fourteen days

Just 14 days and I will be in "sunny" NY! I don't know why I'm so excited about it this time, but I am. Travel has taken on a whole new meaning since I learned how to knit. Especially travelling back to NY. Even though it's in vogue right now to LOVE New York, I hate New York. I moved to Arizona for a reason, and that reason had nothing to do with ASU being the number 1 party school. I didn't even know that before I got here. I just REALLY can't stand to be in NY.

So why am I so excited? Maybe this has something to do with it:



or this:



or maybe it's because my best friend of a million years is going to knit with me all summer long!

By the way, anybody else going to the craft fair?

posted by illanna at 2:07 PM |

That new car smell

My blog still has that new car smell today. I am still working on some things, and trying to figure stuff out. The artist, Exploding Dog, made the art up there. He's got a really cute site.

I have been working on my Hot Lava Cardigan lately, which I am making out of the Noro Kochoran I flashed the other day.


Right now I am up to the back part, which is in between the two sleeves. The yarn is SO soft to work with. I had to rip it back a little, and the yarn just bounced right back. The color changes are so subtle and soft. I am not REALLY following the pattern, because I'm not getting row gauge. This pattern is good because you can try it on as you go and figure out when to start the next part. So far no mistakes in the pattern either.

While working on my blog, I was having some comments issues. I posted a question on the Haloscan forum for help. Joanne, who is also a knitblogger, helped me out. I stumbled upon her site, and found the cutest thing- knitting inspired fabric! Look at this one:

You see what it says? "Bind off, tog, p2, k-wise...." It's knitting terms! Check out this one:

Ha! I thought that these two together would make a good needle case, notions case, or knitting bag. Joanne has some free sewing patterns to make those bags on her site too. There are some other designs too, some have cats, some have pictures of yarn. Has anyone used these fabrics? Any pictures?

posted by illanna at 7:17 PM |

Housekeeping

Just some things that I forgot to mention, since I was consumed by my tank top.

I changed my template around a little bit! All the sidebar links are in the top bar under those two guys up there. The rings are at the bottom of each post.

I got two awesome RAOK's this week. One, from Kae, a gift certificate to Elann! I mentioned on the yahoo group that gift certificates, like chocolate, do not last very long around me. However, I haven't used this one yet because I am holding out til Elann gets new stock. In about two weeks, I will be very low on money, and I want to use the gift certificate when I'm poor and I can't afford new yarn.

The other, from Dani, an awesome postcard. Dani is going to take me to her stitch n bitch in Long Island while I'm in NY. She's my new favorite blog friend!

About the contest last week, Sarah and Lisa won! I dropped off Sarah's sheep and stitch markers last week, and Lisa's are in the mail.

I'll be working on putting diagrams to my pattern below, along with measurements and sizes for small medium and large.

posted by illanna at 3:35 AM |

Enchanted Tank Pattern

I finished the tank top I was designing, and I decided to name it "Enchanted." I think that the Kureyon seed stitch top looks like something that is enchanted. Here is the pattern, actually completed this time:



Supplies Needed:

1 skein of Cascade 220
2 skeins of Noro Kureyon
Size 11 24" or 29" circular needles
Size 9 24" or 29" circular needles
4 safety pins

Gauge for Cascade on Size 11's: 12 sts/4 inches in stockinette stitch
Gauge for Noro on Size 9's: 15 sts/4 inches in seed stitch

Start from the bottom up:

CO 105 stitches with Cascade on size 11 circs. Place stitch marker to indicate beginning of round.
Work K4 P1 rib for 9.5 inches.

Eyelet Rounds:

Purl 1 round
Repeat *YO K2tog* across next round
Purl 1 round

Begin bust area:

Switch to Noro Kureyon and size 9 circulars. Work in seed stitch for 5.5" from the row that the Noro started on.

Straps:

K47 in seed stitch, BO 6 in seed stitch. M1, K in seed stitch until 6 stitches before marker, BO 6 in seed stitch, remove marker.

