Happy, Productive Weekend!

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope the weekend is treating you well. As for me, it's treating me very well. So well in fact that I just don't want to go to work tomorrow.

I have so many little things I want to share with you all, that I don't know where to begin! I guess I'll start at the beginning.

Friday night was a very nice, mellow evening. It was a bit chilly here, which was a bit odd given the time of year, but nonetheless a great evening to enjoy a bit of live music! Luckily for me Manhattan has a concert series, Arts in the Park, that they do every Friday. It's comprised of live music, and last Friday's was a group from Texas known as White Ghost Shivers. Being a twangy, banjo, ragtime, 20's style band, they were really entertaining! And it was so much fun to see all the community members out and about and all the little kids dancing up front. It was a little nippy, but I still managed to get some knitting on my shawl done. Not much though :(



Saturday was the exact opposite of Friday, for the weather was back up in the 80's and 90's. Kansas is so weird sometimes. Saturday for me meant Farmer's Market, at which I picked up some fresh lettuce to satisfy my current salad phase and home made salsa! YUM!  I also got into a bit of a pattern writing mood, so I spent the morning sketching out more worsted weight sock ideas with patterns from my 365 stitch calendar. I have quite a few planned out, and even managed to make a prototype and write up a pattern for one of them: Woven Braid Worsted Socks. Don't ask me why, I just have an obsession with worsted socks and there are not enough patterns out there! I think it would be so fun to publish a whole book of worsted socks! Anyways, I am currently seeking test knitters for this one, and I'm asking my faithful readers first. If anyone wants to knit these, let me know :)

I also had the chance to catch up with Ivy yesterday, for she was in town and we got together for a bit to just talk and knit (although no knitting occurred...again!). It's so nice to have someone to stitch and bitch with sometimes. I hope we get more of that very soon.

So today is Sunday, and here it's super humid and drizzley out. That didn't stop me from trying something else new! I am currently really interested in natural dyes for fiber from plants and flowers and vegis and such. Well my aunt offered up a bit of her garden to grow some of these things and we went by a local flower place. We got marigolds for her garden and for me (yes me!) we got some Coleus plants. I couldn't resist the colors of the beautiful leaves, even if they don't boil down well into dyes, I am so excited to finally have some plants to take care of! After reading everyone's blogs, I just got hit by the gardening bug! These pots will faithfully sit outside my door all summer :)

Pot 1

Pot 2. I can't wait to see them explode!

And now, it being five o'clock, I need to start packing for my new apartment, which I move into next week. I am SOO excited to get into it, for I will finally have a place to myself and all the space I need to be super artsy!

Happy Sunday everyone!

~Lisa

This is Josie, the lucky kitty I get to cat sit for this weekend! Isn't she awesome!?!?!?

Saturday Evening Book Review #3

Happy Saturday! It's so nice here, I really wish I had more excuses to go outside! Sorry I haven't posted since Wednesday, I do have a few ideas for posts, but I'm putting them off for some reason.

Anyways, I have 2 more books I want to share with you all in today's review, so let's get started.

Color Knitting the Easy Way by Melissa Leapman 

Like: 

• Whole section on color theory, something I've always applied to art but never really thought about for knitting
• No fair isle or intarsia or etc what-so-ever, instead it's all about slipping stitches, striping, etc to make the patterns/designs look harder than they are.
• Has many extensive sections of different motifs you can add to any pattern you want. 
• Patterns for all ages
• The patterns come in a certain color palette and have suggested other palettes to pick from.

Dislike:

• I wish it did have intarsia, fair isle, etc because I'd love to learn some secrets to making them easier.
• All the patterns seem really flashy, I wish it had a bit more options for color schemes that weren't so bright.

Favorite Patterns:

• Striped Fingerless Mitts
• Joan's Hoodie
• Mitered Mania Throw

Overall, I like this book. Melissa visited Manhattan for a weekend workshop back in March, but I didn't take them because I was broke. Now I wish I had, because she seems very knowledgeable. I plan to check out more of her books in the future. 

