Nik's Knits

A Christmas Gift That My Friend Almost Didn't Get Because I Fell In Love With It

2011-12-30T14:12:00.002-05:00

Pattern: "Mine!"
(The pattern can be purchased in the right sidebar.)

I thought things were going to get ugly when I finally had to hand it over. Knitting this scarf in my favorite color-in one of the softest yarns on the face of the earth-was bound to make me not want to give it away. But I was a good girl, and my friend received a well-deserved Christmas gift.

2011-12-15T12:50:00.003-05:00

I LOVE when a man wears anything in charcoal gray. Especially when it's cable-knit. It just seems so...MANLY.

If I were President of these United States, I'd make it a law that all boys have at least one item of cable-knit, charcoal gray clothing at birth. In fact, as soon as they are born I would give them a "life kit" that includes some of the most important things that they will need in life:

Cable-knit, charcoal gray baby hat and/or sweater
Aluminum foil
Duct tape
Swiss Army knife

It seems that I want the kid to "MacGyver"* his way through life.

I made this hat for a friend's brother. It's the one that I designed for my youngest brother, Dontae, for Christmas that one year. The pattern can be found over there in the side bar and is called, um, "The Dontae" (Because I'm very creative when it comes to naming my designs.). The yarn I used is Cascade 220 and it's darker and "charcoal-ier" than shown. But since it's very difficult to take a picture to show detail in such a dark color, I had to make a deal with the sun to shine mightily on this hat so you guys can see the cables. As a result, the color seems lighter.

*For the younguns out there who know NOTHING about the show, MacGyver was a character in a television show who used unorthodox items to get out of binds. For example, he may use a gum wrapper and a toenail to make a bomb to escape from some bad guys.

The Power of the Bootie

2011-11-06T15:28:00.001-05:00

I know that many of you just ovulated simply by looking at this picture.

Even the men.

Many of you will even conceive today, initiated by the cuteness exuded from the booties. Don't they make you want some babies? You can thank me by naming the children after me ("Nicolas" if it's a boy).

Here, let me help you.

You're welcome.

(The booties are crocheted and the pattern is here.)

Trickery

2011-10-21T13:56:00.005-04:00

The other day, I read that children have found a new way to get drunk. They soak gummy bears in vodka, effectively tricking adults into thinking that they're just enjoying a tasty treat.

I must say that it's freaking genius. (Now, if only they'd use their powers for good instead of evil.)

Because it's so genius, I feel sort of like I'm betraying the little delinquents by spreading the word about their trickery. I mean, if you can figure out how to get your underage drinking fix without anyone knowing, then, I think you deserve it*. If I see a teenager downing a bag of gummy bears, I'll simply smile and wink. I'll keep your secret. For your level of "sneakery" is to be revered.

Reading about sneaky ways to get drunk isn't all I've been up to these days. No sir. I've been knitting a shawl. Yep. I'm still in my shawl phase.

Some friends and I went to Charlotte Yarn late last year. Both my BFF and I locked eyes on a shawl sample that was strategically placed by the door to trick us into spending more money than we wanted.

Daybreak Golds
(Picture courtesy of Knitter's Magazine)

We found out that it was knit using a free pattern and all we needed to do was buy the yarn. The next thing I knew everything went black, and when I came to I was walking out of the store with two balls of lace weight.

*Please know that I am joking. That's what I do.

Copycat Shawl Knitting, Part Deux (All Pics Enlarge)

2011-09-06T21:46:00.001-04:00

The second shawl in the copycat shawl knitting series is Citron. I'm a sucker for ruffles, but you already knew that.

I don't think I'll ever stop being amazed at the difference blocking makes, especially when it comes to shawls. They look somewhat pitiful when they're fresh off the needles...the fabric's all shriveled up...stitches are uneven and crowded, fighting each other for space. But stretch and pin that sucker down and give it some steam and you've got yourself one little happy shawl.

The transformation that this shawl makes after blocking is not as dramatic as others I've seen. I've seen those that are about 2 inches wide when they come off the needles, but after a good blocking, they end up covering a queen-sized bed. I kid, of course. The change in size is often so dramatic, though, that it feels that way.

This is yet another shawl that makes me feel girlie. If you pretend that my head is stuck on the mannequin, then you can imagine that it is just as cute on me as it is on her. I need to get myself a proper shawl pin.

The yarn is from Knit Picks and is Bare Gloss Fingering sock yarn (Merino/Silk) . I purchased and dyed it back in 2009. I used Jacquard Dye but I can't remember the color I used. It may even be a mixture of a couple of colors because I remember being a bit of an experimenter as a beginning dyer. I modified the pattern because I didn't have enough yarn to finish all the suggested rows. I ended up having enough to make the edge ruffle longer than called for.

Riata

2011-08-01T19:43:00.002-04:00

I have a new creation that just went live in the Twist Collective 2011 Fall Issue. Its name is "Riata" (All photos courtesy of Twist Collective. Jamie Dixon, photographer.).

When I first saw this rope cable in one of my stitch dictionaries, I knew I wanted to design a sweater with it. In fact, one of the reasons I purchased the dictionary was for THIS stitch, cable junkie that I am. I originally thought that I could only design a simple scarf because it looks complicated.

BUT I WANTED A SWEATER!

I stared at the picture of the stitch for a long time, then thought, "Hell, just work a swatch to get a feel for the mechanics of it to figure out how to design a sweater around it." (This swatching idea is profound.)

So, I did. And discovered that it is much simpler than it looks.

I truly thank Twist Collective for this opportunity.

Tutorial for Weaving in Ends

2011-07-18T17:29:00.000-04:00

I love that The Purl Bee wrote this tutorial to show us, both beginners and experienced knitters, the different ways there are to weave in ends. I've used a few of these already. The one I use depends on the fabric (whether it's stockinette or garter stitch, for example) whether or not both sides will be visible (as in a shawl or scarf), or how quickly I want to get something done (i.e., how lazy/frustrated I am).

Follow the link above and get some new techniques under your belt.

Mara-Complete

2011-06-29T22:44:00.000-04:00

All Pictures Enlarge

I'd just finished a submission for a sweater pattern that was a little challenging and wanted a bit of easy knitting after that. Usually when I finish a large project, I don't want to look at knitting for a few days. This time, my fingers wanted to continue moving but my brain didn't want to do too much thinking.

Simplicity was the reason I chose to knit Mara. Well, that and the fact that I really loved how cute it is. Oh, and the fact that I was being a copycat since my BFF knit one too. I've worn her at work now for a couple of days and I'm totally smitten. I've worn her simply thrown over my shoulders as on the mannequin. I need Mara at work because Frosty is at the helm of the air conditioning system.

My favorite part of the shawl is the ruffled edge because it makes my 38-year-old arse feel like a girl. Or a proper lady. Because ladies wear stuff like shawls.

My next project will be the Acanthus Shawlette. I'm using this yarn that I dyed over two years ago.

Knitty First Fall 2011 Is Up!

2011-06-23T15:22:00.005-04:00

...and I have a feeling that "Creekbed" is going to be the next Clapotis. EVERYBODY and their mamas are going to be knitting it. Including me.

Picture from Knitty.com

Here's a link to the pattern.

Want!

2011-06-23T00:00:00.006-04:00

Picture From PaperSheep Press

Seriously, how awesome is this note card? Buy it here.

I Can Stop When I Want To...

2011-06-22T10:38:00.002-04:00

I started cooking more to keep me out of fast food restaurants and decided that I needed more dishes like this in which to store leftovers:

(All Pictures Enlarge)

It's a vintage pyrex dish in the Snowflake pattern, probably made in the late 50s. I bought it for $2 from the Salvation Army years ago because I thought it was cute and is the perfect size for me. If I'm going to do this cooking thing, I want to do it with pretty dishes. My search for more has led me to an obsession that is probably equal to my obsession for yarn. I found a couple more vintage pyrex dishes from a vendor at a local flea market:

The one at the very top isn't pyrex

My GOSH, how pretty! I did more research on vintage pyrex and saw that there were even more patterns to love. I decided that those dishes needed some company:

This is from weeks and weeks of stalking thrift and antique stores. I like buying from these places instead of etsy and ebay because prices can be super expensive.

My search for coveted pieces has resulted in knowing the location of all the Goodwill stores within a 30 mile radius of my home. The thrill of the hunt is what keeps me searching. I love any pink piece and anything with the red and orange friendship pattern.

Honey, I have even more than what's shown in the pictures. I'm too ashamed to show you more, lest you think I have a bit of a problem. I've toned it down a bit, though. I think I'm going to complete the bowl sets that I have then stop collecting. Unless, of course, you all want to send me more. How could I say "No"?

"Thrifting" for pyrex has also allowed me to find treasures to feed my yarn obsession. Why, the other day I came across 10 skeins of cascade 220 for a mere 8 dollars.

A couple of days before that, I found 15 skeins of Creme Brulee (merino wool, originally $6.10/skein) for $4 TOTAL.

I found out when I got the yarn home that the Creme Brulee is discontinued. Who cares? Discontinued yarn can still become a sweater.

Shawl Envy

2011-06-02T14:12:00.006-04:00

She keeps knitting them and I keep wanting them. I also want her to knit them for me but she's not budging. I've never been much of a shawl knitter, but lately I've wanted every shawl that my BFF has knit. And she won't give them to me. Said something about knitting them "your-damn-self".

No amount of begging will make that girl hand them over, so I've decided that I might as well start knittin'. I've decided to start with Mara.

