Sunday, March 18, 2007

Oh The Beauty

So if you have read my “about me” blurb, you know I am not really an organized person. It’s in my nature to pile things in stacks and plan to deal with them later. Or my personal favorite of hiding things in boxes and planning to deal with them later because then they are out of site, and often forgotten about. Well last night I had an oh so clever idea (well clever to me, my standards aren’t that high) To go buy some PVC pipe have it cut to 65” and carry it home (It’s PVC, how much can it weigh?) And finally put all my yardage of fabrics on them so they are not just in a folded mess on my studio shelves. In Theory it sounded so easy I couldn’t believe my great idea.

I need to remember that I don’t live in the Midwest anymore. There’s a reason people say “If you can make it in NYC, you can make it anywhere.” Even the simplest task can end up being the most difficult, exasperating, soul sucking experience you can imagine. Long story short, PVC is not that light, and carrying 40 feet of it no matter how manageable the pieces have been cut and taped together, its still freaking heavy. Especially over the mile of sidewalk I have to navigate between my house and the Home Depot and I won’t even get into negotiating the subway.

Also the Home Depot might want to evaluate their customer service. Expecting a customer to navigate through a crazy busy store with 4 pieces of 10ft PVC pipe down an escalator into the basement with 8 foot ceilings, by themselves isn’t great idea and when the customer points that out, eye rolling from the employee is not appreciated. Why the hell can’t they put the PVC pipe cutter near where they store the PVC?

But I am now the proud owner of several lengths of PVC that are great at holding my yardage neatly. I have only gotten through the wedding dress fabric so far but it still makes me quite happy to look at

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I’m going to ignore the not so organized yarn stash behind the bolts and just focus on the beauty of neatly rolled fabric.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Toddler Couture

My prediction was correct I am quite obsessed with spinning at the moment. Here is my newest, less bulky yarn.

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It’s a bamboo and tussah silk blend, and quite possible the softest yarn I have ever felt. I haven't set the twist yet, so we'll see if washing it affects the feel of it. Eventually I am going to dye it but for now I just like to admire it and show it to friends and family who feign enthusiasm.

I did take a break from the spinning to try my hand at Toddler clothing design.

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It's a birthday present for the coolest two year old I know. And I am hoping I didn't make her a dress that she'll have to wait another two years to wear. I guess I'll find out on Sunday. I am also in a mad dash to finish an octobot for the same little lady by Sunday. I have most of the robot done, but have only cast on for one tentacle of the octopus...looks like its going to a long Saturday with me on the couch with Veronica Mars. On second thought that doesn't sound so bad.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Like a record baby...

I just started a spinning class and after my second one, I think I am hooked. Here is the very bulky fruits of my labor.

These are my first attempts, the one on the left is from learning to card the wool.

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This is my first real skein of yarn. Its merino silver in raspberry and lilac with some silver alpaca blended in.

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I am pretty pleased, and planning a trip this afternoon to buy my own carders and more fiber. I have a bad feeling there is going to be lots of spinning and not so much knitting in the next few weeks.

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Saturday, March 03, 2007

Spring is for sweaters

It’s almost like spring is on its way to NYC right now and its putting me in a ridiculously great mood. Im sure finally getting a handle on my work life is a huge part as well. As part of the “work restructuring” That’s been happening around here I now work at Brooklyn General in Carroll Gardens two afternoons a week. It’s this wonderful knitting store that also carries fabric and spinning supplies. It is proving to be just as enjoyable to work there as at Coffee Den, the coffee shop I work at 1-2 days a week. And I of course already spent most of my first paycheck yarn for a new sweater. I couldn’t bring myself to frog the green sweater so I bought new yarn on the basis that I wouldn’t wear a green blazer-ish sweater (which is a blatant lie) but I love the new yarn, which is Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool. And I am currently in Math Heaven while I figure out the pattern. This is the part that I love, I’m just not going to think about the fact that by the time I am half way thru the first sleeve I will probably be ready to chuck it all out the window, sigh.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Secret Pal 10

Here is my questionarie for Secret Pal 10!


1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Alpaca has to be my all time favorite, but any natural fiber will warm my heart. I’m not a fan of acrylic, but I do have some in my stash it just tends to get passed over when its time to pick teams for dodge ball.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

At the moment I have a cute bucket thing I got as a x-mas gift from a client. But I keep my “current” needles in whatever bag I’m using to lug my stuff around the city at that moment.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned to knit several times during my childhood taught by my Mom. I never seemed to make it past swatch stage until my early twenties when I rediscovered and taught myself (sadly my Mom had passed away) I would consider myself an intermediate knitter on the verge of advanced-intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, Yes I do.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I love florals or citrus. My perfume is Stella by Stella McCartney if that helps.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Chocolate rules my heart. As do homemade cookies.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I sew, mostly for work but also for fun. I just took my first spinning class this week, and really like it so far.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I’m a little all over the place as far as music, I listen to basically everything except hard-core metal. But I am always up for suggestions.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love purples and blues, I guess all jewel tone colors. No colors I can’t stand but I rarely make anything in bright yellows or oranges unless it’s an accent color or toy.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am recently married to an amazing guy named Gene. We live in Brooklyn New York, so far just us no babies or pets.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves constantly, hats and mittens when I remember, which isn’t often. Never got into the ponchos I’m too much of a hoodie addict.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

My favorite has to be knitting toys mostly from my own designs. But that might be because it’s the only knitting project I finish with any regularity


13. What are you knitting right now?

An Octobot and an Aquabot.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Always

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I am a fan of Wood needles in general unless it’s circular and then its Adi turbo all the way.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I own a ball winder, but I still haven’t bit the bullet and bought a swift yet.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I have a seed stitch scarf that just celebrated its 2nd birthday this Christmas.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Hmm…I don’t have one really. I got soured on holidays after my Mom died. But I guess my wedding anniversary if that counts, September 2.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Does hording knitting books count?

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I have a subscription interweave knits. But I regularly buy Vouge knitting, Fiber arts, quilting arts, and American Craft. As well as any other knitting magazine that might look good that month. If you couldn’t tell I have a slight problem with magazines=>

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Always. I just started experimenting with Entrelac, But I would love to learn the “right way” to do fair isle and intarsia.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Since I have never actually turned a heel I don’t think I can say I am a sock knitter by I am a sock designer in my head. The tiny needles just scare me a little but I am slowly but surely making my way there.

And to much mocking by my older sister, my foot is a size 10 us women’s

23. When is your birthday?

September 22, 1980.

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