craftythinking

What was that? I'm going to be butterfly?

2009-07-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

This baby, to me, looks a little scared.

Hahahahahahah

2009-07-29T19:28:00.001-07:00

http://www.nataliedee.com/archives/2009/Jul/?#495

Very very cute. Husband sent this to me, saying that it is my kind of humor...

Hours of Fun

2009-07-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Make you own inspiration/style boards here.

Click on the Create link at the top, let the fun begin!

Recycle LACMA Project - Part II

2009-07-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

Usually I just post links and then let people make comments about what they think .... but as I read through the Recycle LACMA blog, I was a little upset by some of the recycle choices the artist made ... I mean, deconstructing a Claire McCardell dress into two witches hats; are you serious? The Bolivian blanket into potholders?

I know, I know, the artist makes it clear that many items were sold for merely their opening bid, and that these weren't exactly sought after items. I think what tweaks me is that many of these items were wearable, or pretty amazing on their own, and then they were turned into items that are kinda ordinary or commonplace.

I guess we"ll see what happens when he is finished with the project. Whatever the end result, I do enjoy the idea of the before and after, and will check in periodically to see how it all unfolds.

The Recycle LACMA Project

2009-07-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

http://recyclelacma.blogspot.com/

From the site:

On January 14th, 2009 the Los Angeles County Museum of Art announced that it was deaccessioning more than 100 items from its costumes and textiles collection. Once carefully collected, catalogued, and cared for, these items have now been cast back out in to the world. What will happen to them? Like any other useless item, they will need to be recycled or disposed of.

Recycle LACMA is a project of Los Angeles-based artist Robert Fontenot. At three separate auctions he purchased over 50 items deaccessioned by LACMA and is now trying to find new uses for these otherwise unwanted items.

Taking Nominations for Next Craft Day Craft

2009-06-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

After running into Anna today on the Purple line, I started thinking about another Craft Day. We mentioned yarn dyeing ... and I also ran across this great tutorial for a floral fascinator.

Anyone else?

If the work furloughs go through (the unions are fighting, but they only have until the end of June to negotiate this issue) then I will have every second and fourth Friday free, so pub time/craft time would be a nice pick-me up!

Whoa Nelly

2009-05-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

I just discovered Patternfish. It is in Beta now, but it is pretty cool. I don't know how it compares to Etsy or Ravelry, but I do like that you can buy out-of-print patterns from several really cool designers. The search/navigation bar is pretty fun too.

Fine, I'll Just Cut Up My Credit Cards!

2009-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Stumbling upon this article in the NYTimes explained what has been happening recently, but it doesn't make it any better!

For the first time ever, I got slapped with a late fee on my credit card, and it wasn't small either! We usually pay our bills electronically, and have never had a problem. On my bill it said that I didn't make the payment on time, because instead of the three days it usually takes for an electronic payment to clear, you must now allot SEVEN days for the payment to clear. So, even though I paid my bill before it was due, I didn't pay it seven days before the due date.

However, not to worry, assures the credit card company, if I am worried about not paying on time, I can submit an electronic payment that clears INSTANTLY, but you will have to pay a FEE.

Seriously, this is crazy pants.

800 dollar cardigan

2009-04-03T23:01:00.000-07:00

Looking at this makes me think several things.

1. Reminds me of a Todd Oldham project in a craft magazine from a couple of years ago. I can't remember the name of the mag, but I can see it in my mind. It is something hip and diy. Basically take a bunch of thrift store sweaters, cut them up, and assemble them into a cool multi-colored pullover.

2. This would be super fun to knit with lots of random balls of yarn. You could basically take this pattern and tweak it for the perfect lookalike.

3. Both of these projects would not cost you 800 dollars.

I think the cardigan is super cool, and not just because Michelle Obama wore it yesterday on a state visit to the U.K. I would totally do that strip of sequins, just because.

Quilts

2009-03-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

I've always wanted to quilt, but once I tried to make my own clothes and basically failed (well, ok, I did make one complete dress, which I wore to husband's brother's wedding) but the experience was pretty off-putting. My MIL likes to make t-shirt quilts, and when she came to visit three weeks ago, she finished them by knotting through the three layers, which made me start to think that maybe I wouldn't have to do all those crazy finishing stitches.

Then, I saw this post.

I'm thinking maybe I should start organizing my fabric stash and see what I have color-wise.

And, today, I somehow managed to go out and buy a rotary cutter and mat.

We"ll see what happens.

Together Everyone Achieves More

2009-03-01T16:57:00.001-08:00

Or Else.

Knitting Update

2009-02-12T21:57:00.001-08:00

Jillian Lewis from Project Runway has released a collection, which is cable and knit heavy.

Spring 2009 Interweave Knits Preview.

I'm mildly obsessed with this whole line of legwarmers. I say "mildly" because I don't think I could get away with wearing them, but I have this fantasy of a little bit of knit/crochet popping above my boots.

And I think this Halogen sweater looks a lot like the Holly Jacket.

I'm trying very hard to not buy yarn, because, lets face it, I have enough. I've purposely not gone to either to either of the two yarn shops that are 10-15 minutes from my work. I think I deserve a reward...

