Idle fingers are the work of the devil!

Gifts for my Soon-To-Be-Born Niece

2011-12-04T09:28:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time. In fact, I don't think that I've ever taken such a long break between blog entries! Oh well. I've been busy.

This is the sweater and hat set that I made for the new baby who is due to make her premiere appearance on Christmas day. I was afraid to commit to a more gender-specific color because the first sonogram my brother and sister-in-law were told they were having a boy, the second one they were told it was a girl and the the last 2 they baby wouldn't move it's legs to get a good enough look. I figured that yellow was a safe bet-- I could always change the buttons if I have to!

Bec's Baby Hat

2011-02-01T15:09:00.000-05:00

Awwww...wish it fit me!

Look what I did at school today!

2011-01-27T11:16:00.001-05:00

Well, I took a class 1/15/11. I was awesome! I'm definitely thinking about taking another class in metalworking!

Never-ending Hats!

2010-12-14T08:24:00.000-05:00

I finished my Verity hat that I rescued from it's hibernation! The only modification that I made was the band. I hated the instructions for the band in the patterns and I hated (even more!) how it was turning out. So I frog it and just knit a K2P2 ribbing and it worked out well. I washed and blocked this piece over a dinner plate and it is turned out truly lovely.

I've been promising my Dad a hat for years....yes, years. I made him mittens a few years ago and he has worn them all winter, every winter. He even had me darn a little hole that he got from shoveling snow!

So I got some semi-matching yarn and knit him a hat to go with his mittens. I've been lazy about knitting it all week but last night I was determined to finish it. And I did. I didn't go to bed until the last end was woven in!

I have about half the skein left over and my friends just had a baby boy...so I will be casting on for the Fresh Pick Baby hat for Baby Sam. I plan to cast on today.

Hats, hats and more hats!

2010-11-28T17:23:00.002-05:00

I finished my Cable Chapeau and Eli's Hat a few weeks ago. I haven't worn my hat yet but Eli looks adorable in his hat.

I just picked up my Verity hat that has been lying dormant for a year. I will finish this hat this year-- I promise!

I guess when I think hats for me, I just think purple!

La Cumparsita Completed!

2010-10-26T11:04:00.001-04:00

I finally finished the knitting portion of La Cumparsita! Hallelujah! Of course it still needs the ends to be woven in, to be dyed and to be blocked but I'm soooo much closer now! Honestly, I'm not really sure what I will be doing with this shawl. I may give it to my mother, haven't decided. But I will document the dying process since it will be a first for me.

Last night I cast on for the Cable Chapeau from Debbie Stoller's new book Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics. I completely forgot that I pre-ordered this book and it just showed up in the mail yesterday! Nice surprise on a Monday, especially since I didn't think that it was being released until November!

I'm using up some old Cascade 220 that I've had in my stash for quite some time. It's a lovely heathered plum color. Hope it's not too itchy for me to wear. I really need a quick, instant-gratification project after the last 2 shawls that I slugged through!

Secrets, secrets...

2010-09-20T10:14:00.003-04:00

Written on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010:

So I've been working on a couple of secret projects. I realize that I haven't posted in over a month but the big reveal has come!

My brother and his fiance are getting married Nov. 12, 2010. I've been busy working on a wedding shawl and a garter set for my soon-to-be sister-in-law. Her bridal shower is being held on Sunday and I will finally be able to give them to her.

I knit Annis in Ivory Handmaiden Sea Silk. I think that it turned out lovely. Her dress is ivory so I thought that this colorway would really compliment the warmer tones in her dress.

I also made her a garter set. They are planning on doing the traditional garter toss at the reception so I made 2 garters.

The garter with the blue ribbon is for Sam to wear on her wedding day-- it can be her "something blue" and the garter with the eggplant ribbon (our bridesmaid dresses are eggplant so I was just following the theme) is for the garter toss. They both have clear Swarvoski crystals sewn onto the bows. I made Sam's garter to Sam's specific measurements and the eggplant garter slightly larger-- who knows whose leg it will end up on!

The gifts are all packed up and ready for my trip to NY tomorrow. I hope she loves them!

Third Batch of Soap

2010-08-18T11:12:00.000-04:00

As a child I loved creamsicles in the summer. As an adult I love them all year long! I've been know to make orange sherbet and vanilla desserts. When I was thinking about possible soap recipes the notion of a creamsicle scented soap seemed very appealing (apPEELing!). The end product smells so yummy that I'm tempted to take a bite!

Here's the recipe:
Creamsicle
16oz Clear Soap Base colored Orange w/ yellow & red Labcolor liquid colorant
16oz White Soap Base
0.25oz Orange Valencia EO
1/2 tsp Vanilla Fragrance Oil

Make-up Product Review: L'Oreal Infallible Stars Collection Lipcolour

2010-08-12T12:17:00.000-04:00

I love me some red lipstick! With that said, I just had to try this product when I read Kandee Johnson's review: L'Oreal Infallible Lipcolour. OMG, she was right! Not only is the color Beyonce's Red a fabulous red but this product is not going anywhere...literally!

It reminds me of a product that I used to use years ago by Max Factor called Lipfinity except that the formula feels much lighter and actually doesn't wear away at all, not even in the center of the mouth after eating & drinking. After Lipfinity was release several other cosmetic manufacturers (Covergirl Outlast Lipcolor, Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor, Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor, to name a few) came out with very similar products but, in my opinion, nothing compared to Lipfinity until now.

I will be trying out other shades from this line. Stay tuned...

note: The seperate conditioning balm is pretty much the same as that of the other similar products out there.

Second Batch of Soap

2010-08-08T19:13:00.002-04:00

Boy Soap Recipe:
1lb Hemp base
1lb Aloe base
1 tsp Tea Tree EO
1 tsp Eucalyptus EO
1 tsp Fresh Bamboo EO
2 tsp Coconut Oil
1/2 tsp Blue Sapphire Lab Color
1/2 White Mica

Smells like boys...

First Batch of Soap

2010-08-02T10:57:00.001-04:00

I made my first batch of soap yesterday. I created a recipe of my own based on the proportion of other recipes that I have read online. My goal was to make something that I can use on my face, so I didn't add any fragrance or essential oils (for scent-- thought it might be irritating).

Heres what I used:
16oz of Goat's Milk base
16oz Honey base
3 tbs Coco Butter
1/2 tsp Coconut Oil
1/2 Olive Oil
1/2 oz of apricot seeds
1/2 oz of oatmeal

I poured the concoction into a loaf mold and let it harded for several hours. Then removed it, cut into 8 bars and wrapped each in plastic wrap.

Lesson learned: the hot soap must be stirred until it has cooled down considerably (I thought I did this but read an article with a better description of how the soap should look after I had already poured it) so that the exfoliants added stay suspended in the mixture instead of sinking to the bottom of the mold as mine did. Also, the soap has a mildly greasy feel...too much oil? Not sure.

Anyway, I didn't do too badly for my first attempt. I even washed my face with it last night and this morning! More to come!

Soap!

2010-07-28T11:17:00.000-04:00

I need another hobby like I need a hole in the head. But soap making...I've always wanted to learn about soap making! I have this idea in my head that I will learn the process, create awesome soaps and them open an Etsy shop to sell my soaps. It might be a pipe dream for now but I'm on my way.

Above is my first amateur attempt at melt and pour soap making. I bought a cheapy kit at A.C. Moore when I was in NY last month and just got around to testing the waters of soap making. The materials included in the kit aren't very good quality but it was good enough for a mere amateur such as myself. I also just purchases some real soap making supplies from Bramble Berry to really get going once I have it down pat.

I have been intrigued by soaps that have chunks of colored soap pieces within a opaque base. So I learned a little about this method on youtube. I think that this method would work out a lot better if I made a huge batch and cut each bar individually but I used the starter kit materials and the individual bar mold for the ease of learning and not being wasteful of my limited materials.

For a first try, I think it turned out ok. The blue, pink and orange translucent chucks were all dyed and molded separately and them chopped up and dropped into a white opaque base with fragrance added. I used cucumber-melon fragrance, which I'm not crazy about, but wanted to try everything that came in the kit.

My better quality supplies arrived yesterday so I will be attempting more soap (better quality soap!) in the very near future!

At-home Animal Print Mani!

2010-07-26T13:34:00.001-04:00

I love animal print-- leopard, cheetah, zebra-- you name it! My sister recently had an awesome manicure done with leopard print nail art on one nail on each hand. It was gorgeous....but really expensive. I figured that I could definitley do an at-home version for much, much less!

So here what I used:
Out the Door Topcoat
Orly Bonder Basecoat
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish, Choco-Latte
Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, Black and gold

I did my usual mani: starting with a coat of Orly Bonder, 2 coats of color, then used the nail art pens to create the leopard print, and then finished with a coat of Out the Door as usual. And ta-da-- a cute mani for the week!

Leaf Yoke Top and it only took me 7 months (haha)!

2010-05-06T21:47:00.001-04:00

Well, tonight I finally put the finishing touches (applied i-cord edging on the neck and arm holes) on my Leaf Yoke Top. It turned out beautifully.

This top was my first project using short-row bust shaping. The short-rows created an extra pouch of fabric for my busty top half. What a difference it makes. It is so much more comfortable when there isn't any pulling across the chest. Not only is it more comfy but it looks soooo much nicer when the pattern isn't distorted when I squeeze the DDs into a B-C space.

Naturally, I'm planning on wearing this top tomorrow-- no need to block LB Cottonease. I even have the perfect shoes to wear with it!

Everything's Coming Up Roses

2010-02-21T14:57:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I went to Chinatown (WinMil Fabrics) in search of some fun fabric to make fabric roses. My primary thought was to adorn cheap wife-beater tank top necklines with them. I love the irony of mixing casual/dress down with fancy/dress up elements. Then I figured that I might make some hair clips and/or brooches with them. They're so fun and easy to create. I'm really digging the raw edges (I tore the fabric into a strip rather than cutting it). It adds a nice dimension. We'll see.

After fabric shopping, I walked to Back Bay. I wanted to go to For Eyes to check out some new frames. The temple hinges on my current pair have had it. I had no intention of buying until I tried these on:

They don't look like much but they were very complimentary on. And I got a deal! Love it. Should have them but the end of the week. Yay for glasses that don't constantly slip down my nose. I also fell in love with these but I figured that I couldn't really justify new sunnies since mine are in perfect condition. Wah...maybe in a week or two I can reconsider a potential frivolous purchase.

I also checked out Anthropology while I was in the area. I love that place for inspiration. Unfortunately, all I was drawn to were big Jackie O-type sunglasses. I have such a one-track mind!

This morning I broke out the sewing machine to hem a pair of yoga pants that I've been meaning to hem since November and sewed a pillow that I cut the fabric for ~3-4 years ago! Done and done! I'm feeling pretty productive. I even washed my sheets...now if I could only motivate myself (clad in freshly hemmed yoga pants) to get my ass to the gym!

Yo-Yo Necklace

2010-01-31T12:47:00.000-05:00

My creation from yesterday's crafternoon with Holly & Jenny. Isn't it neat!?

Bazaar Bizarre 2009

2009-12-08T23:14:00.001-05:00

I went to the Bazaar Bizarre on Sunday. I love going every year-- it's so inspiring. I picked up a few coasters, to match last year's mixer coaster, for my coffee table.

I love the vintage photos that the artist had available. I love retro!

I was also in the market for a nifty print of some sort to replace the Wassily Kandinsky that I had hung temporarily in the living room. I used a piece of black tag board to mat the print.

Seems a little dark so I might change the mat to make it pop more. Wonder what color I should go with?

I also couldn't help but grab up this adorable little airplane/take-off pouch! I already have it stuffed with knitting!

***

Other improvements:
A short bookcase for the foyer along with a cool lamp, large glass centerpiece and cool metal damask print bin.

Glass pull handles for the little piece that I refinished. I like this piece much more with the addition of the pulls.

My house really came together!

"New " Living Room!

2009-11-19T20:46:00.002-05:00

Finally! Here's the full affect:

Here's the corner of my new sectional sofa:

Here's the opposite corner with a piece that I salvaged from the curb and refinished:

Still have small touches to finish but it's almost there. I finally feel like this is MY home!

Notice the new Wii!!! I had to part with the last one but she's all mine now. I'm dying for Beatles Rock Band, Band Hero and Wii Fit!!!

PIA Saturday

2009-11-09T07:42:00.002-05:00

Something sunny needed to come out of this day!

