I don’t know why this is, but whenever I travel I always get anxious about what knitting I am going to take with me. Does anyone else do this? Perhaps it is a cover for the fact that I am an anxious traveler. I don’t mind the waiting; I don’t even mind the lines. But I hate flying so much. The slightest bit of turbulence and I freak out. If God wanted us to fly, she would have given us wings.
Normally I say socks are the perfect traveling project, their small (so easy to pack), sock yarn seems to go further than other weights, many sock patterns are easy to memorize and really who couldn’t use another pair of socks. But, I have been knitting a lot of socks lately. And I think I am ready for a break.
But now is the question what should I take. I have been going back and forth about this a lot the past few days. Yes, socks would be easy. I do have a few pairs I could make as gifts, even a few pair I could make for myself. But on the other hand, I haven’t made a sweater in a long time. To be honest, it’s more like I haven’t finished a sweater in a long time. I currently have a top down sweater on the needles, but it is so big, that it would take up most of my suitcase. And there isn’t that much left to do on it, just the sleeves. So that is out. (Let’s not talk about the other sweater I was making, I pinned together the other day – not good.) I have been lusting over the Tea Leaves Cardigan and I have some Road to China Light that I can make work for it. Or I can go back to my Rosamund’s Cardigan in (now :-( discontinued Gobi) that I started earlier in the fall. Although I know it is too big for me, I wish I had someone else to look at it for me, before I recast-on. The other choice is the Vine Lace Cardigan. I love this pattern. I have some Malabrigo from a couple of years ago that would work nicely. Too many choices.
I also haven’t swatched for anything (although I guess I can use the Rosamund that I already started as a “swatch”.) But, what if I bring the wrong needles with me? What if I start something and I don’t like the yarn I am working with? What if I don’t bring enough yarn with me? What then?
My back-up plan is socks. But I really don’t want to make any more right now. Any thoughts? Quickly? Did I mention my flight is tomorrow morning?
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Goal Reached!
I want to thank everyone who helped me reach my goal. I collected 139 hats, 10 scarves, 1 pair of fingerless gloves and even 1 sweater. I want to give a big shot out to everyone who donated (for ease, only Ravelry links are given) Mary, Heather, Kara, Johanna, Joelle, Benita, Alyssa, Carlee, Joyce, Amie, Betty, Kathryn, Susie, Kathy, Sue and anyone else who either I forgot or didn’t leave your name with hats. If I have forgotten you, please email me so I can add you to this wonder list of people.
This is what our efforts look like:
When I spoke with the woman at New York Cares, she was really impressed. When I told her I had 133 hats (that was my count at the time) she got really excited. She said she thought I might have 5 or 6, maybe 10 at the most. It feels really good to know that I have done something to make someone’s day a little better.
If you still have hats for me, don’t worry. I am going to do this again next year. So hold onto those hats. I think since I achieved my goal of 100 from July to Thanksgiving and I will be starting in January my goal will be 200. Now I just need to figure out a better way to store them. Have I mentioned I live in a studio?
This is what our efforts look like:
When I spoke with the woman at New York Cares, she was really impressed. When I told her I had 133 hats (that was my count at the time) she got really excited. She said she thought I might have 5 or 6, maybe 10 at the most. It feels really good to know that I have done something to make someone’s day a little better.
If you still have hats for me, don’t worry. I am going to do this again next year. So hold onto those hats. I think since I achieved my goal of 100 from July to Thanksgiving and I will be starting in January my goal will be 200. Now I just need to figure out a better way to store them. Have I mentioned I live in a studio?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
100 Hats...one week more!
Thank you to everyone who left their condolences in the comments or sent me an email. I really appreciate all your well wishes.
There is just over a week left for the 100 Hats project. I am almost there! I think I have about 80 hats, a few scarves and one pair of fingerless gloves. If you have a hat please drop it off at Annie & Company Knitting or email me at smittenwknittin@gmail.com to make other arrangements. I know we can do it together!
There is just over a week left for the 100 Hats project. I am almost there! I think I have about 80 hats, a few scarves and one pair of fingerless gloves. If you have a hat please drop it off at Annie & Company Knitting or email me at smittenwknittin@gmail.com to make other arrangements. I know we can do it together!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
To a Good Friend
On June 26, 2004 I meet a friend who (once I coxed him out from under the kitchen table) would become my best friend. His name was Murray.