Crying Over Vegetables

2008-11-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

My grandfather in Wales passed away on the 18th. He had prostate cancer, and a bad heart, and in the end, the chemo weakened his heart and he had a heart attack.

My step-dad and my mom have been calling from Moscow, and I've been calling Wales and Moscow in return. Thank God for Skype, else it would have been incredibly expensive, since we spoke for hours.

Everyone keeps telling me that is okay that I can't go to the funeral, that everyone understands that I live too far away to make it to the funeral on Wednesday. Everytime someone says it though, I feel more and more guilty.

I was in Subway the other day, and a man asked for "no veggies" on his sandwich, and I just started crying, because my mother always scolded my grandfather for not eating his vegetables, and that his poor diet would "be the death of him."

I said good-bye to my grandfather two years ago. We went out there for a week and a half, between leaving my job and starting graduate school. He had just been diagnosed, and everyone said he had a couple of months left, at most. He outlived their expectations, and passed away four hours short of his 86th birthday.

Still it hurts, that I won't be able to say good-bye at the funeral. I guess that is why we like our rituals, because it gives everyone a proper time and place to say and do what they feel. Maybe on Wednesday I'll go find a pub and lift a pint for Grandpa, since besides building houses, he loved his beer.

Frustration

2008-11-06T22:26:00.001-08:00

I have learned that lace-weight kid mohair and bamboo knitting needles do not go together.

Off to dig through metal needles.....

How to Lose Six Pounds in Roughly a Week

2008-10-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

Step One: Obtain a head cold. This can be done by working in close proximity with sick co-workers, or, alternately, working with the public. If you can manage to do both, your head cold is virtually guaranteed.

Step Two: Have no vacation days. Or sick days. You self-medicate with over-the-counter medications because this will prolong the cold, and not actually make you healthier. At this point, your ear may begin to throb with pain, but rest assured, this is part of the process.

Step Three: Break down and go to the emergency room at 1 am. Obtain a perscription for 400 mg of Motrin and a steroid nasal spray. Again, this will not actually make you better, but it will allow you to continue to work and interact with the public. Go to work on 5 hours of sleep. This last step is crucial.

Step Four: Make a doctor's appointment for your day off. If this day off is four days away, all the better. You will not have an appetite, but you will force yourself to eat the bare minimum so that the Motrin does not eat through your stomach lining. Also drink lots and lots of tea and water to flush the increasing amount of mucus that is gathering in your throat.

Step Five: Limp through the work week until you can get to the doctor. At this point, the doctor will inform you that you need antibiotics, and that you have lost six pounds! Congratulations.

Step Six: Rest.

First day on the job

2008-09-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm exhausted. I ended up doing about five hours at the reference desk due a crisis with the other librarians. Plus, some people were off for Rosh Hashanah, so we were short-staffed to begin with.

Did anyone else feel the rain? There was a light sprinkling....

In other news, my bus ride to work was 15 minutes long, and nearly door to door. Yay!

I guess Tim Gunn can go back to NY

2008-09-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Lifetime Blocked from Airing Sixth Season of Project Runway.

Juicy Couture? Where are the sweatpants?

2008-08-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I am guessing that Juicy Couture has come a long way from sweatpants and furry purses.

I'm kinda into it. I'm a sucker for gold buttons.

-all pics vis Nordstroms.

Gwen Stefani and I are on the same page

2008-08-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for Sept 1, when the new issue of MPMK comes out! And then, this whole post will make sense.

You can go to school for that? Knitwear + Academics

2008-08-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

Over at making things she has a really great post breaking down the different knitwear programs across the county. I wanted to give a shout out to FIDM and Otis on the West Coast, both of which have knitting specialities. Otis is particularly nice because it is part of their continuing education program, so it is made up of night classes.

I want this book. Seriously.

2008-08-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, another knitting book, I'm addicited. But it is so pretty! Like an anthropologie catalogue where you can actually make everything in it!

Boutique Knits (Preview) by Laura Irwin.

And yes, I am aware that if I put my mind to it, I could actually make everything in the anthropologie catalogue.

Cheers!

The Twist Collective

2008-08-03T00:22:00.001-07:00

A new knitting magazine, except you have the buy the patterns. Check out the magazine here.

Back in LaLa Land

2008-07-23T22:15:00.001-07:00

The flight from Houston was a little bumpy, courtesy of Hurricane Dolly.

I can't believe how hot and humid it was there, which was exacerbated by the abundance of asphalt and strip malls, and the lack of trees. Overall, I don't think I like the suburbs much, or at least, new suburbs full of saplings.

On the job front, I've been offered a third interview with a large system, and a first interview with a small system. I'll keep y'all posted.

Hello from Houston

2008-07-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

I'm on vacation in Houston, but, I am not without knit-related news.

Check out some pics from the Pitti Filati show in Florence from the Knit-1 photostream. Knit-1 is a knit fashion house, as opposed to the hit or miss knitting magazine.

By the way, Texas is hot, very hot, and not in a good way.

