Knit Buddies

kitty:Book Review & Book Giveaway: Shibui Silk

2012-01-23T00:26:00.001-05:00

Book Title: Shibui Silk
Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian (AKA: Olgajazzy)
Publisher: Planet Purl Press
Approx. Retail Price: $18.00 USD (Knit & Purl)
Category: Knitting/Crochet
Pages: 30
Patterns: 8
Availability: Soft cover
Release Date: January 1, 2012

What a way to start the knitting New Year with a great new book filled with beautiful spring knits from Olga Buraya-Kefelian and Shibui, Shibui Silk. My first reaction when it arrived in the mail was pure happiness. The book far surpassed my first impression from the photos online. As you flip through the book you also get to enjoy how good the matt heavy weight pages feel. In the day where most of our patterns we buy are in pdf format this is really a nice treat.

There are 8 designs in the book; several sweaters, a pair of fingerless gloves, shawl/scarf, and a hat for woman.

Over the years I have knit quite a few patterns designed by Olga Buraya-Kefelian. She is particularly known for thinking her way through a pattern, and that care is certainly shown here. Her designs feature unique construction as well as interesting textures. There are also several patterns in the book that offer a more a modular design that lend itself to multiple styling options for her customers. This is a trend that you can see if you follow her designs.

All photos are copyright of Shibui, I took Photos actual photos from the pages of the book.

So what treasures are inside:

Francis - I have to say this is the sweater that if I had the yarn for it I would be casting on right away. I really love the little flirty surprise this sweater is hiding in the back. From the front Francis is just a simple little tee with a round neck and short sleeves, but when you turn around the back is constructed like an over lapping tulip with a graceful curved hem. Great for letting in a cool breeze for those hot and muggy summer days.
Goltry - Goltry at first glance appears to be just a simple beanie, but when you look closer you notice the amazing texture spirals to the crown. Even the colour of the model fits into the trend for this spring season.
Laverne - One thing that Olga is really known for with her designs are garments that have interesting construction that can be styled multiple ways. Laverne is one of those garments. The sweater is worked sideways from the front edge with an incorporated i-cord edge and drawstring. You can wear it loose and drappy, cinched, wrapped, belted, or buttoned up.

Really a prefect sweater in my opinion for the spring months that will soon be upon us. I am also really impressed with how pretty the colours are for Staccato yarn.
Ada - We have seen this trend before from Olga with Duplicity Pullover from her Ori Ami Knits book. By adding the fake layer to the sweater you have the appearance of a layered garment but not the added bulk. Ada is a cute little staple garment that can be worn as a vest or tank top for spring/summer.
Arnett - Wow... that is about all I can say. Even M loves this design when I first showed him the pictures he thought it was one of Olga's best designs. Everything about it is just a lot of fun. The little hidden pockets, the fact it is reversible. This is just one of those designs that will last forever and once again can be styled in so many ways.
Marlow - Marlow is a really good staple shawl to have in your wardrobe and something that would be a great car project. I could see many people knitting this as a quick gift for friends.
Prue - You know, I am not sure what it is about fingerless gloves. They seem to have become a staple for every knitter to have multiples for our outdoor wear and indoor wear. Prue is a lovely fingerless glove using a welted stitch that just may be too pretty to go outside.
Tulsa - I just started the scarf last night. I promised a friend before the holiday's that I would knit her a scarf and I thought this one would be a perfect. The pleats add enough interest so that it doesn't get boring but knitting on size 7 needles also means that it is growing quickly. Especially since my other project at the minute is on US 0's.

Okay, enough of me blathering about how much I like this book. Getting to the Free Stuff now!!! Olga was sweet enough to offer me a copy of the book to give away to my readers. I cannot express how excited I am about the giveaway. And to make it even more tempting there will be something else from me in the box to sweeten the deal. So to offer you multiple ways of entering here are three options.

For one entry, leave a comment with your favorite Shibui Silk Olga design.
Become a fan of Olgajazzy on Facebook and leave a comment about your favorite design on the Shibui Silk Book Album page
For a 3nd entry Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter the message must contain the tag:
#KnitbuddiesGiveaway
And your favorite design from the book

I will accept entries until midnight on Monday, Feb 13th, and then announce the lucky winner in a post next Tuesday.

kitty: Fashion Exhibitions 2012

2012-01-04T17:53:00.000-05:00


In 2011, did museums finally realize that being fashionable means that your empty hallow halls could be filled with long lines or people clamoring to see the current exhibit? Given the record breaking success last year at the Met with the Alexander McQueen exhibit "Savage Beauty", Yohji Yamamoto exhibit at the V&A in London, Balenciaga and Spain at the de Young in San Francisco, The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and many more it looks like 2012 is going to be really exciting for the Historical Fashion Fans. I am sure there are other exhibitions out there, so this list is by no means complete in any way, but after a short google search these were the ones I found. If you know of others, please drop me an email. If I find out others I will happily post them. Now to decided which ones to try to visit this year:

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk	de Young Museum, San Francisco	March 24 - August 19, 2012
Ballgowns - British Glamour Since 1950's	V&A, London	May 19 - Jan 6, 2013
Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada: On Fashion	Costume Institute at the Met, NYC	May 10 - August 19, 2012
“Louis Vuitton Marc Jacobs,” a retrospective of Jacobs’ work at LV	Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris	March 9-September 16, 2012
Yves Saint Laurent — The Retrospective	Denver Art Museum, Denver Colorado	March 25 - July 8, 2012
Fifty Years of James Bond Style	The Barbican, London	April 2012
IMPACT: 50 years of the CFDA	FIT Museum, NYC	Feb 10 - April 17, 2012
Christian Louboutin	Design Museum, London	March 28 - July 01, 2012
Diana Vreeland: The Eye has to Travel	Fortuny Musuem, Venice Italy	March 2012
Azzedine Alaïain the 21st Centruy	Groninger Museum in Groningen, The Netherlands	Currently until May 6th, 2012
Walter van Beirendonck: "Dream the World Awake"	Fashion Museum in Antwerpen	Currently until February 19, 2012
Silvia Venturini Fendi: Limited/Unlimited	Alta Roma	Jan 28-31, 2012
Roger Vivier: Process to Perfection	Bata Shoe Museum, Toronto	May 10 - April 7, 2013

kitty: Happy New Years 2012

2012-01-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

Happy New Years....

There really isn't a lot to wrap up on the knitting or crafting front for of 2012. Life and work really took over all of my free time for knitting. All an all this past year has been a tough one and I am frankly glad to see it end. Sadly it isn't starting off well either.

Hope the year to come will be a good one for all of you guys! Take care

P.S. On another note I just realized this blog has been around since November 2004. Even I have a hard time believing it has been up that long.

kitty: A new fall sweater

2011-09-23T12:30:00.002-05:00

Pattern: Pumpkin Pie
Designer: Heather Dixon
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Cotton

I haven't had a lot of time for knitting as of late, but I did just finish a fun pattern by Heather Dixon called Pumpkin Pie. It had been on my list of things to knit for awhile. So when Wendy of Knit and Tonic fame listed a lot of 12 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted Cotton on her destash list this summer I jumped on the listing.

The yarn feels like a teddy bear, but sadly is already piling after just one wearing.

kitty: I scream, We all scream for good buttons!!!

2011-07-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

I scream, We all scream for good buttons!!!

Recently I ran across an amazing etsy seller, Chocolate Bayou Shop who sales vintage buttons in fairly large quantities. A part of me wanted to keep her site info all to myself, but I decided I shouldn't be greedy and to share the info. Her buttons are very nice quality. They arrived quickly and well packed. And what always gets me the most they had a hand written thank you note. Something I always treasured when Yahaira owned her online yarn shop that kept me coming back.

Here is the group of buttons that I recently picked up from her recently. I have been desperately looking for good buttons for Cria. (I even am waiting on ones from Israel.) I may have gone a little overboard, but she is having a Christmas in July sale so I couldn't resist.

kitty: a little knitting action going on.... Cria

2011-07-18T12:54:00.000-05:00

Zeiss Ikon Nettar
It has a viewfinder, folding bellow, self-erecting,
produces 6*6cm exposures on 120 film.

It feels like I have been working on Cria forever, I started it the end of May and now I find myself mid July. I only have about 25 rows left on the left sleeve so the end is in site. Really no reason other than the work and the heat to be honest. The pattern is a lot of fun and I have to say I absolutely love this yarn. I would jump on the chance to buy it again.

Kitty: Semi Finals of the World Cup of Food - FRA 1 vs SWE 2 - Truffle Oil Steak with Truffle Oil Mushrooms

2011-07-18T01:04:00.003-05:00

France 1 vs Sweden 2

Today's entry is French Truffle Oil Steak with Truffle Grilled Mushrooms. I had a great plan to cook this entry and also a Swedish Sandwich Cake for lunch. The final game started before I was able to finish cooking both dishes.

Warning the following recipes are also just general outlines since I didn't have enough time to write down the measurements as I was cooking.

Truffle Oil Mushrooms

10 large Button Mushrooms
Truffle Oil
Paprika
Dried Dill

Dip
Honey
Vanilla Powder

Coat the mushrooms with all of the seasonings and grill on a hot grill until done.

Truffle Oil Steak

1 Strip Steak
Paprika
Coriander
Onion Powder
Truffle Oil

Greek Olives

Coat both sides of the steak with the seasonings above and only grill on one side to sear in the seasonings. Grill the meat until it is medium rare

Combine 1 slice of meat, 1/4 of a mushroom, and one greek olive

Happy Belated 4th of July

2011-07-05T16:45:00.001-05:00

Happy Belated 4th of July...
Hope you all had a blast!!

Photos taken by M during Red White and Boom

Kitty: Day 4 of the World Cup of Food - FRA 4 vs CAN 0 - Steak Crackers & French Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart

2011-06-30T21:13:00.001-05:00

France 4 vs Canada 0

Today's entries are Steak Crackers and a French Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart. I figured I needed to do two recipes today because France had such a resounding win today. The largest scoring for any game so far

Nothing really says summer to me better than a Custard Fruit Tart. Something really light and happy with berries on top always puts me in a good mood. Traditionally you would melt down a cup of jam to pain your fruit, but I have never liked the texture. I just soak my fruit in vanilla powder and sugar instead before putting the fruit on the tart.

French Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart

Short Bread Crust (Recipe was originally given to me by an old friend to make short bread cookies. The recipe works for both. Thanks always C.T.)

1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup of natural sugar
1/4 of a teaspoon of salt
10 Tablespoons of butter
1 large egg yolk

1) Add the sugar to the food processor and pulse for 2-5 minutes until you have turned the natural sugar almost into confectioner's sugar
2) Add the rest of the dry ingredients to the food processor and pulse them to combine.
3) Cut up the butter and slowly add the butter to the dry ingredients, pulse the ingredients until the mixture looks like the coarse meal.

4) Break up the egg yolk with your hands and add it to the mixture. You will want to pulse the mixture until it comes together

5) Butter and flower a fluted tart pan with a removable bottom and press the dough evenly over the surface of the pan.
6) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
7) Butter a piece of aluminum foil that fits the bottom and the sides of the crust and place it on top of the dough and cook for 30 minutes
8) Remove the aluminium foil and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
9) Let cool for at least 30 minutes before you are ready to assemble

Vanilla Custard

2 cups of Whole Milk
7 large egg yolks
1/3 cup of cornstarch
1/2 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of salted butter

1) Add Milk and vanilla to a sauce pan and bring the mixture up to boil while cooking on low.

2) In another bowl whisk the yolks, sugar, and cornstarch together in a metal bowl.
3) When the milk and vanilla boils, remove from heat and measure out 1 cup of hot milk and slowly drizzle it into the yolk mixture to warm the eggs while whisking continually. (It is better to take a long time to drizzle than to cook your eggs)
4) When the first cup is added you will want to add the rest of the milk to the yolk mixture.
5) Cut up the butter into small pieces and add to the mixture.
6) When the butter has melted, pour the mixture back into the original sauce pan and return to the eye.
7) Bring mixture up to a boil again while continuing to whisk constantly for a minute
8) Remove from the heat and allow to set for 10 minutes then transfer it to a bowl to allow to cool in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

Garnishing Fruit

Blueberries
Raspberries
Strawberries, etc
1 tablespoon each bowl Natural Sugar
Shake of Vanilla Powder

1) Wash the fruits and put to marinate with 1tablespoon of sugar per bowl and a shake of vanilla powder to each bowl
2) Allow to marinate for 30 minutes

Assembly

1) Pour the cooled custard into the tart shell
2) Add the fruit to the top of the custard

Steak Crackers

2 Small steaks
Cream Cheese
Chopped Black Olives
Grape Tomatoes
Fruity Red Wine
Ritz Crackers

1) Place 2 small steaks on the grill and sear with the red wine on each side

2) Place a handful of the olives on one side of the steak while it finishes to cook on the finale flip

Assemble

1 cracker, a small smear of cream cheese, a small bite of steak, 1/2 half of grape tomato, and a piece of the hot olive.