Murray was a sweet boy who liked to hunt…from the safety of the window.
He was a curious boy
Was tolerant of my knitting
Liked to show off a little
Was a GREAT cuddler
But mostly…just liked to hang out with his mom
Murray stopped eating last week. I took him to the vet and found out he had kidney failure. The vet said it just happens sometimes. Murray wasn’t in pain, but was very uncomfortable and cranky (not like my sweet boy). Although it was difficult, it wasn’t a choice. I knew I had to do the right thing by Murray.
Murray, I will miss you more than you will ever know. When I brought you into my home, I thought we be friends. I had no idea how much I would come to love you. Rest in Peace, my bubby.
Murray
January 2004 – November 10, 2009
Murray was a sweet boy who liked to hunt…from the safety of the window.
He was a curious boy
Was tolerant of my knitting
Liked to show off a little
Was a GREAT cuddler
But mostly…just liked to hang out with his mom
Murray stopped eating last week. I took him to the vet and found out he had kidney failure. The vet said it just happens sometimes. Murray wasn’t in pain, but was very uncomfortable and cranky (not like my sweet boy). Although it was difficult, it wasn’t a choice. I knew I had to do the right thing by Murray.
Murray, I will miss you more than you will ever know. When I brought you into my home, I thought we be friends. I had no idea how much I would come to love you. Rest in Peace, my bubby.
Murray
January 2004 – November 10, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
From Inside the Park
A few months ago, I found out that the exclusive Gramercy Park is open to the public on a few days a year – Gramercy Park Day, Christmas and Yom Kippur. So a few weeks ago, when I had the day off for Yom Kippur, I decided to take up the opportunity to see the park…from the inside.
There was this cool sculpture. One side was the sun:
The other side was the moon:
And it was surrounded by these mini giraffes, hiding in the plants:
There was a beautiful sundial:
And this really cute shed:
After strolling along the path:
I decided to sit down,enjoy the beautiful day...and do a little knitting:
The moral of the day – always take time to smell the:
There was this cool sculpture. One side was the sun:
The other side was the moon:
And it was surrounded by these mini giraffes, hiding in the plants:
There was a beautiful sundial:
And this really cute shed:
After strolling along the path:
I decided to sit down,enjoy the beautiful day...and do a little knitting:
The moral of the day – always take time to smell the:
Friday, October 9, 2009
100 Hats Update
Hello everyone! Sorry for such a long absence. Life has been a little busy, to say the least.
But I am very excited to give an update on my charity hat project. I have been pluggin’ away and have knit quite a few hats. But the more exciting news is that I have had some donations. A customer from the store gave me these 6 hats:
They are beautiful. Especially the Fair Isle Beret. I can’t imagine the work that went in. Thank you so much!
Mary also donated a bunch of hats to the cause. She loves to knit for charity and loves to makes hats. So this was a perfect fit for her. She gave me a huge bag at the swap last weekend. When I got home I counted them. There are 25 - yes 25!
She also gave me a bunch of strips that she was planning on sewing together as a blanket. But they are long enough to be scarves.
My total at the moment is:
Hats – 54
Scarves – 10
Gloves – 1
I am really excited. I didn’t think I would make half way to my goal and now I am a little over half! Thanksgiving is my target date, and I know I can make it with your help! Remember, they don’t need to be anything fancy, can use your scraps and yarns you don’t want to use for yourself. You can drop any donations off to Annie and Company Knitting at 1325 Madison Avenue or contact me at smittenwknitting@gmail.com to make other arrangements.
But I am very excited to give an update on my charity hat project. I have been pluggin’ away and have knit quite a few hats. But the more exciting news is that I have had some donations. A customer from the store gave me these 6 hats:
They are beautiful. Especially the Fair Isle Beret. I can’t imagine the work that went in. Thank you so much!
Mary also donated a bunch of hats to the cause. She loves to knit for charity and loves to makes hats. So this was a perfect fit for her. She gave me a huge bag at the swap last weekend. When I got home I counted them. There are 25 - yes 25!
She also gave me a bunch of strips that she was planning on sewing together as a blanket. But they are long enough to be scarves.