If you happen to be drowning in eggs and zucchini*

2008-06-24T12:46:00.001-07:00

Egg and Zucchini Bake (as a bonus it also needs basil).

Martha Stewart's Zucchini Pie
Needs several pounds of yellow and green zucchini as well as five eggs.

*Inspired by a gardening post on RobinDodge's blog.

Snuggle Bunny

2008-06-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Too cute!

I graduated!

2008-06-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yup yup, lemon hood and all. It was a short ceremony because our key note speaker cancelled due to the stalled union negotiations with the UC Regents. It was still very nice.

In weirder happenings, my in-laws drove down to attend the ceremony, and they took us out to breakfast to the Griddle Cafe, on Sunset.

While we were eating, someone siphoned off all the gas from the tank of their rental car, (breaking the gas cap in the process). They went from a quarter tank to E with the light on. I guess it was worth it to someone to steal five gallons...?

Anyway, I'm glad it is all over and done with. I enjoyed the the journey, but I am tired.

Things are looking up

2008-06-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

I am finishing my last task for graduate school, for my last class tomorrow.

LAPL lifted its hiring freeze today, and also today, I had a great interview with LA County.

Now I just need some sleep.

And knitting.

But first, sleep.

RIP Yves Saint Laurent

2008-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/06/01/laurent.obit/index.html

You Had Me at Grommet

2008-05-22T23:48:00.000-07:00

Plenty by Tracey Reese

Thanks for your support

2008-05-02T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've received lots of emails and messages of support regarding my portfolio, and I want to say thank you.

I think my portfolio went well. I totally rocked my Q & A session. I tend to overthink presentations, but I'm pretty good on my feet.

Afterwards, my Hubby said to me, "Wow, that just reminded me how smart you are."

I guess I should try harder to be "smart" in my private as well as my professional life.

The results are mailed out next week.

Portfolio Info

2008-05-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

I will be presenting my portfolio on Friday, May 2nd, at 10:45.

My presentation is entitled: Teen-Authored Spaces

My portfolio issue paper presented the need for teen and librarian collaborations, especially when constructing teen space. I argue that teen space is constructed in three parts: print, technology, and physical space. Each of these areas should be constructed with teen input, as that is the only way to meet teen needs. Basically, create with teens, not at them. In my paper I cite examples of ways in which libraries consulted with teens via teen councils, focus groups, and interviews to create their spaces, and that the results were often very different from traditional library services.

My presentation will again present the teen culture vs. library culture paradigm, but push it even further, into the philosophy of Web 2.0. While Web 2.0 has become a mantra for "technology is great!" the philosophy behind Web 2.o is of a culture of reciprocity and allowing the user to create content and interact with society. (The user can upload as well as download.) This philosophy surprisingly (to me) dovetails with my earlier assertions that teen input is necessary for creating teen spaces that actually meet teen needs. It seems ironic that while libraries are willingly to implement Web 2.0, as seen in Library 2.0, they are unwilling to see how the philosophy of Web 2.0 has a place in shaping library services.

I then show similarities between Web 2.0 and what the teens themselves want in their spaces. They want flexibility, and modularity, and they want to be able to foster communication and community within their own space. They want chat rooms where they can talk about their issues, they want library spaces with chairs with wheels and beanbags, so that they can re-configure their space, or conversely, shift everything to the side and sit on the floor. Teens are transliterate, in that they perform many different literary activities beyond simply reading books, so they want magazines, and the ability to have chat reference, and above all, they want to produce their own content (zines, fan fiction, blogging, posting online, etc). They also want to have teen councils, and talk about the books they like, and to be loud without being told off by a librarian. If the library gives them all of that, not only do teens see the library as a valid community space, but their unique developmental needs are also supported and fostered in a non-commercialized environment. Also, I show evidence that communities see libraries as being in a unique position to provide these spaces, and that there exists an expectation that libraries should provide teens with these kind of services, and that they are currently failling to do so.

Anyway, I only have 15 minutes to present, so I've got about 15 slides that I have to zip through, and then 15 minute of Q & A.

There, I just save everyone a trip to UCLA.

When is the next pub day?

Los Angeles is Crafty too!

2008-04-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Crafty Map.

When I have some free time, I HAVE to make a Los Angeles crafty map. Submissions welcome.

Update: Still Alive

2008-04-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

I wrote this on 4/13/08, and then promptly fell asleep and forgot to actually post it:

Sorry I haven't been blogging for a while. I turned in my portfolio on Friday after about two weeks of revision and editing; hopefully it doesn't suck.

I'm just catching up on everyone else; belated Congrats to Ivy on her portfolio. Must be a wonderful feeling to be done. Yay Ivy! I still have to do the nerve-wracking presentation on May 2nd. *sigh*

I've been making my lunches, but I have to get creative; two weeks of chicken is getting a bit boring. We made spaghetti tonight, so I'll be taking the leftovers for Monday's lunch.

I also found my camera last week, and then promptly stuck it in my dresser drawer. I found it today, having no idea why it was there. Hubby remarked that my blog has become quite boring without pictures, which is pretty blunt criticism. I will endeavour to do better in the future.

