What have you done for color today?

I heard the tail end of an interview with Rosamond Bernier on NPR's Morning Edition while dropping H off at preschool this morning.  


What stuck in my brain and refused to leave was a suggestion by Henri Matisse to Bernier.  "What have you done for color today?"  He then suggested that she wear a yellow scarf with her orange coat.  


This got me thinking about color as I dropped off H to his classroom and headed home.  I knew I had to chew on this a bit.  


I thought about my personal use of color.  I wear predominantly solid colored clothing, lots of black and dark muted tones.  I wear very few prints, especially below the waist.  I view my wardrobe as a bit of a blank slate for more colorful accessories.  Most of my accessories are knitted.  


For example all three of my current winter coats are black.  The reasoning behind this is that I can wear any color hat/scarf and it will go with my coat.  My scarf or shawl serves as the focal point.  I'd prefer a shelf full of colorful hand knit scarves and one black coat to a closet full of colorful coats.  


I got to thinking about my use of color in knitting.  I have my favorite colors,  Pink of course, and purple, and red and blue, and yes some gray/black.  I prefer to knit with color.  Part of this is practical. The thought of knitting black socks in fingering weight yarn on 1's makes my head hurt, I would struggle to see the stitches.  Same for lace.  I've knitted a few darker toned shawls and brighter colors are so much easier to see.


But what have I done for color today?  For one I'm wearing a necklace. It started yesterday when I got dressed. I'd gone through my rather small, yet fabulous, jewelry collection over the weekend and decided I would wear a necklace, or some sort of out of my norm accessory each day this week.  Yesterday was my heart shaped 'Forever' Surly Ramic necklace. Today is a purple/silver necklace and earrings set my sister gave me for Christmas a few years back.  The kids are older and no longer yanking on my necklaces. I'm making a conscious effort to accessorize, to add a bit of color to my everyday wardrobe choices.


I've been wearing my knitted shawls out and about more.  Never underestimate the power of a good shawl pin.  I have one two piece pin and one stick pin and they give me so many more options for wearing my shawls.  I love the added warmth, the texture and the color the shawls bring. I suppose it helps that it's currently winter in Ohio.  It's cold and dark and dank.  


This all brings me back to my current WIP.  After attempting to start the Whispi Cardi, again, I cast on Percy. (Ravelry Link)  I'm using Knit Pick's Gloss Lace in Kiss on my size 4 Addi's   I'm five repeats in on Chart A.  The plan is to double the Chart A repeats to eight to make the shawl a bit bigger.  Chart C will most liklely be knitted in Knit Picks Shimmer Lip Gloss, it's variegated.  I'm saving my Alpaca Cloud in Peppermint for a little neck scarf type thing, have not decided on the pattern.  I'm thrilled to be knitting lace again. It's even in a fun hot pink.  


So yes I'm contributing a bit of color to the world today.

Happy knitting.

Stuff I want to Knit

Look at me blogging!

Spent some quality time with my Ravelry Queue a few days ago. Trimmed it up a bit and reorganized the order. I'm down to 46 possible projects that I'd like to knit at some point.

I took a few notes while I was working on my queue. This is a little early for a New Year knitting resolution list, it's more of a "What I'd like to work on next" open ended type list.

Mosaic Knitting. It looks so cool and complex but you use only one color at a time. Barbra Walker is calling.

I'm following the Walker Treasury Project blog. Now to get the books for my knitting library.

Illusion Knitting. I hear it's simple but I have not tried it yet. It looks fun. The Dalek Dishcloth and the Harry Potter banner are calling to me.

I'd like to keep knitting more socks. Really enjoying the socks. I have a (gasp) decent amount of sock yarn at the moment.

I'd like to try out some new to me yarn. The Cedar Leaf Shawlette is an excellent excuse to buy some Koiju.

Kidsilk Haze is calling. I actually like mohair and would like to work with it at some point.

More lace, I have a decent stash of lace yarn. More shawls please.

Shawl pin. Now to find a cool shawl pin.

Have not knitted a Hedgie in some time. I'm thinking it's Hedgie time soon. Time to try felting in the new front loader.

Allison and I are going to see Lady Gaga in March. I'm thinking I need to knit Louisa to wear for the concert. Or maybe Jordan.

Did I mention Malabrigo? There will be some more Malabrigo in there somewhere.