My total at the moment is:
Hats – 54
Scarves – 10
Gloves – 1
I am really excited. I didn’t think I would make half way to my goal and now I am a little over half! Thanksgiving is my target date, and I know I can make it with your help! Remember, they don’t need to be anything fancy, can use your scraps and yarns you don’t want to use for yourself. You can drop any donations off to Annie and Company Knitting at 1325 Madison Avenue or contact me at smittenwknitting@gmail.com to make other arrangements.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
100 Hats – A Challenge
About one year after I learned how to knit there was a homeless man in the same subway car as me. It was about a week before Christmas. I felt really bad for the gentleman - everyone was starting at him. He wasn’t trying to offend anyone. But he was dirty and smelly -- and really cold. As I clutched my first hand knit scarf closer, I had the thought that he probably needed the scarf more than I did. But I was just getting over a bad cold and didn’t want to risk the cold December winds on my neck. I even contemplated giving him my hat and keeping the scarf for myself. But as the train pulled into 42nd Street, my selfish human nature gave in and I just got off the train. I will always remember this.
In remembering this homeless gentleman, I have issued a challenge to myself and my friends. Knit 100 hats by Thanksgiving. I called New York Cares to see if they would accept a bunch of hats with their coat drive and they agreed. The hats can be knit out of any material, any style and any size. I encourage you to use any left over yarn you may have and be creative. No need to spend a lot of money. I would also encourage you to remember that these hats will most likely be going to someone who won’t have the necessary equipment to take care of a cashmere or silk hat. Most likely these hats will be worn until they are worn out (or even longer.) Pattern Central has an extensive list of free hat patterns here.
Don’t want to knit a hat? Don’t want to fuss with that pesky shaping? How about a scarf instead? Want to learn how to do a thumb gusset? Try a pair of mittens? Just want to knit in the round? How about a neck cowl? It doesn’t need to be fancy, just warm. This could be a great opportunity to learn a new technique you’ve been meaning to take a stab at.
Annie & Co. Knitting agreed to act as drop off location for finished objects. Just tell a staff member when you drop it off that it is for the Hats for Homeless program. The staff will know to hold it for me.
My goal is to have 100 hats by this Thanksgiving. And for Thanksgiving 2010 – 200 hats! I know with your help I can do it. It’s always a great feeling to give back. And this is something we can do to lend a hand -- not half way around the world, but around the block.
If you have any questions or need an address to send the hats to contact me at smittenwknittin@gmail.com.
In remembering this homeless gentleman, I have issued a challenge to myself and my friends. Knit 100 hats by Thanksgiving. I called New York Cares to see if they would accept a bunch of hats with their coat drive and they agreed. The hats can be knit out of any material, any style and any size. I encourage you to use any left over yarn you may have and be creative. No need to spend a lot of money. I would also encourage you to remember that these hats will most likely be going to someone who won’t have the necessary equipment to take care of a cashmere or silk hat. Most likely these hats will be worn until they are worn out (or even longer.) Pattern Central has an extensive list of free hat patterns here.
Don’t want to knit a hat? Don’t want to fuss with that pesky shaping? How about a scarf instead? Want to learn how to do a thumb gusset? Try a pair of mittens? Just want to knit in the round? How about a neck cowl? It doesn’t need to be fancy, just warm. This could be a great opportunity to learn a new technique you’ve been meaning to take a stab at.
Annie & Co. Knitting agreed to act as drop off location for finished objects. Just tell a staff member when you drop it off that it is for the Hats for Homeless program. The staff will know to hold it for me.
My goal is to have 100 hats by this Thanksgiving. And for Thanksgiving 2010 – 200 hats! I know with your help I can do it. It’s always a great feeling to give back. And this is something we can do to lend a hand -- not half way around the world, but around the block.
If you have any questions or need an address to send the hats to contact me at smittenwknittin@gmail.com.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Feather and Fan Baby Blanket
As soon as I saw Jared’s newest blanket, I knew I HAD to make it. It’s beautiful and classic. Shortly there after, someone asked me to make a baby blanket for them. So I knew right away what pattern I was going to make.
I am really pleased with the result. The garter stitch went pretty quickly (although the middle part was starting to get a little tedious.) The worse part? Since I was too impatient to wait for Jared’s version, I had to chart the feather and fan border myself. Incorporating the pattern into the corners was a little…ummm challenging. There is no way I could have done it without Excel!
The Rowan Wool Cotton was a pleasure to work with. It has a beautiful hand without being too warm or too hard on the hands.
She also asked for a beret for the baby. So I took Wendy’s beret pattern and massively sized it down and put a few flowers on it.