Kitty: Day 3 of the World Cup of Food - BRA 1 vs AUS 0 - Brazilian Churrasquinhos-

2011-06-29T20:56:00.002-05:00

Brazil 1 vs Australia 0

Tonight meal was Churrasquinhos to celebrate Brazil's win over Australia. I'm sorry Australian friends. :( I actually really really wanted to make Lamington tonight :(

So a little bit about tonight meal. Churrasco is a Portuguese term referring to beef or grilled meat served as a principle ingredient in Brazilian and other Latin American cuisines. In Brazil though "Churrasqueira" requires a special BBQ grill that is designed to only support skewers or a spit. So sadly I had to substitute with just metal skewers on the grill. I didn't get to enjoy the skewers directly above the charcoal embers and that rich smoky taste. None the less it made for an enjoyable meal.

Brazilian Churrasquinhos

1lb of beef chunks
1 medium Spanish Onion
6 strips of thick smoked bacon
1/2 bottle of Jarritos Tamarind Soda
1/2 teaspoon of dill
1/4 cup of olive oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
Juice and sliced pineapple
1 head of romaine lettuce

1) Chop one onion into small pieces and combine the rest of the ingredients into a small bowl. (Minus the pineapple and lettuce)
2) Marinade mixture for 1 hour in your refrigerator

3) Take one skewer and place the bacon on the skewer weaving back and forth bacon, meat, bacon, meat, bacon, meat until the end of the strip of bacon. Repeat for the remaining of your ingredients.

4) Place on a hot grill and grill until the bacon is crispy and the beef is cooked through

5) Wash and break up the salad and place in a metal bowl. Pour the juice from a container of fresh cut pineapple over the grilled skewers and place half of the can of pineapple in the salad.

Ready to serve. The wilted lettuce under the skewers that have the bacon grease is obviously the best part.

Hope you enjoy today's entry in the World Cup of Food!!!

kitty: Day 2 of the World Cup of Food - ENG 1 vs MEX 1- Basil Oil and Mexican Fajita

2011-06-28T21:29:00.002-05:00

England 1 vs Mexico 1

Mexican Fajita, what could be wrong with any grilled meat served on a flour tortilla? Absolutely nothing!!!! We went with a very traditional version using skirt steak, mushrooms, onion, avocados, cheese, tomatoes, but with a little basil twist.

Basil Oil

2 cups of Shredded fresh basil
1 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1) Wash and remove the stems from fresh basil and place it in a blender
2) Pour in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
3) Chop just until the leaves are finely chopped ( do not puree) and oil is blended together
4) Pour mixture into a sauce pan over low heat. Stir occasionally until bubbles form around the sides and it reaches 165f degrees.

5) In a strainer lined with cheese cloth or silk pour the mixture and allow to cool for 1 hour
6) After oil passes through, gather the cloth and twist the top with a pair of chopsticks and transfer to your storage jar.

7) Squeeze the basil until no oil drips out of the basil bundle. Transfer your basil to a dish to use latter and cover the oil with a lid and store in the refrigerator. The oil will keep for a couple of weeks.

Mexican Fajita

1 lb. of skirt steak cut into chunks
1 Medium Spanish Onion
2 Large handfuls of thick sliced mushrooms
2 packets of sazon
1 teaspoon of adobo with pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Basil Olive Oil

Garnishing
Flour or Corn Tortilla
Tomatoes
Avocado
Equal portions of grated Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack Cheese

1) Put a small bit of Basil Olive Oil in the bottom of a cast iron skillet an add the onions to sweat until they are transparent
2) Turn the skillet to low and add the beef to the onions and continue to cook until the outside edges start to turn.

3) Add sazon, adobo, the 2 cups of cooked basil from the basil oil cooked above, salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook on low for 5 minutes

4) Add the mushrooms and stir in to the mixture and cook on low until the meat is cooked through.

While the Mixture continues to cook....
5) Take pre-cooked Tortilla shells and heat them on a griddle pan until they start to bubble
6) Plate Dish with a portion of the meat filling, 2-3 slices of avocado, 2-3 slices of tomatoes, and a small pinch of cheese

Serve to your happy dinner guest!

kitty: Let the World Food Cup Begin - JP 2 vs NZL 1 - Fifa Women's World Cup Germany 2011

2011-06-27T21:04:00.003-05:00

Wow... another 4 years has passed and it is time for the Women's FIFA World Cup of Football to begin. Some of you may remember that in years past M and I have done the World Cup of Food to correspond to the winner each day in the past. Well we are off to a bad start already, we forgot it started yesterday. So our batting average is already not that great, but we are not going to let that stop us in our culinary delights.

Let the Games Begin....

Winner Japan 2 vs New Zealand 1

Tan Tan Mein and Onsen Tamago

Tan Tan Mein is technically a Chinese dish but I was inspired to cook this since we have seen it so many times on one of our favorite Japanese cooking shows, Saturday Night Chubaw!(Catch it on youtube)

Onsen Tamago though is most certainly a Japanese treat. Basically it is an egg cooked slowly in water from a hot spring. The egg whites are soft and the yokes are only slightly hard.

Tan Tan Mein

1 Medium Spanish Onion
2-3 Garlic Cloves
8 Dried Shiitake Mushroom and soaking water
1/2 lb. Black Pork
1/4 cup of aged Shiitake Mushroom Soy Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon of Pepper
Small Handful of MSG (Optional)
Cooking oil
Thin Sliced Cucumber
Bean Sprouts

1) Put Shiitake mushrooms to soak as you chop onions and garlic into small pieces

2) Put a small bit of Cooking Oil to cover the bottom of your Sauce Pan and add the onions and garlic.

3) Sweat the onions and the garlic in the skillet until the onions have just turned translucent.

4) While the onions and garlic are cooking take out the soaking shiitake mushrooms and slice into 1 cm inch thick strips and place back into soaking water.

4) Place mushrooms and ground black pork into the sauce pan and start to mix and break apart the pork bits.

5) Add soy sauce, MSG, and pepper to the rest of the ingredients

6) Cook until the pork has cooked through stirring occasionally.

As the Pork mixture continues to cook it is time to shake shake shake your noodles.

1 packet of Frozen Yaki Soba Noodles per person

1) Boil a large pot of water
2) Place one packet of noodles into a drainer and continue to dip into water and shake until the noodles are done

Save your water!!!

When the noodles are done it is time to serve.

Place one package of noodles, 2/3 cup of pork mixture, a handful of bean sprouts, and a few pieces of thinly sliced cucumbers.

Onsen Tamago

1 Small Chicken Thigh Debonned
6 slices Japanese Cucumber
4 tablespoons of Tan Tan Mein Pork
2 Egg
Splash of Light Soy Sauce or Soba Noodle Sauce if available
Fish Flakes (Katsuobushi)

1) Cook One debonned chicken thigh in boiling water until it is cooked through and slice in thin strips

2) From your saved noodle water place 2 raw eggs into the water one on each side and allow to boil in the water. (My Cheap substitute for real Onesen water)

3) Time to plate:
3 Slices of cucumber in each bowl on the bottom
3 Slices of Chicken Thigh
2 Tablespoons of Tan Tan Mein Pork
1 Cooked Egg
1 Hand full of Fish Flakes (Katsuobushi)

Enjoy, I am off to go watch the England vs Mexico game on Tivo!

kitty: Happy Belated World Wide Knit in Public Day!!!

2011-06-12T15:53:00.004-05:00

Happy Belated World Wide Knit in Public Day!!!!!

How did you spend your day?

My day started off with breakfast at La Chatelaine - (La Chatelaine Restaurant on Lane)

M and I had a leisurely breakfast and had a breakfast sandwich, small caesar salad, with tea/coffee. The morning was pretty perfect especially considering the storms had kept us up almost all night with cracks of thunder and lightening that lite up the bedroom.

Then we started our long list of errands for the day. The first stop was our favorite used camera store. You really never know what treasures you will find hidden among the huge inventory. (World of Used Photography - worldofusedphotography.com ) Here is a photo of M testing a lens I really really want that he has in stock. Just trying to find a good reason to own it. It really needs a full frame camera and I would need to take more portraits.. Should I buy or should I dream?

After finishing our errands we decided to park at the top of the Short North and walk to North Market. We had planned on going to take photos of roses in the Park of Roses for our exercise for the day, but they had a rose show going on at the time and a wedding. No fun to just take photos of random people when you want to take photos of flowers. We ended up stopping to get a drink and for me to knit a few rows.

Did you know realize that Columbus, Ohio probably has the most World Wide Knit in Public Day events going on than any other place in the world. TNNA has been taking place for several years now at the Convention Center.

Knitting came along for dinner at our favorite little Chinese restaurant Lotus Grill There English menu is average Americanized Chinese food, but there Chinese menu truly rocks. There food is always consistent and the owners are truly dear. You can not help but love the guy who works the front desk, he always makes us laugh. The price are even great to boot.

And of course the day would not be complete without hitting Stauf's for coffee. It really is the perfect place for M to work and me to knit. As an added bonus though MG and her husband stopped by to join us. We spent a lot of time though watching the insane line for Jeni's ice cream two doors down. (Jeni's Fresh Ice Cream - Grandview Heights, OH) ( Don't forget Jeni's new book is out - Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream) At one point a woman came in saying she had stood and counted 165 people waiting. We just sat in amazement.

So much to my delight MG and I spent the last few hours of knit in public day together knitting in public. What every good knitbuddy should do!!!!

Happy Knit in Public Day!!!

PS: The project that you see in all the photos is "Cria" pattern by Ysolda in her new upcoming book Little Red in the City.

kitty: working on cria

2011-06-05T23:16:00.001-05:00

I ended up taking a break tonight and knitting a few rounds on Cria at Stauf's. Really loving the shoulder construction, it is a lot of fun and most of all something new. So glad that it is not another raglan sweater. Though my only gripe is that I had to print out the pattern, cannot remember the last time I was forced to waste paper to do so. Due to the tables though I really didn't see another way. (I normally just copy over the pdf's to ibooks and read them from my iphone or ipad. It really works well for a paperless solution even with lace patterns.)

Hope everyone has a great week.

kitty: food for thought: So when some one says architectural fashion what do they really mean?

2011-06-01T23:43:00.002-05:00

Some food for thought.... I recently got into a long discussion with a friend about who I thought of when one mentioned Architectural Fashion Designers. The majority of the ones I thought of were historical in nature or ones who designed garments with very strong bones. Our ideas were pretty dramatically different. I haven't really kept up with the cutting edge of fashion these past years so my reference points date back to when I was doing research.

Then it came around to the question: So when some one says architectural fashion what do they really mean?

So I thought I would at least write up a blog post about my feelings on the subject. So here goes......

In the last couple of years there seems to have been a lot of talk about a connection between fashion and architecture. Many researchers have been trying to draw a connection between the two disciplines and pointing out the recent development of design processes, fabrication, and aesthetic directions. Though most of these writers and designers act like fashion and architecture are a recent connection. When the topic actually dates back through out textile history.

Take the early Egyptians and the theory of what was beautiful in both adornment and fashion they all resembled the pyramid. The Romans and Greek dress closely resembled the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, fine pleating was use to gracefully cover the body with elaborate jewelry that graced the neck. The Chinese duplicated the knots that were found in the window treatments in their textile designs and textile closures. They also used elaborate jade that graced both the walls and jewelry. The Dutch actually wrote early on in the last century about architecture being used to construct their garments to protect the elements. During the 20’s you had the flapper gowns that depicted the linear structure of the “new high rise” building of the day. While in Germany during 1919-1933 you had the Bauhaus school, which strongly influenced the architecture, graphic design, industrial, and fashion of the day. Then came Christian Dior and the New Look a strong structural garment with rigid construction during the ‘40’s.

The list could go on an on.

Take the Fortuny Gown to the right; (Other Examples) Based on the Greek Chiton Columns the Delphos gown was Fortuny's most famous design. Another great designer copied this gown in the 80's, Issey Miyake with his Pleats Please designs. Early Greek History - 1920-40's - 80-Present and all often described as having an architectural element.

So when some one says architectural fashion what do they really mean?

Both garments and building protect the body and provide shelter from the elements. They both allow you to express your personal identity. The earliest example of both buildings and clothing were born out of necessity. It was a long time before they were actually “designed.”

The design processes though has a lot of parallels for both architects and fashion designers begin with preliminary sketches. Then models are produced to work on a precise fit through painstaking hours of perfecting the end product. Then when both designer finish the drawings and patterns, they are then rendered with the use of computer CAD programs to check for structural integrity and then rendered patterns for production.

So given that train of thought architectural fashion design would be the use of structural elements to create the bones of the garment that protects the body from the element. It covers a wide range of designs and concept from early historical textile to modern day.

Though it seems during recent years the definition has become a little more muddled. Some historians now define it as the use of geometry to generate structural forms in garments. Even when the greatest Geometrical designer, Issey Miake does not define himself as an architectural designer but a structural designer.

Just from some common observation in the recent years people are using Architectural fashion to be anything from:

Geometrical Structural Garments
Fabrics that create hard and round lines
Proportions that are exaggerated angles and floating layers
3-D Designs - Bones, Pleats, Folds, Smocking, Pinning, Layers, Surface Textures, etc.
Strong structural shapes and forms

The new guards of fashion designers that use the term architectural fashion designer really vary;

Pierre Balmain “Dressmaker of the architectural movement” to Gianfranco Ferré known as “The Architect of fashion” both held degrees in architecture
Swedish Designer Sandra Backlund who declares that her designs are not architectural but a way to “naturally distort the silhouette”.
Hussein Chalayan (View some examples), Rem Koolhaas, Derek Lam & Bradley Quinn who are the new guard of “The Fashion Architects”

Screen captured from pingmag.jp 6/15/2007 from the Skin + Bones Exhibition in London

After reading more about the modern movement Hussein Chalayan's name does keep pooping up and the designer that is shaping the new architectural fashion movement. One New York Times reporter even compared his greatness to Christian Dior's New Look.