A Fine Fleece; Knitting with Handspun Yarns by Lisa Lloyd

Like:

• Very extensive sections on spinning, picking fibers, wool types, blending, all kinds of things
• The patterns have substitutions of store yarns if you fancy them instead

Dislike: (keep in mind that these are things I don't like, not necessarily bad)

• Many of the patterns are not the kind I would wear
• Some of the fiber recommendations for projects are really specific and sometimes hard to get around where I am.
• Most of the patterns are sweaters, which means spinning A LOT of fiber, which also means they are more for wheel spun yarns then spindle spun yarns.

Favorite Patterns:

• Trinity
• Cat's Eye
• Narragansett Bay Scarf
• Tilly

Overall, I like the tips for spinning this book provides, but I am not a fan of the patterns for using handspun. I'd likely use the store bought equivalents instead.  The author is very much into hand spinning and carding, and I wish there were more books like this for different pattern types.

In other news, I am in the process of designing more worsted weight socks, like my Basic Cable Socks that I published last fall. I have been sketching around all day ideas, because I really would like to see more worsted sock patterns. What do you think? Would you knit worsted socks if the right patterns were out there? Also, if anyone wants to test knit, let me know, I'll gladly have you do so. :D

I am also getting very interested in natural dying , something that came up, of all places, in my figure class. We made ink with plant roots, and now I want to dye with it. Expect more updates on that very soon!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

~Lisa

WIP Wednesday #3; Bit by Bit

Happy Wednesday! I have been eagerly awaiting this day because I want to show off all the amazing projects I have going right now. I have not one, not two, but THREE WIP knitting projects, plus a slowly progressing spindle project. Each one is coming along at it's own pace, bit by bit and row by row.

First on my list for you is the Amari Shawl, which is for a KAL I am doing with Evelyn and a bunch of others. I told myself way back in January I wouldn't buy any new yarn this year, but sadly that plan has come to a halt. I wanted to do this shawl so bad, but I didn't have enough of any worsted yarn in my stash. In the end I caved and purchased Plymouth Yarn Jeannee, in several shades of blue to make the shawl striped. I am still not sure how much I like this project yet, probably because of the yarn, which is half cotton, half acrylic (I did get it in the 'baby' section of the LYS), which doesn't give much drape. I wanted something suitable for summer though, so I think it will be ok. If you get the chance, hop over to the Ravelry KAL and see what everyone is up too, they are all amazing.  For me, this project is going slow, even though it's a fast knit, because it is my knit night only project. It's simply the kind of thing I can take there and not worry about getting distracted during.

I finally casted on  my lacy summer top last weekend, and then ripped it out 3 rows later because it was twisted. Seriously, 260 stitches with yarn that thin is really hard to get right the first time. And man, this thing knits slow. I feel like I've knitted forever, and I'm not even past the first inch of edging! I know in the end I will love it, but right now it's just a pain, and I think it's hurting my eyes to work on too because of how small the yarn is. Lace weight yarn, after this project, is no longer my friend. 

My final WIP for the week is my Pink Spiral Scarf (or is it a shawl?) which has been on the needles for awhile but barely been worked on. For the most part, it has been my between projects project, but I've decided to try and make it my before bed project, since it requires less concentration and eye strain to work on and I can listen to my audio book during it. 

Speaking of audio books, I decided to try one for the first time last week. I was at the library and they had a book I have been needing to read anyway, Crossed by Ally Condie,which is the sequel to the popular book Matchd, and decided to give it a try. It's definitely a different experience that's for sure. It's taking some getting used to the voices and also having to remember what 'chapter' I left off on. But overall, it's an ok experience. I prefer actual books more, but this is ok too.

So now I want to share you something I am REALLY proud of! I have been working on spinning up some lovely Merino/ Tussah Silk blend yarn and I originally was going to divide it into threes and triple ply it, but the first 1/3 came out kinda thick, like everything else I have always spun, and I decided I wanted something different. So for the second 1/3 I took a shot at making it much thinner, and found success! I am so excited! I have never spun anything this spin, or consistent, on my spindle before. It's going much slower, but the progress is so refreshing that it's worth it. Thanks again Ivy for the amazing gift!

 I am 2 days away from finishing up my figure class. I can't wait to share my drawings with you guys, I know you will all love as much as I do (I can't believe I'm even saying that about the figure!). For now, I am leaving you with a picture of Muffin, who thought my spindle was a toy last weekend. Have a good one everyone!

