Sometimes, it sucks when work usurps all your energy and leaves you way too brain dead to work on the more interesting things in life, like, your knitting. Such was the case this week. But let’s get on with the progress of my imitation biker jacket.

It’s still missing a pair of epaulets, the remaining sleeves (I’ve decided to go full length - only because I realized that I do have enough yarn), and the two front borders. Knitting without a pattern is liberating, but scary all at once. I based the measurements off one of my cropped cardigans, knit the pockets, and then decided that I did not want a cropped jacket. As a result, the pockets now sit right below my breasts, and there is no way I am ripping out all the sewing again. I am hoping, that with the magic of blocking (Shh. Don’t convince me otherwise), I can somewhat increase the distance between the pocket and my under boob a little. Other than the pocket mishap, things have been pretty smooth-sailing. Top down knitting is the bomb! No more worrying whether or not you can fit all your sleeve stitches into that armhole. 

I’m playing with two ideas for a front band right now. Currently, I have plans to sew hidden snaps with decorative buttons on the front band, and reinforce the band with a ribbon facing to minimize wear-n-tear. But after studying Grumperina’s zipper installation tutorial, my absolutely-no-zipper resolution is wavering. I kept thinking to myself: “Hey, how hard can it be, right?” 

We’ll sit on this for a few days while the rest of the sleeves are completed. Incidentally, I just realized that the color-combo seems very child-like. It must be my inner Peter-Pan.

In the mean time, two pairs of socks have been completed. 

Do not be fooled by the aesthetics of this image. This pair of Koigu Aquaphobia Socks, made for Bobby G (he who feeds my Koigu fetish), was made without modifications to fit his ultra-wide feet. We must have taken over 20 photos to find the right one. He has requested that I be kind while describing his feet, so with much restraint on my part, let’s just say that his feet make him a good swimmer. (How am I doing with the kindness so far?)

Continuing with the blue-green kick that I’ve been on for a while, I also finished a pair of knee highs with Online Supersocke Yarn that I purchased in StitchDC last year. Nothing spectacular, just simple stockinette on Sz 0 and 1 needles. 

(I like this shot better. Makes me legs look leaner)

For the last few days, I’ve been obsessed with biker-style jackets. I searched the fashion forums and picked out two that I liked most.

(simple lines, hidden pockets, and epaulets)

What I happen to have is also 7 balls of chunky yarn that was originally purchased to make Tikru’s Greengable. Unfortunately, I realized it wasn’t enough. Since then, the yarn has been staring me in the face gnawing at me to make something out of it. So when the startitis bug hit, I gave in to the temptation of instantly casting on. I made a mental list of the qualities that I want from this jacket, and I realized that given the possibility of running out of yarn, the jacket should be:

• Knit top down, but with short-rows for shoulder shaping
• With top down set-in sleeves
• Have vertical slit pockets on both fronts, also top down
• High collar
• Sleeve, bottom and collar bands in contrast color, but keep front button bands in same color
• Epaulets! Wee….

Of course it was then that I realized that there is no pattern for all the things that I want to do, so what better time than to make my own? That’s right - my jacket is going to have ALL of those qualities. Barbara Walker, don’t let me down now. And this is what I have to show for it after 2 days.

(a big lump of chunky yarn)

Oh yea, and I’m also knitting a pair of Aquaphobia Socks on the side too. You can never have too many WIPs.

(jah…I is busy)

As someone who appreciates all things beautiful and fair isle (not too obvious from my finished objects so far), my introduction to Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting arrived way too late to be able to own a copy of THE bible at a reasonable price. Over the last year and a half, I have searched numerous yarn stores across California, and many LYS in New Orleans, Washington D.C, and New York, and of course, flea markets and the internet. I was just about to give up on the idea of ever owning one altogether when a random google search revealed that a fellow knit-blogger in Canada would like to exchange her copy of Starmore’s book for a copy of Mostly Mittens by Charlene Schurch. Thus, email was exchanged, and a deal was made.

(I am now the proud owner of this marvelous fair isle book)

Last weekend my friend Bobby G and I attended a kick-ass Groove Armada concert at the City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. I haven’t mentioned this at all on my blog but Spring and Summer seasons for me usually mean concerts, concerts, concerts. Unfortunately, my ears have been ringing since Saturday night and I seriously hope that I didn’t do any permanent damage. Note: Bring ear plugs next time. If you are in the Los Angeles area and would like to read up on the fun we had at the concert, be sure to visit chewbrew.com.

(yes it was that much fun)

Since I last finished the Phildar Pullover with the enormous batwings, I have been force feeding myself to gain the extra poundage to fit into the sweater. No, seriously. Okay, maybe not. But I’ve been working on importing the blogger posts to the new dig AND maybe collecting sock yarns at an alarming rate.

(all Koigu, all the time baby)

The thing with blogger is that when I receive comments from my readers and get all excited about writing them a response, I am greeted with a “noreply-comment@blogger.com”. You can see how this puts a damper on things. So after 3+ not-so-blissful relationship with blogger, I’ve decided to part ways.  And oh, there’s a Pattern page now too. It’s looking a little skinny right now, hopefully I’ll come up with more things later on.

In the last few weeks, I’ve been working on smaller projects as I wait for the next wave of inspiration to smack me over the head. I’m usually not one for spring/summer projects, but I picked up three skeins of Euroflax Original Linen to play with. And if I am lucky, I’ll end up with a Perfect Fit Skirt.

See I tried this baby on, and it looks like I won’t be experiencing any muffin-top action. That’s good news in my book. Unfortunately though, it needs a half slip. Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve never worn slips under skirts. Will it be way too hot? What’s the point of wearing a skirt if you can’t feel the breeze, right? The closest thing that I ever wore to a slip was a pair of spandex shorts under my school uniform, and that was in 9th grade! I didn’t understand why kids in school thought it was funny to go around lifting girls’ skirts back then, and I still can’t figure it out. Do they do that anymore?

Welcome to my new digs. Always under construction.