Now there are 2 peices for front and back.

Front:

There's 1 stitch on the needle in your right hand. Starting from the first stitch on the left needle, K2, SSK, work seed stitch until last 5 stitches, K2tog, K3. 45 stitches on the needle.
Wrong Side: Slip 1, K2, seed stitch until last 3 stitches, K2, Slip 1.
Right Side: K3, SSk, seed stitch until last 5 stitches, K2tog, K3. 43 stitches on the needle.
Wrong Side: Slip 1, K2, seed stitch until last 3 stitches, K2, slip 1.
Right Side: K3, ssk, seed stitch for 7 stitches, BO21 in seed stitch, work seed stitch until the last 5 stitches, k2tog, K3.

You are now working one strap.
Wrong Side: Slip 1, K2, seed stitch until last 3 stitches, K2, Slip 1.
Right Side: K3, ssk, seed stitch until last 5 stitches, K2tog, K3.
Wrong Side: Slip 1, K2, Seed stitch until last 3 stitches, K2, Slip 1.
Right Side: K1, ssk, seed stitch until end.
Wrong Side: Seed stitch across.
Repeat the last 2 rows until there are 4 stitches left on the needle. Put stitches on a safety pin. Cut yarn, leaving a long enough tail.

Join yarn to other strap, and make sure that you join it on the side that will make you start knitting on the wrong side first.

Wrong Side: Slip 1, K2, Seed stitch until last 3 stitches, k2, slip 1.
Right Side: K3, K2tog, seed stitch until last 5 stitches, ssk, K3.
Wrong Side: Slip 1, K2, Seed until last 3 stitches, K2, slip 1.
Right Side: Seed stitch until last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
Wrong Side: Seed stitch across.
Repeat the last 2 rows until there are 4 stitches left on the neede. Put stitches on a safety pin. Cut yarn leaving a long enough tail.

Join yarn to the back so you are starting with a right side row.

Right side: K3, ssk, seed stitch until last 5 stitches, K2tog, K3.
Wrong side: Slip 1, K2, seed stitch until last 3 stitches, K2, Slip 1.
Repeat these 2 rows 4 times.
Work seed stitch on the back until it measures 9" from the row that the Noro started on.

K4 in seed, put the stitches you just knit onto a safety pin. BO in seed until the last 4 stitches of the row, K those 4 stitches in seed stitch. Put those 4 stitches which are on the needle onto a safety pin.

Re-attach the Noro to one of the front straps. Work those 4 stitches in seed stitch until the strap is long enough to get to the back. It will be different for everyone. Try it on to find the right length. It should reach to the back tightly.

Once the strap meets the corresponding safety pin in the back, use kitchener stitch or 3 needle bind off to graft the 4 strap stitches to the 4 back stitches.

Repeat for the other strap.

Weave in ends and block.

Close-up of Noro in seed stitch:



Close-up of the different parts of the tank:



If you have any questions, leave a comment or email me!

Disclaimer: This pattern is meant to fit me. My size is 36" bust. I plan on sitting down with some paper and pens and adding a few more sizes soon. Enjoy!!

posted by illanna at 9:51 PM |

Review of PurlSoho.com

Purl Soho is a beautiful store in NYC. Their online store, www.purlsoho.com, is equally beautiful. There are beautiful pictures of their yarns, and they carry only the best. Not only that, but they have good sales. Right now they have 3 different Noro yarns, 2 different Rowan yarns, and 2 Blue Sky Alpaca yarns, all on sale.

I have really wanted to try out some of the "higher end" Noro yarns like Kochoran or Iro. I broke down and ordered some Kochoran one morning at a weak point... it was after an all night study session. That's my excuse. PLUS, I only needed 3 skeins to make a tank top. PLUS, it was on sale.

The package was sent out the same day, by UPS. I found out that Bloglines has a new feature where you can type in your tracking numbers of packages, and the site will notify you of updates, much like it notifies about blog updates. I was able to use Bloglines to track my package from city to city.

