Addictions????

I entered a contest on Ravelry to win a Namaste goodie package through the Namaste Love group. Here's the pictured I entered with me and all my Namaste bags. As you can see I'm thinking about getting the Charcoal Laguna.

So far I have:

1. Black Jetsetter
2. Camel Jetsetter
3. Raspberry Jetsetter
4. Mauve Messenger
5. Lime Malibu
6. Peacock Newport

The Newport is a new purchase. I got it in the mail last week from kpixie. These bags are addicting. I own a lot of knitting bags that I never use. They just sit in my closet. The best part about these are they are a knitting bag and a purse in one. That way I don't look like a bag lady.

I've also found that I have another addiction. Yes it's an iPhone. I got it about two months ago. It isn't the new 3G version but that's okay. I'm still learning about all the apps that are available and yes there is a group on ravelry called iLove my iPhone.

The group has been really helpful. I learned a lot about what cases work the best, look the best and protect the phone the best. Not to mention all the reviews for the iPhone apps. I'm thinking about downloading stitchminder, which is a basic row and pattern counter. There's even an app (iFlickr) that lets you take a picture with your iPhone and then upload it to Flickr. I haven't got as far as installing any apps for now.

New Skirt, New Hair

I finally finished it and the best part is it fits!!! I was worried that this was going to be too small once it was washed. It blocks great and shrinks in length only and by blocking I mean wash it and through it in the dryer. I actually started this last August. Other than blue fingers from it bleeding on my hands, the Rowan denim was great to knit with. My favorite part is the lace and the ruffle.

Pattern: Indigo Ripple Skirt
(Ravelry link)
Source: Interweave Knits, Spring 2007
Yarn: Rowan Denim
Color: Nashville (8.5 balls)
Size: Smallest
Needles: US Size 4
Modifications: I did the usual mods. I cast on for the second
smallest size and increased until I had the correct number for the
smallest size. I also lengthened the stockinette portion of the skirt to
15 inches before washing. I did 50 rows for the lace portion and crocheted
a chain for the draw string with a size H hook and the yarn held doubled.

I wore the skirt to the grocery store yesterday and some lady stopped me to tell me how cute my skirt was and to ask where I bought it. I proudly said I made it. This is definitely one of my favorite knits and will be a summer staple.

I also got a new hair cut by a stylist trained on how to cut curly hair. I learned about how curly hair should be cut in the book Curly Girl. If you're a curly girl you've got to get this book. It has taught me so much about how to care for my hair. It even teaches you how to make your own shampoo and curl refresher.

The hair cut was very different from any that I've ever had. The stylist cut my hair dry one curl at a time. She also taught me how to properly apply product and gave me some great styling tips to help avoid frizz. I got her name on the naturally curly website. I was a little worried going to a new stylist because I've had some really bad hair cuts. My hair shrinks when dry so if it's cut too short I can end up with baby doll bangs. Usually not a good look for me. The hair is cut with the natural curl pattern so my hair actually ended up curlier after the cut. It's a little shorter than I wanted but I am still happy with it.

Too Nice For Yoga

I'm a huge Knit and Tonic fan. Wendy's patterns are so fun to knit and easy to modify for a perfect fit. I can't wait for her book to come out. I pre-ordered mine on Amazon.

This is another one of Wendy's great patterns the Yogini Bolero. I was worried when I was knitting this because it looked way to small. I'm really happy with the final product and the fit. I'm thinking of making another short sleeve version out of Blue Sky Skinny Cotton. I also bought some Cotton Fleece in a deep purple to make a long sleeve version. I love these fast knits.

Pattern: Yogini Bolero
(Ravelry link)
Source: http://www.knitandtonic.typepad.com/
Yarn: Hemp for Knittig Allhemp6LUX
Color: Zinfandel (2.5 hanks)

Size: Small
Needles: US Size 5
Modifications: Instead of the 6 decreases for the
optional shaping I only completed 3 decreases. I also
lengthened the top. The size small says to knit until the
top measures 10.5 inches from the cast on before binding
off. I knit until the top measured 12 inches before binding
off. I have broad shoulders so I think that's why I had to
lengthen the top. Because this is knit from the top down you
can try it on as you go so you can achieve a perfect fit.

Another blog that I love to read is Lara's blog. She knits so many great things and all of her FO's fit great and are so flattering. She had a contest for her blogiversary and I was one of the winners. I won a hank of Sundara 100% hand-dyed superwash merino wool (fingering weight) in the colorway Bird of Paradise.