(Please excuse the hand, I wasn’t sure how else to photograph such a small hat.)
I am currently working a simple Noro Silk Garden sock. I love the look of it, but it is a little tough on the hands. I can only knit on it for a little bit before I have to put it down. Although I am trying to cruise though it, I am on a little bit of a deadline on this one. Pictures coming soon…
I am really pleased with the result. The garter stitch went pretty quickly (although the middle part was starting to get a little tedious.) The worse part? Since I was too impatient to wait for Jared’s version, I had to chart the feather and fan border myself. Incorporating the pattern into the corners was a little…ummm challenging. There is no way I could have done it without Excel!
The Rowan Wool Cotton was a pleasure to work with. It has a beautiful hand without being too warm or too hard on the hands.
She also asked for a beret for the baby. So I took Wendy’s beret pattern and massively sized it down and put a few flowers on it.
(Please excuse the hand, I wasn’t sure how else to photograph such a small hat.)
I am currently working a simple Noro Silk Garden sock. I love the look of it, but it is a little tough on the hands. I can only knit on it for a little bit before I have to put it down. Although I am trying to cruise though it, I am on a little bit of a deadline on this one. Pictures coming soon…
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Yankee Stadium
I went to my first game at the new Yankee Stadium on Monday. I had heard that stadium was nice. But was thinking, “What's all the hoopla about? It’s just a baseball stadium.” Let you tell you my friends...the hoopla was right.
First, it’s really nice looking. It is layout beautifully. And the food! It’s not just hotdogs and nachos anymore, although they have that too. They have everything from philly cheese steaks to sushi. Yes sushi! At a baseball stadium! I myself had a Brother Jimmy’s BBQ. Very yummy.
The seats are very comfortable too. They are molded plastic and so much better than the ones in the old stadium.
Our seats we in the nose bleed section, but we still had a good view of the field. There was only a little bit you couldn’t see.
The best part of the night? The Yankees won! 5-3. And my future husband hit a homerun!
I did bring a sock with me, fully intending to knit. But I got wrapped up in the game and good conversation.
Hanging with the girls…priceless.
First, it’s really nice looking. It is layout beautifully. And the food! It’s not just hotdogs and nachos anymore, although they have that too. They have everything from philly cheese steaks to sushi. Yes sushi! At a baseball stadium! I myself had a Brother Jimmy’s BBQ. Very yummy.
The seats are very comfortable too. They are molded plastic and so much better than the ones in the old stadium.
Our seats we in the nose bleed section, but we still had a good view of the field. There was only a little bit you couldn’t see.
The best part of the night? The Yankees won! 5-3. And my future husband hit a homerun!
I did bring a sock with me, fully intending to knit. But I got wrapped up in the game and good conversation.
Hanging with the girls…priceless.
Monday, June 8, 2009
It Makes Me Happy!
I grabbed this screen shot from Ravelry the other day:
101! Wow! Thanks to everyone who made my pattern a favorite!
101! Wow! Thanks to everyone who made my pattern a favorite!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Lost on the Subway
I would love to show you the really cute lace bonnet I made for a co-worker who is expecting. But apparently I left it on the subway.
I hope a knitter or mother finds it and puts it to good use.
I hope a knitter or mother finds it and puts it to good use.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Have you seen this book yet?
French Girl Knits
Amazon Link
Knit Picks Link
Oh my goodness! I love it. There are about 4 or 5 things I HAVE to make. Including a beautiful shrug that has this really interesting construction. I had to cut the shape out of paper and tape it together to completely understand it, but you make a t-shape and sew it together to make a circular shape that you then knit the sleeves from the provisional stitches you cast on for the t-shape. The photo garment is made in Rowan Kidsilk Haze, but I am thinking this calls for cashmere. I might even have to make it in a few colors!
Amazon Link
Knit Picks Link
Oh my goodness! I love it. There are about 4 or 5 things I HAVE to make. Including a beautiful shrug that has this really interesting construction. I had to cut the shape out of paper and tape it together to completely understand it, but you make a t-shape and sew it together to make a circular shape that you then knit the sleeves from the provisional stitches you cast on for the t-shape. The photo garment is made in Rowan Kidsilk Haze, but I am thinking this calls for cashmere. I might even have to make it in a few colors!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Catch Up
Hi everyone. Hope you all had a good holiday season.