This past Saturday I rented a UHAUL and drove down to Ikea in Stoughton, MA.I was so ready to get my couch. The website showed that the particular couch I was interested in is only available in the Ikea stores and could not be ordered on the website.

I picked up the UHAUL and drove down there so that I'd be there as soon as the doors opened. Once there, I got a free coffee from their cafe (they know the way to my heart) and then at 10am, I started for the show room. I found my series and sat on it to make sure that it was comfortable and looked through all the fabrics to make sure that I was picking one that I loved. I went up to the sale person to ask some questions and she said, "we don't stock this model in the store. It needs to be ordered."

WTF? Really? How come I was told that the store stocked it and that it was in stock at this particular location when I called? I was beyond irritated. I just spent $65 on a UHAUL and I can't even use it? And now I have to order the sofa and pay a $100 delivery charge. I don't think so.

I went straight to customer service and made my case detailing the poor customer service and told them that they needed to make this right. They were able to eat the $100 delivery charge, but I still have to wait for my new sofa. I was really hoping to go home with it and set up my living room. Wah.

Though I couldn't get what I wanted as far as the sofa went , I was able to find a few other necessities. I found a grill pan, a TV entertainment shelving unit, candles, an ironing board, fabrics (I used the yellow to cover a canvas to hang on the wall-- see top of the post), a wok, and some glasses (of which the bottom of the box fell out causing 3 of the 6 glasses to crash to their deaths). I put the TV unit together immediately and set up all my electronics on it and even had room for my mesh metal magazine baskets on the bottom shelf.

I made a pit stop at Target afterward to return that hideous rug that I ordered and a poster that was delivered damaged. I found a replacement rug for the living room in a cream color for the same price. I was envisioning more of a cafe au lait but I was unable to find it so this will have to do. I moved my black leather woven rug that was in my living room to my dinning room-- under the dining room table. That was a fun task to do without any help. Below is a WIP...just not of the knitting variety.

Once I got back to town, I unloaded and returned the UHAUL. I took a trip to Back Bay to go to Trader Joe's and to hit up Urban Outfitters for album frames-- on sale for 2 for $20 (usually $15 each!). I grabbed two. I framed a couple of records that I got in LA a couple of years ago. Pretty sweet, huh!?

So, things are coming along slowly but surely...slower than I'd like. Hell, my mom & sister are coming for a visit next weekend and I'd like for them not to have to sit on the floor! We'll see.

On my own

2009-11-05T21:10:00.002-05:00

The ex finally moved out. The past month was truly a test. I think that I made it through with minimal damage. I was really sad and weepy on Sunday night after all was said and done but ever since I've been fine. I think that I was just working up to this point all along. I already mourned him.

So now I live alone. For now. Strangely, it was an easy transition from taking care of two to one. He's having a rough time (good!) but I'm being the self-proficient person I've been since childhood, really. I thought that I would be terrified and lonely and afraid to go to sleep at night. It has been fine. The cat is sadder than I am (she misses her feline friend).

So my new situation has brought about the need for new furniture. I've never owned a new sofa. I've always had hand-me-downs or Good Will specials-- not that there's anything wrong with that. But it's time to buy my first brand new living room!

I've been doing a lot of "window shopping" on the interwebs. I want something modern with clean lines. I found a sectional on the Ikea site that I adore. I *think* that I like the Sivik Dark Gray, but I'm going to check out the fabrics at the store over the weekend. I ordered and already received (and assembled) a new coffee table from Target. I also ordered a new area rug which was delivered today but it needs to be returned. It's not at all what I was expecting. I'll make a Target return trip this weekend. I think that once it's all here I'll feel like I have my living room back. Feeling like my apartment is a "home" is very important to me.

I'm also looking for a funky piece for my front foyer. I want a buffet/credenza with a funky flair. I really like this one and this one. Also for the foyer, I have to get a few record album frames to display some fun records that I have. And I'm in the middle of creating some fun art for over my sofa.

I'm keeping everything else intact as is. Just need a few changes and some some new stuff sans memories. Time to make new memories.

True Blood Love and Short-Rows!

2009-10-22T07:59:00.016-04:00

Ok, I have a True Blood obsession. Can't help it. Love it. That said-- I'm obviously attracted to everything True Blood (see this post if you don't believe me). I ordered the 8-book Sookie Stackhouse series and am on the second book. And I have no will power because yesterday I bought this:

I know, I have problems.

I bought these over the weekend:

I'm actually not 100% sure why I bought these because I've been planning on being Joan Jett for Halloween all this time but I'm so enamored with vampires these days that I just couldn't help myself. I think I may have had a change of heart. Sorry Joan!

On to the short-rows...

I've used short-rows before. I get the concept. I was just always to afraid to use them for bust-shaping. Pretty dumb for a girls with DDs, huh!? Well, finally I took the plunge. I used this article to guide me. After figuring out my calculations, the knitting began. Short-rows are super easy; it's just a matter of knowing where to place them and how many to knit. See the wedge of fabric I've created using short-rows? Hope it's big enough for my boobies!

Make-up Review #3

2009-10-18T11:22:00.001-04:00

I walked into Macy's and couldn't avoid the MAC counter...not that I was planning to. Their Holiday Collection just came out! Eyeshadows to die for, seriously. I couldn't pick just one. So I didn't....and $41 later, I was going home with 2 brand spanking new Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos.

I use the following products to create this look:
* M.A.C.Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in Midnight Madness and Under Your Spell
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara
* e.l.f. Feather Proof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Natural Blush
* Revlon LipGlide Color Gloss in Fuchsia Flash (discontinued, I think)
* NYC Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Smokey Plum
* NARS Blush in Orgasm

Review time...

Already reviewed NARS Bluch in Orgasm , Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla , L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara.

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Duos are fabulous and limited editions! As all of MAC's shadows are, they are highly pigmented. They can be used wet or dry and are extremely blendable. I only used the purple shades from each pot. I use the lighter lavendery purple on my lid and a bit on the lower lash line. Then went in with the darker smokier purple shade and applied it to the crease and blended. Love the effect. The formula is velvety soft and as vibrant as it is in the pot. However I did not use the accent shades yet (copper and gold). Though the purple shades are just extremely shimmery, the accent colors are more glittery. I think that they'll be good to use when I'm going for an outrageous going-out effect. I'll keep you posted.

Of course I used the Avon Big Color Pencil in Vanilla on my brow bone to highlight! I also used a liner on the upper and 3/4 of the lower in a plum. NYC Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Smokey Plum is pretty decent for such a cheap brand. It was smooth and creamy to apply and stayed put all night.

On to lips. I used e.l.f. Featherproof Moisturizing Lip Liner in Natural Blush to give my gloss something to cling to. I've previously review an e.l.f. eyeliner but the texture of the lip liner formula is slightly smoother and easier to apply. Once my lips were lined I used Revlon LipGlide Color Gloss in Fuchsia Flash. It's an older product that I couldn't find on their website an more so I figure that it's been discontinued. This is too bad because it's a great gloss and a really fun shade with staying power. C'est la vie.

So that about wraps up this review!

Leaf Yoke Top...why do I rip thee?

2009-10-13T16:48:00.000-04:00

I've been working on this on and off for the last couple of weeks. The yoke knit up incredibly fast, but I've had to rip the front and the back a few times. The instructions in for the first section after picking up stitches from the yoke are no accurate but there was no errata to speak of. Oh well.

I plan on replacing the folded hem with a simple lace pattern at the hips. When it's done it'll be too cold for a sleeveless top but I'd like to wear a long sleeved tee underneath. Hopefully I'll finish it this month!

Make-up Review #2

2009-09-30T07:34:00.000-04:00

I was happier than I looked in this pic, I swear

I really don't go out very often. Now that I'm man-free I better gt back into the swing of things. Saturday night I went out for dinner and drink with one of my girl friends. I've been so down because of the man situation that I've just been feeling really ugly. Not exactly in a good place.

Wish my pics were better...sorry for the dark shots.

I figured that if I wanted to feel good on the inside I better pretty up the outside. I wore my black jeans, a tunic-y t-shirt w/ peacock feather & paisley detailing, 4 inch black wedge sandal (don't have to worry about a short bf anymore!), this necklace, and a black motorcycle jacket. I figured dark and smokey eyes were in order but decided to break up all the black with a dark blue shadow and pale lips.

I use the following products to create this look:
* Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Riviera Blue
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara
* e.l.f. Brightening Eyeliner in Ash
* e.l.f. Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed
* Avon Beyond Color Plumping Lipcolor SPF 15 in Twig

Review time...

Revlon Matte Eyeshadow is a nice rich dark blue shade with a very matte finish. I layer the shadow from my lide to the crease, keeping the color more concentrated closer to the lash line. I do like this formula, especially for $4.99, but it can be a little hard to blend. I think that that may be true for most highly pigmented matte shadows. Lots 'o' blending! I really like this color though.

L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara is one of my favorite dramatic formulas. It thickens and lengthens dramatically. It is the only formula that I've found to date that can compare to L'Oreal Lash Architect, which I haven't been able to find in ages. According to the website it doesn't appear to be discontinued but where, oh where art thou?

I already review Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla here. I won't bore you with the details. I used it on my brow bones, but not on the inside corners this time. I wanted to keep the effect smokey.

e.l.f. cosmetics are comparable to NYC, the cheapo drugstore brand. e.l.f. has a great selections but the quality is just mediocre. What do you expect when most of the products are $1!? I found the liner to be dry and hard to apply. I tried to warm it up a bit and then apply to upper and 3/4 of my lower lash line. The warming up seemed to have helped a bit. Though it's not the best liner.

The bronzer is really nice and subtle. It gives glow and creates radiance but doesn't look orangey and/or unnatural. I used it in place of blush and applied it to each side of my face in a number 3 motion (about 1:35 into video) to create a natural sun-kissed look.

Slicked on and blotted Avon Beyond Color Lipcolor SPF 15 in twig for an understated lip. This formula is very velvety and not the least bit drying. This shade is very neutral, which is exactly what I was going for.

I need to remember to smile.

Cozy Cowl

2009-09-28T08:34:00.001-04:00

I knit this cozy accessory last weekend and as soon as I did, the weather warmed up. Like, to 80. Damn. Today is going to hit 76 so who knows when I'll be able to wear it!

It was knit in Lion Brand Lion Cashmere Blend in Black on US 10 needles. It took approximately 1.5 balls of yarn and it is of my own design. You don't really need a pattern for a seed stitch rectangle with YO buttonholes!

I used the left over buttons from my FLS from earlier this year. I apparently really over estimated how many I needed for that project.

And there you have it. It looks cozy and warm. I'm planning on wearing it with my motorcycle jacket to give it a feminine touch. But first it has to cool off.

My First Makeup Review!

2009-09-20T13:53:00.030-04:00

I LOVE eye make-up. I don't always wear it but when I do I like to apply it creatively and have fun with it. I'm addicted to buying all kinds of eye make-up products-- especially when I find them on sale. I mostly buy and wear drugstore brands but do occasionally splurge on more up-scale brands. I have a weakness for Sephora, but usually just browse unless I'm specifically looking for something.

I use the following products to create this look:
* L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara
* L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense
* L'Oreal H.i.P. high intensity pigments Bright shadow duo in Brazen
* NARS Blush in Orgasm
* Avon Big Color Eye Pencil in Vanilla
* Mark by Avon Glossblossom Ripening Lip Tint

Review time...

I'm a big fan of high-pigment eyeshadows. It's tough to find this at the drugstore but there's the occasional exception. L'Oreal H.I.P high intensity pigments Bright Shadows are pretty decent for the money. I purchased Brazen-- a duo of bright pink and chocolate brown, which is what I am wearing in these pictures.

These shadows are true to the hues in the pot and are pretty blendable. Not as blendable as my Urban Decay singles are but considering that they are half the price at $7.99, these shadows are well worth their cost.

Avon Big Color pencil in Vanilla is a great shade to use as a highlighter. I applied it to my brow bones and the inner corners of my eyes to brighten my look. It's a nice blendable formula and a great shade. Just wish it didn't have little flecks of glitter. Shimmer is fine but glitter isn't really my thing, though it's not terribly noticeable with this product.

Last week CVS had a special on L'Oreal Carbon Black Voluminous mascara Carbon Black Lineur Intense. $4.99 each sounded good to me so I brought them home. I'm not a huge fan of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara usually because I find that it's too natural, but I wanted to see if Carbon Black was more dramatic. In my opinion, there's nothing worse than putting on makeup and not being able to tell that it's there. I guess if I wanted "natural" I forgo the makeup!