The yarn came yesterday, beautifully packaged:



It didn't stay that way for long, though. I ripped through it like a madwoman wildebeast! Here is it opened:



The 3 skeins came in a sealed plastic bag inside the box. It was perfect looking. This yarn, by the way, is an extremely soft blend of Wool, Silk, and Angora. Here it is, in it's element:



Gorgeous, no? I am always interested in the details of customer service. It is apalling that a knitter can go into a KNITTING STORE and get treated like crap, especially since there is so much competition from online shops. The brick and mortar Purl does not have that problem in my opinion, and neither does the online. Here's proof:



I don't know about you, but when I get home from work, I do NOT get to see many handwritten notes in the mail. Does your Visa bill come handwritten? Does Valpak send handwritten coupons? It is SUCH a treat to see a handwritten note, even if it is just 3 words. It's personalized.

On Knitters' Review forum, there are pages and pages of complaints against yarn stores. I just wish that these brick and mortar stores took a page from the Purl Soho book of customer service.

posted by illanna at 9:11 PM |

More Kool-aid Yarn, and a recipe

I made more Kool-aid yarn, and I think I'm going to make a Flower Basket Shawl out of it:


I am going to do a swatch today for it. This yarn isn't space dyed, so it won't stripe. It might pool, but definitely not stripe.

Here's an awesome vegetarian lasagna recipe. My meat lovin' boyfriend loves it. It makes a huge batch, and it reheats REALLY well. It's almost better as leftovers because all the flavors mix together. The original recipe called for crumbled feta on top. I added the ricotta-egg blend instead and it's better that way. Make it Kosher for Passover by substituting Matza for the lasagna noodles, and by drinking Manischevitz with it. I'm not promising it will taste good that way, so don't get any big ideas.

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna
Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 (14 ounce) can marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 (28 ounce) can of chopped tomatoes
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 (12 ounce) tub of ricotta cheese
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-high. Saute onion and garlic for 3 minutes, or until onion is tender-crisp. Stir in broth and rosemary; bring to a boil. Stir in artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and spinach; reduce heat, cover and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Put ricotta cheese in a blender with 1 egg. Blend until combined and fluffy.
5. Spread 1/4 of the artichoke mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish; top with 3 cooked noodles. Sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture over noodles. Repeat layers 2 more times, ending with artichoke mixture and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes. Uncover, and bake 15 minutes more, or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

posted by illanna at 7:30 AM |

Free Half-Completed Pattern

Wooohooo isn't that what everyone wants? A half-completed pattern!?!??

Let me explain.

I am writing an uber-cool pattern right now, but I am only half done with it. I am writing the pattern as I go along. I never wrote a garment pattern, and I'm liking it so far. There are lots of benefits to designing your own patterns:

1. You don't have to try and figure out what the designer is talking about when the pattern says "WYIFYOK2TOGABRACADABRA" or something equally crazy
2. The pattern will definitely fit your size AAAAA or size DDDD boobs
3. You can use whatever yarn you have laying around without having to match gauge- the gauge comes from YOU
4. You can turn your nose up at people and say "I design my own patterns" in a very dramatic voice
5. ...and MORE! (I just like saying that)

Here is what I am designing so far:



It's going to be a tanktop! The bottom is Cascade 220 and the top is Noro Kureyon (thanks again SP). There are eyelets in the middle to thread a Kureyon I-cord through.

I haven't named it yet. Maybe as a joke I'll name it Clapotis, so that when somebody says "I'm making Clapotis," it will be very confusing and someone will have to say "Which one?!?!?!??!" I just think that would be funny to do.

