:: sofie dillon ::

she is a photographer, some knitwear shots, that may be old, but good and inspirational.

:: Akomeogi Tunic ::

I want to share a great joy of mine, of being published in Interweave Knits magazine, this is my second design for them and I am really pleased how it turned out. I want to publicly thank Eunny Jang and Lisa Shroyer for dealing with my difficult situation at a time to have this out of me. This experience was utterly amazing, because I took so much from it, being challenged to be presented with a wonderful opportunity at the most complex time of your life is something indescribable, but this is what you call life . As trying to motivate yourself regardless that things that needed to be done and testing self-discipline no matter what. I didn't come out all bright and shiny, some tasks failed, some I persevered through. And here you can see the outcome. I am going to write more about Petal Halter with a tutorial later. But for now, I give you Akomeogi Tunic, which in translation from Japanese means "folding fan". To be honest, I had the sketch and yarn for this garment since June 2007. But what all of you get to see in a finished project is a bit processed from this original sketch.

And here it is, photoshoot from Interweave Knits Summer 2009. I am so grateful to the editors and stylists and the photographer who took so many details pictures.




photo courtesy of Interweave Knits website

And yesterday, as Knitting Daily presented their galleries, I saw it being modeled by many different ladies: ages and figure and ease.
So head over there and make a judgement for yourself.


On a personal note, I learnt that I enjoyed working with linen yarn to such extent that I have acquired a new object of desire. Linen in all kinds and weights. It is perfect for sticky and changeable DC summers. This particular design reflects my taste and my desire for knitwear to carry, some are very wearable and plain, but some boutique pieces that retail for hundreds and hundreds with an oomph to them, the unusual that every woman has and yet to express it. I love expressing mine through what I wear, this is not just a cloth to cover yourself, but also reflect on how you feel. I love fashion and everything about it, it is again a theatre, just a medium for others to percept your real self.

And now, I remember I have Louet and Lin-net linen to play with, hmmm! Possibilities are tasteful!

:: chanel fall 2009-2010 :: we are dolls::

:: New design is a good oldie ::

Remember me???

Many of you have been asking me for the Silk Camel Jacket pattern that I have knit over 2 years ago, this jacket has been worn and loved for a long time. And now you have a chance to make one for yourself! Shibui Knits yarn company have offered to publish my design once I have re-knit it in their Merino Kid yarn in this lovely Honey color. Someone may not like idea of working with kid mohair as considered a scratchy and relatively fuzzy yarn and this is where this yarn comes in to destroy that myth. Shibui Knits Merino Kid is actually a very lovely smooth, shiny yarn to work with, I really enjoyed working with it. The fibers were long enough to prevent the garment from becoming a fuzz ball, but yet be able to preserve the drape and be very warm.


image courtesy of Shibui Knits website

I have worked it on 4mm needle and it is a top down construction, which again makes finishing easier. Bishop sleeves easily shaped, Peter Pan collar using short rows to help it lay better and i-cord edging to give it a crisp finish. I have used grosgrain ribbon to re-enforce both edges of the cardigan opening and have sewn plastic clothing snaps, which I became really fond of in past years. All that helped me make this look professionally finished garment.



Shibui Knits have chosen to have my garment modeled backwards to show off the versatility of it. But for those who are more traditional and curious what is does look like in the "actual front" you can refer to the photos of my prototype. Also Retro Tailored Jacket, this is what it's going by in the Knit World, has been included in TNNA fashion show last January in San Diego, CA. So hit it at 4:00 minute mark to see it being strut down the runway. Happy knitting!



More spoiler designs for you to come!

:: <3 Jil Sander ::

Every year their collection takes my breath away.

:: having fun is hard work ::

well not really, just a reminded I need to hit the gym again!

Meanwhile, it has been a busy fabulous week here, only thing that was messing with plans is monsoon like rainstorms! Probably trying to catch up with the lack of snow we had this winter, but I am so glad it is finally sunny outside today and somewhat clear sky and look it is all so perky and green! That certainly sent us into frantic spring knitting, I know I have made 3 summer tops to wear so far!

Last Saturday I celebrated my birthday and in a very cool way that I wish many fiber obsessed people could! As this year's first weekend coincided with it and Maryland Wool and Sheep Festival was in order. So we ventured out, though it was rainy, the day itself ended up being really nice and warm, not incredibly sunny, but rain stayed out for the rest of Saturday. Friday, I have made my favorite recipe from Pioneer Woman Rum cake and I was very generous using Malibu rum in it, so I could bring the cake with me to the fairgrounds and share with my flickr/ravelry/blogging friends. Only thing I regret, I didn't take any pictures of it, but I am sure you get the idea! I will try to find some from the friends and show you here.

As hubby wandered off browsing the furry ones, I roamed the barns and guess what was my first purchase?! You'll never guess, but it is Habu. I know, it is crazy as it is not the yarn to buy at this kind of event, but I needed extra for something I am working on. Ravelry meet up gathered so many familiar faces, I can't believe it's been 3rd meet up since Ravelry making internet appearance and consuming our lives (in a fabulous kind of way!)


I got a chance to see so many people, but realized that I was camera-less at that point, so I have no documentation of that.
I had been lucky to spend some time showing Ysolda around DC as little as I knew, so we visited Louise Bourgeois exhibit at Hirschhorn which left me pretty thoughtful and yet trying not be afraid of spiders anymore, as artists actually sees them as guardians.. very intriguing, to be honest.
This mirror installation encouraged to be explored, it was really dark and no flash allowed, so I took a snap shot while inside.



It happened that Pam was still in the area, so we got a chance all to catch up and Elspeth had also joined us for a lunch and National Museum of American Indian, which is this cool building in Capitol proximity and their cafe serves traditional food from all over Americas. After lunch Pam caught a flight back home and I already miss her and I when you are in a company of talented knitterly ladies, believe me creativity juice is in excess here! Just wait till we all get together in Rhinebeck this fall.

We also took a knitting break to finish up on some of the wips.

Ysolda was having a trunk show at Knit Happens this Wednesday and was it fun!!! Just look how adorable is she, no wonder sometimes people think she is a real fairy!
I snuck some pics from Mai from that evening.


Ysolda wearing Little Birds and Ishbel beret and I am wearing Shetland Triangle made in Malabrigo lace gifted to me by Vanessa about a year ago.

There is nothing better than being a goof around..while modeling Vivian.

OMG, they killed Kenny..