tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217585462024-03-23T13:44:48.814-04:00Annie KnitsI knit and that's that.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-91705867917187840532008-10-29T12:15:00.004-04:002008-10-29T12:44:57.080-04:00Rhinebeck<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2983748653_d0034191bb_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2983748653_d0034191bb_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />About a year ago <a href="http://wannabeincloth.blogspot.com/">Wannabe</a> posted about her favorite etsy shops and feeling the mood to browse, I clicked through the list of shops she recommended. I immediately fell in love with <a href="http://thepluckyknitter.com/">Plucky Knitter</a> yarns and purchased 2 skeins immediately. She has since become so popular that I can't even keep up with her store. (Hello, everything sells out in 2 minutes, which is probably ok for my already too large stash....) Regardless, I also recommend her yarns so go <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=106560">shop</a>!<br /><br />Anyhoo, it was with much delight that I got to meet both Ms. Plucky and Wannabe at the <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">NYS Sheep & Wool Festival</a> in Rhinebeck. In fact, our initial meeting was much like the picture above. A lot of squealing, laughing and "woo hoo!"-ing. After that, we just decided that all our photos looked better if we were laughing.<br /><br />And who can't put a smile on their face when they are surrounded by all things woolly? Rhinebeck is crazy. There were so many people, it was so crowded and geez louise, so cold. But in spite of all that, it is so much fun. There's yarn to pet, bloggers to meet and apple cider doughnuts to eat. I enjoy going every year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2963392918_3f43be4e52_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2963392918_3f43be4e52_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My purchases consisted mainly of my favorites from <a href="http://www.brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/">Brooks Farm Yarn</a>. Willow, Acero and of course a skein of Solo. Back at our hotel room (in crappy lighting) it proved to be a bit difficult to decide which was more delicious. A caramel apple or an armful of yarn.<br /><br />Just about all that yarn is intended for gifts needed for the next 6 months. Progress shots to come!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-73175192074962727772008-10-12T20:13:00.002-04:002008-10-12T20:26:20.623-04:00An FO and a WIP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2935532833_aa53339e3a_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2935532833_aa53339e3a_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Well I certainly didn't expect it to take this long to update my blog! An FO is always a good reason to blog, and since I left you with my big mess of a mistake while on vacation, I thought it would be good to rectify the situation with a beautiful (if I do say so myself) finished sweater.<br /><br />I present to you my Drops 103-1 Jacket made with The Fibre Company Road to China yarn in colorway "Jade". Very fitting for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, despite my pathetic finish.<br /><br />Now you may notice that the front of the sweater seems a bit higher than the rest. I swear to you all is good with the sweater. Just look a little closer at the belly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/2936389572_b10bd7428f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/2936389572_b10bd7428f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Baby number 2 is on the way! I found out in August that I was pregnant and spent September quite nauseous. (That hardly describes it - but trust me it wasn't pretty and I'll spare you the details.) So now do you forgive me for not having written sooner? I'm trying to blog more often and read blogs again, but had a little hiccup with the whole "whoops, I'm knocked up!" thing.<br /><br />If you're going to be in Rhinebeck this coming weekend, drop me a comment. I will definitely be there on Saturday. Now if you'll excuse me, I am long overdue in setting my bloglines to my new computer. So much reading to catch up on!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-29458392287700636472008-08-24T14:30:00.004-04:002008-08-24T14:50:00.067-04:00Olympic Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2785663548_c60395b3ee.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2785663548_c60395b3ee.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I appreciate challenges and competition. I love the Knitting Olympics. I was psyched to give myself the challenge of knitting an entire sweater in 17 days. I decided to give my <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&d_id=1">Drops 103-1 Jacket</a> another go, knowing that the time crunch was the major part of my challenge, not so much the miles of stockinette. At the end of it all, I would have a gold medal as well as a beautiful sweater that I had made. Well that's just freakin' fantastic.<br /><br />I worked hard! I knit in the morning, I knit while boiling water, I knit while watching the Olympics at night. It was very challenging - soon after the Olympics began, my babysitter went on vacation. Soon after that, the Annie Knits family left for vacation. It was craziness but progress was being made on my jacket and the end was in sight. Every spare moment was filled with a row of knitting. Upon arriving at our vacation destination I looked forward to lounging on a beach chair and finishing up the last of the sleeves of my sweater and seaming everything in time for the closing ceremonies. What a way to celebrate - Olympic gold on the beach in Bermuda. Our first day on vacation, I open my knitting bag and pull out all my accoutrement. Needles, blocking pins, buttons, extra stitch markers, kitty tape measure.... No yarn. No yarn! I forgot to pack the 3 skeins needed to finish up the sleeves and seaming. Well that's just freakin' craptastic.<br /><br />There's always Vancouver...Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-46574671589361367992008-08-01T12:53:00.009-04:002008-08-01T14:35:18.957-04:00Red Hot Socks for Hotty Hubby<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2721607736_0c512d96e5_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2721607736_0c512d96e5_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Secret knitting is really killing my blogging. Hey wait, that didn't stop me from posting to Flickr. Hmm. Ok, ok, I'm addicted to Flickr!<br /><br />Hi, my name is Annie. I am addicted to my new camera and this website called <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. It is sucking every spare minute of my time, more than <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, if you can believe it. I hardly have time to knit.<br /><br />Hello! Snap back to reality! Must have time to knit. These socks may have taken longer than expected, but they did get finished. For Hotty Hubby's birthday (back in June) I wanted to give him a pair of red socks. I started them in May and I finished them in July but hey, I have a kid. And a Flickr addiction. He was surprised and he loves them. He wears them with his camouflage shorts with air conditioning blasting. It's sweet and a little funny looking.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2721608330_064051b625_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2721608330_064051b625_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />These socks are my own fudging using a stitch pattern from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sensational-Knitted-Socks-Charlene-Schurch/dp/1564777170/ref=sr_1_3/002-6998848-1732024?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1217613163&sr=1-3">Charlene Schurch's More Sensational Socks.</a> I knit them toe up with a short row heel to take advantage of as much yardage as possible. I still could have gone on for another inch or so, but 7" leg (including a 2" cuff) was my goal so I ended up with some scrap yarn. Yarn is <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_22_75&products_id=783">Socks That Rock Heavyweight in colorway "Brick".</a><br /><br />The stitch pattern is a 4 stitch repeat, but on both sides of the leg I purposely omitted the pattern and did a little ribbing instead. My husband has narrow ankles so I wanted to be certain that the socks would be snug around the ankle.<br /><br />I did receive a request for the pattern, but since it is an adaption of a pattern already mapped out in Charlene's book, (and since I didn't take that great of notes) I will leave you with a guideline of what I did so that you can make these socks if you so desire. The stitch pattern is called "Decorative Ribbing" - page 87.