Otherwise I have a decent little stash. I'm going to keep knitting from stash as much as possible. In the meantime I'm plugging away at Dave's Petrol vest. It's not exciting, but I'm enjoying the knit. I've split for the armholes and am currently working on the back section. I'm thinking lace next. Something a bit more focused. Maybe it's time to go to two projects at a time. One focused and one simple. Hmmm.

I mentioned Malabrigo right? Elysium looks so darn yummy. Wait I did not mention Noro, more Noro.... :-)

Two Posts in Two Days

Wow a new blogging record. Two posts in two days. Imagine!

Got to head back to Knit Knite after a two week hiatus. So nice to be back. So much yarn to squish. We have a new member who also does bead work. She had some of her work with her. Gorgeous. I love glass. So pretty.

I finally sewed buttons on E's Shalom Cardi and my Tappen Zee Cardi. Pictures eventually.

Yes I'm a broken record but I love my Tappen Zee Cardigan. It's just fabulous for summer/fall. I love the brown cotton. I love the pattern. I'm thrilled with the new buttons. Just love it.

I'm less then 2 inches away from the more interesting bits on Dave's Petrol sweater vest. It's bottom up with no shaping, yawn. I get to separate the front and back and the v-neck soon. I held it up to his torso earlier tonight. So far so good.

Maybe it's time to start blogging regularly again. We shall see.

Where did August Go?

Bad blogger, spending too much time elsewhere and doing other things. Life is busy and full and I'm on the computer way too much yet I don't blog much lately.

On to knitting news!

I LOVE my Tappen Zee cardi. Love. Love. Love it! I still need to block it a tad bit larger but I've worn it quite a bit and LOVE IT.Recently purchased buttons and embroidery floss to attach the buttons. Thought I would try out embroidery floss instead of yarn or thread to attach the buttons. We shall see how that goes.

I bought buttons and floss for E's little Shalom as well. The sweater is so cute on her. So stinking excited to have matching Mother/Daughter sweaters.

I knit H a dark green vest covered in XO Hugs and Kisses cables. It's a little v-neck and it rocks. We were at my MIL's when he first got to try it on. He would not take the vest off until he had to go potty. Did not want to get poop on it. Granted poop is generally not an issue. The concern was pretty much unfounded but was sweet just the same.

I finished my Ampersands in Socks that Rock medium weight in Waterlilies. Love this yarn. Yes the legs pooled weird, yes I started them several time. Yes it's not ideal but I love them regardless. I have a squish pair of socks for my feet and some yarn left over for the sock yarn bits bag.

I'm currently working on a vest for Dave to coordinate but not match H's green vest. I don't see Dave wearing a hugs and kisses vest. I'm knitting Petrol from Knitty. Carol is a sweetheart. I'm excited to knit one of her patterns. No pics of Dave's vest yet.

In other news.

I'm trying to be more proactive about the Holidays this year. I started my master list and did a bit of shopping back last May. One of my fave Etsy sellers had a B1G1 offer I could not pass up. I hope everyone likes their gifts.

I got my CEO's Christmas Countdown binder all set up last weekend. That helps. Why must some people be so easy to shop for and some so difficult? It does not help that we only see some on our gift list only once a year, if that. It's frustrating. I resign myself to the fact that no matter what I do for the Holidays someone will get their feelings hurt. So I prepare the best I can and try to just roll along through the Holidays.

I've decided to cut out most Holiday knitting this year. Dad will most likely get socks this year instead of a hat. We shall see. There will be no grand knitting plans for the group presents. No dishcloths, pot holders, etc. I'm taking a year off.

Went thrifting today for the first time in ages. Found a super cute little denim skirt. It's a funky little pencil skirt with a bias cut ruffle on the bottom seam. Quite fun. That reminds me...

Project Runway

I'm finally watching Project Runway. Just never watched before. Oh it's fun. Would love to see more of the actual design, shopping, patterning/draping, cutting, stitching, fitting and less of the BITCHING, Backstabbing, Drama but oh well. Makes me really want to actually get my sewing machine tuned up. I've already rearranged my office space a bit to bring in my machine and tools. Want to sew. It's a matter of just doing it. Must turn off the computer more.

Tappen Zee and WIP Ampersands

There are still ends to tuck in in this pic but Tappen Zee is all finished. Ok I still need buttons and a nice blocking but it's wearable and I love it and it's finished and it's fabu in my book. Now to get decent pics in natural light at some point.

After crashing and burning with two summer sweaters with this brown cotton yarn earlier this season I was thrilled to get back in the old sweater finishing saddle with this summer cardi. It's a fab little pattern.

