this little fruit provides.  The book is chock full of information on its uses in health, beauty, recipes and even household tips. 

I have been preparing juice from one to three lemons with water and it makes a surprisingly refreshing drink.  I drink this most mornings and usually take one to work as well.  Lately I have been adding some cayenne pepper to my drink, and I know you are probably making a face right about now, but its really quite good.  If it gets to be a little much, I will add a tablespoon of real maple syrup. Stop with the faces.

I don't know if it actually is benefiting me or not, but I do believe it certainbly couldn't hurt. So I have been buying lemons by the bag full and giving my electric citrus juicer a workout. 

One thing I do know..... that the cutting board that I have been using to cut my lemons no longer has any stains, hmm.

OK! OK! OK! ......so I have been a little lemon crazy.....it gets worse...... I caught an episode of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and learned that Yolanda has her front yard full of ...you guessed it.... lemon trees.  And she picks them fresh every day and also makes a lemon drink.  We are like twins...... I wish......

Soooooo,

even though I live in Chicago, I yearned to have at least one lemon tree.  I found that lemon trees can be grown indoors as long as there is direct sunlight.  Ah ha! Direct sunlight is what I have!  So you guessed, I found a 4 - 5 year old, 3.5' to 4.5' tall tree.  Sounds perfect!

I had so many questions for the grower and I probably drove him crazy. I had concerns about repotting to a fancy container, pollinating, and sunlight, of which all my questions were answered.   

BUT one of my biggest concerns was.....will it fit thru my front door  I was worried that a 4 to 5 year old tree may be too big for the door.  The grower assured me that it would come wrapped as such that I would have no problem.

I can't wait, I will have my own lemon tree...... I can't express how truly excited I am. But I had to wait till conditions are not freezing for the tree to be shipped.

 

More on my very own lemon tree in the heart of Chicago coming soon.....

dare I say

My "Give a Mouse a Cookie" scenario has gotten completely out of hand.

Between the distractions, interruptions and even interrupted interruptions, my goals to be more productive on publishing knitted designs and blogging about my progress, leave a lot to be desired.

Alas, I can readily put my finger on the problem.

• I have taken on some knitting projects because they were fun, knitting toys for children for friends of a friend. Danger danger....
• The Kindle Buffet. Wonderful and dangerous.
• Kindle games with friends.....mildly addictive

I think I mentioned that prior to Christmas, I really didn't see myself needing or desiring a tablet.  But now that I have a Kindle Fire HD, I love it and that love is eating up alot of previous knitting time.  Now I am well aware that I am an adult and can control these things, but yet.....

The Kindle Buffet offers free books everyday.  I am downloading books that I am pretty sure I would not have touched before. My curiousity on some topics means that I am perusing the books right away.  Some I read a little bit, then others I end up reading the entire book right away on topics like learning more about Teas, or Container Gardening or Herbs & Spices or Tangeling or learning Italian or ... or... or... 

Need I say more on where my time goes? I don't think so. 

On a high note, aside from knitting toys, I have just finished the fingering weight version of Treillage Lace as a wrap.  I hope to get it onto the blocking board today and publishing it later this week.

Not my bike....surprised? But I'm looking forward to get moving/knitting.  Ba-dum-bump...

Today I get to  pick up and start knitting Ibiza (previously called Lazy River) Lace wrap again, which has been sitting in "waiting" since November. Its about 70% complete and I'm anxious to get it finished.

if you give a mouse a cookie

Just like the beloved children's book "If you give a mouse a cookie" by Laura Numeroff, my knitting has taken a similar turn and has gotten me completely off track. 

 

As the book goes, if you give a mouse a cookie, then he is bound to want some milk, and if you give a mouse some milk, then he is bound to want......and so on and so on ......

It all started with making a hat or rather tam.  To set the record straight, I don't make many hats nor do I wear them.  However Chicago winters pleads that on some days a hat (or tam) is a necessary evil.

