Sunday, November 14, 2010

My Teacher!


Debbie Stoller visited ImagiKnit in San Francisco. She gave a class on the basics of lace knitting then signed some books. In the bottom picture she is demonstrating a decrease using 3 students.

This is the woman who taught me to knit… well, her book did. 5 years ago I was given the book Stitch 'n Bitch by Debbie Stoller as a Christmas gift from a friend. I picked up some cheap yarn and a set of needles, and proceeded to work my way through the book. I still reference the book from time to time today. It's easy to understand, has great illustrations, and points out little tips and tricks for the beginner not typically found in a lot of how-to knitting literature.

I used the big bad baby blanket to get over a boyfriend. The blanket was for a cousin, and the largest project I had knitted at that point. I thought by the time I finish this blanket I will be over the boy. The experiment didn't quite go that smoothly, but I came away from it with a new hobby.

Today I knit everywhere I go, and knit all sorts of projects. Knitting both drives me to the brink of sanity and helps to keep me sane. I see no end in sight. Thank you Debbie Stoller!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

1965



I love these arm warmers. They're just a little bit fancy. These are a pattern by Veronik Avery from Knitting 24/7. The combination of stitch patterns is based on a wedding dress designed in 1965 by Yves Saint Laurent. The dress combined super bulky wool trimmed with silk and satin ribbon. The yarn is Louet Gems color cream which is apparently a base yarn for a lot of dyers.

These were a pretty quick knit despite being on size 1 needles (the size I needed to get gauge), and because the stitch pattern is easy enough to memorize this is a very transportable project. The fit came out a little snug for me. Perhaps I should have stuck with the twos...

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

How to stay warm in San Fran



Lacy Chunky Throw by Wenlan Chia

Final size 40” x 60”. 5 skeins of Lion Brand

This project was started last year. When I picked it back up recently, I saw all of the mistakes I’d made, frogged it, restarted and finished over the weekend.

This project is an easy one. If you’re not able to tell which side you’re on by looking at put a marker on the right side. I wish I’d done that the first time around.

The bottom right is a picture of Mazze. She likes to sleep under blankets. I had gotten up to do something and when I came back I found her 'hiding' under my project.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

One large craft project

What a fabulous time! I could not have asked for a better day, and event, and I could not have pulled it off without loads of help from very talented and willing friends and family. I am one lucky lady. Below are some of the crafty projects I concocted while planning the wedding. Special thank you to our friend and photographer YiMay Yang who is too good at what she does, and everyone else there with a camera who helped us capture the event. For more photos visit my Flickr site.

Road signs. Made by Katie and Whitney (my brilliant and talented sisters)

Brides side & Grooms side buttons. Buttonpixie


Hairpiece.

Donut stand. The Mad Batters
Cake Toppers. Sarah Giannobile. The dog on top is our dog Mazze and was a surprise from Sarah.

Photobooth.

Monday, August 02, 2010

Renegades



Another year another successful Renegade Craft Fair. Lot's of good stuff this year. I made more purchases than usual, but told myself I would take my lunch to work for a while as a budget trade. The Alligator Factory and KM Knits actually showed under Yarnivores. Scout Books is a cute idea, and I've seen them around. I can't wait until they make a 33 Cheeses book. ;) .