Oh Hiiiiii

Hi there.

Nice to see you guys. If you're still there.

Truth be told, there's a legitimate excuse for my lack of blogging. And frankly, it'll probably become more sporadic as I make an effort to overcome some trials and tribulations and get out in the world.

Just kidding. But I will be spending more time out and about versus blogging.

Don't worry, this blog will still exist, but whether there will be frequent posts, that's questionable. My computer did forget this URL since I haven't been here.

Frankly, I think I lost my touch for writing extensive, weird commentary about knitting and whatever else I did. And other social medias (coughTWITTERcough) consuming me, I wonder if it's better to write that occasional long, intense post about a single topic, or writing 140 character bits all the time about a variety of topics.

It's okay, onward and upwards.

FO: Light Up My World aka Barbara Gordan

Nananananananana BATMAN. Or more accurate- Batgirl.

Pattern: Damson by Ysolda Teague

Yarn: Unplanned Peacock Studio Diva Sock in Canary, one skein

I purchased this yarn at the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival and I think it's fair to say it was love at first sight. After weeks of dreary gray weather, I had been on the hunt for the perfectbright yellow yarn. That warm sunshine-y shade that drags away the winter blues kicking and screaming into a closet and locks them away without a question. That yellow. Wandering around, I just hadn't found the yellow. Yellows were there indeed, but not the yellow. My companion stated to me, "The yellow will call to you." And indeed it did- in fact it screamed out like a siren under a pile of sock yarn.

The company, Unplanned Peacock Studio, had so much luscious yarn for a great price. The colors leaned towards the warm side, but they were indeed very gorgeous. I picked up the Diva Sock, which was divinely sock. Most likely the golden merino-cashmere-nylon blend. Knitting it up was pure joy, and it came out so soft and wonderful. My only gripe is that the color leaked, but luckily the shawl still retained its bright yellow.

Damson, like all of Ysolda's other patterns, is easy, fun and well written. The crescent shawl shape is becoming one of my favorites to wear, and I love it! I've waxed poetic about Miss Ysolda Teague, but she never stops amazing me. I'm debating knitting the Snapdragon tam (I actually despise tams, so it'll become a beanie instead if made) and mittens.

Anything yellow you've knit?

FO(s): Notoriously Uncharted

Out of all the accessories I utilize everyday, I think scarves are the most often used. Light or heavy, wool or silk, in every color of the rainbow, scarves come in the biggest variety I've ever seen. In one household, my mother and I together own at least 10 pashmina scarves, supplemented by one or two (or 11) hand knit scarves. So it's safe to say we don't mind a few new additions to our collection.

Pattern: Baktus by Strikkelise

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Black and Natural, 1 skein each.

The pattern is really versatile and the triangular shape is wonderful. I've only this twice, which I regret. It's a fun easy project that's good TV and transportation knitting. I haven't had much opportunity to wear this scarf, but from the few minutes I've stolen with it, I can attest to it's warmth and softness. Cascade is such a great yarn, and a great material to use for cold weather articles. I'd knit every sweater I own out of it if I could. I eyeballed when to decrease and increase, but I still got a pretty substantial scarf out of it.

Pattern: Annis by Susanna IC

Yarn: Bernat Meadowspun in Burgundy, 3 skeins

Susanna is truly a genius, this short row shawl is AWESOME. After casting on the ungodly amount of stitches and knitting the lace, the short rows were easily to do and went by really fast. It was interested to watch this shawl develop, and how it became even better with some blocking! I can't wait to knit another one, but only with a different yarn. The yarn left much to be desired- constant breaks in the yarn made it annoying and the fact the tag said 'do not block.' The color however was gorgeous with its heathered purple-red.

I've still got one more shawl left to photograph, even if it's done and blocked. I'm waiting for the weather to look up again so I can have some real modelled pictures for you with humans, instead of my favorite cardigan pulling mannequin duty once more.

A Tale of Blocking, Part 2: Drying and Pinning

Now for Part 2! Here's where all the good stuff happens! Onwards!

So after you're done soaking and such, remove the piece from the water. When you're taking the piece from the water, try to support it with both hands to prevent stretching and breaking. After soaking, the fibers, especially wool, are VERY fragile and prone to breaking. So support the piece with both hands and lay it out on a dry towel. Never ever ever wring out your knitting! EVER. The fibers are fragile and this will stretch out and break your knitting! Gently pull out of the piece from the damp ball it's in and lay it out flat on an old and very absorbent towel.