Mara's simple but beautiful. Garter stitch, a couple yarn overs, the cutest little ribbed border and you've got yourself one of the cutest shawls this side of creation. I'm using a Patons heathered yarn. I love heathered yarn like a fat kid loves cake.

Since I carry a gene that makes me susceptible to looking like an old lady when wearing shawls, I must make sure to drape them fashionably. I tried ~~to steal~~ on my BFF's and it was cute in some of the draping styles I tried. However, some ways stimulated a strange urge to look for a cane and eat prunes. I must avoid those.

I think the true test would be for me to drape the shawl and stand at a busy intersection in a neighborhood where there's a large population of boy scouts. If 15 little boys rush to my aid and try to help me to cross the street, I'll know I need to re-drape. On the other hand, if their daddies approach me with generous offers of making me a "kept woman", I'll know I'm looking rather chic.

I'm almost done with Mara. All I need to do is complete the ruffled, ribbed edging. I didn't make the shawl as wide as the pattern suggests because I didn't want it that wide.

TWITTER

2011-03-25T15:13:00.003-04:00

Follow me on twitter. I'm "niksknits" there.

A Hat for Barbara

2011-03-07T09:58:00.003-05:00

I received an e-mail from a friend in Chicago asking me to make her a hat. Actually, she wanted me to make her a hat, scarf, and a sweater. I believe there might have been a request for gloves, too. She offered to pay, of course.

Whew. That's a hell of an order.

With all the knitting already on my plate, I decided that I'd just make her a hat for free. I went online searching for a hat pattern that I liked. I found one and knit it, but it turned out waaaaay too small. So small, that it's going to have to go to her granddaughter (who will be the recipient of the baby "ear hat" I wrote about below.). I realized that the hat wasn't going to fit an adult before I was done with it, but decided to keep knitting anyway. I'd just give it to either an adult with a toddler-sized head...or a toddler. I got both stitch and row gauge, so that wasn't the problem. The pattern even shows an actual adult wearing the hat, so I thought it would be fine.

I kept searching for a hat pattern then I realized that, um, I'd designed a couple of hats in my day, and that I'd just make her one of them.

Duh. My brilliance is astounding, I tell you. (To be fair to myself, I originally just wanted to see if there were hats from other designers that I'd like to knit. But I just ended up coming back to my own stuff.)

She's getting the Irish Hiking Hat (the pattern is free in the sidebar.). I didn't make the fold-up brim because I thought she might think this version was more stylish. I used the Paton's Classic Wool that I had left over from my DNA scarf.

The Wall

2011-03-04T13:34:00.004-05:00

We (me and the ladies of my knitting group) refer to it as "hitting the wall".

It usually happens when you're working on a project that constantly presents challenges and one more minor mistake happens. This "breaks the camel's back" and sends you to a realm of being pissed that you didn't even know existed. Or, you might just be irritated for other reasons and a minor mistake will make you want to have fist fights with your knitting. Whatever the case, you can no longer mentally handle even the simple demands of stockinette stitch. As a result of hitting the wall, your knitting goes into "time-out" until you can bear to look at its stupid face again.

Everyone hits the wall with a different force, and not everyone knows that they're going to even hit the wall until they suddenly find their faces meeting brick. Sometimes it takes something as simple as ONE. DROPPED. STITCH. to send you over the edge. Your knitting confidence can even get smashed to bits and you forget about the fact that you were once a super bad-ass knitter. ("I've knit 10 of those steeked, cable-knit, intarsia, turtleneck sweaters with the kangaroo pocket...I KNOW I can do this. Maybe this is the end for me.")

My face met brick the other day when I was having difficulty putting ears on a mere baby hat.

I tried to sew the ears on but they didn't look right because my sewing job looked sloppy. I ripped and tried again. 4 more times. I finally got one of the ears attached in a way that I was moderately pleased with, but then I had a problem with the position of the ear. Was it too far to the front? Should it be more toward the side?

I could feel that I was getting irritated, but I was SO close to having the hat completed that I kept going. I started to have an inner dialogue with myself. Ok, it wasn't so inner. There was no one else there, so I was talking out loud.

"Hell, I don't know where to put these ears. I need a baby head for proper placement. I need to steal a baby...I just need it for 5 minutes. I swear, I'll put it back."

I then proceeded to make a mental list of all my friends with babies. I have many who are currently incubating babies, but few who have babies in their final form. And one of those completely formed babies doesn't even like me (We used to date. But he started crying whenever he saw me, so I figured that meant "I quit you" in baby speak. Baby Jacob, call me! (On your toy phone. I'll pick up, I swear.))

Void of a real baby head, I removed the ear again to try putting it in a different position. Then its bound off edge unravelled.

That did it.

"Oh, you want to unravel huh? I'll give you something to unravel about." So, I helped it along and pulled out all the stitching since it clearly didn't want to be an ear anymore. That's why you only see one ear in the pictures.

I continued to descend into a sea of irrationality until I put that bitch in time-out. It will get ears one day.

R.I.P. second ear. You brought that on yourself.

I FINALLY Have My Very Own DNA Scarf!

2011-01-23T13:12:00.009-05:00

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool, less than 2 skeins
Needles: Size US 8
Note: Since I used worsted weight yarn (instead of the suggested sport weight), I was able to get the final length by completing only 4 repeats of the DNA pattern (instead of the suggested 5).

Ah, DNA. It's the stuff that makes us who we are. And it's one bad-ass molecule.

If you've committed a crime and the police have a sample of it from the scene, you can just forget about saying that you weren't there. Because someone will go all CSI on your ass, and make your DNA rat you out.

It'll make a man tell the truth if his is found on a dress that doesn't belong to his wife. ("I did NOT have sexual relations with...wait, they found my DNA on one of her dresses...she didn't clean the damn dress after all this time?!!...DAMN...OK...Maybe I did.")

And I get to wear it around my neck.

June Oshiro is my hero. Thanks for taking the time to design this awesome scarf. Because SOMEBODY had to do it.

2011-01-05T20:23:00.001-05:00

Testing...

FYI, I've had to modify the commenting capability for the blog, which has deleted all previous comments. Bummer. Especially since you all are heeeelarious.

Yarn Sale

2010-12-24T10:01:00.000-05:00

This yarn beacon was designed by me and an old friend years ago to alert the masses when there is some good "yarn stuff" going on. Every knitter has an obligation to be an enabler. I take this obligation quite seriously.

I just read in the Michaels ad (in Raleigh, NC) that all yarn is going to be on sale December 26th-January 1. My eyes focused on the Patons Classic Wool for 2.99 (Original price is $4.99). That's right folks. 2-freakin'-99. Patons Classic Wool is the Cascade 220 of the big box craft stores. Hell, it even contains almost the same amount of yarn at 223 yards.

People were camped out in front of Best Buy and Walmart for the Black Friday deals on electronics, but I think they had their priorities all screwed up. THIS, my friends, is a reason to camp outside of a store.

I kid. But I'm going to be really pissed if the good colors are gone by the time I get there.

Sara's Hooters

2010-12-21T00:59:00.007-05:00

I have basic jewelry making skills, so I can whip up a standard stitch marker. You know the basic formula: pretty beads hanging from a post attached to some sort of ring. So, when I purchase markers, I like them to be made with unique beads that I can't find in my local craft store.
One day, I was minding my own business, looking for markers on Etsy and found these:

Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit! (Can you tell I've been in The South too long?) Aren’t they just darling hanging from my fancy schmancy size 10 Lantern Moon needles?

You know, one of my knitting buddies is into owls. Before she told me this, I never paid attention to owls. Now I zone in on any owl related item I see when I’m out and about. Owl statues, sweaters with owl pictures, owl earrings, owl towels. I often take pictures of owl stuff with my phone and send them to her. The same shop that sells the mitten markers also sells these cuties:

I bought these for her. Her name is Sara. Um, she might only get, like, three of them. Heh.

Dragon Lady Designs is the name of the Etsy shop. It was very difficult to be good and not buy all the markers I fell in love with. The prices are reasonable and shipping was fast. She took care to individually wrap each one of the delicate owl stitch markers. She has a large selection so you're bound to find something you like.

Barter

2010-12-19T13:23:00.004-05:00

She bakes.

I can knit.

She wants a scarf.

I want some cookies.

So, I proposed a trade. A hand knit scarf for two tins of delicious, homemade Christmas cookies.

This is the pattern for the quickie scarf I designed last year called "Christmas Bailout". It's a free pattern listed over there in the sidebar. This version is a bit different, though. I simply added a few rows of garter stitch on the ends before setting up the cable pattern.

Your scarf is ready, Cathy. I just have to stand in line and fight the folks at the post office to mail it to you. I might leave the place with a black eye. That's ok. I think the cookies will be worth it.

I need this bowl in my life.

2010-12-10T16:41:00.002-05:00

You are all going to be SO jealous of me when I show you what I'm about to show you.

I'll give you a minute to collect yourselves as you bask in the awesomeness that is my new yarn bowl. And because I like you, I'm going to share with you where I got it.

I bought it from Etsy from the good people here. They were awesome to work with, and I simply can't wait until it arrives. Take a look at some of the items they have for sale, as well as some of the bowls they've already sold.

I love their interpretation of the yarn bowl. Most of those I've seen or purchased have a small hole or "j" cut in the bowl through which to thread the yarn while you're knitting. This one has a lid with a swirl through which to thread the yarn. The holes in the lid are for needle placement when you're taking a knitting break. The holes fit needles up to size US 7. The scroll designs and glazing make this bowl very pretty and feminine.