Here are just a few of the things I have been working on during my absence.
I made this dress for one of my co-worker’s new baby girl.
I had some leftover yarn from the dress I made for Peanut. I wanted to make something cute with minimal finishing. So I applied the EZ principle of top down, cast on some stitches and just kind went with the flow. The heart pocket was an afterthought, but a cute addition I think :-). If I were to make it again, I won’t make the ruffle quite so ruffly.
Another baby gift was for a vendor for the school. I didn’t have much advance warning on this one, so I needed something quick. What better than a Baby Surprise Jacket?
Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn
Needles: 2 US
This is the perfect yarn for this pattern. I had about 5 yards left when I was done. Not to mention the way the stripes work up.
I only took me a day and a half. If you need a quick baby gift for someone, I highly recommend this pattern and yarn.
I also made some Christmas gifts this year.
Hats for the nephews:
Pattern: Ribbed Caps by Judy Gibson
Yarn: Noro Kureyon
Needles: 7 US – Magic Loop
Socks for Mom:
Pattern: My Basic Toe Up
Yarn: Tofutsies
Needles: 0 US - Magic Loop
I also made some dish clothes for my Stepdad, but forgot to take any pictures. Just the basic garter stitch corner to corner dishcloth in a natural color cotton.
I am currently working on several things. My friend Amie just finished knitting her first sweater (I am sooo proud) and I told her I would sew it together for her. I have one sleeve and side seam in, so almost half way. I hope to have it finished for her this weekend (no promises though Amie, it may be next week).
I am also working on a sample/pattern for the store. I have a Seed Stitch Neck Warmer I made for myself a few years ago. Everyone always comments on it. So I am making the same one in Noro Yuzen for the store.
Aren’t the colors lovely? It will have 5 buttons to keep it closed. You will still be able to pull it over your head though. Once I write it up I am going to offer it as a free pattern on the side bar and hopefully Ravelry too.
I am also working on a cardigan for myself. This was in the Gedfria book from this summer.
I am using some Ultra Alpaca Light from my stash in a charcoal grey. Nothing too exciting, but it will be very pretty and very wearable.
Murray and I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!
I think he hit the cap nip a little too hard last night.
Here are just a few of the things I have been working on during my absence.
I made this dress for one of my co-worker’s new baby girl.
I had some leftover yarn from the dress I made for Peanut. I wanted to make something cute with minimal finishing. So I applied the EZ principle of top down, cast on some stitches and just kind went with the flow. The heart pocket was an afterthought, but a cute addition I think :-). If I were to make it again, I won’t make the ruffle quite so ruffly.
Another baby gift was for a vendor for the school. I didn’t have much advance warning on this one, so I needed something quick. What better than a Baby Surprise Jacket?
Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn
Needles: 2 US
This is the perfect yarn for this pattern. I had about 5 yards left when I was done. Not to mention the way the stripes work up.
I only took me a day and a half. If you need a quick baby gift for someone, I highly recommend this pattern and yarn.
I also made some Christmas gifts this year.
Hats for the nephews:
Pattern: Ribbed Caps by Judy Gibson
Yarn: Noro Kureyon
Needles: 7 US – Magic Loop
Socks for Mom:
Pattern: My Basic Toe Up
Yarn: Tofutsies
Needles: 0 US - Magic Loop
I also made some dish clothes for my Stepdad, but forgot to take any pictures. Just the basic garter stitch corner to corner dishcloth in a natural color cotton.
I am currently working on several things. My friend Amie just finished knitting her first sweater (I am sooo proud) and I told her I would sew it together for her. I have one sleeve and side seam in, so almost half way. I hope to have it finished for her this weekend (no promises though Amie, it may be next week).
I am also working on a sample/pattern for the store. I have a Seed Stitch Neck Warmer I made for myself a few years ago. Everyone always comments on it. So I am making the same one in Noro Yuzen for the store.
Aren’t the colors lovely? It will have 5 buttons to keep it closed. You will still be able to pull it over your head though. Once I write it up I am going to offer it as a free pattern on the side bar and hopefully Ravelry too.
I am also working on a cardigan for myself. This was in the Gedfria book from this summer.
I am using some Ultra Alpaca Light from my stash in a charcoal grey. Nothing too exciting, but it will be very pretty and very wearable.
Murray and I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!
I think he hit the cap nip a little too hard last night.
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