For three years at least, I have been saying that I NEED to make myself a new hat..... what is so hard about that? Right?  Well let's just say it hadn't happened....but now the need was FIERCE and a must have.  I decided upon the Gretel Tam by Ysolda in Berroco Ultra Alpaca color 62178 Grapefruit Mix. 

It came out great! Love the yarn , love the color and love the pattern.  It will look super cheery on gloomy snowy days.  BUT.... then realized that I don't have a scarf to match or even coordinate with it. 

So I decided I would design something, of course! 

I didn't want it to be cabled because then it would be one-sided.  I did not want a two sided cable becasue it would be too board-y and wouldn't enhance the beautiful alpaca blend. But I did want something to compliment the Gretel cable pattern.  

I came up with a new pattern that I will name Treillage.  Its a two sided design of a trellis pattern that reverses to a graphic leaf pattern. 

Looks good on either side.  It also looks good whether it is blocked or not, the photo above is blocked.  While I was knitting it, one of my test knitters, Barbara, mentioned how much she liked it and was interested in test knitting it in a lace weight......

So then it happened, ("if you give a mouse a cookie") I decided it would work great in any weight and worked up the pattern to vary the pattern for a variety of scarf widths (depending on yarn weight) and a wrap. I am currently working on a wider version in a fingering weight, shown below, unblocked. 

 

 



 I will offer the pattern on Ravelry soon,  once its finally written with all the additions for the added widths and yarn weights.

Of course, my interruptions (of Gift knitting) has now been interrupted by a hat.    Interruptions are being interrupted, that's funny!  My Ibiza Lace design (working name Lazy River)  is still on the needles and is about 75% complete....will be next up for publication.....stay tuned news at 11.

Happy Knitting!!!!



another knitalong

How does this happen? 

I usually stay fairly focused on my projects and now I find myself in another knitalong.  Knitalongs are very fun, similar to a book club or really any club that gets together to share like interests.  BUT this one kind of snuck up on me....I'm really not complaining and actually enjoying the diversion. 

Let me explain.... while on the Chicago Yarn Crawl with a car full of friends, we met a woman (sadly I didn't get her name) who shared lots and lots of pictures of knitted monsters she had made. One thing led to another and now we are fully entrenched into making the beautiful monsters by Rebecca Danger.

 

They are simply adorable and fun to make.  I am making Hugo for Xander out of Classic Elite Liberty Wool color 7802. I am only a few rows from being finished with the knitting, I have received the safety eyes I ordered from etsy 6060 (recommended by Rebecca) but still waiting for the fluff for stuffing my monster and the wool white felt for giving Hugo his toothy grin. the pictures below are the front and back of the monster.  I think he will be cute and Xander can't wait for his monster to be finished.

 
While waiting for my fluff and grin delivery..... another monster will definitely be in the making..... 

May all your distractions be happy and pleasant.........

jane austen

 

Knitting to Jane.

My world has been opened up, thanks to Jane Austen Knits 2011 published by Interweave. 

At the risk of being ridiculed...... I must confess that I had not read one Jane Austen book OR watched any of the movies inspired by her novels.........UNTIL NOW.

This magazine peeked my interest and I sought out to find a Jane Austen audiobook from the Public Library. I just finished listening to "Emma". I was surprised to learn that one of the articles in the magazine referred to the movie "Clueless" as an adaptation or inspired by Emma. I confess its been a very long time since I have seen that movie, but not sure I get the connection.....I digress!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening and knitting to "Emma" (all 13 CD's). The characters are indeed interesting and the times that the story is set is quite intriging.  Can't really imagine living in such a fanciful way, but am loving hearing about the social ways of the times.  Looking forward to, engaging in, listening and knitting to more of Jane Austen's novels.

I have "Pride and Prejudice" on hold at the library and will queue it up soon.

Happy Knitting!

 

36 Knitting Days till Christmas........

GIFTS COMPLETED  2
 

love of audio books

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man that can not read them."   ~ Mark Twain

Once upon a time ago, I would have considered myself fairly well read. 