Let me just say that I really like the long, thin shape of the felt applicator that the Carbon Black Lineur Intense has. It makes it much easier to apply the liquid liner with precision and creates a thin line that you can gradually build up by adding a little liner at a time without it becoming caked on and flaky.

The Carbon Black Voluminous mascara needed a couple of coats and wasn't as dramatic as the L'Oreal Extra-Volume Collagen mascara but the formula applies very evenly and NO CLUMPS! This, I like.

NARS Blush in Orgasm is totally not something I would normally buy just by seeing the shade. This shade has gotten a lot of hype from people saying that it is a universal shade that is flattering on everyone. When I first saw it as Sephora I thought that there was no way that this peachy-goldy tone could look good on me until I tested it. And...I loved it. It's now my go-to blush.

Mark's Glossblossom ripening lip tint is a nice thinner-consistency gloss that "ripens" to a rosy pink shade once applied to the lips. It's actually a knock-off of Smashbox's O-gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss, but I think that it is actually a superior product comparatively. I like the consistency of this product better-- O-gloss is a bit sticky-- and I like the Glossblossom's shade is slightly more intense.

So there ya have it.

Any suggestions for what I should review next?

Ishbel for Michele!

2009-09-17T11:04:00.012-04:00

My Ishbel is finito! I wet blocked it last night and it was dry by this morning! So of course, I'm wearing it now. Couldn't resist.
On a seperate note, I got and drank this last night:
It is delicious blood orange flavored soda inspired by HBO's True Blood series! Love it.

The 9th Anniversary of My 21st Birthday!

2009-09-13T14:53:00.019-04:00

Well it happened today...I turned 30. My entire family came up from NY and surprised me at Douzo yesterday afternoon. My Dad and Ilise came to visit and Jorge coordinated a family surprise party for me. My Mom and Ed, Jonny and Sam, Kristin and Gram. I've never been surprised before but I was totally shocked (and confused at first!) when I saw them all at the table.

Not only did everyone travel up to Boston from Long Island but they brought me fabulous gifts.

I can't believe that I'm no longer in my 20's. I feel like I was just celebrating my 21st birthday and here I am checking the 30-35 box. How time flies.

In knitting news, I'm almost finished with Ishbel. Just have charts C, D, and E left. Then to the blocking board.

I'm scrapbooking everything we do!

2009-09-07T17:58:00.003-04:00

A little something for my crafty ladies to bust a move to!

Back in the game

2009-09-06T13:11:00.005-04:00

I actually want to knit. I cast on for Ishbel the other night. I'm using 1 hank of Handmaiden Sea Silk in Marine.

I'm on the first lace section right now. I decided to make a size medium-- the stockinette section in the small size and the lace section in the large size-- since I only have 437 yards to work with here.

I'm using un-waxed dental floss for my life line. I figured that I would place a life line after each lace section. Just in case...

On another note, I was contemplating reviewing make-up and other beauty products here. Would anyone be interested in this? I love to buy and play with makeup and thought that it might be fun to share. I know you're saying, "but isn't this a crafting blog?" I do feel like make-up is an artistic medium and that techniques used to apply it can be very creative. We'll see. I have been test driving several different eye makeup looks as of late. I'd like to start photographing my work. I know that it's tough to take pics of yourself but think I'm gonna give it a shot.

I abandoned my blog...

2009-08-29T09:31:00.024-04:00

I have been so busy with work that I just don't have the energy to do anything but mindless shit when I'm home for the last several months.I abandoned my blog, my knitting, my crafting mojo. Sad.

I have been creative though, a little bit.Mostly putting fun fashion-y things together. I've been on the hunt for cool/vintage pieces. And I've even made a bit of jewelry for a change. Where to start, where to start...

I guess that I will start with the my vintage finds. I spent the 4th of July weekend at my sister's in Queens for the second year, while she was away (annual Vegas trip).While in NYC, I really wanted to got to the Lion Brand Studio. This was my second attempt to visit them. I tried to go back in February and they were closed on Saturdays (WTF?). This time I made sure to go on a Friday...they were closed for the holiday (WTF!?-- they're retail!). I guess that I'll never be able to visit them! I digress.

My mom & step-dad came in for dinner and we went into Brooklyn to Williamsburg. After dinner, we wandered a bit and came upon a neat little artsy shop. They all sorts of cool handmade things. I found a necklace that I had to have. It was made with all reclaimed materials. Very unique.

Next few vintage find were made at the Garment District in Cambridge, MA. I wasn't looking for anything in particular but came away with three pairs of shoes and a plaid men's shirt. I got a pair of rockin' light brown mid-calf cowboy boots, a pair of Capezio character shoes and a pair of black ankle booties.

So far, I've only worn the cowboy boots (with a trapeze dress and a shrunken cardi that I knit last year). Unfortunately, those well broken in bastards gave me lovely blisters on the backs of both heels. I think that I just wore the wrong socks. I can really picture those boots with a simple short flowy dress and the plaid shirt unbuttoned and tied in the front, with a slouchy leather bag.

Let's move onto my jewelry obsession. I have been both making and purchasing pieces that I don't know how I've lived without. I'm really into long chain necklaces lately. Like, really long, like 42" long. I made a couple different strands that I wear separately or together depending on my mood.

I think that the obsession started in June when I purchased this awesome rosary bead key necklace. I fell in love with the Tiffany Key necklaces but just couldn't see spending that kind on money on silver. So I was on the lookout for a skeleton key necklace and found a great version at a little jewelry shop called Chemistry on Newbury Street in Boston.

I love the length and the uniqueness of this necklace. Not to mention the 3 skeleton keys. Take that Tiffany's...but I still am obsessed with their Crown key, I'm not gonna lie.

I made these earrings from some components that I found at Bead Works in Cambridge while looking for supplies for some prototypes that needed to put together for an Etsy venture that I've been really thinking about. Like 'em?

Found this beauty at Newbury Comic's...cutie, cute, cute.

The right-hand ring: my answer to all of my friends with rocks on their LEFT hands. Why shouldn't I have sparkly bling on my hand too? Do you have to commit suicide(i.e. get engaged) just to sparkle? I think NOT.

Isn't it a gorgeous replica of an art-deco piece? It's merely sterling silver and cubic zirconia. Eat your heart out: bling with no marital repercussions.

This piece was found on my new favorite jewelry website Eve's Addiction. I also got a Tiffany's knock-off necklace there. I love Elsa Peretti's Diamond's by the Yard for Tiffany's but I do NOT love the price tag. Then there it was on Eve's Addiction, all sparkly and at a fraction of the cost. Plus 15% off...

And that's all she wrote (bought!), for now.

I'm Ba-ack!

2009-06-16T06:55:00.014-04:00

I've never taken a month and a half break from my blog since I started in 2006 (not that I can remember anyway). Well, there has been a LOT going on.

The largest of which is that my company that I was with for 8 years basically was going under so it had to be taken over by a larger organization in order to "survive". Sadly, a lot has changed our organizational structure and staffing needs. We lost tons of staff and a few doctors in the transition.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to apply for the practice manager position. The job is much more demanding and I have a lot more responsibility than before. It's been really hard but I'm keeping my head above the water, so far.

So, along with everything going on, I've had a few weekend visits: one with my mom, one with my dad, and one with Jorge's family down in Virginia for his sister's Quincenera. This didn't leave me with tons of time to knit or craft but I have made a few things since last I posted.

When my dad visited he decided that I needed an electric sander. So we went to Home Depot and got this lovely:

I primarily needed it because I was refinishing a piece of furniture and sanding it by hand which sucked. The piece was an old phonograph cabinet from the '30s. We stripped off the brown finish, then stained it black and added a coat of polyurethane for a bit of sheen. It turned out beautiful and now serves as the home for our stereo and turn table.

For Jorge's sister's Quincenera, I made her an aquamarine (her birthstone) necklace.

Not sure if she actually liked it because I didn't see her open it but she's pretty ungrateful in general so I guess it doesn't matter. I liked it.

My bff, Rebecca, is having a baby. She just had her 21 week ultrasound and found out that she's having a boy. Even though I'm pretty anti-baby in general, I still want to be supportive of her. This is something that she's always wanted so I've been making stuff for her to show how much I care.

So far, I've only made a few things. I made a couple of rock'n'roll onesies and a light blue hat for Jr.

This oughta tide her over for a bit. I also want to make a sweater and some booties, but I have time. She's not due until the end of October. But since she'll be in town this week, I'd like to give her what I have for Jr. so far.

And that's it folks! I've also been altering clothes but no pics yet. Hopefully I do not disappear again for any length of time. I really want to continue being crafty as often as possible. Just have to keep my motivation up and hope that I have the time to create.

April Lady Sweater?

2009-05-01T07:31:00.021-04:00

I started my FLS back in March, planning on bringing it to Puerto Rico and actually finishing it. Turns out that I didn't knit one stitch while I was in San Juan, only on the plane on the way down. Once I was home, I sort of lost interest for a bit and decided to just set it aside until the mood struck once again. During that hiatus, I was able to start and finish Owls and I was just dreaming of casting on Liesl. I told myself "project monogamy is the only way I will get these pieces done!" So I limited myself to casting on (and finishing) Owls and then back to the FLS!

Once I completed Owls, as I mentioned in my previous post, I bought the perfect buttons for my FLS to motivate me to finish the bugger. It must have worked because it was done within the week! I <3 how my FLS turned out!

It's not the best pic but it's gray and raining out so I had to use the flash. I'll attempt a better pic on a nice day. Here's a close up of the buttons.

The other night I cast on for Liesl. I decided to do the short version with the lower neckline, which isn't very low at all. I'm using Dreamweave, which is a wool/silk blend in an avocado green. I'm on on the 11th row of the yoke but it's already 2-2 1/2 inches long, so I think that once I get into it I will be able to breeze through. I only have 3 skeins in my stash (318 yds) but the sweater only calls for 260, so I'm cutting it close and really wish that I had an extra skein due to my track record. Well, I'm just going to jump in with my fingers crossed. Wish me luck!

I <3 Three Day Weekends

2009-04-20T13:15:00.013-04:00

Today is Patriot's Day (in the Boston area) so that means no work for moi! I got to relax this morning, clean my house (and my oven!) and go to the gym all before 3pm. Ahhh, 3 day weekends rock.

This weekend also brought a visit from my mom. She got in at 2pm on Fri so we got to hang around for a couple of days, do a little shopping and eat JP Licks (mmmm, Rice Dice Cream!). She got me some treats (pictured below) at Anthropologie that I would never have bought for myself. I love these vintage looking bowls and cloth napkins!

***

On Thurs, I went to Windsor Button after work. I was in search if button eyes for my Owls sweater and some buttons for my February Lady Sweater. I found some pearly yellow-green buttons eyes and sewed them onto one owl in the front and one owl in the back on Saturday morning.

I had my sights set on something clear or transparent for the FLS because I didn't want it to look too overdone. It's busy enough as it is with the lace and the variegated blue yarn. So I settled for a clear and transparent blue button. They looked perfect when I layed them over the button band so they had to come home with me.

I'm almost there with the FLS. I have the body and 1/2 of one of the sleeves already done. I can't wait to finish it and to wash, block and sew on the buttons. I'm just dying to wear it!

It All Worked Out in the End!

2009-04-14T08:17:00.013-04:00

Yesterday I received my Web's order containing the skein of Berroco Comfort in Copen Blue needed to finish just the neck ribbing of my Owls sweater (I was able to use scrap pieces to knit the short rows!). I seamed up the underarms and all my ends are woven in!

I tried it on and it fit pretty well. There's slight looseness in the upper back which seems to be a common problem with this pattern. I just need to sew on the buttons, that I found in my odds & ends button box, to one of the owls. Now, if only it wasn't going to be in the 50s & 60s this week!

In other knitting progress, I've picked up my FLS again after a few week-hiatus. I'm loving the colorway-- it's brighter than this pic.

Next up on the docket is Liesl. I'm thinking about using Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Maize. I'm not sure about the length but I've been thinking about the middle length.

Holy Shit-- I ran out of Yarn!!!