Ooooo I love this yarn. Behold my Socks that Rock medium weight in Waterlilies. There has been a bit of an Ampersand sock virus going around Knit Knite, lots and lots of Ampersands. Several Tappen Zee's as well. Yes I'm a knitting follower from time to time. Call me a sheeple but if I see something, especially in person, and I want to knit it I knit it. I'm loving this wip. The yarn is yummy. Yes it's pooling weird, I started the left sock three times trying for a complementary spiral like the right sock to no avail. Sometimes the yarn wants to do what the yarn wants to do.

In non knitting news most of my time is sucked up by facebook and Ravelry lately. I love to read other people's blogs, my google reader is stuffed with loads of feeds, but I am not compelled to blog. I don't feel like blogging about the mundane day to day minutia of life.

Look at me Blogging

I'm blogging! Look, fast, or you will miss it!

I finished the Valpuri, it's not a perfect mod but I'm incredibly proud of this summer sweater. I love the color, dark brown is one of my favorites.

I felt the need to knit up a little dishcloth between the recorder case pictured below and casting on the Tonal Haruni. Behold the Twilight Cabbage. The backstory is that this is a little patch of cabbages for the Vegetarian Twilight Vamps to nom on instead of humans. The colorway is Midnight Magic. Too fun!

E is playing recorder in her music class. She retested a knitted case for her new recorder to match her BELOVED knitted PIG. It's the Hugs and Kisses cable. The Knit Knite Ladies had a field day with this one.

Yay for Tonal Haruni! This pattern rocks. The charts are HUGE, so easy to read and follow. Why can't all lace charts be this big and clear? LOVE IT! Love the Stroll Tonal! Love it! I started this shawl on the first try. That's a long way from my first attempts at triangle shawls. LONG WAY.

Happy Knitting!

Product or Process?

I've been thinking about Product and Process knitting lately.

I'd like to consider myself a process knitter, that I knit for the process, for the joy of the knitting.

There is a certain thrill in every project. There is the planning, the Ravelry searching, the queue wrangling, the stash perusing and sometimes the yarn/needle buying. Then there is the cast on and the sometimes tenuous first row. There are sometimes measurements to take and mods to make.

It's all very exciting and fresh and new and fun and all wow!

Until it's not.

Invariably the project switches gears and gets a bit tedious. The cast on excitement is a fond memory. The thrill of the mod is finished and you are faced with several pattern repeats of tedium. It's not that the joy is gone, just the excitement wanes a bit while you slog through the not so exciting bits until you find yourself rounding to home and the oh so sweet bind off and finishing.

Case in point my current WIP, a heavily modified Valpuri knitted top down instead of bottom up. The prep for this mod was mindbogglingly enjoyable, thrilling even. It's not perfect but it's working and I am thrilled with this sweater's progress and I am proud of myself for working out the mods to make this first summer sweater of the season top down.

I've split the body from the arms. I just tried it on and so far so good! Squee! I estimate at least 3 to 4 more 16 row pattern repeats until I consider the bottom ribbing. Thankfully there is a bit of cabling to keep things interesting, but it's not the excitement of the yoke increases.

I'm at that point where the process gets a bit tedious. This is where my admitted selfishness kicks in, my desire for the Product keeps me moving forward.

Check out my Striped Toe Up Noro socks! Oh they are yummy. I love them! Thank you so much for the yarn Julie!!!!! They are fraternal and oh so happy! They had a few tedious spots but the color changes made for a fun knit.

I suppose I'm a bit of both a process and product knitter. I love knitting, but I also love a yummy FO.

In the meantime I'm going to work on my Upside Down Valpuri.

Olympic Knitting and Whatnot.

My Noro Shoulder Holder that I started two days before the Olympics started. I was hoping to finish it right before the Olympics but did not quite make it, but had so much fun with this. I had 6 skeins to work with to get the stripes working. The stripes were a mix of luck, knots and yarn wrangling.

Knitting Olympics Cast On Party!!!!!!! Kim was a lovely and gracious hostess for our fab cast on party.

The Baby Yoda Hat for Baby E. I knit this the first weekend of the Knitting Olympics. The shower was the following Saturday and I had to take time out to knit this. The Dad to Be is a HUGE Star Wars fan, he has the Tauntaun sleeping bag. So fun. I hear the hat was a huge hit at the shower. I have one more to knit up for another Star Wars happy Dad to Be. Love the baby wave.

Olympic knitting the first of two Winter Twilight Mitts. I'm learning two color weaving mostly from help from Kim and from this video. It's a bit snug but I'm learning a new technique. I'm to the increases on the second mitt.