Once it's flat on the towel, roll the towel up into like a wrap with your knitting inside it. Now g-stomp the living shit out of this towel. Yes there's a purpose to this. Stomping the towel takes out all the excess water from the knitting, and believe me, there's a whole lotta water in there. This won't ruin your knitting, so don't be too worried. Once you're finished stomping the knitting, unroll the towel and gently move the knitting to a different towel or blocking board, what have you. The knitting should be fairly damp, but it's still fragile so be careful to support it.

Once it's on a separate towel, begin to pin out your knitting. I prefer T-pins and blocking wires. Gently stretch out your knitting to the dimensions you want, and pin it down. If you're blocking a lace shawl with straight edges, I'd recommend blocking wires to get straight edges. Tack out your points to emphasize them. Wait for at least 24 hours for the knitting to be completely dry, unpin and wear! You now have a beautiful, blocked shawl!

In conclusion-

• Never wring your knitting! Remove excess water by pressing it between towels.
• Pin out to dimensions using wires and pins.
• Wait for 24 hours to dry or longer depending on your piece's weight.
• Wear that lace knitting!

If you have any extra questions about blocking lace, I'd recommend these videos here and here and of course, any blocking article on Knitty

A Tale of Blocking, Part 1: The Soak

I know I have extolled the virtues of blocking literally every FO post regarding a lace item on this blog, and I also know that tutorials like this exist all over the Internet. But to me, blocking is singlehandedly the most important skill I've learned in knitting, save for knit and purl stitches. This even beats out grafting, and heck, it's a lot more fun. Blocking is one of those skills that can literally transform your crumpled, tiny project into something simply beautiful and elegant. However, I've seen with my own eyes how blocking can go dreadfully, dreadfully wrong. Hence these posts.

When I block, I typically use a bucket. Some use sinks, but I like the bucket. Personal preference. More space and easier and faster to fill and refill. Fill the bucket full or halfway with water. Here's where it gets tricky. Water temperature is a HUGE HUGE HUGE factor in blocking. Here's why-

One of my knitting friends made a gorgeous shawl for her daughter. I'm not exactly positive of the fiber content, but I suspect it was a merino and silk worsted weight. The pattern was Damsel Shawl by Lori Law. It was her first shawl *squeal* and she had never blocked before. Naturally, she went to our local yarn store, where the assistant advised her to put the shawl is hot water. First mistake. After removing the shawl from the water and pinning it down, she discovered it had partially felted. You can see the shawl below and how there is absolutely no definition to the lace. It's just a blobby triangle :(

Never ever ever ever put your item in an extreme temperature. My general rule of thumb is if you wouldn't put your baby in it, don't put your knitting in it. I go for a lukewarm temperature, leaning more towards cold. If I can splash it on my wrist without discomfort, it is the temperature for knitting. If your piece is in an extreme temperature, there is a chance it will felt and it is indeed a heartbreaking and tragic event.

After filling the bucket or vessel of preference with your lukewarm water comfortable to the touch and adding soap if you so desire (Quick note, I highly advise against Wool-lite or any commercial detergent. I know of rumors of the detergent taking away the sheen of the yarn and no one wants that. I have heard of baby shampoo being used, but I'd recommend Soak or Eucalan), GENTLY submerse your knitting. Push down the knitting into the bucket with your hands and 'squish' it in the water to allow the garment to become fully soaked. DO NOT agitate your knitting as it will felt. Be gentle, like you are playing with soap bubbles. Gently squish and push the knitting to allow water in and fully soak the piece. After this, leave in the water for about 20 minutes.

If you used soap, rinse and repeat till the water runs clear. As always, be gentle and use lukewarm water. The same rules as the initial soak apply to the rinse.

In conclusion-

• Use lukewarm temperature water that is comfortable if you placed it on your wrist. NO extreme temperatures
• When soaking, be gentle. NO agitation of the pieces. Squish and push. Gentle in the key word here.
• If you used soap, rinse and repeat till water runs clear.

Part 2- Drying and Pinning! Really that's all there is to it.

FO: Ishbel

It started in February when I purchased the yarn from Creatively Dyed Yarn. Dianne, the booth owner, had so many different kids of yarn that came in so many different colors, and varigations! But my eyes landed upon Catkin, a gorgeous teal with hints of black and it was love at first sight. Dianne suggested the pattern, and I was fixed. Hooked. Obsessed you might say.

