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)

Oh man. I just realized that it’s been a year since I’ve started blogging about knitting. I’ve compiled a poster of my completed knits since March last year and I guess pictures speak louder than a verbal summary.
Suffice to say that I’ve come a long way since the age of acrylic yarn and garter st. In all honesty, I never imagined that I can keep a hobby for this long. I usually have a short attention span when things get boring and move on to the next big thing. In knitting however, I feel that I’ve accomplished some, but there’s still more mountains to climb. Guess I’ll be knitting for a while…

Of the few sweaters that I’ve made up to this point, the only one that gets heavy rotation is Raspy. Now that it’s cold and nipply, a cotton sweater simply won’t do. I’ve always admired the Hourglass sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, and so the timing was just perfect. Pattern: Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Materials: Baruffa Maratona (8 balls at 121yds/50g), sz 5 and sz 6 circular needles

Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows to 4″ in sz 6 needles

Notes: The pattern called for Noro Cash Iroha at a gauge of 19 sts and 28 rows, therefore I had to alter the pattern to fit my gauge (that and I was trying to stash-bust). I basically measured a shirt that I wear ala Diana’s method, and knit to fit my own specifications. I decided to be a little adventurous and try the negative ease thing on this one, and made it with 1″ negative ease. Could have gotten away with -2 or even -3, but that’s for next time. Of course, having a long torso and long arms meant additional mods too. The body piece before sleeve attachment was 18″, and the sleeves were at 22″ a piece before joining them to the body. I followed the pattern guidelines roughly for the shaping ideas and also the yoke for the raglan shaping. For the hems on the lower body and the sleeves, I followed the no-sew-knitted-hem tutorial by Marnie. The less I have to sew, the better. Initially I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough yarn since so many other knitters have run into yarn-shortage problems at the knit-along, so I decided to add the brown trims for the sleeves just in case. Turns out I have nothing to worry about. I still have 2 complete balls of yarn left.

For your viewing pleasure, here’s a close up of my neckline and my sleeves…

In an unfortunate turn of events, BF won’t be able to spend this holiday season with me. Quite the bummer. Here’s why: Power-tripping U.S. Consulate Interviewers. He told BF that it’s only been 3 months since he moved to Canada and that he didn’t see any reason why BF should come to the States. Hello?!? Friends? Family? Lonely girlfriend? It’s Christmas? That gentleman surely ruined my Christmas. I hope his Christmas sucks ass too. There I said it.

I’ve been eyeing this meme that was started by Carolyn for the last few days and Mari has tagged me. Yay!What is your all-time favorite yarn to knit with?
I will admit that I have not tried many types of yarn- due to budget constraints. As for the yarns that I’ve tried so far, it would have to be Baruffa Maratona - the extrafine merino that I keep raving about. It’s soft, produces wonderful stitch definition, and definitely not itchy on the skin. In terms of practicality, I also like Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece- for the yardage and wearability.

Your favorite needles?
Addi Turbo. No doubt. I love how the yarn glides over it and it’s lightweight make. I would prefer if it were sharper, that’s why my only Addi’s are in sz 0 and 1 for socks. Denise Interchangeables are good too - for their large range of sizes and sharp point.The worst thing you’ve ever knit?
Ruffles scarf from Scarf Style. That was the first thing I ever knit and I didn’t know how the wrong type of yarn can affect the finished product. It’s so bad that I don’t even have a picture of it. I used an aran weight cotton yarn and that thing weighed a ton. The funny thing is, I was so excited that it was my first knit that I gave it to a friend. Although she’s accepted it graciously, she has never worn it - and I don’t blame her. Heck, now that I think about it, I’m pretty embarrassed that I imposed that gift to her. Sorry, friend!

Your most favorite knit pattern? (maybe you don’t like wearing it?but it was the most fun to knit)
In terms of fun, I would have to say Flower Basket Shawl. The lumpiness of lace was magically transformed into a beautiful knit upon blocking and it surprised me to see how a few ssk’s and yo’s and k2tog’s can make such a beautiful thing. I do wear it alot too, as a scarf.Most valuable knitting technique?
Magic Loop. Hands down. I am geared towards efficiency. If I can do it with a pair of needles, there’s no point using 4 or even 5 to do the job. That said, this is purely my opinion, and I do own a set of casein DPN’s that’s gathering dust.

Best knit book or magazine?
Monste Stanley’s Knitter’s Handbook. The discussion of the cast-ons and cast-off are truly valuable. Other than that, I also like to leaf through Interweave Knits for their articles. Reference-wise, I go to Knittinghelp.com very often when I need to refresh my memory on techniques.Your favorite knit-a-long?
Lucky KAL - because it’s my first and included a steep learning curve. This was my first introduction to the world of wonderful and kind knitters and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Your favorite knitblogs?
It’s difficult to pin-point a specific one since each knit blog has its unique contribution - be it writing style or presentation. That said, I do stalk Diana, Lolly and Adele. There’s tons of others, but I’d have to dedicate a whole page to them if I were to discuss them in detail. Your favorite knitwear designer?
I like Teva Durham’s designs not only because I can see myself wearing them, but because some of her designs are very out there. Speaking of which, I do love me them Delphine Wilson designs too. Too bad she doesn’t publish her work for us to worship.The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
Ha ha, this is easy. R.A.S.P.Y. I’ve worn it 3 days out of the week now. It’s a record! It’s boatneck-ish, uber long sleeves, and just the right length for me. I mean, it’s shown up TWICE on my blog consecutively. But all the time I was knitting it, I kept thinking to myself: It’s a raglan sweater. I have to be able to make this top down. So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m gonna make another sweater using raspy as a guideline and knit it top-down. What? You want a another picture? Okay..

Tag Time!
Hee hee. Lolly, Kris and Steph. Lolly because she has a giganormous stash and I am curious as to what she has to say, Kris because I just received a wonderful package from her from our Duplicates for Duplicates swap, and Steph because I love all her knits!

2 packages in 2 days! Now what could this be? Oh my lawd, a big honking hank of Skacel Merino Lace, 100% hand-dyed for me! Natasha, you are too kind. Too too kind. The colors are so delicious that I am at a loss for words. Heck it looks gorgeous on a hank that I might just wear it as is. How’s that for a new fashion statement? And look, she even included a card. Aww… she called me “beeeutiful”. Thank you so much, Natasha. Truth be told, this has been a crappy week. Only 2 more experiments to go and I would have completed my thesis, and the machine flat out BROKE and had to be shipped back to the manufacturer for repair. I have a conference to go to at the end of the month and the timing couldn’t have been worse. What can I say? There’s the yin and the yang. Cursed in experiments, blessed in the stash department. A certain knitter dubbed me the Crazy Speedknitting Lady.. girl, it ain’t that crazy when you’re stressed out over work and can’t sleep at nights. Those wee hours in the morning just bought me precious knitting time. So if you happen to drive by my neck of woods and see the light on at 4am in the morning with the moving shadow of a knitter, it’s me. Stressed on research, and knitting like a maniac (and constipated, of course. We must not leave out the important details.)
I don’t know what I am going to make with this yet, but I know that it has to be divine. Incidentally, isn’t life funny? I just totally blogged about how great Skacel Collection is yesterday and today I receive a hank of yarn by Skacel. Ah, the mysteries of life.