Trinity Jacket

Well, well, I do believe if I ever finish this that it will accompany me on jobs regularly. This will have three-quarter sleeves. I think two more inches and I'll bind her off. How fitting that my trinity jacket has three buttons.

My bit for the environment

Or maybe that threat of $.25 per bag made me do it. Or maybe I want to be like Ed (begley)...I did buy his book.

But whatever the reason, it's STINKIN cute. I'll be making more. I just made this out of some Grace cotton I had hanging around begging to be something. And can you think of a better way to while away the hours hanging out at the Digestive Disease Center while your husband's undergoing some very unnatural process? Here's the pattern link: http://nephele.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/sunshinebag.pdf

Oh! On another note, My Favorite Neighbor never ceases to amaze me with her needle wizzardry. I hope her niece treasures this forever:
This is Knitty's Trellis pattern made up in Knitpicks Shine Sport. It's perfect! Unlike anything you can buy for an infant.





And here's what I made for her niece - look familiar? But I did add a hat to this ensemble.

Making Baby Stuff

Everyone's having boys! I'm getting worried about human extinction here in the U.S.

The baby boy's big sister need a little something too. Sure hope this fits:

Garter Raglan Beginnings

This yarn has had a tough go of it. It's Jaeger Trinity, a discontinued yarn. Does that give you an idea? Anyway, this is it's third life. It started as a lace cardigan. Then it was going to be a multi-directional tank. Now it's going to be a raglan - love the buttons tho. It'll have three buttons and lower half hanging open. I'm really hoping that I can wear this for work with a pair of black slacks and a black tee - or brown slacks and brown tee.

Mama and her babies

Just for Linda Lou, I'm posting the hummer and her little hummers. Gosh, wouldn't it be a little bit uncomfortable to sit on those pointy beaks??? Actually, I'm not sure what's worse! Sitting on those pointy beaks, or having her rear on their heads! Either way, it's just not good.

Boucle Wonder

Seems I'm slow in finishing things and posting. But I'm pretty happy with this as a first lined jacket, or lined anything for that matter! The cost was right - Joann's 1/2 price red tag sale - totalling up to probably $10 with thread and lining.

Peasant PJs

It's huge, it's comfy, and I LIKE it, but I just don't think I'd wear it as a shirt. This will become my summer morning lounging wear. Perhaps I'll make some knee length bloomers to go with it! Yes. That's the idea.

It was entirely made with junk from the sweat shop stash and I was playing with the embroidery design.

Must Have Finale

It took a bit longer than I thought it would, but it's there. I love it. Ready for next winter, I guess. Sure can't wear it now.
>

Sunshine Tote

Really, I'm going to get back to the knitting. But here is a tote I made using a tutorial I found on line. I don't have to worry about not finding it in a heap. I probably don't have to worry about anyone taking it from me. I think it's mine to keep. It would be a great beach bag if one were so inclined.

Denim Bag

Today's project - kind of cute. I used this tutorial (http://lulalouise.com/Tutorials.html), but had to make it a wee bit smaller because I didn't have enough material and I definitely WASN'T going to go buy any - MUST USE STASH. I did interface it also to give it some body and added pockets for the necessities in life (inside and out). It is reversible, but I doubt I'd ever use the pink side.

It's not that big but holds a lot: wallet, umbrella, bottle of water, makeup bag - and lots of room still - especially if you don't button on it! I probably could have gotten a little more creative with that pocket.

One Hour til Brunch Time

There's butterhorns, cream cheese, and some pastry cream/raspberry danishes. And isn't this a unique flower vase thingy? Or at least I'm assuming that's what it is. What else could it be? It's from my m-i-l that I never met, so couldn't ask. But I do love it.

Must Finish Must Have

I'm getting a little weary of looking at this. But once you get going, it is an easy knit.

Uniquely Me

This is Clothilda's last stand. I ordered Uniquely You today for my fitting twin. Next up is Rhetta's Chanel knockoff. Tissue fitting the Vogue pattern pieces here on a slightly distorted paper tape Clothilda (I steamed some sweaters I was knitting on her - so I used the "good" side). I found some boucle material at a ridiculously low price (not wool...), bought some lining material, made some trim from various yarns. Will be searching for some chain for the hem. I suppose you'd call this my "mock up." I'm excited.

What 2008 holds in store.....

It's starting out feeling good. My Must Have is progressing and I have made every imaginable (and one incomprehensible) mistake. So I've had to rip back the seed as I changed pattern on the back side when I shouldn't have (THREE TIMES, I might add). Yes, I twisted the nine-stitch cable the wrong way once. The wrap 3 - well I knitted the three after wrapping instead of k1, YO, k2tbl (THREE TIMES!) The triangular cable thing - YEP, I transferred the purl stitch to the wrong side of it one time.