Here's the pattern that I have so far:

Supplies Needed:
1 skein of Cascade 220
2 skeins of Noro Kureyon
Size 11 24" or 29" circular needles
Size 9 24" or 29" circular needles

Gauge for Cascade on Size 11's: 12 sts/4 inches in stockinette stitch
Gauge for Noro on Size 9's: 15 sts/4 inches in seed stitch

Start from the bottom up:
CO 105 stitches with Cascade on size 11 circs. Place stitch marker to indicate beginning of round.
Work K4 P1 rib for 9.5 inches.

Eyelet Rounds:
Purl 1 round
Repeat *YO K2tog* across next round
Purl 1 round

Begin bust area:
Switch to Noro Kureyon and size 9 circulars. Work in seed stitch for ______"

As you can see from the picture, that's as far as I got. I'll be sure to let you know when I finish that part. I'll also measure the finished project so that you can figure out if it will fit. I know it will definitely have some kind of straps, possibly made from I-cord. I may also finish the bottom with a crochet edge of Noro Kureyon. Stay Tuned.

posted by illanna at 12:08 PM |

Kool-aid and Charity Knitting

First, a little contest.



What project did this leftover yarn come from? In other words, I made this preemie hat out of leftover yarn. What was the original project that I made with this yarn? The answer is in the archives of my blog. The first person who answers correctly wins the stuffed sheep and some stitch markers.

Next: I had some colorful fun in the bathroom this weekend. Oh yes... Kool-aid dyed yarn! Food City, which is the Mexican Grocery out here, had 12 packets of "Flavor-aid" for a buck! I stuffed my arms and headed to the counter. I let the packets fall onto the conveyer belt which slowly moved toward the cashier...

"How many do you have?"

Uh-oh. "Ummm I'm so sorry! I didn't count!" The cashier gave the packets to the lady who was on bagging duty. Turns out I had 85!

I am going to work on self-striping sock yarn this week. Here's the turnout of this weekend's dyefest:



The orange is the dominant color. It's 1 pack mango, 1 pack orange, 1/2 pack Jamaica, and 1 pack Lemon. The red is the submissive color. 1 pack Jamaica, 1 pack lemon, 1/2 pack raspberry, and 1/2 pack mango. The yarn is Optimum DK wool from Southwest Trading Company. This yarn is super soft! It's treated in a certain way that makes it magically feel like cashmere. The drape is stupendous. Very nice to knit with too. I am going to make this:



It's from Rowan Vintage Style. I'll probably convert it to short sleeve, because it's hotter than STINK here already.

posted by illanna at 11:33 PM |

THANK YOU!!!

Amy, of Amyville fame, surprised me with my very own fortune cookie charm. Amy, you are so charming... I like to wear it on a necklace with my Cleo top. Amy has official Amyville pins now too. Vote for Amy!!!


I made some stitch markers of my own today, too. They are nothing compared to Amy's, but they'll work. I used toggle clasps and findings that Kiki gave me yesterday. I was this close to buying some new beading stuff, and then Kiki gave me exactly what I was going to buy!!!


Stitch markers are like zombies... hard to take pictures of.

posted by illanna at 7:07 PM |

Toe-up Socks on Two Circular Needles

...my newest knitting venture.

At Fiber Factory the other day, I bought some Regia Neon Nation sock yarn. I finally learned toe-up socks AND socks on two circulars using these two books:



These books are EXCELLENT, easy to follow, and they teach you how to make your own sock patterns! I don't need no stinkin pattern, I made up my own! Check it out:


The toe... where it alllll started



Not quite finished yet



Close-up of the lacey part

I'm pretty stoked about this sock. For the bind off, I am going to put elastic in and then fold over the top and bind it off so that the elastic gets stuck inside. Don't want these highlighter socks to fall down! Hope all the little ants on the ground have some sunglasses, because they are going to need 'em.

posted by illanna at 8:49 PM |

Fun Knitting Fact Thursday!!!