I'd previously told my BFF that her Christmas present from me is going to be a yarn bowl, and that she should search etsy for one she liked. Of course when she saw MY bowl she wanted one like it. We originally thought that I got the last one. However, after sending a message to the shop owners, she found that they had this beauty that wasn't listed yet:

I don't know if I'm going to be able to part with this one when it arrives. Maybe I'll wait until a couple of days after it arrives to tell her that I've received it.

This Year's Scarf

2010-12-01T23:47:00.001-05:00

The first winter after I learned to knit, I thought it would be really stupid of me to purchase a knit scarf when I could make one as good as -or better than- any one that I'd find in a store. So, I knit one. And I've made most of my winter scarves ever since. I would only purchase a scarf if it was so unique that I MUST have it.

This year's scarf is FINALLY going to be the DNA scarf. I've wanted to knit this scarf for myself for years but I never got around to it. I made one as a gift for an intern who worked in the lab with me. Believe me when I say that it was very difficult to give that scarf away. I wanted to use my skills as a highly qualified ninja to sneak into his house and steal the scarf back.

It was designed by a scientist/knitwear designer named June Oshiro during a biochemistry lecture and was featured in the Fall 2003 Issue of Interweave Knits. It's originally knit in sport weight yarn on size 2 needles. I chose to use Patons Classic Wool worsted weight yarn with size 8 needles.

You can find the scarf pattern for free here.

Etsy Artists of Color

2010-11-18T16:43:00.000-05:00

I happened to find this website and thought it was important to share with you guys. Take a look at what these talented artists have to offer. Browse the archives and be amazed by some of the things you see.

Happy 100th Issue, Knitter's Magazine!

2010-11-18T15:46:00.000-05:00

Knitter's Magazine is offering a free digital version of their 100th issue. You can either download it to your computer or view it on the site directly. Go here.

Flipping through the pages of the magazine on my computer was a new, fun way to read a magazine. Take a look.

Not REALLY A Yarn Bowl...So What?

2010-11-13T14:16:00.002-05:00

I like yarn bowls.

I often browse etsy to see the awesomely beautiful bowls that people have made. I have to talk myself down because, if left unchecked, I’d have a stash of yarn bowls large enough to rival my yarn stash.

Typical yarn bowls have the slit in the side through which to thread the yarn. But I swear, I’ll be shopping somewhere and see a regular bowl that I think is nice enough to be elevated to yarn bowl status. Take the one in the middle. Fits right in with the *real* bowls, don’t you think? I bought it from TJ Maxx and I think it’s a cereal bowl. But it looked artsy to me, like one of the handmade yarn bowls I paid over 30 bucks for.

Click the Picture To Enlarge

Click the Picture To Enlarge

The cost of the fake yarn bowl? $2.99. I'm tempted to go back and purchase the other three and give them as gifts to my yarn buddies.

Interweave Knits Winter 2010 Preview

2010-11-05T13:08:00.000-04:00

The Interweave Knits Winter 2010 preview is available. There are some beautiful items in this issue.

It seems that I have "taken a shine" to the shawl craze. I am hoping that I have the time to make the Oslo Walk Shawl. It is beautiful, no?

Gimme Shelter!**

2010-10-14T13:31:00.001-04:00

I guess I'm not surprised that Brooklyn Tweed designed a tweedy yarn. I'm also not surprised that I want to get my hands on some of it.

I've had a "Knitter's Crush" on Mr. Flood ever since I first saw his blog and his beautifully knit Urban Aran Sweater (that he modified to be a cardigan).

Please, go here and be introduced to Shelter, the name of the new yarn.

**For your listening pleasure, here's "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones.

Knitters

2010-07-21T20:19:00.001-04:00

I really don’t mind so much that people call me "grandma" because I love to knit. I get that people associate knitting with older women. But, oh, how I wish that they could meet some of the knitters that I’ve had the pleasure of “throwing” with. It's very difficult to squeeze all of us into the "grandma box".

I’ve seen the "granny", pious knitter who knits prayer shawls. Infusing each stitch with powerful prayers of healing for the sick.

I’ve also seen skanky knitters. Who, with one yard of yarn, were able to create what they call a “garment”. (“Tank top” my arse. I can see your boobs. )

I’ve knit with goth knitters who refuse to believe that yarn comes in colors other than black. (Yeah. Screw mainstream society.)

I’ve seen gay knitters, lesbian knitters, straight male knitters (Yes, they do exist.), lesbian goth knitters, straight male knitters who think they might be lesbian goths, and gay knitters who knit prayer shawls.

I’ve met knitters who party like the world’s going to end. Those who I’d be afraid to party with. Because, sure, the party would START in North Carolina…But partying with them would have me waking up the next day in Mexico, lying butt naked on a filthy bed in a seedy hotel, next to three empty bottles of tequilla-without the worms (Because SOMEONE would have somehow convinced me to eat them)...with a fresh tattoo of a fire-spitting cobra covering my ENTIRE back…and SOMEHOW knowing how to say “Hey big Daddy, you want some of this?” in Español…with no recollection of HOW I got there, or where and WHY I learned that phrase.

That's all I have to say about that.

FREE PATTERN and an FO BABY!

2010-05-10T16:09:00.005-04:00

Free Shawl Pattern

I think it's the bee's knees. The pattern is available for free from the folks at Tahki Stacy Charles. I imagine wearing this with the summer dresses that I claim I'm going to sew for myself. We'll see. Things haven't been getting made as quickly as planned 'round these parts.

Take these socks, for instance.

Pattern: Garter Stitch Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: From YarnPirate.com, "I want candy" colorway.
Needles: Freakin' Size US 1

I first blogged about starting them back in June of 2009. Poor things. They got pushed aside so that I could ~~start other projects to neglect for years~~ work on other projects. I pulled them out of a bag about a month (two months?) ago and was determined to finish them. Now that they're done and I've already worn them at least 3 times, I'm sort of mad at myself for taking so long to finish them. Because I have fallen in love.

I like to run my toes along the purl ridges on the inside of the sock. I don't know why I told you that, but I thought I'd share. Believe me, this is nowhere near the little tidbits of "TMI" my friends are used to hearing from me.

Lessons for my unborn child(ren)...

2010-04-13T12:40:00.013-04:00

I don't have any children, but I often think about whether I'll be a good mother. And, occasionally, I take stock of the things I know about life in general that I think will help me to guide my child into adulthood. Below are some things that I think are the most important.

Thanks to Sesame Street and the Electric Company, I know my letters and numbers, a couple of short kiddie words. I could even teach them that, although they may THINK that "LMNO" is one letter, it's actually 4.

I'll make a slide show of skanky girls, to be shown at an appropriate age to educate the child about either, what not to wear (if it's a girl, or if he's gay), or what type of girls to stay away from (if it's a boy, or if she's a lesbian).

I know to teach him/her that brussels sprouts and asparagus are awesome when roasted with parmesan cheese and garlic. That the crockpot is the best invention ever (Dude, you can say you cooked without even BEING there. AWESOOOOOME!).

I'll teach my child that they're supposed to say "No!" to strangers. Even though strangers have the best candy, s/he wouldn't like being taken away from Mommy and being bound, gagged and thrown into a white van with no windows in the back.

Wash your hands when you touch icky stuff...that includes boogers. I know they look all cool and green, but civilized people don't play with them.

Be nice to other kids. Share your things UNLESS the other kid's stuff looks like hell. (I'll show you what that looks like. I'll most likely have a slide show covering this.) What the hell do you think YOUR stuff is gonna look like when they're done with it????

Growing up and going to school means that you're going to meet a lot of people. Many of them will be stupid. Just bring them home and Mommy will help you observe and analyze them. We will then create a master list of "The Stupids". These will be the kids to stay away from.

Hang with nerds. Because nerds are social outcasts, they often succeed in life when they grow up because they have something to prove to "the beautiful people".  They tend to be hard workers, and many of them end up making a kazillion dollars with their nerd inventions. You can identify potential nerds by approaching them and simply using scientific terms like "endoplasmic reticulum". If they "high five" you, add their names to the master list of kids Mommy approves of.

Don't ask other kids about sex. Mommy has the BEST PowerPoint presentation planned. Complete with kid friendly animation to show how things work. I promise it won't be icky, and I'll have Daddy help do the voices (Note to self: have Snookums think about the voice the male parts should have. Suggest Antonio Banderas'.). I'll even throw in a movie about development AFTER fertilization. THAT'S the cool part. Everything before fertilization is messy.

Now, what did I forget?

Oh, and don't kill people.

From watching shows about serial killers, I know that, if a child is killing small animals with glee, that I should be alarmed. And that I'm supposed to grab said child's hand mid kill and whisk him/her away to the nearest psychiatrist. Apparently, killing small animals gives the kid an early taste for blood, and they eventually graduate to bigger things...like people. We can't have that if they're going to be under MY roof.

You have been warned...

2010-03-03T12:40:00.002-05:00

I totally got this comic from The Knit Princess (click the link for a larger picture so you can read the words). I thought it was quite hilarious. And illustrates the love we all have for our powers of creation.

Do NOT anger the goddess.

You have been warned.

"Mine!" Scarf Pattern Is Ready for Sale

2010-02-28T14:03:00.005-05:00

$4.00

Scarf Dimensions: 10" wide by 61" long
Sirdar Snuggly "Baby Bamboo" Yarn
Size US 6 needles

I LOVED designing this scarf, and I hope that you enjoy making it. Erica Seelye test knit this pattern for me. Dude, I couldn't have done it without you.