Anyway, enough rambling. I'm pretty pooped. I was nominated for graduation speaker, so I have to write a speech and present it to a committee. Does anyone even remember graduation speeches? In both high school and college my mind was on other things.

Night night.

To Sheer a Sheep

2008-04-06T14:11:00.001-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/05/us/05sheep.html?

Mail Call

2008-03-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

My LAPL interview results arrived in the mail today.

I got a 95 out of 100.

C'mon, you know you wanna hire me.

James Beard Award Nominees

2008-03-31T12:31:00.001-07:00

http://www.jbfawards.com/content/2008-nominees

Today's Lunch Menu

2008-03-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

Red Baby Potatoes, with Onions and Herb-crusted Chicken Breast. I wanted to finish up the potatoes before they sprouted other potatoes, and besides, we were out of rice.

I would have taken a photo, but it didn't look that pretty. I'm thinking, if I have time, I'll run out to the grocery store for some greens, so I can fix a colorful salad for tomorrow.

Cheers!

Cooking is Crafty too

2008-03-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

So, I've been kinda down about the whole "you are great, but we are heading into a hiring freeze, so figures crossed" dealio, which naturally led to think about money, as in saving money. Saving money makes me happy, so I started thinking about fun ways to save money, and to look around at my life at ways that I could do better.

One thing that bothers me is that I don't plan ahead and pack my lunches. I'm just really bad about mornings, and more often than not, if I do make a lunch the night before, I end up forgetting it in my fridge. It is frustrating to then go buy lunch when you know you have one sitting at home, pining away.

So, I've decided to see if I can make my lunch (and eat it!) everyday for the Spring quarter, a la wardrobe refashion. I'm taking a ten week pledge to brown bag my lunch, with, of course, one get out jail free card.

So, if you have any great lunch recipes, send them my way. One thing I really love is my stepdad's tabouleh, so I emailed him for the recipe. Recipes are always welcome, so pass those along if you like.

I am a fan of allrecipes.com, anyone else have a fav cite?

Looking at my freezer I have ground turkey, a pack of 12 pork chops, chicken, and some stir-fry veggies. Hmmmm.... what to make?

Wish me luck!

Anyone wanna hire a librarian?

2008-03-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

I did really well at my interview today.

But, they said that they don't have much, if any, money to hire in the near future. They'll know more in April, when the Mayor releases his budget.

Damn you Carcetti!*

*SIGH*

Well, at least I got in some practice with the whole interview process.

*Reference to The Wire. Awesome show, I highly recommend it.

I was in danger of having a day so bad

2008-03-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

that not even the new Knitty could make a difference.

But after I got past all the stress, I was able to pull myself together.

In better news, I totally rocked my storytelling final yesterday, so one class down, three to go.

Aah, life, it does throw some curveballs.

Also, I found out that my local yarn store stocks Tatany Tweed, so I don't have to pay shipping. Now, I just have to wait for their next shipment of Navy.

Introducing Clare Tough, a new British knitwear designer

2008-03-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of New York Times Magazine:

http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2008/02/24/style/t/index.html#pageName=24tough&

I just wish there were more pictures.

Craiglist, Pittsburgh

2008-02-27T09:16:00.000-08:00

Sheep for sale - $2000

Gorgeous flock of Shetland sheep (8) all colors. Great for spinning and yarn work. Registered. Also have 3 Angora goats. $50 each. All must go. Downsizing. Very healthy, innoculated and well cared for.

I normally don't like Versace

2008-02-23T10:43:00.001-08:00

but, as style dot com put it, they've moved beyong their "bling vulgarity" to make really simple, yet beautiful clothes. I especially liked this detail.

Sample Librarian Job - Ralph Lauren, NYC

2008-02-22T00:32:00.001-08:00

http://polo.hodesiq.com/job_detail.asp?JobID=1133635

Sounds like the textile room ...

Gwen Stefani Loves to Taunt Me

2008-02-19T23:51:00.000-08:00

Why does this woman (or her designers/stylists/imaginary pixies) taunt me with knits that I love, and yet cannot afford?

This one goes out to Ivy

2008-02-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.tahkistacycharles.com/dyn_prod.php?p=TEV208&k=75883&pb=TEV208-014

I like how they are "trans-seasonal." A sophisticated way of saying that we have no clue anymore what the temp is supposed to be. Wasn't there a recent Wall Street Journal article about that, how designers are making seasonless clothing because furs and heavy woolens did so poorly last year?

Urban Craft Center

2008-01-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

We've finally got one in L.A., and of course it is on the Westside, where it can taunt me.

http://www.theurbancraftcenter.com/

Sweater dresses are still hot for Spring.....

2008-01-20T00:13:00.000-08:00

Chloe always has great knits, and the secondary line, See by Chloe, does not disappoint. But this is a little out of my price point, especially for a cotton piece. LOVE the buttons too.

Books A Million

2008-01-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

I just have too many books. I share three IKEA Billy shelves with Hubby, with the majority of their contents being my cookbooks, knitting books, fantasy/sci fi novels, non-fiction, YA fiction, and odds and ends. It has become a chore to shift and fit and squeeze all of my books into these shelves.