2009-04-07T07:42:00.007-04:00

I swear that this has never happened to me before. I don't know what's going on. It's not you-- it's me.
I canNOT believe it-- I ran out of yarn with mere rows to complete before my Owls sweater could be completed! I don't even think that it was a miscalculation on my part. I thought that I ordered 1 extra skein, as a matter or fact. Do you see what I have left around the neck of my dress form? WTF!?

I'm so bummed b/c I was supposed to finish my sweater last night while watching Heroes. That was the plan. I noticed that the ball I was knitting from was shirking exponentially but figured that I'd have just enough-- no suck luck. I'm still in shock that this could happen to me.

On a whim, I pulled up the WEB's page before bed last night and guiltily order another skein but who knows if the new dye lot will match. I'm soooo disappointed. I was just a few short rows and some ribbing away from a comfy Owls sweater. Wah.

Owls

2009-04-01T08:01:00.004-04:00

I cast on for Owls on Saturday. The thing that I love about bulky weight projects is that they knit up so fast! I'm almost done with the body. And I've already decided that I'm not going to put buttons eyes on every owl-- only one. Button eyes on every owl is just too much for me.

The only thing that makes me nervous is that the end product may not look good on me. I don't usually knit projects that call for bulky weight yarns because I just don't need the added bulk to my already bulky frame. But this one may be different. As I look through the Ravelry project gallery, I've noticed that lots of the comments says that though this is a bulky weight project, it has enough shaping to still be flattering. I hope that I feel that way too when I'm done.

Not a Whole Lotta Knittin' Happenin'

2009-03-27T07:52:00.001-04:00

We got back from Puerto Rico last Thursday (sorry for the crappy pic-- the only one I have of me actually wearing my Tuscany). That's an entire week ago and I 'm finally back to normal. There was zero knitting on this trip other than on the flight there. I knit most of the garter yoke of my FLS but that's where it ended. I just haven't felt like knitting much but I did manage to do a few rows on the FLS today before a doctor's appointment.

Just because I haven't been knitting doesn't mean that I haven't been thing about it....obsessively. I went to the Holy Craft Fair & Flea Market last weekend and spotted a chick in the Owls pullover that I've been seeing popping up on Craftster and in Ravelry. This adorable sweater definitely found it's way into my heart even though it's knit in a bulky weight yarn. So weakly, I went over to the Web's website in search of a bulky weight non-wool yarn to make my very own Owls sweater from.

I decided on Berroco Comfort Chunky which is a nylon/acrylic blend. I chose a blue that I thought was sort of teal looking at my monitor but it arrived today and it's not exactly what I was expecting. I think that I might just be able to live with it as long as the owl cables are visible. Guess I'll need to swatch it up.

The pic on the left is from the Web's website and
the pic on the right the yarn I took when I received my order yesterday. I'm trying to envision what a sweater made out of this yarn would look like. We shall see.

Reclamation Scarf!

2009-03-10T07:49:00.003-04:00

I made my little sister a neat triangle scarf. I used that beautiful Malabrigo Silky Wool I bought last month. I love the color-- gorgeous. I do have another skein so maybe I'll be making another for me.

Tuscany, Puerto Rico!?

2009-03-05T07:44:00.006-05:00

Gee, that doesn't sound right at all! Okay, that's because it's not. What I meant to say is that I'll be bringing my newly finished Tuscany shawl to Puerto Rico next week! I really didn't think that I'd have it finished but here she is...

I used a lovely cotton blend yarn the I bought for another project, for which my desire fizzled, a couple of years ago from Elann, which has since been discontinued. It's called Elann Endless Summer Luna and it is a fiery red colorway! It's has a shimmer and a great drape, but is a bit too splitty to work with in my opinion. I only did 9.5 repeats of the lace pattern because I used a larger needle size than called for and a heavy weight yarn.

All in all, it was a pretty easy and quick project. I think it turned out beautiful for my first lace project of this caliber. I hope that I get to wear it!

Happy Birthday Fish-- Finished!

2009-03-02T12:26:00.008-05:00

Well say hello to my little friend...Jorge loves him. He loves him so much he tried to eat him.
The irony is that I'm taking him for Sushi for his birthday dinner! Ha!

Birthday Fish & Vacation Shawls

2009-02-23T10:56:00.013-05:00

I've been slow yet steady with the shawl knitting. I'm more than half way at this point! It's turning out lovely and I can really envision what it will look like with my cute black dress. I also cannot wait to block it. Blocking lace = knitter's high! The color is off in this picture-- truly it's a more fiery red!

I also started a knitted Angler Fish as part of Jorge's birthday present. I ordered this pattern from Etsy ages ago but never got around to knitting it for him. This pattern isn't a difficult one just lots of row-by-row instructions. It has tons of short-rows which, luckily, I taught myself to do recently. This is a quick and fun knit and I can't wait to give it to him!

New Yarn, New Project and, yet again, another Bad Haircut

2009-02-17T07:25:00.016-05:00

So the weekend before last, I had a Saturday appointment to get a haircut, my first since I was traumatized back in November 2008. By some ridiculous circumstances, I ended up missing the appointment and was totally bummed (this should have been a sign!).

I rescheduled for the next Wednesday (last week) and took a few hours off from work. When I arrived my stylist was giddy over getting her new shears and texturizer-- the scissor guys was still there. I told her that I essentially wanted the same cut but was open to suggestions for a bit of change. She went totally scissor happy and chopped soooo much hair off my head, of already short hair, making me look like a demented little boy. I just don't get it. We discussed how different did NOT equal shorter. I'm gonna chalk it up to a one-time bout of crazy due to her new equipment, but if it happens again I'm outta there.

Good thing is: hair grows. And mine seems to grow fast. I'm really sick of walking out of the salon with tears streaming down my face though. This should not happen when you articulately describe what it is that you're looking for. Maybe I'll post a pick but no promises so you can all see my misery.

I was feeling so bad after my haircut appointment that I decided to got over to Windsor Button for a pick-me-up. I was in search of Malabrigo Silky Merino in teal. I couldn't find it out on the floor so I asked the sales lady. I do NOT usually do that there because they're pretty weird and not usually too customer service-oriented, but I was in a desperate place.

To my surprise the lady was kind and outgoing. She found more stock, and specifically the color that I was in search of. I purchased two beautiful hanks of this heavenly soft yarn. I plan on making a Reclamation Scarf , Stephanie Japel's newest invention, out of each-- one for me and one for my bff.
Though I have been working on the second sleeve of my CPH, I'm at a standstill with this project. I'm just really bored of knitting it. I wondered why so many people took an average of a year to complete this project and now I know why. Though it's got more interest than a straight up stockinette project, it's still very rhythmic and boring to knit. I need more instant gratification. I decided that I'd start a new project while I was in NYC this past weekend to awaken my mojo.

I cast on for Tuscany from No Sheep for You. I'm using my stash of Elann Endless Summer Luna in red which I bought ages ago for another project that I never got around to (and lost interest in). I've always thought that this was a pretty shawl but had no desire to knit a lace project of that magnitude or knit a shawl, for that matter. But then I had this vision of me in Old San Juan, wearing a black dress with a red lace wrap around my shoulders so I figured that maybe it was worth a try. We leave for PR March 12th...less than a month away. I'm not sure if this is going to be possible to finish in time but I'm going to give it a shot.

I work on it on the bus home yesterday afternoon until it got too dark and I got a massive headache. It seems to be working up fast. I guess we'll see.

Color of the Month-- Nuclear Red

2009-02-04T09:50:00.008-05:00

So by the end of January my fun Burgundy Wine streaks were on their way out. So I decided to help them out a bit by washing my hair in hot water and a really detergenty shampoo to strip most of the color out. Then I chose a red!

I went for Nuclear Red Special Effects. My streaks are super bright red now and the rest of my head has a nice reddish glow to it. I quite like it. Reminds me of something that I did to my hair ages ago. How do you like it? Better than the Burgundy Wine?

Winter Blues/Frustrations

2009-01-29T07:15:00.012-05:00

It's no secret that the winter gets me down. I'm sick of the bitter temperatures, the snow & ice, and grumpy, rude people. It's hard to be motivated when you're always pissed off.

Our sidewalks have been really icy the last few weeks, even in high-traffic areas. So this sometimes means that when people are coming from both directions one has to step aside so that the other can pass by the narrow cleared (ie. ice free) path. I'm always the one who steps aside, mostly b/c I don't want to slip on ice, and let people pass. Rarely do I get a "thank you" or have anyone slow down to step aside so that I can pass. They just keep yapping on their cells and barrel through like they're more important and do not have to time to step aside and allow me to pass. Nice, huh!? Can people please have some manners? If you're not going to slow down, forcing me to get out of your way, you can at least acknowledge that I was polite enough to step aside for you. Boston id full of rude people.

Speaking of rude people, I had two shitty experiences this week all because I was being generous and charitable to a complete stranger. Freecycle is a web-based group where people can offer and request items they they no longer need and want to recycle by giving to someone who could use them. I've used this website once before, maybe a year and a 1/2 ago, when I was in need of a new washer/dryer.

I was able to find an older set being given away and made arrangements to pick them up put in Framingham. The woman giving them away was nice enough but sort of rude when we arrived to claim our booty. She had a way of letting us know that this was a charity case, not necessarily something nice to do for another person or the environment. Plus she didn't need to pay someone to come and take them to her closest landfill. When all way said and done, we were thankful towards the woman and took off with our free stuff. Could have been worse.

For Christmas I received a Cuisinart Food Processor. Now that I have a shiny new food processor I no longer need my little mini chopper food processor. I would never throw something in perfect working condition away without trying to find someone who may like to have it or donating to my local thrift shop. So I went on Freecyle to find out if anyone was specifically looking for a food processor. I found someone in need and reached out. This person made plans to pick it up on Saturday and then never showed, then again on Monday and never showed, the the last time on Tuesday and never showed. Always with a lame excuse and never an apology. WTF?

Someone that you do not even know is being generous enough to give you something that you need and you stand her up multiple times and don't even feel badly about it? I don't think so. So I emailed this person explaining that she has wasted plenty of my time and I am no longer offering the food processor to her. Ridiculous. People are totally inconsiderate at times.

So I listed my item on Freecycle and got a ton of responses. I went with the first person to respond-- it's only fair. He was polite and willing to come by that evening. Needless to say he never showed and never called, as I requested if his plans changed. Now he wants to come by and get it tonight. I don't think so. I'm all set trying to be generous....now I'm taking down to the thrift shop and making a donation.

So if I'm a bit grumpy you know why. The optimist in me wants to think that all people are good at heart, but I know the truth...most people have no incentive to be nice to a stranger. Anonymity = no need to be nice. It disgusts me. I make it my mission to be nice to people....especially strangers.

Slow Goings...

2009-01-15T07:31:00.006-05:00

It's already half way through January 2009 and I don't have very much to show for it. I cast on for the Central Park Hoodie on the 2nd and it's just taking a lot to motivate myself to sit and knit. I started with the front right side which seemed to knit up rather quickly and am now several cable repeats into the back. It's cold out--seriously I want this one done! I need to be wearing it already.
Being that my knitting mojo has been waxing and waning, I've been spending an excessive amount of time cruising the pages of Ravelry when I should be making attempts at progress on this sweater. Damn you, Ravelry! You're such a time sucker. You're a vacuum for all of my possible knitting time. Ahhhh...

Not that I wish Ravelry away, just that I wish I had more self control and discipline. For heaven's sake, I <3 this site more than any other! But when inspiration turns into procrastination, I may need an intervention!

Pink Hair

2009-01-09T08:15:00.006-05:00

I had my hair did last week. Jorge gave me a hefty gift certificate to Liquid Hair Studios.
I had foils done. First we lightened and then we toned with Special Effects color in Burgundy Wine. These pics don't show the "texture"-- it much more streaky/chunky bits of bright color. Guess there wasn't enough light. It's crazy in the sunlight!

When looking at the Special Effects color card, Burgundy Wine looked way more purple but when the color was washed out I was sorta shocked at the result-- PINK! I like it, don't get me wrong, but I was expecting a little more subtle effect-- more purpley. I was a little worried about what people would say at the office. No one's really said anything negative though they may have thought it ;-) I did get a lot of compliments which was reassuring.

Maybe when this fades I'll try another purple shade and see if I can achieve the effect I was going for. Do you like???

2008-12-31T16:27:00.001-05:00

2008: Year in Review

2008-12-22T17:36:00.012-05:00

Snow...mucky, icy white shit
So started snowing Friday afternoon and didn't stop until sometime last night. Needless to say, I wasn't very motivated to leave the house this entire weekend. So my weekend was filled with knitting, movies, and cookie baking.