You will need a Paypal account to order this pattern. If you have ANY problems don't hesitate to contact me.

MINE!

2010-02-15T11:18:00.004-05:00

I designed this scarf for a very nice woman who works in the cafeteria at my job. She is one of the sweetest people I know and my heart simply wanted to do something nice for her.

See, I've been slowly learning to speak Spanish and she, being from Peru, often helps me to learn words and phrases here and there. Even makes me order my food in Spanish so that I can get more practice with speaking.

She invited me to her home for Thanksgiving last year, since I don't have family in the area. When her family heard that I wanted to learn to speak Spanish, it seems that everyone had a lesson for me. It was awesome! I met some wonderful people and had an amazing time.

I've named this scarf "Mine!" because after I blocked it, I thought it was so pretty that I wanted to keep it. We've all done it...made a gift for someone and fell in love with it so much that we really didn't want to part with it. Oh, she'll still get it (I plan to deliver it to her on tomorrow). I'll just have to make another one for me.

The pattern for this scarf is currently in the "test knitting phase" and will be offered to you wonderful folks.

There. I think I've done a good job of distracting you from the fact that there are no pictures of a completed Valentine's day blanket for The Snookums. Let's not discuss it, mmmmkay?

Making Yarn From Old Newspapers

2010-02-02T00:10:00.003-05:00

Photo is from ApartmentTherapy.com

I don't have the patience for spinning, so, I often leave it to others.

Being able to make yarn from old newspapers is intriguing. Take a look at this article about how a Dutch artist, Greetje Van Tiem, does it.

2010-02-01T00:36:00.001-05:00

Hi Guys and Gals,

I'm working on fine tuning the items in the sidebar, so, the blog will be under construction for a couple of days. The links should still work...I'm just working on formating issues.

Can You Feel the Love...ALREADY?

2010-01-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

Ah, Valentines day.

Too early to mention it, you say? According to the displays I've seen in almost every store I've been to, NOW is just about the right time to start thinking about it. Not showing up with the right love token may cause your loving relationship to explode into tiny little pieces.

POOF! There goes years of all the hard work that went into convincing the poor man/woman that you are the ONLY one for them. That their lives would be nothing without you.

We don't want that to happen now, do we?

And if you're planning to knit something for your sweetheart, you'd better start making it now. And if you're showing your loved one you love them by going all out and knitting a sweater with US 1 needles using lace weight yarn, then, Daaahling, you're already behind. Me? I'm continuing with a project that was supposed to be Snookums' birthday present. At least I think it was supposed to be for his birthday. It's been so long since I've worked on it that I've forgotten why I was doing it. Whatever it was for, I can at least brag about being a little early for Valentines day.

He told me that he wanted his blanket to be maroon and beige. I chose the Log Cabin Afghan Square pattern found here. The blanket will consist of the two squares you see above-I'll alternate them. I have to make a total of 25 squares of this size (I think they're 12" x 12" ) for my 6'2" tall man. As of 1/12/10, I've got 4.75 squares.

Up the creek without a paddle you say? Heh. My goal is to have all squares knit and seamed by "love day" 2010. (Did I really just say that out loud? Now I really have to do it...)

The yarn I'm using is Red Heart...known as "El Diablo"* amongst the yarn snobs. Although I like Red Heart for Afghans, I know that some of my knitting buddies will have a conniption. They'll have two conniptions when I reveal that El Diablo is sitting next to a basket containing the more refined Woolmeise sock yarn. Apparently, you're not supposed to have the two so close to one another because the acrylic will taint the Woolmeise. Hey, even Jesus hung out with shady folks.

*Spanish for "The Devil"

A Growing Order

2009-12-31T11:38:00.009-05:00

This all started because I needed a new vinyl case for my Options needles. I'd filled my old one with so much stuff that I broke the zipper on it. This is a pattern with me. I suffer from "Stuffing my bags with too much stuff" syndrome. I always think that I'm going to want to read that book, or work on that other project instead of the one I'm REALLY planning to work on, and I stuff my bag with extra stuff in preparation for the "just in case". I have a fear of being stuck somewhere bored without having something to do with my hands or having a book to read. So, I tend to overdo it a bit.

Just a bit.

My knititng therapist (um, my friend Erica) once told me to just "stop putting so much s--t in my bag", after hearing me complain about the broken zipper. She made it sound so simple that I figured I could actually do it.

Imagine that.

I paid her for her groundbreaking advice and decided that she was right.

I'm cured.

So, I ordered myself another bag for a fresh start.

Click to Enlarge

This bag was $20 and was the ONLY thing I was planning to buy. But you have to spend at least $50 for free shipping. Since I was a mere 30 bucks away, another click of the mouse took me from having that one bag to having this too:

Click to Enlarge

Don't judge me because I NEEDED this. Honest. Have you SEEN the socks in this book? I'm not an avid sock knitter but this book makes me want to be one. You know, I owned the book at one time. However, I made the mistake of showing the book to Erica on her birthday and she jokingly asked for it. And I gave it to her. See, I have another problem. I like to give stuff to people.

I still hadn't hit 50 bucks yet, so I HAD to order just one more thing. I remembered that I coveted Melissa Leapman's "Continuous Cables" after seeing it in Borders a couple of days prior. Many of you know that I'm a bit of a cable junkie.

Finally, two became three:

Click to Enlarge

"The Dontae" Hat Pattern is Available for Sale

2009-12-27T09:59:00.007-05:00

$2.50
Hat Circumference is 22"

Many of you have asked me for this pattern. It's finally here!

Note: You must have a paypal account for purchase. After paying for the pattern, a link will be provided for instant download. I've tested the system and found it working properly. However, if you have problems, please contact me at niksknits@gmail.com.

I would like to thank Snookums for the use of his head and right eye for this pattern picture. And, I would like to thank the AWESOME Beth Peace for test knitting it for me.

Paint the Fence

2009-12-22T17:54:00.003-05:00

I am doing some light painting to touch up some spots on the walls in my apartment.

I would like to give a huge thanks to Mr. Miyagi for teaching me "paint the fence".

I am ready to fight now.

Christmas Bailout Plan

2009-12-18T19:48:00.010-05:00

Listen,

You've got 7 days 'til Christmas, and you are STILL trying to find a quick pattern to use to make awesome gifts. I'm here to help. I'm giving you the pattern for this scarf for the low, low, price of...FREE!

Let's call it my Christmas Bailout Plan. You're desperate and "too big to fail". I'm here to make it all better. Like Obama. But not really because I have breasts.

The scarf is knit using bulky weight yarn on size 13 needles. It took me 3 days to make one scarf, and that was from just knitting for a few hours after work. You might be able to finish one faster if you've got more time during the day.

Click here to download the free pattern. You're welcome.

2009-12-17T16:51:00.003-05:00

People, the Winter 2009 issue of Knitty is out. I must say that this is a very nice issue, since there are at least 3 sweaters I want to knit.

And Spoke?!!! My hat is off to the designer of this beauty. LOOK AT IT:

I am not worthy.

Knit. Knit like the wind!

2009-11-30T22:33:00.005-05:00

Click to Enlarge
47 inches of pure SCARF, baby. Knit on size 13 needles. Bulky yarn. The pattern is just something I designed "on the fly". The final scarf will be 60 inches, and, at 3 rows per inch, this baby will be done by the end of some movie I'm about to watch. Haven't figured out which one yet.

Did I mention that I have 4 of these to finish before Christmas...for a guy at work?

Fingers, don't fail me now.

OMG!

2009-11-17T09:22:00.003-05:00

The Winter 2009 Interweave Knits preview is up! My design is there, and it is called "Syrup" (I borrowed these pics from the site). My heart is beating SO fast with excitement! Aaaaaaah!

2009-11-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

Here's to hoping that your Monday doesn't do this to you.

2009-10-06T12:01:00.002-04:00

You KNOW you want to make one.

This picture was borrowed from Apartment Therapy's website, which is a site that has great ideas on how to decorate. This beauty was on the site recently, and I just had to share with you guys. I SO want to make this for my door.

2009-10-03T15:28:00.003-04:00

A KNITTED COTTON CLOCK.
I saw this in the special weekend edition of Interweave Knits. Something tells me that someone is already reverse engineering this baby and will have the pattern up on Ravelry.

You can also buy one for over 400 bucks at www.gnr8.biz. I'd love to have one.

Sick of Beige

2009-09-14T20:38:00.009-04:00

I came home one day, looked around my humble abode, and said to myself "I need to decorate with more color. This place looks bland with all this beige."

Ok, the thought actually went something like this: "I'm so tired of all this f---ing beige! This is NOT going to work anymore."

Knitting did this to me. Made me want more color in my life. I was perfectly fine in "beigedom" until visiting yarn stores and being bombarded with so many rich, beautiful colors.

Things, they are a-changin' 'round here.

See this Queen Anne Style chair with the sickeningly beige seat?

This chair once served as an accent chair in the living room. It's now in my bedroom, which is another place that started to piss me off with all the beige.

Well, I yanked out the seat with my bare hands (I've got a kung-fu grip you wouldn't believe):

Cut the new fabric to the size I needed with hedge shears, stapled it to the bottom, and screwed the bottom back on the chair with my teeth. I ended up with this beauty:

I'm satisfied.

This beautiful orange, silk fabric is TO DIE FOR. I have more and will be making pillows with it. I think.

7 Free Cardigan Patterns from Knitting Daily

2009-09-02T16:30:00.004-04:00

GET THE FREE PATTERNS HERE. YOU'RE WELCOME.