I have been playing with this idea of just giving away all but one shelf, and then just get all future books from the library. Could I actually stick to one shelf? When we first bought the shelves, we only assembled two, and then a year later had to assemble the third one to accomodate all of our stuff. Could I at least reduce by one?

I like the idea of getting the bulk of my books from the public library. After all, isn't that what the library is for? A repository of information? If I check out books that I like, it will keep the circulation up, and then there will always be copies available. That's right baby, working the stats!

*sigh* I just love books. (Can I get that on a t-shirt please?)

Norah Gaughn Vol. 2

2008-01-10T18:40:00.000-08:00

Future

2008-01-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

For now we are planning to stay in LA, since Hubby's project lasts until late 2008, but we were thinking of applying to cities with both a tech industry and strong public library systems. So far I've come up with San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin. Anyone else have any suggestions?

You know it's been a hard week

2007-12-13T10:23:00.000-08:00

when Wednesday felt like Friday, and Thursday feels like is should be Saturday.

Almost done!

2007-12-12T07:22:00.001-08:00

Just gotta finish up collection development! Due today! Yay!

New Knitscene Preview Up

2007-12-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

But I am mad at them, since it doesn't come out on newsstands until Christmas Day. Lame.

In good news, I have completed my internship (+ all the annoying papers) and just finished my Contemporary Children's Lit Final.

Now, just Coll Dev is left; due Wednesday.

Review of Sensual Knits: Luxurious Yarns/Alluring Designs

2007-12-10T01:07:00.000-08:00

For the most part, this is a beautiful pattern book. I love Ramona, by Jared Flood (brooklyntweed.net), the Betty V-Neck Vest, the Transparency sweater, the Sayuri sweater, Multiplicity sweater, the Rosamund Modern Kimono, and the Oversize shrug.

However, there were some nagging things that bothered me:

1. Sizing. The range of sizes are inconsistent. Some of the patterns are XS-XL, while some are XS-3X. I think overall, any knitter could whip out the measuring tape and their math skills, and "make it work" but it seemed a little odd that all the designers didn't comform to a set size-range.

2. Needles sizes. All of the needles sizes are in mm, and while there is a conversion chart in the glossary in the back of the book, it was a little off-putting, not being able to figure out the needle size on the first pass.

3. Fitting on the models. Many of the knits seemed too small for the models, especially the seeded cable cardigan, the joie de vivre cardigan, and the lace panel twinset. It made it a little difficult to determine actual fit, and I'll be checking out finished patterns by other bloggers before I make these.

4. Spagetti straps. Many of the tops and two of the dresses have thin straps. As a busty gal, if I knit these I would alter the patterns to include thicker straps, since wearing strappless bras under my knits does not appeal.

Overall though, I would recommend this to any knitter looking for beautiful, polished deisgns. I was excited that it was released early, and snapped it immediately. It was also nice to see so many bloggers represented.

Check out the pics on Amazon.

Library Project: A Short Investigation into Graffiti Left in University Library Books

2007-12-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8199762

Damn you Gwen Stefani

2007-12-05T00:19:00.001-08:00

From her L.A.M.B line:

Thank you notes are wonderful

2007-12-02T23:09:00.000-08:00

From an email I received: "Thank you for the knitting class at the library. Last week, I went to Joann, bought some supplies, and started knitting the ribbed scarf that you suggested. I worked on it all thanksgiving break, and I finished it! I think it turned out pretty well. Anyway, thank you again for teaching me!"

Thank you, Robin, for teaching me to knit.

Must. Force. Myself. To. Study.

2007-11-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

As much as I want to go knitting at the pub tomorrow, I really must go and do some studying at school. I have a group project for Tuesday, a paper due tomorrow, a major paper due sometime next week ... yadda yadda, I know The Knitting Bully does not accept excuses, so I will just have to hide in my textbooks.

Have fun without me!

I'm will attempt the Fidget again this weekend ... I started to swatch up a new yarn in seed stitch and it has distracted me a bit.

And of course, there is this timesuck known as Ravelry that I must avoid.

It is official.

2007-11-28T17:12:00.000-08:00

I am too stoopid to figure out the Fidget. It is the K1B thingie. Half of them it go the way they are supposed to, and other times, for some reason I've made some twisted bastardized thingie that looks like I've made two stitches out of one.

I will try again tomorrow.

santa monica?

2007-11-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

OH! We got a tip from a friend that they are leaving their rent-controlled apartment in Santa Monica because it is getting too small with their two-year old. We asked them to put our name in with the landlady! I hope it works out. We tried to get another rent-controlled unit in August, but lost out against a lawyer.

Doesn't it say something when even a lawyer wants a rent-controlled apartment. *sigh* Ultimately, we need to leave LA.