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

Yarn: Creatively Dyed Yarn Steele in Catkin

The pattern is so easy and gorgeous and I can see why it's got over 8000 projects! I've knitted this construction before, and it's by far one of my favorites and the most logical as well! Preblocking, the shawl looked like an uncurled mess from hell, and the lace pattern was just ugly. Again and again, blocking is proving it's worth to me. And Ishbel is one of those that looks good in any kind of yarn, and I can see myself knitting it many times in the future, as gifts or just selfish variations for myself.

Steele is simply gorgeous. The color is beautiful and the dye did not run when I blocked it. Steele definitely matches up to Malabrigo Sock in softness, and in color. The extra yardage makes the yarn even better, even though the yarn was kinda expensive. Catkin was hard to photograph. It appears dark blue in some light, and then photographs a little greenish in others but it's simply beautiful in person.

I do plan on wearing this to the next knit and crochet festival, and maybe I'll come back with another new beautiful skein of sock yarn from Creatively Dyed Yarn. If you see the booth, I encourage you to check it out! You'll be floored by the rainbow of colors she has, and I know I'll definitely be looking for a skein of sunshine yellow for a Damson.

Catch Up

In the days that I haven't posted, we've gone through the holiday season, entered a new year and been snowed in. That last one is my favorite. Looking outside, I can see the few inches of snow that apparently constitute a cancellation, though I can't say I'm complaining. I had finals.

I had a very merry Christmas indeed. This year's gift list surpassed last's year by far. Meet my new obsession.

That's right, Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts. 5 hours well spent. Dumbledore's office is definitely my favorite part of the castle just because it includes Trevor, Neville's frog.

In addition to the amazing castle, my friends and I had a Secret Santa exchange. I got two balls of Malabrigo Worsted in a beautiful dusty pink. While pink is a color I never rarely go for, I'm sure going to enjoy knitting it up.
And yes, that is in fact Whimsical Little Knits 2. Looking through the book, Ysolda's creativity is simply amazing. I've knitted mittens with flaps on my own, but the way she does it with her Snapdragon mittens is ingenious. The book is filled with practical accessories that are really creative and fun.

Just to remind my family that I am a teenage girl, I asked for the most spectacular pair of black pumps that I've ever seen. I have a thing obsession with shoes, and I've been on the hunt for a pair of simple black heels.

A 'batwing' sweater, which I have wanted for so very long. I'm deciding whether to get a yellow scarf and pretend I'm Batman, though I can't deny that I enjoy yellow and gray together.

Of course, I did grab some Christmas gifts for myself, including a new iPod touch affectionately named WALL-E, skinny black pants, and a plaid scarf.

It's going to be a magical 2011 indeed.

WIP Wednesday

So much for monogamy...

Notorious

Sugar Plum Fairy

The Life Aquatic

Ocean Eyes

Scrap Stripes

11.7.10

*Wipes dust off blog* Why hello there blog! So good to see you. Life caught up with me a little, but look! I have stuff! LOOK AT THE STUFF. Ahem. Right. I'm not crazy.

Meet Call Me Captain, and Sir Nicholas' Famous Snidget Fingers.

Call Me Captain is a basic wooly striped shawl/scarf (sharf? Scawl?) in Ravenclaw colors (unintentional!) Very warm, and oh so very large. I hardly know what to do with myself when I wear it. It was a great mindless knit.

As for the Snidget finger, I needed a quick project for the HPKCHC, and I came up with a lip balm carrier! Three cheers for ingenuity! Excuse the um, less than satisfactory seaming. I was rushed.
A new purse. My poor LeSportsac had suffered a beating, and sadly it's not very 'work friendly.' But I got this new thing, and I'm so excited with it! One of my friends told me I looked like 'a hipster working at Google and inside I had my iPhone and laptop.' It's probably one of the best compliments I've ever gotten. But look inside!
A Baktus named Notorious (after the Cary Grant movie.) And if you look deeper...
NEW YARN. I have to give all the credit to MJ. I ended up with some purple fingering weight, some very very soft red worsted, and pumpkin orange worsted. Nomnomnom.