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Hot Socks</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/red-hot-socks">Queue it!</a><br /><br />STR Heavyweight - 1 skein<br /><br />Size 4us circular needle (36" for magic loop)<br /><br />Using the toe of your choice, (short row I what I used) cast on the appropriate number of stitches for the width of sock you want to make. Fudge the number to make sure it is divisible by 4.<br /><br />After completing the toe, work stockinette on half the stitches (sole) and work the other half the stitches in the stitch pattern, making sure that you start and finish with a PURL stitch. This may mean that you have uneven number of stitches between needles 1 and 2, but that doesn't really matter as long as your total stitch count is appropriate for the size you are making and is divisible by 4.<br /><br />Ok, take a moment now and just measure the toe before the stitch pattern starts. Mine is 2". Make a note of the length of the toe part of your sock. Knit the foot of the sock until you are less the length of your toe. In my case, the sock needed to be 10.5" long for the foot, so I knit (including the toe) for 8.5". At this point, continue with the sole stitches (the half of the stitches that are stockinette, borrow evenly from the other needle to make sure you have half the number of the total stitches) and work a short row heel.<br /><br />Once heels are complete, continue in the round picking up stitches at the edges if necessary to fill in any holes from joining. (Take the next round to knit 2 tog or purl 2 tog as necessary to get back to your original stitch count.) Continue in the stitch pattern - keep in mind that since you have a stitch count divisible by 4, you should be able to continue with the stitch pattern all around quite nicely. You may not necessarily start a row on the beginning of a repeat per se, but it should work out. Fudge, it ain't just dessert.<br /><br />I wanted the ankles to be snug, so fudging it a bit, (you get the theme here, right?) I started needle one and needle two omitting the stitch pattern in the first 4 stitches and just did a quick bit of twisted 1x1 ribbing to make sure the legs would be nice and snug around the ankles. It worked with the stitch pattern perfectly and you can see it in the photo above. You do not have to do this at all, but a neat little trick to keep those ankles from sagging should that be a concern.<br /><br />Keep knitting until 1.5 to 2 inches less of desired length. Continue in 1x1 twisted rib. (Continue working the knit stitches through the back loop.) I wanted a 7" leg so I knit the stitch pattern for 5" and switched to rib for the last 2".<br /><br />Cast off loosely (EZ sewn cast off is great) and wash, block and wear! Any questions or mistakes, please leave me a comment.<br /><br />Now if you will excuse me, I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on. Yah, that suffered too. But I'm back! Miss me?Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-62068541423250536682008-06-28T20:11:00.003-04:002008-06-28T20:33:19.991-04:00Garter Stitch Love Fest<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2618670954_67409b5eab.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/2618670954_67409b5eab.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Surprise! This glob of garter stitch is a...<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2618672682_5f4fa05c2d.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2618672682_5f4fa05c2d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Baby Surprise Jacket! Almost, anyway. I kept waiting to update my blog because I was so close to being finished. I figured I'd wait until I seamed it and added the buttons. And then nearly 2 weeks went by and I still don't know when I am going to go find buttons. So there you have it. My 95% complete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BSJ</span>.<br /><br />I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Noro</span> Silk Garden Lite in color 2015. I wanted to keep the jacket on the feminine side so I cast on using the coral color. Luckily the coral showed up again on the bind off. I am thrilled. It's giving the effect that I was hoping for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2617849141_bbca1f1011.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2617849141_bbca1f1011.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Over all these colors are new for me. They still have the dusty quality that I like, but a bit brighter than normal, plus the striping which isn't typical of my style. I am not usually a fan of yellow and yet I love the stripe of golden goodness in my garter stitch love fest. Yes, love fest. I loved working on this jacket. This is my second <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">BSJ</span>, my first real go with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Noro</span> (other than the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annieknits/2434760229/">coffee cup cozies</a>) and I found it all delightful. I hope the recipient feels the same!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-6140864296106128272008-06-11T21:33:00.005-04:002008-06-11T23:03:42.976-04:00Shhhh! My Show is On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2571956676_3282d4d88d.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/2571956676_3282d4d88d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />No progress on the Drops Jacket and no progress on Cashew's sweater. I'm pretending they didn't happen so I can have fun knitting another <a href="http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0942018001/105-0050232-6289254?SubscriptionId=1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2">Baby Surprise Jacket</a>. Noro is certainly addictive (Silk Garden Lite color 2015) and so is the pattern. Such a great "end of the day" type knit, which is exactly what I am using it for. After a long day, heck, even a short day, busy day, lazy day, I don't really care what type of day, summertime has some great tvtime. Junk food tv and I'm a junkie. And that means knitting time. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to watch the season finale of <a href="http://www.bravotv.com/Top_Chef/season/4/index.php">Top Chef</a>. Tomorrow, it's the season opener of <a href="http://www.tbs.com/shows/myboys/">My Boys</a>...Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-4839032439743226992008-06-08T22:41:00.004-04:002008-06-08T23:23:06.512-04:00JuneI can't believe June is here. Where did spring go and how did it fly by? Technically I guess it is not summer yet, though the heatwave sends a warning that it is on its way. June has been a nice time for me to get my act together. <a href="http://annie-knits.blogspot.com/search/label/June%20Plan">Last year</a> it was the month that I worked out a new routine with my new baby. Now I (finally) have a new apartment and a fun summer to look forward to. So I have started this June with a little spring cleaning - better late than never.<br /><br />I find cleaning works best from the closets out. Even though we downsized before moving, we still have boxes of random stuff in random places and it is starting to spill out into our living areas. If I want time to be crafty, I have to be organized, so straight to the guts - the closets. So exhausting going through memorabilia, gear we don't know if we still want, photo projects not done, medication for the cat no longer with us. Oye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2556822925_2c39f71820.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2556822925_2c39f71820.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A nice find was a box labeled "winter". In it I found all my fingerless mitts, scarves, gloves and in particular, two items that have previously never made it to the blog...or ravelry...or flickr... I made this cowl about three years ago. It's the Pashmina Cowl from <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/booklist/author,1">Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson</a>. I used Araucania Nature Wool. I wore it a couple times and completely forgot about it. Cowls seem to be making quite a comeback so after a refreshing wash I packed it back up but placed it on top of all the other woolly gear. Next fall when I am cold and pulling down this box I will see it first thing and will wear it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2556823329_aefaa6a21e.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2556823329_aefaa6a21e.