Hussein Chalayan his blog - and interview with Designs boom -- current collection

So really the answer could be as varied as textile history, but certainly not a new concept. Like they always say... nothing is new in fashion and everything is a copy!

kitty: needle lace buttons and crochet buttons

2011-05-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

Some textile historians link the popularity of needle lace buttons with the masses to Queen Victoria's Silver Jubilee and the decline of the Hair Mourning Jewelry Industry. Women who had been working in the Hair industry suddenly had more time on their hands and used the similar techniques to start weaving buttons on small linen frames. The linen frames were used both for the hair and string art that were popular during the Victorian era so the supplies were readily available.

Crochet buttons actually date much earlier in popularity as well as tatted buttons.

I was trolling the ebay vintage button section and ran across these really amazing examples of both crochet and needle lace buttons. Though probably the most amazing thing was the linen forms that were also in the bag with the buttons.

Needle Lace buttons hold a special place in my heart since over the years. When I am asked to talk to embroidery groups and craft groups I have often taught classes on these techniques. I would show examples of the knots and wraps in both mourning jewelry and buttons. Over the years I have spent many hours reverse engineering the techniques used in Victorian Mourning Jewlery.

In a lot of the Victorian crafting literature you see lots of references on how to create crochet buttons or tatted buttons for your lingerie, but seldom do you see references on the needle lace buttons. Though in historical collections there are a lot of examples.

The two buttons above are less than a 3/4 of a centimeters big and are absolutely amazing examples of needle lace.

This type of spoke button is one of the most common. Though I had not seen the knots that run over the edge before on this button.

This button is an example of one of the first 3D hair ornaments that you were taught to make when weaving with hair. So this was a very popular motif.

The last three buttons here are crocheted. The first two show an example of embroidery techniques used in conjunction with crochet to embellish the top of these two sand dollar inspired buttons.

And finally this is the type of crochet button I think we are all familiar with, but this one was done over a hollow bead that has not been stuffed to give them shape.

kitty: one week latter...

2011-05-06T16:00:00.001-05:00

It is hard to believe a week ago today I was caught up in the Royal Wedding frenzy. I was cooking up a storm, throwing a tea party, swooning over all the hats and fascinators and sitting on pins and needles waiting for the 2 kisses. Yes, if you didn't know it before now I am totally royal obsessed. One of my little collections is even Royal memorabilia plates and glasses.

Check out some of the other examples of Royal Memorabilia available on the collectable market:

Princess Diana and Prince Charles Wedding Plates - Worthpoint
Queen Elizabeth Plates - Worthpoint
Queen Victoria Plates - Worthpoint
HRH Prince William - Worthpoint

So the 28th I spent most of the day cooking up a storm for a tea party to start around 4:00 am. 7 Savories and 8 Sweets.

And I am still working on left overs a week latter.

kitty: Metamorphosis II & III

2011-05-04T18:25:00.001-05:00

One of the big problems that I think we all run into, we post FO on Ravelry and then forget to come and update our blogs with finished photos of what we have been working on.

Well remember all the Design your own shawl class post I was doing a few months back. Well I finished 2 versions of the shawl and posted them a few months back. I just realized today that I didn't update knitbuddies.

So here are the two versions of Metamorphosis.

Name: Metamorphosis - Version 2 - Ravelry
Designer: Priscilla Meredith
Fibers: Wollmeise 100% Merino Superwash
Needles: 3mm

Name: Metamorphosis - Version 3 Ravelry
Designer: Priscilla Meredith
Fibers: Marion Foale 3ply wool yarn - 2 hanks Olive(092) 1 hank Teal(017)
Needles: 3mm

For the second version I tried a new yarn that Knit and Purl was carrying, Marion Foale 3ply wool yarn. I was really impressed by the colours that were available so I just wanted a simple project to try out the yarn. I was really impressed with the stitch definition.

kitty: Will you remember me in maytime??

2011-05-01T20:32:00.005-05:00

Maytime always makes me think of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy and my grandparents... Some of my happiest childhood memories are watching Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy movies with my grandparents and mom.

.... Will you remember me in maytime?

Happy May Day!

kitty: just some photo candy

2011-03-28T23:32:00.001-05:00

Just a few photos from San Francisco this past weekend. March 2011

kitty: Knitting question??? What is this stitched/technique called...

2011-02-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

Knitting question??? What is this stitched called...

When you are purling back a row with yarn overs there are at least 2 different ways to purl those stitches.

1: Using the long back leg which creates a larger hole
2: Sliding the right hand needle over the left hand needle creating a twist in the yarn and a hole half the size

Any idea what these two different stitches are called?

kitty: homework.... Lace Stitch inspiration books

2011-02-16T15:42:00.001-05:00

If some of you haven't guessed I have a knitting book obsession. Or to be more honest a book obsession. No surprising for someone who use to own a used book aggregated site on the internet for 8 years. To be honest if the cover of the book looks interesting I will probably order it it to add it to my collection, old or new. I troll through ebay looking for interesting vintage pattern books and pamphlets to add to the collection. It breaks up the deadline of my normal day. So the discussion came up recently about recommendations for knitting lace stitch books. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order.
Knitting Pattern Books
	Knitting Lace By Susan Lewis The 91 motifs presented in this book were taken from a 19th century lace sampler in the Brooklyn Museum. Lewis dissects and charts each pattern to make them accessible to lace knitters of all skill levels. In this book, you will find complete written and charted instructions for all 91 patterns in the sampler. Full instructions for four lace projects: a shawl, a sweater, a girl's dress, and socks/stockings. Detailed directions to design and chart your own lace patterns. Information for machine knitters to convert hand-knitting charts to machine.
	Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns By Thomas, Mary Probably the best such manual ever written. A new motif or design in each chapter; over 300 figures illustrating the patterns.
	Barbara Abbey's Knitting Lace By Barbara Abbey By popular demand (and lobbying from Sandy Terp), Barbara Abbey s Knitting Lace is back in print. There appears to be another swell of interest in lace knitting; wonderful! This book is one of only two I know of that is dedicated to lace edgings (and the other one has been out of print for many years); 100 of them to be exact; plus some background lace and instructions for doilies. An excellent - and unique - resource, now in hardcover.
	Heirlooms Knitting By Sharon Miller She also has written: Shetland Hap Shawls, Princess Shawl, The Lerwick Lace Shawl, Love Darg Shetland Shawls (Just ordered)
	Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters By Druchunas, Donna Qiviut, or musk ox down, is a world-class fiber--luxurious, warm, and lightweight. People who experience it become obsessed. Qiviut makes perfect hand-knitted lace, as demonstrated by the Alaskan artisans of Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers' Co-op. This book presents how-tos for knitting and designing lace, projects suited to new as well as experienced lace knitters, yarn sources, and comprehensive cultural background.
	THe Haapsalu Shawl: A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia By Siiri Reimann & Aime Edasi A glorious, coffee-table size book of knitted lace, Estonia and a binding love between the two. Not a simple pattern book, and certainly not a project book, but a time capsule into a far off world where the soul of a people is captured in the hands that guide the needles to create the indigenous patterns of a rich heritage. The photography capturing this world is rich and the drawings and charts make the techniques and patterns close to a hands-on learning experience.
	Shetland Lace Knitting From Charts By Hazel Carter
	Creating Original Hand-knitted Lace By Margaret Stove Intended for all levels of skill, Margaret Stove's new book, with 236 illustrations and diagrams, is unique in that it is specifically designed to enable knitters to create original hand-knitted lace. The opening chapter looks back over the years to the sixteenth century and the first knitting to use holes in a decorative manner. Early chapters then discuss the structure of knitting, the 'tools of the trade' and where and when lace can be used to its best advantage. With accompanying step-by-step pictures and diagrams, the effects of individual stitches are illustrated and explained. Having examined how stitches can be created, readers are invited to participate in specific, carefully described and illustrated exercises. Readers are then introduced to the important stage of project planning and then provided with a detailed account of how it is possible to progress from the 'visionary' stage of inspiration through the practical stages of design to the ultimate finished product.
	The Art of Shetland Lace By Sarah Don The authoritative book on the finest of knitting. Technique, instructions and patterns for the gossamer wedding ring laces
Japanese First and formost any book written by the Prince of Knitting is just pure knitting inspiration or crochet patterns.
	1000 pattern stitch - knitting patterns crochet knitting needle definitive editions By When they say definitive edition in the title they really do not lie on that one. There are 3 stitch books that I don't think I could live without. This is one of them. I simply adore this book and a lot of patterns you don't see in the other books. I actually picked up my copy while I was in China, one of the only 2 knitting books at the bookstore.
	Couture Knitted Patterns by Hitomi Shida ISBN-13: 978-4529041768 And this would be the 2nd stitch book I couldn't live without. :)
	Figured 250 Gorgeous Knit Patterns by Hirose Mitsuharu ISBN-13: 978-4529042284 And the 3rd stitch book
Lace Shawls
	Knitted Lace of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions By Bush, Nancy Combining some of the oldest knitted artifacts in Northern Europe with authentic tips and expert advice, this distinctive guidebook demonstrates a wide range of knitting knowledge. Featuring 14 heirloom-quality projects, this savvy reference includes traditional lace-knitting techniques such as the starburst, twig, peacock, and lily of the valley patterns. Modern variations on classic methods and adding lace edges are also explored, and photographs from several Estonian museums beautifully illustrate various completed designs. With accessible graphed and written instructions, the projects include Estonian-style shawls, stoles, and scarves.
	A Gathering of Lace By Swansen, Meg Editor Rowley, Elaine Photographer Xenakis, Alexis Collected from knitting designers all over the world, the patterns in this guide will be a joy to create for any knitter. The lavish full-color illustrations and easy-to-follow instruction charts will make these traditional patterns an exciting addition to a lace knitter's repertoire. From beginner to advanced, the 34 projects contained include designs for sweaters, vests, shawls, scarves, gloves, and socks. With beautiful photographs of these unique patterns, this knitting book is perfect for those who love to knit lace and those who would love to learn.
	Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls By Waterman, Martha Timeless and beautiful shawls from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in an array of shapes with openwork, textured stitches, and lace edgings. Everything you need to know to design and knit your own shawls is provided, including detailed instructions for eight shawls.
	Victorian Lace Today By Sowerby, Jane Photographer Xenakis, Alexis Part project book and part history lesson, this unmatched collection of lace patterns offers techniques for embellishment and edging to shawls and scarves. The 40 projects are deciphered, rewritten, charted, and adapted for modern tools and fibers. Illustrated.
	The Gossamer Webs Design Collection: Three Orenburg Shawls to Knit By Khmeleva, Galina Presenting three classic Orenburg-style lace patterns in written form for the very first time. Created from a series of basic elements and patterns handed down from generation to generation from the Orenburg region of Russia, Galina Khmeleva has worked with these talented craftspeople to bring you these unique knitted masterpieces. Create your own heirloom shawl following step-by-step instructions and charts laid out for ease of knitting from bottom to top.
Historical Reprints
	The First Book of Modern Lace Knitting By Kinzel, Marianne Easily learned, low-cost fundamental methods for over 25 distinctive projects, including Rose Leaf, English Crystal, Mosaic, Coronet, Valentine, Celandine, more. Includes diagrams, charts, and photographs of completed articles.
	The Second Book of Modern Lace Knitting By Kinzel, Marianne Perfect for knitters of all skill levels, eye-catching designs include Grand Slam, Lilac Time, Maidenhair, and others. The book features step-by-step directions for creating over 29 complete projects. 41 illustrations.
	Knitted Lace Designs of Herbert Neibling By Herbert Niebling The name of Herbert Niebling has become legendary among lace-knitters.In his designs you may find familiar leaves and flowers - but frequently his extraordinary and unique motifs will make you gasp; he seems to bend the "rules" of knitting to near-impossible lengths. Over two dozen patterns are included - edited and revised by Mary Frances Wogec - along with her full English translation. What a treat. This beautiful book, Knitted Lace Designs of Herbert Niebling is a reprint of Gestrickte Spitzendecken by Eva Maria Leszner. However, the English translator discovered errors in many of the instructions - and has corrected everything she found. Most comforting as you launch into one of these spectacular designs.her
Faroe Islands
	Bundanaurriklaedid By Imported from the Faroe Islands, 19 traditional Faroese shawls; color photos; charts and schematics. Hardcover, plus complete softcover English translation supplement by Marilyn Van Keppel
	Three-cornered and Long Shawls By Sigridur Halldórsdóttir The reprint of a near-legendary Icelandic shawl book contains instructions and charts for 27 lovely lace shawls and scarves knitted with Icelandic Laceweight or UnSpun Icelandic wools. Author's English translation included.
German
	Kunst Stricken: GroBe und kleine DeckenISBN: 9783897980709 Verlag fur die Frau SC Folio 16 pp. + 4 fold-out pattern charts This pattern folio contains the instructions and charts for 36 gorgeous knitted lace articles. The patterns are for round, square and oval articles of varying sizes. Each of the patterns is charted on the large fold-out charts included and two of the patterns are also translated into English. Also included is an English translation of the knitting symbols used. A gorgeous collection!
	Kunststricken: Schone historische Muster ISBN: 9783897982260 Verlag fur die Frau SC Folio 6 fold-out pattern charts This pattern folio contains a collection of 24 mid-20th century knitted lace patterns for table runners and doilies. The designs are charted on six large fold-out pattern sheets. Please note: The text and symbols for these patterns are in German.
	Omas Strickgeheimnisse by Erika Eichenseer, Erika Grill And Betta Kron. 200 historical knitting patterns from a folk museum collection. Comes with English translation.

kitty: homework.... big mistake in the design, time to rip

2011-02-13T16:45:00.001-05:00

Hold the presses.... BIG MISTAKE

So on paper this didn't look like it would be a big deal. The core stitch patterns were balanced and it flows from the pattern before, but the reality is plain ugly. So back to the drawing board.