I made the Curry Cabled Cardigan (pattern #7) years ago for a friend. Seeing it reminded me of how much I loved knitting it. I was SO proud of myself when I finished that sweater because it turned out beautifully, even though I was relatively new to cables. Maybe I'll make one for myself. Heh. If I can find the time. Here's an old picture of the one I made for my friend:

My New DPN case

2009-08-07T16:41:00.001-04:00

Mine. All Mine...

Bought it from this Etsy seller.

Judy, Judy, Judy

2009-08-06T15:07:00.005-04:00

I can't remember when I found Judy's blog, or how I even found it. But I do remember gasping with glee as I took in pictures of the most beautiful, "heart string pulling" baby knitted and crocheted items this side of creation. Head over there now. Her latest finished object will make you want to pop out some girl babies.

Over the years, we've become blogging buddies. A great deal of the items she knits and crochets are for babies. However, she's made some beautiful adult items. I'm not lying. Just take a look through the archives.

So, it is with pleasure that I announce that Judy has won the Vogue Knitting book. Girl, just send me your address and it will be on the way.

Knitter's Brooch

2009-08-04T18:07:00.003-04:00

You can buy this bit of super cuteness here.

A ContestRules Have Been Edited

2009-07-26T03:40:00.009-04:00

Sometimes I'll find myself shopping, minding my own business, and encounter a sale. There may be things that I think are super cute/useful but for whatever reason, I can't use them. Maybe it doesn't come in my size. In which case, I'll go through my brain and think of friends who could fit it. Because, God forbid, I leave it at the store and not have the chance to ever see SOMEONE I know enjoying it. So I buy it, and give it away. I'm notorious for doing this with shoes.

Or, perhaps it's a book that I already have in my knitting library, but I can't leave it in the store because it is on "super sale", and the price is too good to just leave it.

This book is a collection of VK's best articles written up to it's 25 year anniversay. It features such topics as the history of knitting, basic and advanced techniques, an introduction to the design process, and information on fiber and yarn care. I *heart* this book.

Tell me your funniest ~~personal story~~ JOKE. The person with the story to make both me and my knitting homie Erica laugh wins the book (Um, let me call Erica to tell her that she's participating in this). You have until August 4th at midnight. You must leave your jokes in comments to be considered. Don't want to be inundated with e-mails.

News Flash

2009-07-10T10:40:00.005-04:00

Not wanting the music industry to "place her in a box", music star Nikki Reeves (who won Grammy awards for her striking renditions of "Kumbaya", "Auld Lang Syne", and "Over the River and Through the Woods"-songs she's mastered from "Guitar for Dummies".) has declared that she is an R&B/Country artist and has changed her name to Shaquita Rawhide.

Amanda (who shall be known by one name only. Like Madonna and Prince.) has been knighted her stylist. She promises to keep Ms. Rawhide in Baby Phat velour suits and cowboy hats to suit her new persona.

Michelle's "Dontae"

2009-07-03T00:16:00.014-04:00

Made from Cascade 220

I met Lamont when I went to Lake Forest College. I had great times with the crew we hung out with. Talking about each other's mamas at our table in the cafeteria. Cracking jokes about one another's faults.

Ah, those were the good old days.

Well, little Lamont went and got himself hitched to a little lady named Michelle. I've never met Michelle in person. But we talk ALL THE TIME via facebook. I talk to her waaaay more than I talk to Lamont. Funny how that works.

Well, Michelle liked "The Dontae" hat that I designed for my brother Dontae and asked me to make one for her in "Victoria's Secret Pink". Even wanted to pay me for it.

Bah! Your money's no good here!

Since my brotherly love for Lamont trickles down to his wife and the fruit of his loins, I wanted to make it for her. There's nothing a knitter likes more than making something for a family member (yeah, I've claimed you, Michelle, as my "play sister" whether you like it or not) that specifically requests a hand knit item. It means that they'll love and appreciate it as much as you loved knitting it for them. The appreciation is payment enough.

I believe that, if I lived in Chicago, we'd be fast friends. Eating healthy apple snickers salads (guys, this is a real salad that she makes! Having the word "salad" in the name TOTALLY cancels out the unhealthy "snicker-ness" of it.) and skipping down the street holding hands.

It's going in the mail today.

2009-06-26T10:28:00.001-04:00

I've decided that I'm going to sneak in a title to a Michael Jackson song in everyday convo for a week. In his memory. And I won't stop 'til I get enough.

2009-06-24T01:06:00.001-04:00

Just look at them. They look sweet and innocent, don't they? Like they're crafted from the stuff little girls are made of ("sugar and spice and everything nice")...

But get these broads together in one room -any room- and it's immediately transformed into a locker room.

And I love them for it.

When I tell people that I belong to a knitting group, they moan and say things like, "y'all act like a bunch of old ladies". Or they wonder out loud, trying to figure out how much fun one can REALLY have in a *gasp* knitting group. Heh. Honey, you don't know the half. When one of the members of said group can shock a preacher in a coffeehouse by enthusiastically showing him the adult chapstick cozy she received as a gift from another knitter in the group, it's far from being boring.

There was a party at my house on Saturday to celebrate some very good news. There was PLENTY of food and chocolate martinis(um what diet?), watching of "Shawn of the Dead" and excellent company. I hated to see them leave. I had SO much fun.

One of my designs was accepted for publication in Interweave Knits. It still hasn't sunken in.

B.B.(All pictures enlarge.)

2009-06-15T00:00:00.009-04:00

During my sabbatical (sounds a lot better than "abandonment") from blogging, I've done many things. One of them was traveling to Chicago in May to see my cousin "B.B." (I think she'd kill me if I posted her real name) off to prom, and to attend her graduation. Can you believe that they were both held the same weekend? You know, she actually finished high school months earlier (NERD) and was already attending college to become a nurse. She just returned so that she could attend prom and graduation with the rest of the class. Damn, I'm proud.

I'd visited Chicago in February, and that was when I got to see a picture of the dress she'd chosen for prom. When I saw it, I KNEW that I had to be there to see her off...it was SO beautiful. Here are a few of the pictures that I took. I can't believe how grown up she is. I'd sell my soul to the devil to be able to look THAT good in that dress.

I pray that, if I ever have a daughter, she is as elegant, well mannered, intelligent and kind as B.B. I wish her nothing but happiness.

B.B. and her prom date, Faison (I hope I spelled his name right)

B.B. and big brother, Kenshun

...on preparations to become a rock star

2009-06-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

I am planning carefully for my transition into "Rock Stardom". I figure that a REAL rock star needs some bling on her guitar:

Oh how these blingy little rhinestones make me happy!

New Obsession

2009-06-13T14:00:00.002-04:00

Beautiful, saturated colors. High yardage. Those are the reasons that I've become obsessed with buying sock yarns. What you see in the picture above isn't even all the sock yarn that I've added to my stash. That's just all I could find before I got tired of looking for more. Just look at the beautiful colors in that Woollmeise on the lower left side of the picture. (go here to see how "Woollmeise" is pronounced. Scroll to the bottom of the page.) I practically threw the money at the person I bought it from.

Garter Stitch Rib Sock from Sensational Knitted Socks

Me? Knitting on size 1 needles? Get-the-f--k-outta-here! Never thought I'd see the day. But my longing for this gorgeousness to drape my feet will make me push through this difficult time. At times, I'll cry and fight. Slam the project down on the couch in a fit. Even complain to my knitting friends. Some will empathize. Others will tell me to suck it up (I know exactly which ones will tell me that)...I knew what I was getting into before I started these shenanigans. Hell, it's not like I JUST started knitting and didn't know any better.

I swear this sock has been testing the limits of my fleeting eyesight. I'm convinced that I'll be totally blind by the time I'm 40. Which means that I'll have to knit like the wind to complete all the items I've coveted. I bought this Yarn Pirate yarn off a pusher last week who was de-stashing her sock yarns. That reminds me, I have to visit said pusher so that I can get another hank of Woollmeise from her.

That Woollmeise just keeps callin' me, man.

I didn't like knitting socks. In fact, I've only knit 2.5 pairs of socks since I've been knitting. But if I'm going to buy the yarn, I've got to do SOMETHING with it. Some of it will definitely be shawls.

Oh, and I must show you the socks that I've completed for Mama Snookums.

I'd taken this picture with my phone when I had only one sock completed. I had a fellow knitter (Hi Erica!) model the sock for me at Stitch 'n Bitch. (They were washed before sending them.) If you multiply the number of socks you see in the picture by two, you get a full pair. Trust me, I DID knit two socks. Two KNEE HIGH socks, mind you. Hold your applause.

And in return, Mama Snookums sent me a bag she made. SHE is currently obsessed with making crazy quilt bags and sent me one as a THANK YOU for the socks. Look at it:

It's PERFECT for toting sock projects.

Brick. House.

2009-06-09T21:47:00.009-04:00

I believe that mornings are much more fun when you sing "Brick House" while taking a shower.

Ask me how I know.

Change the word "she" to "I" and you've got your very own customized theme song. Complete with funky 70's rhythm. I did NOT know that Lionel Richie played the sax.

There's knitting content here. Check out the dude's basic rolled brim knit hat. I know, it's a stretch. I promise to do better on the knitting content ;D

My New Toy

2009-05-01T20:33:00.003-04:00

Um, how do you work this thing? Scream into the little hole in the front?

This is going to be fun.

2009-04-22T11:28:00.001-04:00

Have you guys seen this?