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Also in the box is something I have not forgotten. In fact, to many of you it may look very familiar. In fact, you may wonder if I have any other scarves at all because I practically wear this every day in winter. For the last four winters! It is simple garter stitch made with <a href="http://www.morehousefarm.com/">Morehouse Merino</a> bought at the Union Square Green Market when Morehouse used to sell there. I had knit this scarf one spring many years ago as mindless project to help me get through a summer job. It is by far the item in my collection of handknits that gets the most compliments. A simple scarf made out of pretty yarn. The scarf has not pilled or faded which I find very impressive for a super soft single ply.<br /><br />I love that the simplest knits can be the most pretty.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-44096866030811492252008-06-03T11:21:00.005-04:002008-06-03T12:04:36.804-04:00FO Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2542901735_11c8aac805.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2542901735_11c8aac805.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So much to catch up on and hardly a thing to show, other than these socks for my little Cashew. I didn't even finish them while on vacay over Memorial Day Weekend. No, my bad luck followed me to the Catskills. While knitting in the car I realized that I had made a huge error in these tiny socks. I never finished the gusset decreases in one sock and had already knit many rows in plain stockinette. Ripping back is my theme, and one I don't particularly want. So going back to my original plan for ignorant bliss (which you all supported with gusto) I put the socks down and knit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annieknits/sets/72157600358975691/">this</a> instead.<br /><br />Upon returning from a lovely vacation in which there were no cell phone towers and a brand new digital camera with no battery, I snapped out of ignorant bliss and got back to work on these socks for Cashew. I improvised my own pattern with Trekking XXL (colorway?) using a 3x1 rib, a few decreases at the ankle and a standard heel flap and toe. I made them a tad big so she can wear them in the fall. She has enjoyed trying them on but getting a modeled shot proved to be tricky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2542899881_1a1e59f8b1.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2135/2542899881_1a1e59f8b1.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Watching her toddler two step around the apartment is a riot. My little Cashew is walking!<br /><br />And because I can't resist a meme for which I have been tagged:<br /><br />1) What was I doing 10 years ago?<br /><br />June 1998 - I was dodging mean squirrels and teaching dance at <a href="http://www.interlochen.org/">Interlochen Arts Camp</a> in Michigan.<br /><br />2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):<br /><br />Cashew's laundry.<br />Update SnK on WWKIPD info.<br />Reorganize the laundry closet.<br />Shower.<br />Take care of a feverish Hubby. Today he truly puts the hot in "Hotty".<br /><br />3) Snacks I enjoy: Yogurt parfait, Veggie Booty, endive with goat cheese, walnut and honey. Delish.<br /><br />4)Things I would do if I were a billionaire: Buy a bigger apartment, a country house in a different country, take more vacations, open a fiber arts studio and offer more support to my favorite charities.<br /><br />5) Places I have lived: Michigan and New York.<br /><br /><a href="http://thechemgrrlchronicles.wordpress.com/">Chemgrrl</a>, <a href="http://wannabeincloth.blogspot.com/">Wannabe</a>, <a href="http://allisonmariecat.blogspot.com/">Allison</a>, <a href="http://hpnyknits.blogspot.com/">Hila</a>, <a href="http://mleknits.blogspot.com/">MLE</a>...your turn. Go!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-47110545909683158142008-05-22T08:15:00.005-04:002008-05-22T08:56:54.933-04:00Ignorant Bliss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2512976541_7582f6483e.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2512976541_7582f6483e.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I want to knit something for myself. Something that I will finish and love. I have been eyeing the <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&d_id=1">Drops 103-1 jacket</a> and after <a href="http://othersideofthepom.blogspot.com/">Tina</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Misplacedpom/103-1-jacket-in-eskimo-or-silke-alpaca-with-a-shape">finished hers</a> in mere hours (mild exaggeration), I was determined to prove to myself that I could knit it up fairly quickly. I had picked out <a href="http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/3643">The Fibre Company's Road to China</a> in Jade awhile back. It has been creeping up to the top of my stash pile and it's time to move it to the next level - a sweater.<br /><br />I happily cast on and knit and knit and knit. The skeins don't have a lot of yardage so shortly after casting on I had to add another skein. Knit knit knit. Happy happy happy. Add another skein and then DUN DUN DUN. Honkin' stripe of grey green right in the middle of my blue green. Not pretty. Ugly. So sad. I have about 11 more skeins of this stuff, how to tell which ones are more grey, which ones are more blue? I guess I should wind them all and knit samples from each skein. Oh what a drag. Once I know how many different skeins I have I can make a plan of action, which will probably be alternating rows from different skeins.<br /><br />Ugh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2505503606_677d9fefbf.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2505503606_677d9fefbf.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And look, same for Cashew's sweater. I used a new skein for the sleeves and it is a different shade. I have at least 2 more skeins of this yarn (<a href="http://brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/index.php?cPath=46&osCsid=e9224827c368cf52830f4e3e152d2ebf">Brooks Farm Solo</a>) and I'm hoping one of them is more like the first skein I picked.<br /><br />Gah.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2513801114_d1837b3d8b.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2513801114_d1837b3d8b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Cashew's socks have been a nice diversion as <a href="http://www.atelierzitron.de/GoLive_Daten_e/Seiten/trekking.html">Trekking XXL</a> is always entertaining. However these will not last a little R&R in Hudson Valley for the holiday weekend. I haven't decided if I should bring one of the sweaters to fix or just cast on something new so I can continue knitting in ignorant bliss without worrying about the consequences.<br /><br />I think ignorant bliss is winning.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-66349860674977008192008-05-11T21:10:00.004-04:002008-05-11T23:01:38.538-04:00Two for One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2479589160_34660d1b88.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3009/2479589160_34660d1b88.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A little somethin' somethin' for my Mom for Mother's Day. Although making a gift takes time, it doesn't necessarily keep it from being craptastic. So I worked really hard on the packaging. If you're gonna go handmade, why not go all the way? Adorable (if I do say so myself) <a href="http://imadethis.wordpress.com/2006/12/14/crocheted-flowers-pattern/">crocheted flowers</a> in <a href="http://brooklynhandspun.com/Store/">Brooklyn Handspun</a> Signature in Mocha Rose to decorate the easiest, foolproof (well, almost) handknit gift for my Mom:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2478776663_0eb2faa6a2.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2478776663_0eb2faa6a2.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dishcloths. Sugar n' Cream in Ecru. One skein gave me 2 of the <a href="http://1870pearl.typepad.com/4Corners.pdf">4-Corners Dishcloth</a>. Seriously, my Mom swears by the handknit garter stitch dishcloth. Sure, she may get a kick out of a handknit scarf, she will admire a pair of mittens, she does wear <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annieknits/341420982/in/set-72157594452623862/">the socks</a> I made (and hello, they are 100% cashmere!) but garter stitch dishcloths. A winner, as long as I don't get too experimental. Hopefully Sugar n' Cream is as good as Peaches n' Cream, and hopefully this style of garter stitch dishcloth is as good as the favored <a href="http://www.jimsyldesign.com/dishbout/kpatterns/grfavorite.html">Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth</a>. The truth will come out in the wash. If these are wrecked within a couple of weeks, I know she loves them. Nicely folded in a drawer...wah wah wah.