Submit a Pattern for Chronicle Books

2007-10-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

Christina at Chronicle Books writes:

We're putting the finishing touches on our latest knitting book, Picture Perfect Knits by Laura Birek, and want to see your ideas. The book pulls together more than 50 intarsia grids for adding fun designs into any knit project. We have lots of patterns already, but we want yours! This is knitting for the people, by the people. We're looking for the five most creative, most dream-worthy intarsia knitting patterns. It could be anything, from a jaunty anchor to a geek-chic argyle pattern to a killer alphabet. Whatever pattern you would want to see in a knitting book. Five winners will have their name and pattern printed in the book and be promoted here on our Handmade Thursdays. Winners will also receive a free copy of the book when it comes out next fall.

Intarsia knitting pattern contest, deadline November 29th

Further info: http://www.chroniclebooks.com/blog/?p=622

Habitat ReStores

2007-10-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx

From the website:

Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Many affiliates across the United States and Canada operate successful ReStores—some of which raise enough funds to build an additional 10 or more houses per year.

Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews or from individuals who wish to show their support for Habitat. In addition to raising funds, ReStores help the environment by rechanneling good, usable materials into use.

a self-published knitting book

2007-10-23T22:41:00.001-07:00

http://www.barefootknits.com/

what do you think?

Call for Submissions: Knitscene

2007-10-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2007/10/12/see-your-knits-in-knitscene.html

I must stay that I really like this magazine. I let my Vogue Knitting lapse three issues ago, and have thought about subscribing to this one.

Gotta move fast, since the deadline is Nov. 5, but they only want a sketch and swatch.

or maybe I should figure out a way to make a pattern for this

2007-10-06T23:57:00.001-07:00

or maybe I should ask Ravelry?

It is funny, I saw a girl on the street wearing this the other day and thought, should I stop her and ask her where she got it?

hmmmm

I'm still cranky, but everything I am cranky about it of my own making, so I should just stop drinking coffee, go to bed, and believe that everything will be better in the morning.

i'm just cranky

2007-10-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

i'm going to go self-medicate by buying some yarn.

anyone tried this new knit picks yarn?

http://www.knitpicks.com/Cadena_YD5420129.html

Bohus on Ebay

2007-09-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

I believe this is the green mist design. The seller said that it is good condition, but it looks pretty pilled on the body, though that could be shaved down. The wool quality is pretty high on these babies. If any of my size-small friends are interested, this is a pretty good price. Although, there are always those pesky bidding wars in the last hour.

Poems of Color

2007-09-26T23:44:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading this book. It is a really neat story about the Bohus knitting cottage industry in Sweden. The author also secured permission to publish the patterns, which were due not to be released for publication for another decade or so. I'm not sure if I'll ever feel confident to do colorwork like that, but it is very inspiring. Looking at the beautiful wool/angora yokes makes me just want to knit a ribbon of the colorwork and then graft it to something. My library system (serving a major metropolitan area) only has two copies, and I have one of them! The other is a reference copy, which never leaves the central branch. I am blown away sometimes at collection development choices. I had to wait a little over three weeks for this copy! I guess I'll get to learn all about that, since I have my first "coll dev" class next week. Thankfully they moved it to Fall from Spring.

P.S. I admit that I am biased when it comes to knitting books. Although, sometimes, knitting books that I consider crap are purchased in bulk, so who knows. I guess they got a high review in Booklist.

Stitches out!

2007-09-25T17:27:00.001-07:00

So, I got my stitches out yesterday, and thankfully, I don't need anymore.

To celebrate I went and ate a big salad. Yay, ruffage! How I missed thee!

The whole recovery process was quite painful. Thankfully I had Vicadin, which I really needed at night, since I sleep on my side.

Thank you everyone, for your kind words.

School starts this week, and I am kinda looking forward to it.

So, in knitting news, anyone doing the red scarf project? I've talked my friends Sarah, Amy, and Danielle into doing it, and Amy talked her friend Caroline into it. I mean, everyone is doing it, how 'bout you? I'm midway through my second ball of misti alpaca, and it feels wonderful.

Trash the dress.com

2007-09-20T16:15:00.001-07:00

http://trashthedress.wordpress.com/

Hmmm... I think if I wanted to do this sort of thing, that it would be neat to be rising out of a vat of dye, with the color streaming down the satin.

wait, so price fixing is now legal?

2007-09-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/business/28cnd-bizcourt.html?ex=1340769600&en=190350e79de0ed9a&ei=5124

Vicadin is good.

2007-09-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Only lost four teeth, instead of six.

I have stitches for the holes to my sinuses. Hopefully won't need more.

Very tired.

On my third vicadin.

Doctor called me at home to check on me, which is nice.

Peace out.

Jena 6

2007-09-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

from the website:

In September 2006, a group of African American high school students in Jena, Louisiana, asked the school for permission to sit beneath a "whites only" shade tree. There was an unwritten rule that blacks couldn't sit beneath the tree. The school said they didn't care where students sat. The next day, students arrived at school to see three nooses (in school colors) hanging from the tree. (Please note, the tree above is not the tree, but a tree at Jena High School.)

http://www.whileseated.org/photo/003244.shtml

CLA?

2007-09-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Anyone going to the conference?

SIGH

2007-09-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Good News: I got to see an oral surgeon today, and I am having my wisdom teeth removed Friday, at 8 am.