Reason:

1) There is one stitch difference on the left and right side. I didn't think this would be a big deal but as you can see the right hand side is a nice smooth increase while the left hand side is bunchy and forms awkward lines.

2) There needs to be some holes in this section. It is just to solid for what other wise is a really airy design.

So bottom line it is a failure so back to the starting board. I just ripped out stitch pattern 3 and the start of stitch pattern 4 to start over again. :(

kitty: homework.... part 2 my inspiration board

2011-02-11T16:30:00.002-05:00

Images used for inspiration:

Sky and Water II 1938 woodcut - Echer
Doric Columns 1945 wood engraving - Echer
Metamorphosis III 1967-1968 - Echer
Doric Columns and the Doric Order of Classical Architecture

My shawl is coming along fairly well. I hit a major snag last night because I ran out of colour 3 in pattern 4 of the linen. So I had to order more yarn from Linnet. Thankfully they actually had the same colour. I know the dye lot will be wrong, but I didn't have a lot of choice. Linnet seems to never really have a full stock on any of there threads and I never catch it when my favorite colours are in stock.

Above is the inspiration board that I did for the design and a rough sketch of how I wanted the columns and the cubes to flow and morph into each other. The idea is a play on l ines/ columns and varations of the cube and how it moves or morphs.

Here is how far I am on the first version of the shawl. I am up to row 96 and on the 4th pattern.

Since I ran out of yarn I started another version last night to test the pattern. I am using Wollmeise that I picked up at The Loop in London.

Not sure how the pattern will turn out, but I am currently really liking how the pattern is moving along. The whole process is making me happy and I am learning a lot.

kitty: colour of the year

2011-02-10T22:28:00.002-05:00

"A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it."
Pantone / fashion + Home

As today launches Mercedes Fashion Week(NEW YORK FASHION WEEK . FEBRUARY 10 – 17, 2011), I thought it would be appropriate to do a post about the official colour of 2011. So not sure how many of us will be wearing Honeysuckle this year, but the colours for spring and fall are certainly happy.

I really love the colours particularly for fall. Though I really haven't seen many yarn companies picking up these colours for the spring line up.

Pantone Spring 2011 Report - Pantone Fall 2011 Report

Honeysuckle, Coral Rose, Peapod, Beeswax, Silver Peony, Russet, Regatta, Blue Curacoa, Lavender, Silver Cloud

Bamboo, Emberglow, Honeysuckle, Phlox, Cedar, Deep Teal, Coffee Liqueur, Nougat, Orchid Hush, Quarry

All images and colours were taken from the Pantone website.

kitty:homework

2011-02-09T22:27:00.000-05:00


Visit Design Your Own Shawl	Yep... That's right... I recently signed up to take Stefanie Japel's Design your Own Shawl Class. Between the deadlines this weekend I did a lot of research on possible lace stitches to use in my design and then I sat and charted it out the design while watching the snow outside the kitchen window.

I am really happy with the patterns that I decided on. I am using a combination of 5 different patterns that are all based on either linear or squares. Nothing really fussy, but all with at least to my eye had an architectural line.

Then I decided on using a sample pack of linen thread that I bought from Linnet a few months back. The only problem is that I have no idea what the actual yardage is on the 4 spools. Stay tuned for more homework reports....

kitty: Local event at Temptations, Dublin

2011-01-28T15:39:00.001-05:00

Sadly I forgot my camera yesterday, so no real photos to share of the Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter event at Temptations. Temptations held an event for the launch of Michelle's Knit along with Addi needles and Trekking yarn. Trekking yarn is celebrating there 20th aniversay with a schedul of KAL. The first one Is for a Top down sock using:

Trekking XXL color "Susanne"
Each of the skein sold of the limited edition colour, Skacel will donate $10.00 to the MArsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research. and Karen at Temptations will donate another $2.50 to the research center.

Add for Skacel
20 years of Zitron Trekking Sock Yarn

Buy a ball of addi Trekking XXL
from Temptations
Click Here

Not sure I will knit the KAL socks since they are toe up, but I picked up a ball of the yarn to suppor the cause. I am always leary of products for X cancer research, but atleast for this one a lot of the money seems to be going to research.

Michelle also has some pretty nice video's of techniques on her BLOG... Knit Purl Hunter!

kitty: loving the fabric....

2011-01-11T15:15:00.001-05:00

Name:
Designer:
Pattern : Garter Stitch
Fiber: Lorna's Lace
Needle: 2.25mm

This yarn was in my destash box that I have been meaning to list since before the holidays. Colourwise it really isn't me at this point of my life, but I really love the fabric that it created on 2.25mm needles. Not being a big fan of garter stitch this really surprised me.

kitty: Blackthorn Needles - review

2011-01-06T14:05:00.001-05:00

Over the last couple of months there seems to have been a lot of buzz going on about the Blackthorn Needles. I picked up a pair in November since as we all know I cannot resist new brands of DPN's or vintage ones that I haven't tried before. The fact that they are made out of Carbon really intrigued me. Though I have to admit the first time I read that I was wondering if the carbon would rub off on the yarn (It doesn't of course.)

The needles are interesting to say the least. The points are amazing. The shafts are very sturdy, even with my tight grip I don't feel like I am going to snap them in half. Did I mention the points? Ok.. I digress on that one.

My problem with them too be honest is that they feel sticky and have to much grip for me. Since I am a thrower and slider by nature I found it really bothersome to physically have to stop and move my stitches up. I could see this as a big benefit if I was working with a really slick yarn that falls off the needle, but not for a merino wool as pictured above.

They are also available in teeny tiny sizes and small sizes. 0000 - 4 US and 4,6, and 8 inches long. Being available in such small sizes is something that will get me to buy another pair even with the grippyness dislike. I just wish they were available in 0000 circulars with a Holtz & Stein type join.

Blackthorn Needles
Teeny Tiny Sizes 0000, 000, 00, 0 0 US	Small Sizes 1,2,3,4 - US
Website Ravelry Group

kitty: How to read a Japanese Knitting Pattern?

2011-01-04T16:06:00.005-05:00

Hi Monika and Peppermint Mocha Mama,

Since you both asked the same question I decided to just do a quick post about how to read a Japanese Craft Book and how to order from Amazon JP.

Ordering from Amazon.co.jp these days really couldn't be easier. There are a couple of things that will make your life easier though:

1) Install Google Chrome : Google Chrome will identify that the page is in Japanese and will give you the option to automatically translate the page into English. Now it will still be broken English but you can figure it out pretty easily.

2) Amazon is also pretty smart as well, right above the wish list area there is a link that says "In English". This seems to internally trigger at least some of the text on the pages to be English. Bottom line though if you are a regular US Amazon customer just use muscle memory to place your order. The links are exactly the same and with Google Chrome most of the text is in English.

3) Once you have a couple of ISBN's of books that you are interested in, use the "Customers Who Bought this item also bought section" to look for other titles you might be interested in. Then you can do the look inside feature to see what the book is like inside.

There is also always the option of ordering from YesAsia if you don't want to fool with ordering from Amazon JP. -- Http://www.yesasia.com

So now the more pressing issue. How do you read a Japanese Knitting or Crochet Book?

Over the years a few people have asked me this question, I guess bottom line are you the type of knitter that would like written instructions for each row or are you comfortable kind of winging it with basic instructions?

I am a full believer that anyone can learn to do anything they put there mind to. Japanese patterns are basically all on one page and very concise.

1) They will tell you how many stitches to cast on
2) Knit a certain number of rows
3) Then you will start to see information about how to increase or decrease the numbers of rows.

(0-1-1) Increase 1st on both sides on the next row(double sided arrow)
(8-1-6) Knit 8 Rows, Increase 1 st on both sides 6 times (double sided arrow)
(5-3-4) Knit 5 rows, Decrease 3 stitches on the side with the arrow 4 times
(-3)

1# is the number of rows to knit
2# is the number of stitches to increase or decrease
3# is the number of repeats for the first and second number
(4) is the number of stitches to decrease

If the pattern does contain a specific stitch pattern there is always a clear chart drawn up and with Japanese Standard Stitch Patterns.

For Crochet Patterns you are on your own for if they are easy to read or not. Crochet still is so daunting for me. I really do not understand the concepts. There are so many crochet patterns that really interest me, but alas I am left wishing I had paid more attention to when my mother was trying to teach me. She on the other hand is an amazing crocheter, but she only does it from written text not charts.

Here are some Resources to help and guide you:

1) A JP Craft Book to learn about Japanese Knitting Symbols
-- Fluffbuff

よくわかる編目記号ブック―棒針あみ120
Clear and Simple Knitting Symbols
74 pages Published 1993
ISBN 452902413X / 9784529024136

This is a great book to teach you the meaning of the most common symbols. The book shows you the symbol and then walks you through the steps to make the stitch.

There are a few other books in the series that I have written about.

Crochet Motifs - Crocheting and Joining
66pages - 1992/11
ISBN-10: 4529022927
Amazon JP

Knit Buddies Post

The Very Basics of Crocheting
74 pages - 1993/04
ISBN-13:9784529023498
Amazon JP

Knit Buddies Post

Some of my favorite Stitch Books:

2) ABC of Knitting
-- By Tata & Tatao of the ABC's of Knitting Site
One of the most useful sites that I have found for learning how to read Japanese Knitting Patterns.

The Basics of Japanese Knitting

Japanese - English Knitting Dictionary - Priceless

How to read Japanese Charts

3) How to read a Japanese Crochet Pattern
-- by Purlyshells Blog
She shares her experiences on her trials and tribulations of reading a Japanese crochet pattern for the first time. She takes you through step by step of the first row and some of the symbols.

4) Japanese Knitting Patterns - My adventures with Japanese Knitting Patterns and Japanese Knitting Books

In 2008 she did a Japanese Cable Vest Kal and wrote about how to translate the pattern. An Excellent resource.

kitty:Hipity Hopity New Years

2011-01-01T20:37:00.001-05:00

Hipity Hopity New Years.....
Hope the year of the Rabbit will be a great one for you and yours!

kitty: recap 2010

2010-12-31T12:38:00.001-05:00






		See the full Flickr Collection of Photos from 2010!
So there we have it, the recap for 2010. Doesn't feel like I have really accomplished that much this past year. So hopefully the year to come will be a more productive year. Hope the year to come will be a good one for you!

kitty: Japanese Craft Books - Amazon Jp - 4277430686

2010-12-30T12:12:00.000-05:00

Japanese Craft Books - Amazon Jp - 4277430686

Hand-knitted scarf fun back [Paperback]
by Shimada Toshiyuki (Author)
103pages - 2010/10/8
ISBN-10: 4277430686

I haven't bought many books this year from Japan. Some how most of the titles and covers just haven't excited me that much. This was one of the books though I had to have right away. I was so excited when I saw the cover of this book and looked at the view inside on Amazon.jp.

The elongated knit scarf never took on such beautiful shapes. And to be honest I am really surprise that ravelry isn't just full of scarfs knitted from the pages within.

So here are just a few more photos from inside the book.

kitty: Loop yarn shop Islington, London, UK

2010-12-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

(Sorry the light was really bad in the photos there was a snow storm going on outside and it was already dark outside)

Loop yarn shop Islington, London, UK
15 Camden Passage, Islington, London, N1 8EA.

While I was in london last week I made my way to the Loop Yarn Shop in Islington. It turned out there new location was only about 1.3 miles from my favorite hotel. Which ended up being a god send since while I was there a snow storm hit, cabs basically stopped running, public transportation was not to be found. So I ended up having to walk back to my hotel. Thank goodness I stored the map on my cell phone so I could just follow my way home.

The yarn shop is just as cute as I had imagined and the staff was probably even nicer than imagined. The shop is in a walking strip behind the main road. So there is this darling little walking path and they are in the corner. The only negative I saw with the shop is the absolute smallest door I have ever tried to squeeze through. I was just glad I had lost some weight.