The good news? I'm getting quite adept at fixing mistakes. The incomprehensible mistake? Well, l obviously, when fixing something, twisted the rows of yarn. I couldn't even figure out why the heck it looked funny and kept ripping down, ripping down. Then I had an AHA moment. Anyway, I think it's goin to be worth the work. And actually it does go faster than I thought it would.

On the sewing front, I'm gettin good at making pants! I made these cords from a McCalls Perfect Jeans pattern, and maybe not perfect, but they turned out well.

And this pic I'm including because it makes me ridiculously happy to open my cupboard and see this. It started out with one cup my DH bought me. I used it every morning. If it was dirty, I'd dig it out of the dishwasher, quick rinse, and voila. Then he made a comment how nice it would be if all our cups matched. I needed no encouragement. The only problem was it seemed it was difficult to find the cup with the black printing. Like it was some kind of collector's item or something! Then I found the "Holiday" cup - same ole cup, just a barn red printing - well, I LIKE that. Buy one, get one free - even better. I got me NINE cups now. I never gotta use a dirty one again.


So what I'm hoping for 2008? Good health for friends and family (heck, after reading this I realized I should throw in the people I don't know, the people I know and don't like even), lots of knitting, lots of sewing, perhaps riding my bike again, not too much work and lots of play - Balance - That's what I want for 2008.

Finishing and Starting Anew

Clock vest was finished just before the year ended. It's doing it's second finishing - blocking again, bit wider/shorter. And I must have this Must Have Cardigan. It was begun just before the new year started.

Each project I knit, I say, Now this is the best so far! I don't think the Must Have will be dissappointing. I will make NO modifications. This will be an exercise in following instructions. (Something I'm not the best at.)

Dessert from Hell UPDATE

OK - not exactly like the book picture. But with a wee bit of effort it could have been. I chose to melt truffles I had made for the holidays for the plate as I'm NOT eating more sweets for a while. I started just squirting caramel sauce on willy nilly in an effort to get them all to the table before it turned midnight!



Just going for a WOW factor here. Will it look like the picture in the book? Hmm... Will it taste good? Who knows? Will all the pieces get to the party without breaking? Who knows? The recipe on the sugar spirals said "Practice may be required." Duh. But here are some of the parts of the dessert. Still have to make cake -- that has to be carefully lowered into the bottom of the caramel boxes -- and mousse that has to be put on top of the cake, and sauces to decorate And will I need a trailer to transport all this to the party? And I already know that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.

Corset Making

This was a Simplicity bridal pattern that I altered to put in a busk. Probably could have gone down one size. But still it fits pretty well. It should not meet at the hips in the back. The opening should be about 1.5 inches all the way down, but she laced this up herself. I like the way the top is higher in front. She can probably just wear this with an open sweater and still be quite "decent." Perhaps the next one I'll try putting a privacy panel in the back.

Merry Christmas

Since we "do" Christmas on the 24th, here it is! First up is Kelli opening her "box of money." This was by far her favorite gift!

Bob is calculating how much it cost him.

By far this is the best picture - Mom and Kelli! Notice she is wearing her Swallowtail shawl!


And watch out Nashville!

Ravelry, Knitting, Sewing - oh, my!

Yes, I joined Ravelry because, you know, everyone's doing it. Slow on the uptake, but I did it. Actually I'm RhettaRic (thank you, My Favorite Neighbor, for giving me yet one more name). These are one of my latest sewing FO's - jeans. And Green Cables is taking an outing with them today. I'm a little nervous about wearing something I can't just rip off like a cardigan or jacket if I get hot, but I've decided to just take a walk on the wild side today.

The jeans are out of stretch denim and using KwikSew pattern I've had forever. They are by far the most comfortable of pants I own. For the pockets I traced the design on tissue paper, placed it over the pocked, and stitched.

More sewing - pj's

These are just too dang cute. Supposedly they really call this baby Fat Boy! Sure hope he doesn't get a complex.

Mama's Apron Strings

Been playing with aprons and the pics don't show up quite as good as they do in person. The orange/purple is really vibrant and the stripes are so cute - waves, stars, dots. The stripey one is finally getting there. It works better to make them reversable, double thick.

Staying warm

I've been playing with fleece a bit these days. Here's what I made yesterday. Not perfect, but with a little work, maybe next time. And because I haven't had much knitting content, I'll throw this Christmas earflap hat in the mix.