Check out my stash. This is it. Brooklyn Tweed's recent post on stash inspired me to post a current picture. I have a mix of LOVE yarn, nice yarn and I'll work through it yarn. I love my stash.

Winter Knitting Ravelympics

Citius, Altius Fortius - Faster, Higher, Stronger

Are you ready?

I have my yarn. I have a bag of needle choices. I've printed up the pattern, even the mirror image of the chart courtesy of Kristie.

Ravelympics Team GK2 is having a cast on party tonight at Kim's. I'm really excited. I usually watch the Opening Ceremonies by myself.

I'm going to wear my 2006 Summer Ravelympics Gold Medal Monkey Socks tonight.

Yes I'm excited.

Lola, She was a Showgirl

Lola the Showgirl is complete. Her snout is a bit misshapened, and I did not have as much variegated acrylic as I hoped. Regardless she is finished and she is cute and fun and most importantly the kids love her. I enjoyed knitting her and I stash busted a bit.

Yes Lola is good sized stuffed lovie. She turned out a bit bigger then I expected. It's all good.

Speaking of Good. Are you excited? Come on the Winter Olympics/Ravelympics are starting next Friday! I'm so excited. Knit Knite buddy Ann designed our team Logo. Check out this fab logo.

In other knitting news I have one wip that's been languishing a bit for the past few months. MyAmazing Technicolor Lizard Ridge Lap Blanket is going on 5+ months in WIP status. I tried to start one more project before the Ravelympics tonight and just could not do it, it was not happening so I frogged the few rows I started and brought out the stash busting rainbow lap blanket of doom.

While I love the concept and my progress so far I loath to work on this project. I do not enjoy the yarn. I don't mind a little bit of acrylic now and then, especially for little knitted toys, but this much in one project is driving me crazy.

I have a plan. I measured the width and plan on knitting it to the same length thus creating a square. It will not be adult lap blanket sized per se but it will be bright and fun and somewhat symmetrical and will have used up some stash acrylic and will be fun for on the back of my desk chair on to cover E's Bitty Baby or for H to play trains on, etc.

Most importantly I want to just get it finished and in the FO column preferably before the Ravelypics start next week. I only need a few more inches. I can do this then cast this puppy off. Then I will be WIP free.

Pink Shalom Cardigan

Check out my latest FO. It's my Pink Shalom Cardigan (rav link) It's a tad on the big side but it's meant for layering and to be squishy and snuggy for winter wear. It's not perfect but I'm happy with this sweater overall.

Have you selected your project/s for the Winter Ravelympics? I'm knitting with Team GK2. Kristie and Jackie and I are knitting the Twilight Mitts. (rav link) I have yarn and several needle choices. Kristie flipped the PDF chart for the mitts for the mirrored palm, otherwise you read the chart backwards. I'm very excited about this project. The goal is to learn two handed colorwork with the long term being getting faster at knitting continental. We shall see.

I have a fun WIP currently. I'm knitting Lola Curly Pig (rav link) Lola is out of stash acrylic like most of my knitted toys. Oh I love knitted toys. Small, not a ton of yarn and so cute. I've decided that Lola was a showgirl.

Which gives me an all be it tenuous excuse to post the following Muppet Show sketch. I love Liza. I love the Muppets. Yes I have no shame.

Well so far...

Happy New Year! Are you saying two thousand ten or twenty ten? I do a bit of both.

I was on a bit of a hat jag over the holidays. We received a ton of unexpected gifts from my Aunts at a family party. I decided to knit up hats as thank you gifts. Now if I could only get the thank you notes done. They are addressed and waiting personalization. Oy. JoAnn's had thick n quick on sale and I have a deep love for the Unoriginal Hat. Three Unoriginals, one Falling Leaves and one OSU/Rasta Shroom later I'm feeling a little hatted out.

I'm actually wearing the Shroom hat. It's super warm and comfortable. I'm thinking of seeing if I can find the pattern specified yarn for extra slouchiness. I'd like a solid color version. This one was a let's use up what I have hat.

Looking at the above picture reminds me of how much my blog/Ravelry project pictures suck. I know they are not great.

Check out Mister Stubbs, this is a Pasha from Knitty 2004. I've wanted to knit this up for ages. I used stash acrylic.

The knitting was fine, the seaming was not really fun. I love the FO and the kids LOVE Mister Stubbs.