I can't wait to knit this up. I'm not sure what I want to make with it. Socks? A scarf? The hank is 350 yards. If anyone has any pattern suggestions leave me a comment.

Too many projects

I have been busy painting and remodeling my dining room. I took some before shots so I could post some before and after shots. I have managed to squeeze some knitting in. The Indigo Ripple skirt is close to being done.


Here's a close up of the lace pattern. I love it but I'm kind of over knitting this. I had to put it down for a little while and move onto something else. I started the Yogini Bolero. I'm using the same yarn and color that Wendy used. I wanted to make it in the Red Hemp but Kpixie didn't have three skeins in stock when I placed my order.


This has been a really fast knit. I'm glad this is one of those patterns that you can try on as you go. I'm making the size small so I knit until it measured 10.5 inches from the cast on but when I tried it on it was too high up on my bust. I made the top a little longer and bound off to try it on but it still seems too high. I'm debating if I should add a little more length. I may sleep on it before deciding to rip out my bind off.

Well, I'm off to finish my paining.

Fiber Fix

Today Michelle and I went to Miss Chickpea's Funky Fibers in Hudson. I needed a fiber fix and Michelle was more than happy to go along for the ride.

The shop is really cute inside. Miss Pea (Ravelry link) was not there but her staff was very friendly and they had quite a few yarns that I had never seen before. The best part was they were having a Christmas in July sale. Michelle and I tried to restrain ourselves and limit our purchases but it was tough.

The shop is located in the First & Main shopping district in Hudson. There are a lot of great stores and restaurants in the plaza. I will definitely take a trip back to Miss Chickpea's and make a day of it.

What did I buy you ask? Of course I did not leave there empty handed. I got some cotton fleece in an eggplant color to make the Yogini Bolero. I think I'm going to make the long sleeve version.

I also picked up three balls of Puffin by Crystal Palace. This is made of polyester fleece. I think this is going to become a baby jacket or sweater. It will definitely be warm. Last I picked up two hanks of sock yarn. No I don't need more sock yarn but I couldn't resist the color. The yarn is Hacho hand dyed merino wool.

We also stopped at Chico's. They were having a sidewalk sale and everything was 50% of the sale prices. I got this great skirt. Michelle got two skirts and three pairs of shoes. She got quite a deal the shoes were only $7.00 each.

It's my Birthday!!!

Today is Max's 9th birthday. I can't believe my little pup has been with us for 9 years. Well I have to go make him some homemade dog biscuits. I asked him if he wanted me to make him some treats and now he is laying in front of the oven whining.

Quick Update

No progress pictures today but I'm almost done with my indigo ripple skirt. I'm really enjoying the process of knitting this skirt. I love the Rowan denim. I just hope it is going to fit once I wash and block it.

I have also been busy power washing the patio and back steps. This weekend I added a sand cement mixture to the joints in between the pavers and did lots of planting. When I'm done I take some pictures. I hope the rain stays away for at least a couple more days so I can put my patio set outside and soak up some sun.

Eyelet Cardigan

I finally got some pictures of my finished Blue Sky Alpaca Eyelet Cardigan (Ravelry link). I have mixed feelings about this top. I don't like the way the sleeves fit. They are too wide. As I wore the top throughout the day the sleeves at the elbow kept getting wider and folding up. I'm not sure how to fix this. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Pattern: Eyelet Cardigan
(Ravelry link)
Source: http:www.kpixie.com

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton
Color: Orchid (4.5 hanks)
Size: Small (34)
Needles: US Size 6
Modifications: I shortened the sleeves. Instead of doing all
the ribbing I did only half of the ribbing the pattern suggested.
I didn't want to fold up the ribbing but I have to anyways because
the sleeves are long and too wide. I wish I would have made
them shorter. I also made only one button hole at the top of the
button band. I did not find a button I liked so here I have a brooch
holding the sweater closed.

I am still working on the indigo ripple skirt. I'm finally done with the increases so it's easy mindless stockinette until the skirt is 14 or 15 inches. I haven't decided yet. I'm making the skirt longer than the pattern suggested because I don't want the lace to come up too high on my leg. I love the Rowan denim the only problem is it leaves my hands blue. I'll have to make sure when I wash this I don't throw it in with anything that it could bleed on.