I stayed in and finished Krissy's Convertible Mitts. I'm not crazy about them but I'm not really feeling it to re-do them at this point. I think that they just needs some buttons to hold the tops open and/or closed to zest them up a bit.

Then I decided to put my newly received Malabrigo to the test. Will it be soft and cozy or make me breakout in hives!? I hoped for the former. I cast on and finished Crofter's Cowl with my own modification. I decided not to do the mirrored top and bottom and grafting that this project's instruction called for. Instead I just make 7 repeats of the first chart. It turned out rather nice. Still needs a blocking but it was so cold today that I couldn't resist wearing it out.
The lace pattern loses a little of it's interest by the varigations in this yarn but, all in all, I'm happy with this FO. And no hives! This may actually be the best news yet.

So now that I know that I can wear this yarn close to my skin and stay comfortable, I think that I'll make more of these. I already was planning on making my bestfriend one for Christmas since she lives in Chicago and could always use more warm clothing. I'm thinking about designing my own pattern for hers though. We'll see.

I have tomorrow off so I'm going to run over to Windsor Button in the moring and pick up a few skeins of Malabrigo Yarn Worsted Merino to knit up into more cowls! I think that these could be a perfect project for my bus trip to and from NY.

Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!

edit: I added rhinestone buttons to the mitts!

2008-12-19T07:56:00.010-05:00

I NEED TO STOP!
This "Merry Christmas" to me kick I've been on this week needs to end. I've been done with my shopping for a bit so I've been self-indulging all week. First I purchased Malabrigo Worsted Merino from a Raveler last week. It's gorgeous! My plan is to knit myself a cowl out of it since I haven't knit a damn thing for myself since October. It's so soft-- I hope that I can wear it without a hive fest! My next purchase is practical but just doesn't fit my asthetic-- Dansko clogs. They aren't my style but they are a dream to walk in. I've been having a lot of foot problems and my even my podiatrist think these are great. I feel sort of justified because I donated tons of old (ie. uncomfortable, unsupportive shoes) to charity last weekend.
So, I bought another pair in a slightly different style for some variety (and much needed "medical" comfort, unfortunately). They're actually on their way to my doorstep today. I can finally walk pain-free again.
Then, my most frivolous purchase, is a new bag from Scout's Swag. This item won't be in until mid-January so I don't feel as bad as I could.

It's a gorgeous limited edition Eggplant color. Perfect for a combo knitting and day bag. Love it!

Like I said, Merry Christmas to me!

Oh yeah, wanna see some knitting? I'm almost done with these:I got guage but they still seem to be a little big. I hope they aren't too big on my sister.

2008-12-15T15:27:00.004-05:00

My Two Thorpes
I finished, with crochet edging and braids, my brother's ear-flap hat. It was so easy and quick that I made another one for a coworker who I promised a hat to ages ago. Best part-- I knit them both from stash yarns!

My brother's Thorpe was knit from Lion Brand's Vanna's Choice yarn in black. I even learned the half double crochet stitch to do the edging. Then I added the stranded braid to each ear flap. Finito.

Then I cast on last night during the Giant's game and finished today my second Thorpe for my coworker Melissa. I promised her a hat awhile back so I figured that I'd be true to my word. I used some Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Bulky in Lotus Pink, left over from legwarmers that I made years ago. I decided to forgo the crochet edging and braids and keep it simple.

2008-12-10T08:19:00.009-05:00

How Bizarre!

Sunday was the the 2008 Bazaar Bizarre. Of course I got some loot! Jorge bought me a neat resin pendant necklace.
I got him an interesting print which we already framed and hung in our living room. It's odd but very interesting.
Jorge also got us some neat coasters. The mixer is for me and the projector for Jorge! I love vintage kitchen appliances and he's into vintage media players.

I found a cute little change pouch with the PBR logo on it and it said "PBR Powered"-- perfect for Jorge and his love for the cheap brew! Needless to say, he loves the pouch.

Seeing all these amazing crafts was totally inspiring and made me want to quit my job and join the craft fair circuit. I cast on for a hat when I got home and pretty much finished it last night! Oooo...I can sell hats! I dunno.

I'm going to check out Boston Handmade on Saturday morning... so much inspiration that I won't know what to do with myself!

2008-12-04T07:54:00.022-05:00

Hair Trauma, Nov '08

So I'm over it and now I can talk about it. Two weeks ago I made an appointment with my regular stylist for a cut. My hair was super long and I wanted to cut it short and donate the hair to Lock of Love.

I sat down in her chair, as usual, and we discussed the cut and what I was looking for. She seemed to not really want to cut my hair short. She was not encouraging at all which was a little disappointing. But I stuck to my guns and said that I wanted to get rid of the length-- it was to the middle of my back and too much to handle at that point.

I described the desired effect: long, shaggy bob with lots of chunky layers, short in the back, long in the front and choppy bangs. I got a One-length bob with thin uniform bangs. I have a lot of very thick hair-- it wasn't blended at all. Tons of weight at the bottom. I had a triangle on top of my head. This really wasn't apparent to me until I left and walked past my reflection in a shop window. I nearly cried right then and there. I figured that it was the way she styled it and that I could do better once I got home. Not so much.

It was awful even after I washed it and restyled it the next morning. Doesn't look as horrendous as it was just by this picture. So, against my gut, I called and asked her if she could fix it because I wasn't happy with the cut. She was really sweet about it but AGAIN did not listen to my requests. I walked out with a shorter, more horrible, uneven version of the first cut. This time I did cry. I will never go back to her at this point.

I lived with the results for a few days and just hated it. It wasn't only a bad cut but it was very soccer mom. Totally not my style. So Saturday morning I called my old salon in the Southend, Liquid Hair Studios. My stylist is no longer there but I chose another stylist based on some reviews that I read on Yelp! and also by how cute her hair was in her picture on the salon's website.

I saw Francesca. She was totally in tune with what I wanted and agreed that the cut was NOT for me and done really poorly. She cut in some layers, dried it, and then razors some of the weight out. It turned out a millions time better than before. A little shorter than I originally envisioned but that was because of the 1st (and 2nd) botched cut done by EX-stylist. New cut pics to come.

I'm going to go back to her sometime in the near future for some color. I want foils that are some outrageous color. Maybe for Christmas!

2008-12-02T07:17:00.013-05:00

Vested, I mean Gifted!

I finished the Mangyle vest for Jorge the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. He was thrilled-- I don't think he realized how much I did NOT enjoy knitting this vest. It was a total chore. I did already assure him (selfishly) that I will not make another no matter how much he likes his vest.

I also gifted the Fleegle socks to my mom who LOVED them. She went on and on about how much she loved then, how soft they were to wear and how she would like more in different colors. Of course, I created a monster!

No more WIPs...now what!? I want to knit for me but my sister and brother both requested knitted items and I'd like to make my dad a hat to match the mittens that I knit him last winter. My sister wants a pair of Convertible Mittens in black (she wants to blind me apparently). My brother wants a hat with ear flaps, though I couldn't tell if he was just kidding about the ear flaps. Maybe this one? I dunno. I still haven't picked out a pattern for my dad's hat but that should be easy-- something simple to show off the beautiful hand-painted variegation of the yarn. Maybe this one? It's simple enough, right!?

We'll see. I didn't plan on all this holiday knitting. And I'm sure that the fam has no idea how long it will take me to knit them all goodies. What a PIA. What can you do, ya know. If they're all done by the time Christmas rolls around, great. If not, they'll get them when they get them. I'm not going to worry about it. They would be extras at this point since I bought them all gifts already!

2008-11-17T07:39:00.007-05:00

Sock it to me!

My Fleegle Socks are done. They aren't perfect but turned out pretty decent. I never wanted to knit socks, but it everyone else loves them so I wanted to see what the big was. Once I figured out the heel turn and gusset (with help), I felt like I could understand why knitters like socks. Though I'm not sure if I really even want to knit more socks but they are a great take-with project.

I don't know what to do with them now that they're done-- keep them, give them to my mom? Would someone else even want "fraternal" socks? Are they thin enough to fit comfortably in a shoe? I did knit them on size 3's afterall. We'll see, but at least I can cross this project off my WIP list.

2008-11-06T07:20:00.008-05:00

Goodies!

I had to go into the office early yesterday so I decided that I was leaving at 4. What would I do with this extra time that I had on my hands??? Hmmm...I dunno, go to my LYS!? Ok, that's a great suggestion! And so I did.

I was in search of "real" bobbins used in stranded knitting. I made some bobbins out of tag board and they just weren't cutting it. They were bendy and kept making my yarn unravel. What a PIA! Talk about time-consuming-- I'd have to stop, knitting, rewind each of my eight bobbins several times before I got through a single row of color work. At that rate I'd never finish this godforsaken vest!

I also got highlighter tape to help me follow the chart easily, knit clips to help me with finishing/seaming, and a pair of Addi Turbos just to see if what everyone says about them is true.
Man, those needles are expensive! We'll see if they live up to their reputation.

2008-11-03T08:00:00.003-05:00

Mangyle...my arch nemesis!

Mangyle, why do you hate me so? What have I ever done to you? I don't deserve to be taunted yet that doesn't stop you. Just when I get comfortable reading your chart and knitting with 3 different colors (only 3 colors...but 8 bobbins!), you screw with me by tangling and undoing my neatly wound homemade bobbins. You cause a level of frustration that makes me want to throw you across the room in aggrevation. You continue with these antics because you know that I will not give up on you. You know that I want nothing more than to conquer you. You laugh at the thought, but it will happen. I want you to submit!

2008-10-27T07:30:00.007-04:00

Progress!

I have been making progress on my 2 WIPs this week but color work....I'm not so sure about it! Any tips? I haven't done very much of it and I'm afraid. So far, I don't feel like I'm very good. The color-work portion seems to be lumpy and tight in comparison to the stockinette body. Ick. I don't know how to fix this. Is this normal? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

As far my socks (sock) goes, I'm almost done with the foot of the first sock and will be forced to turn the heel. Ahhh...a lot of scariness with my projects lately. I have very specific instructions on how to make a basic heel, so I think I've got it under control for now...you'll probably hear me whine about in the next day or two ;-).

I have to say, I don't know why anyone wouldn't knit a sock toe up. It's awesome to be able to try it on as I go. I guess knitting a sock cuff down is like knitting a bottom up sweater. I always feel like I'm taking a gamble when I do that because it's hard to gauge fit when you can't actually try the piece on.

As I knit on the Mangyle and the sock, I daydream about swatching for my February Lady Sweater or my Central Park Hoodie. I'm not even exagerating when I say dream-- I'm literally dreaming that I'm winding my skeins of yarn to begin swatching. I know, I'm totally crazy! Oh well, I'm just selfish and want to knit sweaters for myself! I'm the only one who truly appreciates my knitted FOs. Well, that might not be totally true but I can appreciate all the hard work and time that goes into knitting them.

2008-10-20T08:08:00.005-04:00

Good enough to wear!
So, last night, while watching True Blood, I decided to cut the bound off stitch edge of my Hey, Teach! I re-bound off with needles that were a couple sizes larger than what I used to knit the project and it seems to have fixed the problem. This morning I sewed on the buttons, with little reinforcement buttons on the back of the button band to anchor them down. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out!
I also started my very first pair of socks! I used the Magic Cast On with the Magic Loop method to start. I'm following Fleegle's Toe Up Sock pattern. Finally have a use for that lone skein of KPPPM that I had in my stash forever. Of course I had to buy a second skein to knit a complete pair. Hopefully, I don't get too bored and actually finish!

2008-10-19T12:31:00.005-04:00

"Hey, Teach, how do I fix my tight neckline?"

I finished my Hey, Teach! yesterday morning. Once I completed the finishing, I tried my new sweater on and, to my dismay, the neckline was bound off much too tightly. Oh man....and I wove in all the ends so well that I can't find the end to rip the bound off edge back to re-do it. What to do, what to do....

I was thinking that I'd just snip a few of the stitches on the bound off edge and try to rip from there. Does that sound like a good idea? Any suggestions? Help! Once I'm happy with the neckline, I'll pick out buttons and sew them on.

I knit Hey, Teach! out of Knit Picks Shine Worsted. I've never knit a garment with this yarn before. I've noticed that it sheds a lot so I'm thinking that it will probably pill quite a bit. I'm wondering how it will wear shape-wise. Will it stretch out and loss it's shape? What's your experience?