It's Thursday again, and that means I have to think up some extreme knitting fact for my blog. The best I could come up with was "Why does stockinette stitch roll?" but that's a really lame one that could be answered in 1 sentence. So here is the most extreme knitting fact of the week:

Crochet patterns from the 70's are funny. Here's proof:

Last but not least, this ad was on the back of the magazine:

You might notice (if you are nosy) that I named these picture files "Pam1, Pam2, Pam3, etc." Pam is THE crocheter in our stitch n bitch group, so I dedicated these vintage photos to her.

I have the patterns to ALL these garments. Too bad I don't crochet, huh? Please leave funny comments about these magazine patterns in the comments. Especially about the quickie vest made out of rug yarn. That's my favorite.

posted by illanna at 12:47 PM |

Time, time, time, see what's become of me

I went up to Jessica Knits on Sunday. Before I got to Jessica's, I went to the little coffee shop in the shopping center. The lady working there definitely looked like Alison's mom, Jody. She saw me knitting, and we were talking about it for a while. You know what she told me?

"You are the youngest hippy I ever saw!"

What a funny thing to say to somebody! I guess she equated crafting with hippies. She was very nice, and she didn't say it in a bad way at all, I just thought it was pretty funny.

So, since I am the youngest hippy that she ever saw, I think I am going to make this:


except with bell sleeves. It's a great free pattern that I found over the weekend. The pattern calls for 4 balls of Manos, but I think I'll substitute. I have some Plymouth Outback Wool in purples and pinks that I could use. I also got some black Cascade 220 over the weekend. Here's what I was thinking:

Black Cascade 220 for the bell sleeves (because I'm such a hippy) and black pink and red Noro Kureyon for the body. I originally was going to use those yarns to make another Lelah, but I already HAVE one of those! Also, my grandma has some AWESOME vintage buttons someplace in her house, so I think I'll try to use two of those for the closure.

Definitely check out the other Blue Alvarez patterns, especially the one that will be in Vickie Howell's new book!

Interview from Rebecca (which should not have taken me so long to answer...)

1. What is it about knitting that intriques you?? Is it meditative, creative for you?

I think it's probably both. When I am doing 16 inches of stockinette in the round, it's meditative. When I am doing a 16 stitch 10 row lace pattern repeat that I made up and have to knit backwards every row, it's more creative. The other part of knitting is the social part of it. I love meeting other knitters and seeing what they are making. I get so much inspiration from friends, both real life friends and blogger friends.

2. Have you ever met anyone off the internet, knitting friend or otherwise?? Explain.

Not that I can think of, but I am hoping to meet up with knitting bloggers this summer when I go back to New York. I want to see all the beautiful knits from people's blogs in real life! I also want to go to a Stitch n Bitch in NY.

3. In your opinion, what would bring about world peace??? Why?

Hmmm... despite the blog name, and the barista who told me I was the youngest hippy she ever saw, I am not really that "into" peace. The name of the blog came from a Shakespeare quote: "And knit our powers to the arm of peace" (King Henry IV, part II: IV, i). Before people start leaving Nasty-gram comments, let me explain. World peace would be grand, but I don't think it's realistic. I do think that the number 1 root of evil and war is greed, so I'd have to say if there was a bomb that could destroy greed, but not people or cities, then that would be the best way to bring world peace.

4. What is your dream project?? If money was no object what would you use to make it?

Dream project is Marnie's Fuzzy Valentine, and I would use the yarn that the pattern calls for.

5. Have you ever shopped for yarn in a different country? If not is there a country you would want to shop in?? Why?

I haven't shopped for yarn in another country, unless you count North Scottsdale as another country. I had a huge trip planned to Argentina this summer, but it fell through. I was going to go for a month and buy lots of yarn. The exchange rate is really good right now, so you can get enough yarn for a few sweaters for 40 bucks! I think it would also be good to go to Wales and buy some Colinette there.

Thanks Rebecca! Anyone still want to be interviewed? Leave a comment saying "interview me!"

posted by illanna at 12:52 PM |

Oimochan Purse

Oimochan is a super bulky yarn made by Noro. It's huge! As far as I know, it is either discontinued, or very rare; I have never seen it in a yarn store. That link up there is the best I've found.