After reacquainting myself with knitting and crocheting ......the needle arts took over my free time..... ok, true confessions.......it turned into an obsession.

I missed my books but not enough to choose it over knitting.  Then, on a flight to TNNA I spied Vicki, knitting and reading (on her Kindle) at the same time.  I must admit, I was jealous that she managed to do both.

Returning from the trip, I tried my hand at the multi-tasking and learned....... that Vicki was truly gifted......I couldn't do either well when combined.  But then I remembered that I used to love listening to books on tape during long car drives/rides, made the trip fly-by.

I quickly learned that buying audio books was crazy expensive. This is when I found myself at my local liabrary, to find an extensive selection of audio books.  I chose a few titles and headed home to engage in my two loves.

Ooooolala.....heaven.  Since July I have listened to 11 books and finally able to do both at the same time.   The only drawback I have is that I have to do it early in the morning or late at night while my house sleeps, otherwise its just too noisy.

I have had the opportunity to listen to books I have always wanted to read or have been introduced to authors from friends (thanks Chris), that I might not have known about.   I have also learned that an intense crime novel can make one knit faster.......funny right?

If you don't have time to go to the liabrary, most public liabraries allow you to hold or order up books online and then email you when they are in.   This works beautifully especially for more popular authors like Steig Larrson's "The girl who...." series.

Do what you love.....often....

May you find your heaven.......happy knitting!

 

And here is another random picture I wanted to share for your enjoyment......

best of both

It's no surprise, I can be passionate about knitting.

I will knit just about anywhere.  I knit while watching television or dvd's. I knit while listening to speakers/lectures. I knit while I wait, (in the doctors office, in line, waiting to board....). I knit on the plane. I knit in the car or on a bus or on the train. (Starting to sound like "Green Eggs and Ham").  I thought about knitting at the movie theater, perfect for an early arrival, like the comfy seat.....but once the lights go down, it is kind of dark and gets in the way of the popcorn.

I always have knitting with me. I would like to think of it as making the minutes count.  Just never know when the next opportunity to knit a few more stitches or even a few rows may present itself.

But one thing I have never been able to master is to knit and read at the same time.  My friend, Vicki can do this and I thought it was such a wonderful idea.  I used to be an avid reader and actually would have considered myself well read, but that was before my knitting took on a life-form all its own. 

I have tried knitting while reading or reading while knitting multiple times and I don't know how she does it, but I just can't get the hang of it.  I seem to either lose my place in what I'm reading or lose my place in my knitting.  Resulting in spending more time finding my place, counting or unknitting.

UNTIL NOW..... I think I must be the last person on the planet to figure out that I can knit and LISTEN to books at the same time.  Audio Books....brilliant!  I have a whole new world (the best of both worlds) that has opened up to me and I LOVE IT!  

I'm fortunate that my local public library has an enormous selection of audio books.  The hardest decision is which ones to check out first.  I do crave to be well-read again. Books and knitting, I can do it! 

It's a good life!

a good book

I really don't think of myself as a book critic.....really I don't.  But I thought it was only fair to share a newly published Stitch Dictionary that took a fresh approach. It's the "Super Stitches Knitting" by Karen Hemingway.

 

 

  This may not be the ultimate stitch dictionary, but don't let the cover fool you. It offers 300 different stitch patters and a refreshing approach to the understanding the knitted sample. It also has:

• clear pictures of knitted stitch patterns, that show that pattern details
• the author has taken a novel approach that shows how the stitch pattern sits on the needles, making it easy to see how the instructions relate to the knitted piece.
• the samples are knitted in light colors making it effortless for the reader to view the stitch pattern.
• a compact stitch guide that is easy to tuck into your knitting bag.
• it also has good basic information & graphics for the new knitter, as well as an array of stitch patterns to entertain a more accomplished knitter.

 

Bravo Karen Hemingway.....well done!

disappointing book

Have you ever bought a book with high expectations only to be sorely disappointed once you got it? 