Continuing with the 'wool' theme, we also have- not one, but THREE wooly items that my mum got me. It seems especially cold this year, and the sweater dress on the bottom is proving its worth in keeping me warm and fuzzy.

Outside it's steadily becoming less 'fall' and more Northeastern winter which translates to scathingly cold winds on a sunny day, or a gray gray day that makes you a little depressed inside. Although rumor (weather.com) says it's going to snow...

FO: One Sheep, Two Sheep

One sheep, two sheep, red sheep, blue sheep?

Pattern: My own, inspired by Sheepish by Alana Dakos

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Gray Heather, Mallard, Natural and Black

Needles: US 7 circulars

Can I just gush to you guys for a minute how excited I am that this is my FIRST SWEATER?!? And I made it without a pattern! Like really. All I used was Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears (God bless her), Knitting Daily's Waist Shaping Calculator, my calculator and a pencil and a paper. I'm pretty pumped about this, and I can't wait to wear it out and about.

Of course, it's got flaws. When I finished it, the fit was incredibly poor. The sleeves were way toooo short (above my elbows!), the length was short (above my belt!) and it was tight and just plain uncomfortable. I wanted to cry. Luckily, I found the time to block it, and I did some MAJOR stretching. And it fits almost perfectly now! The sleeves and body could be longer, but I'm not complaining. It FITS!All in all, it's a pretty solid sweater, and I learned a lot about fit and ease. And to make everything longer than I expect. But for now, I have a pretty solid sweater with almost two full skeins of yarn left. And what is happening to those?

New Skills

My family isn't one you could necessarily call 'artistic' Except my mom. I swear the woman can do ANYTHING. She's one of the best bakers I know (maybe I'm a little biased), she can sew (I have multiple pillowcases, and curtains), needlepoint, make jewelry, really she can do anything. I envy her, especially her artistic touch on the little things she does. So in the vein of my mom, I've decided to take up some new things.

-Sewing. Honestly, I was never into sewing. In middle school, I could competently make a duffel bag in Home Ec, which really was enough for me. But recently I went out to the craft store and took a look at the patterns they had. Amazing! They really aren't the old lady type garments I expected. I picked up a dress/skirt pattern from Cynthia Rowley by Simplicity, which looks like something I would wear going out. Plus Little Thingies has a tutorial on making skirts, which I would love to utilize. One of my best friends is also really good at sewing, and she's currently stitching up her homecoming gown in cream satin. Which involves gathering 22 feet of tulle.

-Quilting. Completely inspired by the Tokyo Subway Map quilt on Oh Fransson! I WANT ONE.

So those are the skills I want to learn this year. What about you?

FO: Broad Street Bandit

Didn't you know bandits are all the rage?

Pattern: Springtime Bandit by Kate Gagnon Osborn

Yarn: Lobster Pot Yarns Lobster Sox in Boiled Lobster, 1 skein

Needles: US 5 24 in. circulars

Specifics: 7 repeats of the body chart. Used SSK instead of SKP for the mirrored decrease (worked much better and looked neater.)

The yarn's from Woolplay. It's a great store, which has a bunch of really nice, really expensive (I say expensive with a pained expression) luxury yarns that I'm fairly sure I wouldn't find back home. The Lobster Pot Sox is one that I can't get at home. It’s definitely not as soft as Malabrigo Sock (many yarns aren't), but the color is beautiful. It ranges from a light pink to spots of deep red. It’s more ‘sock’ yarn than ‘shawl’ yarn, because it seemed really durable, and tough, so to speak. But I am a firm believer that yarn I payed + $10 for will not become socks. This is expensive yarn damnit, and I want everyone to see it! On the bad side, I’ve also been finding some WEIRD stuff in my yarn, which might be normal for all I know. I’ve been pulling out little pieces of black string, and hard pieces of nylon.

As for the pattern, it's great! It's really easy, and I love the end results. It's lacy, but it has quite a bit of substance to it. And the edging is gorgeous as well. It looks more complicated to knit than it really is. The fabric I ended up with was dense pre-blocking, but once blocked out, it EXPANDED and became much softer and less thick. Again THE MAGIC OF BLOCKING. JUST DO IT. DON'T COMPLAIN.

All the Good Things

Because I'm lazy, here are photos. Life is looking good right now :)
A finished One Sheep, Two Sheep

A finished Springtime Bandit (photos coming soon!)