I did buy some treasures, but will have to post latter since some of them are omiyage that have yet to be given. All I can say if you get a chance to visit the shop run don't walk. And remember they are in the corner on the right if you get lost and if you hit Penhaligon's you have gone to far.

kitty: Mia's socks are all boxed up.... finally

2010-12-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

Name: Concentric Preppy Socks for Mia
Designer: Carissa Browning
Pattern : Concentric Socks
Fiber: Unknown
Needle: 2.25mm

If I think back it really has been a long time since I have actually knit a pair of socks. I think I just got really burned out when I was trying to knit a pair of socks a week for the 52 pair sock pack. That was a totally insane goal and I can not believe that I actually got as far as I did. The reality of a project like that is that you don't end up enjoying anything you are working on. It becomes a part time job.

When I asked Mia what she wanted for Christmas though, she asked for a new pair of socks. So I wanted to find an unusual pattern, something that would hopefully break the burnout. I think this one may be pushing the edge of unusual though. I really love the concept and they are a super fast knit. But I ended up with a lot of odd gathers along the bias. I am really hoping that with wear it will work itself out.

They have been done for awhile, but I just finally boxed them up to send them out to her. Best laid plans of mice and men.

kity: my mind was plotting in the wee hours of Boxing Day

2010-12-27T12:38:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had an amazing boxing day. Mine started out rather oddly. You know that dream state where your mind is wide awake but technically you are still sounds asleep? Well my mind had an idea to get up instantly to sew a skirt. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't turn my mind off or even get it to stop running through fabric combinations, skirt shapes, and designs. So this was essentially what my mind wanted me to do on Boxing day.

Skirt Shape	Fabric that would need to be created

Base Skirt Colour (Though probably a little bit darker, but in a lightweight linen wool)	Fabrics used for the geometric patterns. Though I would need a lot more yellow and red and solids. (Quarters were bought from a friend's amazing fabric destash)
As you can imagine my mind did not win, since I doubt there was a fabric store open on sunday locally that would have come close to being able to match the treasures from Australia. Nor does anyone sell real linen locally even in the summer. My mind hadn't done that in a long time, that was how my creative processes use to work when it came to design. But I guess my mind hasn't been so relaxed in awhile or maybe it was the Nyquil/fever haze since I have been really sick.

I did get a little spinning in yesterday and a little plying since all my bobbins are full. Happy Belated Boxing Day!

kitty: mittens for MG

2010-12-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

Name: Mittens for MG
Designer: Ysolda Teague
Pattern : Snapdragon flip-tops
Fiber: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted
Needle: 3.25mm & 3.0

Sorry for such a bad photos, but as we all know red is just about impossible to photograph and have it come across correctly. Though in my defense the photo up above was taken as MG was walking into the house minutes before she received her mittens. So it wasn't ideal lighting either.

MG has been ridding her bike to her classes and I have been really worried about her little fingers getting to cold. So I thought she needed a new pair of mittens for Christmas. I fear they are to big for her even though I used her brother as a model (M's hands are smaller than mine). But it is the thought that counts right... (cry... I really did want them to be perfect)

Snapdragon Flip Tops is an adorable pattern. I lengthened the cabeling since I knew she wanted longer cuffs and I changed how the points of the mittens were done. While I was in London last week, I searched for two cool buttons at Liberty and Loop, but none were to bad had. So to finish it off , I went through my vintage button collection and found 2 sets of buttons to use on the cuffs.

(iphone photos taken in the middle of the night)

kitty: happy holidays

2010-12-25T14:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to you and yours!!!

kitty: online resource for Norwegian Folk Stitch Patterns

2010-12-06T17:19:00.001-05:00

Digitalt Museum - The Norwegian Folk Museum

Mitten

Motive: Mittens , gloves Selbu
Motivklassifikasjon Suit (OD 291)
Motivemneord Suit
Alternative number OV09135
Identification: NF.12118-008

Wow... that is all I can say. If you are looking for a good online resource for Norwegian Folk Stitch Patterns, look no further. When I was doing research on Historical textiles it was my dream of being able to put the OSU textile collection on the computer. While I was there the department actually wrote several grants in hopes to get the equipment to make this type of site possible. Sadly they never received the grant.

I was so excited to see that the Norwegian Folk Museum was making there collection available to the public. Lets hope more museums will get the funding to make this happen.

kitty: summer tee.... finally completed

2010-12-05T12:11:00.001-05:00

How about this... Two knitting post pretty much back to back. I know that this blog has suffered much this year from lack of post and lack of knitting. Thank you for all the people who keep coming back to visit the blog. I really appreciate your friendship.

Thanks....

Name: Summer Tee
Designer: Priscilla Meredith
Pattern : Personal
Fiber: Habu Textiles A-1 2/17 Tsumugi Silk

In many ways I really couldn't be happier on how the sweater ended up. I am so proud of how my first colour work garment ended up. Yes there are tons of wonky stitches but I really didn't think that I could do colour work that wasn't twinned. The A-1 was pretty forgiving and I was able to use up a lot of stash yarn so it is helping my out of control stash.

The two sleeves are composed of multiple patterns that appear in the Spring 2011 Missoni Men's wear collection.

kitty: concentric "Preppy" socks

2010-12-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

Name: Concentric Socks "Concentric Preppy Socks"
Designer: Carissa Browning
Pattern: Concentric Sock Ravelry
Yarn: From the Stash

MG and I were on a hunt for socks to start over the holiday. So I started a little holiday knitting for Mia, she had requested a new pair of socks for Christmas. I searched through my sock yarn stash to look for a self stripping yarn and found very few that looked like her. So this was the closest in the stash. Not sure what the yarn is, the label has vanished.

Concentric Sock Pattern is interesting. I like the concept of allowing stripes on a bias to wrap around the foot. Though the the fit seems a little odd. There are odd loose spots at times around the foot. Bottom line I really thought the pattern was fun and it is my first toe up sock.

kitty: knitting with loved ones for the holiday

2010-11-28T11:42:00.001-05:00

Holiday hands at work.. MG and I got together to do some knitting over
the holiday!

kitty: Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T22:29:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you got your turkey fill!

kitty: afternoon contemplations

2010-11-13T13:58:00.000-05:00

.... patches of colour along the path

kitty: Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T11:20:00.002-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

kitty: Hand Center Saves Monster

2010-10-29T13:56:00.000-05:00

A friend filmed this for a local hospital, but I can not stop laughing. Please check out the video, "Hand Center saves Monster."

Happy Halloween!!!

kitty: Happy Beggars Night

2010-10-28T19:56:00.001-05:00

Photo of this year's anime inspired pumpkin taken by M.

Happy Halloween!! It is the best holiday of the year.

kitty: Issey Miyake to receive Japan's Order of Culture honor by the Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace

2010-10-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

I feel like I am really going to date myself here, but I remember back to when I was a young kid on Saturday morning I had a date to watch Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN at 10:30 est. I wish the show was still on, I miss not getting my Saturday morning fashion fix.

At that point in my life it was the best introduction I had to world of designers and couture. I quickly developed my favorites, some have passed away, others have declared bankruptcy, and a few have survived.

There was always one designer that truly stood out and always fascinated me to no end, Issey Mikaye. I would spend hours trying to figure out the construction in my mind. Wondering how the shapes were even humanly possible to create.

This November 3, marks a momentous event in Issey Mikaye career. He will receive Japan's Order of Culture honor by the Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace. I can not think of a designer that deserves it more for all that he has accomplished during his career.

Words from the master to WWD.....

"I see this decoration as a form of encouragement to all the people with whom I work," Miyake tells WWD. "This includes not only our young designers but also those in the textile industry: spinners, weavers, knitters and dyers all of whom are still managing to create things of beauty and quality despite very difficult economic and manufacturing conditions in [Japan]." (Vogue.com)

kitty: wonders of fiber - Wisteria Yarn / Fujifu Fabric

2010-10-18T13:02:00.002-05:00

One of the reason that I have been totally obsessed with Habu yarns is the use of unusual fibers and the hand spun quality of so many of there yarns. When thinking about it thought, it is more the use of from what seems like to a westerner such unusual fibers. Over the weekend Sri Threads posted about a fiber that I had never heard of so I really want to do some more research about it. Here is at least a quick look see what I came up with through google.

丹後藤布　Tangofujifu　Tango Fujifu (Tango Wisteria Cloth) nippon-kichi	A Work Coat Woven from Wisteria Yarn Sir Threads
Wisteria Yarn / Fujifu Fabric From the Tango region of Japan, yarn spun from the vines of wisterias.

kitty: New FO for the week - Foggy Hat

2010-10-11T15:08:00.005-05:00

Name: Foggy Hat
Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Pattern : Ravelry - Click Here for Pattern

Need a quick 2 hour knitted gift item, nothing better than Olga Buraya-Kefelian's new hat pattern. I originally bought this pattern because I wanted something to sit and knit while I was on lengthy conference calls or to through in my purse, but sadly it was done before I knew it. Such a cute quick pattern!!

Update: I am so excited. MG may be taking my foggy hat to keep her head warm. :) Happy Dance

I think it looks like a sea urchin when setting on the table.

kitty: FO for the week... Razor Back Turtle Shawl

2010-10-01T14:27:00.001-05:00


Name: Razor Back Turtle Shawl Designer: Priscilla Meredith Fibers: limited edition merino/bamboo by Madelintosh Needles: 3mm
Razor Back Turtle Shawl was started around the time of the BP oil spill in the gulf. I was really moved by the photos and tragedy that we were seeing on the news each night. Hate to say it, I don't think we will know the impact of the spill for many years to come. I don't believe a word they are saying about the clean up and I certainly don't believe the seafood is safe to eat. But that rant is for another day. The yarn I chose reminds me of the colour of the ocean. The subtle blue variations of the yarn really evoke water to me. When I started working on the design I had the design goal of trying to solve a shawl problem a lot of Rubenesque girls face. If it is long enough to wrap in the front, it is going to be far to long in the back. And if it is the right length in the back, it is far to short to fold in the front. So I constructed a shawl that would expand faster than it would lengthen the point. The resulting edge ended up reminding me of a razor back turtle that we all saw on the news covered in oil. So the shawl is dedicated to all the animals who tragically have lost there lives in the gulf due to incompetence of man.

kitty: Sneak peak of what is on the needles

2010-09-29T14:39:00.002-05:00

A little sneak peak of a knitted tee-shirt sleeve I am working on to use up some stash in Habu A-1. It is no secrete that I am a huge fan of Missoni's patterns so I am using the photos from Style.com below from Missoni Men's Spring 2011 Collection to replicate some of the simple colourwork patterns.

I also as you can see have decided to give colourwork another try. It seems to be going better this time than it has previously.

Now only to cross my fingers that it works!

Photos from Style.com Missoni Spring 2010

kitty: Finally finished the finishing on Abyss

2010-09-21T14:43:00.001-05:00

Name: Abyss Jacket
Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Pattern Book: Ori Ami Knits
Fibers: Habu Textiles A-1 2/17 Tsumugi Silk / 3 cones of colour # 32 (Avril colour code), 3 cones of colour #40, 6 cones of colour #46 in 2 dye lots
Needles: 5mm / 8

Abyss is finally officially finished. All that is left is to get some FO shots of the sweater. Finally the weather has cooled off enough for me to actually want to wear a silk cardigain again.

It seems like I have been at this one for awhile. The first method I used for sewing down the ribbons was a failure, so I had been putting off trying again. This past week and a half though in my free time I have been doing a ton of handwork to finish it up.

This time I did 12 - 6 inch long linen ribbons for the main tabs and then 12 small 1.4 inch squares for the snap returns.

Then they were stitched down using a locking blanket stitch so that it is possible for the threads to break and it still to not unravel.

The linen ribbons frayed pretty badly. So I hand zigzagged all the ends and then double rowed hemmed them.

kitty: Japanese Craft Book : Swedish traditional knit pattern book Britt - Britt-Marie Christoffersson784529046640

2010-09-20T17:14:00.000-05:00

	Swedish traditional knit pattern book Britt - Britt-Marie Marie Kurisutoffeshon Christoffersson (スウェーデンの伝統ニット模様集ブリット‐マリークリストッフェション Britt‐Marie Christoffersson ( 大型本 - 2009/1) ) ISBN-10: 4529046648 ISBN-13: 978-4529046640 Release Date: 2009/01 Amazon JP
Back in February of 2008 I lucked out and found a copy of Swedish Sweaters by Britt-Marie Christoffersson on Amazon US and to this day it remains one of my favorite titles in my library. Though the sweaters are a little dated, the charts are truly inspirational. What truly fascinates me though about Britt-Marie Christoffersson are the amazing classes I have read other bloggers post about in Japan. (link - link - link) Class photos that dreams are made of. Some of the techniques that are illustrated in her work I still have no idea how she accomplished them. So when I saw on Amazon jp that she had a new book they were carrying I jumped and ordered it. The photo of the book nor the look inside didn't do the book justice.

As you can tell the book doesn't disappoint at all and is really spectacular.

It comes in an oversized black portfolio case with a small colour booklet of some of the historical designs. Then each of the charts are printed on over sized glossy poster board. I wish all the charts had corresponding colour photos of the original historical garment, but we all can dream. Maybe someday I will get the nerve to do colourwork again (first attempt), but for now I am just an admirer from a distance.

kitty: special meal.... sorry no knitting content today

2010-08-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

iphone photos

Shallots, Garlic, Ginger slices, Basil & Chicken placed in a steamer with aged shitake mushroom soy sauce, and Taiwanese Cooking wine. Steamed for 90 minutes.