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2482595667_f1b7d72d6c.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/2482595667_f1b7d72d6c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Oh but look! Happy Mother's Day to me! I have a fantastic stash, but I had an extra 20 minutes and I was near <a href="http://www.knittycity.com/">Knitty City</a> and well it is Mother's Day and I am a Mom. <a href="http://www.schaeferyarn.com/">Schaefer</a> Andrea in "Dian Fossey".<br /><br />Uh, behind the lovely green blob? You saw that, eh?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2483409950_1a2625676c.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2233/2483409950_1a2625676c.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yah. Schaefer Andrea in "Julia Child". It's also my birthday. Hooray!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-74242996537266205252008-05-04T19:39:00.004-04:002008-05-04T20:47:53.797-04:00Happy Feet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2465209463_2751a0fc28.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2465209463_2751a0fc28.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It is very difficult to maintain a blog about knitting when the current project is a secret one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2466036786_911a88bc4d.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/2466036786_911a88bc4d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I present to you <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/PATTlgs.html">Lighthouse Gansey Socks by Anne Hanson</a>, knit with Trekking ProNatura (wool and bamboo). These were made for the Sit 'n' Knit Secret Sock Exchange. My Secret Feet belonged to <a href="http://riverknitter.blogspot.com/">Annmarie</a>. Hooray! It was fun <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/annmarie">scheming and stalking.</a> I chose this pattern because I know she is a fan of Anne Hanson, didn't care for wildly variegated yarn, plus she had written on the questionnaire that the Lighthouse Gansey Socks were something she'd like to have but didn't necessarily want to knit. After looking over the pattern I thought, hey, it's just knit and purl. I nearly cried in my yarn when I realized that I really had to pay attention with every row. And then I realized how bored I have been with my knitting lately because the socks were in fact quite fun and interesting. Annmarie seemed delighted with them so I am happy.<br /><br />(The rug? I know! Isn't it totally rad? More about that later.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2465435051_9e7b166840.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2465435051_9e7b166840.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And for me...<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/pomietta">Gina</a> made me a pair of <a href="http://www.knitzi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=245">Nutkin</a>! I whipped off my shoes and socks and put them on right quick. I love this pattern and the yarn is a merino cashmere blend. Delish! I am very happy with them and am so tickled to have something that is so me yet wouldn't have thought of doing. I have been eyeing Nutkin but the yarn is something I have never seen before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2466037500_bf329af852.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2466037500_bf329af852.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The exchange was a success and there were happy feet all around.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-77303596582922410262008-04-22T21:28:00.006-04:002008-04-22T23:09:34.179-04:00Going Green<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2434760229_affe9dd7ce.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2434760229_affe9dd7ce.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This past weekend I threw out a little challenge to my knitting group. In honor of Earth Day, I asked everyone to bring a handknit cup cozy to our most recent event. It's a small item that could have a big impact, so I got right to my own challenge. First, I made the <a href="http://mimoknits.typepad.com/knitting/2007/11/post.html">Kureyon Coffee Cozy by Michelle Molis.</a> (You can see mine <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annieknits/2433738187/in/photostream/">here</a>.) Totally inspired by the gently spaced increases, I set out to try my own interpretation. I present to you the Going Green Cup Cozy. (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/going-green-cup-cozy">Ravelry link.</a>)<br /><br />The increases are worked into the eyelet pattern by simply removing the "k2tog". The pattern is easy to memorize, it's the row count that's a tad tricky. I wrote it out line by line for the memory challenged, but I swear you'll get the hang of it. Think of the pattern happening in sets of 8:<br /><br />row 1 - Increase 1 stitch each needles 1 & 3<br />row 2 - knit<br />row 3 - maintain eyelet pattern<br />row 4 - knit<br />row 5 - Increase 1 stitch each needles 2 & 4<br />row 6 - knit<br />row 7 - maintain eyelet pattern<br />row 8 - knit<br /><br />A crocheted edge adds finishing and a sturdy edge. Knit one and help save a few trees. Woo hoo!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Going Green Cup Cozy</span><br /><br />Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Lite (I used color 2017)<br /><br />Needles: 5 size us6 dpns and crochet hook size G<br /><br />Gauge: 6 sts = 1”<br /><br />Size : to fit 12oz paper cup<br /><br />This pattern has only been test knit by me so if you find an error, please let me know in the comments!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span><br /><br />Cast on 36 stitches. (If you would like the bottom crocheted edge to be the same color as the cast on, leave a 20ish inch tail that you can use for the crocheted finishing.) Divide evenly between 4 needles – 9 stitches each.<br /><br />Join in the round and mark beginning of round. Knit 2 rows.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Row 1.</span>* k6, k2tog, yo, k1 repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.</span> (And all even rows) Knit<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k7, yo, k2 (10 sts) Needle 2 – k5, k2tog, yo, k2 (9 sts) Repeat needle 1 for needle 3 and needle 2 for needle 4. 38 sts total.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5.</span> Needle 1 – k5, k2tog, yo, k3 Needle 2 – k4, k2tog, yo, k3 Repeat needle 1 for 3, 2 for 4<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">7.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k4, k2tog, yo, k4 Needle 2 – k5, yo, k4 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 40 sts total.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">9.</span> *k3, k2tog, yo, k5 Repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">11.</span> Increases row. Needle 1 – k4, yo, k6 Needle 2 – k2, k2tog, yo, k6 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 42 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">13.</span> Needle 1 – k2, k2tog, yo, k7 Needle 2 – k1, k2tog, yo, k7 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">15.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k1, k2tog, yo, k8 Needle 2 – k2, yo, k8 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 44 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">17.</span> * k2tog, yo, k9 Repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE: Row 18</span> (knit) – As you finish working the stitches on each needle, knit on 2 more stitches from the next needle. For needle 4, knit on 2 stitches from needle 1. 11 stitches per needle. Now the pattern should be starting from the left again. Move stitch marker to reestablish beginning of round.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">19.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k10, yo, k1 Needle 2 – k8, k2tog, yo, k1 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 46 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">21. </span>Needle 1 – k8, k2tog, yo, k2 Needle 2 – k7, k2tog, yo, k2 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">23.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 – k7, k2tog, yo, k3 Needle 2 – k8, yo, k3 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 48 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">25.</span> *k6, k2tog, yo, k4 Repeat from * 3 more times.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">27.