2009-04-14T21:57:00.002-04:00

OK Guys. The links to both "Lillie" and "The Republic" Scarf have been re-routed. Download away.

Lillie's Comin'

2009-04-13T21:38:00.002-04:00

Hi Guys. This post is to inform you that the "Lillie" pattern will be available through this blog tomorrow evening. It was originally available through the Black Purls online craft magazine, but the site has been shut down. I recently received many e-mails requesting "Lillie", which I greatly appreciate. I want to read the pattern again to make sure that there are no mistakes before posting it. If you have questions, just e-mail me at niksknits@gmail.com.

2009-04-06T10:34:00.000-04:00

I think I'm pregnant. All this tree sperm (pollen) floating around...it was bound to happen. I have the classic symptoms. Itchy, watery eyes. Runny nose. Sneezing.

I don't want this tree baby. I have to visit an "arbortion" clinic.

Tomorrow's MY Birthday!

2009-03-30T10:52:00.022-04:00

Tomorrow is my 36th Birthday. I proudly say my age because I have worked hard to keep myself alive for this long. Having crossed over 35, I guess I can now say that I'm "in my late thirties".

I have learned a thing or three during these 36 years.

(1) I do not have a prostate. I would like to thank those of you who sent me e-mails reminding me of the fact that I couldn't possibly have one of those. For I am a girl.

(2) I can't knit every damn thing I see. My Ravelry queue is a reminder of that. So, I just knit the things that move me and don't stress about it.

(3) It's not me, it's you. This is true for whoever I have a problem with in life. If it is in fact me, then I'm going to pretend it's still you.

(4) All boys are not stupid. Nor do they all have cooties. However, one must sift through the stupid, cootie ridden boys to find the good ones. Like my Snookums. He's not stupid. And he don't got cooties. SCORE!

(5) Life is more fun with a dog. Specifically dogs named Smokey Thelonious Reeves. Especially when he does fun stuff like innocently approach the yarn basket with the expensive yarn and grab a ball with his teeth. Like it's OK. Never touches the cheap acrylic. I think it must be because the other stuff smells like an animal, making it much more appealing. It's amazing that he tells me exactly what he needs without speaking a word of English. Need food? How about I just drag my empty bowl to this lady and drop it at her feet to let her know that she sucks when it comes to taking care of my basic needs. Want a head rub? Why, let me slam my head onto her lap and give her the "puppy eye".

(6) Obsessions are ok. As long as they don't involve creepy stuff.

(7) It's ok that I am already starting to think of the outrageous things I'm going to say to people when I get old. I'll be able to get away with it because I can just blame it on being old.

(8) It's important to have a task force in place to help keep me young. I've started to assign tasks to folks in case I start going downhill. Snookums' main job is to keep me from wearing old lady clothes when I am, indeed, an old lady. I want to be a young, hip, old lady. He understood that to mean that he shouldn't allow me to wear big panties when I get older. So, he immediately assigned himself the task of burning every pair of bloomers I bring into the house. Apparently I'll be wearing thongs until I'm 95. I don't mind that so much. I just think they might be a bit uncomfortable if I have to wear Depends. Maybe the folks at Depends should design some thongs...for those of us who are young at heart.

2009-03-04T00:14:00.000-05:00

I think my prostate's enlarged.

Hats For My Brothers

2009-02-22T10:05:00.007-05:00

I have four brothers. No sisters. Although I have a host of female cousins who I have claimed as sisters.

I grew up with three of my brothers: Terry, Michael, and Dontae. I didn't meet Derrick until I was in college. He's my brother from another mother.

A couple of years ago, Derrick requested that I make him a hat and scarf set. So, I made him the Irish Hiking Scarf along with the Irish Hiking Hat that I designed to go with it. He loved and appreciated that set, and I really loved making it for him.

During the 2008 X-mas season, it dawned on me that I'd never knit anything for Terry, Michael, and Dontae. So,I decided to design hats for each of them for Christmas presents. They live in Minnesota so I KNEW they'd appreciate a warm wool hat.

I gave Terry his hat on X-mas day...the other two couldn't make it to my mom's house in Chicago. I hate that I didn't take a picture of his hat before I left. Since the other two weren't there, I took advantage of the extra time I had to finish their hats.

"The Dontae" is on the left; "The Michael" is on the right.

Both hats have the swirl design in the crown.

7 or 8 times

2009-02-10T18:48:00.008-05:00

When one is subjected to a colonoscopy, it is extremely important to impress the doctor with your attention to detail.

When he parts the cheeks to insert the "gut-o-scope", a ray of light should shine so brightly from back there that it impresses the doctors and makes everyone applaud in unison.

"Why, I don't believe I've ever had a more pleasant proctological experience!!! It's so, so, CLEAN. And what's this? A new structure we've never seen before?!! She's cleaned it so well that she's revealed some new s--t (no pun intended). A new corridor of sorts. Here, Dr. Latimer. Take a look."

Me and my warped sense of humor. Would you believe me when I say that I thought of this scenario while I was in the shower the morning of my colonoscopy? Not that it's not already clean *lol* but someone was going to be back there and you want to be SURE. Cracked me up so much that I knew I had to share it.

Run, Forrest, Run!

2009-02-03T14:55:00.006-05:00

Percocet is my homie.

I'm at home for the next couple of weeks because of medical issues. I've been sleeping a lot while I recover. There have been days where I've been so drowsy that I couldn't focus long enough on any knitting. But I AM much better than after leaving the hospital. I believe the prayers of those who know the specifics have helped me to recover relatively quickly.

Before going on medical leave, I brilliantly placed an order with KNIT PICKS. I knew that if it arrived in the midst of feeling rather shitty, that it would make me feel better. And it did.

I ordered 2 hanks of Bare Merino/Silk sock yarn to use for dyeing. I also ordered 4 hanks of Bare Peruvian Highland Wool yarn and some Jacquard Dyes.

When I felt a little better, I dyed a hank of the sock yarn. My first attempt at "pot dyeing" was this beauty:

I swear I wish the camera would have picked up the true color of the yarn, as well as the sheen given off by the silk. I used the "Spruce" dye for this one. Don't know if I want this to be socks or a shawl, but I keep staring at it. This deep green is simply beautiful. Y'all don't know how proud of me I am.

Since I don't have any more vinegar, I will have to chill on the yarn dyeing until I feel up to going to the grocery store. Send healing thoughts my way, little ladies. Or vinegar. *lol*

Oh, and I've named this yarn "Forest" because that's what the deep green reminds me of. As soon as I though of the name, I couldn't help but to make a reference to Forrest Gump.

Dye Another Day

2009-01-20T21:31:00.009-05:00

So I went to Merrie's on Sunday to dye again. She lured me with pretty colors. I couldn't resist.

I found some beige mystery yarn in my stash that I thought would work. I knew that there was wool in the yarn. I just didn't know how much. The dye is for protein fibers.

Let's just say it didn't work. For nuking it revealed its true nature. There was more acrylic in it than wool. No, it didn't turn into a big ball of plastic, but the strands were flattened and were rather squeaky after the microwaving step. AND all of those beautiful, rich colors washed right out of the hank and down the damn drain.

I was highly disappointed because I had high hopes of having a beautiful hank of yarn that would remind me of autumn. I wanted to try again.

I asked Merrie if I could have a little of the dyes that I used so that I could try again at home. She obliged, just like any pusher would.

I went to A.C. Moore and bought some cream colored Lion Wool. I wanted to use yarn that I was sure was 100% protein fiber.

I used what she taught me, and ended up with this beauty (pics enlarge):

This time I used "Chestnut", "Butterscotch" and "Rust".

I'm Dyeing

2009-01-17T12:53:00.033-05:00

I was afraid it would come to this. That I'd be introduced to another hobby that I'd enjoy. I need another hobby like I need another hole in my ass.

My friend Merrie is to blame for my current obsession with dyeing yarn. The yarn we dyed below was done two Sundays ago.

First "we" used a niddy-noddy to make a hank and secured it in various places with acrylic yarn. Please notice the quotes around the word "we". Merrie did most of the "niddy-noddying" because holding that stick while trying to wrap it with yarn made me realize that I need to work on my biceps. Here's the dyeing process in pictures. All enlarge.

We Used Country Classics Dyes For Protein Fibers.
I Chose Pine Green, Slate Blue, and Persimmon..

Soak Hank of Yarn for at Least 20 Minutes in Hot Water.
"Bare"- Fingering Weight Merino/Silk Blend from KnitPicks.

Squeeze Out Water.

Lay the Yarn Out On Your Friend Merrie's Table.
Be Sure to Place On ClingWrap.
Make Merrie Smile for the Camera.

Use Sponge Brushes to Paint on Dye.

Roll Yarn in ClingWrap, Forming Long Snake.
We "Smushed" The Colors Together While Wrapped to Eliminate the White.

Coil the Snake. (Sounds dirty doesn't it?)

Nuke It, Then Let It Cool In Sink.

Rinse Out Until Water Runs Clear.
Or, Get Yourself "A Merrie" And Have Her Do It For You.
(This one's mine. Get your own.)

Hang the Hank To Dry.

The "Balled" Yarn.

I really hope that the richness of the colors is coming through on your monitor. To say that I love my yarn would be an understatement. If I'm interpreting the yarn correctly, it's telling me that it wants to become the woodland shawl. That is, unless I'm not as fluent in yarn as I thought I was. I'll try it and see if I like it. If not, I'll simply choose another pattern.

Shoot, I should have known that I would be addicted. I mean, I love color. Dyeing allows you to play and experiment with colors.

Duh.