My Daughter Audrey!!!

This was my kid on Halloween. I stole it off her Myspace. And I can't believe I birthed this!!

HH Apron Knockoff

To think I almost threw it out and then find out my DD loves it??!! But the next one will be better.

Thinking about Chicago...

Am I just in the dark ages? When did toilets start having babies?

Clock Vest (Folk Vest by Cheryl Oberle)

I know, who wears these? Well, I guess I will. It is stinking beautiful even if it is a vest. Had a rough go to start, but after that, it's smooth sailing - well, except for the fact I got smart and decided to lengthen it which is throwing cable charts off and then the pu along the front will be off, and the count for the buttonholes will be different and I may need seven instead of six buttons. Hmmm. But here it is:


This time last year we were in Chicago with Gwen and Steve looking for a little snow. Since she's a little slower at processing her photos, I just got this!
Yes, yours truly knit those scarves and my hat. And here I am talking on the phone, taking a picture of something, while someone is taking a picture of me!

Making Marshmallows

First gluten-free Thanksgiving in this house. I thought of just skipping the marshmallow topping for the yams as I heard store-bought ones had something evil in them (I didn't check myself though). But the wrath of GF daughter would not be worth it. So here they are. Will cut into little pillows tomorrow and roll in powdered sugar.

Oh, my! (Minimalist)

Well, it certainly wasn't EZ, and there was no sliding involved. It was more like a very old man trying to pull a 6x10 foot loaded wagon up a steep incline on a dirt road. BUT she's done. There she is. She's got a bit of a turn on that collar which may or may not stay that way. She definitely wasn't meant to have it. But now that this is done, I have to make another with an intentional shawl lapel in this cabled pattern as the border is really quite stunning in my eyes.

And while I was on a little trip recently I bought a beautiful wooden stick for closing my shawls and more than likely this cardigan. It was a yarn shop in Sewickly where the help makes the shop (well along with the yarn selection). I also bought a pattern that absolutely screamed out MAKE ME! MAKE ME! I haven't the yarn yet.


Anyway, back to this little shop - if the stellar employee (name unknown, but who was amusing enough to not be forgotten) who is planning a trip to Burbank in February happens upon my little lonely blog again, I hope she emails me or leaves a comment so if I happen to not be working, we could venture together on a yarn crawl further than Burbank.

Sliding on home with EZ at my side

Whooo, this was the first time I knit from bottom up to the pits, stopped, knit the sleeves, and then attached the sleeves to continue in one piece to the top. I was sweating there for a bit, but it's all together and looking good. I did a three-needle bind off under the arms - but put all the underarms on extra needles first while I got the whole thing together on one needle. Then when I could take a breath, I went back and bound those off to get rid of the extra four needles dangling in the inside. The first time doing something is always the worst. Still, I'm not sure it's worth it to save a few seams. Less bulk in your lap to knit in pieces and then put it together.

Corseting Away

I'm posting this for anyone who stumbles across my blog and gets tired of the same ole thing. I am working on another currently, but here is a more attractive view of my first finished corset with a lovely model. I just slapped it around her regular clothes, but you get the idea. It's actually big for her as it totally closes in back and when the right size is made, her waist can actually be drawn in easily 2-3 inches.

And here is my second corset. Kelli's clone was kind enough to model.

Natural Minimalist Cardigan Twist

What? A little knitting on a knitting blog? What am I thinking?
No, I haven't finished my lace cardigan yet. But maybe I'll feel more like it after I do something else that reminds me how much I love knitting. This is being done all in one piece. My inspiration is the Minimalist Cardigan in Interweave Knit's fall issue, but I didn't like that plain border that I thought might curl or something. My NMC will be a bit longer and will just hang open - no buttons, zipper, etc. Who really buttons their sweaters anyway? For some reason this sweater is beautiful to me - just Encore from my stash, but it's knitting up pretty and will be washable. Big debate is whether to make it full length sleeves or 3/4 - bracelet length.

Coutil, Supplies

Here is the real deal, coutil, corset fabric. And here we have supplies. Hardly looks like supplies for something to wear!