</span> Increase row. Needle 1 - k7, yo, k5 Needle 2 – k5, k2tog, yo, k5 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 50 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">29.</span> Needle 1 – k5, k2 tog, yo, k6 Needle 2 – k4, k2tog, yo, k6 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">31.</span> Increases row. Needle 1 – k4, k2tog, yo, k7 Needle 2 – k5, yo, k7 Repeat 1 for 3, 2 for 4. 52 sts.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">32.</span> Knit.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">33.</span> Knit.<br /><br />Bind off . Do not cut yarn. Continue with a row of single crochet along top edge, and then work a row of single row of crochet on bottom edge. Weave in ends.<br /><br />After all that work, I believe you deserve a beverage. Coffee, anyone?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Copyright © 2008 by Annie Knits http://annie-knits.blogspot.com</span>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-86174609897034568412008-04-18T11:10:00.007-04:002008-12-09T04:53:47.933-05:00Cashew wuz here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRzhEOVa2mLBLDJjk91t5PR6aFtVzjC5gthFNnFu3RgD2MVLW5ixcmaQ3Gn9zzqZwHradR8lNfe2i5lUEU03MYVp3C3MgyXuTUEN4I9VcaIzLS7jdpIESs6gKkstF-c2M1yIS/s1600-h/AMKyarn1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRzhEOVa2mLBLDJjk91t5PR6aFtVzjC5gthFNnFu3RgD2MVLW5ixcmaQ3Gn9zzqZwHradR8lNfe2i5lUEU03MYVp3C3MgyXuTUEN4I9VcaIzLS7jdpIESs6gKkstF-c2M1yIS/s320/AMKyarn1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190604412074457842" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">What started as Mommy going through her stash quickly became a literal activity.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlrrcoAGBHHneBrowXwPg8D2xWLMomgFs1eOe3WSI-rdmqqjRJv2x8qbWLgq3cII00wXg0hD18F0HkAhQlkRThqhWiQiitPGmJ3bqLkBBUDcup8_TbpOOYiZN0-WvP1CBonV2/s1600-h/AMKyarn2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlrrcoAGBHHneBrowXwPg8D2xWLMomgFs1eOe3WSI-rdmqqjRJv2x8qbWLgq3cII00wXg0hD18F0HkAhQlkRThqhWiQiitPGmJ3bqLkBBUDcup8_TbpOOYiZN0-WvP1CBonV2/s320/AMKyarn2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190604442139228930" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We squished yarn, tossed it, moved on to the next. I admit, I was having a lot of fun, too. Who wouldn't want to dive in to a bag of yarn and roll around in it?<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr338kKfE-MGO2zpHaLVWx3Hu2DlsPobGXI7qktDfe9LFAxD_e1-F_89E6wSW16JyZDvHUaSZ5nd2tMdTAulA4Vq5zgM5k3P6gi8Gu-Y33-F_l5xqlhJP_Sur6C9XRkcKALwZC/s1600-h/AMKyarn4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr338kKfE-MGO2zpHaLVWx3Hu2DlsPobGXI7qktDfe9LFAxD_e1-F_89E6wSW16JyZDvHUaSZ5nd2tMdTAulA4Vq5zgM5k3P6gi8Gu-Y33-F_l5xqlhJP_Sur6C9XRkcKALwZC/s320/AMKyarn4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190604463614065442" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cashew loves to unravel.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2422719043_96278747c7.jpg?v=1208533668"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2422719043_96278747c7.jpg?v=1208533668" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I sensed that she wasn't going to be as enthusiastic about cleaning up yarn (despite it being yarn and that typically takes the edge off of everything) so it was no surprise when she moved on. Rather quickly, I might add.<br /></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-75809649170393245772008-04-12T19:58:00.005-04:002008-04-12T20:24:03.739-04:00Excuse Me While I Whip This Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2409006230_6c0f1b7763.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/2409006230_6c0f1b7763.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span></a><br />I was determined to attend the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/the-bobboosters">NYC <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ravelry</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bobmas</span> Eve party</a> and I was determined to bring the requested donation of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">handknit</span> hat for <a href="http://blogs.seamenschurch.org/">Christmas at Sea</a>. I grabbed some Cascade 220 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Superwash</span> from the stash, snagged a pattern from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/hpnyknits/queue?page=5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hila's</span> queue</a> and whipped this out in a couple of days. I was going to be late for the party because I had to wait for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hotty</span> Hubby to come home from work to do the baby trade off but before leaving, I managed to snap a few craptastic pics for posterity. Of course I promptly left the hat on my couch as I took off for the party. Figures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/2409006232_02db5d2bcf.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/2409006232_02db5d2bcf.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The pattern is the <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20060127052904/www.frugalhaus.com/scripts/ribbed.asp">Classic Ribbed Hat by Frugal Knitting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Haus</span></a>. For my purposes, I have renamed it the Seaman's Cap and you can make all the jokes you want about "ribbed" and "seaman". Oh, and 10 points if you name the movie. (And no more explanation than that, you either get it or you don't. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Chemgrrl</span>, I'm counting on you!)Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-83977841689123573362008-03-29T20:36:00.005-04:002008-12-09T04:53:48.190-05:00Knitter's LuckI have not had much luck with this move. We went into contract when I was in my third trimester and we moved in a week after Cashew's 1st birthday. There have been many phone calls, complaints, bitch sessions, false promises and big letdowns. To finally reach the point where we were packing up boxes was surreal. While the movers hauled our stuff, we happily walked 5 blocks to our new home, ready to start the rest of our life.<br /><br />As luck would have it, the freight elevator was broken. A little snafu, but we won't let that stop us! And then we discovered the cable line was damaged. The dishwasher stopped washing. The dryer wasn't drying. The phone wasn't ringing. The drains weren't draining.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZVXlu_K5blZIeB9tTBtO7cucSoSlHrZfm-5cOlqLdQKPCebBEl4jPnlSs3BswnaQ7Ys_BruV-t2VSDyRuAyOqEyzgAvXrQvSa91WeGe29hW7XRCtSGBB1iYwQ7CFku6I0CMq/s1600-h/STR.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZVXlu_K5blZIeB9tTBtO7cucSoSlHrZfm-5cOlqLdQKPCebBEl4jPnlSs3BswnaQ7Ys_BruV-t2VSDyRuAyOqEyzgAvXrQvSa91WeGe29hW7XRCtSGBB1iYwQ7CFku6I0CMq/s320/STR.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183327404877976626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Socks That Rock "Lagoon"</span></span><br /><br /></div>I was ready to walk out the building (once I found an elevator that worked) and hurl myself into the East River. Ok, not really, my daughter is too cute and my husband too hot and we do love the actual apartment. But I was feeling pretty rotten. And as I did finally get into an elevator that worked, a little bit of my luck changed. No, it's not that I <span style="font-style: italic;">didn't</span> get stuck in the elevator, but I received a piece of mail. My first at the new apartment. A piece of mail from <a href="http://tiennieknits.typepad.com/tiennie_knits/">Tiennie</a>. Turns out I had won a little contest, just for commenting on her blog. My first piece of mail was a package containing yarn. Praise the yarn gods! Clearly THEY are looking out for me. Since I had no safe place to put it for a couple of days, I carried the yarn around with me. I didn't have much time to knit, so taking a peek at a skein of yummy, squishy yarn made me happy. That shade of green makes me grin like a goof which is a nice change from the scowl that was making my face cramp. Thank you, Tiennie!<br /><br />So now that the dishwasher has been fixed, the dryer is humming, the STR getting comfy in my stash (not for long, though), I am ready to take a much needed knitting break. Screw the UFO's, I need to start something new.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16hpVg8SZeQRFXuk708I_KhEg_XAFJp0KE2jOTqiug6Y3zZh-Pa3T-FvCs0EHuqbg8VtGSenCFdGOfzxaNYipMdKMCkE7lc844K9gz3o_Y39jOnQNMR2iyxi7HrRmqaUM-wTY/s1600-h/Sockyarn.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16hpVg8SZeQRFXuk708I_KhEg_XAFJp0KE2jOTqiug6Y3zZh-Pa3T-FvCs0EHuqbg8VtGSenCFdGOfzxaNYipMdKMCkE7lc844K9gz3o_Y39jOnQNMR2iyxi7HrRmqaUM-wTY/s320/Sockyarn.