A new project :D
Some summer reading that finally doesn't suck (actually the top is only summer reading)

A sweet gift from a sweet friend (book not included ;)

And how was your summer?

Theme?

I think not!

Damn, I Want Lobster

I heart blocking. The color is so RED

5 Keys for Back To School Greatness

I'm extremely pleased to introduce you to a guest blogger- Katie F! Katie is a friend from school, who happens to have a FANTASTIC style, and is quite a lovely girl. She also blogs over at Katie ². I asked her if she'd like to contribute a fashion post, which she generously did, much to my gratitude. :) So onward to her wisdom!

1. Choose Your Staple.

When you take notice of someone's style, what gives them that extra something? In many cases, it can be a distinct staple that really ties it all together.

A staple can be a unique hairstyle that only you can pull off, a fantastic pair of vintage shoes you will wear until they fall apart, or a scarf your mother once gave you that goes with literally everything you wear.

This year, pick a staple that makes you instantly you.

My personal pick? A shade of red-orange lip-color. It can be worn bright and matte, or softened down as a gloss. It's a definitive shade and can be worn year round.

Try to pick something that meets the above criteria. More importantly, make sure it brightens you and makes you smile!

2. Widen Your Range.

When was the last time you tried a new store? If it was yesterday, good for you, but that's not the point! The point is, we often tie ourselves down to a select range of shopping destinations, hoping they'll have what we want.

Think back to the stores you pass up, though. Why do you pass them? Do they look too "old" for you? Did you have a bad experience with their products five years ago? Do you just flat out assume there won't be anything you like/that fits you/is in your budget? Note: I am not talking about Baby Gap here. What I am talking about is the fact that this is the shopping season to go out and explore! New styles and sales are abundant and this is your prime opportunity to check it out. Set up a challenge for yourself: when you are out shopping, visit three stores to which the following apply:

A.) You have never set foot in

B.) You haven't set foot in in over a year

C.) You can't stand

If you aren't even the slightest bit surprised, I give you full rights to send me a disgruntled E-mail.

3. Try Everything On.

With all of the aforementioned styles and sales, it's easy to get wrapped up in a good day's shopping. This often leads to bags and bags of things that weren't tried on, and in many cases, will never be worn. I don't care how perfectly the silhouette lines up with yours when you hold it on the hanger. The fact is, trying something on is the only way to guarantee that it's the piece for you. I myself, am a convert. I used to hate trying things on and thought it was a waste of time. One too many pairs of ill-fitting pants drove me over the edge, though, and I was reborn!

I can't deny it takes extra time and effort to try on everything you select, but I also cannot deny you will be one hundred times happier with your purchases.

4. Amp Up Your Basics.

Like many people, I rely on the same great jeans, perfect white t-shirt, and comfortable sneakers for eons. Because of this, we often fail to note when the appropriate time comes to replace items like these. This is because we are simply unsure of when the right time is to lay these items to rest. Here are a few signs your basics might need a boost:

Jeans - Excessive holes; very noticeable fraying at the bottom and seams

T-shirts - Holes anywhere; discoloration and staining

Camisoles - Seams at straps breaking; staining, fading, yellowing

Socks/Underclothes - Staining or holes of any kind. Seriously. Don't be afraid to just pitch these

Shoes - A smell that just won't go away; holes in the bottom or sides; looser fit and discomfort.

Jeans and t-shirts can be kept to use for things like smocks or clothes to wear when camping. The others are best to get rid of or donate if still usable. (But trust me, no one wants your old socks.)

With this sorting out of the way, go buy yourself a great new pair of jeans that will last you another five years!

5. Create Yourself a Killer Look-Book---With Room to Build

My rule of thumb for when shopping (you know...after I've tried it on...) is to make sure I have at least two pre-existing options to go with the item I want to buy. It makes getting dressed much simpler! It's the first step to giving yourself a massive look-book that is adaptable for all seasons and occasions!

Let's take a look at some examples...

One Pair of Shoes -- Three Ways by Kate Fu featuring Dr. Martens shoes

One Pair of Jeans -- Three Different Ways by Kate Fu featuring Seven For All Mankind jeans

One Dress -- Three Ways by Kate Fu featuring Miss Selfridge dresses

I hope these five keys help you achieve the fresh, fabulous style of your dreams!

So go forth and rock the year you brainy beauties!

Sincerely,

Katie F.

http://2katie2.blogspot.com