Bones and Grommets

This was the first fitting before lining is finished or all the bones are in. This is not a project for the faint of heart. And to think this is just a practice run..... Now I know why custom corsets cost a few hundred or more. Grommets went in so nice with my Osborne grommet setter. I bought some plastic coated steel bones for the back and some spiral metal boning for the rest - which has to be cut and have boning ends placed on them. All I will say is it involves a LOT of strength to cut with just wire cutters. And the tips - Lord help me. The tips require you to hold a pair of plyers in your left, a pair of plyers in your right - somehow (I guess with your third hand) you slip the boning into the tip which you grip with one set of plyers, then you use the other to squeeze the ends of the tips with the other hand while simultaneously squeezing both evenly. Yeah...that's what I said. My DH's helpful comments during these maneuvers could have resulted in some serious injury if he hadn't retired to bed when he did.

I'd tell you why I had to make two trips to Farthingales in Santa Monica for supplies this weekend except I don't want you to know quite how stupid I can be. Let's just say I'm geographically challenged at times. (And my mother who accompanied me on my first excursion is far too sweet to even raise her eyebrows at me when we returned empty-handed.)

Again, why am I making this? Is it because I need a corset? No. Is it because I'll wear a corset? I don't know. Is it because it's a challenge? Yep. Will I even want to make a second one? I doubt it. Generally I just need to do things once to prove to myself that I can. So I hope Kelli gets hers. It is highly doubtful that this corset will be a FO this weekend.

The Knitter Sews a Corset. Why?

Here we have Laughing Moon's Victorian Underwear pattern - the Dore and the Silverado corsets. The fitting muslin for the Silverado went like clockwork. At some point I am sure I will get back to the knitting, but this sure is fun. (AND NO, it's not kinky)

Farthingales explains it all:

"Why wear a corset?
A corset can be worn for many reasons. At Farthingales L.A. we focus on beauty and practicality. Yes, a corset is seen by some to have sexual connotations but no one can deny that more than anything they beautify the body. The shape is appealing to the eye and there is something fascinating about the structure. You will never be missed if you’re wearing a corset but more importantly you will feel great.
Wear a corset to be noticed.
Wear a corset to feel confident.
Wear a corset to get a vintage silhouette and fit a period costume
Wear a corset to fit last years dress or this year’s bargain buy
Wear a corset to fit into vintage dresses!
Wear a corset to support your back
Wear a corset to encourage better posture
Wear a corset for FUN… we may even still have the pink camouflage one in stock… or the purple leopard skin.
Wear a corset for elegance
Wear a corset because there is no better way to go strapless!
Wear a corset to make a statement. "

http://www.farthingalesla.com/

http://www.lafnmoon.com/

Progress will be posted.

Poster is DONE!

It's pretty neat!

Creativitis

The internet has been blamed for the illness that has been spreading like wildfire. The crafty opportunities are endless. Can't wait to finish this.

Kelli looks smashing, yes? This poster is not done, but was created using Rasterbator, something I saw on Not Martha. You can make HUGE posters out of these little dots or big dots, your choosing.

Bartering

So our friends Brenda and Roy are going to Alaska and needed hats. We did a trade, a barter. I made hats and she (is in the gourmet food/stuff business) delivered the goods photo'd! I'd say it was well worth the knitting time. Love it all!

We went down to their house in Carlsbad for the Big Exchange, a visit to the Del Mar Race Track, and Roy's famous bbq'd hamburgers before heading back home. For summer in Southern California, the weather was o u t s t a n d i n g! I almost could have used a sweater!

Cloning Kelli

Since my DD complained that I haven't updated, I thought it only appropriate to post my latest creative effort. Believe me, I herniated myself trying to work as fast as I could before the little pill lost patience. These pics don't do DD quite justice in that she's been working out with a personal trainer and it sure shows - not just her shape, but what she's eating has paid off in the condition of her skin - it's stinking gorgeous.

I still have a little finishing work here, but it's close. She needs a pin head and to be polished up with a bit of shellac and perhaps a stable base. I tried not to overthink the decoupaging. But this is harder than it looks. I started goin through magazines (Oprah, Real Simple, Bon Appetite - the only ones I had around) and clipping anything interesting to me or that I thought represented her interests (hence the muts, but I take total credit for the 90-year-old naked woman gracing her left armpit.) Then I tried grouping pictures on the floor. But when it came down to it, the groups had to give way to what size was needed where. (Kelli IS in a bathing suit during this process)

What I've been up to

Yes, pj's, mock turtle, couple cam shirts, ill-fitting capris - lots with my NEW Viking Designer I!!!!

New Beginnings

This is with my Jaeger Trinity batch I got on Ebay - all the way from England - for complete price of like $41 for 2200 yards! It's a discontinued yarn made of mostly silk and cotton. I've started this over many times. One because the pattern is made only in the small size! So first I added a couple repeats and I think it was goin to be too big. Started over and did it with one extra repeat. Looks right to me.