Noodles and bean sprouts boiled for a few minutes then shaken until done. Added to a plate of cucumbers, carrots, green zebra tomatoes, chicken thigh, bean sprouts and noodles.

All mixed together with a little of the sauce from the steamer and roster sauce.

And for desert, peach with cucumber sake sherbet, mango juice, and gum drops.

kitty: inspiration - Issey Miyake Paris 1970's

2010-08-16T22:01:00.002-05:00

ISSEY MIYAKE PARIS MADE IN FRANCE - CIRCA 1970's

Awesome Inspiration for you

kitty: raglan obsession

2010-08-09T11:51:00.002-05:00

	During the Crimean War, FitzRoy Somerset, 1st Baron Raglan lost his arm. He was wounded, 5 stab wounds to the left shoulder, at the Battle of Buçaco(1815). To make his dressing easier his tailor invented a diagonal sleeve that exteded from the neck to the underarm. It allowed for the mobility that he needed. It had a relaxied fit that could easily be shrugged off. The Raglan sleeve was then named after him. The Raglan sleeve basically disappears until the early 1900's. Where it appeared again in an add in 1913 for and English Top Coat that was introduced for that fall season. The New Automobile Coat was made of fine wool for the fall season. It disappeared during the war because it the excess fabric needed. Than again in the 1930's Jantzen started to run about men's casual clothing that were styled with a raglan shoulder. (The Montreal Gazette - Apr 3, 1935 page 20)
(Photo from the Wikipedia post on him)

So how do you make a Raglan Sleeve - sewing
	When creating a Raglan in flat pattern making it is rather easy. 1) Trace the front, back and sleeve slopper 2) Lign up the back and front shoulder seams and tape them together 3) Lign up the sleeve 4) Now take your flexicurve ruler and draft a new curve for the back and the ftont. You will want to check that your back and front length are the same. With this processes you are actually creating three new pattern pieces where you are removing a little bit of both the front and back of the slopper bodice is added to the sleeve. 5) Retrace your new pattern pieces and add seam allowances.
But the question and the purpose of this post is how do you get a knit raglan that fits, especially if you are plus size?
So as we all do, the first thing I did was do a google search. 1) The Incredible, Custom-fit Raglan Sweater So I read there instructions, plugged in my numbers and checked there chart. So for my chest size it told me that my raglan length should be 18 inches. What????? As I thought, that would mean that my armhole would um touch my natural waist. I don't think that would be particuarly comfortable and/or look that great. On a side note, I do think there chart for calculating the stitches around the neck is really clear. Then this got me to really thinking about how they were treating the porpotions for the sweater. It seemed to me that they were treating the body only in the terms of width and assuming the person just got taller with the width. There wasn't a lot of calculation taken into account for the fact that person could be wide. So more Googling....
	2) Then I found: General Guidelines for a Basic Raglan Sweater They broke dow the construction of how a raglan should be broken down for construction. C. The rate that you decrease in the length of C to obtain the correct number of stitches for D from the sum of (A+B)*2
So I continued to do more research.... Now for looking in the books I own...
Percentage method - Which still is closer but still a little off for larger sizes it seems. The depth of the yoke is approximately 1/2 of the width of the sweater. So if the body of the sweater is: 32 inches is is 16 inches across and then the raglan would be 8 38 inches it is 19 inches across and the raglan would be 9.5 40 inches is is 20 inches across and the raglan would be 10 46 inches would be 23 inches across and the raglan would be 11.5 50 inches is is 25 inches across the raglan would be 12.5 So I measured several of the commercial raglans I have and the raglans seems to be 10-11 inches on average. They are perfectly comfortable, so I would say that on average you are looking at 10.5 inch raglan. If you want a fitted raglan this method really isn't going to give you a good result. So back to the chalk board.... Not that I am getting obsessed about this.

kitty: embroidery at Dublin Irish Festival

2010-08-07T16:48:00.001-05:00

photos taken by M

Dublin Irish Festival

Every year they set up a craft area at the festival where they have been working on this reproduction embroidery for the last 10 years. It is fun to see how it progresses each year.

knitty: ohio knitting mills - part of Cleveland, OH textile history

2010-08-04T15:28:00.006-05:00

The Ohio Knitting Mills Knitting Book: 26 Patterns Celebrating Four Decades of American Sweater Style
Author - Steven Tatar & Contributor - Denise Grollmus

This is one of those books I have been waiting for since I saw the preorder listing on Amazon. I really didn't know anything about the title, but since I live in Ohio and into textile history of just about any kind I went ahead and preordered.

If nothing else I was intrigued by the cover sweater which appeared to be a inspired by the 1965 YSL dress that was inspired by Mondrian. YSL was inspired by the Composition series of Piet Mondrian and he translated his paintings into dresses for his fall collection in 1965. After reading about that pattern, it turns out that OKM reproduced that design and sold it for $30.00.

The book is really delightful. A little touch of the history of the mill and 26 modern recreation of a few of there designs. The pattern range in history from the 40's - 70's. I wish there were earlier examples of there works, but that is always the way things are.

The technical drawings that are inside the book jacket in the front and the back are probably my favorite touch. But the photo of the original garment and the modern interpretation is a nice touch for each garment.

You can still purchase some of the vintage sweaters from the mill.

I sheepishly didn't know much about the Ohio Knitting Mill, but I checked out there site and a couple of other sites about the mill and the shop......

So what happens when you have a collection of over 10,000 knit wear garments stored in a time capsule?

You open up a store in NYC, create a web site to sell vintage sweaters and release a book about the history of the Cleveland, Ohio sweater mill.

"Yves Saint Laurent: 'Mondrian' day dress (C.I.69.23)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000 ndash;. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/C.I.69.23 (October 2006) Source: Yves Saint Laurent: "Mondrian" day dress (C.I.69.23) | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

kitty: quest for washcloths for Mia

2010-07-13T05:17:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Mia's Star Fish Washcloth
Fiber: Katia Lino 100%
Needle: US 2 - 2.75mm

Well you know there are times when you shouldn't block. This was once a washcloth, but after blocking it really began to look more like a doily. Oh well, thank goodness with water it will return to its once soft stage. It may not make the best washcloth so I have started another one for her out of an organic cotton.

I picked up the yarn during this years summer sale at Knitters Mercantil. Given how hot it has been I thought some more summer sweaters and tops are in order. So I picked up enough of this linen in white to make a tank top or a short sleeve sweater.

It is a bit splity, but there swatch that was knit up in the store was extremely soft. So I am excited to see how the top turns out.

kitty: OH NO!!!!!! I can not watch & World Food Cup 2010 Wrap up

2010-07-12T16:11:00.003-05:00


As some of you might remember, M and I are big fans of the World Cup. Well any international sporting event. We have both felt that it is the closest we will ever get to world peace. During the last Word Cup 2008, we would pick a winning team from that day and do research on that nations food to cook dinner and lunch. It was an amazing experience and we fixed some of the best food I think I have eaten. I still crave the Spanish Flauta and Huevos Rancheros that we made with the basil oil from A & J. I can still remember the taste so clearly. Ahh and there was also Greek Calamari, Shrimp, Scallops, Squash, Onions and Вафля/Вафли. This year we didn't have the luxury of time to do the research or cook for every game. So here are some of the highlight dishes for World Food Cup 2010. I am really sad it didn't match up to 2010 spread. So until the next World Cup 2014!
World Food Cup 2010

Ghana	Korea

Netherlands	Denmark

German	German

German	Netherlands

Spanish	German

kitty: treasures from the farmers market

2010-07-11T09:46:00.001-05:00

Swiss Chard Burgers

Swiss Chard, Cucumbers, White Pepper, Red Whine Vinegar, Peach Juice, & Sugar

Burger marinated in Peach BBQ & Mocha Java BBQ

M and I meet MG and her husband at the Clintonville Farmers Market yesterday, such a happy experience. We found so many yummy treasures at the market. From Swiss Chard, Heirloom Candy Beets, Heirloom Carrots, Heirloom Zucchini, Shiro Plums, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blue Berries, Shitake Mushrooms, and most of all farm eggs.

I just love the colours of Swiss Chard......

kitty: special moments in your life

2010-07-09T15:15:00.001-05:00

special moments in one's life.....

Back during TNNA, Olga (Olgajazzy) and Vanessa (Coloursknits) came to visit Knitbuddies during the convention. Here are some of my favorite moments and some of the people I had the honor in meeting.

I even got to go to the first official booksigning for Ori Ami Knits. Wonderknits did a booksigning right before TNNA began.

PS. I stole some of the photos from Olga's Flickr stream. I didn't have a camera during the booksigning.

kitty: moving video on why we knit found on youtube

2010-07-06T21:32:00.001-05:00

"A short film of Renate Hiller talking about the importance of handwork (knitting, etc.) in the modern world. Renate is the co-director of the Fiber Craft Studio at the Threefold Educational Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY." posted by chucksmithNYC on youtube

I ran across this youtube video over the holidays and just had to spread the word about it. Truly a moving video.

kitty: Movie Trivia.... What movie open July 3, 1985?

2010-07-05T22:47:00.001-05:00

Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox in “Back to the Future.” (Universal City Studios)

July 3, 1985 Doc Set the clock in the Delorean into the future. 25 years have just flown by. Are you were you wanted to be in your life and career? Or would you like to set the clock back. Really Makes you take a look at your life. Man do I feel old.

kitty: Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T22:01:00.001-05:00

Photo taken by M in front of the house.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

kitty: Duplicity Pullover is growing!

2010-07-01T12:23:00.002-05:00

Pattern: Duplicity Pullover by Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Book: Ori Ami Knits
Fiber: Habu Textiles A-1
Tsumugi Silk Habu Textiles A-148 Wool Stainless Steel
Colour: 14 & 52 in A-1
??? A-148

Duplicity Pullover is coming along. I have about 9 more decreases in the top and then off to the collar. I am really happy with the way the pattern is going along.

Hope everyone has something fun scheduled for the weekend.

Happy Early Fourth of July to everyone
and
Happy Canadian Day today.

kitty: Ori Ami Knits arrives in hardcover - Duplicity Pullover by Olga Buraya-Kefelian

2010-06-20T12:46:00.001-05:00

Pattern: Duplicity Pullover by Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Book: Ori Ami Knits
Fiber: Habu Textiles A-1
Tsumugi Silk Habu Textiles A-148 Wool Stainless Steel
Colour: 14 & 52 in A-1
??? A-148

I am so happy to say that my hardbound copy of Ori Ami Knits arrived a few weeks ago. If you haven't checked it out yet, it is certainly worth a look at either Ori Ami Knits or the group on Ravelry. The pattern collection are the creation of Olga Buraya-Kefelian and Vanessa Yap-Einbun, with two patterns written by Kirsten Johnstone.

The book is absolutely lovely and as you all already know I am addicted to Habu yarns so the book is perfect. The patterns are a little edgy with interesting constructions techniques, but most importantly to me they are available in 10 different pattern size ranges. So even us Rubenesque girls are in luck.

It is so rare that you can find trendy designs that are available for the 32 inch bust as well as the 50 inch bust. So thank you so much girls for treating us all with respect! (It means more than you can imagine. I am so tired of being treated as a second class citizen particularly by indie designers.)

Duplicity marks the second sweater in the book I have started. The first (Abyss by Olga Buraya-Kefelian) is still setting on the shelf behind me waiting for me to sew the last few snaps on and it will be done. But in 80 degree weather the thoughts of a cardigan seem really unnecessary.

For me the book represents a great source of patterns to use up my stash. I have been setting on two bins of Habu yarns looking for a book just like this. Though I love the patterns by Setsuko Torii there are not that many of them on the market and they all begin to look the same. Olga and Vanessa have brought us a new Fresh Outlook on design to use with our much loved fibers.

kitty: never say never

2010-06-18T14:49:00.001-05:00

B-Day Gift for Olga

Pattern: Lace Textured Shawl
Fiber: Habu A-113 Silk wool
Colour: Burgundy

Ok, I guess I should have kept my mouth shut when I knit the Textured Shawl for Vanessa in April that I would never knit this shawl again. Olga started hinting that she really wanted a version for herself. So I figured I might as well knit 1 more shawl for her. It even turned out that after I sent her her bday gift that had a hank of yarn in it she started the shawl with it. So the gig was up since I had already done the first 4 repeats.

Oh Well... Guess I should never say never.

I finished it while she was visiting for TNNA this past two weeks so I was fortunate enough to catch a couple of really cute photos of her modeling her B-day gift.

Thanks so much Olga... :)

A Textured Shawl Recipe
Pattern by orlane - Ravelry Link

kitty:Copenhagen, DK May 2010

2010-06-02T15:15:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I have a really good reason, I have been in Copenhagen, DK. M got invited to give a speech so I tagged along for a belated bday vacation.

Day 1 - Copenhagen - Walking around Tivoli and the area around the hotel
Day 2 - Copenhagen - Boat ride and getting lost around Gammel Strand
Day 3- Copenhagen - Shopping and Omiyage acquisition
Day 4- Copenhagen - Botanisk Have (Copenhagen Botanical Garden) and Rosenborg Castle
Day 5 - Copenhagen - Post and Tele museum, Strogent, Boat Ride (Gammel Strand (The old Banks ) Boat Tour, Thorvaldsen Museum

M's photos to be honest are so much better than mine, here is his link Copenhagen 2010 but he isn't finished uploading.