I just didn't know that I would want to dye every damn thing in sight.

The dog had better watch his ass.

Those white spots could use a bit of color.

2009-01-16T15:36:00.001-05:00

I Resolve...

2009-01-02T13:53:00.004-05:00

...to keep buying yarn, neglecting to check the stash to see if I already have what I need.

...to keep stockpiling fabric. And to continue to have every intention of making that skirt/blouse/pair of pants I bought the fabric for, only to leave said fabric in the bag on the floor in the knitting/craft room. That is, until I find myself in a state of "crafty boredom" and FINALLY start sewing SOMETHING.

...to continue messing up my apartment Monday through Friday, only to wake up on Saturday morning, look around, and say, "Damn, how did I let it get this bad?", then clean it.

I've tried to get better on these things, but I never change. I thought I'd just make some resolutions that I know I will stick with.

Do you know that I just bought three hanks of black Cascade 220, only to find that I had black worsted weight yarn "in stash"? A lot of it. I promised myself last year that I would check stash before buying, but I rarely did it. But you know what? Part of me doesn't want to check stash because I WANT to buy new yarn to add to the stash.

HOLLA IF YOU HEAR ME. *lol*

And that fabric I just bought from Vogue Fabrics? Hell, who knows when I'll get to making that dress it was intended for. Might be tomorrow, might be in two months. Who knows. It needs to stand in line with the other fabric. I tend to overdose on fabric because a great deal of it is seasonal. If I see a pattern/color that simply moves me, and I know that it is seasonal, I'll purchase 4-5 yards of it without a plan for it because I know that I won't see it again. Such is life.

And this apartment? LMAO. Life happens and this place WILL get messy during the week. Enough said.

2009-01-01T14:12:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Who's hungover?

2008-12-29T08:53:00.005-05:00

Ok, so how many of you got yarn for christmas? Or knitting related apparatuses?

I KNOW that many of you did, with your knitterly selves.

Remember that yarn I begged Snookums for? Well, I actually got something else besides yarn. I'll show you a picture of it when I get home.

Yup, I'm not home yet. I'm actually in a hotel room in Jeffersonville, OH on the way home to Raleigh...typing to you from one of my christmas gifts to me (wait until you see my other gift to me). I was so sleepy yesterday that I thought it best to check into a hotel. I didn't want to fall asleep behind the wheel and wake up dead, wrapped around a pole somewhere.

But I was smart in my hotel choice. On the way to Chicago, I'd found an outlet mall that I wanted to visit. So, when I was thinking of hotels to stay in, I thought that I'd stay in one that is near that mall. Dangerous.

So, I must end this post because I must shower, pack the car, and head on down the road to Raleigh. Please send me your prayers and stuff. I'll let you know when I have safely arrived.

2008-12-21T23:34:00.001-05:00

Hello chickadees! I am testing out this mobile blogging thing. Hope it works.

2008-12-19T16:24:00.002-05:00

Hello my dears,

This is the last post you'll read from me for at least a week. I won't have access to a computer where I'm going.

I wish you all a Merry New Year!

"New X-mas Songs"(edited to add a new title)

2008-12-14T15:42:00.011-05:00

"Oh, Holy Sh--! (I ran out of money to buy my momma's gift)"

"Rudolph, my drunk a-- uncle"

"You-can't-have-that-because-you-got-an-'F'"

"You want WHAT for X-mas? (I only do that on your birthday)"

And the knitter's classic:

"I-don't-really-like-you-but-
I'm-knitting-you-a-gift-anyway-so-you-don't-feel-left-out"
(we've all done this once or um, four times).

I was listening to the radio and the DJ announced that a famous singer has just released a new X-mas album. I don't want to say who it is, but his name rhymes with "Brian McSmight". The song came on, and it was just the 300th remake of one of the same damned X-mas songs that I've been hearing since I was a fetus. And I screamed "Y'all need to make some new shi-". So I thought I'd come up with some titles of my own. You know, to jump-start the creativity of the world's song writers.

X-mas Ornament

2008-12-12T13:28:00.008-05:00

We had an ornament exchange at our Stitch 'n Bitch meeting last night. I looked through a ton of patterns and found the typical santas and stockings. But then I came across this cute little miniature knitting bag ornament:

The original pattern is by Sharon Spence, and you can find it HERE

When the time came to knit the I-cord purse handles, I got lazy. I got one inch into the cord and decided that knitting I-cord is "for the birds". Then I remembered an old suede belt I had hanging in the craft room. "Yeah, I could use the fringe on the belt for the handles." While I was looking for the belt, I came across some suede flowers. So my version took a turn from the original and ended up looking like this:

One of my favorite parts of the ornament is the fake set of knitting needles (made with dowels I purchased from A.C. Moore, and beads I had in the craft room.)

I also like the "hanks" of yarn that were made with very small amounts of stash yarn. I want to thank Sharon for such a cute pattern.

Persistence

2008-12-08T12:38:00.009-05:00

*Scene takes place last night on my couch, while watching movies*

ME: Baby.

SNOOKUMS: Huh?

ME: Will you buy me some yarn?

SNOOKUMS: Depends on what kind of yarn it is...(He's smart enough to know that he should ask questions about the type first...before I bankrupt him.)

*minutes pass*

ME: Baby.

SNOOKUMS: Huh?

ME: Will you buy me some yarn? I'll need about 13-15 balls.

SNOOKUMS: *sigh accompanied by raised, "are you crazy", eyebrows*

ME: (I opened the Knitpicks catalog.) I want this yarn right here...(I showed him this. See, it's not much.) I want it in Emerald. Isn't it beautiful?

ME: Ooooh, let me show you what I want to make with it. When you see the sweater I want to make, you'll say "Oh my God, that's beautiful! I must buy you that yarn because I want you to make that beautiful sweater!

I went to my magazine rack and found the fall 2008 issue of Vogue knitting. Then I showed him this:

SNOOKUMS: Oh, that's interesting.

*silence*

ME: Baby? Can you buy me that yarn?

SNOOKUMS: Yeah.

ME: *BIG KOOL-AID SMILE*

A Gift for Momma Snookums

2008-12-03T14:25:00.008-05:00

Momma Snookums has requested that I knit her a pair of socks. The requirements: The heels and toes must be black, and they must be knee socks.

I have only made one pair of socks in my life. It's not that I don't like socks, it's just that I'm more attracted to sweaters and such. Since I adore Momma Snookums, I have dusted off my double pointed needles and started knitting her a pair. Aren't they cute?

I'm using a pattern from this book:

This book is filled with great technical information on making socks. You should have this in your library if you're a sock knitter. I am working these socks from the toe up, with short-row toes and heels. I chose to make a ribbed pattern because I want them to be very stretchy so that they'll fit over the calf. I love the way they're turning out, and I don't want to give them away. But alas, I must. Hell, I can't fit them anyway.

I'm using Regia Sock yarn from the Kaffe Fassett Design Line.

Sock Blockers: Make Your Own

2008-12-02T11:50:00.002-05:00

Super Easy DIY Sock Blockers Tutorial

Inexpensive and Easy Sock Blockers

You're welcome.

Four Eyes

2008-12-01T12:39:00.006-05:00

My cousin "D" always finds a way to make me laugh uncontrollably.

She did so this weekend by telling me about a party she attended where there was a female stripper performing.

A female stripper who wore glasses. And they were NOT a part of her act. Her a-- couldn't see without them.

Now, I'll let that sink in for a while before I continue. If you are anything like me, you laughed at that thought alone. A stripper with glasses? Doesn't she make enough money to buy some contacts?

From what I understand, men don't like their strippers wearing glasses. Could be wrong.

A man fantasizing about a stripper with four eyes? No.

Four boobies? Now you're talking.

As this woman was performing on the pole, she apparently leaned her head back and her glasses started to fall off. One hand was on the pole while the other hand was trying to keep her specs from falling to the ground. Sexy, no?

I laughed 'til I cried.

Turkeys

2008-11-26T13:19:00.005-05:00

I want to wish you Turkeys a Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm spending it with Snookums and his parents...Momma and Daddy Snookums. My contribution to dinner will be macaroni and cheese and a sweet potato casserole.

Surely, Momma Snookums will send me home crying after a beating in Scrabble.

I shall take my whipping like a man.

Free: A Very Cute Pattern

2008-11-24T17:30:00.004-05:00

Lion Brand is offering the pattern to this lovely sweater for free until November 27th.

Here's the link to the pattern.

Um, why are you still HERE?!!!!

Thanks for the info DEBORA

Dress!

2008-11-21T10:21:00.009-05:00

click to enlarge

I finished this dress weeks ago but couldn't capture a nice enough picture to post. I think this is a good one. I didn't want the belt you're supposed to make with it, so I just bought a wide belt. I think it looks really nice with the dress. I made view D of Butterick 5247. It was very easy to make.

Although I'm happy with the dress, I'm thoroughly unhappy with the fit of my Ravelry t-shirt. I was extremely excited to be able to get the newest shirt...especially since they always sell out so quickly. There were two left when I placed my order, so you know I was excited to grab one. The size chart said that a 2X would fit a 44-46" bust. Since my bust size is in that range, I thought I was safe. When I tried it on last night, my ass looked like Baby Huey. Don't remember who Baby Huey is? Here's a picture for you:

I called "Dirty Lizzy" last night to ask her if she wanted it. She weighs about 20lbs soaking wet and I think the shirt would fit her well. That's just how small it is. I was going to take a picture of me in the shirt this morning for a bit of comic relief. If I get the chance to do it before I give it away, I will.