My next project is Mangyle. I've cast on and knit a few inches of the back. The main color is black and the two contrasting colors are cream and gray. I've never knit a sweater this larger. I hope it doesn't take me forever. I'm just itching to start my February Lady Sweater!

2008-10-15T07:51:00.005-04:00

I'm in the home stretch!

Almost done with Hey, Teach! I just need to finish up the second sleeve, attach them to the body of the sweater and add the trim. Yay!

I decided to make 3/4 sleeves instead of the pattern's short sleeves, seeing how it's Fall already. I used the modification found here to do so. Thanks stashnstitch for doing all the math! I'm about half way through the second sleeve at this point and hope to finish it today on my lunch break. Then maybe, just maybe I'll get to the finishing tonight. We'll see how far I get today.

I'd really like to finish because a) I want to wear it, b) there are projects in queue that I'm dreaming about! I'm speaking literally here....dreaming about! Is this normal? Does this happen to anyone else? Do I just not have enough of a life to warrant dreaming of something other than knitting? Well at least I'm not dreaming of shooting up heroin or something equally disgusting.

What are you knitting? What are you dreaming of knitting? Let's have a little contest to make me feel more "normal." Leave me a comment and tell me both what you're working on and what you're longing to work on. There's a prize for the winner! Go!

2008-10-07T12:21:00.021-04:00

Buffalo's short for Alpaca...

Ok, well not exactly. I was in Buffalo, NY for a wedding this past weekend and couldn't resist visiting a few yarn shops. I got a couple of recommendations from the Buffalo Ravelry group: Have Ewe Any Wool and Knitting Karma. I really enjoyed my tine spent at Have Ewe Any Wool. It was a neat shop full of ladies talking about Ravelry! They had beautiful yarns and....an alpaca. I kid you not!

The shop had an event where a local farm visited bring along their yarns spun from their alpaca's fleeces. It was very lovely! And then there was an alpaca. Yes, an alpaca. He was a little skiddish but he allowed us to pet him a bit. He was adorable!

After my fun with farm animals, we headed over to Knitting Karma down the road. I was less impressed with their product selection but the women there friendly and very willing to help. Not to mention, they had animals too--2 green macaws! Buffalo LYSs are obviously animal-friendly!

Then the last stop was to Elmwood Yarns. Sadly, they are closed on Sundays so I didn't get to check them out. Sad day!

Today I had to see a hand specialist for elbow and wrist pain that I've been experiencing for the last month or so. On my way back to the office I decided to stop at A Good Yarn. I picked up a skein of Koigu PPPM. The colorway is close to the that of a skein that I already have in my stash so I figured that I'd try a pair of fraternal socks! Imagine that-- I was never interested in socks. We'll see.

I also picked up 3 skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in New Age Teal. Was able to find a dye lot that I already had 2 skeins of so I was very pleased! I plan on using this stash for the February Lady Sweater. Just another project in my endless queue!

2008-10-01T14:51:00.006-04:00

Look What I Got!

It's a needle gauge pendant! The needle sizes are laser inscribed on the back! You can get your very own at Debra's Garden. I placed my order on Friday and it arrived yesterday! I ordered the Khaki/platinum color. I really wanted the sterling silver version of this unique multi-tasker but, alas, I do not have the means at the moment...This version will do!

I meant to put in on this morning but I was running late, as usual, and forgot! Darn it. Still knitting Hey, Teach! Haven't been too into it because I kept screwing up the lace on the back panel and needing to tink back and re-knit said rows. If only I would use a life line-- I'd be able to save a lot of time by safely ripping those rows out. Sigh.

2008-09-22T07:56:00.004-04:00

I NEED frequent breaks to reward myself...

It's true. What I don't understand is why I need these breaks when I'm doing something that I enjoy/love. Make a little progress...take a break, make a little more progress...take a break. It's not like I'm doing anything productive during my breaks. It's like I have ADD and just can't keep focused for periods of time longer than 15 minutes. I don't get it.

I started Hey, Teach! from Knitty's Summer '08 issue. I loved it when it was released as one of the surprise projects. Usually I wait with bated breath for the surprises to be released and then get sort of disappointed when they arrive. It's not because I don't like the surprise projects per se, it's more like they just aren't spectacular, surprise-worthy projects. If they were release within the regular issue I might even really, really like them...know what I mean?

Anyways, I digress...I really liked Hey, Teach! the moment I laid eyes on it. Then Ravelry, of course, has pushed me over the edge. I checked out the 11 or so pages of FOs and decided that this project was to be CO as soon as I finished up my current projects.

Everyone raved on how this was such a fast knit so I was totally sold at this point. After I CO and knitting the first 8" of St st in no time flat, I agreed that this was a fast knit. Then I got to the lace portion.

Charts have always boggled my mind. I don't understand the concept of the "repeat the section in the red box" part of the instructions. Finally I get it know. It took me several tries, tinking back several times here and there, before I had any success with the lace pattern. This lead to numerous breaks! Though I understand why I needed these breaks.

I feel like if I had really put my mind to it I could have accomplished so much more on this project but, alas, I did not. Not to mention that having a horrible cold doesn't help productivity. Sneezing a million times, having to blow my nose even more and the constant need for nasal spray all really cut into the time allotted to knit!

Hopefully, I'll make a good dent in this project this week.

2008-09-18T21:17:00.003-04:00

Isn't she cute?

She's been sent to NY for my mom to gift away!

2008-09-17T07:20:00.004-04:00

Oh, Baby!

Before I started another garment for myself I thought that I'd knit a baby sweater for one of my mom's coworkers. I promised awhile ago but life got so busy that it just didn't happen. The baby has actually already been born (3 weeks ago!) so I really wanted to knit this one up quickly so I can get it to NY for my mom to give.

I decided to knit the Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater. I cast on Friday night and started actually knitting on Saturday. I'm almost done! One more sleeve! I'm knitting this sweater in Red Heart Ltd. Designer Sport in Blush Rose. It's turning out to be really cute.

Disclaimer: I'm really not into babies. As a matter of fact, I don't really like them-- they freak me out. But their clothing...freaking adorable, not to mention total instant gratification projects.

2008-09-12T07:01:00.004-04:00

Blocking, pulling, stretching, and more blocking!

That's what I did to my Hexacomb Cardi and it seems to have worked! I got the sleeves blocked and then last night I sewed them into the armholes. There was a little finagling but it worked out for the most part.

As predicted, I don't love this sweater. It's ok, but at least it's finished and I can move on to something bigger and better. Of littler...

Last night I began swatching for a baby sweater for one of my mother's coworkers. Hopeully I van finish that fast and move onto something for me! I know, what a selfish bitch I am!!!

Guess what? I don't care.

2008-09-10T20:57:00.003-04:00

Do You See What I See?

What's wrong with this picture? Mmmmmmm....do the set in sleeves look like they'll fit in the armhole? Don't think so! The sleeve caps are much too small. WTF!?

I've been working on this f'ing cardi all summer and when it's finally time to put the pieces together they don't even fit not to mention that it's at least a size too big. I'm blocking the sleeves right now in hopes that I can get a couple of inches out of those bitches so I don't feel like I've wasted the entire summer's knitting on a frogged project! Cross your fingers for me please.

So irritating....

Oh well. I'd like to start Hey, Teach! from this Summer's Knitty.com. I'm thinking of using my supply of Knit Picks Shine Worsted in Grass for this one. Gotta swatch-- we'll see.

2008-09-03T07:01:00.001-04:00

2008-08-25T15:33:00.008-04:00

It's Been Awhile...

and I didn't even realize it!!! I feel like I just posted. The summer has really flown by. I feel like though I was really, really busy I didn't get to do anything for me. I've been busy for 7 out of the the 8 weekends doing family, obligatory stuff. Not that I even mind but I'm exhausted and I haven't accomplished nearly enough for myself. Selfish, huh!?

I'm still working on my Hexacomb Cardi. Before I seamed the shoulders, I tried it on and it was too big so I ripped back a bit and then did a three-needle bind off. Hopefully that helps a bit. Now I'm working on the first sleeve.
I bet it's going to be too big on me...but it's not like anything I knit for myself turns out the way I envisioned it anyway. What a waste of knitting time....I don't get it. My gauge swatch was even a bit on the small side yet the sweater itself is loose. This always happens to me! Well, I'm going to finish it and if it doesn't fit me I will find someone that it does!

There's so much that I want to knit and I hate wasting time on pieces that don't fit or look nice on me.

2008-08-02T09:55:00.014-04:00

Tattoo Review

So the summer's got me thinkin'...I see all these scantily-clad boys and girls bopping around my neighborhood showing off their body art...and I want more ink. I've got the itch and now I want to scratch it. Only problem is that my artist is booking out until November. So much for instant gratification!

So to make myself feel better, I'm going to celebrate the art that I DO have! Here it goes:

The top center piece was my first (Oct 1998-9?). I found the image in a Mehndi henna design book. I held onto it for long enough that I figured I was ready to put it on my body permanently. It was done by Tattoo George of The Portsmouth Tattoo shop in Portsmouth NH.

Then a few years later (Sept 2001 & Jan 2002?), I felt like I was ready to add to it! I had a roommate that had recently graduated from RISD and was a fabulous artist. He and I came up with the concept and the rough sketch of the larger piece to go below my first.I met with Fat Ram of Fat Ram's Pumpkin Tattoo in Jamaica Plain, MA to finalize the sketch and we completed the tattoo in two sessions.

Then the shoulder idea came along. I came upon some plum flowers and peonies in a Chinese brush painting book that I had forever and all of a sudden the idea was born. Through some research I found that I like Japanese cherry blossoms better and went to see Darlene Dibona at Fat Ram's Pumpkin Tattoo (April 2006). I get tons of compliments on this piece.

My maternal grandfather passed away March 2007. It was a horrible time for me. The thought of that night still brings tears to my eyes. I've never been much for memorial tattoos but I for some reason I really needed to do it. My Pop was an amazing man who lived 30 years with heart disease. He was a strong yet sensitive person who played an important role in my life. I wanted to have something that would always remind me of the good times. I chose a (healthy!) anatomical heart image to be tattooed on the inside of my right wrist by Justin, also at Fat Ram's (see my loyalty to local business!) in August 2007. He did an amazing job with the detail of this tiny piece. When people see it they think that it's weird but I love it for many reasons and always will.

Here's a bit of a funny Christmas present from my best friend! We've been trying to do things together for the last few year fro Christmas rather that exchange presents. It's so much more practical and less to travel home with!We chose a protection symbol-- the seven-pointed star and we both got the same image tattooed. I got mine on the inside of my left wrist and she got hers on her left hip. We had them done at Stingray Body Art and Tattoos by Ray (Dec 2007). Not only did he do a lousy job and totally overcharge us, he was the most unfriendly, impersonal artist that I've ever met. I've had thoughts of going back and having it touched up but he did a shit job the first time so I'm not sure if he'd do much better with a second go around. I guess you win some, you lose some...unfortunately it's a visible piece.

The Vitruvian Man, one of my favorite Leonardo DaVinci sketches ever! The original resides in Venice, Italy but is only shown on special occasions. Being that I've worked, in one way or another, in the health care field for the last ~15 years, this image has always been prevalent in my life. So I decided that it was something that I want on my body. Again, it's the work of Justin at Fat Ram's (Jan 2008). It's not straight up black-- he muddied up the black with brown to achieve the actual tones of the original. I love it. Hurt like a bastard but I love it!

Then my latest (May 2008) is my lovely Day of the Dead Skull done by Dee at Great Southern Tattoo in Alexandria Va. She whipped up her own rendition of a dia de los muertos skull with my input. It's over the Achilles' tendon on my left ankle. I've gotten mixed reactions to this one. Some think it's lovely and actually know what it is, and some think it's hideous. Oh well. I love it!

So that's all for now...I'm sure that there will be more to come. It's addicting.

2008-07-28T14:58:00.006-04:00

Rest

I had a very restful weekend, finally. I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off so I really needed the rest. But resting doesn't give me a lot of content to blog about!

I did knit a little. I'm still working on my Hexacomb Cardi. I just finished the first 8" or so. I'm up to the point of separating the front and back. To tell ya the truth, I want to be wearing this sweater and not knitting it at this point. But I will keep on keepin' and finish this cardi.