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183327417762878530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">L-R: Trekking Pro Natura 1512, Trekking XXL 101, Noro S188, Noro S164, Schaefer Anne</span></span><br /></div><br /><a href="http://knitting.meetup.com/463/">Sit 'n' Knit</a> is having it's second annual secret sock exchange. I have narrowed down my choices. I have a lot of versions of the same thing in my stash, and these are some of the more unique options. Hmm. Which would you choose?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hey NY peeps! We are selling some furniture and we need to have it gone by Monday at the very latest. See my Craigslist ads here: <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/621700373.html">dining table</a>, <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/622483443.html">couch</a>, <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/622488911.html">chair</a>, <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/621692176.html">medicine cabinet</a> and <a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/fur/621227564.html">mirror</a>. Let me know if you're interested!</span></span>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-10621658101410819332008-03-16T21:09:00.004-04:002008-12-09T04:53:48.558-05:00Someone to Knit For<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzaWKk438tZIzY2VoqAhf-z-bXw_3I49UI0ZzRJgJuTb4rWnorrynBAPLr-i-1o26Drh7FY3Mr2XRyPJsD-DF9OdUVKfTu51uVDwh3gBfSTyhs7ZDuXmxpf0jy0VBOdJJcGUC/s1600-h/hi+mommy.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzaWKk438tZIzY2VoqAhf-z-bXw_3I49UI0ZzRJgJuTb4rWnorrynBAPLr-i-1o26Drh7FY3Mr2XRyPJsD-DF9OdUVKfTu51uVDwh3gBfSTyhs7ZDuXmxpf0jy0VBOdJJcGUC/s320/hi+mommy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178512181121824930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hi Mommy!</span></span><br /></div><br />A year ago today, I looked at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hotty</span> Hubby and said "Dude" and shook my head after having made it through an intense contraction. A couple, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span>, A LOT of swear words later, <a href="http://annie-knits.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Arrival">we welcomed Cashew into the world</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLLlGKjxOS6BONDLnDgCpvh6dEmxYPaKpKh8VXC52SmhoX0tmOOTLL4KcM0rwChO3xMpAb8vSAq614zVbwwnDiqByzzLfdQ7lBl3YQHMWAHxpdNAI0NVVUNpDqJVWw_W9eyRJ/s1600-h/yarn+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLLlGKjxOS6BONDLnDgCpvh6dEmxYPaKpKh8VXC52SmhoX0tmOOTLL4KcM0rwChO3xMpAb8vSAq614zVbwwnDiqByzzLfdQ7lBl3YQHMWAHxpdNAI0NVVUNpDqJVWw_W9eyRJ/s320/yarn+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178512194006726834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Helping Mommy (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">un</span>) pack.</span></span><br /></div><br />Our calm, mellow baby has turned into an absolute busy body with a love for chatter. I have often heard of how the love for your child is unlike any other love you may experience. It often blows my mind the power of maternal instincts and the warm and fuzzy feeling I have for this pooping, peeing, food throwing beast. She rocks my world. And Daddy? Maybe more so!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-6NOelEKgECrr5nYQfX_WkFRT11-ZA9zkKxRBKQ1kW6STbywH1ETg67ZgZ3YKnUNABC8h8OodDAZbOlcAGUM2NLIGm3xUtqUWuqCpO-PGGhhKNecGELMsEZK0xo_BqjzEDs7/s1600-h/cake2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-6NOelEKgECrr5nYQfX_WkFRT11-ZA9zkKxRBKQ1kW6STbywH1ETg67ZgZ3YKnUNABC8h8OodDAZbOlcAGUM2NLIGm3xUtqUWuqCpO-PGGhhKNecGELMsEZK0xo_BqjzEDs7/s320/cake2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178512198301694146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Today is a big day for our family. We made it through the first year! Happy Birthday, Cashew!<br /></div>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-55562222260791636662008-03-12T21:46:00.002-04:002008-12-09T04:53:48.860-05:00Moving On<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBdLW8quSPO7q-WpJQRreJIm14Y3tQGSUNBVlQR75PhIE9RIng0DNDxwXwamQi_Xe89k3_Dh-_vomZQEMODri1Ii0CEpr1jZ9O-A6OFs8MDhIGhlHLtFaJRMvPWZoqfgfQv5H/s1600-h/paint+chips.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBdLW8quSPO7q-WpJQRreJIm14Y3tQGSUNBVlQR75PhIE9RIng0DNDxwXwamQi_Xe89k3_Dh-_vomZQEMODri1Ii0CEpr1jZ9O-A6OFs8MDhIGhlHLtFaJRMvPWZoqfgfQv5H/s320/paint+chips.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177037083193948290" border="0" /></a><br />The move that was supposed to happen in <strike>September</strike> <strike>October</strike> <strike>November</strike> <strike>December</strike> <strike>January</strike> <strike>I give up</strike> is finally happening. In 7 days, I will have a new home. At last, we have closed on our apartment. I have been busy organizing the move and finalizing furniture purchases, selling the stuff we no longer need, choosing and then re-choosing window treatments and stressing over white paint. Seriously, how many shades of white are there?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf8GrEiciCGEDgIWp0NDQko1vZWh2qqCV2JyOcuyGmSyLYMHf1fFoFggrSpFRoo6SgMVSdgtebR4KcM9vtuKbiSlO9zEH89kSy-xHAdxK_NLwrhKFeLF3FlQUVDDMoWzf2m-E/s1600-h/stockinette.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf8GrEiciCGEDgIWp0NDQko1vZWh2qqCV2JyOcuyGmSyLYMHf1fFoFggrSpFRoo6SgMVSdgtebR4KcM9vtuKbiSlO9zEH89kSy-xHAdxK_NLwrhKFeLF3FlQUVDDMoWzf2m-E/s320/stockinette.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177037100373817490" border="0" /></a><br />Times like these call for stockinette! Lots and lots of it.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-39666366839517748292008-02-29T10:57:00.005-05:002008-02-29T12:20:18.406-05:003 Strikes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2299686645_0a373015b0.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2299686645_0a373015b0.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After a long day of changing poopy diapers, cleaning up food that has been flung and stepping on toys and books, I look forward to an hour or so of evening knitting time in front of the tv. After kissing Cashew goodnight, I quickly put away her toys, turn on the tv and grab my knitting. Ahhhh.<br /><br />A perfect tv project is Cashew's sweater. It's based on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Zimmermanns-Knitters-Almanac-Zimmermann/dp/0486241785">February Sweater</a> and the EZ "taming with percentages". Round and round I go with stockinette, stopping every few rows to take measurements. <span style="font-style: italic;">Wait, did she just say "stopping every few rows"? Surely something is up if she has to keep taking measurements every few rows. Could she have a case of Knitterly Denial?<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Yes. The sleeves are HUGE. My calculations for increases under the sleeve opening were correct. Just not for a sweater for a soon-to-be one-year-old! So I hooked up that sucker to the ball winder and ripped as fast and painlessly as I could. But now there are stitches to be picked up and provisional cast-ons to be fiddled with....gah. I'll work on my socks.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2300480798_0fa33e46da.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2300480798_0fa33e46da.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ok, fresh off of Knitterly Denial, I am catching this one early. The yarn? Lovely. The pattern? Lovely. The yarn and the pattern together? Not so much. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=106560">Plucky Knitter yarn</a> knits up beautifully, but perhaps not so good for stranded work like <a href="http://www.pepperknit.com/patterns/LeyburnSocksPattern.pdf">Minty's Leyburn Socks</a>. The yarn is fluffing up where left unknit. I have barely begun the sock and the strands are quite fluffy which means the yarn will be destroyed by the time they make it to full sockdom, much less worn. Back to the Ravelry queue I go.... maybe <a href="http://www.knitzi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=80&products_id=245">Nutkin</a>... but it's tv time! Surely there is something I can knit right now!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/2299687021_029c482f3e.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/2299687021_029c482f3e.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Dude. Lace and the weigh-in on the <a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Biggest_Loser/">The Biggest Loser</a> do not go together. Did I insert a life line first? No! I was desperate to knit! This project is meant to be worked during day light hours with a fresh brain after a meal and a reasonable amount of coffee. Somewhere before the adorable <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5128435">stitch marker by Harlem Purls</a> there is yarnover mayhem. It's fixable, but after 3 strikes I think the best thing to do is just take a time out.