Bad News: *sigh* I may lose other teeth that were impacted by my wisdom teeth, and I may end up with holes in my sinuses that will need to be surgically closed.

I know that the oral surgeon was being upfront, and giving me a worse case-scenario, since so many ppl in LA sue their doctors, he was letting me know all that could happen, but it just scared the crap out of me. I don't even have pain from these teeth, and yet they are a major problem.

I've never been under (which isn't covered by my insurance!) and the dentist said that since my teeth are fully developed that there will be a lot of bruising on my face and there will be a long recovery period.

Fantastic.

insurance woes - denist fun

2007-09-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

First the HMO screwed up the referral, then I get an appointment with an oral surgeon, then they call me and cancel the appointment because they dropped my insurance, now I am waiting for a new list of approved candidates, and now it is going to be six weeks before I see anyone.

Why do I have to beg ppl to pull these wisdom teeth out of my head? All freaking FOUR of them.

So not happy right now.

Wow, it seems like Magknits is back on track

2007-09-04T15:34:00.001-07:00

they've begun to hit their target of a new issue every month:

http://www.magknits.com/

Housecleaning, The Closer Marathon, & Yarn Cakes

2007-09-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I were remarking upon the fact that this is the first Labor Day in a long time that TNT has done a non-Law & Order marathon. I guess all those Golden Globes and Emmy nominations have pushed The Closer into prime position.

I've been wandering around the apartment, cleaning here, and there. Not very exciting, but it needs to get done. With the marathon on I can take little breaks and watch TNT and work on my scarf for the Red Scarf Project. I've gotten through one ball of the Misti Alpaca.

I broke down and bought a yarn baller a couple of months ago, and I left it set up, so every now and then I make another yarn cake; extremely satisfying.

I wasn't going to buy a ball winder, but after my last trip to Wildfiber, I just broke down and bought one. A couples of months ago I got a gift certificate for my birthday for Wildfiber, so I went down there and bought enough Cascade 220 for the boatneck sweater in Fitted Knits. Now, if you've ever bought Cascade you know that it comes in hanks. Well, since I'd just spent around 60 dollars, I expected full instruction and use of their swift and yarn baller combination. Ideally, they would have balled it for me, especially since it wasn't very busy in the store, but I was informed that they would teach me once, and then it was up to me to ball all eight skeins myself. Fine. That is reasonable.

I admit, I have a bit of a history with their yarn baller, since last time I was there I bought two skeins of alpaca that was very difficult to ball, and was given a lot of attitude since the shop assistants didn't want to take the time to help me with it, and even informed me that "real knitters have a yarn baller at home."

Thankfully, Casacade does a really wonderful job when they put up their hanks, so it was easy to get it one the swift in one piece, and to ball it up. However, I still got attitude for just using their ball winder! They began to give me side glances and impatient sighs, even though no one was waiting to use the device. I said to one of the shop clerks, as she walked by, "this is really fun and it makes such a cool yarn cake," to which she replied, "yeah, it can make any yarn look nice." Whoa, I thought, just because Cascade is a budget yarn doesn't mean it should be looked down upon! Anyway, I was willing to concede that this was all in my head, and I was being overly sensitive, when a woman bought three hanks of expensive hand spun kettle dyed stuff. I was shocked when, at the cash register, the staff unwound her three hanks and told her that I would be off in a minute, and she'd get everything balled up in a jiffy.

The women seemed a little sheepish, and she said to me that she had a yarn baller at home, but not a swift. I laughed and said that I had a swift but not a yarn baller. The shop clerk then chimed in and said that I should give my swift to the other lady so that she could have a full set-up at home. Really, I thought, is that really what I should do?

Anyway, I just left. I had five hanks left to go, but I just left. Later in the week I stopped by Stitches of the Heart to pick up some alpaca. There I saw that they had a yarn baller for sale, and I just bought it, still upset at the folks at Wildfiber.

Anyway, I'm really happy with my set-up at home, and it just makes me more determined to not go back to Wildfiber. To be fair, I've had good experiences there, but whenever the yarn baller is involved, it has gotten rude and snippy. I don't feel that I am taking advantage of their resources by wanting to use the ball winder, especially when I have just bought yarn there. If you go to Compatto or A Manos yarn center, they are totally cool about it. Perhaps they have been taken advantage of in the past? Even if that is the case, I don't deserve the residual angst.

Ravelry part two

2007-09-03T00:47:00.001-07:00

Now I have "friends" and I am in "groups" and I'm feeling all this pressure to contribute.... hmmm.... that is probably what I need......something to think about.

Ravelry

2007-09-02T13:06:00.001-07:00

okay, okay, it is starting to grow on me. If I avoid the forums and look instead at the FOs and all the different permutations of various patterns, then I really enjoy myself.

New Magknits

2007-08-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.magknits.com/

Much better than usual. Feels more like the old Magknits.

Work Wardrobe

2007-08-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

Google Book Search

2007-08-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7s8q9nTQh4

Stash Inhancement

2007-08-19T15:00:00.001-07:00

See sometimes a girl has to buy some alpaca when it matches her nail polish. The alpaca is Misti Alpaca, bulky, three skeins for the Red Scarf Project.