I don't know what is next up in my project queue. I kind of like this but will I be done with it in time to actually wear it before the Fall rolls around? I have a great charcoal color for it but I'm not sure. We'll see.

2008-07-21T07:40:00.015-04:00

Bridal shower, pole dancing and margaritas-- in that order!

Rebecca's bridal shower went very well on Saturday. Unbeknown to Rebecca, I volunteered to meet a friend of Rebecca's at the airport whom I'd never met. I totally made a bright pink sign with her name on it so she could find me easily, not to mention that I thought I was being funny. Since I was picking up the surprise out-of-town guest from Logan and her flight was delayed, we ended up getting to up to Salem, NH after Rebecca already arrived. That was a bummer but she was really surprised to see her friend Edith from Chicago walk in with me!

I pretty much missed all the delicious food I'd help select due to my tardiness but what I did get to shove in my mouth was pretty tasty. I thought that the cake was ugly as sin but reports show that it tasted better than it looked, thankfully. Looks like the bride to be liked it-- that's really all that matters!

If you notice in the picture above, there's a lovely flower arrangement behind the hideous cake. This pic doesn't do the arrangement justice. Jamie found these gorgeous watering cans to use as centerpieces and Rebecca's mom, Ellen, actually arranged the flowers. She did a beautiful job. I'm telling you, it looked as if a professional did the arrangements-- gorgeous.

Now it's safe to show the shower favors and the finished garter! The favors were filled with one of Bec's favorites-- conversation hearts. The garter turned out nicely and I just loved the Swarvoski crystal in the center of the bow. Of course when she opened my present, she had to point out to everyone that I made the garter and the stole...embarrassing (blush).

So her "something blue" in now covered with the garter, along with a funny pair of blue boy-short undies that say "Newlyweds" given by Jamie. Her "something borrowed" will be Jamie's veil, her "something new" will be her dress, and her "something old" will be my great grandmother's wedding band.
If there was a "something handmade" she'd be all set-- tenfold! I'm really happy that I could do this stuff for her. She's so excited about the wedding and I'm glad that I can help make it really special.

After the shower and some bridal party/family time, we headed back to town to take a pole dancing class. It was hysterical. Don't tell anyone but I'd definitely take the class again (shhh). Unfortunately, all pics taken were with my friend's camera so I don't have anything to post....maybe that's a good thing!

After our hour-long class were were famished and grabbed a bite at the Cactus Club. Margaritas and empanadas....yummy way to end a long, hot day!

2008-07-14T20:40:00.005-04:00

NYC, take 2

I'm exhausted. I'm clearly getting too old to party into the wee hours of the morning. I was all over the city (NYC), for the second weekend in a row, for my best friend's bachelorette party. We had a great time. It was a blast to get all dolled up, have Martini's and Manicures at The Beauty Bar, dinner at Agave, and hit up some bars with my ladies. My body is not used to being out or even up at 4am these days not to mention the amount of alcohol consumed! Guess I'm not getting any younger.

Not much creativity going on this weekend with all the debauchery I engaged in. Though creative thoughts were plentiful. I made Rebecca pick out the materials for the garter ("something blue") that I'm making her at M & J Trimming. I could have spent hours in that place but it wasn't my party! I pinned out the lace, elastic and ribbon last night. Just need to sew it together and tack on a bow. Doesn't look like much so far. Pics to come after it's assembly!

I've made a bit of progress on my Hexicomb Cardigan. I like the knitting the hexigons-- it's easy but interesting enough at the same time. Can't wait to be able to wear it!

I also worked on Rebecca's shower favors for next weekend but I'm not going to show them until after the event...I don't know if she reads regularly, but I'm not taking any chances!

2008-07-08T07:32:00.006-04:00

Done
Trip to NYC, done.

Wisp, done.

Hexacomb Cardi cast on, done.

Me wearing my tailored Ravelry tee, priceless.

2008-07-03T11:49:00.009-04:00

Revenge...well, sorta, kinda

Ravelry betrayed me and sold out of the tee I wanted so desperately before I even knew that it was being sold. I swear that I dreamt about it the week before seeing it in the Ravelry Mini-Mart. Oh well. I was bitter for awhile and then decided to use all my negativity for the good of myself (not selfish at all, right!?)!!! I ordered the version of the tee I would have died for in a plus-size (1X). I knew that it would be too big but I was ready with my Singer to rectify the situation! I took in the sleeves and the sides to match my own measurement and, viola!, I now have a Ravelry tee that fits yet still exhibits how bitter I am! So take that Ravelry!!!!

So Wisp is almost done. No progress pics but she should be done shortly and I'll post pre and post blocking pictures for all to see. Most ikely I'll finish it over the long weekend and block it sometime next week.

I'm in the process of casting on for IK's Spring issue's Hexacomb Cardigan. I have half the stitches cast on at this point and just can't wait to get into the actual knitting. I loves this sweater from the moment that I saw it in the Spring issue. Actually there were quite a few pattern that I loved in the particular issue of IK, more so than most. I'm going to make this little cardi monochromatic rather than with a contrasting edging. I'm using Lion Brand Cottonease in Taupe. I figure it'll match a lot of my summer sundresses and cover my shoulder tattoo at work-- multi-functional!

Well, I'm off tonight to NYC for the long weekend. Can't wait to see the fireworks tomorrow from the FDR! Happy 4th to all.

2008-06-25T09:23:00.008-04:00

Finally a little progress!

I pinned down what I've got so far to motivate me to get through this project. It's so simple yet will look so elegant in the end. I can't wait to finish and block her out and, of course, give it to Rebecca! Another motivation for finishing is that I'll let myself start a light summer cardi for myself...I'm soooo self-centered sometimes.

So, I have to say, KnitPicks has fabulous customer service! I've already received the Harmony needle replacements!

2008-06-23T08:00:00.006-04:00

Not so much knitting...
I don't know what it is. I think about knitting, read about knitting, listen to knitting podcasts but I'm just unable to get myself to sit down and actually do some knitting. I've made some progress on Rebecca's wedding stole, Wisp, but I'm not near done. Though I don't imagine that it's take very long to finish-- I'm about 1/3 of the way through the pattern. It's hard for me to get a lot done in a sitting because me KnitPicks Harmony needle has a split in the wood that keeps snaggin my yarn. It's driving me crazy, but the nice people at KnitPicks are sending me a replacement free of charge-- can't wait for it to arrive.

I've got several projects on the needles (see progress bars) but I'm just not motivated. I want more and different. I'm obsessed with the idea of a cotton summer cardi. No particular pattern in mind just a simple cardi. That's all I keep dreaming about casting on. I just can't get it out of my head. Maybe when I finish Wisp, I'll let myself seriously consider it.

Remember that I bitched a few weeks ago about not getting the tee I wanted from the Ravelry store? They were sold out and I was bitter? I knew that would jog your memory! Well, I decided to but a tee anyway in a 2XL and tailor it to fit me. I've reconstructed tee shirts in the past so I'm confident that I can do it. Me and my sewing machine need to get better aquainted these days anyway so this should be a fun and easy project. If you have any tried and true reconstruction ideas send them my way-- it's been awhile. I'll post pics whenever I finish-- as of now I haven't even received the tee in the mail yet so it might be some time before the FO appears here.

I've also been trying my hands at urban gardening again this year. Not only am I growing herbs (parsley, oregano, basil, & dill) but I'm also growing tomatoes. I'm growing heirlooms and sugarsun cherry tomatoes (the orange ones). Both plants are flourishing. I can't wait to make Caprese salad from my own tomatoes and basil!

2008-06-12T07:14:00.005-04:00

Change of Heart
So, Icarus--RIP. Not only have you completely bored me into stockinette hell, but the more I think about it the more I feel that you just aren't the right choice for Bec's wedding shawl. You're too solid throughout most of the body (being in stockinette) and maybe just a little too much for her gown. So, I've decided to go with Wisp, who is simpler and can be worn more like a wrap rather than a shawl in the August heat. I promise not to frog you, for maybe I will come back to you at some later date. I still think that you're beautiful. Please forgive me.

Wisp, you are working up rather quickly but I do hope that you grow with blocking-- I'd hate to have to abandon yet another project. I've never blocked lace but I've heard that it is very gratifying. Don't let me down.

2008-06-09T06:56:00.005-04:00

Hot, Hot Summer in the City

We had two days (today will be three) of temperatures over 90 here in Boston! Hot an humid do not make for a happy girl. Leaving the house was dreadful. We don't have AC, but the house was actually cooler than it was outside as long as our windows stayed closed and the fan was going. Sat evening, when I couldn't wait for Jorge anymore, I installed the one AC unit that I have in the bedroom by myself. It's was ridiculously heavy but it was my saving grace-- that I got to sleep in a cool room.

On Saturday morning, I finished my 2nd Everlasting Bagstopper. I made I-cord handles instead of ribbon handles. I used a combination of Lion Brand Lion Cotton and Sugar and Cream Cotton. I even used it on Saturday when I went grocery shopping.

I also received my prize from Marly of the Yarnthing Podcast. The new Yarn Harlot book, Things I Learned from Knitting...whether I meant to or not.

Thank you to Marly for the book-- can't wait to read it!

2008-06-04T08:13:00.005-04:00

Ravelry took the joy out of Knitting!

Ok, ok, that's not exactly true. It just enhances my ability to procrastinate by sitting for hours upon hours on the computer looking at knitting rather than actually knitting. I heart Ravelry...even if I was out of town and away from the internets when the Ravelry store went up. This means that by the time I logged in everything that I could possibly want had already been sold out. Meanwhile I'm reading posts from other Ravelers boasting about how many T's they snagged before the store sold out in 5 minutes flat. Greedy much!? I'm just bitter.

Here's the progress on my market bag:
I love the color and how easy and quickly it's knitting up. Maybe this project will help me out of my no knitting funk. Plus, I do like to bring my own shopping bags to the grocery store and Haymarket these days.

While I was away missing out on all of the swag in the Ravelry store which is now sold out (still bitter), I got this beaut:
It's a Day of the Dead Skull, also known as a sugar skull. I've always been totally fascinated with them-- I think that they're beautiful! So this is Miss Dee of Great Southern Tattoo Co.'s rendition of El Dia de los Muertos' sugar skull. I think that she did a great job. P.S. It's just above my Achilles tendon on the back of my ankle. Wait until my mothers sees this one....

Maybe I'll be wearing pants while I'm visiting in a couple of weeks.

2008-05-30T18:52:00.002-04:00

Startitis with a touch of the blahs

So I can cast on but that seems to be almost as far as I can force myself to get. I just don't know what's keeping me back, but nothing seems to keep my interest lately. I'm totally having doubts about being able to get through the Icarus shawl. I'm irritated by the strap construction of Fad Classic. The Puff Sleeve Cardi-- ha, what puff sleeve cardi!?

I even cast on for Orangina which has been in my Ravelry queue since last Spring with the yarn I purchased for it around the same time. Now all I can seem to think about is knitting more market bags (I'm suddenly super into reusable shopping bags which I think is a good obsession). What's a girl to do?

Apparently, buy more cotton yarn!
On to the Market bags....I guess.

To be continued...

2008-05-12T13:44:00.008-04:00

Thought that I lost my crafting mojo...

Turns out I'm just anemic. I've been so tired lately. I finally saw my PA last week. She did a ton of bloodwork, scared me into thinking that maybe I was preggo, and told me to wait a couple of days for the results. Luckily, I manage the medical practice where I get my care...I looked up my own results the minute they were available. So I need more iron in my diet and possibly supplements (which I'm avoiding because they hurt my tummy-- which you you rather be tired or in pain? It's a toss up).

The fatigue has drastically affected my knitting production. I've barely touched Rebecca's Icarus Shawl in the last couple of weeks. I've started Fad Classic but am not in the mood. And the desire to work on the Puff Sleeve Feminine Cardi has come and gone. I need some energy and some motivation. Here's my pathetic attempt at progress:

Since I haven't felt like knitting, I've read a few books. One of great notice is The Kite Runner. It was beautifully written and an amazing story of life. I loved the author's, Khaled Hosseini, style so much that I just started his second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns. So far, I'm interested but I literally just started it--so it's more like a "TBD".

Well, you guessed it, I'm tired. I'm going to go rest and maybe read a little if I can get through the guilt of not wanting to knit.

2008-04-22T07:28:00.016-04:00

Thank God for Patriots Day!