I wound stash last Wednesday night while Dave's band practiced downstairs. This is random wool ease from Ruth's stash. I stuffed it in a bag and added it to the stash. I've been thinking about fair isle lately and thought it could be good for a little hat. Some quality time with my ball winder and I got this.

I also wound nearly three pounds of pink acrylic and two pounds of five of brown cotton I bought at Pat Catan's up north over the Holiday. Now to plan what to knit with it.

I'd love to knit Mother/Daughter sweaters for me and E. I'm debating patterns. I was thinking Shalom Cardigan, and Wicked, and others but can not decide. I'd like to use the 5 lbs of brown cotton but we shall see. I'd like to use stash.

I cast on a Mini K-9 last night at a Fantabulous Knit Knit. The Knit Knite Ladies are awesome and the conversation last night was fun as always. The K-9 is more micro then mini. I'm talking small. I knit up all of the pieces last night and am blocking them today to hopefully make it easier to seam this little robot dog together.

I have one long term WIP on the needles from last year. My Lizard Ridge Lap Blanket of Many Colors. It's pretty cool so far. I'm pounding through stash acrylic. One thing I've noticed is that I can't remember the pattern when I pick it back up. Part of this is just how my brain works. It's like I have to mentally start the project back up. This is one of the reasons I've been so maniacal about starting, working on then finishing a project before starting another. I struggle to get moving again. I tend to get a bit bored, frustrated in the middle of larger projects but I know it will be even harder for me to start back up so I solider on to finish. If a project is just not working I frog.

I really want to start a sweater. The pink acrylic is telling me it wants to be a Shalom Cardigan for me, held double. I see so many mods on this sweater, it's a bit overwhelming. I'm thinking it might be time to print out the actual pattern and look at the mods carefully. Not feeling like crashing and burning on a project so feeling a bit reluctant to cast on.

Halloween and Stitch Markers

Greetings one's of readers! I know at least one person reads this blog. So let's just jump back in shall we? Behold The Boy Who Lived Weasley Sweater I knitted for Henry LAST YEAR. Ok. Knitting children's sweaters a bit large is not a BAD idea, it's a GOOD idea. Kids grow.

The sweater, along with some Channel eye liner for a lightening shaped forehead scar, were quite the hit for Henry's Harry Potter Halloween costume this year. Pretty much EVERYONE recognized H's costume.

We raided the dress up, clothes we already have, dollar store for our costumes this year. Evelyn wore her green fairy/princess skirt and bolero Grandma Sue made her for Christmas a few years back. We augmented it with some Bright Green dollar store fairy accessories, some black clothing she already had and finished it off with a pair of lovely Noro leggings inspired by Lyra's leggings in The Golden Compass. So we had a Handknit Halloween!

I've been itching to knit lace. I've been wearing my Swallowtail and Kiri shawls recently. Oh how I love them. They add a little warmth, a splash of color and texture. I love them. This is Gail (Nightsongs) in Knit Picks Gossamer in Sweat Pea.

I crashed and burned during my first attempt on the Nightsongs shawl. I used all locking stitch markers and missed the very important center marker. I decided to toss my stitch marker stash.

Top row from left to right we have a section of drinking straw, yes I have resorted to drinking straw bits in the past. Knit Picks split ring markers, Knit Picks locking stitch marker, I don't like either of the Knit Pick's stitch markers, they are stiff, break easily and the pointy part of the open one is too pointy. The one of the end is a Grandma Janette stash old school plastic O ring. I think they were intended for hanging curtains somehow. I love them.

Middle row from left to right. Surprise stitch markers included in my Crazy 4 Dying yarn, I love these. One of my set of "Boob" markers from Just A Knit Wit's Etsy store. One of two markers I received from Laura from Crazy Miss Finch a few years ago. One of my favorites. It's metal wire and beads. I really like this construction. She has a tutorial, scroll down to find the stitch markers.

Bottom Row thank you markers from Cyrano's Creature Comforts Drive.

The continuous metal wire and bead markers are my favorite. They are the least likely to come apart and get caught on the project in my experience.

I'm here and I knitting. I have more projects to share but many are Holiday gifts so I'll wait to post pics.

Where did September go?

I'm here, I'm knitting, I'm just not blogging. I spend more time on Ravelry and Facebook these days then on blogger.

I've finished seven projects since Wicked. Two dishcloths, a pair of Owling Mitts for my Sister's 30th birthday, two Hedgies for a swap with a high school friend, a cotton thong for a bachelorette party and a surprise. I'm not up for posting pics right now. Just have not felt like blogging.