I bought some cheap handles at some craft store a while back. I looked at the handles, looked at the yarn, looked at the handles, looked back at the yarn, ate some pasta, looked back at the handles, looked at the yarn, and then it hit me! PURSE!

The pattern just came from a vision in my head, and so did the flower. The purse took me a day. I am all about quick knits lately. Here it is:



It's squishy, and cute, and I like it. I was thinking of submitting the pattern to one of the free online pattern sources. You know what the first thing I thought was?

"I bet a lot of people would sign my guestmap if I had a pattern on Knitty!"

Yes, I'm serious.

posted by illanna at 1:48 PM |

Fun Knitting Fact Thursday!!!

Before Fun Knitting Fact Thursday, I have to thank all the awesome people who posted on my guestmap. I love all the little comments and I enjoyed reading all your blogs! There might be a guestmap-related contest coming up, and it will benefit everyone who already posted their location, AND people who have yet to post their location, so stay tuned.

You might remember my 2 issue installment of FUN KNITTING FACT THURSDAY from February. Or maybe you don't. That's OK. I was going to do a new cool knitting fact every Thursday, but after doing it twice (here and here), I didn't think it was very successful. I just stopped doing it and I figured if anyone complains, then I will do it again.

Somebody complained.

So, here is my fun knitting fact: PEOPLE SPIN THEIR OWN YARNS INTO WORKS OF ART. I am floored everytime I see the gorgeous works of people who turn a blob of fluff into yarn to knit with. You people are geniuses! I found some really nice ones, mostly with the help of Ashas Corner links. Click on the pictures to go to these artists' stores and praise them /support their businesses /surf the yarn porn.


By the way, this is just a public service announcement. These amazing artists didn't pay me or anything, and I wouldn't ever expect them to! I just thought this fun knitting fact is interesting...

posted by illanna at 12:43 PM |

Hey You!

Yes, you! Stop lurking! Click on my guestmap in the sidebar and put yourself on the map... PLEASE! I feel so lonely- the only post on the map is "the bravenet team" and their post is AUTOMATIC! If you don't post on my guestmap, you will have 7 years of bad luck. It's like breaking a mirror. I'm not even kidding.

I finished blocking Vered:


To read about the specifications (yarn, needles, pattern), check out this post from the other day.

posted by illanna at 9:59 PM |

Fun Day Today

Sing to the tune of the Spongebob Squarepants theme song:

Ohhhhh! Who is the sock pal assigned to me? SOCKA! PALOOZA!
Generous and thoughtful and creative is she! SOCKA! PALOOZA!
She handspun the yarn and knit it into socks! SOCKA! PALOOZA!
Then sent it to Tempe where I opened the box!

My socks, posing with an Incredibles toy that somebody left at Kidstown...

posted by illanna at 12:39 PM |

Socks, socks, and more socks...

First item of business... my sockapalooza pal posted a teaser pic of the socks I am getting. She sent them out already, and I should be getting them today! The yarn is hand dyed and handspun! Click on this link and go check them out!

Guess who's making argyle socks? That's RIIIIIGHT! It's me!


Here's the first sock, which is pretty much finished except for all those little ends, and the seams. The construction is very weird, because of the intarsia. The top is done flat, and then it's joined and worked on double pointed needles for the foot.

Notice anything... FAMILIAR about the colors? Well, I tried to make them look like this:


Now do you recognize it? Yep, they're official "Knit Powers to Peace" argyle socks! The cross stitching lines are done with duplicate stitch. I used Cascade Fixation which was on sale at One Fine Yarn. I am making the socks simultaneously, because the intarsia can be a pretty daunting task and I wanted to get it out of the way. It was my first time doing intarsia, and I used bobbins which I made out of a file folder.

Here's the second sock:


What do you think? Pretty cool, huh?

posted by illanna at 11:14 AM |