The city is absolutely amazing. I didn't really know what to expect to be honest. I knew that it had been one of the top 3 green cities in the world for awhile, but I had no idea how clean the air would actually be. Or how clean the water would taste.

One evening we went to this outside Italian cafe and the woman at the table next to us started to smoke. Now normally I would have just hurried through my meal and left, but we couldn't even smell the smoke. It was almost like the air just absorbed the smell.

You would walk by parks and smell the flowers in bloom, but not a sniffle or sneeze. I don't think my lungs have ever felt so good.

The city is very casual. Chucks (High Tops) seemed to be the shoe of choice. Whether you were a woman on the stock exchange, business man, secretary, or convent store worker you were wearing your Chucks with pride. Not just boring white and black though, plaid ones, polka dot ones, bright colour ones.

The thing though to remember is that it is a walking city. The cabby might catechized you for grabbing a cab for a mile drop off. He though didn't understand how lost and how tired you might have been when you finally found a cab. Cabs except at the metro or blue signs, don't really exist. If you plan on flagging down a cab while you are out, you will be waiting a long time.

The colours and the mix of old and new were really beautiful. The sun really didn't come out until after lunch and it coloured the skies the most brilliant blue you could imagine. While the morning light is pretty overcast and gloomy.

All and all, the Mcdonalds sign sums up the trip. I could really see myself retiring to Copenhagen.

kitty: Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T09:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Memorial Day...

Thank you to all those who have served our country so that we have the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today.

Photos taking at the Field of Heroes

kitty: Food for thought

2010-04-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

Photo captured from CNN news cast - China's famed Pearl River under denim threat

While working last night, I caught this news piece on CNN International. It really gave me a lot of pause. Though I have never been blind to the hazards of chemicals and dyes used in the textile industry seeing this aerial view of the Pearl River really horrified me. Then they were showing shots of what few fish were still left in the river and the colours they had become from all the textile and large industry.

Maybe we should all think a minute before throwing out that perfectly good pair of jeans for updated looks. In this throw away society I think we all forget about what we are doing to the world.

Or maybe just take a minute and watch the video. Or look at the news about China's sandstorms that are hitting even Japan and South Korea caused by the Cashmere industry.

OK Stepping off my soap box now.... Knitting content to return

kitty: Sakura... Sakura... Sakura... Sakura Textured Shawl Recipe

2010-04-16T13:15:00.001-05:00

Sakura... Sakura... Sakura Textured Shawl
(The flower in the photo is actually a plum. My Sakura trees are in bud still.)

Pattern: Textured shawl recipe
Fiber:Avril 1ply Silk and Wool
Colour: Sakura Leaves
Dyed by: Barefoot Shepherdess

Last year MG gave me two bundles of amazing fiber to spin for my birthday that had been dyed with the leaves of a Sakura. I absolutely fell in love with the colour and thought it was one of the pretties colours I had ever seen. So MG let me know whom she had ordered the fiber from and I went to check out her etsy store, Barefoot Shepherdess. (blog - etsy)

I immediately ordered almost all the rest of the sakura roving and a hank of her yarn. I had wanted to make a shawl for a friend's birthday and thought it would be perfect. Even though I have had the yarn for a long time I still was sadly a month late getting her, her shawl. Sorry Vanessa, I feel really bad about it being late. It arrived yesterday so I can post photos finally.

(Playing with Custom Filters)

It is another version of the Textured Shawl Recipe. I went through all the patterns that she faved on ravelry and this was one of the ones on her list. :) Textured Shawl recipe remains one of my favorite patterns; I think this is version 4 that I have knitted in the past 12 months. Though I think I should probably find another pattern to make.

kitty: Pull Kimono #012-T8-484 by Phildar Design Team

2010-04-06T12:01:00.001-05:00

Dear Phildar,

I love your smart designs, your appreciation for the fact that women come in all sizes/shapes and if we choose to wear them no matter our size that the pattern size is available. (Unlike Vogue knitting who tells us what they think we should wear. I have chosen to boycott them, and will no longer give them my money after one of the responses to a letter they printed.)

But....

Really, your construction at times leaves a lot to be desired and your yardage should definitely be checked.

Pull Kimono #012-T8-484 by Phildar Design Team has been off the needles for a long time, but seaming it up just seemed so daunting.

The body is finally sewn together, but I have another 103 ends left to weave in. Or not, I may get the sewing machine out and just stitch the waist band ones several time and just cut the ends off or create a placket to hide them.

So other than ends and the cuffs the sweater finally looks like a sweater vs 4 pieces gathering dust beside my bed.

Phildar in the future, please come up with something a little easier for your construction. This sweater is going back to my nightstand until I think I can face all the ends again.

Sincerely,
Kitty Kitty

kitty: Abyss isn't ready for her close up yet, but the final piece of the puzzle just arrived

2010-03-29T14:57:00.003-05:00

Linen Ribbon and Linen/Cotton Gauze fabric from Linnet

LINNET Linen Ribbon DELAVE 25mm winter grass - Click Here
Linen & Cotton Triple Gauze Check - Click Here

The Abyss Jacket has been off the needles, sleeves set in, and ends all woven in for a couple of days now. I am so excited about it, but I have had to wait for the linen ribbon to arrive from JP. The other problem is that it has been setting on the blocking board trying to dry for days. Ohio weather has not been kind to this task.

Olga suggests that you run a piece of ribbon behind the snaps/ tabs for added support, but not just any ribbon would do for my special sweater.

kitty: Happy Ada Lovelace Day

2010-03-24T16:57:00.001-05:00

Dear Programmers...

Have you hugged your favorite fiber artist today to thank there craft for lending itself to the skill set needed for the FIRST COMPUTER PROGRAMER, Ada Lovelace a weaver and mathematician???

Happy Ada Lovelace Day,
“an international day of blogging to celebrate the achievements of women in technology and science”.

Woman in science have long been undervalued for their achievements. So today it the day to raise awareness of the presence of women in science and technology and to remind men in technical communities that women are unquestionably capable of great achievments and we deserve there respect.

I for one remind every programmer and hacking friend, that the first programmer was a woman and a weaver.

Thank you Ada....

Priscilla

National Physical Gallery, Teddington.

kitty: New project on the needle, Abyss by Olga Buraya-Kefelian

2010-03-16T12:45:00.003-05:00

It's slowly coming along, though I am not going to make it for St. Patrick's Day (No I wasn't trying for the date, but my neighbor asked me when she saw the sweater while I was taking photos. It really made me laugh). I have about 3 inches before it is time to break for the underarms. So far I am absolutely loving the design and the fabric that it is creating.

Essentially the 4 colours are creating a really complex tweedy green which I am ecstatic about . I can not wait to see how the sweater turns out.

I am quickly in need of some dressy spring clothes so this will be perfect. Beautiful design Olga. :)

kitty: Boye Electric Ball Winder: To buy or not to buy is the question?

2010-03-12T16:17:00.000-05:00

Boye Electric Yarn Winder

Boye Electric Yarn Ball Winder White
Manufactured by Boye
Price: 89.99 found on Ebay for 23.99 New

Description: BOYE-Electric Yarn Ball Winder. This machine is convenient and quick: eliminate tedious hand winding and easily wind hanks of yarn into center-pull skeins. This machine winds all sizes and weights of yarn. The Yarn Ball Winder features a suction cup to securely attach it to work surfaces; adjustable speed; labor-saving motor that means less stress on your arms hands and wrists; create flat bottom balls that stack neatly; rewind messy partial skeins into tidy center-pull skeins and wind thin yarns together to create custom sizes or colors; machine is light weight and compact so transport and storage are easy. The instructions include details for use and care. Machine measures 5x10x7in. UL listed (E215890): Input of 100-240V; 50/60Hz; 0.6A and Output of 12V; 2.0A. Imported (Found on Amazon)

One of the things that I hate to do most in knitting is wind a ball of yarn. I can not tell you how many times I have found myself cursing about how much I hate the task. I know some people love it and find it therapeutic, but I am not in that camp.

So when I first heard about the Boye Electric Yarn Winder I was really excited about the concept. I had seen the more expensive electric yarn winders but I had not wanted to invest the money in one to be honest. A couple of months ago I lost my manual yarn winder someplace in my office. I looked and looked and couldn't find it. (I found it the day I ordered the electric one.)So I couldn't bear it any longer, I started to look on ebay for a new one. I ran across Ritz Camera liquidation company who was selling the Boye Electric at a highly reduced price. So I figured it was worth a shot.

So the good.... Well I don't have to hand crank to wind the ball of yarn.

Oh... It is an electrical gadget, and I am a gadget girl.

The Bad... The motor just isn't strong enough for the task and I was expecting any second for that all to familiar smell of burned out motors. It is not capable of pulling the yarn off of my swift without manual intervention. I had to stand there and pull at the same rate that the yarn was winding to get it to form its very loose ball.

I then thought, well maybe it wasn't designed for this task. So I decided to have it rewind a hand wound ball. That probed to be disastrous. It first pulled off a chunk that got knotted only to be followed by me setting there manually pulling off the yarn to be would from the ball. (This is not a task to be preformed with 2 helpful cats)

The next problem is the ball that it produces, though neat if very loosely wound. I have to wonder if it will be able to hold its shape while knitting a project..

As a whole, though I have only used this twice now, I would not recommend buying this device. Even though I had read a lot of very good reviews, bottom line I found myself spending more time winding then I did before on a task I hate.

Habu Item XS-32, 20/18 bamboo, colour 5

kitty: Mia's Christmas Scarf

2010-03-04T12:36:00.000-05:00

Mia's Christmas Scarf

item #: Textured Shawl Recipe
Pattern: Orlane - Ravelry Link
Fiber: Plucky Knitter 55/45 Cashmere Silk 2ply
Colour: Upsy Daisy

So I am pretty late in getting this to Mia, but with all the nightmare weather and deadlines galore I can finally get to the PO today. So I thought it was safe to post photos of it. It isn't much of a surprise since Mia has known about her Christmas gift even before I left for London. So here are pictures of the finished scarf.

And obviously I love the concept of this textured shawl recipe since this is my third version of the shawl. Indigo Hand Spun - Textured Shawl - Habu Textile A-1B Kakishibu Tsumugi Silk

kitty: looking forward to knitting for fall 2010

2010-03-01T15:00:00.000-05:00

Squeal...

Have you been following all the amazing knitwear for Fall 2010 that has been hitting the runway? As you can tell from this post, the Prada Socks have really caught my eye. Something about the very chunky cables running up the front of the socks really intrigues me. Particularly with the leather skirts and simple shirts.

Looks Like fall is going to be really exciting for knitters this year.

Prada
D&G
Pringle of Scotland
Missoni
Salvatore Ferragamo
Y-3

All photos were taken from Style.com from there coverage of the Prada Fall 2010 Runway show.

Kitty: Day 17 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-28T21:39:00.001-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 17

IT's done It's done It's done....

Through many trials and tribulation, I somehow got it done with out a lot of crazy knitting at the end. I don't plan on ever doing a marathon knit again!

Kitty: Day 15 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-26T21:24:00.001-05:00

MG working away at her entry for the 2010 Knitting Olympics

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 15

Well as a dear knitting friend wrote in a comment, it just isn't worth hurting myself over knitting this sweater. So on day 14 I put down the knitting needles and gave my wrist a break. If it gets done before the close great, but if it doesn't it will still be a cool sweater after the olympics as well.

MG came over and brought bento boxes for lunch and we had a little knitting party this afternoon.(Thanks MG) She is on track to finish her colourwork vest before closing ceremony. I am so proud of her, it is absolutely beautiful and so exciting. An entire colourwork sweater. :)

YEAH YEAH YEAH MG
GO GO GO MG

Kitty: Day 13 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-25T11:57:00.001-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 13

So what is left:

8 RAFFINIERT - Lila Pulli im Look von Vivienne Westwood

Pattern from Fur Sie (Free pattern)
(A special thanks to O for translating the pattern for me at Christmas time when she had so much on her.)

Yarn: Shambala 50% wool & 50% Cotton

Day 14 - 7 inch
Day 15 - Raglan Cast off of the Sleeve
Day 16 - 2 inches - Turns out that I bound off to soon for the front and need to go and rip out and continue.
Day 17 - Steam and Seam (Feb 28, 2010)

Can I do it?????

Kitty: Day 10,11,& 12 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-24T11:22:00.002-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 10, 11, & 12

3.75 balls of yarn. The chopstick are there to denote how much knitting was done on each day. Since I forgot to take photos of Day 10's knitting.

The sleeves for this sweater may end & squash my 2010 Knitting Olympics. My hands and wrist are just killing me. The half English brioche stitch is just so hard on my hands. So we will see how it goes from now to the end. I really want to make my goal.

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 10 & 11

Kitty: Review - Worthpoint.com "Today, I reveal my big secretes on how I actually decide what to pay for items at auction houses and ebay."

2010-02-22T16:19:00.007-05:00

Screen Capture from the homepage of Worthpoint - Discover Your Hidden Wealth

How many times have you been on an auction site looking at a vintage button, sewing good, or vintage textiles and found yourself wondering are you about to put in some foolish outrages bid that though will make the seller's day you are going to be taken to the cleaners on.