I leave you on this Friday with a link to a 3 year old child casting on like a champ. Her mom, Jackie, used to be a part of our knitting group before moving to another state.

She'll be knitting in no time.

Random Act of Kindness

2008-11-19T12:18:00.009-05:00

One day Vanessa (of Stitch, Please) sent a message via ravelry to tell me that she liked the needle case I made that is listed on my projects page. So, I thought I'd make her one.

I used black microsuede for the needle pockets because I'd run low on the green fabric seen in the one on ravelry.

I had the most difficult time getting the edge straight on the flap. I ripped out the stitching many times before I got something close to straight. Then I realized that the line of stitching was crooked. I fear that if I try to rip the stitches out again, that I'd damage the fabric. So, I'm leaving it as is. I'm still a bit pleased with it, though.

This is the very first project made with my brand new sewing machine. Isn't it beautiful? I sold my old machine and used the money to buy this one. The automatic needle threader, "up/down" needle button, and start/stop button are amazing. The start/stop button allows me to sew without using the foot pedal.

The computer screen allows me to choose the stitch I want to use. When you choose a stitch, it tells you which presser foot to use with it. It came with almost every basic presser foot that I'll ever need-along with a walking foot (that alone costs lots of money) and special feet for quilting(should I ever want to quilt.) There's also an extension table for larger projects.

Don't I sound like a commercial?

Brother, where's my check? Can a sista get a free rolled-hem foot?

A Knitterly Weekend, Part II

2008-11-18T14:30:00.006-05:00

Click To Enlarge

Two Sundays ago, me and a gang of knitters gathered our sticks and string and met up in Crabtree Valley Mall to take over the place. I was fortunate enough to meet some new knitters in the Raleigh area (new folks have black arrows over their heads), along with meeting with some of the ladies I knit with at Caribou Coffee on Thursdays (this cast of characters has been labeled). I didn't add names to the new folks because I was afraid that I'd get them wrong. Please, blame my head and not my heart.

I love meeting new folks. Especially new knitting folks. Everyone was so cheerful and talkative...I like knitters who run their mouths :D They made me feel so welcome that I really can't wait to knit with them again.

A few of the ladies I regularly knit with allowed me to snap their photos. Aren't they just the most beautiful women you've ever seen? (I'm expecting my gift of Malabrigo for that compliment.)

Seriously, you all rock! And look at how diverse they are. We all meet on the basis of our love for knitting, but we are all into different things. Makes for an interesting group.

Erin, The Vet School Student
(and hater of the green yarn she's holding)

Jennifer, The Opera Singer

Sara, The Stalker

Sara, what the hell do you REALLY do? I can't remember. Oh yeah, your job is to stalk me (She's good at it too). Doesn't she look all "Stalker-y"? She harasses me during knit night...sits near me JUST so that she can torture me. If I go missing, remember this face.

A Knitterly Weekend, Part I

2008-11-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Many of you have probably already seen these pictures from the Ebony Elite meet-up two Saturdays ago. I've "borrowed" these pictures from the other ladies' websites. Well, all except the last one.

I had the pleasure of hanging out with the lovely knitters of Ebony Elite. We met up in Charlotte on for some yarn shopping at Charlotte Yarn and Cottage Yarn, along with some good food eatin'. And guess what, I got the chance to meet Adrienne , Patrice and Jenifer. You can go to their blogs to see other pictures and to read what they said about the weekend. Talk about being excited! I had to poke Adrienne to prove that she was right there in front of me.

One of the things I love about this group is how everyone effortlessly fits in. I believe the level of comfort comes from the fact that we've read each other's blogs for so long.

Renee, Adrienne, Patrice, Me

I remember looking down the table of all the ladies laughing and enjoying themselves. I like to see people happy.

Yeah, I bought some yarn. Adrienne has a picture of me shopping on her blog. I'll let you know what I bought at a later time. I didn't buy a TON of yarn, but I did significantly increase the stash.

I also met up with some Raleigh Knitters the next day. Since I have so many pictures, I think they deserve their own post.

Minimalist Cardigan(All Pics Enlarge)

2008-11-10T11:51:00.010-05:00

I'd just finished knitting La Niña when I started working on the Minimalist Cardigan (scroll down for pic). La Niña was all moss stitch, so by the time I got to this moss stitch laden cardigan, my fingers were programmed. I've overdosed on moss stitch and don't want to see it for a good long while.

I'm in love with this sweater. It's been my "go to" sweater for the past couple of weeks. My "chill chaser" for this fall weather. You can see by the fuzziness on one side that it has been well loved. My only regret is that I didn't make it in black so that I can wear it more often.

I used Paton's Classic Merino Wool in "Peacock". The color is much more rich than what's shown in the pictures.

My So Called Scarf

2008-11-06T15:03:00.003-05:00

Finally, it's done.

I started this doohickey earlier this year, but put it down because I kept screwing it up. I would keep forgetting the step in the pattern that makes the cool looking slanted stitches, so I would rip it out each time. By my calculations, I've ripped this thing out about 389.25 times before I finally got it right. Not the pattern's fault, just my own forgetfulness. Once the step was burned into my brain all was "easy breezy" and really quite fun.

This is going to be cute with my new corduroy jacket.

If you would like to make one, the pattern is HERE. I used Malabrigo to make mine.

You know what, I'm also done with the Minimalist Cardigan. I don't have a cute enough picture of me in it, so you'll have to wait for it.

I know the suspense is KILLING you.

Have you started X-mas knitting yet?

CONGRATULATIONS!

2008-11-05T14:46:00.005-05:00

Take THAT McCain! (dances the "cabbage patch" and moonwalks across the room)

I mean, um, Congratulations Mr Obama.

Changes

2008-10-30T10:31:00.004-04:00

I have wanted my hair cut short for a while. And I finally got the guts to do it.

I love this picture of me

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE

BEFORE THE CUT

It was actually a bit longer than this but it's the only picture I could find to give some idea of the "before" length.

Baby

2008-10-14T11:37:00.008-04:00

Watching commercials for home pregnancy tests always sends my imagination into overdrive. I always think that if I were the producer of such commercials, that I'd have some "real" scenes in them. The commercials always treat the subject of pregnancy so delicately.

In one of my commercials, the scene opens in a bar where a guy uses the pick-up line "Hey baby...What are you doing for the rest of your life?"...The girl smiles...she is obviously impressed by his wit and manliness. She is particularly drawn to the chest hair summoning her from his unbuttoned shirt.

We then see the same guy pacing in his bedroom while we hear the delicate trickle of his girlfriend's pee behind the closed door of the connecting bathroom. Dude is sweating bullets because he hopes like hell that the digital display reads "Not Pregnant". He doesn't want any children and thinks that he's too sexy to be stuck with some kid.

The peeing stops. Toilet flushes. Some minutes pass, and the girlfriend slowly comes out of the bathroom. She shows him the display. He screams an angry, "Sh--!"(this part is bleeped out because this IS Network T.V. But we can tell what he said. I don't know about you, but I can lip read curse words.)

Then we hear a voice-over that says, "Hey dude, what are you doing for the rest of your life?", as the camera closes in on his stunned face.

End Scene.

I totally think people would like my commercial better.

And I'd Win Too...

2008-10-06T18:24:00.004-04:00

...'cause I'm a Maverick.

Imagine coming in to work and receiving a link to the this video from a friend who somehow thinks I'd make a great President. Please watch it for a chuckle.

(Some of you might have seen videos like this already. But the name is priceless. Keep watching.)

Oh, and please don't ask me why they call me that...

I'm all "Mavericked" out.

2008-10-02T23:26:00.004-04:00

Watched the VP Debate.

I swear, I don't EVER want to hear the word "Maverick" again.

Ex-Felons Can Vote, Too

2008-09-30T15:37:00.006-04:00

Alcatraz
If there are some among you who are ex-felons (I wouldn't be surprised since knitters are a rowdy bunch), or have family members who have dabbled in felonious activities, here is information regarding your right to vote in your state.

Someone sent this information to me via an e-mail. I never really thought about ex-felons and their right to vote, and thought that this was an interesting bit of information.

Obsession

2008-09-29T16:30:00.005-04:00

Just how much of an obsessed knitter are you? I'm sure you can stop thinking about knitting and yarn for ONE SECOND if you wanted to.

Riiiight.

And, I'm sure many of you have been tempted to rub your most favorite balls/hanks all over your body while in the shower.

YOU PERVS.

Shower with yarn the right way (i.e., the less creepy way) and buy thyself some of this here knitter's soap. I haven't bought any yet, but thought I'd help spread the word about it. Isn't it cute?

YOU CAN BUY IT HERE.

*Note: The picture is from the soap maker's ETSY page.

Progress (?) Report

2008-09-27T13:25:00.009-04:00

Great news! I FINALLY got another skein of yarn to finish the back neck of Scrollie. I didn't really like the variegated alternative and decided to wait until the original yarn was ordered. The front and back have been seamed together. However, after trying on what I thought would be the finished top, I've decided that his baby needs some sleeves. Some nice bell sleeves. That means that I have to go buy more yarn, which I hope will be in stock.

My plan for adding sleeves will be to pick up stitches around the armhole, and knit from there.

Oh, and I have to cast on for the first sleeve of the Minimalist Cardigan. Oh wait, I didn't tell you, did I? I'm knitting the Minimalist Cardigan from the Fall 2007 issue of Interweave Knits.

I've already finished the back and both front pieces. I'm hoping to be done with the sweater within the next couple of weeks.