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-72176080647398160242008-02-24T16:30:00.005-05:002008-02-24T17:05:35.832-05:00I'm Sensing a Trend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2289636580_44e5d3fb01.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2289636580_44e5d3fb01.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I understand that we all have favorites in terms of color. These favorites help stylize our knitting and I think that's really cool. Lately, I have loved dusty blue-ish green-ish teal-ish. It's <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> Annie. I can't seem to get enough of it, to the point that I almost can't help it. Honestly, I'm getting a little bored with this color family. My knitting seems a little "one note" these days. I usually see color style as a family of colors, not just one color. So I have decided to move on and knit with a larger variety of colors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2289673948_06ccaf8164.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/2289673948_06ccaf8164.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now everything is pinks and plums!<br /><br />Baby steps. *sigh*Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-13783724362029541102008-02-19T15:30:00.005-05:002008-02-19T16:13:23.351-05:00Spring is in the Air<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2276643797_ced1574641.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2276643797_ced1574641.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />A friend of mine had a baby girl February 1st. I thought it was very fitting to make her little bundle of joy the <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=_Cwi0cOjKFcC&dq=knitters+almanac&pg=PP1&ots=9EvFoUdU3a&sig=vfMNtLe_xOSuqSY8W3IAz1fEVlw&hl=en&prev=http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Knitters+Almanac&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title&cad=one-book-with-thumbnail">February Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann</a>. The sweater sized out to be about 6 months which will be perfect for walks in the park in the spring.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2276644103_537259b741.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2065/2276644103_537259b741.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The pattern was pretty easy to follow once you get the hang of the EZ way to do things. My only modifications were to put three buttons on the yoke and to knit the arms in the round. Otherwise I followed the pattern. Well, as much as the pattern was written! The yarn is Rowan Wool Cotton and the buttons are from Tender Buttons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2277437858_715b79b79a.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2364/2277437858_715b79b79a.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My friend is a wedding dress stylist. Fabrics and textures and all the details that go with them are her thing, so it was much fun for me to work on something so detail oriented. It was beyond the knitting for this one. The dress, the shoes...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2277437400_b7d8802eeb.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2404/2277437400_b7d8802eeb.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing is ever too pink when it comes to baby girls, me thinks! This is probably one of my favorite baby gifts yet. I just may have to make a February Sweater for Cashew. She's grown out of all her sweaters. What's a knitter to do?!?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2382/2277438372_68841c3d2d.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2382/2277438372_68841c3d2d.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-37031299559980682982008-02-14T14:57:00.006-05:002008-02-14T17:34:57.881-05:00A Dish of Towels<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2250987752_7454a5dee3.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2187/2250987752_7454a5dee3.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I knew I couldn't go to dinner empty handed. So I packed a dish with towels cuz honey, I don't cook. Ha! I finally gave my friends their wedding present. They opened the box and saw the towels and said "Oh great, we need these!" and then I got to say those words that are always such fun for us DIY crafty types..."I made them." The look of surprise and delight was worth all <a href="http://annie-knits.blogspot.com/2008/01/scotty-i-need-more-power.html">the drama</a>. They promised that they would use them until they were ratty and worn. Considering how huge they are (33" x 22"! They didn't quite shrink as much as the pattern said they would.) I think they will be good for throwing on the floor to mop up spills and splashes. Hooray!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2250987758_7356554dcb.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2250987758_7356554dcb.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ultimately I am very pleased with how they came out. I really thought that my warping issues made this a doomed project. In the end I was able to make 3 lovely towels with only a dash of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi">wabi-sabi</a>. There were supposed to be 4 towels but the rewinding of the warp ate up some length.<br /><br />One of my New Year's Resolution's is to never let my loom be empty for more than a week. It looks like we are finally moving and I have restarted the process of organizing our things. Time is tight but my goal is to crank out at least one small project before the loom has to be packed up. Perhaps a scarf for me...Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-24413448819085919602008-02-09T10:40:00.000-05:002008-12-09T04:53:49.067-05:00I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it...After having a baby, I find myself constantly juggling. My goal is always to make the most efficient use of my time while enjoying my new role as a mamma and still holding on to the part of myself that is familiar. I love to work out and have always been active. Having not slept well in over a year (I know, I know, it doesn't really get better) it is with great <del>desperation</del> discipline that twice a week I go to the gym in the early morning.<br /><br />Going to the gym in the early morning is not my favorite thing to do. It's too early, I'm too tired, too cranky but by golly, I want my flat, post partum ass to be a muscular, flat, post partum ass so off I go. I have always enjoyed people watching and the gym is usually a great place to do such an activity. But at the early hours of my gym, there is a specific crowd. They are all over 50, they come to the gym everyday and they LOVE to talk. There's The Cougar who must talk to everyone. About herself. She will get you to talk about her, to her. She enjoys staring at herself and even says so. ("Well you know, I'm a mirror whore.") Her early morning workout is her social hour. It's so annoying, it hurts. There's The Complainer. It doesn't matter what the temperature is, it's part of her routine to complain about it to management. The Enabler of The Cougar. The Male Ex-Dancer Who Does a Ballet Bar in the Middle of the Gym Wearing Only a Singlet. One bright, painful, morning the whole gang was there. As I worked through my series of exercises their conversation started like a round of <span style="font-style: italic;">Row, Row, Row Your Boat</span> with a new voice coming in with each repeat.<br /><br />"How can you do that? You're amazing!"<br /><br />"Oh it's nothing, you're amazing!"<br /><br />"But you look wonderful!"<br /><br />"No, YOU look wonderful!"<br /><br />And suddenly the whole gang was going round and round telling each other how wonderful they were and they went on and on and on. Even the guy in the singlet. They were so happy. And I got it. It's part of their early morning gym routine and it's brilliant. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a bit of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Smalley">Stuart Smalley</a> to go along with your morning cup of coffee? Wouldn't that make each day a little better?<br /><br />"Goodmorning Annie! You're wonderful!"<br /><br />"Aw, you're wonderful!"<br /><br />"But YOU are AMAZING!"<br /><br />"Ok!"