That has been my experience with the "Vogue Knitting Stitchionary #5 Lace".

 

Granted, I am not a book critic or reviewer by any means, but I am a book lover, I love to knit and I love to knit lace. And I liked the previous Stitchionary series.

Here are my disappointments.....

• many swatches knitted in a dark yarn, making it nearly impossible to see the stitch definition.
• none of the swatches are blocked (this is incredibly important for lace) and again making it extremely difficult to see the stitch pattern.
• lacked newness, many of the stitch patterns were in the previous Vogue Knitting Stitchionaries 1 & 2. What's the point?
• lastly, on the cover it is tauted as "the ultimate stitch dictionary from the editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine". Really?

When I spend my hard earned money on a book of stitches,  I think its fair to expect that one should be able to see the stitches clearly......especially if its the ultimate. 

So perhaps I am a book critic or just critical of publishers who feel they can "pull the (proverbial) wool over my eyes".....pun intended..... I crack myself up.

And don't get me started on Debbie Bliss.

 

 

 

Getting ready to head to Columbus

This week I leave for Columbus to go to TNNA (The National Needlearts Association) to buy for Fall 2010 yarn, needles, notions, books, meeting authors and checking out lots of other goodies....but mostly the yarn .....oh the yummy yarn. Yes, its true I get excited and even moved by yarn. I'm sure there is something that I can take for this....  but..... why?

Aside from anticipations of all the new things that we will offer this fall, there is that special anticipation of taking a well deserved break at jeni's ice cream. I can't wait to try the Queen City Cayenne Ice Cream, its fashioned after Cincinnati style chili ( what could be better than that). Check out the description.... "Rich chocolate reveals a wallop of back-of-the-throat spice. Finish is tingly and complex." That's what I'm talking about!

Besides packing for the trip, getting the desperately needed haircut and  mani/pedi; there is the bigger desicion....   determining which knitting projects to take. Seriously!

 

Definitely have to finish knitting Katie's Heather Socks...... sadly I will be in Columbus for her birthday but plan to celebrate it when I get back. This is sock #1, so I'm planning on getting it finished so I can give it to her when I return and celebrate her birthday. So socks are the priority,.

Secondly, I definitely want to make some progress on my fishing net inspired shawl. And lastly, I am also planning on taking a variety of yarn to do some preliminary swatching for some of my new design ideas. 

But getting the socks finished are a MUST.  I also reserve the right to sneak a stray wip in the ole knitting bag..... a girl just has to be prepared.

Where did the week go

I moved this week and after a day of moving and movers, then another day of unpacking, it was time to go back to work. Can I just say.... that moving is tops on my list of unpleasant tasks... oofdah! 

Getting ready for the move is an un-daunting task but yet somehow cleansing. Its the time to purge those things that have accumulated but don't really need or rather desire to carry to the new digs.

BUT then there is the unpacking ( which is where I am right now with about 10 boxes to go) .....all goes well until you have run out of room..... How could this happen? I got rid of so much stuff and yet it still doesn't fit. Where did all these books come from? Oh....did I mention the yarn.

Yes, 10 boxes to go and where will it go....... that is plan for my "fun filled" day. Will it be "creative" organization or edit...... "when in doubt, throw out" may be my mantra of the day.   

More deadlines and life's interruptions

Do you ever feel like your "plate" is full and then.... the next thing you know there is another "course"?  

That's kind of how I'm feeling. I'm moving June 1st, knitting project deadlines, design/publisher deadlines and oh by the way, a full time job.

I am moving to a larger place (this is a good thing....more room for, dare I say, yarn...blush).  I know I have a decent sized stash and purchased three plastic totes from Target to store it and to get it ready for moving day.

Three?  Really?

Now... 8 totes later the yarn is finally all together.... sadly and this doesn't include needles, notions, patterns and books (OMG.... I forgot about the bookcases of knitting books.....getting more stressed out here).