Also, you'll notice that two things: one, that I am on a major tweed kick, and two, I'm on a major vintage yarn kick, especially when it is tweed and CHEAP. I bought all of it, since I know that I'll never match those dye lots again. There is no yardage on the vintage yarn, but it says it is 50 grams a ball of virgin wool, on a size ten needle. Is there any way to determine yardage from that?

That's right.

2007-08-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

"I'm a big baller baby, when I'm callin' you."

Yarn baller that is.

Pictures to follow. Tomorrow. Promise.

Is there something like this in LA?

2007-08-17T22:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.east-bay-depot.org/

Vogue Knitting Anniversary

2007-08-16T23:52:00.000-07:00

I was looking through the massive silver issue of Vogue Knitting the other day (no, I didn't buy it, the patterns were hideous) and I started to read the interview with the "old guard" designers. When they got to the part about patterns today, and how Internet patterns are not the same as the pattern that a yarn company puts out (not proof-read, super cheap, etc) one of the designers mentioned that people who have copied patterns from her book in the library have then mailed her 4 dollars with a note saying, "I copied pattern X and here is payment for it."

I found that somewhat astounding, because I had never thought of doing that, and with a library, there is a certain about of fair use, but I'm throwing out the question, should we be mailing payment like that? I mean, from the designer's point of view, if someone just copied a pattern from a library, and doesn't buy the book itself, then they are losing revenue ... I'm not sure, overall, since I have my old weird internal justification system, where, if I like more than three patterns, I buy the book, and if not, I photocopy them from the library's copy of the book. I also buy patterns books, including the new norah gaughan for berroco (backordered for a month!) and I've bought some of the RYC Rowan books, AND subscribe to Interweave and should probably start subscribing to Knitscene since I buy it so often. So overall, I would say that, not counting yarn, a lot of my dollar does go towards the designers themselves ... but should knitters go that extra effort to send those 4 dollars in the mail ?

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

2007-08-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

I bought yarn... lots of yarn.

And a ball winder.

That sound? That sound was me falling off the wagon. Hard.

100 Tutorial Websites

2007-08-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

It is nice to have one site with links to all the other DIY sites.

Rent game

2007-08-06T13:39:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5112728

The DOBAG project

2007-08-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.returntotradition.com/html/dobag_project.html

Farmer's Market Fun

2007-08-05T18:02:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I went to go check out the new Farmer's Market near our apartment. It was pretty small, but since it is a month old, I'm hoping it will grow with time. They had a DJ from a local station playing some tunes, and we were rocking out to Prince while sampling some berries.

We got some amazing fruit. White peaches, blue berries, black berries, ruby red grapefruit, avocados and strawberries. For produce, we got four different types of lettuce, some okra, and a pound of heirloom tomatoes.

Then we hit up the supermarket for some ground turkey, and also some sliced deli meats for sandwiches. If we could find an independent butcher nearby, we'd totally go.

Hubby was remarking that the fruit was pretty expensive (in some cases) compared to the supermarket prices. However, you don't get fruit picked yesterday at the supermarket, and the taste is just so much better. He agreed.

I guess if the supermarkets do go on strike again, we'll have the farmer's market to rely on.

All in all, a good day.

and the plastic bag crafting continues

2007-08-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.craftzine.com/pub/nl/62

cool craft challenge

2007-08-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

too bad all the entries are due tomorrow!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=180658.0

here are the entries themselves:
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?board=371.0

It is a reusable bag challenge on craftster. More and more I've been thinking that reusable bags are a good idea. The Knitty surprise was a knitted hemp shopping bag. I guess San Fran is getting rid of plastic bags as well? I've been going around the apartment collecting all the canvas bags that I've accumulated over the years. We get about six bags of stuff when we go grocery shopping, so with the three canvas bags I have, I could make another three and then just keep them in the trunk. A new farmer's market is opening this Sunday by our apartment, so I'm looking forward to shopping locally and using reusable bags!

in honor of Caroline

2007-07-22T23:32:00.001-07:00

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=184688.0

claims to be easy - V8411

2007-07-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

wish the pattern came with those knee-high boots...

Happy Birthday to Me

2007-07-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

My first action as an older person was to get my big toe caught on the edge of the bathtub as I was getting in for a shower.

As a mature older person I did not yell "M*****f***!!" That hurt!" I just checked to make sure that I hadn't broken my toe, and was thankful that I had health insurance so that if I had broken it, I could go to the doctor.

I'm having a bit of a quarter-life crisis (to use a hip new term) because I had some milestones set out for myself by the time I was 26 that I have not accomplished, so I am having to re-adjust some views/plans that had become pretty firm in my mind. I do not have a child, I am still living in an apt, I am still in school, etc. Life is pretty great though, and that, I guess, also bothers me, because my life is good and I didn't meet some target milestones. The earth didn't shake, etc. Overall, I guess that is a good thing.

Today is also the anniversary of the moon landing!

new norah gaughan for berroco

2007-07-19T23:05:00.000-07:00

some beautiful interesting designs.