<br /><br />So that's not exactly realistic (and we'll say no more about that) but I was quite tickled to blog surf recently and find my ego boost in the form of a little award that several bloggers passed on to me. (Aw shucks, YOU make MY day!) And now it is with much delight that I pass on this gift.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiCkEcVT5lx1pQ_gWLP-XuC8RvUbSakVbk_E28aseIFkyIEpEsizRoLNXE6ss-Anr6EtBErU59nPDsSuof-NrrCR92bZCsw0sSk-n2-BMkVw7PYLh11UcB-Y-ds407043MJ2Z/s1600-h/youmakemyday1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiCkEcVT5lx1pQ_gWLP-XuC8RvUbSakVbk_E28aseIFkyIEpEsizRoLNXE6ss-Anr6EtBErU59nPDsSuof-NrrCR92bZCsw0sSk-n2-BMkVw7PYLh11UcB-Y-ds407043MJ2Z/s320/youmakemyday1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165010312157320626" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://thechemgrrlchronicles.wordpress.com/">Chemgrrl</a> right back atcha, especially for <a href="http://thechemgrrlchronicles.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/score-one-for-the-good-guys/">this post</a>.<br /><a href="http://thepluckyknitter.com/">Plucky Knitter</a> I want all that yarn.<br /><a href="http://ewephoric.blogspot.com/">Ewephoric</a> for making me laugh online and in person.<br /><a href="http://othersideofthepom.blogspot.com/">The Other Side of the Pom</a> you are not a crazy cat lady...yet.<br /><a href="http://yarnbee.blogspot.com/">Yarn Bee</a> happy colors always!<br /><a href="http://mleknits.blogspot.com/">MLE</a> so many sweaters, so little time.<br /><br />To my entire blog roll, truly...you make my day.<br /><br />*bell hop*Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-10503978110641687872008-02-05T15:01:00.001-05:002008-12-09T04:53:49.177-05:00"Rear Naked Choke" Makes Me Giggle Like A School Girl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2244404770_5c33fed9d0.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2244404770_5c33fed9d0.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />At last, my <a href="http://annie-knits.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-cant-stop-giggling.html">GSP socks</a> are done. Yes GSP. Georges St. Pierre. These socks are named after <a href="http://www.gspfightclub.com/">Georges St. Pierre</a>. Even <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a> commented on <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2227077617_9a088c2e80.jpg?v=0">that photo</a>! And yes, I am clutching my hands to keep from "accidental groping". Hotty Hubby was right there. I had to behave. It was very difficult when Hotty Hubby and his coworker kept saying "How about another picture? Let's take another one! Just Annie and GSP! Stand closer! Ok, another one!" Yep, that IS a shit eating grin on my face.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2244404390_a97d661bc2.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2244404390_a97d661bc2.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Oh the socks, right right right. <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTwiddershins.html">Widdershins</a> with <a href="http://k2knits.blogspot.com/2007/03/revisiting-widdershin-heel.html">these modifications</a>. Austermann Step yarn. Too big, a bit bulky at the heel corners, nice clean gusset. Can we go back to GSP now?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXstspc-ho0674kELQDvSEqdflBNsq3sikbJBZLcJRWZPiewCt9e1dKb5kzWjVbjl0q9Zy8jFJ1QaBoKMnyLoCObFIAxaQS8r88cYNLVtxeREtX0nb_Q61D0-TvPzlyP72w1SJ/s1600-h/GSP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXstspc-ho0674kELQDvSEqdflBNsq3sikbJBZLcJRWZPiewCt9e1dKb5kzWjVbjl0q9Zy8jFJ1QaBoKMnyLoCObFIAxaQS8r88cYNLVtxeREtX0nb_Q61D0-TvPzlyP72w1SJ/s320/GSP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163589071946801874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">click to enlarge</span><br /><br /></span></div>Hee hee hee hee hee. Hee hee hee hee hee hee. Hee hee hee hee hee. Hee hee hee hee hee hee. Hee hee hee hee. Hee hee hee hee hee. Hee hee hee hee. Hee hee.<br /><br />Sometimes it's really fun to be a fan.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-13104868729449120402008-02-01T13:25:00.001-05:002008-02-01T14:50:44.026-05:00I Shouldn't Be Surprised<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2229671332_468f79f002.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/2229671332_468f79f002.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />With all my UFO's of '07, I find it hilarious that my first FO of '08 was started in '08. I present to you the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Zimmermanns-Knitting-Workshop-Zimmermann/dp/0942018001/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201894584&sr=8-1">Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmermann</a>. Yarn is <a href="http://brooksfarmyarn.com/cart/index.php?cPath=41&osCsid=5b9b49169d7c63cc7af92ea8b0d20d9c">Brooks Farm Acero</a> which I purchased at <a href="http://www.sheepandwool.com/">NYS Sheep & Wool Festival</a>, aka RHINEBECK.<br /><br />I admit, the first time I saw a BSJ, I though "eh." The second time I saw one I thought "hmmmm." And then the third time..."I wanna! I wanna!" To be honest, there are a lot of, shall I say, interesting yarn choices used for the BSJ. Since it is a very popular pattern, there's a whole lot of ugly out there. Thanks to <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, I found myself coming around to this little sweater. It's all about the yarn! And the sweater <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/knittypants/2120828811/">looks adorable on</a>. And now my friends, there is no turning back. I want to make more!!! Next on my list, a BSJ that will fit a baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/2229671334_c831c05513.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2271/2229671334_c831c05513.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It all started with my brother announcing that he and his wife were expecting. This little surprise came not so surprisingly early. Woulda, coulda, shoulda made this sweater in December as we all figured this baby would come early since their other two did. My niece arrived a few short days before Christmas, 2 weeks before her due date. But who am I kidding, the holidays were crazy and although this sweater took roughly a week to make, I could barely finish (and still haven't finished) Cashew's Christmas stocking in time for Christmas. Since my niece was born at a healthy 5lbs, I figured that whipping out a little sweater after she was born would be no problem. I had never made a BSJ before and as many of you know, there's no real sizing with this thing. I was slightly under gauge (first clue, duh) but I really thought it would be ok. (Denial.) Cashew stayed at a NB size for the first 2 months and she was 7 1/2 lbs at birth. Surely a 5lb baby would fit in this sweater even if my gauge was off a smidge. So I knit a little this way...knit a little that way, bada bing, badda boom I had a surprise jacket for a surprise baby.<br /><br />Except one thing. My niece gained 3 pounds in a month. Woulda, coulda, shoulda remembered that all my sis-in-laws babies have gained weight right quick. This sweater fit like, last week. So. The Annie Knits BSJ remains a display piece for now and will perhaps someday be worn by another brand spankin' new baby. Or Cashew's doll. Whichever comes first.Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21758546.post-85148835013033131062008-01-28T22:56:00.001-05:002008-01-29T14:32:52.555-05:00I Can't Stop Giggling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2227077617_9a088c2e80.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2014/2227077617_9a088c2e80.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.gspfightclub.com/GSP_main.html">Georges "Rush" St. Pierre</a> is the #1 ranked welterweight MMA fighter in the world. Today he posed with me and my socks for a picture. Holy crapola!!! Hotty Hubby has become a big fan of the <a href="http://www.ufc.com/">UFC</a> in the last year or so. I saw it as open knitting time. Who would have thought I'd get into it as much as I have? (And it's not just the sweating, shirtless men with ripped abs, honest!) When Hotty Hubby told me that they were shooting GSP for a fashion spread for the magazine and that I could come to the shoot, I was so darn excited. GSP is a brilliant athlete and a high class sportsman. I don't play the star struck bit very often so today the dork factor was fairly high, but considering what a big fan I am and being invited to crash a photo shoot and having a very reputable photographer take a picture of me pretending to knock him out (on film, real print, people!) ... I am getting over my embarrassment. This was just the coolest day ever!Anniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10833255789751177058noreply@blogger.com20