In the old days I was a full believer in the price guidebooks. I would set for days memorizing the prices of some of my favorite categories of antiques & collectibles. I wanted to know if I saw an amazing deal on a button, memorial jewelry or a hat that if I ever wanted to sell it I could make a profit. I have been known to buy those large lots of buttons on ebay for just one button that I glimpse in the stash of 1000's.

As time has passed though I am really not sure how practical and useful the price guides are anymore. By the time they are actually published (& more likely if) most of the data is out of date. I was really happy to discover that Worthpoint has basically designed an online community that will now allow you to search for descriptions, photos, and prices (for members) of your favorite collectible. There are some great details and photos of objects that have sold in the last couple of years to help guide your decisions on what bid to actually place when your heart is running on a rampage.

One of the strangest experiences was the day I did a search for one of the search fields (Chinese Juvenile Sports) I collect for gifts for my mom and I found several items I had purchased.

Though I have never actually used it they even have a feature that would allow you to ask a Worthologist a question to help you identify your collectible and even would gives you an estimate on value. Though I have to wonder on some of the weird obscure sewing tools if they would have any better idea than the textile museums or Pieceworks magazine.

So today I revel one of my big secretes on how I actually decide what to pay for items at auction houses and ebay.

Though with any antique and collectible site I would love to see more articles that deal with textile and clothing there are a few blog post on Worthpoint that I thought were pretty valuable:

Caring For Your Vintage and Antique Linens and Textiles—Part One
Caring for Vintage Linens and Textiles – Part Two
Though not in the article itself the Worthologist goes into the technique of crofting (reply #5) in the comments. Though I have never been brave enough to lay white linens on the grass in the sun, back when I worked in the historical textile collection at OSU we use to place white linens on the English Boxwoods all the time.

I really enjoy these articles since it went over subjects, that though our mothers and grandmothers thought of as common sense we are not really taught today. And bottom line, you really can get a lot of stains out through just common sense and old fashion laundry techniques.

How to Clean Antique Table Linen
They go through a 7 step processes for cleaning table linen in the article.

Some tricks that I have always used is to remember that table linens really can be soaked for several days in the tub (Sorry M, I really know you hate when I do this.) and most importantly never ever put them into a washing machine.

Another valuable trick if you have small rust spots a little lemon juice and salt may take it out. There is a product called Wink on the market for removing rust stains, but I really wouldn't use it. The chemicals are just too strong in my opinion for fragile textiles.

A few others that I really enjoyed:

Vintage Clothing: To Buy or Not to Buy, That is the Question!

The Exquisite Needlework of Appenzell Embroidery

Marghab Linens—The Finest Embroidery Ever Made

Whimsical Tammis Keefe Handkerchiefs

Iroquois Purses

Preserving the Worth of Your Antique Carpets

Hat Pins, A Deadly Weapon?

Collectible Handbags and Purses

Kitty: Day 9 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-21T18:33:00.000-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 9

Ok some redemption, yesterday I was able to finish the rest of the front and the back 1/4. So I am feeling a little better about my progress on my sweater. Now I am ready to cast on for the sleeves. Hope I haven't slacked to much.

Kitty: Day 8 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-20T18:29:00.000-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 8

Can I distract you with Orchids or maybe a cute snail that there was no knitting on Day 8? :)

Kitty: Day 7 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-19T14:01:00.001-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 7

Nothing to report, no time for knitting. :( Though I did get to see MG and her 2010 Knitting Olympics entry yesterday.

Kitty: Day 6 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-19T14:00:00.001-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 6

8 balls and counting.

Kitty: Day 5 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-17T23:25:00.000-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 5

7.25 balls and counting. The colours are really off due to the fact I forgot to take photos before 10:00pm at night. I only have a couple of more inches for the front.

Kitty: Day 4 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-16T18:40:00.001-05:00

2010 Knitting Olympics - Day 4

6.5 balls and counting. I already started the bind off at the underarm and I am working on the front 1/4th.

Kitty: Day 3 of Knitting Olympics

2010-02-15T14:43:00.001-05:00

Day 3 of my Knitting Olympics!

kitty: Knitting Olympics 2010

2010-02-15T00:40:00.001-05:00

Vancouver Shrimp and Day 2 of my olympic knitting!

Yes I may have totally lost my mind, but MG and I are continuing our Knitting Olympic tradition and knitting again for 2010 Winter Olympics. Four years ago while in San Fran we cast on together for my very first lace project. (Feb 2006 post from MG & myself) This olympics was suppose to be my first colourwork garment, but I wasn't able to find chunky yarn that wasn't scratchy in time.

So I found something quickly in the closet that hit the gauge of a sweater I have wanted to knit for awhile, 8 RAFFINIERT - Lila Pulli im Look von Vivienne Westwood. I would be lying if the project is that much of a challenge to knit since I am already on ball 4 as of tonight, when my goal was 1 ball a night and I missed night 1. So the challenge will be to find the time to knit it in the days ahead. I basically have spent the weekend in bed with a migraine so had some knitting time.

Photo goodies from M's Flickr:

Photo Vancouver Shrimp - Photos 2 - Photo of Valentine's Dinner

kitty... sadness

2010-02-12T01:32:00.002-05:00

… The phone beeped with the breaking news announcement from CNN. A common occurrence it seems these days with one tragedy or another, but today was different. When M picked up the phone he read the news, British Fashion Designer Alexander McQueen is dead. I couldn’t believe it. I reached for the phone I thought he was joking, McQueen is only 40 how could he be dead. It is one week until he was to show if next collection at British fashion week. I didn’t want to hear the words that had just come out of his mouth. I had to read the words for my self. Alexander McQueen was dead. My hand couldn’t even hold the phone at that point; it just fell from my fingers while utter disbelief crossed my face.

Though I didn’t know McQueen I had followed his story and rise to fame in the news over the past years. What a tragic loss. A rare talent extinguished in the prime of his life. I am still just in utter disbelief. My heart greaves at his loss and goes out to his family.

GOD SAVE MCQUEEN
May you rest in peace under
the Union Jack you loved so much

kitty: I can dream

2010-01-20T01:26:00.001-05:00

Ahh.... if there was only more time in the world to study all the things I really love and want to learn. I would seriously consider signing up for a tour I just found out about that is being put together by SFS Tours with Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada (Her flickr account)

Information taken directly from The World Shibori Network Website

"2010 MAY : ARIMATSU NAGOYA, JAPAN
Arimatsu, Nagoya, Kyoto, Miyama, Kiryu, Tokyo
May (21) 22 – June 7, 2010
Proposed Itinerary & price - Sign-up

Details: Arimatsu for 7 days; Kiryu for 2 day; Tokyo 4 days; Kyoto 2 days; picturesque rural village with a natural indigo dyer. The first weekend in June is the annual Shibori Fest along the old Tokaido, located in the traditional shibori center of Arimatsu. The Shibori Fest, the area’s most important festival of the year, draws people from all over the country who travel just to attend this lively celebration. The town and its leaders are delighted to invite the SFS group into their community during this bustling, exciting time of year. SFS is encouraged to get involved with & up close to the local traditions, celebrations, and preparations: sit in on music rehearsals, help decorate floats, observe food preparations, etc. Among the tour highlights: a shibori workshop designed for SFS members to learn from and exchange creatively with local master artisans; an opportunity to exhibit your experimental creative works at the Shibori Fest; learning from an acclaimed master dyer of natural indigo; absorbing the natural beauty of a unique, thatched-roof village (a designated National Treasure preservation area); experiencing traditional ryokan (inn) and Japanese onsen (baths). WSN web members given priority registration and discount. Limited capacity. Interested? Email: yoshiko [at] yoshikowada.com, subject “SFS Tour: ARIMATSU” "

I can only dream... sounds amazing.... At least I can pass it on to spread the awareness if you are able to go...

kitty: fireplace retreats

2010-01-12T12:34:00.000-05:00

We have broken the record here in Columbus for continuous snowy days, 17 days and counting. I also think that the grumpiness meter is also growing with just about everyone I am talking with on a daily basis. Prime example of people not dealing with cold, gray, snowy days.

So I have been trying to take small retreats in front of the fireplace. Lots of cream tea and even some home made cookies to cheer me up. I haven't really been able to knit much since I injured my hand in London. Last night I tried to knit a little on Mia's very late Christmas gift. She already knows about it, but here is a little sneak peak. It will be a well traveled shawl.

kitty: cool site

2010-01-11T01:34:00.005-05:00

Wow... I was surfing around and came across a blog where the artist created these amazing handmade food based crayons. I am just in total and complete amazement so I had to post about it.

How fun would it be to have a dinner party where the first course was rice paper and crayons that you could either write on the paper or just munch down on the crayon. For me it is always a bonus if you can play with your food before you eat it.

Or on a more practicle level for parents you would no longer worry about your kids eating wax.

http://luxirare.com/crayon/

The site is just breath taking.

Image taken from a screen capture from Luxirare.com... http://luxirare.com/crayon/

kitty: Haapsalu Shawl - Haapsalu Sall

2010-01-07T13:04:00.002-05:00


Pre-Order Knit & Purl	Estonian Version Publisher - Saara kirjastus(Saarakiri OÜ)
Annotation: A glorious, coffee-table size book of knitted lace, Estonia and a binding love between the two. Not a simple pattern book, and certainly not a project book, but a time capsule into a far off world where the soul of a people is captured in the hands that guide the needles to create the indigenous patterns of a rich heritage. The photography capturing this world is rich and the drawings and charts make the techniques and patterns close to a hands-on learning experience.	Per the publisher site: "Ordering books in english 22.07.2009 We are glad to pronounce that now you can buy our lovely book of “Haapsalu sall” by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi. To order a book, drop an email to our manager of international sales (tiina@saara.ee) with your exact wishes. " I am itching for there other books - Click Here
If you are in love with lace knitting, it isn't to late to pre-order a copy of Haapsalu Shawl's from Knit & Purl. There are some rumors that there will only be 300 copies of the book printed in English. This is a translation from the original version which was written in Estonian and is out of print. My Copy came on Monday and I haven't stopped reading it and looking through the photos. I have even used one of the patterns in another textured shawl recipe shawl I am making for a christmas gift that I am really late on. Review: Unlike Nancy Bush book on Knitted Lace of Estonia: techniques, Patterns and Traditions, that was published in 2008, this is not a project book per say. It is a stitch dictionary of traditional designs with some very basic instructions on how the patterns were used in a few historical designs. The book is laid out with a brief history of the town and the knitters. There is a collection of reproduced historical photographs of the knitters of the area past and present. The next section is an outline of the techniques that will be needed to accomplish the art. There are wonderful drawings, photographs and the keys to the charts. It even clearly shows you how to build a lace frame and how to stretch your project. The stitch Library (More than 100 Lace Patterns) is then divided by themes. Variations of Lily of the valley motif, leaves/twigs, money, and large motifs that are shown in shawls. There is a mix of nupps, cables, crossed stitches, and patterned holes. Then there is an extensive section on lace edgings. The charts and images are very clear and easy to follow. ...... I have pretty much been in love with Estonian Lace for awhile and I have posted several post about the cast on and structure in previous post. ( Thoughts on Square Shawl - Estonian Lace ) I really hope I have the honor to take one of Nancy Bush's classes on the subject some day. But until then, I will treasure this english stitch dictionary for my records. The books is absolutely beautiful and though the price is high for the book I feel it is more than worth the price.

More Info / Pictures: Estońskie Szale - Estonian Lace Haapsula Museum - Läänemaa Muuseumi Gjabouri's Blog - Haapsalu Sall Book Aeti askeldused - Minu Haapsalu salid Purchase other Books and booklets - hobipunkt (have not ordered before) Włóczkomania - Diagrams of Estonian Lace - Greta Garbo Shawl Forum for Haapsalu Shawl - Click Here fotoforum.gazeta - Click Here or Click Here drutki szydełko i robótki - Click Here
New Estonian Book in JP
	Estonian Lace! Seto Lace & Haapsalu Lace エストニアで習ったレース—マフラー、リストウォーマー、ポーチetc. (大型本) by 林ことみ Amazon jp My Copy just arrived, but I haven't had time to study it or read it.

kitty: 2010 a new decade begins & 2009 draws to an end

2010-01-02T21:05:00.000-05:00






After looking at the collection of FO's for this past year I kind of feel like a slacker. My List of FO's is pretty short sadly. I am really not sure how 2009 just flew past me. So many projects were planned, but sadly they are still on paper and this is all that came to light. I am on a complete yarn and fiber diet until I clean out 2 of the bins from the closet. So I had better get busy. Time is a wasting. The Goal for me this year to come is to fill this blog with lots of new FO's and more informative post for the blog. I also just wanted to say Thank You to all the friends who are still reading this blog. This year has been a pretty rough year here at Knitbuddies. We have shared a lot of happy memories together and sad ones as well. It has been really hard continuing to post since MG left. Somehow it is a lot harder with out her here. I still just really miss her sweet post and creative projects. I have big plans for making 2010 so lets up it will be a great year. Thanks again for everything and Happy New Years.

Kitty: Happy New Years

2010-01-01T01:13:00.001-05:00

2010

Wishing you all a Happy New Years. May the year to come fulfill all your dreams and wishes.