:: kenzo fall 2009 ::

I just came across this and had to share, this is amazing...

:: decisions ::

Sonia Rykiel Spring 2009

Can't wait to make and wear it?! In that case follow the model above, love the ball of yarn glued to the little stool dragging behind her (knitting on the go as the ultimate!)

Sometimes decision on the next project is hard. With excess of knitting patterns available online and [Thank God!] Ravelry making that it project of a moment is making your choices limitless, just pick a yarn in stash or pick a garment, whichever comes first. Nowadays, I rarely buy yarn without a project in mind [it tooks months to learn self-restraint, believe me], but I always find myself making one that would complement my wardrobe of that season. Now I am in a dire need of summer knit tees as my mom , after seeing some of my old ones, decided it is time for her to wear them.. and I really didn't need them. With this case resolved it gave me room, but not time, to replenish that empty part with newly designed or good oldies.. With a strike of my luck, Angela gifted me this Artyarns Hana silk that she hated working with.. in this gorgeous Electric/Peacock blue, which at first sight didn't want to become anything. But as it set on my desk, I remembered that my dear Pinkina has disappeared after a trip to TNNA in January 08 and I have no idea when it took place - hotel or those luggage inspectors in the airport, it is gone and I am sad as it was my last project worked on while leaving FL. Sigh... Not to reminiscent, so this gorgeous silk is on its way into Electrina/Peacockina or whatever one can name (as I am actually sipping on Orangina soda). I can't wait to finish it now, it looks great and I am about 75% through.

And what is next ? I pulled out some patterns and old issues of mags and is still on a hunt for those perfect light knit tanks/tops for scorching summer wear here... Summer knitting is hard, some can't justify it, some still prefer knitting warm garments inside with their A/C on, but I always find useful to keep that cardigan around for a chilly night and layering tops is just a style right up my alley. Plus one won't believe it, but linen and cotton tops can be worn in cold weather, just like I did last winter. With a thin turtleneck under them!

So what would you be knitting this summer? I am always curious to see if anyone in Summer knits already..
I can't wait, they promise 88F this weekend and pool is not filled yet! =(

:: pints and purls ::

Karida Collins and Libby Bruce, who I met upon moving to VA, over a year ago they offered me to contribute to this fun book they were putting together. It is all about social knitting. Read: knitting in a restaurant or a bar. Book is not only filled with knitting projects but also tons of advice and tips on such occasions, like which drinks would stain and what are necessary projects to keep in your notions bag. And it is just a fun read!

Two of my contributions are shown below.

This is Drunken sweater, it hasn't been made while being in such condition or had any substance spilled all over it. Only reason named so as the name seemed to be appropriate to for the asymmetry of armholes. And it is very wearable though may seem uncomfortable at first sight. I made it using yummy Shibui Merino Alpaca yarn in Wasabi that turned this sweater in a perfect comfortable winter wear. And I am the one who is always cold.

Front


Back


Haramaki Belt warmer came as this universal garment ( and yes many who know me, I am all about versatility). Actually, Haramaki is a part of a samurai attire that would protect the wearer as it would be stuffed with iron. Not much related to that, but more common use was to keep warm as in Japanese culture is thought that heat is concentrated around your belly area, so keeping it warm would make entire body stay warm. Recently, they have made a comeback in fleece and I have decided to give my own take on it. Can be worn as a wide belt or corset like garment, or pulled down to keep your hips warm, it is suggested to be worn on top of your clothes [on top of jeans/pants , under jacket] and fun pattern makes it a cool accessory. When I got the it back, I tried it again and pulled it up and Laura suggested it as a boob tube for those who can pull it off or even easier one - a cowl. It all worked great! To me, simple tube and mission on versatility accomplished.

It has been made using Neighborhood Fiber Co Watershed yarn in 2 colors and short-rowed garter stitch to create this fun colorwork.

Last week, Knit Happens held a Authors' Book Signing Party where Holly, Karida and I were signing our patterns in the book (and also most of the contributors are local from around DC area). That was such a fun evening with many delicious cupcakes and even whiskey to boot! (eek!) I want to thank everyone who stopped by and said hello or got a copy! Happy knitting and Socializing (this time i spelled it right) ;-)


Rest of pics of the event here.

P.S. note to self-gosh I need a haircut!

:: last year ::

To catch up on the last year's end.. and trying to concentrate on only positive!

I have

... taught some Marines how to knit for Marines and helped who wished to donate helmet liners for our troops.



... went to Stitches East in Baltimore. Where I met Mia again and Kate Gagnon of Zeitgeist yarns and Kelbourne woolens fame.


...met Tim Gunn in a private brunch and had a chance to attend a runway show where he presented.

... hung out with Stefanie Japel when she was in the area for her Glam Knits book signing.

And I have knit.... [DRUMROLL, please]... this is where it comes to a CONTEST!!
It is all easy - guess the number of the garments I have knit/crochet in the past year of 2008...when I have calculated the number, it made my fingers twitch a little.. by far it was the most productive year. But you never know what a new year can bring, right? Wish lists are impossibly long!

Just leave me a comment on what would be your guess for that digit and your email address in it. Because, of course there is a fiber-y and goodie prize to win! Have fun!

Contest entries will close at 1:00am EST Sunday, April 26, 2009.

:: backlogging ::

So many of you probably wondering, have been out for such a long time, what might she possibly be up to?
Certainly, knitting, every single day and designing, and planning, and hoping for more time, and for my hands to stay happy so they would still allow me to do it in the future. I have knit literally piles of this time I was absent... [with exception of one month or so]. It seemed that many of knitters took their attention to Ravelry and Flickr and other social networks and devote rest of it for knitting, but not blogging. I can certainly relate, after some time it becomes a chore to keep everyone updated through the blog. SO I have came out with a solution for myself and I very much hope it works out for me. Because I love sharing!

In this coming week and further you will be exposed to various projects finished and coming on so I can catch up and share all the excitement! Also I see new designs, events, guest blogging and a contest in the future month, so keep up to make sure you get to participate and win some fiber-y goodness!