I started a god awful looking blanket to try to work through some of my acrylic stash. I'm doing Lizard Ridge, but in acrylic. It's a brilliant, gorgeous pattern but I'm doing it in awful yarn. The last yarn I used was so scratchy and squeeky. I was ready to just bind off and call the project quits. Then I tossed my stash and realized that I was knitting with the single most scratchy, awful yarn in my entire stash. I culled several skeins of ultra awful acrylic to give to the kids to just tangle and mess with, meh. I'm going to journey on with the blanket in an attempt to create some sort of awful that transcends into the beautiful. I'm going for nausea inducing color vibration.

I started a pair of Noro Legwarmies for E today. I'm doing them two at a time like socks. Oh I love the Noro in all of it's imperfect explosive color.

I threw a surprise 30th birthday party for my sister. She knew there was something planned but did not know when where how or who so she was genuinely surprised when guests started arriving while she was over for dinner. She loved the Hedwig mitts I knitted for her. She received a beautiful stole knitted in Noro sock from her college roommate Erin.

I tossed my stash while transitioning it from plastic storage tubs to a new bookcase in my office. I can see my stash, all of it. It's awesome to be able to see it all at once. I have the Eames Lounger next to the stash with a nice light on the other side. Dave helped me move the bed out of my office, it went to E's room and her bed went to H's room and H's mattress went to the basement.

My office is now more open. I love the new arrangement.

Knit Knite

This is from last week's Knit Knite. Our Hostess was out of town being fabulous so we met up at the local Panera. Not quite as fun as knitting alfresco on the grass but still quite fun.

We had TWO purple and black Hedgies, sporting the SAME FABULOUS purple eyes for hugging. It's the same pattern, the size depends on the yarn and needles you use and how much you felt your Hedgie. The felting process makes each Hedgie it's own unique little being.

Baby hat and booties! So little and so fun!

Ok this was the table I was sharing with Liz. This table is so full of win. At 12 o'clock we have Liz's Diminishing Ribs cardi in Knit Picks Simply Cotton worsted in Ginger, it's the same pattern as on the Interweave Knits mag at 9 o'clock. Around 2 o'clock we have Liz's Helena in Knit Picks Crayon. It is officially the Smoooshy Sweater. It's so soft and squishy. At 6 o'clock is my Wisteria Walk in Knit Picks Shine worsted in Wisteria. That's a bag of Hedgie eyes and noses around 8 o'clock.

Cath's Ten Stitch Twist in stash sock yarn. There is a square version too. So cool.

We dished Harry Potter. Brandy and I went to see HP at 12:01 with my crazed sister and her group of wild HP friends. Turns out Katie another Knit Kniter was behind us. Too fun. I'm not ready to dish HP here.

Happy 4th of July

A Happy and Safe 4th of July to all who celebrate. We are keeping close to home this year will grill out later.

I've been knitting quite a bit but not blogging. Booo! Thought I would post a few pictures of my recent FO's that I have not shared here.



The second Micro Hedgie ended up with a rainbow bottom. I refused to pay more for shipping then for the actual yarn so I stash dived. Also went for the big nose this time.

Lizard Ridge

I'm a bit obsessed with kitchen cotton dishcloths at the moment. All are plain old Sugar and Cream cotton in various colorways.

Five Point Star

I'm currently working on a Chinese Waves dishcloth, oh it's fun. I have yarn and patterns for a few more.



I officially gave the Tank to E. It's just too snug for me to wear out and about, but it's delightful on E. It was a fun pattern and knit. I was walking the don't want to run out of yarn line and make it snug but not too snug line. Oh well. It's a cute summer tank.

For now I continue to obsess about dishcloths and have some cotton coming in the next few days for a final summer sweater of 09. I'm excited.

Oh and I have an Adam Lambert inspired Hedgie all felted up and waiting for hand painted eyes to arrive from Suncatcher Eyes. He is a glittery, fuzzy ball of fun.

Rat Pack

I actually watched Ocean's 11, the original and the remake for the first time a few months ago. I enjoyed both versions. It was fascinating to see old school Vegas and just how far we've come as a society regarding race relations, not that there is still a long way to go.

So here we go and yes there will be knitting content at the end.

Kris Allen - “The Way You Look Tonight”

Going first really does not help does it. Wow. Kris is so cute and so pleasant and so nice to listen to but this did not wow me. Last week was wow factor, this week, oh I don't know. I am looking forward to hearing the studio version.