~Lisa

If you want to participate in WIP Wedneday or see more, visit Tami's Amis :)

Home Again

Today's post isn't really about knitting, or really anything specific, I just feel like posting. 

For the past 3 weeks I've been coming home on the weekends to work since I cannot work in Manhattan during the week with my summer school class. As annoying as the drive each weekend is, it really is nice to be away from the drama of college and roommates and everything and just relax at home. I think the main thing I like about being home is my kitties :) So today I'm going to share more kitty photos with you.

I think Muffin is sick of me taking her picture!

And now she wants out (I love the lighting!)

Sasha and Muffin LOVE the catnip plant out back, they even have a spot that is pretty much dead because they always sit in it!

And then she got frisky and wanted my camera cord!

And let the fight over the spot begin!

Eating the grass :D

Dad got out the mop and Sasha got curious!

And this is where she spends her nights, on top of the mouse cage!

I really miss my kitties when I am at school, and I really wish my landlords would allow pets :( I want a cat so bad! But for now, I live vicariously through my parents stories of the crazy things these 2 do.

To end the post, I want to share with you a funny idea I had last night. We were sitting around and I just wanted to knit (something my dad gets annoyed by when I'm home, which is why I like being in Manhattan...) and he was trying to get me to do something else. I told him that "I wish I had a note on my head, so I could just point to it when you ask me to do something". I was just being silly, but decided to try it out and share it with you!

How much fun would it be to have that tattooed on your head, wrist, or just something you could show people when you didn't feel like doing anything else?

I hope everyone is having a good day! It's Memorial Day here in the states which means I get the day off from life. But I still have to head back to school tomorrow for my last week of class.

~Lisa

Saturday Evening Book Review #2

I am really excited to share this weeks books with you all, they are both really fun books that I truly enjoyed reading this past week. So without further ado, here is this week's Saturday Evening Book Review!

Weekend Knitting, by Melanie Falick

Likes: 

• As the name says, all the patterns are finish able within a weekend or two.
• The author added extra sections throughout with fun ideas for weekends and knitting. Some examples: Knitting in literature, in films, recipes and more!
• All the photos are beautiful

Dislikes:

• There are a few projects that seems impractical, but it probably depends on the person who is knitting

Overall, I really like this book, it is one I would probably invest in if given the chance.

Patterns I like:

• Brioche Hat
• Fingerless Mitts
• fluffy lace camisole and pull off cowl
• Lopi Lace Scarf

Custom Knits, by Wendy Bernard

Likes: 

• Includes instructions to create your own sweaters! 
• Has patterns and ideas for ways to alter it.
• In the intro,the author says she likes sweaters in the round, and therefore all the patterns are worked as such
• INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE YOUR OWN! (really like this :D )

Dislikes:

• Some of the alterations don't make a lot of sense
• I wish it had instructions for tank tops.

My aunt gave me this book and said keep it as long as I need it, so honestly, she will probably never see it again! In general, I really like this book and the author is really straight forward.

Favorite Patterns:

1. Essential Tank
2. Jane
3. Jewel
4. Paradise Beach Cover Up
5. Skinny Empire

That's it for this week's books! I have 2 new projects I can't wait to share with you in the coming weeks as well as some spinning. Finally, I have a question for you guys. Do you ever check back to blogs to see if the author replied to comments you left? I hardly ever reply because I don't think anyone checks to see if I did. But if I know you are checking, I will reply more. I know that I only check for replies on blogs that I know the author usually does so.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend, and those in the states enjoy their (hopefully) Monday off! I will be knitting :)

~Lisa

I keep forgetting kitty pictures, I'll get better I swear!

The hunt is on...and a pair of socks too!

Hey all. So I probably will not be doing WIP Wednesday tomorrow, because I don't really have any WIPs to talk about! Yea, that's right, I finished my socks!

In the end, I really like these socks! The foot was a butt to work, but it turned out alright in the end. The heel worries me a bit though, because it doesn't seem to want to stay lined up with the heel of my foot always, so I often have to rotate the socks. As for the yarn, Pagewood Farms Yukon, I absolutely adore the color, but the yarn itself seems a bit fuzzy; I'm wondering how this will hold up in a machine/after washing...