Here in New England, actually just the Boston area, we "celebrate" Patriot's Day. It's the 3rd Monday of April and the same day that the Boston Marathon is held sometimes earning this holiday it's other name-- Marathon Monday. Anyways, I like it. We're off from work. This is mostly because you cannot easily get around the city by car due to the marathon route blocking the southwest and northwest part of the city from each other. Fine by me. So I was productive yesterday-- I knit button bands and baked!

I finally steeked my Wicked Cardi that I started back in January! I totally procrastinated on this one. Who wants to cut their precious knitting in half??? It was really scary but I had to do it and finish that damn project. I almost never take this long to finish a project unless I don't actually plan on finishing it and just wanna toss it into the UFO pile in my closet.

But I did want to see the end result of this one. Also, I want to wear it before it gets too hot to do so. Out of the blue, I was suddenly motivated to make that cut down the center of my pull-over. I took out the sewing machine and sewed along the crochet chains that I had crochet last week and then just cut the fucker open. It wasn't that bad. I only got one gray hair from the experience. Here's what it looked like on Saturday afternoon in my dining room where I was working...
Then last night, as I'm sewing the buttons onto the button band, I decided that it was time to make those Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies that I found a recipe for. They were super easy and turned out to be pretty decent. Maybe I'm getting over my baking slump. I just have to remember that baking is more of a science than cooking can be. Exact measurements are very important. I guess I can't use my cooking method of "a little of this, a little of that". Here's my baking process from last night...
Yum, those were good fresh out of the oven!!!!

2008-04-18T13:14:00.008-04:00

In the beginning...

The wedding isn't until the end of August of this year, but I've started the Rebecca's Icarus Wedding Shawl this week. I figured that I'd start early just in case I run into any snags along the way. After all, it is my first big lace project.

So far, I'm only 16 rows in. I'm not a big fan of charts but at least it's easy to memorize at this point of the pattern. It's just really slow going. I wonder if I'll pick up some speed as I get more used to knitting lace on such a grand scale.

In other knitting-related news, since I'm on a self-inflicted yarn diet I've decided to purchase these to make me feel better! They'll be here next week!!! I've wanted them for awhile but couldn't justify the purchase when I already own a Denise set and a companion set. I still can't justify it but I was dying to buy something for my knitting obsession!

Ok, that might be it for now. Hopefully I work up the courage to steek my Wicked Cardi this weekend. The button band are done and waiting to be seamed on. We'll see.

2008-04-14T08:15:00.005-04:00

Please don't tell...

Even though I have tons (literally!) of yarn, I do not have much lace weight. Actually, I do not have any in my stash to be more precise. The reason that I bring up lace weight yarn is that I'm planning my first big lace project: Icarus for my best friend's wedding at the end of the summer. I've never attempted a lace project on this scale before and am more than a bit nervous to take this on.

So....

I had to buy yarn for this project. I know....I said that I wouldn't be purchasing yarn until I was through my stash in one way or another, but this is a special circumstance. I purchased 4 hanks of Knitpicks Gloss Lace Yarn in Natural for Rebecca's wedding shawl. And then I purchased 4 hanks of Sterling for myself. I know-- it was unnecessary to purchase yarn for myself. I just figured that it would go nicely with my navy gown and silver accessories.

Please don't tell on me. I'm bad...

2008-04-08T07:52:00.005-04:00

Stash-- my dirty little secret

When I buy yarn and know that I shouldn't (for a plethora of reasons) I tend to hide it. Yes, I hide it: in the bottom of my bedroom closet, in boxes in my storage closet, on top shelves out of sight. Why do I do this?

Is it guilt and if so why do I feel guilty for purchasing some measly fiber? It's not like I'm buying drugs from high schoolers or taking home hookers but it feels just as dirty. I buy yarn, mostly when on sale, with vague intentions of what it will grow up to be, and then I move on to something totally different. I finish whatever project du jour I've got on the needles and then buy more yarn for multiple other phantom projects that may or may not come to be.

I'm also a big fan of buying a sweater's worth of yarn. Anything less is just not enough for me. So I possess tons of "sweaters" that I feel the need to hide in various closets and storage spots throughout my apartment.

Buying, stashing, hording makes me feel guilty because I know that it's not necessary. I know that I should buy enough fiber for a predetermined project or two and, when they are complete, I can go back and do it again. I don't have to stock my apartment with tons of yarn in order to live/knit. So I decided to face my demons and come clean!

I took all of my yarn out (in plain sight) and asked for help. Help carrying it all to the living room, help sorting it, help organizing it. I also need help photographing and cataloging my collection in order to load up my Ravelry "stash" in hopes of possibly destashing in the near future (we'll see if I can handle that emotionally....TBD).

It feel good to come clean. The truth is out. I don't have to hold onto my dirty little secret alone any more. Though it's been recommended that I do not buy another bit of fiber until I've either used or sold what I already have. But what he doesn't know won't hurt him...

2008-04-05T16:59:00.007-04:00

Knitting? What's that???
Haven't knit in awhile-- just haven't been motivated, I guess. I whipped up a scarf for myself but that's about all I've done in the last 3 weeks.

I've thought about knitting but I just don't know what's next right now. Maybe I'll go back to the Puff-Sleeved Cardi. Or maybe I'll crank out a Fad Classic. Or should I finish off the button bands for my steeked Wicked Cardi, which is still warming my lovely dress-form? I need some direction.

I just finished The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. It was really well written. Jacobs did a fine job portraying the strengths women possess and the comradery that developed between them. I loved that it took place in NYC, being a NY girl myself. Though if you have no knowledge of knitting you may miss the metaphor.

Ok, I'm off to make my grocery list...the fun never ends (I also just finished the laundry-- please don't be jealous). Hope you all are enjoying the early days of spring and are more motivated than I've been.

2008-03-16T15:17:00.009-04:00

What a great way to start the day....

I started my day/ended my night on a red-eye from San Fran (this particular leg was from Las Vegas) to Boston. I didn't get an ounce of sleep thanks to a bratty, shouting, crying child. Don't people have any consideration...who takes a child on a midnight flight out of Vegas? People like to sleep on red-eye flights-- obviously a screaming, un-parented child is going to prevent that from happening. So now I'm in my 37th our of wakefullness and I'm to the point of being so overtired that I can't sleep. A couple of ativans before bed ought to do the trick.

And, yes, my California trip was chock full of fun. We'll see how my return to reality goes tomorrow. Now onto knitting content.

I had a pretty productive trip knitting-wise. I actually finished my Tree Jacket which was long over due! It turned out okay. Like many others, the sleeves are much too big but then again it's supposed to be a loose-fitting sweater. I like it alright. It came in handy while I was in San Francisco-- it was pretty chilly there during our stay. Picturess to come.

This is an exhibit showing that several Alcatraz inmates learned to knit to pass the time. These men had real balls-- pun intended!

I also started and finished two baby hats for a couple of people that I work with. One's tiny, for a preemie and one is maybe 0-3 months size. There's nothing better that coming back from a vacation with presents ;-)

2008-03-07T08:04:00.002-05:00

Can you tell that I have no new knitting content....

What Michele Means

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.

You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.

You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.

You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.

A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.

Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.

Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

2008-03-05T07:17:00.000-05:00

I Guess I'm Still A New Yorker!

You Are 20% Massachusetts

You Yankees loving homo! You probably think Starbucks coffee tastes better than Dunkin Donuts.

How Massachusetts Are You?

2008-03-03T06:59:00.006-05:00

Progress, Planning & Pizza

This past weekend was chock full o' things that had to be done. Friday night we booked our final hotel in San Fran for our upcoming California trip and did a little more planning. During the week I made folders for all three cities and labeled them with the city & dates we'd be there. Every document (hotel confirmations, direction to and from the airport and any attractions that we plan on driving to, car reservations, our itineraries, etc) was labeled and placed inside the folder. I also made up a Flight Folder for all of our flight documentation to and from California and from LA to San Fran. It pays to be organized especially when you're trying to cram a million things into one week's time!
On Saturday we went to Target to pick up somethings for the trip and for the house. We got those cute little travel size toiletries that fit nicely into our carry-on bags and, of course, Jorge got T-shirts. It wouldn't be a trip to Target if he didn't even though his bureau drawers are practically busting at the seams with T's. I guess you can never have enough! I got a bathing suit with a really retro 1920's feel. Makes me feel like I should wear red lipstick and pin-curls when I wear it! (pic from Target.com)
I also picked up a pizza stone. I've been on a homemade pizza kick these days so naturally I had to have a pizza stone. My pizza turned out great. The crust wast perfect. Thin and crispy just like at home in NY.
And, of course, some knitting progress. I'm on the second sleeve. Too busy to finish this weekend unfortunately. Hopefully this week!?

2008-02-25T15:02:00.002-05:00

Progress & Cookies-- a pic only post!

2008-02-21T07:48:00.005-05:00

Man, Where've I been!?

I feel like I've been away for a long time. I haven't been knitting as much as I'd like to. My dad was in town this past weekend and my sister the weekend before and I've just had much too much to do over the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping to reclaim a little normalcy around here and get my knitting groove back!

The last few weeks haven't been a complete and total loss. I got a little knitting done on my wicked cardi. I'd say I'm about 40% done at this point. I'd really like to have it completed by next week. I'd love to take it to California with my in March. I can picture myself wearing it while touring a winery in Napa. I think that it's just the color ;-)

Recently I place a Knit Picks order and bought even more yarn. I finally bought Shine Worsted in Grass for Fad Classic because there was a fantastic sale that I just couldn't resist. I also purchased Wool of the Andes in a lovely heathered red color. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with this yarn but the color is lovely and it was so damn cheap for really nice quality fiber! I clearly have a problem with buying yarn with no particular use in mind. I need to stay away from Knit Picks...they are just too good to be true. Somebody stop me!

2008-02-01T08:06:00.000-05:00

Wicked Cardi
I have really wanted to made a modified Wicked for awhile-- ever since I saw Flintknits' versio n-- which I totally fell in love with! So for my Spring Ahead KAL I've started on Ravelry, I plan to do just that!

I cast on figuring that it's a pretty easy knit which I really think it is. I CO and then promptly found a way of fucking the easy-peasy pattern up....twice. I guess third time's a charm because it finally seems to be working out-- not that I've gotten very far.

I hope that the rest of this project doesn't give me as hard a time.

2008-01-29T08:20:00.001-05:00

Ravelry KAL!

So I decided to create and host the Spring Ahead KAL on Ravelry. Last week I was really in the mood for Spring to hurry it's ass up and get here (damn it!) so, hence, the KAL was born. I'd love anyone and everyone on Ravelry to join if they'd like so click on the link or the banner above and join my group!

Don't forget to vote every 24 hours!!!

Thanks for all of your support!!! I love you guys!

2008-01-23T22:35:00.000-05:00

Voting...

Apparently, according to the Knit Girls site owner, the rules for voting is 1 vote per day (from an IP address). Who knew!? If you haven't voted to day, click here.
Thanks!!!

2008-01-21T19:37:00.000-05:00

February Knit Girl-- Small Polling Snafu

If you cast you vote this afternoon it may not have been counted because it was off line for a bit while the nice lady who runs the site was working on it. I don't believe that there was any sort of message or error thrown when you clicked submit. You may just have to go back and resubmit. I will check and see if I can find out the exact time so it's all fair.

Click here

2008-01-20T16:28:00.000-05:00

February Knit Girl-- Vote For Me!!!!

You may have noticed that cute little button to the right of my posts! Please go click on it and vote for me for February Knit Girl!!!! Purty please!?!? Thankyouplease!

Love,
Michele

2008-01-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

"Downtown, Everything's Waiting for Yo-ou... downtown"

Yes, jury duty has been a PIA but the benefits have also been great. No, I'm not talking about being given the opportunity to perform my civil obligation of serving on a jury. I'm talking about actually taking a lunch break (as opposed to scarfing down a balance bar at my desk while I work) and getting to browse through stores that I'd otherwise have to wait for the weekend and a specific T ride downtown for. Everyday I've been able to grab some soup for lunch (my fav on a chilly day!) and leisurely browse through H&M and Windsor Button without any specific task in mind. It's been fabulous. And, yes, costly. Here are some of my finds...yes, only some.

Not to mention the adorable shoes I picked up at Payless, yes I said Payless. These are too adorable to have been at Payless but what a score!

In knitting, I finished Jorge's fingerless mitts and the pink fingerless mitts I was making for myself but have decided to give to Rebecca. I already cast on for another pair which will be for me!