Allison Iraheta - “Someone to Watch Over Me”

I read a lot of buzz online about how Allison should sing this song, and she actually sang this song. It was nice to see and hear Allison dialed back at least a little bit.

Matt Giraud - “My Funny Valentine”

Up and over the note Matt, come on now. Sigh. Why did they use the save again?

Danny Gokey - “Come Rain Come Shine”

I love "Come Rain or Come Shine" it's a favorite of mine and I don't ever want to hear that rendition again, ever.

Adam Lambert - “Feeling Good”

Yes it was theatrical. You are going to love or hate Adam, much like Danny. Both are polarizing. MJ's Big Blog says this is the Muse version. I know next to nothing of Muse other then they were on the Twilight soundtrack and apparently the tweens love Muse.

The long sustained note? Yes that was showing off, showboating if you will.

But Adam worked that entrance , he owned those stairs. I loved the white suit. I think we saw a bit more of the self assured Adam during judging. I'm really excited to hear the studio version.

Oh and Kara, skanky?

Ok knitting news. I'm making progress on Green Gable. It's nearly to my navel. I should have enough yarn. I do have some more but it's a different dye lot, but I could use it for the ribbing so a slight color difference would not be a big deal as long as it is consistent.

Disco Inferno

And no one really burned the mother down.

Ok American Idol blather from yours truly. I actually let E stay up late and watch AI with me. Dave even emerged from the basement to see a bit of Kris, we have a strange love for Cajons in our house, and Allison, more on that later.


Lil Rounds - “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan

Lil, please go home tomorrow.

Kris Allen - “She Works Hard For the Money” by Donna Summer

Kris is officially my Solid #2 pick for AI. Fab arrangement, very TOMT like from a few weeks ago. The Cajon is back! Kris sounded great. I thought the Shopping in the Women's Section judge banter was hilarious.

Danny Gokey - “September” by Danny Gokey (I'm getting this from MJ's Big Blog, don't think this is quite right.)

The less I say about Danny the better. He did a decent job, did not crash and burn but was not on fire either.

Allison Iraheta - “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer

Oh my. Dave heard this one. His basic comments were, no power, I countered with lack of breath support. That corset was not doing her any favors for fashion or for proper breathing technique. Under pitch, oh goodness. The last riff was painful. I think Dave was disgusted by the pimptastic judging. He went back downstairs to the man cave and did not emerge until Adam's judge comments. Allison already won a recording contract why is she not using it already? Maybe Disney will sign her and do the Disney thing to her.

Adam Lambert - “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman

Dare I say I was a bit underwhelmed with Adam's song choice and performance? He is still by far my favorite and I will follow his career closely if he wins or not.

I read earlier today that there is a new set of Idol Q&A's out. Adam was asked what one song would you like to perform on AI. I can't remember the name now but it's classic Led Zeppelin. I know next to nothing about Led Zeppelin so I told Dave the name and showed him the youtube results I found. Dave actually got a bit excited at the song suggestion. "Adam would rock insert name I can't remember at the moment." I had a live 1976 version playing on youtub. Dave ushered me downstairs to listen to his copy. I still did not recognize the song, sounded like classic, meandering Led Zeppelin to me.

I'm feeling like Adam played it safe tonight. Yes he can rock a ballad, we know that. I would like to see some more amped up full on bejeweled, hip gyrating theatre. Just don't think we are going to see that on the AI stage. I'd like a stage show. I must find the article that came out recently interviewing producers from The Zodiac Show who said even they had to reign in Adam a bit. Something about a flaming headdress that would not be safe. Hello Fire Marshal!

Matt Giraud - “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees

Oh Matt why did they use the save? I watch Matt and I see a JT cover band.

Anoop Desai - “Dim All the Lights” by Donna Summer

Nice job Anoop. I hope Anoop sticks around a few more weeks.

What was up with the guys and the scruffies? Looked like everyone but Adam was rocking the 5 o'clock + shadow.

My picks to go home are Lil and Matt. Danny is not going anywhere. Anoop will hopefully stay around a bit longer. My hope is for an Adam/Kris top two.

In knitting news I'm making progress on Green Gable. I hope this sweater fits. I checked out green flip flops online at Old Navy today. That could be fun to go with the sweater.

Knitting Content

Going to attempt to forgo the AI Fangirldome for at least one post here. I have actual knitting content to share.