(My photo skills, or lack there of, do no justice to the beauty of these socks!)

As for the 'hunt' I referred to in my title, I am currently hunting down a nice worsted yarn to make this shawl for Evelyn's (Project: Stash) KAL. I am leaning towards a blue color, maybe even just getting some more of the yarn I used to make this:

Plymouth Yarn, Jeannee...but there's only 111 yards per skein :/

Blue just naturally looks good on me. I will have to do a bit of hunting at my LYS on Thursday to find the perfect fit (that isn't too expensive....too bad budgets always get in the way...so much for using only stash yarn this year!)

In other news, I knitted this winter headband up yesterday and today (it only took a total of 4 hours!) and it is now for sale in my Etsy shop. I need opinions on the photos though. I don't own a dummy to take a photo of it on, and I don't want to photograph is on a real head either. Do these photo's suffice or should I find a "head" to put it on. I am seriously considering making more, since it utilizes a few things I love: Handspun and Handdyed yarns, bright colors against black, and quick knits. What do you all think?

I am really enjoying my summer figure class right now, and I'm learning so much! I hope that everyone else out there in blog land is enjoying your time spent doing your passions, be it knitting, working, cooking, anything, and is having a good start to the week.

~Lisa

Saturday Evening Book Review Take 1

Hello my faithful readers. Tonight I want to introduce you to something new I am going to be doing hopefully every Saturday night!

The Saturday Evening Book Review

The idea came to me when I was at the local library looking for books with patterns to use my lace yarn on. Our library has this very extensive selection of knitting books, at least 3 shelves. I sat down and looked through some prospective ones before picking a few out (and in the end, I didn't even use any of them as a pattern choice...). So now I think I am going to go every week and check out a couple knitting books that sound like fun! 

By posting reviews each week it will give me an opportunity to learn some new techniques and discover new patterns, as well as for you guys to learn about new books, patterns, designers etc that you may not have had a chance before. I hope you find these reviews as insightful and helpful as I do!

Tonight's book list includes Stitch 'n Bitch: Superstar Knitting, Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders, and Feminine Knits. 

**Disclaimer: I am not being paid for these reviews, they are simply my personal feelings and ideas. Also, I have likely not knitted any of the patterns in these books, so the reviews are more about the books themselves and not the patterns**

Stitch 'n Bitch: Superstar Knitting By Debbie Stoller

Like:

• The helpful and somewhat extensive sections on color work knitting, lace, cables, beads and general tips.
• The diagrams they use to explain all of the above
• The photos of the patterns

Dislike:

• I really wish there was something I could think of that I disliked, but there really isn't. Overall I love the Stitch 'n Bitch books are always such a joy to read!

Favorite Patterns:

• Baby Corn
• Gretel
• Saxon the City
• Sea and Surf Sweater

Luxury Yarn One Skein Wonders by Judith Durant, editor

Likes:

• The variety of patterns for a variety of knitters and skill levels
• The patterns are organized by weight of the yarn
• The photos are really nice.

Dislikes:

• I wish the photos were on the same pages as the patterns and not in a separate section in the front
• I know it is luxury yarn, but they use very specific brands, and some use specific yarn types, that I feel could be harder to find for some knitters.

Favorite Patterns:

• Ailish's Alpaca-Merino Crush Hat
• Caravan
• Cool Little Llama Silk Mittens
• Flirty Merino-Silk Neck Warmer
• Wool and Camel Down Ripple Scarf

Feminine Knits, by Lene Holme Samsøe

Likes:

• The project pages have photos of the garments on the model as well as laid out so you can see it's general shape. I wish more books did this!
• The patterns are really pretty and even though this book is from 2004 (?) it seems like they would still be in style
• The back has yarn recommendations for substitutions.

Dislikes:

• Most of these patterns are not for beginners
• Quite a few of the patterns seem to be designed for 'older' people (no offense...)

Favorite Patterns:

• Nederdel / Lace Tiered Skirt
• Rib Knit Vest
• Top med dusker / Top with pompon ties

That's it for today's review! I hope you all enjoyed reading my thoughts and are having a great weekend!

~Lisa