I recently finished the Malabrigo Mitts. Oh the Malabrigo is so soft and yummy. The colorway is Stonechat. I even have a little bit left from the skein. I'll probably turn it into a felted coaster. I'm itching to see how Malabrigo felts. Oooh Malabrigo Hedgie? I've used Knit Picks Andean Silk for H's Green Hedgie. Hmmm. The mitts match the Dean Street Hat I knitted last year. So yummy.


I finished Micro Hedgie. The nose is a larger sized eye per Julane's suggestion at Knit Knite. Thanks Julane! Hedgie is small and cute. I might go up to size 6's on the next one. The Melon one is in hibernation of sorts. It's a matter of getting around to ordering the yarn to finish him up.


I've watched Donnie Darko the last three nights once the kids are in bed. I watched the two commentary tracks as well, hence three nights. The movie is dark but surprisingly enjoyable. It's sci fi and a bit comic book like. Mad World fits into the movie like fine hand honed dovetails. Fabulous song.

Last night I swatched for several summer sweaters. I have a ton of stash old school Cotton Ease that I'm slowly working through. I trying really hard to not buy yarn and knit with what I have already. So I tossed the Cotton Ease stash and came up with 6 skeins of Pistachio, but three each in two different colorways.

So I hit Ravelry trolling for summer sweater patterns. I checked out the Cable 8 top, but I don't have that issue of IK. Then I looked at the Brioche Bodice, I have that IK issue, but it did not call. I considered Latoya but I did not like the straps. Seaberry Shell seemed like it would weight a ton done in Cotton Ease. Even swatched a bit. Came up with nothing.

Today I remembered that Brandy from Knit Knite is knitting Rusted Root. So I checked out Rusted Root and the other Zepher Style patterns. Ah Green Gable caught my eye. I read up on the pattern and tossed the needle stash this afternoon.


Lovely color huh? Yes it's less then ideal but I already have the yarn and I think I will look ok in it once I get a bit of my usual summer tan. It's a happy color.

I'm on Section C already. I'm knitting the medium. We shall see. So far I'm enjoying the knit.

Now to finish the remaining FSM's for Dave, he needs them by May 1st for Skepticamp Ohio at OSU. They are game show prizes. I really dislike knitting multiples. The FSM's are quick, easy and cute but I just don't enjoy multiples. I suppose the Hedgies are the exception, but no two Hedgies are ever exactly the same, even if you try.

Nooooooooooooo!

WTH?

Why did they just save Matt?

Why?

Hello?

Two will leave next week.

Next Week is Disco Week!

DISCO WEEK!!!!!!

No more saves buckaroos!

TWO will leave. Five will remain.

It's like Thunderdome and I'm sorry but Lil is no Tina Turner.

Must calm down.

Jennifer Hudson was lovely. I have not listened to her album, congrats of course for the Grammy. The song selected felt cluttered for her performance. There was so much going on behind her lead vocals, either back up singers or her overdubbing herself I could not tell. Between the lead and all of the background with her singing alone on that bare stage it just did not fit. Was she singing along with a pre recorded track? I think she was actually singing with a live mike. The performance was cluttered and barren at the same time.

I actually sat through Ms Hudson's Foil's performance. I feel a rant coming on that would be neither productive nor becoming so I'm just going to let this lovely child actor turned diplomat speak for me at this time.


see more Lol Celebs

In knitting news the Pink Micro Hedgie is felted and has eyes. I have a larger sized eye that I might use for a nose, but I have not decided.

Hedgie all knitted up and unfelted.

Hedgie felted and with peepers. Palette seems to felt more like Telemark then WOTA unfortunately. I'm a bit disappointed in how the Palette felted but it's still a super cute little Hedgie.


Check out what my daughter wore to school today. Turns out it was group picture day. We did not know today was class picture day.

So E comes into the bathroom this morning dressed all in black and gray. I'm wearing purple cords, a lilac tshirt and a grey short sleeved cardigan tshirt type top. E declares that we are both dressed like Manatees today.

My daughter dressed up like a Manatee.

A small part of me is a bit mortified. The picture does not show the Safety Town Stop Light emblazoned on her back. Yes she is wearing the tshirt backwards, purposefully. I'm actually quite pleased with her creativity. She was so happy this morning to announce that she was dressed as a Manatee.

In other knitting news before I go off to read American Idol fan sites, I'm so obsessed, I am working on a pair of Malabrigo Mitts. Oh the Malabrigo is pure bliss. It's so soft and fabulous. I'm knitting them two at a time on two cirs. I think I already mentioned this WIP in the last post but I don't care they are fab.